"Just chill guys..."

This was a big week for me. I began work at the Academy and moved into my new flat! With the exception of the early morning wake up (5:45am!), things are going great. As of now, I am teaching 10th grade English, 8th and 9th grade computers and math. The students are really far behind in math so it requires the most attention. Since they need to catch up before the end of 12th grade, they are working at their own pace so that students who are getting it don't get held back by the students having difficulty. For the 12th graders, time is of the essence in regards to them being caught up by December so I am teaching a separate class for them to try to give them a chance to get there. Meanwhile, I'm relearning everything! If anyone needs to know the area of a circle, just ask. I'm pretty smart now. It's so awesome working with the kids and that "ah-ha" moment when it clicks is priceless. So week one analysis? I've definitely got my work cut out for me, patience will be majorly required and I wouldn't rather be anywhere else.

My new flat is awesome. I was in a temporary place while I looked for a permanent residence and it feels so good to finally be settled. I moved out of my apartment in Torrance the weekend after Thanksgiving and have been living out of suitcases since then so finally unpacking was glorious. My place is pretty much a studio apartment with a great amount of space for me to feel at home. The couch pulls out into a bed, too, so...if anyone wants to come visit, I've got you covered! Anyone? Anyone at all? ;)

I've already begun to see that life here can get insanely busy. I'm up so early (which if you know me at all is a miracle in itself) and so exhausted by the time I get home that going to bed early is a must. I've already seen how easy it will be to let time go by without pausing to spend time with God. And since the concept of "quiet time" has always been a challenge for me, I really need prayer in this area. John 15:1-8 has literally haunted me for the past month or so (I'm not typing it all out. Go get your Bible!). Jesus uses the analogy of the vine and the branches and the concept of bearing fruit. The verse that has lingered in my mind is verse 5. He makes 2 main points: 1.)abide in him and you will bear much fruit; and 2.) apart from him you can do nothing. As I wonder why God has me here and what I can actually contribute (with NO math skill or teaching experience), as I wonder where I fit and how I can connect with the people here, as I think about how to maximize my time here and not miss out on whatever God is doing, I MUST remember that abiding in him should be my main focus. I can work and work and work at "bearing fruit", but my focus can not be on the fruit itself. It must be on Him and abiding in him, because it is only then that MUCH fruit- good, healthy, pleasing fruit- will actually be produced. On my own, I can do nothing. I may not capable, but I am willing. 

And all that rambling to say (my impact girls are all too familiar with my ramblings!), please keep me in your prayers! Continue to pray for safety and wisdom and strength, but also please pray that God would equip me with the ability to teach as I take on this new challenge. Oh and please pray for the girls in my devotion group, that they would go deep and be real and fall more in love with Jesus every time we meet. We'll leave it at those for now :)

I will leave you with something that should make you smile. The kids were getting loud in class the other day and I instinctively said, "Hey guys! Just chill!" WELL, one of our youngest girls, Yanga, decided to adopt it as her new slogan. Whenever I'm around now she tells the other kids to "just chill, guys". Makes me laugh every single time. Awesome.