The Professor

So I just finished my second English class, hoping to finish this post before the storm comes and knocks out the power.

I teach two English classes here at the AICS, one for first year M.Div.'s and the other for B.D.'s. Interestingly enough, an M.Div here is primarily for students looking to become missionaries. A B.D. (bachelors degree) is actually a masters level program more like the M.Div degree in the states. I have two students in my M.Div. class and 29 in my B.D. class. Which makes me wonder, can I call myself Professor Almaguer now? I mean, I am teaching masters level classes at a popular seminary? Just sayin.

Anyways, my two classes couldn't be more different. My M.Div's I've got to feel sorry for. There is no place to hide from my questions when there is only two people. The class is also smaller so it's a much more intimidating setting. Their English is not as strong either so we had some difficulty with complete sentences and identifying whether a complete idea was present in the sentence or not. Of course, I need to work on clarity as well and understanding vocabulary levels.

My B.D. class seems to be much more advanced with some practically yawning at my lecture on nouns and pronouns today. Next week I'll try the complete sentence session with them and see how that goes over. They're also a much more lively bunch which is good because it will help me tailor the class better to them. I made it interesting by teaching them about American slang. They learned the word "cool" and laughed when I used the pronoun section to explain why Americans use phrases like "you guys" and "y'all." Any suggestions on funny slang or cultural phrases I should teach them? They also love hearing how people in different places in the United States use different words (i.e. soda vs pop vs coke). The faculty found it humorous that Americans have so many regional sayings.

I had forgotten until I got here that I sent in my resume to AICS during my international field ed application process. As a result, Rev. Zolawma knew that I studied kung fu since my resume mentioned that I was VP of Baylor Kung Fu club. Well, little did I know that my kung fu would make me immensely popular around here. There have been at least three times some member of the faculty in jest or in talking about me has mentioned that I am a kung fu teacher. So this morning during announcements, Principal Hnuni was talking about how on saturday she wants everyone to get together for some exercise. Apparently someone on campus is going to teach some tai chi, how authentic or what style that is I have yet to see. Anyways, when Principal announced saturday excerise someone said aloud, "and kung fu." Which started a sea of voices clammering for kung fu. Hnuni smiled and said, "yes! and our very own kung fu master will teach kung fu!" Everyone laughed and after chapel some guys said to me they will be excited for kung fu on saturday. So now I am teaching a kung fu class haha. Who knew in Mizoram kung fu would be so popular?

I was informed yesterday that I will be preaching Sunday with one of the students translating for me in the second largest church in Mizoram which is exciting. However, it also means I need to type a manuscript of my sermon (something I never do). As much as I'd like to blog more, I need to go hang out with some students and work on my sermon. Thanks to everyone who has commented or emailed me, enjoy hearing from everyone!

pax et bonum.


SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Kirsten- Glad to hear you are enjoyin MD. I imagine each day you walk away with a lot of different emotions. Hope you have some people to process both the joys and the pains with. I look forward to hearing some great stories from you when I get back!