Well, I have officially survived living 11 days on the beautiful island of Timor Leste. I love it here, the people, the food, the colors, and the ocean. There's so much to love about this place! I have felt so welcomed and loved, and that is a beautiful part about the culture here. I cannot possibly tell you everything that has happened so far, because it would take forever just to write it down. But, I can tell you that this is something I am SO happy to be doing, and something I will need a LOT of prayers with as well. My classroom is in a sturdy tent-like structure and is filled with 20 tiny, loud, rambunctious, naughty, loving, crazy first graders. I love them a lot and am working on using this new challenge to grow and not be discouraged. I keep praying for each child that God will show them how much He loves them, and I also keep praying that I will have enough wisdom to actually make this school year work. I have faith that God will somehow grant my requests, even though it seems nearly impossible right now. I am being as strict as possible in the classroom, while trying to show them that I do care about them and love them. Things in the classroom so far haven't been quite what I expected, but things can only get better, right? I hope so. I guess I didn't realize how much disorder would be involved in teaching first grade. I am so thankful for everyone who has continued to lift my classroom and I up in their prayers. Please continue to pray for my classroom and my teaching so that somehow they can bring glory to God! There are two other teachers here who are student missionaries as well, Meghan and Mauricio. Meghan and I are living in the same room and are having fun experimenting with different recipes as well as experiencing a new culture together. She teacher second grade and is doing such a wonderful job at it! Although she and I are different in many ways, we are both in love with Christ and our shared experiences here have given us a unique friendship that I am very thankful for. God definitely blessed in sending Meghan to Timor Leste as well!! A few short things I have done so far: hiking up to Cristo Rey, going to the beach, experimenting with local foods, teaching the first week of class (sounds like something not worth mentioning, but believe me- it was difficult), finding a cute yet terrifying monkey, discovering epic local markets, attempting to learn how to ride a motorbike, Meghan making peanut butter cookies in our sketch toaster oven, watching the sunrise, eating coconuts, and meeting lovely people from Timor Leste that have become my friends. I love it here, challenges and all, and am SO thankful I chose to come! More updates to come as soon as I can find internet again! I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone's love and support of this adventure I am on! God has blessed me with an amazing support team back home and all over the world. Until next time, Julia (Or Miss McEddy as my students know me :)
0 Comments
|
AuthorI am an elementary education major and am in love with Jesus Christ. I want to serve Him as best as I can, which has lead me to this missions experience. I also love painting and drawing, cooking, crafting, and spending time with people I love. I grew up living in a whole bunch of different places as a child, so the airplane is a place I feel comfortable. Archives
February 2017
Categories |