Hey there everyone,

Terribly sorry its been near months since I actually updated--life's been rather hectic here.  Teacher's leaving early, new teachers coming, school ending, summer school beginning, sudden changing of needs and plans, so yes, basically I've been a bit swamped.  I'm actually in class right now, but the students are doing a writing workshop so I can spare a moment or two to give you all an update.

I am the English one teacher to 7 students(and dean to 12 girls only three of which are old students), only two are new students as the others used to be in our high school.  We have a total of 31 students in our summer school--to give you an idea of the difference in numbers we only had 20 high schoolers during the school year with seven high school teachers.  Now?  We have five teachers, with one English 2 class with five students, one ESL 1 class and one ESL 2 class with ESL dominating in numbers.  heather teaches reading and writing in ESL and another teacher teaches conversation and book work.  I'll give you a sample schedule, at least for me:

Up every morning between 7-8 (workout if I have the energy)
At school by 8:15
School starts at 8:30
8:30-3:30 I teach English writing and grammar and literature with writing workshops, presentations, at least one fun activity a day, reviews and quizzes
3:30-5:30 or 6 I grade papers and get ready for the next day
7-9 study hall
10:30 collect cell phones and computers in dorm
11:30 make sure all the lights are out and everyone's sleeping like babies

Every Tuesday night I have to escort the A students to night market, I have to plan at least 2 worships as well, and once a week we have a school wide activity that takes away some of the school hours thus making us have to teach in the evenings to make up for lost hours.

So yah...I'm a bit on the busy side.  We also have to plan after school activities, two weekend activities(which include vespers, sabbath school, church, sabbath afternoon activity, Saturday night activity, and Sunday activity), and basically are considered nannies to some of the kids.  Some of the new kids have proved to be troublesome with some rather serious issues so the dynamics of our student body is not at all what it once was.  Sadly the ratio of good students to troubled ones is troubled ones win out by at least two.  Though the good ones are very good and of the troubled ones only a few are VERY troublesome.

Because we're short staffed we all have to cover for each other, and thankfully we have great staff here(true blessing indeed!) so that's not too much of a problem.  At the same time summer school is going on we are also trying to get things ready for the coming school year, which starts the 1st of September, so we're all multi-tasking to say the least.

Despite the long days, and nights, and the lack of sleep, and the lack of confidence in my ability to properly prepare these kids for English 2, and the new dynamics and issues with certain students and various sudden issues that are mini emergencies, I feel that I am making a difference here.  Its HARD hard work, working in the psychiatric facility is nothing compared to this, but it is equally rewarding.  I am making life long connections here and am being continually blessed by my students and coworkers.  Its surprising how much I have changed within the last year, I almost don't recognize the person who wrote in my journal at the beginning of the year.  I prayed for God to help me change, to mold me and shape me according to his will, and by his will he has started to do so.  I'm FAR from complete, and I'll always be the rather cranky and emotional dolt that I used to be from time to time, but with God's help I've managed to make some changes, for the better, that I'm thankful for.

I am nervous about coming back to the States though.  From the way we talk, dress, and eat my sister and I have altered at least a little, if not a lot.  Even in the way we view interactions between people, physical touch, business interactions, friendly meetings, and basic human relations we've changed at least a little.  I know there will be many things I don't like about the American culture when I come home, there will be shocks and surprises, both good and bad, and in general it will be difficult to re-acclimate to the culture.  One reason why I'm telling you this is because my sister and I will need understanding and acceptance instead of criticism and anger whenever one such situation pops up.  Okay?  Thanks.

I would write more but unfortunately I have to go scarf down some lunch in my measly break between now and when class starts up again in full swing.  Hope all is well with you and yours.  God bless and take care!