That is, the other side of this thing called the honeymoon phase (not just a casual Adele reference, although that's relevant too).
I want to take a moment to apologize for this poor excuse of documenting my experiences. I promise that my private journal entries are increasing at a healthy rate and I keep in regular contact with a few lovely, supportive people. Otherwise, I've done a terrible job at taking photos and posting to this blog, so I'm sorry.
It's been three months since I landed in South Africa. When traveling or studying overseas, I have never stayed in one location for so long; I've never surpassed the honeymoon phase of living abroad. Now my mind and body have settled into a routine so that I don't see my surroundings as extraordinary so easily anymore. Sights and sounds, faces and conversations, cultural and institutional habits have all normalized for me. I've reached a plateau, which is a steady, mundane, and comfortable place to be. This contented feeling is both a blessing and an alert to be constantly attentive, vigilant, and dedicated to the work ahead of me. Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly, as if working for the Lord and not for people. (Colossians 3:23)
On that note, my assignment at GCS has picked up! I tutor ~25 students throughout the week, all in grades 1-3 (AKA Junior Primary, AKA the important formative years). At this late in the school year, some students have already been told whether or not they will repeat their current grade. Some students may have fallen behind because of behavioral or financial issues. Some may have entered GCS with very little prior education and have advanced by leaps and bounds, but are still not at the level of their peers. Come what may, we are pressing on, reviewing Math and English every day!
In this season of contentedness and finding motivation, I want to make a few shout-outs of thanks. One to my dear university friends who gave me a deck of cards in a parting gift - who knew that everyday card games could teach Math and be fun?! I've also made a fool of myself more than once while reviewing English Phonics with 6 year-old non-native speakers. For that, I'm grateful for my days as a camp counselor which showed me how to relate to all ages of children in ways that are fun but also fruitful.
Lastly, I'm thankful for and humbled by these beautiful people who have committed themselves to teaching the next generation. This photo I took during National Teacher Appreciation Day shows the faculty at GCS who daily encourage my spirit and respond to my myriad of silly questions. I rely on them a lot, whether it's to provide review materials for the students or experienced teacher tips, which I am admittedly lacking. They call themselves a family; I can see it.
LOOKING AHEAD...
- November 26-27 MCC South Africa celebrates American Thanksgiving in Durban
- December 4 GCS Junior Primary host a Christmas Concert
- December 13-17 MCC South Africa retreat in Durban
- December 19-January 3 I head to Johannesburg and Kruger National Park for the holidays, fulfilling two major things on my bucket list, you can see why here!