So much has happened this month! Our Papa has been incredibly faithful (as He always is) and given us an amazing 1st month in our placement.
School:
We officially started classes on Sept 9th. Despite the fact that we didn't plan on teaching together, our Papa knew exactly what He had in mind by allowing us to co-teach the same students. We both teach 4 different Intermediate classes. We have two set of students at 4:30pm and 2 different ones at 6:15pm. We alternate between classrooms so students can get to see each one of us twice a week. We are enjoying the process of teaching and planning together. Doing this together is really showing us how much we complement each other in strengths and ideas.
Fellowship:
Through another American teacher from school, we were able to find a fellowship! They are a humble and loving group of about 30 brothers and sisters. Even though the service is in Russian, we have been bl3ssed to have someone translate the message for us during the past two Sundays. This fellowship is like-minded and was founded 20 years ago! To our greater surprise, some of the believers are former students of past teachers and are now leaders!
What is stirring:
We are starting to build relationship with our students and other people around us. Some of them have taken us out to eat, to museums, to play soccer, and are taking us on walks to have more of an understanding of their culture. We hope that these relationships continue to grow.
Also, as a country they want to implement the use of English country wide so this potentially means more teachers and light! I (Paul) have been positioned as the Country Administrator and one of my responsibilities is to build more connections with other schools and grow our number of teachers if possible. With where this country is wanting to go, this seems to be very possible and might open the door for other great opportunities! But we will continue to update you as things continue to play out.
This month has been full of excitement, growth, and settling down into our new lives. We are so thankful for His constant care, provision, and love.
May He continue to fill you too with His favor, joy, and peace.
In Him,
Paul and Robin