Crazy Adventures in the Life of a Redhead

In my opinion, one of the greatest joys of being a teacher is attending to the cornucopia of personalities found in the class. This joy is even greater (if you are eager for a challenge) and more humorous when you are dealing with students who speak English as a second language. I have the advantage that, in the Philippines, students are taught from an early age to speak English. My students have all graduated from high school, so they read well and write fairly well; however the cultural differences, the laughter and the occasional moments of frustration (asking a question and waiting five or more minutes to watch the student struggle to communicate the answer) have certainly continued to test my sense of good teaching principles. I am constantly trying to reformulate words, slow down my rhythm and look into their eyes for signs of confusion or comprehension.  I have also become a bit of a witty militant to maintain some order and teaching cohesiveness: I have turned my c...

--> This year I celebrated my third international birthday party. I added the Philippines to France and Senegal where I have hosted parties and celebrations in honor of another year of life God has given me to live on this earth. Life should never be taken for granted, and each day should be lived to the fullness of God’s grace. I remember that when I was 18, I thought I had nothing to learn and no improvements to make. (How prideful and foolish I was!) At the precipice of the impending adventure of my 26 th year, I have humbly and joyfully realized the immensity of what I must learn and how I can change for the better service to my Father in heaven and to my brothers and sisters all around this great world.  --> I guess that it why I love birthdays so much: it is my personal Thanksgiving and my unique New Year’s celebration. I am always able to share in my thankfulness and rejoicing with those around me, and this year, I had quite the party! I planned...

A carving on the oldest tree in Baguio I forgot how much I enjoy teaching a subject about which I am passionate to students who are also enthused. I love teaching! It is so exciting to develop a subject and share the knowledge I have acquired from my own personal study, coupled with the observations and comments of my students. Really teaching is about learning, and it humbles me, realizing there are so many angles to a topic. I have been teaching the book of Acts in the New Testament, and it is such a rich example of the power of the Holy Spirit. Not only do I enjoy explaining various terms or events, but also I am soaking in the practical applications for my own life.  My lovely room on level "B" Another wonderful element in my life—simple but wonderful nonetheless—has been sharing some of my goodies from Senegal. I brought tea and café Touba (a spicy ground coffee that Senegalese are terribly fond of) and my knowledge of a few basic Senegalese dishes. I ...