Teaching English

Life happens quickly in the USA.  I haven't had much time for writing, and I miss it.  I hope to do better at blogging in the coming weeks.

I'm now in week three of my first class in my M.Ed program.  So far...LOVING it.  I even found a local ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching job.  I've applied for it, and we shall see what the employer thinks of my resume.  The job would stretch me but it would also be fantastic experience.  My advisor for my M.Ed has even offered to help me if I need ideas for lessons.  

This week, we were tasked with creating a graphic to show the diversity of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Contexts.  It doesn't take much research to see that English is in demand, in a plethora of nations and situations.  

I had the advantage on this assignment.  I still appreciated seeing the other examples, but it was really special to reflect on the number of ways I've been involved in TESOL.  

Six years ago, I was in China.  I remember being stunned by the number of people who just walked up to me and wanted to speak in English.  High school students, university students, business professionals, sales associates, even national teachers of English wanted to speak with a native English speaker.  It was humbling and a little overwhelming to consider that they wanted to speak to me, a 22 year old Zimbabwean/American girl who didn't even know what she wanted to do with her life.  

And now, six years later, I feel so blessed to have had those experiences. As I flip through pictures, I have only good memories.  I don't remember all of the names, but their faces and their desire to learn are forever stored in my mind.  

It is their passion to learn that has been my motivation to do this M.ED.  English language learners who have that much passion for their studies deserve to have a well qualified teacher.  

I'm told this is an apartment, not a flat :)

My sweet little corner of M-burg is starting to feel like home.  I've loved being able to decorate and pull much of my Africa stuff out of storage.  Fortunately, my roommate also has a connection to Africa, and she doesn't mind the theme of our living room.  

My room has a few very special elements.  My cedar chest (the right had side of the picture above), my bed frame, and my bookshelf (not in the picture above) were all handmade by my grandfather.  The quilt on my bed is a pattern called "Around the World," and it was handmade by my grandmother.  

My kitchen is equipped with family memories as well.  My silverware belonged to my great-grandparents.  My glasses were my great-great-aunt's.  My flatware were my grandmother's.  I have a pitcher and five glasses that were a wedding gift to my great-grandmother in 1924.  I have dinnerware that was my great-grandmother's "everyday" dishes.  The table in our kitchen was used by my grandfather and his siblings.

I didn't think that I was a person who liked antiques.  I'm not sure that I am even now.  But I love the history.  There are only things, and as such I want to hold them lightly.  But in an age when so much is disposable, there is something wonderful about using a spoon made in 1887.  

An alligator on the farm

We spent a lovely afternoon with the entire family at the farm.  After lunch, my aunt and I took K-bug and Annabanana for a ride on the Gator, which is now being called an "alligator" by A.

We puttered along at speeds of 5 miles an hour and the kids got very muddy!  We had a great time.  

AC, NJ, USA

The day after Christmas, we packed up and went to Atlantic City for a few days of time away as a family.  However, it did not go as planned.  Unfortunately, everyone except for me was sick from one thing or another and we came home earlier than planned.

My sister and her husband were up with the little Monkey most of the first night.  She seemed to be better by morning, but they were exhausted.  Pap (my Dad) and I were the only ones who seemed ok, given that Gran (my Mom) had also been awake most of the night.  Tia (that's me!) was then put on Monkey watch!

We played peek-a-boo!

And we played with the "wa-wa," which led to some very wet pjs!

I still giggle at this picture!  I think it looks like Monkey is still in the pjs and trying to peek out the window!

After all other toys seemed doomed to bore the Monkey, I made a little makeshift tent from a blanket and two chairs.  Without meaning to sound proud, I'm delighted to say that the "tint" entertained her for the rest of the morning.  I'll have to remember that for future babysitting days!

Christmas

It's almost mid January and I'm just now posting Christmas pictures!  We had a special treat this year.  Our entire family was together for Christmas, something that hasn't happened for a few years.  And as can be expected, Christmas was mostly all for Anna!

Little girls in Mozambique often wear wigs with beads woven into them for special occasions.  Anna's Pap decided she needed one!  We just laughed and laughed.  She looks adorable and she thinks it is a hat!

Boston

The week before Christmas, some friends and I took my new little Blueberry for a road trip.  We drove my Toyota to Boston to see a friend who is leaving the country soon.  I've made several trips to Boston in the last few years, and I've come to love this city.  L lives in Cambridge technically.  Cambridge is a mix of quaint and trendy.  Boston has a very pretty skyline, especially at sunset. 

We went to Piers Park after the sunset to get some photos.  It was freezing cold, but absolutely worth the chill.  

We ended the night at the Lucky Strike for some bowling.  None of us are very good, but we had fun!

I'll miss these trips to Boston.  It is a rather long eight hour drive, but my trips there have been full of fun memories and beautiful sights!