Was meint das? (What does that mean?)

I'm back in school. This time, I'm working toward a TESOL certification, learning to teach English to speakers of other languages. We're whistling through four semesters in the next four weeks of summer school.

My kids raved about Prof Suzan Kobashigawa, who teaches in the university's Arts and Humanities department. She taught Japanese to our daughter and other course to our sons. Our children enjoyed her interactive, hands-on style that stretched beyond the classroom into fun activities in the community. They tasted international food, watched international movies, and learned about culture. I'm doing the same - and what joy it is to have a good teacher.

Language reflects the values and thought processes of its people group. For example, I didn't realize how regimented German was until I taught it to our children. I drew alphabet cards with animals to match the phonics and wrote a song for each. Then I found out that "a" (ah) sounded the same in nearly every combination: if you learned the "note" each letter made, you could combine the notes  to make words, much like singing a tune. Our kids easily picked up German reading and transferred it to English, which was much more flexible and complicated.

We don't always know the meaning for what we're called to do. Sometimes we move ahead and just do what's in front of us because we know we should. The reason why I'd spent five years on a doctorate became apparent this spring. And this class? I've already learned new several ways to teach, which I'll apply to a class in Singapore this summer.

I'm grateful. Every piece God puts together feeds into the work we are assigned. Sitting in Suzan's classroom reminds me how gifted teachers provide opportunities for students. Looking around at the students, I can't wait to hear how they change the world.

Read more:

*“In this place I will give peace,” says the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:9 (NKJV)

*Through Christ God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:2 NLT

*And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 5-6 NIV

Moravian Prayer: Our lives, our nation, and our world are racked with sin and unrighteousness. We long for peace, Father God. Help us to turn away from evil. We pray that the peace that passes all understanding may fill our minds and hearts and keep us safe in Christ Jesus. Shalom and Amen.