Now that I think about it, I've already been away from home two months! It sure doesn't seem that long... And half that time has gone by without me writing anything. Time to get to it!
I finished school in Guatemala, said goodbye to my teacher and the family I boarded with, and hopped on a shuttle that would eventually take me to the bus station. During the trip, I thought about meeting the deaf again, and I about couldn't wait! The deaf here at CICS hold a very big piece of my heart, and I'm not sure I realized how much I actually missed them.
 |
| Mary, my teacher in Guatemala Spanish school, and I. |
Upon arriving at CICS towards the evening, I gave Elmer a huge bear hug and said hi to Melody, Paty, and Zulma. After unpacking, I helped consume a delicious meal of chicken, rice, and salad. Quite a welcome and I didn't even have to help make it! (I did wash the dishes though)
It was a lot of fun to use ASL again! Unfortunately, my focus on Spanish in Guatemala didn't help with retaining sign language. I quickly discovered that I had forgotten quite a few signs, which was very embarrassing. I had even forgotten some of the name signs of the children! However everything quickly came back with a little practice.
I spent the next few days getting my classroom ready for my students. Cleaning every nook and cranny (not my favorite part, I'll readily admit), getting my desks and chairs set up, putting charts and posters on the wall that my family helped make. It was all very exciting! My classroom wasn't quite ready by Wednesday, when school started, but it didn't matter. What mattered was I would get to see all students again!
 |
| Class decoration before and after. |
And now we're about a month into school already! Admittedly, the level of enthusiasm has worn off a little bit, cause that's just how things go once things get into the grind. School is never easy and takes a physical, mental, and spiritual toll on a person. Also, my class isn't as easy as it was last year. I have the same students as last year, plus one extra student, Miguel. Now you may wonder what is so hard about one more boy...
Miguel, in spite of his cuteness and friendliness, can be a bit of trouble in the classroom. He has a very hard time paying attention in class. As in "one plus one is... oh, look teacher, it's a bird! In the tree! Out there! LOOOK!!!"
"And duuuuude, there's a nest, too?!! Amazing!!
"Ok, Miguel, remember you need to pay attention."
"Oh, yes, sorry teacher. I remember, I know. I need to let those things go and pay atten-- Whoooooaaaa! That bird just totally flew over to the other tree!! Jairo, check it out!" And then, Miguel and Jairo aren't paying attention. Of course, Miguel doesn't sign those words exactly and I'm over-dramatizing, but you get the point. :) Miguel also has problems with respecting authority and obeying promptly, as do my other little boys.
To say the least, this year has been harder and more work than last year. There are times (and not just in the classroom) when I wonder why I'm doing what I'm doing. I wonder if it's really worth it. Does what I'm doing really matter? Do the deaf even know why they're in school? Do they realize how fortunate they are to have that opportunity?
Then I realize for the hundredth time that I need to let it go. I need to give it all to the Father who is in control of everything. He is the one that can see the intents of every heart and will reward those who do His will.
But isn't easy letting go, you know. Especially for me. I like to fix things, make them better. However once I do--once I pray for help and acknowledge that I can't do it on my own, that's when things get better. And honestly, I don't know when I'll learn... I can be feeling good and thinking that the day will go well, when something happens and all goes awry. But when I am having a crappy day, all it takes is prayer and a plea for help, and God never lets me down. I have been amazed at how often a bad day turns into a good one, just because of prayer. Amazing!!
So do I like school? In spite of everything? YES. Miguel has been struggling with counting, but now is finally starting to get it, and that's just so exciting! To see the look on his face when he finally remembers that six comes after five is just amazing. Jairo has been doing much better in that area as well. Just today, after many different ways of explaining to Joel that adding and subtracting are different, I made a number line with sidewalk chalk and had him jump forwards or backwards depending on the addition or subtraction problem. Just to see him finally "get" it and tell me "Aaaah, now I know!" was very invigorating. Eduardo's satisfaction in shaving off a bit of time in his addition speed drills gave me a new desire to keep teaching the best I know how and not give up. And so on...
Please pray for all of us staff: Matthias, Mary, Melody, Verónica, Elmer, Paty and Lidia, and myself. Pray that we could have patience, humbleness, and wisdom in abundance. Also pray for the director and the committee in charge of CICS.
Here are some other things you can pray for:
- Beatriz - her family situation is anything but good. Her father is getting worse it seems. He is continually drinking, and doing unspeakable things to his family. Please pray that God would protect Beatriz, and her mom and siblings from harm. Pray also that her father would come to know Christ, and that his life would be changed with the power of Jesus's blood! Pray that Beatriz could remain faithful and look to God for strength and help.
- Silvia - with a new dorm mom (Verónica), Silvia needs to test and see what the new boundaries are. Pray that Silvia would learn to respect authority and be able to let down the walls that have been built up over the years to defend her heart from further wounds from those she trusted. Pray that she could come to know Jesus as her Savior.
- Carlos - he wants to do what is right. Every Wednesday at prayer time he asks for prayer that he could grow closer to God. He just finds it so hard to change. Pray that God would work in his heart, and that he could truly change.
- Also pray for the deaf that don't come to school anymore. Along with Ana and Kevin, who can't come this year because of their age, there are others as well that sometimes come to visit. Pray that they would come to know Christ and give their lives fully over to him.
 |
| Because Antony (a new student) likes selfies, and he is just so cute! |
 |
| Román (another new student) enjoying a game of catch. |
 |
| Miguel, Eduardo, and Jairo playing Rats during a small break in class. |
 |
| A nice drawing Kenneth (son of Nata y Becky) put on my whiteboard. |
 |
| And the race is on! Teresa and Beatriz see who is the fastest on the bicycle. |
 |
| Silvia wants a selfie, too! |
 |
| Antony and Jairo get to know each other through a game of grab-the-ball. |
 |
| Miguel concentrates for the perfect shot while Carlos watches. |
 |
| Teaching new students is always challenging, but also very funny sometimes! |
 |
| Miguel proudly showing off his sticker that he earned by studying well in an extra evening practice session. |
 |
| Eduardo chews pensively on his straw as he carefully colors a page of his animal book. |
 |
| Pupusa night! Melody and Verónica show off their handiwork. |
 |
| Everyone gathers around to see the new little girl, Gabriella. She hasn't come to school yet, but plans to attend on Monday. |
 |
| Gabriella enjoys a game of spinning jacks with Mary. |
 |
| Another shot of Gabriella. We are very excited about having a little girl again! The last six new students have been boys. Not that those are bad--just, you know something different is good once in a while. |
