If you couldn't tell from the title, this has been the week that I've been praying about, looking forward to, and planning for since I found out I was going on this trip. This week was our FIRST WEEK OF SUMMER CAMP 2019!!! WOOP WOOP!!!! I anxiously looked over and prayed over each of my 12 students that I would be teaching English to, and when Monday came, I think I was just as excited as the kids were. This week has been so stretching in so many ways. Most of my students speak very little English, and if they do speak English, they don't want to do it out loud because they don't want to mess up. So most definitely the biggest challenge has been communication thus far, and competing with those stubborn students who just refuse to speak English. But even on day 3 of camp, one of the french speaking students tried to ask me a question in French, and I just looked at her and said "English please!" So she went back to her friend and asked her in french how to say what she wanted to say in English, and then came back to me and asked in English. In that moment, I realized how much I love these kids, and how much they are beginning to impact me and the way that I teach. I know just thinking about it now, it's going to be hard to let them go on Friday.
Just when I thought I was starting to get into some sort of a rhythm with camp, I got hit HARD Thursday morning with fevers, head congestion, and chest congestion(probably a sinus infection, but we're not 100% sure), that had me pretty much out of commission Thursday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Luckily I was able to get in with our host families doctor who has prescribed me some antibiotics, cough syrup, nasal spray, etc. so now I'm feeling quite a bit better. I think one thing the Lord has been teaching me through everything this week is that I'm not going to always be in control, I can't control the languages my kids prefer to speak in, I can't control what my body decides to do, but I CAN put my trust in the one who IS in control, and who loves these kids so much more than I could ever even imagine.
Here a few pictures from the past week:
This was a gorgeous sunset the other night from the roof of our apartment.
Standing on top of the roof of our school, one of my favorite places to go on break.
Some of my sweet students working hard!
Working on drawing things we see with our eyes.
The swings were a popular thing to draw ;)
Here are 5 ways you can pray for us this week:
1. For continuing healing of my body, as well as a restored energy!
2. For the relationships that the American team is working hard to build with our Tunisian teaching assistants.
3. For students who may be a little hesistant to speak during our presentation for the parents on Friday.
4. For the country of Tunisia as a whole, there was another bombing on Wednesday night.
5. For patience for me as I attempt to communicate with my french speaking students.
<3 Always,
Rose
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