Well, my first week of observing is over and I only have one more day to prepare standing in front of my classroom full of eager and ready to learn students! Since I have been here I have learned of soooo many opportunities. There are so many people that want to learn the language and be able to use it in the future. Most of you know that when I set out on this journey that I would only be teaching to 1st Graders! When I was bored to death (only had 1 class a day) I volunteered to go the middle school to see the students! They too, would be excited to meet me and ask questions about America (I was told!) Who would have known that my volunteer exercise would put something else on my heart to do while i am here. As I went to each grade and watched each one of their classes, I realized that the 8th graders only knew simple things. The 1st graders had even passed them on their English skills. There can be many reasons to why this has happened. The biggest reason is that they have not had an English teacher in this school. Unfortunately, from what I was told...for these students, this would be their last year attending school if they did not improve. Well being the person that I am, I did not even think it through before I stood in front of the class and told them that if they wanted me too, if they would REALLY try, then I would come and teach them in the afternoons. Oh my gosh, you should see the faces on these children when you tell them that you will give them time to teach them and make them more successful. Bliss.
On Tuesday night I was able to chaperon an Ice Hockey Game. It was wonderful! I had so much fun! I got home and late and exhausted but it was Ice Hockey! They sure were not as good as the Canes, but it was a lot of fun!
On Wednesday night I got to travel into Budapest to meet up with some of the translators that I met in Munkacs, Ukraine. Despite the 2 hour ride on the train because of construction, when I arrived in Budapest it was well worth the wait. I met up with Mariann, Lilly and Lila. We ended up going to a church service and seeing Andras. It was a great worship service because it was held in an international church and the preacher was from California. Complete English was used there and for a few moments i felt like I was home. We took a walk around the Danube river before I got on the train and headed home! It was SO much fun! I will be able to attend the International church on every Wednesday night!!!!
So this is the really exciting part of my week! I was able to attend the final celebration of a dance off competition that has been happening at the church where our team went this Summer! Although it was a 26 hour day for me (driving there and coming back!) it was the best part of my trip thus far. I really don't know how many of you know this, but the week that I was in Munkacs was one of the best weeks of my life. I got to meet some really incredible people. So on our long journey there I learned that we were traveling with a famous Hungarian singer who won something like the "American Idol" in our Country, here in Hungary! We also had with us one of Hungary's most famous Reporters who would do a piece on Munkacs, Ukraine. When we arrived the gypsy people were excited and eager to start the show. The show consisted of all dancers. They are so talented!! People came from all over the villages to participate and watch the show. Oh my, what God has done in that church just in the past 2 months of us being there. The people have multiplied and isn't that amazing.
So, I got to sit in the VIP section! So, from all the noise and excitement going on in the room. I heard a small voice say, "Jessie!" When I turned around it was my precious 4 boys that I had fallen in love with in June! They remembered me. When I walked up to them...they all greeted me with big fat sloppy kisses and hugs! These are not your normal day to day hugs, these are the most compassionate and meaningful hugs you could ever get from a 6 year old boy. Out of their mouths they said, "I love you!!." They said it over and over. I remember thinking of the day that I would be able to see them again! They then had to show me that they remembered all the English words that I had taught them 2 months ago.
What I really want you to catch in this whole blog is: the fact that these children REMEMBERED what I had told them 2 months before. I had spent time with them, gave them hugs and made them special and I also told them about God and how he loved them as well. These little boys remembered EVERYTHING that I told them. When I get confused and down on why I am here... all i have to remember are those 4 little boys! Even though I do not get to see them as much as I would like to while I am here... that is what I have to think about!
Right now my PRAYER REQUESTS ARE:
1)There are some people who want me to teach language on a weekly basis (maybe at night!) for young adults and Adults. I think that this would be great, but we really need to get started. I also need help in preparing and seeing what the best way to do this is.
2) I am starting teaching on Tuesday! Pray for me. (ALSO, if you have suggestions of what I could do.. I have to do a CULTURAL day for all grades! What is something I could do to show what America is really like...music, etc. no food!)
3) Munkacs, Ukraine: They really wanted me to come there and help teach. Pray for my decision if I would want to stay longer and go help them! They are really where my heart is. I felt like home the 10 hours I was there! They also want to start an orphanage. Right now, they could accept more than 30 kids (that are in NEED RIGHT NOW!)
4) For my guidance. There is so much to be done.
I'm going to post a few pictures! I hope that you are having a great day! Let me know if any of you would like to join a Ukraine trip next Summer or if you would like to donate or help my mission. These people have a heart for Jesus. I'm telling you..they want to learn more!
Love,
Jessie
1st picture is of my boys. They are praying for their favorite team to win! I thought it was very sweet. THe second picture is of all the teams that were in the finals. There is a picture of me and the girls in Budapest. There is one more picture of the boys! THe other picture is of the reporters filming while Jonas was speaking!
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