Adjusting
These past 5 or 6 weeks have been loads of adjustment. I am still teaching at the international school, which, of course, is a teaching job. Meaning if I wasn't constantly adjusting my teaching style to fit my learners, then what kind of teacher would I be?
I must say though, my fourth-grade class has really been amazing me! They are so wonderful and so capable of far more than they themselves even realize. Within my class I have loads of world changers. I have the children who are full of compassion, the children who are full of passion, and the children who are full of questions. Each of those qualities, if watered correctly, will blossom into a world changer. The entire class has this love and genunine interest in learning. They ask questions about God's word and theology that no one would ever expect an eight-year-old to ask. I had one student ask me about the link to evolution and animal adaptation. I was amazed at the question but happy to be presented with this ministry opportunity.
Along the topic of working at the international school, my mind goes back to the girl two years ago who came to Nepal and was burdened heavily. I was passionate; yet, naive. I had a vision, I still have a vision, but now I am learning more practically on how to make this vision and dream come true without potentially harming Nepal and the culture here. Working at the international school is an impactful way for me to get experience and still learn about Nepal and the culture here on a deeper level.
Many plans… [were in my] heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails
Proverbs 19:21
I struggled with having this volunteer teaching position at this international school at first, I thought it wasn't real "missionary" work. But now after having the honor to teach these fourth graders for the past year, I would not trade this time for anything. These kids are impacting me. They will never be forgotten from my heart. I pray for each of them daily because a burden for these children to become followers of Christ weighs heavy on my heart. Right now, that is my most important mission post.
So, this constant blessing of teaching fourth graders continues; however, adjustments are still coming.
Did you know that I am getting married?! I can hardly believe the truth of that statement sometimes. I met this amazing man, Simon, and now he and I will work alongside each other to bring more glory to God!
I should mention though, planning for a cross-cultural wedding can become challenging. With the conflict of interests between parties and the foreigner who just doesn't "get it" (that foreigner would be me). I think praying for his awesome family for patience in dealing with this bride who doesn't understand so many things, would be greatly appreciated.
Everyone has a hobby. You know, the thing they do for pure enjoyment. Mine happens to be teaching. I have always loved it. So, on top of my volunteer teaching position during the week, I have also recently committed to teaching a few refugee children once a week.
Allow me to tell you what I know about these children.
Most of them are from Sri Lanka, others from Pakistan, and others from other middle eastern countries. They have fled to Nepal out of pure desperation to get out of their home countries. They want to go to a western country such as the USA but have not been granted entrance yet.
Here is the problem: Nepal, being a developing country themselves, has no refugee plan in place. Meaning, these children are not allowed to go to school and their parents are not allowed to work or make money.
They are in this limbo of not anyone wanting them. It is sad. And it breaks my heart.
The children I will be teaching have not been in school for 2 years. They want to go to school and are grateful that I will be committing one day a week to teach them.
This is not enough time. Please pray for more teachers to step up and teach them and pray for an opening for them to go to the USA.
Another upcoming adjustment that I am currently in denial about is my good friend will be going back to the USA to help her sister take care of her newborn baby. I am not sure when she will be able to return. I'll miss her. But I will adjust and so will she.
Adjustments are a part of this transitional life. That is the truth.
I sing praises to God His love for me is so strong and real that He has provided me with friends and an amazing fiancé. But deep in all our hearts, we know the truth of this temporary life. So instead of "crying over spilt milk," we press on doing all we can to bring glory to the Father and making this life count.
Amen
