La Profesora de Espanol

I'm pretty excited tonight as I write this entry. As of yesterday, I am now a Spanish tutor for two Chinese boys, both of whom are in the 4th grade. How crazy weird is that?!

Our first lesson: the alphabet and numbers. Before beginning, I let them pick out a Spanish name from a list of names I had acquired online. Chale and Nicolas - those were the ones they wanted. I was secretly hoping for maybe a Pedro, Juan, Jose, Rico, Carlos, or even Ricky Martin... My Spanish name isn't too terribly exciting: Emilia.

To some of you, this tutoring job might sound a bit random, and honestly, it is. A fellow teacher friend of mine emailed me something she had found posted on the teacher bulletin board: Two boys looking to take Spanish or French lessons. I immediately called the number I had in the email. In a matter of one day, I was scheduled to teach. I asked the boys' mothers why they wanted to learn Spanish... they said their sons were gifted in learning English, so they figured they would just add on another language and give it a try. Here I am. This is divine appointment.

Over the past week and a half, I have had a piece of Spanish almost every day - overhearing a conversation in the dressing room at SuperBrand Mall; sitting next to a table of Spanish businessmen at Starbucks; hearing a Spanish song on the radio in the taxi; a man stopping me for directions who had a very distinguished Spanish accent; hearing a woman speak on her cellphone as she passed me; a couple speaking Spanish in the grocery store... That might be common in the States, but in China, that is almost unheard of (and for it to be so consistent...). I am desperate to be back in Latin America, but have needed China so much. The things that have happened to me here had to happen before I could see Latin America again... I love how He has placed within my Spirit a little piece of Latin America in my classroom two times a week. And just because He loves me.

I can't hope for Latin America so much that I miss out on Him or what He has left for me in China, but I can rejoice in the confirmation of the things that are yet to come.

Homecoming

March 1, 2008. Today marks my seventh month in China.

It's been a while since I've written an entry, though luckily I've been able to correspond with most of you via email and my latest obsession: Skype!

I wanted to let all of you know that after much thought and prayer, I have made the decision to move back to the States in July, & you better be excited. :)
I have no idea where I'll be moving to, nor what I'll be doing once I get to where I'm going... but I know that He has spoken clearly and will provide for me in His timing. I am not wanting to move back, honestly; I was made for this. But right now, I am having to leave. Please keep me in your thoughts* as I prepare for this transition. I hope to start working on a masters program in education upon returning, get involved in a great Body of believers, as well as continue with teaching.

Chick-fil-A,
It'll be great seein you again. I've missed you.

4 months and counting,
Em