Accion de Gracias

I know I have said it before but the only way to describe being here is: emotional roller coaster. Well to those who know me emotions aren't usually something I associate myself with. I enjoy being easy going and unshakable for the most part. However Spanish Lindsay definitely feels a little bit more, which has been good and bad. Some days I'm overwhelmingly blue and just overwhelmed with my life here. I guess I'm discontent with the program, it's just not what I expected but my classes this term are much more interesting and I am liking them a lot more because they are all in Spanish so I feel like I'm learning more. That's part of it too. I really want to be speaking more Spanish. I'm definitely learning from hearing my students speak, talking to my teachers, and the day to day conversations when I'm out and about. I just would like it to be more, which is why I am excited to begin my "intercambio" tonight. My roommate knew a girl that wanted to practice her English and I need to practice my Spanish so we are planning to meet every Wednesday and help each other speak in both languages.

Back to the roller coaster. Yesterday I was in a sour mood all day and nothing could snap me out of it. Today I was feeling a little better and ended up having a great day of classes. Wednesdays are one of my longest days with 6 classes but they went really well today. Even though I don't see my students near often enough I'm starting to get to know the individual classes and how I need to approach the class in order to get them to participate and/or behave. The last couple weeks were a struggle in my younger classes because I think they were almost testing their boundaries with me and seeing what they could get away with, which resulted in me having to yell, send them out, and tell their teachers and ultimately them not coming to their next class with me. None if this was fun but I think it's teaching me to be more firm at first and then fun in these classes. When it comes to my senior classes which I was at one point absolutely dreading I'm learning to be more understanding of their lack of participation. Most of them really do not understand me. I'm realizing that even though they may have the highest education in English grammar, their conversation and listening comprehension is below even some of my seventh graders. I'm trying to do a better job of keeping everyone on the same page and letting people have time to catch up in the conversation. They aren't bad students and most of them are really nice kids. I just need to teach more on their level and interest.

So I'm feeling better than yesterday, definitely focusing on staying positive. I'm learning that the process of moving to a new country, settling in and getting somewhat accustomed to being away from friends and family is not an easy one. The first hurdle is tomorrow. Thanksgiving. Yes I know it may not seem like the most horrible thing to miss but it's my first holiday away and it is my favorite holiday. I guess it's just hard to think about everyone all together and me not being there for the first time in my life. But it's okay because I will be home in 29 days and I am making sure that everyone I love knows how thankful I am for having them in my life, even if I'm an ocean away.

Por fin, estoy agradecido por esta oportunidad para vivir en un país nuevo y aprender sobre una idioma y cultura diferente. Pero la cosa más importante en mi vida es la genta que me quiero. Tengo muchisima suerte en mi vida y doy gracias a Dios por todo :)