So it’s been a while. I’m very sorry to all of you who have been checking regularly for new posts. Long story short: I fail at blogging. In my defense, I have been slightly occupied with the start of school.
Beginning my first REAL job as a high school teacher has been more difficult and more stretching then I ever imagined it would be. I have definitely felt unprepared and unqualified for this position many times over these past few weeks; however, I am still certain that this is where I am supposed to be, even if I have my days of doubting. If nothing else, I feel like God is using this experience to mold me and shape me into who he wants me to be. I feel like I’ve grown up a lot in just the past month and a half that I have been here.
I have a total of 26 high school students that i see everyday. There are 11 ninth graders, 9 tenth graders, 5 eleventh graders (until yesterday there were only 4), and 1 twelfth grader. My eleventh and twelfth grade classes are combined. So I teach a total of three literature classes, and plan separate lessons for my sole senior. On top of those three classes, I was asked (the weekend before school started) to teach two history classes. So, I am also teaching 10th grade world history and 11/12th grade American government.
I am completely out of my comfort zone teaching history, and sometimes I don’t know what the heck I am doing. But, I’m learning to be flexible and learning to lean on God for wisdom and direction, even with lesson plans!!!
Sidenote: The kids like to call me Miss Brazofuerte, because that is what Armstrong is literally translating into spanish. One of my eleventh graders started it. So I am now Miss Brazofuerte. I don’t let them call me this on a daily basis, though most of them call me just ‘Miss’ anyway, but when they do say Brazofuerte I just have to go with it and laugh 
It’s been really awesome to be able to begin to get to know my students. I have been able to get involved as a leader for Young Life in Jarabacoa. Young Life was such a huge part of my life during college and I love the ministry, and I feel so fortunate to be able to continue to serve with them here! We had our first club two weeks ago, and another one last week that at least 40 kids attended. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Young Life, club is sort of like a big youth group that is geared towards introducing kids who don’t really know anything about Christ to who He is. We play games, have skits, food, music, and a leader gives a short talk. Outside of club, Young Life is focused on building relationships with kids where they are at by spending time with them, and being a teacher is a great way to do this! Please pray for me next week as I am giving the talk at club. I’ve been feeling a little discouraged and spiritually dry the last few weeks, so pray that God will give me renewed encouragement and strength.
I suppose I was naive to think that because I’ve been here before, that I would magically transition smoothly and perfectly to the new culture I’m living in, but it has been a whole new experience this time. Instead of living with and being a part of Dominican host families, this time I am an American outsider, who must earn the trust and friendship of the Dominicans. There are a lot of missionaries in Jarabacoa, and Dominicans have become accustomed to Americans coming and going, so breaking in is rough, especially for someone like me who is slightly shy and slow to warm up at first. I spend so much time with Americans: I live with them, teach with them, and spend lots of other time with them, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because I need some familiarity to keep me sane. Sometimes; however, I forget I’m actually not in America. I love these people and this culture, and I really want to become a part of it, but it’s sometimes so much easier to sit and watch American movies, with American friends, and speak English. So, I’m trying to find the balance, but also the motivation to break out of my comfort zone. I’ve been going to a local church that is about a block from my house, and I’ve been able to get to know a few people, but we mostly hang out after church on Sundays. Pray that God will continue to open doors to new relationships and friendships in this community.
I feel like I’ve covered a lot, and it’s probably too much for you all to digest in one sitting so I will leave you with this for now. I appreciate you all so much. Seriously, knowing that I have friends and family that are thinking about and praying for me on a daily basis gives me so much encouragement, especially when I’m feeling lonely or discouraged at times. It’s hard being away from home, and it’s especially hard to be away from such wonderful friends and family who encourage me and show me love everyday. However, it is definitely teaching me to rely solely on God, his promises, and His love! This is all a great learning and growing process, and it is also quite the adventure!
If this post seems a bit somber, don’t fear, there are more light-hearted posts to come. Be on the look out for such posts as: “How to do laundry Dominican style,” “Using the Twilight books in literature lessons,” “8 people + 1 Honda CRV= an awesome weekend at the beach,” and “What to do when the power goes out.”
Really. I promise. I’m going to get better at this blogging thing.I a
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