Wow, it's been an experience to finally have these classes underway! This week was very challenging and rewarding. Most of the days I felt like going to teach a class in spanish to students who showed up an hour late and spoke mostly Creol in class so I couldn't understand them was the very last thing I wanted to do that day. I had to drag myself through the preparations and deal with teachers not organizing the classes until I got there and trying to dump another load of 15 students on me at the last minute. Plus, the decision to teach in spanish was not mine, (it was God's of course, but He let me know that by having the translators call in busy every morning) so I had to get used to that idea.
But the rewards have been full. I've begun to make some really fun relationships with the women and girls. I've had to put a few of my expectations aside and focus on just loving them. That's more important that them learning quickly.
Not having a translator puts me on the same level as them, in a way, and helped a lot. It is hard work. The machines are hard to use, each one has its little quirks, and the women are not used to being meticulous. But I've learned which things are important, and which things to throw out the culture window. (like pinning before you sew, they just don't get it, and if it's not perfect they don't care....for now I'll just have to let it go. That was a painful decision:)
The Creol problem has actually developed into a blessing to me. I am on fire to learn Creol now, and it's fun when they are trying to teach it to me.
All in all, it was a good week, VERY STRETCHING, but I'm looking forward to being stretched again next week. Thanks for your prayers!
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Kick back, insert your face into your trusty old reading glasses, and enjoy your stay!
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