One of those days

It is mid-week and I'm running low on everything--patience, energy, motivation, etc. The past couple of days I've just felt like a crummy teacher. Even my good classes aren't really paying attention. It is starting to set in that I'm here for the long haul. I have several more months of teaching, long days, and giving all of myself to others. I know I can't do it on my own; I have to continue to rely on Him.

Outside of class I had some good interactions with a few students. I'm going to eat lunch in the student "canteen" with a few girls tomorrow. (I'm bringing a back-up sandwich for later, since I heard the student cafeteria is worse than the teacher's.) That is pretty exciting that the students are warming up to me and are approaching me more now.

There were also some other interactions outside of class that were disappointing, and I can't elaborate on them in this blog. It was the first time that I've ever started crying at the school since I've been here. Today I just had a heavy weight of trying to work inside this culture and system. Sometimes I forget that I'm an outsider, but I was definitely reminded of it today. I know I haven't explained much, but can you please lift these issues up?

Today the weather was overcast and a bit drizzly, but it was a nice change of pace from 30 days of constant heat and haze. I taught a new lesson on "money," which turned out very interestingly. We talked about idioms and proverbs relating to money, and most of the students had the same opinion. The discussions were good because they had strong beliefs on money, happiness, etc, so they weren't afraid to talk. However, all the opinions were so similar, and it was hard to get any diverse answers. A few of their answers sounded like they were straight from a communist textbook.

The class went crazy when I pulled out two ragged American dollars and passed them around. It was sort of funny. In the end, they weren't that impressed, though, because the dollar "isn't as colorful" as the Chinese yuan. I agree. We also did an exercise where we pretended the class had 100 yuan to spend however they wished. Each group came up with an idea and tried to persuade each other to choose their idea. I had the class vote on the ideas. Some ideas were Mp3 players, basketballs, diapers for poor babies, and "donate it to somebody." They decided on getting a radio so the class could listen to the BBC. Fair enough.

I know this entry isn't all sunshine, but it's the truth and I'm glad I can share some of it with you. Can you think of us as we teach and try to build relationships? Can you think of me as I'm battling a toe infection and on the verge of having a sinus infection? Thanks so much. You are the best!