Monday, September 21, 2009

Back in the Classroom

I am enjoying the place that I am living and getting used to life in the Muncie area.  There is not too much going on right now, but I figured I'd tell you a funny story and give you a short update.  Since my pay with Interlink remains the same while I am here in the States (despite the higher cost of living), I have picked up some subbing in the schools in my neighborhood.  It is fun to be back in the classroom on a temporarly basis.

My first day in the classroom was pretty entertaining and I thought you might enjoy hearing about it.  I was in third grade.  At snack time I did things differently than their regular teacher.  Normally she lets them all get a snack and go to the bathroom at the same time.  Due to my being a sub, I didn't feel comfortable with this, so I told them that I would tap them on the shoulder when they were quietly working at which time they could get their snack.  I also made them use the restroom one at a time.  One of the boys just couldn't handle this change in schedule.  He told me over and over "You don't know nothing."  Anytime one of the other kids would say something to him he would just get louder in his proclamation.  At one point he even put himself in the hallway, but came back in when he wasn't getting enough attention.  Thankfully, when I was getting frustrated, the class had music.  Music gave him a chance to get back into his daily routine and he had a much better rest of the day.  I will be subbing for this class again on Friday, which should be fun because they are already used to me. 

God has been providing for my needs in so many different ways.  The most recent way was his provision of a car for me.  I had been loaned a car during my time here.  The people loaning the car to me decided that they wanted to donate the car to Interlink.  Due to tax laws, it was not worth it for Interlink to own a car.  As a result, I offered to purchase the car.  Instead, the owners of the car decided to give me the car.  What a blessing!

Over the next few weeks I will be working with Interlink to try to determine my status for my time here in States.  No matter my status, I will be unable to remain insured by the company that Interlink has insurance with because it is international insurance.  As a result, I will have to find medical insurance by January.  

The KC staff of Interlink are busy right now preparing for the start of our programs in October.  We will start our birthday celebrations and visits in mid-October.  We have made some changes this year due to decreased staff.  I am excited to continue to be a part of this, even though I am in the States.  We are currently working on having each child fill out a survey to give to their sponsors.  I came down with a sore throat this weekend.  I am hoping that it will not be a replay of my last sore throat.  Otherwise, my health is doing great.  I am sleeping well (when I don't procratinate with my bedtime) and am enjoying the friendships I am building here.