LARGER-THAN-LIFE

There is no point of denying about how tired I am physically but not my mind – when words are just so overwhelming and can’t wait to tell another epic story – a superb term at CWF filled with fun-learning experience one teacher must cherish.

Sure enough, you all have seen my disclosures and haven’t failed updating my family and friends whether via e-mail or through Facebook or simply blogging about this recent journey. In many occasions, I’ve laid down every picture as clear as crystal for the entire world to see. And you all deserve to know.

When I signed up for another term engaging in classrooms, I only had few things in mind – not even expectations but more of a personal agenda: a worthwhile comeback and a meaningful exit. Whatever technical or theoretical issues in teaching, I left it to my experience for years – not to ego though, but it wasn’t just my worry this time. Besides I’m not new to this intuition. I taught here for a year before.

At first, a week was seemingly like a yearlong to countdown despite my enthusiasm. Even though have done my best trying to fit in and see the positive angle in this TESOL life, I had paranoia too. And if you still remember, I posted an article (First Impression Dies) telling my battles against racists and first impressionists. This time destiny had favored me and it turned in a larger-than-life experience.  

Then in a span of another week, I was so attached to my students. It took sincere prayers, hard work, passion, and love to get that.

And in a span of a month, we were having so much fun with endless giggling laughter to hear and reminisce. It was again another impressively great moment I didn’t expect I’d obtain. Thanks a lot to this school (CWF) for the wonderful opportunity and for giving me their trust maximizing my potential for this country – to simply serve this amazing group of people.

Finally worries had left me and days got better and better with unforgettable memories in line for a grand scrapbook. And before we knew it, time flew quickly and this term had come to an end – but not the established rapport with my learners so dear.

Not in my expectation that I would have a larger-than-life journey this term. I am reminded by this – “You get it when you least expect it.”  When something is not awaited or least expected was a better option to do rather than to get frustrated in the end. 

For the first time in years I got cakes on my birthday. I had typical birthdays as usual. This year my students broke the norm so we can rejoice together. Truly had a fantastic Day and I haven’t been surprised big time – only in this special occasion. 

So grateful as well for the honor to train young learners a simple and yet useful tool in teaching – T.E.S.O.L. – a two-day-workshop about teaching English aside from learning the textbooks and venturing extra-handouts. Not to mention their addiction to playing UNO which I consider an educational game still. I couldn’t ask for more accomplishments this term. Thank God for all these blessings!  

           

I wanted to say more, but let me just repost the statuses I’ve posted this morning on Facebook to express my overflowing joy, my victory, and my praises:

“My students dear, thank you so much for the wonderful time we had this term - epic, superb, and amazing – I wouldn't trade for any wealth in this world. I’m so blessed for the opportunity having you around for the fun-learning experience together. You guys have taught me a lot so I would become a learned-teacher. Unfortunately, that's all I could give for now. As I said, I will see you all someday. Till we meet again. KEEP. SPEAKING. ENGLISH.”

Here’s another one:

“More than just a teacher, I father my students as well. For one reason culturally, I couldn't befriended younger people. And so fathering is one BIG privilege to keep a relationship lasting among my learners. Last term was another wonderful experience to thank the Father above and those who have supported me in this journey. Now, it's another victory to mark. Thanks a lot for your prayers and financial supports. And to those who never stop bringing me down with assumptions and accusations, it taught me something else - PERSEVERANCE. God bless everyone!”

The term has just ended yesterday with fun parties to celebrate, but the memory of a classroom along with awesome students will last eternally – it will never be forgotten – it is always larger-than-life experience to treasure.

 

Veranda (Part 2)

Although I come from a very superstitious family and orientation, but none of this gullibility could spellbind me. Listening to credulous rumor wasn’t just my cup of tea – it was never fascinating. And so seeing things from my tiny veranda are all naturals including those inexplicable existences that required more grace to understand.

One might be tempted to deduce looking at the clouds in a form of a rabbit, of a horse and the moon as the eye, but last night’s one-of-a-kind scenery above the sky was purely coincidence – only a happenstance that needs no interpretation. And if it did – it was simply a manifestation of favor for my eyes to behold freely – straight from my veranda.

I don’t have a television or a radio in my room, but I can tell how angry Mr. Sun is or how happy Mr. Moon as well. A step away from my kitchen is my favorite place at home where I don’t need an earth-orbiting satellite to transmit communications signals or a powerful instrument to predict the weather – I can see it plain from my veranda.

And a step away from my veranda is like sitting next to a fiery oven dripping sweat. It’s just a thin line distance to feel a changed temperature. Thanks to my veranda where I can cool myself down especially when wind do not bring much coldness. I prefer fresh air because I dislike air from the electric fan a lot.

Whether or not I am tired, I have to clean my veranda keeping it neat and indulging. Or else it will be untidy to take advantage of.  

For as long as I am in this house, this tiny place is inseparable – not a single night or day I’d miss taking pleasure in – regardless what each season brings – one will always find me here moon watching and counting numerous stars and guessing weathers and beholding sunsets and expecting sunrises and many more.

For whatever reason brought me to my veranda every time, people will not be able to understand my intention. Many times I got the feeling that my neighborhood is very suspicious of me – whether I’m a psycho or a spy or someone else – at least from my observation. If only they grasped grace is, then they will truly comprehend me and my obsession with veranda – a favored place one tenant couldn’t afford.      

Like any unpredictable days, this is where I spent my quiet time to reflect life and the stresses it caused me and others. This is where I prayed for mercy and safety when rumors of war worry every citizen of this country left scary individuals paranoid – right in this miniscule spot of my house.

Typical or unordinary night my veranda is always welcoming – I usually drink my coffee or tea here; I listen to my favorite songs here whether or not I hum or sing along with; I also sleep here once in a while when heat is just too hot to bear.

I can no longer remember each drama and eureka moment my eyes have witnessed simply in this place where I spend most of the time at home – they are too many to recall.   

One cold evening as I was enjoying the cool breeze in my veranda, I fell asleep. Suddenly I felt a severe heat all over my body and smelled a strange burning substance.

What was that? I said while my nose in protest. And then I woke few of my closest neighbors up including the guard to make sure nobody was burning the house down. Few minutes after there was a power cut which alarmed the whole community.

Paranoia after paranoia drove some minds wild that night trying to give few assumptions – when what ifs were just irresistible to think of.    

“It smells like Chinese incense to me!” a friend said. Her comment settled everything. We realized that the Chinese community was actually in celebration, burning intolerable incenses.

If I wasn’t in my veranda, I would not know. So this place for hundred times gives me access to think of others’ welfare when dangers is seemingly present – not for nosiness’ sake but trying not to be indifferent.

As usual, horns at night annoyed me still but I know these noises are only temporary. I’m not going to be here forever. So let this bugging be and have me enjoy this veranda. Maybe in my next move out won’t be able to find a place like this or maybe bigger than this. No one knows exactly!