Hi again everyone! I am having a nice relaxing Wednesday afternoon here at the school in Ying Pan, lazing around and watching the rain come down. The school now has a river running through the outside hall and a lake in front of the basketball court. Our English camp and press conference were canceled for today on account of all the rain we received in the last two days. Bummer. You can only imagine the extreme disappointment our team is feeling at missing out on a whole day of rambunctious kids, and actually having time to catch up on sleep.
Our camp here is going very well. I am here with Daniel, Rebekah, and three TAs, Lanie, Annie, and Claire. The first day we were concerned we might have to tie and gag a few kids for the remainder of the week, but after a few forceful talks with some rather disruptive kids, the class has settled down. We only have 18-20 students all together, so our small group time involves a lot of improvising. The good part is that there is more time for personal instruction with the students. The average English level of the students here is low, so we have to do most of the teaching though translation. The TAs we have are very good to work with so we have had no problems making ourselves understood to the students.
This is our last week of English camps before the school semester starts. Pray for us that we will remain focused on what we have to do right now, and that we will be ready to teach in the schools. Also, pray for safety for those who will be traveling to Taiwan and through the country to the different schools to teach, and that all their bags would come with them. We are all excited to begin the next step in what the Lord has called each one of us to do and we need His help to accomplish those goals.
If you have the time, try to send us a line of two. You have no idea what it means for us to know that there are many people who are holding us up before the throne of God in prayer and we would like to know you personally. Praise the Lord for this amazing opportunity that He has given to us. I have already been changed for life with the few experiences I have had in the last month and a half, and I am looking forward to the rest of the year.
Trusting in Jesus,
Jo'el
