Learning. . .part 2

If you have not read Teaching...part 1, then go do that before you read this post.

One week later.

My roommate Jessica, gave me a little pep talk and helped me sort things out before class the next day. I was planning on talking to the student in private about his actions. The student I'm referring to is to the one that yelled at me. I was hoping for the best case, but also prepared for the worst case. I was going to ask him if there was anything wrong. Then apologize for losing my temper. But there has to be punishment. I was planning on making him give a speech about respecting authority. Here's what happened.

I'm waiting for class almost to begin. I ask to talk to him out in the hall. He starts out by saying he is glad I asked him to talk because he wanted to talk too. I let him talk first. He SINCERELY apologizes for yelling at me and talking to me the way he did. He was having a bad day and the teacher from the class that he has before mine made him very angry. The teacher is supposed to help them study for a big test, but instead told them to study on their own and played games on his computer. He apologized again.

A wave of peace filled me. I was so grateful that God had orchestrated things this way. I forgave him and told him if he ever wants to talk, I'm always willing to listen. If he ever needs help, he can call or email me. And if he's having a bad day, just don't come to class or take it out on me. And I apologized for yelling at him and losing my temper, explaining that no matter what students do, I need to respect them if I expect them to respect me.

End Story.

Writing Class.

The class is busy writing cover letters while I grade old argument papers. The three girls come up to my desk. The ones with the 0s and comments to come see me after class. They hand in their cover letters. The first thing one of the girls says is, "We know." I don't even get to put on my teacher voice or face. Just in case, we are not on the same page, I ask them if they know why I wanted to talk to them. They all nod with these goofy smiles. I ask them why. "Because this is not our work," the spokesgirl says. I sigh and nod. I then proceed to tell them the bad new. They get 0s and cannot make it up. This is not okay to do in America or anywhere. They must do their own work. It is NOT okay to cheat in my class. I will not tolerate it. Those goofy smiles have fallen from their faces and next comes the plea. The spokesgirl asks if they can re-do it and bring it next time. She ask twice I think. Both times get a no. Then panic is on her face. I assure her they will not fail the class. They have other assignments that can improve their grade. But if they continue to cheat, they will fail. I tell them I am here to help and all they have to do is ask. If they needed more time, they should have asked. They explain they were just lazy. They promise not to do it again.

Lesson Learned.

I think God prefers it when we go to Him with our mistakes. When we seek Him out to ask forgiveness. He is more than willing to give grace and mercy, but we have to acknowledge and lay our faults before Him.

Jin tian shi wode shengri!

(Today is my birthday!)

My day started with waking up at 7 am because that is the time my kids get up...Just kidding! But I feel like most people that I know that get up at 7 am do so because of their offspring. But really, I have an 8 o'clock Oral English class to teach.

I brush my hair and start the coffee maker. AND I excitedly heat up a chocolate chip banana muffin that my most loving roommate, Jessica, made for my birthday breakfast! I pick out what I want to wear and get ready while singing, "This is the day that the Lord has made," in my head. I eat a muffin and prepare my coffee for my 25 minute walk to class. Unfortunately, I spent too much time trying to straighten my hair so I slip on my Toms and head out the door. I listen to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on the way.

I happy and excited to teach. I want to tell all my students that it's my birthday. But I decide it's a little conseated to do so. Some times I chat with my students when I have them discuss a topic in groups, but I am currently reading Life from Scratch, by Melissa Ford. And it is quite exciting. So, selfishly I read instead of joining discussions.

For lunch I meet Jessica. Little did I know that she had a crazy activity in mind. She gives me a crown, shiny necklace and earrings and tells me I have to tell 24 people that it is my birthday and that I am 24 years old and would they please take a photo with me? in language. Oh, and a couple friends have joined us for lunch.

Then I had a little down time reading before dinner at 6. We all met at this Korean restaurant. None of us had eaten there before. But it was pretty good food, considering I had just been in Korean and eaten the real thing. Then some red velvet cake and a game of Peanut Butter and Jelly. Some people also know it as Kemps.

