First Day of School. The same nerves that run through everyone on their first day of school were kicking in as I walked up the stairs to room 203. I have never taught at a college level before, I definitely have not taught Chinese. Would they like me? Would they be able to understand? All these worries and thoughts were flying around my brain, but within an instant the madness stopped! As I let go of Jeremy's hand and stepped foot into my classroom, I was immediately filled with peace and joy!
Their smiling faces and eager hearts just makes you melt :) I greeted the 10 or so students who arrived early and then began writing on the chalk board. It may be messy, but writing on a chalk board is totally teacher and made my day. The first class went well, it was a little bumpy but for the most part my lesson was accomplished and the students left smiling. As that class left, the second arrived and I started all over. This time with a passion and a confidence. I loved Teaching! I loved the students! I am so blessed to be doing this! All the students got to ask me a question, which was my favorite part. The general conciseness was that they all want to know why I don't have kids or when I will, they want to know if I like Chinese food, and if I will be their friend. My favorite question was from the class clown, "Mrs. Majors may I teach you a Chinese word?" I said yes of course and then he muttered something I have no clue how to repeat let alone type, and the whole class started laughing. A sweet girl informed me, that he taught me how to tell him he was handsome! haha Here is my second class saying "Hi this is Mrs. Major's class" :)
Surrounded by sounds of horns, buses, and loud Chinese while walking down a crowded street can seem so foreign and a somewhat out of body experience. As we were walking down a shopping street trying to find our way, to my utter disbelief, I heard Backstreet Boys! Yes, I did stay and listen to the whole song, and it was wonderful! It is funny the things that remind you of home, the thing’s that make your heart smile when you live here. I would never think that hearing “Baby, baby ..ooohhh” by Justin Bieber would be a heart warming experience, but sadly because he speaks English and is totally American, I now have bieber fever! I have really enjoyed hearing some older, not so popular, pop songs and was not expecting to hear what I heard one day shopping for rugs. It was as if the Father was talking directly to me. It was a praise song in English! They had no clue what it was, but to me it was a reminder that He is with me…. anywhere I go! I was praising Him in English in a rug store! ...
Loved this post, Tama! Especially seeing your students! We think of you and Jeremy often and can't wait to hear more updates (my kids really liked this last video). Lots of love!
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