Long-Overdue Update

    It has been far too long since I've posted, and for that I apologize. I've been busy -- that's the short explanation. I want to fill in the gap and tell about what's gone on since I started teaching, but it is just too much, so I'll have to jump ahead and fill you in later.

  To sum up: teaching has been quite a challenge for me. I spend more time on classroom management than on actual teaching. 2nd grade and 3rd/4th grade (combined class) are the worst. The other classes are not too bad, though there is still a general lack of respect. Even so, I love the kids and they seem to like me. They are pleasant outside of class.

 I have met a lot of people and I am enjoying getting to know them better. After a tough day/week of teaching, meeting with a friend for dinner is so refreshing to me. When I think of these growing friendships, the time I have left here seems terribly short. I want to relish all the time I have with them. For now, many are only a short bus ride away. Others take more effort to see - a bus or train ride of an hour or two. Right now that seems far, but I know that it's nothing compared with the distance when I leave.

  Yesterday and today were so good -- a welcome respite after a rough few days (Wednesday and Thursday!) You see, the former TaLK scholar who was placed at the same school I am at now, is back in Korea. We've talked a little bit already via Skype and Facebook, but Friday was the first time we met in person. She came with me to the school to visit the students, and we talked a lot. It is amazing how much alike we are. Though our personalities and backgrounds are very different, we are now so much of one mind. We met again today to talk, and boy, we sure talked! For dinner we were joined by one of her former co-teachers. We all enjoyed talking together and the meal was great.

  After all the talking yesterday and today, I feel so encouraged. I see light. I see hope.

  I've struggled to stay hopeful when I see no improvement in my classes. I've worked often in frustration, seeing no fruit. I still trust God to work it all out for good, though I can't see how. Now... I see a new glimmer of hope. I feel like improvement is attainable. It is all in God's hands.