I know it has been a few weeks since my last post, but things have been a bit crazy over here.
I started school on August 13th, teaching 7th grade English and History. At first I was a little worried because I have never had my own classroom like this nor have I taught two subjects. My worry disappeared as I wrote "Miss Edwards" on the whiteboard and turned to see 20 young, impressionable, nervous 7th graders staring at me. This was a big day for them. No longer were they little kids sitting at the teacher's feet while he/she read them a story. No, they were at the next stage where they had different classes in different rooms and have to use lockers. I knew they were scared about homework, about their need to "fit in" with their peers, and remembering their schedule. I looked at them with a compassionate smile, hoping to relieve their fears. I explained that this year I would do everything in my power to make it an easy transition for them.
I want to be very active in the school and have decided to be the Under 11 girls soccer coach! I am so excited and can't wait for our first practice which is on Wednesday. I am also taking Thai lessons and am beginning to understand when people speak to me in Thai!!
I have been teaching for a week now and going into my second. It has been wonderful and I love my classes. At CMIS, we are on a block schedule; therefore, my classes change times everyday. I am part of the Humanities department and really enjoy the other 6 teachers that I work with. Unfortunately, they are not all Christians, but I have formed a relationship with one of the high school English teachers. She and her husband are missionaries in Burma, working with the Karen!!! How awesome is that!! I spoke with her about my connection with the Karen and she is hoping to take me to a Karen orphanage sometime during our next major school break. I am very excited about this possibility.
School is not the only thing occupying my time. My roommate Jen arrived only days after I started teaching. She is wonderful and it has been great to talk with someone and just have someone here. I now have the hang of taking her places on the motorbike...ha ha!!! At first, it was a little difficult trying to balance someone else when I had only a week to get used to balancing just myself. Nonetheless, I have been successful and now we ride everywhere together!
The Lord has been so gracious and loving to me and I am constantly filled with an overwhelming Joy of being here in Thailand. I absolutely love this country! I have began to call it my home because I really do feel at home here. I have met two families that have adopted me and they have become great friends. Every morning I wake up to the golden sun shining through my window and the sight of a thin layer of clouds covering the tip of the mountain of Doi Suthep. The sound of roosters proclaiming a new day and the quiet laughter of locals on their way to work fill the early morning darkness. Somedays I feel as though this is a dream and I have not woken up yet. My country is beautiful, filled with adventure, but most of all it is my home!!!
Awesome Praise God! So proud of you Cynthia, glad to read everything is working out. I love soccer now, Tristan and Skyler Just started their season, and have had 5 practices so far, its amazing to see them improving in the skill of the sport, having control of the ball, and keeping it going where you need it to go, we are always playing soccer now.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time! Will keep you in prayer.
Daniel White
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteWe saw your latest pictures from the Ping River trip and your scooter. The 125 stands for (cubic centimeters) which is about 16 horsepower,I think.Do you have an e-mail address and what is your Sykpe address and when might you be on the computer? Stephanie's is Stephanie26.Ours is RandyvHoffman22 Bye!
OMG!!! I love soccer! I have been playing for years! And you need to coach me so you can push me around! : )
ReplyDeleteI really miss my " Big sister" and your little sister is praying for you.
By the way I broke my toe ( the one next to the pinkie toe.) funny huh! I stubbed it on my couch. But thank God its getting better.So now I have to wear the ugly boot! ; )
But enough about me I am so happy to hear you are doing well! You have been on my heart ever since you left, and I am counting down the days till I can give you a HUGE hug!
Love you soooo much,
Karizma <3
Can't... think... straight..., hug... deprived... LOL
ReplyDeleteI really miss seeing you at church and your hugs:( I have been thinking about you alot lately, and praying for you. That is so awesome how you met missionaries to the Karen!
Hey you should check out my Moms blog to see how awesome I look in a tux!! HaHa! I was in my Uncles wedding, You know, Chris?
The Chargers season is here! The first pre-season game we lost, but we won our second. But, of Rivers first 7 pass attempts 5 he was sacked on. BOO!! So we shall see how the seasons progresses.
"Resurrecting the Champ" is this times movie rec. It is a cool movie with Samuel L. Jackson.
I really miss you but pray for you every time I see your magnet on my fridge:)
Love, your not-so-little brother,
Miguel
Oh Karizma and Miguel!!!! I am hug deprived as well and miss you both so much!
ReplyDeleteKarizma I am so excited about coaching soccer. They are all little girls, which should be fun, so I am basically just teaching skills. It should be great and will post pics when the season begins. I saw pics of Izzy and she absolutely adorable. I am thinking that she looks like Zach, but I can see you in her as well!!! I love you and miss you a lot!!
Miguel...oh you are not little anymore. You look so handsome!!! My little bro is growing up (wiping the tear from my eye). Thanks for the Chargers update. I cannot watch the games...I am depressed!! I might be able to watch highlights, but I am not sure!! I will look into that movie, it sounds really good. Thank you for keeping me in the loop =)
I love you both so much and know that I am praying for you!!!
Your Sister,
Cynthia