The kids are pretty crazy. The culture just doesn’t encourage academics at all. Some of the kids couldn’t care less about their grades. I teach Bible, Reading, English, Social Studies, and PE for 6th grade, English for 7th, and English for 8th. Yesterday I assigned the 7th graders an English worksheet. There are twenty-two kids in the class, and one kid had it done. One kid! So frustrating. But it made me very thankful for that one kid. Ha! There are kids that want to learn and I love teaching them. Teaching those few kids is so hard though because it’s a constant battle just to keep all the others quiet. There aren’t enough books for all of the kids, so just assigning a simple book assignment is difficult. Most of the sixth graders really do want to learn. I really like teaching them. They are smart, sweet, funny, and energetic. With crazy names. The names here are ridiculous. Ngedikes. Lajutok. Littil. Kibin Kibin, Twylaine. There is a preschooler named Careless. A second grader named Bed. I’m thankful for my name. :)
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| Some of the sixth grade cuties! Ariana in the back. Left to Right: Ngedikes, Kenye, Oronia, Marialla |
We had another creative writing assignment. Here are some more wise words from Malvin.
Prompt: “Write about a time that you were brave.”
Malvin: (He was attacked by a dog) “…And when I was going to the hospital and take care of my teeth, I was scared because one girl went out and she was crying and I was afraid. I went to the bathroom and pray to the Lord our God in heaven. After I have done praying, the doctor called my name and I go and the doctor pull my teeth off and I was not crying because God helped me and that is what brave is all about.”
I love this kid!
Today, the cutest little puppy found it’s way into Lonnie’s classroom. She’s malnourished, very weak, huge belly, and has little wounds on her back. But she has the cutest face! We (mostly Lonnie) are taking care of her until she gets better. I’m already falling in love with her… Lonnie is taking her dog, Lucy, back with her, so she’s trying to give the new puppy to one of us to take. I would love to take her, but we will have to see.
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| I love her! |
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| She has a big ol' belly! |
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| Such a chill little puppy. (Desaturated...I'm sunburned.) :) |
I really like this island. Life is so simple and nice. Even though teaching can be stressful, all I have to do is look out the window and I see the ocean reminding me that God is so much bigger than all of this. I know this is where I am meant to be and I feel more at home every day. I am so happy that God has brought me here. There is so much love and beauty even through all the mess.
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| Panorama view outside my classroom |
“These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33
I love the pictures! Especially the one of your students. Precious faces! Have you guys named the new dog?
ReplyDeleteNo, we’re saving the naming for whoever decides to keep her. She is so sweet. Last night she was a little annoying though. Ha!
ReplyDeleteHahahha, Careless and Bed? Looks like I know what to name my future kids now! Malvin sounds so cool. and that dog is so cute. you should name it Caring. or Pillow. haha. On a serious note, glad teaching is getting better. holy moly you teach a lot of classes! You should put up a picture that isn't desaturated haha
ReplyDeleteKarissa! i'm super glad that you're blogging about your SM adventures. it's such an awesome blessing to hear about your experiences, bud (:
ReplyDeletelove, Kristin :D