We started with a bang. Well sort of a bang. It was quite the stir. A gringo (white guy) walking into this poor poor school with all eyes on him. They're used to seeing white guys, but not walking into their school to teach.
But, the reception was warm. I was wondering if the teachers minded giving up their time to me to teach English. It seems they welcomed it, not because they got the break (that may have been a part of it), but I think they really believe in the need to teach English (or any second language). I continue to be impressed with the willing hearts of this school, Acapulco. Good hearts; no resources.
Class size was a pleasant surprise. Only about 10-12 students per class. Makes it so much more manageable. And thanks to Adam Copeland, I'm using a techique of just trying to teach them (4th graders and 7th grades) to speak English. No reading or writing to speak of. So far we've use a lot of pictures from the internet and projecting via LCD projector, for them to practice viewing and repeating the English version. Basic vocabulary stuff. But that of course required us to bring our own equipment, including the generator to generate electricity to run the computer and projector. Despite being here now a year and a half, I sometimes just shake my head; it's so unbelievable.
William and Osvaldo are also helping. I'm responsible for preparing the "lesson plan", and they assist with finding pictures and other resources on the internet to use. Then they watch me teach the first class, and they in turn teach the second class. It will be about as good for their English as anyone else. It's amazing how difficult it is for them to pronounce the word "street", and many other words we roll off our tongues.
The kids have surprised me. Even though they have very poor education skills, they seem to pick up on the language minimicing very quickly. Next week will be the real test when I see how much they remember from this week. But, all in all, a very good first experience. Some kids are just really neat to see the gleam in their eyes when they remember a word in English we've taught. Like little triumphs. Those are not so common here.
And with fancy things like a computer and projector, we get kids standing at the windows and doors trying to peer in to our class to see what we're doing. The new will wear off soon enough, but it's fun for now.
And lastly their a captive audience so really the endurance test is mine and my crew. The kids be in school (most of the time) rather we're there or not. Keep us in your prayers that we can impact and love.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Widow's Gift
Well, okay, he's not actually a widow. He's not even married. He's not even old enough to be married. But, he gives amazing gifts just the same.
His name is Angel. (how appropriate.... sometimes) And, he's literally the only one that brings me gifts. I guess because I appear rich and have everything I need (or possibly other reasons) gifts from the locals are rare. But, not from this kid. He brings me a small box of milk, fruit, candy....
Nothing mind you that I really want or even eat most of the time, but I don't tell him that! Because strangely enough I see these gifts as super amazing. Amazing that he thinks of me and is generous. This kid is also incredibly poor, father in jail, mother who knows where, living with his grandma whom he calls his mom, torn and well worn clothes.... All the usual broken family stuff. But, the gifts come. Not every day mind you, but often. About every two weeks. Something small, but a gift none the less. Just something to say we're friends. Not because I gave him something. Not because he wants something. I think they are truly just gifts. And in this place, that means more than you could possibly imagine. So, even though I don't drink the milk or eat the almost rotten banana (which the locals really like them that way, I guess), I almost anticipate and look forward to them.
I think I understand the widow's gift more now than ever. I wish I could give like that.
His name is Angel. (how appropriate.... sometimes) And, he's literally the only one that brings me gifts. I guess because I appear rich and have everything I need (or possibly other reasons) gifts from the locals are rare. But, not from this kid. He brings me a small box of milk, fruit, candy....
Nothing mind you that I really want or even eat most of the time, but I don't tell him that! Because strangely enough I see these gifts as super amazing. Amazing that he thinks of me and is generous. This kid is also incredibly poor, father in jail, mother who knows where, living with his grandma whom he calls his mom, torn and well worn clothes.... All the usual broken family stuff. But, the gifts come. Not every day mind you, but often. About every two weeks. Something small, but a gift none the less. Just something to say we're friends. Not because I gave him something. Not because he wants something. I think they are truly just gifts. And in this place, that means more than you could possibly imagine. So, even though I don't drink the milk or eat the almost rotten banana (which the locals really like them that way, I guess), I almost anticipate and look forward to them.
I think I understand the widow's gift more now than ever. I wish I could give like that.
Endurance Test
We've all taken them in one form or another. And I would actually consider reading this blog an endurance test. I thank each of you for reading it.
My endurance test remains squarely in the DR. Many many times I want to change the page. Go for something more "my style". Like Santiago, not Rio San Juan. Not this tiny fishing village that's so tiny in so many ways. But rather than change, my true test is to embrace and love for this season. So, another step is to start English classes in the local schools.
I actually start next week. I'm teaching 4th and 7th graders English. And hopefully with the help of Adam Copeland (specialist in teaching English as a 2nd language) we will all learn something. Of course our goal is more English. It's hopefully opening more doors to communicating about a God that is wanting to connect with us all. So I hope whatever we do will be another step in connecting ourselves (my live and theirs) to God.
Looks like we will also start on the other school/city projects. Actual running water in the elementary school; new bathrooms in the school (out with the outhouses!!), 4 new classrooms in the high school, new play ground (no more mud pit for a play ground) at the elementary school. All these are to be completed by August, 2009. And, true to form (even if I brag a little), my family has stepped up and helped a lot. The city of Rio San Juan and the mayor have also committed their fair share, which is exciting to know that it's a community project, not just a "missionary" project. (But, don't let that stop you if you want to help; always more to do than can be done; always need more help!)
Our plan remains involving as many locals to help as possible. Osvaldo and William will be helping teach, coordinate the projects, etc. We're planning for local children to help where they can, and to involve others in the community to lend a hand. We're so wanting it to be a joint venture with the locals. We're hoping the connection in working will lead to connections in the heart.
But, it will be an endurance test. Things are almost expected to go wrong. Problems unforeseen. Miscommunications. Misapropriations. The usual. Thus, endurance.
My endurance test remains squarely in the DR. Many many times I want to change the page. Go for something more "my style". Like Santiago, not Rio San Juan. Not this tiny fishing village that's so tiny in so many ways. But rather than change, my true test is to embrace and love for this season. So, another step is to start English classes in the local schools.
I actually start next week. I'm teaching 4th and 7th graders English. And hopefully with the help of Adam Copeland (specialist in teaching English as a 2nd language) we will all learn something. Of course our goal is more English. It's hopefully opening more doors to communicating about a God that is wanting to connect with us all. So I hope whatever we do will be another step in connecting ourselves (my live and theirs) to God.
Looks like we will also start on the other school/city projects. Actual running water in the elementary school; new bathrooms in the school (out with the outhouses!!), 4 new classrooms in the high school, new play ground (no more mud pit for a play ground) at the elementary school. All these are to be completed by August, 2009. And, true to form (even if I brag a little), my family has stepped up and helped a lot. The city of Rio San Juan and the mayor have also committed their fair share, which is exciting to know that it's a community project, not just a "missionary" project. (But, don't let that stop you if you want to help; always more to do than can be done; always need more help!)
Our plan remains involving as many locals to help as possible. Osvaldo and William will be helping teach, coordinate the projects, etc. We're planning for local children to help where they can, and to involve others in the community to lend a hand. We're so wanting it to be a joint venture with the locals. We're hoping the connection in working will lead to connections in the heart.
But, it will be an endurance test. Things are almost expected to go wrong. Problems unforeseen. Miscommunications. Misapropriations. The usual. Thus, endurance.
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