I saw this stained glass window the other day. Half of each individual plane was clear and the other half was cloudy. It reminded me of how I'm viewing the Mexican culture. I'm only seeing part of it. Until I fully understand the language, I will still only see part of the culture. It's hard to try to understand something when you don't understand one of the fundamental aspects of said thing.
The more I thought about the window and realized how it clouded down of my vision of the city, the more I realized that we view God in that same way. The greatest theologians and the newest Christians agave something in common. Both have only a partial view of God and how He works.
Theologians have dedicated their lives to studying God's Word and His character, but they still do not understand all of it. This is because they are looking through their own human lens. No matter how much they study, they will never be able to fully comprehend God's nature. His being is beyond our human understanding.
The nature of the Mexican people is just out of reach for me, because I don't know the language. Therefore, I will be like the theologians who never stop studying God's Word. I will study Spanish until I am able to have a greater understanding of the people with whom I currently live.
That's what I've been learning lately. Now to give you a glimpse of what my life down here is like. I am teaching literature for 8th and 10th grade, and I'm also teaching writing for the 8th grade. Also, in an example of God's perfect humor, I am teaching PE for all the grades. I didn't like PE when I was taking it, by God works in mysterious ways.
My 8tb graders are currently reading A Wrinkle in Time. So far, they really seem to enjoy it. I have had fun watching their reactions to the book. My 10th graders are reading A Tale of Two cities. That has been a learning process for me. It is my first time reading the book, but I have many study guides and teachers resources.
PE is interesting. If anyone has any ideas of games to play, please let me know. I'm kind of lost. I do like that it gives me the opportunity to meet with all of the children. They have been a pleasure to get to know.
Outside of school, I am living with a host mom. She is wonderful. Her name is Elizabeth and she has 6 people who are named after her. That is how wonderful she is. I am really enjoying living with her. She is teaching me Spanish, and I am teaching her English.
Her son lives just down the street. I am getting to know his family too. I have a little niece and nephew. Their names are Sarah Elizabeth (Sarita) and Edgar (Eddie). Sarita is one of the 6 people named after my mama. I have really been enjoying getting to know this family.
Prayer requests: For me to learn Spanish quicklyFor my students to keep up with their homework For God to work in my life and teach meFor my family