During my time here I have had the opportunity to travel to two near by towns to teach English. The first town I went to was last Wednesday, and the other today. I will continue to teach in these places through out the year.
In Gościno I had the privilage of teaching individual lessons at several different homes. Most of my students were younger kids ranging between the ages of about 3-9. This was so fun, but also challenging as they spoke VERY limited English. However they were so cute and so willing to learn that it was a wonderful day. In the midst of these lessons I also got to teach a 10 and 16 year old. This was refreshing as they actually knew more English. I didn't have to act things or think of roundabout ways of getting them to do as I requested. I am excited to continue working with them all. The homes were full of hospitality as I was given several beverages (nothing bad...if you were concerned) and even a bag full of delicious produce.
In Kozsalin I had taught my first small group lessons. The students spoke less English than I was expecting, which made it a little difficult, but it was still a blessing. The kids ranged in ages between maybe 11 and 17. I am so thankful that laughter and smiles are a language of their own, one that is universal. God was working during these classes as all the kids had positive attitudes and smiles on their faces. They seemed to know that even though we did not totally speak the same language, I still cared about them and wanted them to learn. I am grateful for their patience with me and one another. There were a few situations when some individuals in the group spoke better English than others. This ended up being very helpful.
In addition to these two towns I have been having a lot of fun. I contiue tutoring at the school, and soon I will start teaching group classes. I am nervous about this and continue to pray that God will guide me and help me to be a good teacher and posititve influence to my students. I am also nervous about making lesson plans and creating tests and quizzes. The thoughts of doubt in my ability are certainly not from God. I must remind myself that I am here for a reason and that though I do not feel ready, He will help me to succeed for Him. This is why I am here. I need to take things step by step, trusting that God will lead and make sure I am provided with the needed tools.
Here are a few random experiences I have had outside of teaching:
Sabbaths as they always have been for me, are very exciting. This past Sabbath I was responsible for leading Sabbath school. Though it was just me, the director, and the two other missionaries I found myself quite nervous. However I do believe that God was present as we had great discussions and could have continued even after class ended. After church we had our first Polish potluck, it really was great. In the afternoon we headed to the counryside for a bonfire. Rather than making smores as we do in the US, we roasted pieces of bread. The church members brought lots of treats and we even had fire baked potatoes. After a bit I got tired of sitting. I decided to see what the children were doing. Though I do not speak hardly any Polish (maybe 6 words) I decided to try and be their friend by handing them pieces of fruit and assisting them in their hunt for hazlenuts. I was pleasently surprised when one of the older boys (13?) asked me what my name was. We exchanged names and I found he spoke a little English. The evening soon came and we went to play volleyball. Which I am starting to enjoy more and more.
Sunday consisted of watching teaching DVDs and going on adventure around Kolobrzeg. One of the guys from church showed me a popular area near the beach. Here I saw the infamous lighthouse and got to take a walk along the sea. I even got to (finally) try some Polish ice cream.
I have only been here a short while, but I am already starting to feel like I belong. That I really do have a place in Poland. I hope this feeling will continue, and that I can build a small support system here (though of course I know I have a one at home as well).
As I close I would like to request prayer. That I may have confidence in my ability to be the best teacher I can be. Of cource with the Spirit of the Lord leading the way.
In Gościno I had the privilage of teaching individual lessons at several different homes. Most of my students were younger kids ranging between the ages of about 3-9. This was so fun, but also challenging as they spoke VERY limited English. However they were so cute and so willing to learn that it was a wonderful day. In the midst of these lessons I also got to teach a 10 and 16 year old. This was refreshing as they actually knew more English. I didn't have to act things or think of roundabout ways of getting them to do as I requested. I am excited to continue working with them all. The homes were full of hospitality as I was given several beverages (nothing bad...if you were concerned) and even a bag full of delicious produce.
In Kozsalin I had taught my first small group lessons. The students spoke less English than I was expecting, which made it a little difficult, but it was still a blessing. The kids ranged in ages between maybe 11 and 17. I am so thankful that laughter and smiles are a language of their own, one that is universal. God was working during these classes as all the kids had positive attitudes and smiles on their faces. They seemed to know that even though we did not totally speak the same language, I still cared about them and wanted them to learn. I am grateful for their patience with me and one another. There were a few situations when some individuals in the group spoke better English than others. This ended up being very helpful.
In addition to these two towns I have been having a lot of fun. I contiue tutoring at the school, and soon I will start teaching group classes. I am nervous about this and continue to pray that God will guide me and help me to be a good teacher and posititve influence to my students. I am also nervous about making lesson plans and creating tests and quizzes. The thoughts of doubt in my ability are certainly not from God. I must remind myself that I am here for a reason and that though I do not feel ready, He will help me to succeed for Him. This is why I am here. I need to take things step by step, trusting that God will lead and make sure I am provided with the needed tools.
Here are a few random experiences I have had outside of teaching:
Sabbaths as they always have been for me, are very exciting. This past Sabbath I was responsible for leading Sabbath school. Though it was just me, the director, and the two other missionaries I found myself quite nervous. However I do believe that God was present as we had great discussions and could have continued even after class ended. After church we had our first Polish potluck, it really was great. In the afternoon we headed to the counryside for a bonfire. Rather than making smores as we do in the US, we roasted pieces of bread. The church members brought lots of treats and we even had fire baked potatoes. After a bit I got tired of sitting. I decided to see what the children were doing. Though I do not speak hardly any Polish (maybe 6 words) I decided to try and be their friend by handing them pieces of fruit and assisting them in their hunt for hazlenuts. I was pleasently surprised when one of the older boys (13?) asked me what my name was. We exchanged names and I found he spoke a little English. The evening soon came and we went to play volleyball. Which I am starting to enjoy more and more.
Sunday consisted of watching teaching DVDs and going on adventure around Kolobrzeg. One of the guys from church showed me a popular area near the beach. Here I saw the infamous lighthouse and got to take a walk along the sea. I even got to (finally) try some Polish ice cream.
I have only been here a short while, but I am already starting to feel like I belong. That I really do have a place in Poland. I hope this feeling will continue, and that I can build a small support system here (though of course I know I have a one at home as well).
As I close I would like to request prayer. That I may have confidence in my ability to be the best teacher I can be. Of cource with the Spirit of the Lord leading the way.