All in all, it was a pretty great day.

Sushi

Well, all our foreign friends in the city had tried this Japanese restuarant in town except my roommate, Jessica and I. So, Jess and I said Let's Go! So, we did. And I have to say it was amazing!!! Sometimes people over use that word and use it to describe just about anything. But this place was truely great. It felt like I was in Japan. Not that I have ever been there. But anyways, I had a tuna roll and assorted tempura, which is fried stuff. Delish!!! I really was hoping for some spicy tuna roll, but the regular tuna roll was good anyways. Jess got the California roll and wrapped beef with mushrooms. I wish I had taken my camera. The beef was wrapped AROUND the mushrooms so they looked like little squid. So cute. And I had fried shrimp, sweet potatoes and onions. DELISH! I don't feel bad about the price. Some of the other people thought it was a little pricey. But I'm okay with spending a little more than $2 on a good meal. Well, it was a little more than just a little more. But it's one night out.

Thanksgiving

Wahoo! The day started with the 1st Annual YY Turkey Trot! Eight adults and six kids, one in a stroller. Natalie, Jess, and I jogged from North Campus to South Campus and back almost the whole way. The kids did a great job too! And even though most of them ran must of the time, they still had tons of energy for the rest of the day! The Trot totalled about 2 miles.

Next, lunch! I bake an apple pie, sweet potato casserole and empanadas. Jess made mini cheesecakse and glazed carrots. Everyone went to one house and had all the classics; green bean casserole, turkey, cranberry sauce, corn casserole, mac 'n cheese, mashed potatoes, rolls, broccoli and cheese casserole, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, and more!

After that, we reminisced about thanksgiving memories. And THEN the married couples told their engagement stories! Which could have been my favorite part. It turns out, none of them went exactly according to plan. But it was all so wonderful! Then Turkey Bowl!!!

Jess and I went out with the guys to throw around the football. I, actually, love playing flag football. So, it was fun to throw it around. And amazing to see how far the guys could thorw it. Then we headed inside for desserts. Complete with apple pie, cheesecake, pilgrim hats (chocolate covered marshmallows), pumpkin pie, jello saled and more!

Then a rambauncous round of Telephone Pictionary! It was so fun and there was tons of laughter. Then a heated game of Settlers. All in all, it was a pretty good Thanksgiving.

tv debut

Here is the official TV footage of Jess and I's TV debut. The name of the show is Just Go!

Fastforward to minute 25.

Just Go!

Enjoy!

It never ends...

Even though I have been living in Asia for 2 months now, I'm still experiencing new things. About three weeks ago, I had a medical examination. It included blood work, urine test, x-ray, E.K.G, among other things. Test all performed Asian style...I was really glad to have Jessica at my side. For those of you that don't know, Jessica is my roommate/friend. She graduated from ESU and is studying language in our city.

Currently, I'm getting my visa changed. What an adventure it has been! I got to practice my language with a taxi driver. I went to the wrong train station. My hostel room is about the size of a twin bed, with a little walking space. The shower in the bathroom is located almost over the toilet, as well as the sink and mirror. I was really excited about this hostel experience. I love having crazy stories/experiences! As, I settled in to my room, I heard this strange ticking sound. At first, I thought it was the elevator. Then I thought it was a sewing machine. The shower? No, the elevator...Okay, I'm sure it's a sewing machine! Later, I could differentiate the shower noise from other noises. I also went to the clinic and not the consulate. I stood in a line that wrapped around the corner. I was number 107 in line. But I laughed about all the craziness happening...I hope I can keep laughing, especially when things aren't funny anymore. I always think I know where I'm going and Father provides someone to help me find my way. Like this girl complimented me on my shoes(TOMS). She politely asked if I knew where I was going and I told her and she helpfully corrected me. Everyone is so kind in this city.

After this visa business is done, I can continue getting ready to teach.