Classroom Stories

Following Him

After one of our Bible classes, I said, “So, when Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, what did they leave behind?”

Hands shot into the air. 

“Everything, they left everything behind,” one of my students responded.

 “And,” I replied, “He calls us to follow Him, too.  He calls us to repent from our sins and follow Him.”

One little hand slowly came up, accompanied by a face of overwhelming confusion.  “But, what does that mean?  How can we follow Him?”

As I stood to answer her, I could see a genuine desire to follow Jesus, but a sincere doubt of not knowing how to do it.  But, this is where the lesson ended that day, because not only was school about to dismiss, but, for the remainder of the year our class would be studying the teachings of Jesus and what it truly means to be His follower.

At the close of my response, I saw the boy that sits behind her begin to discretely tap her on the shoulder, as to get her attention without making a big scene.  As soon as she turned around, the child looked at her in the eyes and said, “Don’t worry.  I’ll help you.  I’ll show you.” 

If Only Learning a Language Really Was That Simple 

Out of the 16 students in my 3^rd and 4^th grade class at BIS, 7 of them are English Language Learners.  Therefore, there are numerous things that get pronounced incorrectly, or are just plain old misunderstood.  In my forth grade class, we are learning about simplifying fractions, mixed numbers, and improper fractions. 

Most of my students specifically have trouble pronouncing the “–th” endings.  One-fourth, seven-sixteenths, and any other fraction ending in “-th” has been very difficult for them. 

One of my students was simplifying eight sixteenths and came to the conclusion of two-fourths.  I said, “That is correct, but it can be reduced one more time.” 

Immediately, he shouted, “Oh…. Ok...Umm…. One-tooth!”  This was followed by lots of giggles and laughter.  

If only learning another language was that simple.  

Update

This month has been SUPER busy!  I honestly love each and every one of the kids in my class and really enjoy going to work everyday.  We have alot of fun in class, but also get the job done each day!  The kids really impress me with how much they love learning and always try to do their best!  

I began classes at the University of Brasília and go to school three times a week.  I am learning alot!!!  They put me in the Portuguese for Hispanic Foreigners Class... What a compliment!  So, I am in class with 3 people that work for the Embaixada do Espanha (Spain Embassy) and a couple from the Embaixada do Mexico (Mexico Embassy).

  

View from Hangliding

I really love my teacher!  He makes everyone feel comfortable and even when we say ridiculous things, equivalent to "One Tooth," we laugh and learn.  

I even learned to take the bus to and from school!  It is a difficult task for someone like me that gets lost VERY easily!  

I have been spending alot time with Raquel, the Portuguese teacher from BIS and we really get along really well.  Last weekend, we went to Rio de Janeiro and it was more that words can describe!  

We went Hangliding, saw the BIG HUGE JESUS STATUE (one of the 7 wonders of the world), went up Pao de Azucar and saw a monkey (isn't he cute???), rode a ferry to another part of Brazil and fell asleep on the beach (like for real fell asleep, and it was freezing cold), we stayed with Raquel's aunt and uncle, who were so nice, and we really had an absolute blast!  The city was beautiful.

I also am loving living with the Axworthy's.  They have really taken me into their home and been amazing to live with!  Praise God for providing such a great home for me!  

Here are some things that you can pray for:

1. Continue to learn Portuguese and gain more Brazilian friends

2. My health (I am overcoming an eye infection).

3. My students

4. The Axworthy's are wanting to go home to the US to visit their family and are asking for the churches that support them to help support them financially.  Pray for God to provide.  

5. My upcoming trip to Recife, Brazil.  For safety.  I will be going during Thanksgiving Break.

I look like a real beach bum!

6. My trip home to the US for Christmas.

7. I will be helping lead recreation training at a camp with Rick Collins, Press On Ministries, in Sao Vicente in January. Pray for the students that will be there and for God to move in a mighty way.  

Thank you for your continued reading, support, and prayers.  I look forward to seeing some of you at Christmas!  

Love, Dawna "Dreds" Duke