What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.

I, Paul, have also begun to teach. Though I was down a bit, my belly yet transitioning to another culture, I have begun. My title indicates how much I have recognized that kids are kids wherever they are: or by whatever named nationality they are called by. So far I have seen the whiny kid, the teacher's pet kid, the bully in class kid, the lash out because I don't know what I'm doing kid, the devoted to learning kid, the gregarious kid, and oh yes the middle school girls who giggle and talk about boys. "What's in a name?" Whether an United States kid or a Brazilian kid it's funny to see that the age is what makes the similarities.

What I am doing in the mornings is tutoring the level one kids. That is to say, those kids who have just arrived to the school and do not speak English. Emily, who I have been working with, has three classes each morning, 3+4th grade, 5th + 6th grade, and then 7th + 8th grade. We divided the kids in each class into two or three groups. During class, I pull one group at a time for a portion of the class to receive extra assistance on learning English. Again, they hardly know any English at all. It is very interesting and challenging to find ways to communicate, let alone teach when there is such a large language barrier. What I have begun to do is teach basic classroom commands. I figured if they can feel a little more comfortable in class by understanding when the teacher asks them to open their book, or sit down, or raise their hand then they might have a better or more relaxed environment to tackle the difficult task of learning a new language. Starting next week, Ruth and I will begin our workshops in the afternoon. I, again, will teach the older kids Bible and Ruth will teach the younger kids Bible. It's going to be a great way to practice English; more importantly it's going to be a great way teach God's words and His principles. I love that the school has, each week, a character trait based upon a Bible verse. I believe I am going to piggy-back that model and teach off of the character trait and Bible verse during my 'workshops'. Above in the picture, you will see the classroom where I will be mostly. Though, during tutoring I move around a lot. The other seen to the right, is where Ruth is mostly.
We both have started the ever glorious process of lesson planning. How in the world, we ask ourselves, are we going to teach kids a new language in a way that is productive, effective, and yet fun/interesting. I think back on basic biblical lessons learned from saints long ago and remember that we all need to pray for guidance, perspective, and HELP. If you are reading this now, may we ask that you help us pray for the Lord's guidance, perspective, and help in what to do? "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him." 1 John 5: 14-15