Dec. 1, 2016
10:30 pm
Beijing, China
Want to know the hardest thing about my job? It’s the planning. Going into class and hanging out with the students isn’t hard at all. Granted, there are a few classes that are worse than others, but overall I love teaching my students. I’m still struggling with a few things, like timing and behavior management, but I’m working on those. Class isn’t hard. Planning the class is.
It’s funny thinking back to how frustrating it initially felt when I was told that my start date at EF had been pushed back. Abba certainly works in amazing ways. Turns out, as it always does, that He knew what He was doing. If I hadn’t come in October, maybe I wouldn’t have gotten placed at my center, or mentored by Gretchen, or become friends with Brian and Taylor. I love looking back and seeing how my life has been impacted by these seemingly small things, or stuff that I viewed was an inconvenience.
In addition to all of those wonderful things, October was also the perfect timing in terms of classes. Unlike our predecessors (those who arrived in September), Brian and I have been eased into our teaching. We were able to fully watch and be taught before we began our own classes. And when we did start teaching on our own, our schedules started filling gradually. Unlike our successors, we actually had stuff to do, including covering classes and opening classes.
Right now is a little tough. This week is my busier of the two-week schedule, but still not super hectic. I was right on track for finishing my lesson plans ahead of time and still having extra time to double check my Trail Blazers class (I’m getting observed again on Sunday). Unfortunately, Susan had to take sick leave and I now have to cover her classes. Before I say anymore, I’d like to make a request for p—yers. Something happened to Susan’s back, I’m not completely sure what. But apparently she has something like a slipped disk and yesterday she couldn’t even walk. The doctors have told her that she needs to stay in bed for a while and can’t do a lot of moving around. Please p—y for a speedy recovery and that the pain subsides quickly.
As a result of covering classes, which I’m happy to do and completely understand the necessity of it, I am rushing to try to finish my lesson plans. It just takes a long time to figure out which games to play and how to address the learning material. Although I have great resources, I’m still a little frazzled. But I know that Abba has this and everything will work out. Speaking of rushed, though, I’m going to wrap this up because I’m planning to go in early tomorrow, so I need to rest.
Note about Words to Remember: In addition to doing my weekly Advent devotion on Sunday, I’m still going to be doing my usual devotions as well. So far, I’ve been going through the beginner devotions, but those have now run out. As of tonight, I am starting Day 1 of The Message: Solo – An Uncommon Devotional by Eugene H. Peterson. If you would like to follow along with the actual devotional, I encourage you to purchase the book (mine is the year long version). If you click on the title, it has the link for Amazon Smile, which donates a portion of your payment to the charity of your choosing. I would also encourage you to try to find it in your local Ch—stian bookstore (always support locally if possible).
Words to Remember: Genesis 3:1-10
Challenge: This is a probably a very familiar passage. Think of your “rebellions” from Abba. How do they affect your relationship with Him? Why do you do them? Now take a moment and think about what you were struggling with a few months ago. Is there anything that really stuck out to you as a problem then. Maybe you were dealing with lying or judging. I was dealing with control, pride, and a deep sense of self-loathing for my inability to measure up to “deserving” Abba’s love. Now look at how that’s changed and the growth you’ve made. Maybe you’ve made a huge jump and it’s something you barely struggle with now. Or maybe you’ve only made the tiniest step forward and you’re still working on it. It doesn’t matter how big or small your progress is, it’s still progress! Take a moment to praise Abba for helping you with this struggle and rejoice in the journey you’re taking together. P—y that He continues to help you strengthen your relationship with Him.
Goodnight and Bless,
Kristen
