I know that I haven't kept in contact. And I'm really sorry about this. That's the thing with this procrastination thing, it's terrible. I constantly say "I'll do it tomorrow" . . . but tomorrow never comes.
However, tomorrow is here. Here's a small piece of what it's been like living overseas. There's so much to learn, see, and experience that, as you know, I can't possibly describe it all. But, heres to me trying to give you a little glimpse.
I can't believe I . . .
- sat in a mangosteen tree and ate fruit that I had just picked -- mmm, heaven!
- climbed a durian tree, had a durian party, and currently have some in my fridge.
- have kids. Yes, it's true, about 500 of them, to be precise.
- don't miss the cold. I love having 80 degree weather constantly.
- had a lake around my house. It flooded :)
- live without a microwave. It's taught me not to be lazy anymore. No more nuking! Much healthier :)
- speak Malayenglish. Quite well too! You'd think I was a native :)
- think my idea of a retreat is to travel 2 hours up a mountain to a tiny village for a weekend. And spend the most wonderful time swimming in rivers that contain things I don't even want to think about!
- am the pianist for a youth singing group. They've made me realize that the youth of our church really are the future. They just need a little encouragement to get them going
- am teaching grammar to secondary school students. I study one lesson ahead of them!
- am now a totally different shade of brown. So brown that my students call me "black"!
- enjoy the simplest things, like sharing a chocolate cake with my cousin. Spending hours talking about nothing. Being ourselves.
- have an ISP -- my nephew.
- has a mango tree in the front yard from which I got fresh, delicious, yummy-yummy mangoes from during season (making me wish for more again)
- lives with all manners of creatures: rats, flies, ants, cockroaches, etc. Actually, I can't believe I haven't freaked yet.
- write my dates like this "2 March 2010" instead of "March 2, 2010"
- spend my time discussing problem students during my spare time
- live without water occasionally. I have buckets.
- can almost sing the National Anthem and State Song by heart . . . almost!
- now say "football" instead of "soccer" -- it is the real name after all
- don't want to go home.
There are so many more things that just cannot be put into words. People, places, jokes, experiences, how does one describe it all? It's impossible. It's really been an amazing to be here in Sabah for these months. I've learned that teaching is not so bad after all (after saying that I'd never, ever, ever teach . . . guess what I did for 6 months?!), that kids are amazing little human beings, that I should never underestimate my students. I've learned to laugh, joke, and somehow coax students into doing their assignments. I've learned that yes, I do sound like my mom sometimes (which scared me like none other!), and that I need to get out of my shell a little bit more. I've learned that I can't keep living behind someone else, I can't wait for someone to reach out to me -- I've gotta reach out first. Taking the first step is the hardest but can reward you with the best experience you'll ever have. I've learned that I'm not naturally organized, I tend to be a bit of a mess.
But the biggest thing I've learned is that I can't do any of this by myself. I'm a young adult who doesn't know what she's doing teaching students. I have no degree, no experience whatsoever, and yet here I am teaching! I asked what Solomon asked, Give me wisdom and knowledge that I may go out and come in before these people.And He answered! He's given me the knowledge and wisdom to teach classes, to come up with ideas for presenting ideas, for being here. It's made me realize even more that He did want me here, there was a reason for this adventure.
Love,
Misha
0 comments:
Post a Comment