Safe & Secure

I apologize that it has been so long. If I was being honest sometimes I'm not always exactly sure of what to say in my blog so I wait, until I feel like I have something of substance to actually post.

However it's been over two weeks so I will share what I've done and what I've been learning during that time.

As far as teaching is concerned I by no means am an expert and far from it, but I genuinely do enjoy it. I know I've expressed that already but there are just some moments that I get to step back and think wow my job really does have a lot of value and meaning. In addition, I've learned about myself that what brings me joy is seeing other people in improve. I especially love seeing people improve when I get to be a part of the process. Specifically, I love seeing this occur in the academic setting among students both in the classroom and outside of the classroom.
I've only been teaching for about 3 weeks or so but there have already been cool moments where I'm thankful and excited that I have the amazing privilege of being a teacher, in China nonetheless.
One instance especially stands out. So I teach two sections of Sophomore English Major Public Speaking Courses. Well last week ended our first unit and each student had to prepare and give a 3-5 minute speech.
One of my students is PAINFULLY shy, like literally when you talk to him you think you are hurting him. Well it was his turn to give the speech and guess what...? He NAILED it. He did an AMAZING job, so much so that even the entire class was impressed and EVERYONE clapped for him. He didn't speak perfectly or anything but everyone knew that giving speeches was the LAST thing this student ever wanted to do, but he did it and executed many of the speech giving skills we had covered during that unit. So I was already incredibly proud of him and excited right? Well then I had a couple of other students affirm me and tell me "wow Ms. Alysse you are a great teacher because (the shy student) is usually very bad at giving speeches and talks very quietly and is very shy, but in your class he did a great job and opened up more."
How is that for encouragement and affirmation?! As a new teacher it was pretty cool to get such positive feedback from your students. Needless to say I was excited and am feeling incredibly optimistic for the rest of the year.

What have I been learning about The Father? In essence I've been learning a lot about security, where I've been trying to find it, and where it is truly found. I have a major heart idol of control and living and serving in another country only exposes that. I've realized lately that I've been trying to find my security and strength within myself, or in others, or in circumstances; and you know what... they all fail me every time.
 I was journaling through Matthew 24:35 the other day and was reminded of where true security is found-which is in Him and His Word. I was then led to a cross reference in Isaiah 40:8 which says that "the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our [Father] will stand forever." Again, reminded that if there is anything that is guaranteed, sure, and constant in my life that I can always cling to it's The Father and His Word. The security that He offers is better than any situation or circumstance that I could try to manipulate by my own two hands. I'm thankful that He's a Father who is good in allowing me to fail and giving me grace to return to Him and wise in not allowing me to be the one who is ultimately in control.

Learning daily how to allow Him to be the master of my fate and captain of my soul.

Photos of the Week:

Was able to share in my sweet friends' first ever taco eating experience! I love these girls!

Was able to get out of the city and go on a retreat with whole city team and this was the amazing view!