Don't Cry Over Fried Chicken

Wednesday has come and gone.

This morning we learned about asking and giving instructions. 

We learned the different phrases and then I decided to be spontaneous.

As soon the last student put their pencil down, I walked to the door and told them to follow me. Of course, they just looked at me like I was crazy. But I repeated myself and then walked outside. Slowly, but surely, they followed me and we headed out to the road. Once we were conveniently in the middle of the road *traffic just goes around you here* I asked them how to get to the river. Ah ha! Now they understood why their crazy English teacher made them come outside. They had to use their newly learned direction-giving skills and tell me. I repeated this process with different destinations and they passed with flying colors. 

We headed back inside and found out that Sarah's class was making fun of us.

Whatever.

We have more fun. 

So my class learned how to ask, give and receive directions. 

They also learned the definition for field trip.        

We might be taking more of those. 

In between lunch and nap time, we sat in the common area and all talked, laughed, and made fun of each other. I sure do love these people. 

After lunch, it was time to head to the hotel so everyone could rest before the afternoon session at 2:00. All the cars were being used, so that left the tuk tuk...

Don't get me wrong.

I love the tuk tuk. 

It's just kind of hard to jump up in.

Especially with a skirt on.

And short legs. 

So we headed to the tuk tuk and I prepared to jump up without falling as well as not offending anyone. Well. I was able to not offend anyone.

But as for the falling part?

Not so much.

I fell and managed to take the seats down with me. 

It was so embarrassing.

Of course I would break the tuk tuk. 

But everyone had a good laugh and fixed the seat.

No worries, it had just come unhinged. 

Good one Cassie. 

After nap time, I began my afternoon session with a quick pronunciation review as well as a tongue twister. Well it didn't go too well. Everyone was still waking up and no one wanted to participate or talk to me...

So I erased the board and began again. 

I decided to teach them the art of buying and selling and how to communicate while buying and selling. 

Turns out I already taught them that. 

Cool. 

I erased the board. 

Again. 

They told me to write question sentences. 

So I did. 

Then they asked me to explain the difference between whom and who.

I don't even know that!

I googled the differences and tried my best to explain it to them.

They were not understanding.

I was not understanding.

It was not my finest hour. 

I let them go on and break. 

And I had break down at the kitchen table. 

I can't teach English! 

I can't teach them everything!

I can't come up with lessons!

I was overwhelmed. 

Sarah listened to me vent and then whipped out Jesus Calling.

Bless her. 

It said:

"Stay calmly conscious of Me today, no matter what. Remember that I go before you as well as with you into the day. Nothing takes Me by surprise. I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you so long as you look to Me. I will help you cope with whatever the moment presents. Collaborating with Me brings blessings that far outweigh all your troubles. Awareness of My Presence contains Joy that can endure all eventualities."

Ah. 

Funny how it always fits. 

So I went back into that classroom fully aware that God's presence contains joy that can endure anything. 

We played hangman for the rest of class. 

You can't learn English in a day.

And sometimes, you just have to rest. 

After class and then our evening class with the children, Sarah and I enjoyed a nice meal of fried chicken and rice. We almost cried when we saw that golden crust on that chicken. It was beautiful. We enjoyed our meal and then headed back to the hotel. 

So no, today was not one full of my finest hours. 

I broke the tuk tuk.

I failed at teaching. 

Like 4 times. 

I was nearly brought to tears at the sight of fried chicken. 

But that's okay. 

Not everyday is full of rainbows and "butterplys."

But we're all learning.

And God is the best teacher around. 

Sweet dreams America.

I love you all,

Cassie