Land O' the Little Ones

This past week we had the joy/challenge of beginning our stint as teachers in yet another realm of education - kindergarten. But before you think it's all legos and storytime, let me mention that kindergarten here includes tiny tots from ages THREE to six. Yeah, that's right.  Trust me, nap time is a TOUGH act to follow!

Now sure, our English lesson in each class lasted only about 30 minutes - but there were up to FORTY of these little bits in each class, and we taught six classes each day. So after this experience, it has been decided yours truly has officially earned the title of "buffoon". I will let the photos below give evidence to this. 

Ok, first one - not so bad. Eager teacher challenging the students to phonetically say "BIRD".

Hmm, here teacher has realized that screaming children means attentive children (for most - disregard Smiley Mcgee here in the front of the photo), and therefore pretends she cannot hear or understand. 

 

Teacher becomes delirious with the task of entertaining . . . I mean teaching 40+ 3 year olds, and secretly wonders if biting them might help. 

Dancing . . . surely dancing will teach these ankle biters that this is NOT my hand. What? They haven't learned foot yet? CRAP!

Teacher has officially cracked up after 6 classes in a day, and its starting to show. Or maybe she's just imitating the fly on her flash card. Scary. 

Teacher decides to quit teaching English, mash their little cheeks, and take them all home with her. Husband won't mind, right?

While it was an exhausting few days, there honestly isn't much more fantastic than being dogpiled/hug mauled by these little munchkins. And sure, I had lots of snotty noses rubbed on my pants and even a curious little devil nuzzling my backside at one point, but when you get a few "I LAUVA YU TEECHA"s, somehow all the exhaustion and buffoonery became worth it.

My Week in Pictures

 

 

 And to think that we once thought 20 years of education could ever been enough . . . riiiiight . . .

My Confession.

I had my first language test today.

I cried before it even started and then gave a less than stellar performance. (I might have test anxiety).

I wandered around town for about an hour trying to find a book store that was BELOW the very store I started at. (I don't do directions in my own language well, let alone another language).

I had a semi-meltdown when the new TV we bought arrived. (I hate spending money).

I let internal expectations dictate my understanding of myself and others. (I have issues).

I am learning.

I am growing.

I am hoping.

To be not as I once was, to see not as I once have, but to emerge wholly changed.

To bear witness to a power that continues to transform, a strength that sustains, and a hope that dawns new every morning.

I don't know about you, but I am grateful that in death - is life.

Praise Him who makes all things new, even me.