Two Weeks Down

This week was my first week teaching.  All in all its good.  I already have a favorite student, it's ok for me to say that, right?  His name is Alex and he is in one of my one-student classes.  He is so incredibly smart and such a joy to be around.  I end my Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with him.

All in all the kids in my class have fully warmed up to me.  Some are more talkative than others, but I think a lot has to do with comprehension levels. When they see me in the hall they smile and say, "Hi, Jande Teacher."  That's how the students address the teachers.  They call us by our first name and add the word "teacher" after.  It's really cute.

I have one class, my Nina class, that I am still working on figuring how to get a handle on them.  They are a larger class for our Junggye campus, 10 students.  I need to figure out a better way to check their homework and keep order in the classroom.  I have to check their homework in class because they need to take their books home after class to do homework for the next day.  I wish I could rip the pages out and check them not in class, but that is not an option.  I am working on an idea for a new approach this week, if anyone has any ideas, let me know.  Pray I figure out something soon.

Other than that, the week was great with the students.

*****ROOM DRAMA*****

I am in a bit of a situation with my apartment right now.  I am still living on Rachael's couch because the guy who lived in my apartment before me smoked.   Eunice, My Asian, and I spent a very long time woking on getting the smell out of the place.  We sprayed Soju all over the walls.  We scrubbed down the place with bleach.  We also covered the mattress with baking soda.  I even paid to get rid of the couch he left hoping that all this would help get the smell out, but still smoky smelling.

(the mattress with baking soda for the odor)

(my welcome package from the school)

(so glad to have my asian in my life now. don't know what i would do without her during this time,)

Those of you who know me know I CANNOT live in a smoky apartment.  I have been trying to get the school and HR to re-wallpaper my apartment and possible get me a new mattress. It's been a bit of an ordeal and I ask you to join me in prayer about the situation.  I cried for the first time I can remember at work on Tuesday partially due to the drama over the situation.

When I talked to the school and told them all the work I'd put into trying to get rid of the smell, their suggestion was for me to burn a candle.  Seriously???? I almost laughed at first because I didn't think that was their serious suggestion.  Apparently, they were serious.  I told them, I will do as you suggest, but I WILL NOT spend anymore of my money on this issue.  It is their job to take care of this.  So, they got me a candle.  I wish I'd take a photo of the candle but forgot.   As of this morning, the candle has completely burned out. I have also had the window opened for a week.  On top of that, I borrowed someone's air purifier.  Still the place smells smoky and is NOT livable.

Keep me and this situation in your prayers please.  I truly believe The Lord has me here for a reason and I don't want Satan's distractions to get in my way.

Laters Ya'll,

miss Phyl