New Teacher on the block

In my opinion, the joy of seeing homework assigned and completed has made my first two months of teaching a smashing success. I believe in counting my blessings from all angles. Fourth grade seems to be a great time in a nine or ten years life to test exactly how much work and effort are they really going to have to put in for a new teacher. Early on in the year, the “my dog ate my homework” excuse came across my desk, yet was challenged when they were given plenty of fresh paper and the recess time to use it. Being a new teacher has made me realize how valuable each minute in the day really is when giving my students the attention and instruction they deserve. I have to admit that it has been a pleasure seeing them adjust to routine and workload demands. My class consists of 10 students each willing to learn at their own pace, still holding on stubbornly to their old ways of thinking what school should be. The idea of individual involvement and a community atmosphere has begun to flourish as it is being taught in Social Studies and everyday classroom behavior. They are smart beyond my wildest dreams and I know that no challenge that I set before them really has gone unanswered. Pray for their safety and strength as the rest of the school-year continues to march on. Pray that they are lead to trust God for what home and society is not providing them. Pray most of all that God is lifted up and glorified for all the successes that take place in and around Immanuel Mission in 2007. Everyone back home in Dubuque and around our great country, you guys are great!

xie xie 謝 (Thank you in Chinese)

Click above to view additional photos taken by Yearbook Committee