Learning

The leaves are golden, the days wet, and cold. The mud at time seems knee high as it rains heavily for hours on end. The animals are scurrying to find a place of rest for the winter. . . unfortunately also in my house, those naughty little mice. Apple season is closing and the days are growing shorter.

Tomorrow I will undergo my first formal observation at work. Does that sound serious? Well it should, because it has certainly taken forever to prepare for my lessons tomorrow. I have spent all of today preparing lessons, there is lots of paper-work to be filled out before a formal observation. Since this is the first time I have felt rather nervous, which has even interfered with sleep. When I lay my head down, my little rascals go racing through my mind as I contemplate how to make the next lesson flow even better.

I am learning. I have come to realize that though this may not be the most
profitable of jobs, since so much prep is needed, and those hours are unpaid, I am gaining experience. I have taught for some time now, but teaching children takes so much more energy and planning. I rejoice to see that I am learning, and to know that God has good plans for me where I am now. I would sure appreciate a prayer, if you think of me, as my piles of homework keep heaping up and I feel a bit overwhelmed at times.

Did I mention that I am going to study Latvian in a formal setting? I have signed up to take some courses which are being offered locally. I had my placement test last week and was pleased to see I seem to be quite knowledgeable. I was the only "foreigner" there, and all the rest were Russians. (Have I ever mentioned that A LOT of Russians do not know Latvian, and they have lived here their whole lives. Needless to say this stubbornness on their part produces a lot of hard feelings at times between Latvians and Russians. I find myself confronted by this often as well, and it is hard to accept, and tolerate, even for me. . .(and I haven't lived here my whole life)

I am very happy to say that now are radiators are in and we have a warm house. It is so nice to have a warm kitchen at last and to be able to go about in short sleeves and without the many layers.

My heart often turns homeward and I find myself missing America, English, home and family. Know you aren't forgotten and I long to see you all!



PS: In the top picture I was making manicotti. Janis was so surprised by that process that he took a lot of pictures of me. I also think I look like my mom in that picture, from pictures when she was young. The last picture is of our last grapes, we made juice with them.