Hustlin' my gringo identity for cash

So quite a few weeks have past since my last post, but I feel like every time I have a spare moment I spend it taking a nap or trying to have a longer-than-5-minute conversation with a friend or family member. But yes, since I last post, I have found an apartment (which I should be moving into in the next few days), got contracted by 3 English-teaching agencies, made lesson plans for 9 different English classes (for my students who range from age 5-20...) and considered many a time about trying to have a social life (although the application of such thoughts have yet to be completely fulfilled).

Teaching English ain't no simple thang, lemme tell you. My main job (at a very small school that goes from inicial to secundaria, basically pre-school to high school) was a bit stressful the first week, and, although it continues to have its moments, I'm definitely more comfortable with it. Basically, I work from 7:30-3:30 (classes from 8-3) teaching English. I teach each grade 3-4 hours a week, and whatever extra classes that need to be covered if a teacher doesn't show up. Every class has its own challenges, since every student has their own strengths and weaknesses, but one of the hardest things was figuring out how to teach younger children.....

I have ZERO experience teaching small kids and trying to run a class with super hyper 6-7 year olds is a magnificent skill that I certainly have not mastered, but applaud heavily those who have. Most of the kids (up to primero de secundaria- which is basically 8th graders for us Americans) do not have the custom of sitting in their seats during class and must be reminded every minute or so that their job is to sit and not whack their fellow classmate upside the head. I have now drastically enhanced my reflexes and ability to hop from one end of classroom to another in nanoseconds in order to stop one whack from reaching its destination and another 5-year-old from escaping from the classroom and locking me in (who puts a lock on the outside of the door???!!!). With all its locuras (insanities) the school has grown on me and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work there.

The teachers all recognize the stresses of working with kids who have very little resources for school and many much less moral support at home. They are fabulous co-workers and its great to know that I'm not working at this on my own. There are about 4 other staff who are new and we all are learning about the dynamics of the Colegio. For what it may lack in academic formality, it certainly replaces in warmth and friendliness. Today is my birthday, and I think every single teacher and student gave me a hug and wished me the best. Given I know very few people in Lima, it was quite comforting to feel like I belong somewhere.

Bueno, moving on from the work scene, a short anecdote. Last weekend, Alvaro, his friend Kuni, Kuni's girlfriend Sandra and Kuni's family (brother, mother and father) and I all went to a paseo about an hour outside of Lima. Kuni's family is of Japanese descent and the family originally came from a province of sorts called Fukuoka. They belong to the "Fukuoka Club" which basically is like a fraternal organization for those Japanese Limenos who want to hang out with other Fukuokans (spelling?). Anyways, we arrived and found that we were the youngest people there by about 50 years and had neglected to bring cards or pictionary or anything to entertain ourselves. The first half an hour made us a bit worried, but after a while we started playing games and they were just far too hilarious to resist. The viejitos were in great spirits and really kept the energy going. The final game after lunch was Bingo, and the prizes consisted primarily of lovely household items (rice cooker, dishes and other knick-knacks). Alvaro and I were determined to get something as we currently have ourselves and our great personalities to contribute to our apartment, which doesn't exactly supplement cups and bowls. Despite not winning, Mikio, Kuni's brother, won a 20-piece kitchen set that he had absolutely no use for and graciously donated to our cause. I am very grateful for the donation and will forever be reminded of old, Japanese women playing bingo whenever we use them.

Well, this post is growing longer by the second and my fingers are growing a bit weary. Many hugs and love to all those I haven't seen and won't see for a while! :D