My first teaching in English

Remember I wrote about my volunteering at kids church? The leader who challenged me to teach? Well, I did that yesterday! Initially I had said no, but then he encouraged me with the option to split the group; he would be working with the younger ones, I'd be teaching the older children. It sounded to me a bit more comfortable that I wouldn't be fully on the spot;). So I agreed. Lotte spent the weekend with me, she joined me and supported me mentally haha. Being there,  John decided - out of the blue- that I could do the whole group.. I had no time to panic, I only could step forward:). Actually, it felt quite familiar and I enjoyed it a lot! The children were involved and the leaders responded very positive. John asked me instantly to take the next Sunday as well;).

Signed up

Although the thought of taking the TOEFL exam freaks me out, I signed up yet. It's a 4 -hour test on the computer, going over the four subjects. Save the date: Oct. 26, 8 AM.

My friend George

It has become my daily routine to meet George across the street, to chat a bit and provide him some food. Which I cut in baby pieces since he has no teeth to chew;). The nights are getting colder, therefore he asked me for a blanket last week. The truth is that I had one. A cosy, warm fleece blanket, but I felt emotionally attached to it. I feel ashamed to say, but it took me a day and a night to give it away.. While I even don't need it since I live in a house. Though, seeing him warm under the blanket, I'm glad I did it. Besides this, he is so grateful. I'm sure he is looking forward to our daily meetings. For two times he even surprised me with a present. Don't ask me where he got it, but I appreciate it!

My American phone number

Besides my Dutch w'app number I use a local number. The previous owner of this number is mr. John. I know this because I'm being bombarded by texts and phone calls for him, even though I block all numbers immediately.  I really got irritated that this guy didn't inform anyone of his whole social life about changing his number. Until I saw a text coming in: "John, I know how hard it is to lose your home- you aren't alone- I will help- call me." That made me silent. Probably he didn't inform his network because his phone was shut off.

Students come and go

The Swiss friends went back home. Then Sonya, our activity leader at school, asked me in her office. She wanted to introduce me to a Spanish new student who felt a bit lonely. This woman is in her 40's, studying Cambridge and easy going: a good match! Meanwhile other new students arrived for the Cambridge course. They 're also in their late 30's or 40's. One from Brazil, others from Switzerland. Nice to hang out with, although we all need to put a lot of efforts in our homework! Serious business;).

And that's what I gonna do right now!

Love from a sunny San Diego,  Marieke