Teaching English Twice a Day!

Sorry it has been so long since the last entry. We have been rather busy.

On Monday, June 17 we started our English classes at two sites. In the mornings at 9:00 am we teach in Patrinja, we average about 25 in levels 1 and 2. In the evenings we travel about 8 miles to Sisak to teach at 6:00 pm, we average about 30 in levels 1-3. Between the classes we respond to the students journals for the morning classes and when we return from the evening class we respond to those journals. In between all the classes and journalling we find time to eat, shower, and sleep. It is hard work, I am having fun, even if I am tired!

I have met and am teaching some really awesome people. They try hard everyday to speak a language that is not easy to learn. I teach level 2 in both sites, these are people who know some English already. I still need to have some things I say translated at times, yet for the most part we only speak English to them without the aid of a translator.

We have a focus every evening for instance Friday was about professions. There was a conversation that was the focus and they practice it many times. The key to learning this way is repeating words and phrases 40 times or more. They may get bored a little yet they know that it is important.

We have Assembly (Chapel) everyday, the message follows the reading lessons presented in class. We are focusing on the book of
John. We sing songs in both English and Croatian. Chapel time is an important part of the class.

In the journals I try to focus on the lesson or the reading. These journals help us build
relationships with our students. I can not share what we talk about because I promised that they would be kept between and the individual. I an say that I have some very bright students and I enjoy corresponding with them.

I will try to write more soon. God knows the needs and how we need to serve these people. Pray for God's leading. Bog Ljubi!

Also please pray for India and the people there suffering in the floods. I have missionary friends there that I pray are safe!