Pasadena - first stop

(Sunset at the William Carey International University campus, where training is held. The building in the lower left is my dorm.)

Today ended the second full week of training, and full they are. In the days we spend time with our country teams, we have sessions on TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) and we learn about team dynamics and what to expect for cross-cultural living. In the evenings we go off campus for teaching practicum to where some local churches and community centers offer English classes to immigrants. I have taught three times so far, feeling a bit stretched, and thankful I can hit the worst of the learning curve before it really counts. (Our practicum students have been middle-aged and elderly adults from Iraq, Lebanon, Armenia, and Mexico. Not quite the same as I'll have in Vietnam.)

It is thrilling to be in one place with all the other teachers, about a hundred in total, headed soon for China, Central Europe, the CIS, Russia, Morocco, and Vietnam. We're a diverse bunch, from different parts of the country, denominational backgrounds, personalities, and ages. Many are recent college grads like me, but there are several families, a few newlywed couples, and a few 40+ singles. We all have had good times of laughter, worship, and learning. I am impressed by the quality and depth of character of the TeachOverseas staff, who are preparing us very well (I hope) for life overseas, and have contagious vision for what God can do with a handful of willing people.

The four smiling faces here is our team of four going to teach in the city of Danang. Left to right: me, Dawn (OK), Nicky (IA), and Bryan (WA). We will live in a house together and teach at “Fisher's Superkids English Center” for kids ages 4 to 15. The site is completely new to TeachOverseas, and in fact, this will be the school's first year in operation, with us as its first full time teachers. I wonder if we'll be local celebrities. (Click on the picture if you'd like a closer look at the faces.)

A man named Bill, back from his second year teaching in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), has been a great resource in telling us what to expect of the culture, our students, and life as a foreigner in Vietnam. For instance: Vietnam's education system is all about memorizing answers to tests, so students are slow to give their opinion or speak in class. A haircut will by default include a full face-shaving and an ear-cleaning. On the streets you can find great fruit smoothies and iced coffees. We're never quite sure what will apply to our own situation in Danang, but it's fun to hear about anyway.

A few other notes: I've been helping with the worship team, which has been a great outlet and a way to feel useful to others here. It's been hot out here—last weekend well over 100, and in the 90s early this past week.I suppose that's good preparation for Vietnam. No A/C in my room, which is also good prep.

It is sinking in that I will be gone for a year, loosening ties with home and making them some other place. It's an exciting, nervous, new kind of feeling. I can tell that God is working among those emotions to grow me in new ways, for one, in focusing less on myself. It has been easy to think of this coming year as an experience, an opportunity, an adventure. I believe it will be all of those, but I need to be reminded that my purpose is to serve.

I send out a big thank you to all you who have and continue to support me. Just being here in Pasadena thinking about what is ahead gives me renewed appreciation for you all. I look forward to sharing this year with you in words and pictures.

God is good.