Post 35

The only thing that upsets me about entering the month of February is that I can no longer figure out what post number I'm on using the day of the month. No matter. There are more important things, such as the fact that in the U.S., it's Black History Month! Whoot whoot!

I've been wondering how to celebrate this month and keep it relative as I live in Europe. As you can imagine, there isn't exactly a month like that in Italy. However, I have found that a lot of my classes are covering civil rights issues. A rights issue is always worth covering, I say.

So yea, here I am, teacing again. It's funny because I was not very eager to begin doing this again. Maybe it was being home, or maybe it was the idea of teaching without having rested much from activities and traveling. Either way, I was not excited. But then I remembered how I felt last year, even up until I went home for Christmas.

I loved doing this. And judging by the flash cards and encouraging stickers I gushed over and immediately purchased (well ok, Mom paid for them...) in the dollar store when I went home, I felt that deep down that hadn't changed. So I prayed, and then I prayed some more. My first class didn't go so well and I finished with a sore throat. I kept optimistic, however, and the next day was marvelous! I mean, who knew that comparing and contrasting A Brave New World and 1984, and reviewing Lord of the Flies could be so much fun!

My afternoon class was a little more rowdy, but I've learned now that these students respond better to flash cards (of which I now have plenty) and games where they can move a bit.

So all in all, I feel that my teacher heart is restored, and in a sense so is my missional heart. When I can better love my work and my students, and I can better share the heart of Christ. Words don't convince anyone of anything. It's the testimony of a life lived through actions. I pray that mine remain rooted in Christ.