Finally

[Note: Originally from 9/14/12]

As of Thursday, I have a schedule. I have classes.

I teach fourth, fifth, and sixth grade.

And I could NOT feel better about it. :)

Look at these cuties, will you?

And if possible, all the confusion, the miscommunications, the hurt feelings, the hardships, whatever, just made meeting them finally... all the more wonderful.

I showed them a slideshow to help them get to know me. It was full of pictures of my family and friends, of Kaysville, and my hobbies. With each slide, they were gasping, clapping, yelling the Chinese word for beautiful. I feel SO much love for these kids. It makes my heart kind of ache a little bit. In such a good way.

Highlights?

When they came to shake my hand goodbye, and I told them that I like to give hugs goodbye. By the end of the day, word had spread that the American likes hugs. I couldn't make it down a hall without being mobbed by tiny arms all around my legs and waist, hanging off my backpack and my neck.

The little girl who came up to me grinning, to tell me after one class, "Teacher, I very love you."

The cute kid five desks back in the second row, who looks like he will set AFIRE anyone who speaks while I do. I am in love.

The girl who guessed that my college major is "model-doctor." I don't know what that means, necessarily, but I think it involves looking fierce while performing brain surgery... which is a compliment anyone would jump at, am I right? 

This is why I am here. :) I am SO lucky.