My second class was Rosina's class. They all ran to give me hugs and greet me, which was really exciting and sweet! I love this class! Rosina could not take me to the other school, so she told me that I could leave a few minutes early in order to catch a bus! So, we spent the class time catching up about what had happened in the past 2 weeks since I saw them! Then 3 of the students told me that they had made a power point about their southern food, and they wanted to share it with me! They said they based it on the lessons I had been doing about "The South". It took us a while to get the computer hooked up, but when we did, I was one proud "teacher"! Holy cow...it was simple, but very well put together and clearly they worked hard to think about what to include, and what to write on the slides. There were a few grammar mistakes, but WHO CARES....how awesome is it that they took it upon themselves to do this small project! I was super impressed and definitely learned some thing about their food. The scary thing was towards the end when they taught me about how they do not waste any pork when cooking it for this kind of sausage that they make. The students said that they cook EVERYTHING and use it all: head, eyes, feet, legs, heart, brain, etc. You name it, they use it. Rosina confirmed this for me! Yuck! This was difficult to look at! However, it meant so much to me that they wanted to do this for me, and that they were motivated enough to do it! YAY for classes like this one! They did not have time to explain ALL of the dishes in the pictures to me, but I really enjoyed this hour.
So, I left a few minutes early, and then went to catch the bus. I walked to a different stop and waited. I didn't take the first one that came along thinking that the "better" bus would come. It didn't. When I asked a lady if she had seen "18", and she said no, this other man came up and started speaking English to me! IT was so sweet, and he didn't understand that I knew I needed that bus, but bless him for his help! I ended up just taking the next available bus to Castrolibero.
Francesca's class was...interesting. It started with me showing them some of the pictures in the powerpoint that my other students had just shown me. I was asking them what was in some of the dishes because my other students did not get to tell me! They were really excited to tell me and to see the pictures. As I was about to wrap this up, Francesca came back into the room and said, "umm...can I ask exactly what the lesson is about today?" While saying this she had the most disgusted look on her face. I said, "well, I was just asking them about this because my other students did not have time to tell me! The actual lesson is more about the schools." She said, "ooh....okay." So, then I proceeded with the lesson, and about 2 minutes into it she stopped me to tell me that "this was not what I had in mind when I asked you to do the differences between the schools. I was hoping you would talk about how you have elementary school, middle school, etc." My thoughts: well, I could have done that and it would have lasted about 10 minutes, and these kids are NOT in elementary school, but rather they are in high school....THUS, let's talk about the differences between what their reality is at the moment! So then I proceeded with the lesson, and they were really engaged and interested. They were answering questions, asking questions, etc. She also kept saying, "well, in the UK it is this way...not that way". Okay, I'm not denying that it is that way in the UK, but THIS is how it is in the U.S. In this moment I could not care less how they do it in the UK because I am not teaching about that. Needless to say, I was happy to hear the bell at this point because I was tired of feeling like she hates American ways.
Angelino's class was okay. The lesson started with enthusiasm, and they were really engaged and LOUD. It did reach a point where the back half of the class was so loud and not paying attention at all, and I was so tired of having to yell over the noise, which gives me a really bad headache! T., the American student, and the boys sitting in the front said that they talked and decided that they wanted me to keep teaching even if the ones in the back were not participating. They said that they were paying attention and wanted to learn. He said, "just keep going for us!!" After it was all over, Angelino said that the students enjoyed the lesson, but this is so hard for me when they do not pay attention and I spend 45ish minutes yelling over them to the point of frustration and headache.
WHen school was over, I came home, ate lunch, talked to my momma, NIck, April, etc. I worked on the differences between the schools lesson, worked on blogs a little bit, and talked to Nick. I talked to Nick for most of the time, even when I am working!
This week I am really struggling with living in the moment and enjoying Italy! I know that I need to stop that, and hold on to every minute. I think it has just been rough coming back from all of that time with people and stuff.
Tonight when we did Bible study, I was reminded that I am supposed to be patient...and I need to be remembering this! I also went back to my life verse, which is Isaiah 41:10. It says, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Words to live by there...do not be afraid or discouraged...my God is bigger than anything that I deal with, struggle with, or feel!
Tonight I had a WONDERFUL treat! I was able to talk to my Erin for 2 1/2 hours...bed at 2 am? Who cares, because I was able to talk to her about so many things, and yet we still have so much more to talk about! I miss being with her every day and sharing everything with her!
She looked beautiful, and it made me so excited to see her face in just a few weeks! I think it is like 6ish weeks, and while I refuse to wish my time away, I am SOOOOOOOO excited for my Erin and my Meagan to get here! We are going to have a wonderful time! I can still hardly believe that they will be here! How incredible is that?!?!? Anyway, Erin and I had deep conversation, silly conversation, and just loved on each other! I value that time soo much!
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