So Refreshing!

It is refreshing to be here in Thailand. To be in a country where they not only put their icecream on hotdog buns, but put corn and beans on the icecream as well, it is actually so wonderful! I thank God everyday for this opportunity to serve him here. From the students in my classroom, to the kids on the street running around with no shoes who are dirty from head to toe. Thailand is so interesting in that fact that yes, there are some beautiful, nice, rich parts and places, yet right in the middle of that are the dirty, smelly streets with homeless people who are barely making it through living in shacks (which look a lot the homes in Haiti). This can be seen somewhat in that states, but not nearly as much and to the same degree. It is hard to explain really, but definitely heartbreaking.

In the (almost) 3 week so far that I have been here I have able to observe so much. Although there is much here that you would definitely see in the states, there is also much that you wouldn't see and (the majority of it) is refreshing to me. For instance, today at lunch there was a dessert. Usually once or twice a week they have a dessert out. Now, in Thailand they don't make very good desserts (but the food itself is very tasty). As I was eating my lunch I noticed a very long line forming over near the where the dessert usually is (if there is some). I couldn't really see what the kids were getting though so I leaned over to one of the teachers and asked what the dessert was for the day, she said...jell-o. The kids were so ecstatic about jell-o! It is a huge treat in Thailand. My mind was blown away! In the states, jell-o isn't looked at as a yummy dessert that is raved over, yet here these kids wanted as much as they could get. It is simple things like that have been opening my eyes and keeping me refreshed. Different cultures are so wonderful! Things are just viewed so differently. For example, ESL is viewed so differently and in a good way. In the states I feel like ESL (English as a second language) and ELL (English Language Learners) students are viewed as such a negative thing and the children are treated as if they have a special need when they are ESL or ELL. While here, it is just what it is. Children from all different parts of the world are learning English and don't speak it well. This is because it is an international school, but ESL isn't viewed negatively and therefore I think the students don't get frustrated as much with it and believe more in themselves because they don't feel that they are a burden to the teacher. Coming in I was "preparing" myself to help these ESL students with their self-esteem and self-motivation, but it is so different here, in a good way. My eyes have been open and it has been such a blessing. I thank God so much for allowing me to have a better understanding of ESL and ELL students that I would have never have had if I wouldn't have come overseas to student teach. I am learning also, good strategies for ESL students! Such a plus! Every minute I spend with my students I really am falling more in love with them. I think since they are more adjusted to me and my teaching I can really get to know them and connect with them. It has just been wonderful! I was able to help get them all tested today to find their reading level. It was a great learning experience for me to do the reading assessments! I was so excited to learn how to really do it. My students' reading levels span from a low 1st grade reading level to a fifth grade reading level! Learning how to teach to every student will be a challenge, but I look forward to it! I am going to learn so much! They are such precious children who are hungry to learn and be loved. They have the funniest questions and talk about the cutest things. Each has their own personality.

A few days ago, Harry came into the classroom in the morning and was sitting as at his desk, not doing his morning work, as usual (haha), so I walked over and saw him staring at his hand as he opened and closed it into a fist. I knelt down and asked him what he was doing. He looked at me and sweetly said, "LOOK!" as he pointed to his knuckles while he was still opening and closing his hand. I explained to him that we all have knuckles as I made my hand into a fist as well and that they help us use our hands, otherwise we wouldn't be able to pick things up or grip things. He replied with "God made me cool!" He is not a Christian (to my knowledge), but so hungry for God. He is always asking questions about God and asking things like God made this? or Can I pray to God for this? It is so precious. Many of the students are like this. Harry has a rough homelife, but God has great plans for him, as well as for all my students! Pleae pray for them and their salvation. Pray that the Holy Spirit moves! Also, every Tuesday there is a special club after school called GNC (The Good News Club) and many kids attend to hear about the Gospel. It is kind of like AWANA, only right it is after school on Tuesdays. It is truly a fanastic ministry opportunity. I am helping with the 5th graders. Today was the first day and it was absolutely amazing! I love the kids and look forward to teaching them about the Bible for the next 7 weeks I am here. Like I said, they are all so hungry and open! It makes it so much more fun to teach them about God! Please pray or this as well. This is one of the reasons I know that I am here for. I have the chance to lead these 5th graders right to Christ which is so exciting! I didn't think I would like teaching the older kids, but am super excited now to!

Yes, it is still hot and humid. I have bug bites all over me, all the time. I get really tired from the heat and nasty sweating, but it doesn't matter. This where God wants me and so, I love it here! It's not about me, it's about HIM! Thank you all so much for you love and prayers. It helps me through my hard days to know that I have you all praying me through! I love you all! Another update will come soon!

Working for the Lord, not men,
Katelyn