Not a typical word I enjoying hearing or using. But since I've moved back to Poland it actually has been one of the best things I've been able to practice. This may be a longer blog so feel free to get comfortable and read on. :) When I got to Poland I immediately moved into my apartment. I had basically a bed and some chairs in the place. I went to Ikea and as I was shopping I really had to pick wisely. I couldn't buy everything on my list. Everything has costed extra...so much for planning! But through that I've had some friends really help out. I've been able to borrow ironing boards, dishes, and irons. It's been hard to wait in that sense. Not just going and buying what I "need." Don't get me wrong they are things I need but I'm also learning about the urgency of needs too. As I've waited I've gotten to really see God working. For example, I've needed a washing machine. To buy a new one it would only be a little over $200. While sure that's not a lot it actually is when every penny is being pinched. My friends own a business with a washing machine across the street and they have allowed me to wash my clothes there. It's been fun to go and hang out with them and talk when I do my laundry. The girls next door are missionaries too. One of them has a washing machine. It has ended up not fitting in their apartment. They have been given a new one to use! So they don't have a use for the one in their apartment. It cost about $50 to fix and so I am getting that washing machine for $50! Now it does smell miserable!!! I was gagging! But my friends cleaning business has professional cleaner that she gave me to use on it. By waiting and not trying to build my furniture myself some guys came and built it for me. I had wanted to buy a fan as soon as I got here, but the weather has been super rainy and cooler so I haven't even needed to. The first few days were warmer but it's been nice with the cooler weather that I may not need to until the spring! There are so many little things that I've learned in the waiting these days! I can't believe it....who knew!?!?! HAHAHA! So for now I buy things as I can and when the need is there. I don't have a lot in my house but what I do have I really enjoy and I'm really using. While things are a bit of a mess...not because I don't want to clean up...but because I'm waiting to find the best way to store/decorate/place items. :) I already have several friends who would like to come over!!!
On Monday I went into work and it was not a fun day! I was constantly frustrated. In that frustration I was told about an extra lesson I was going to have with a girl in 6th grade on Thursday's. She has an IEP and she gets some individual lessons. Fast forward to today. I was told things about where she was at...I used to teach her years ago. BUT I saw down and decided we could draw and begin getting to know each other. In the past I didn't talk with her much but today it was the neatest thing! We sat and talked about our families, favorite games, colors we liked, singers we don't like (JB), and had a great time. It was so neat. Originally I had thought 45 minutes was going to be too long for individual conversations with what they were telling me. But I really enjoyed it. Next week we are going to play Uno...her favorite game. It was one of my favorite moments since I've been here.
Also, this week I was able to take time and go meet the kids I'll be working with at the after school program. It was a lot of fun to play with them. I walk 3 miles to get there and back but when I'm there it's a lot of fun. It's really neat that the kids have a place to come after school. During our parent/teacher meeting yesterday we talked about how the high schoolers are required to complete some volunteer hours. I suggested that they come and work at the after school program and help me with english. I'm super excited to see that possibly we could be getting the kids to connect the two programs.
I've been trying to take things slowly. I forgot how much it takes out of you during transitions. My mom and several friends have been reminding me to take care of myself. So I've been trying to rest when I have time and when I feel like I need to. It also is a practice that is hard for me to put into practice. I reminded myself it was good to rest today... I took a nap. When I woke up I then was feeling really guilty for resting. How at one minute I'm okay with it and the next I feel guilty.....it's going to take some time.
Thanks for the continued prayers!
On Monday I went into work and it was not a fun day! I was constantly frustrated. In that frustration I was told about an extra lesson I was going to have with a girl in 6th grade on Thursday's. She has an IEP and she gets some individual lessons. Fast forward to today. I was told things about where she was at...I used to teach her years ago. BUT I saw down and decided we could draw and begin getting to know each other. In the past I didn't talk with her much but today it was the neatest thing! We sat and talked about our families, favorite games, colors we liked, singers we don't like (JB), and had a great time. It was so neat. Originally I had thought 45 minutes was going to be too long for individual conversations with what they were telling me. But I really enjoyed it. Next week we are going to play Uno...her favorite game. It was one of my favorite moments since I've been here.
Also, this week I was able to take time and go meet the kids I'll be working with at the after school program. It was a lot of fun to play with them. I walk 3 miles to get there and back but when I'm there it's a lot of fun. It's really neat that the kids have a place to come after school. During our parent/teacher meeting yesterday we talked about how the high schoolers are required to complete some volunteer hours. I suggested that they come and work at the after school program and help me with english. I'm super excited to see that possibly we could be getting the kids to connect the two programs.
I've been trying to take things slowly. I forgot how much it takes out of you during transitions. My mom and several friends have been reminding me to take care of myself. So I've been trying to rest when I have time and when I feel like I need to. It also is a practice that is hard for me to put into practice. I reminded myself it was good to rest today... I took a nap. When I woke up I then was feeling really guilty for resting. How at one minute I'm okay with it and the next I feel guilty.....it's going to take some time.
Thanks for the continued prayers!
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