Teacher Natalie

I have been in Paraguay exactly one month, and I continue to be blessed with new opportunities daily! God is teaching me so much about myself, about Himself, and about His people!

the elementary students at their welcome assembly

our adorable host sister, Tali, on her first day of 2nd grade :)

one of my preschool classes

eating their snack

The school year, which began this past Monday, has already had its positive moments and its negative moments. I am thankful to finally have a routine to my life abroad, but my first few days of teaching were rough...especially the very first day! I didn't begin teaching until Tuesday because I have Mondays off. My morning 1st grade class was extremely rowdy and didn't respect me as their English teacher. They were raising their voices above me (even shouting at one point in time) and attempting to leave their seats. I finally had to tell them that I don't have to be there to teach them English. If they don't want to learn, I will leave. I want to have fun with them this year, but they must behave! Thankfully things improved a bit with the afternoon class. My plan for Tuesday was to teach greetings such as "Hello," "How are you?" "I am fine," "What's your name?" and "My name is ____.'  The activity that I attempted to do was designed to both help the students learn each others' names and to  help me to learn their names. It fell through with the morning class, but I continued with the lesson anyway. The regular classroom teacher stayed in the room for part of the class period, but she acted like it wasn't a huge problem that her students weren't obeying their English teacher. That was a bit frustrating for me! That afternoon, I had a helper in the room with me in case the afternoon class was just as rowdy as the morning one. They turned out to be much better behaved, but it was still beneficial to have someone else there for "crowd control." My second day of teaching the first graders (Friday) was better overall. I had help with the morning class since I had tried to handle them on my own on Wednesday and failed. There were still issues, but it was an improvement from the first day! After I taught my afternoon lesson, the regular teacher actually told me that my lesson was wonderful and that I shouldn't become discouraged because I'm doing great. She told me that she knows it is difficult to teach a lesson almost entirely in another language, no matter how long you have studied the language. This message was encouraging to hear!

the three missionary English teachers for the 2014 school year

my first day as an English teacher in Paraguay

The weather has somewhat cooled off, but most days are still unpleasant. I don't think we will see any more high temperatures above 100 degrees, but the heat index often makes it feel like 100-105 degrees. Every time I think we are nearing the autumn season, it gets hotter again. I am hoping that autumn comes to stay pretty soon. Although, I have heard that there are truly only two seasons in Paraguay: summer and winter. We'll see what the weather decides to do in the month of March. I am tired of sweating constantly and will be so happy for some relief from the heat and humidity!

soaking up a little sun on the porch

 Cassidy and I have continued to be involved with ministries at the church. Last Saturday we woke up at the bright and early hour of 6:00 to help with a children's event that began at 9:00. We, along with others from the church, dressed up as clowns and walked around the village inviting children to come to the event that would occur later that day, as well as other events at the church. Cassidy and I also continue to attend the weekly prayer meeting at church on Tuesday nights and the Bible study that our host mom leads at our house on Wednesday nights. The two of us roommates have begun working with the children and youth group meetings on Saturdays. In fact, Cassidy gave the message at the youth group meeting last night.

a children's event at church

 A week ago today, Cassidy, Alex (the other missionary intern), and I traveled with Tim and his wife Margarita (United World Mission missionaries who live here in Paraguay) to a town about an hour and a half away called Tobati. We spent the afternoon at a mission called Su Refugio (His Refuge) where we attended church, ate lunch, toured the grounds, and went hiking. The mission serves many purposes, including an orphanage and a women's shelter. We were able to talk to several people who work there and hear their stories of how God called them to missions. We were also able to share our stories about coming to Paraguay. My eyes were opened to a completely new world on this short day trip! It was the first time I had ever heard God telling me that missions might be what I am supposed to be doing with my life after this internship. Obviously I have no idea what the future holds, but I trust the One who hold the future! We'll see what happens after this year :)

visiting Su Refugio (His Refuge) in Tobati

 Yesterday Cassidy and I went out to eat at a buffet within a mall for our host parents' 25th anniversary, which they will celebrate this coming week. It was great to spend time with just the two of them, without any of our host siblings around. They are incredibly fun people who love the Lord with all their heart and desire for us to grow in our faith in Him. I continue to grow closer to them with each passing day, and they continue to inspire me with their story! I am SO blessed to live with this family!

out to eat with our host parents for their 25th anniversary

It is time to sign off because we are heading out soon to walk along the river, our Sunday night routine as a family. I have another long week of teaching ahead of me, and I hope that it goes more smoothly than the last. I expect it to, now that I have met all of my students and they know what is expected of them this year in English class. Until next time, Dios te bendiga! :)

Ways you can be praying...

1) for the school year

2) for my relationships here in Paraguay and with everyone back home

3) for guidance and wisdom in my daily life, and also relating to plans for the future

4) for continued growth in my identity in Christ