Teaching!

And we’re off and running. The year has begun! One week down, how many more to go?... :) I don’t want to count; I can’t believe one is already over. A year can go very quickly and I have to be very purposed and intentional with my time, otherwise it may slip out from under me. My students are so much more receptive than I ever could have dreamed. After the first day they were asking me if they could show me around, and I actually have already gone out on an excursion with some of them. A group of girls from my class and some guys from one of the other teacher’s classes took us to Peterhof, what had once been the summer palace and gardens of the czar. The students really seemed to be willing to talk about anything, and though that outing was very informal and surfaced, it was only the first one, hopefully the first of many more to come.
To give you a brief overview of my week, Monday morning we discovered that our students didn’t even know that class was starting, so I had six students that day. But Tuesday my classroom was full of 22 students; 21 girls and one boy! This is my main class. They are in their second year in the management department at the university. They are about 18 years old and collectively, have a very high level of English. There are the lower students here and there, which will be a challenge, but the majority of students can understand me and are very willing to participate in discussion. I teach these students three days a week; three hours on Mondays, and hour and a half on Tuesdays and then another three on Wednesdays. Then I teach five classes just once a week for an hour and a half each- three classes are 18 year olds, one is around 20 and then one is a night class with students anywhere in their 20s and maybe older. My evening class didn’t show this week, but I have been told that they will come.
I’m just so thankful for the all the encouragement that I have received. My class itself has been an unexpected blessing, but I have been encouraged by so many people, fellow teammates, friends, family members, the church congregation, my list could go on. Thank you for how you have blessed me with your words and prayers. I feel very lifted up and surrounded by a wonderful and sincere community. Be encouraged!
Blessed by the name of the Lord!