So, like, what do you do?

Good question. 

I've been here since August 31 first (with a brief visit home for Christmas), and I think I'm just now figuring it out. Here it goes...

I teach English at Heaven's Kingdom Christian School. This is the school that is connected to the Florida Church (Florida is the name of the street, I don't actually go to South Beach every Sunday). I teach from 5th grade through high school. Some classes I teach alone, and others I co-teach with Josu. The school year started in February, and so far this year has been going much better than last year. It makes a world of a difference to start the year with the students and set the classroom rules than to try to come in halfway through the school year. 

I also teach English at the English Academy at Su Refugio. More like, I'm going to be teaching. Classes start this Saturday! We offer classes from ages 7-97 (or even older!). One of the goals of the Academy is to bring in revenue for Su Refugio. However, Su Refugio is located in a small town, and not many people are able to afford it, at least right away. Learning English would open up many doors for jobs for the people of Tobati. We would like to offer scholarships for those who are really interested but are unable to afford the registration fee, book, and tuition. The classes cost $30/month and will go until the end of November. If you are interested in providing a monthly scholarship, email me at nicole.m.riha@gmail.com, and I'll get you set up! It would be a huge blessing! 

Not too long ago, I was appointed In-Country Coordinator. Basically, there are various missions trips that come to work with the Florida Church throughout the year, and someone needs to coordinate translators, transportation, hotels, that sort of thing. I don't have a lot of experience in doing this kind of thing, but so far I'm really liking it. It's a little bit of a challenge, but I think it is using some of my gifts. 

Last week, Alcides talked to me about his desire to set up an study abroad/ exchange program with the school where his brother teaches in Virginia. The idea is to have a few students from Paraguay go to the United States for about 6 months to study, learn English, and maybe play soccer. Eventually, the goal would be to have students from the Virginia come to Paraguay to study and experience a new culture. But someone needs to coordinate all of this. Nicole's job #4. The only experience I have that's anything close to this is that I studied abroad when I was in college. I definitely didn't have to do any of the coordinating myself, but maybe that can give me some sort of direction. 

Number 5 - Alcides wants me to teach him English. He already understands so much. It's the speaking part that's difficult. And I totally, completely, 100% understand that. I think he'll improve really quickly! 

I also lead a small group of college aged girls, and I'm a leader at the youth group on Saturday nights :)

Whew. I think that's it! I like having things to do. It's way better than being bored all the time! And as of right now, it doesn't seem to be super overwhelming. Praise Jesus for that! I hope that kind of clarifies what it is I'm doing down here :) This year is going to be full, and I'm sure it will just fly by!