Dale Rojo!!

These kids like to play. And compete. And this week was a perfect display of their skill and competitive spirits. 

This week the entire school, which was divided into two teams, Red and White, participated in Las Olimpiadas (the Olympics). It started last Thursday with events in speech, poetry, drawing, and math. On Friday, the teams presented their teams with skits and songs. There weren't any classes all week, but this week allowed me to get to know my students better. There was a lot of down time, watching the kids play a lot of soccer. And I mean a LOT of soccer. And we took advantage of the time by talking about whatever we wanted :) Everything from One Direction and which boys they think are cute, to the prosperity gospel and why Cerro is the best soccer team in Paraguay. While at some points I would have rather have been in the classroom, I am thankful for each of the conversations I had with my students this week. 

Including the embarrassing ones. That's what brings us closer, right? Okay, here it goes. I'll start off by reminding myself to never again ask high school boys to teach me phrases in Guarani. (For those who don't know, Paraguay has two national languages. Spanish and Guarani. Guarani is completely different, I only know a few words, but I wanted to know more. Completely innocent.) The first boy taught me to say "I'm hungry" because it's the most important thing to know. But I already knew that, and it's kind of boring. The next boy taught me a phrase and without telling me what it meant, he told me to tell the other boy. And I listened to him. First mistake. Everyone around started laughing. I had no idea what I said. Through their giggling and making jokes, I finally figured it out. I had asked my student to marry me. Great... My face immediately turned red. Mistake number two. But I can't help it! And then they point out that my face is red. Just like my shirt. Perfect. You guys, I don't know how to describe it to you. So awkward. And then he ran off and told his friends. For days, he was telling different people. But I think I (eventually) handled it like a champ. The wedding is in December. You're all invited.

Kidding. But it did give us something to laugh about. Unfortunately, it was at my expense and embarrassment, but I'm realizing that sometimes that needs to happen. Sometimes I need to be vulnerable with my students in order for them to open up. How can I expect them to be vulnerable with making mistakes in English, if I'm afraid to do it in Spanish? As their teacher, I need to set the example. 

Another highlight from this week: On Wednesday night, I went with some friends to hear Nick Vujicic speak. If you don't know his story, you should definitely check it out: www.lifewithoutlimbs.org. Nick was born without legs or arms and is using his story so that others may know Christ as their Savior. I loved hearing his story and spending time with friends (Yes!! I've made friends!). Afterwards, we all went to the mall and ate pizza together. I loved it. It felt so normal. This is my life. 

Oh! And I got to watch the end of the Chargers game on Monday night. Yay!

While the quality is horrible, here's a picture of the red team during their presentation last Friday night. 

 These are my friends ready to eat pizza!

And here we are after hearing Nick speak. 

Another reason I am thankful that I got to spend time outside of the classroom with my students is that I got to hear some prayer requests. If you would join me in praying for Andrea. Her grandmother passed away this week. She was pretty old and had diabetes. Andrea also has diabetes which scares her. Pray that she would find her comfort in the Lord, and that He would sustain her. 

I hope you all are enjoying your fall weather in the states. I have been craving donuts like no other. I know that's not typically a food designated for the fall, but when Sidecar Doughnuts keeps posting their fall flavors on Instagram, I can't help but drool a little.