These last few weeks we have been teaching English- it has been some of the best weeks on the Race. We partnered with a local ministry who use English as a way to reach people. We taught English in the afternoon, leading a group called ‘Talking Club’. The aim was to engage the students and improve their conversational English- all while developing relationships with them. As soon as we found out that we would be with them, we were excited- looking forward to it almost from the time we entered Kyrgyzstan.
This was the most ‘normal’ time of the race for me. We lived in a house that we had all to ourselves. We were there for 2 and a half weeks, so I was able to personalise my room. I put pictures up, filled a glass with flowers, and worked out a regular schedule. It felt like heaven. Not only was the routine welcomed, but the house was by far and away my favourite accommodation so far. We had a kitchen where we could cook whatever we wanted- we made dessert multiple times. Even the multiple bathrooms, and the washer and dryer in the basement, were a luxury. The feeling of normalcy that was brought about by living in a house and the regular schedule gave me the time away from the hectic unknown that is part of being on the Race.
A normal day looked like this:
7-7:30am- Wake up. I would work out most mornings (making this a habit is something having a regular schedule allowed me to do)
8-9am- Breakfast. It was usually oatmeal and a banana, although pancakes were a luxury I was able to indulge in one morning.
9-11am- Time reading my Bible. Starting the day off this way is important and I always made it a priority. During this time I would also get random things done.
11-12pm- This is when we would meet and discuss the days teaching plan. Who would lead what group and what the topic or theme would be. We chose a variety of themes including Superheroes, Time Travel, and Being the Change.
12-1:30pm- Lunch was had and a some downtime before I left to teach.
1:30pm- I taught beginners English for the time before Talking Club so I would head down to the centre to get there in time for the 2pm lesson.
2-3:30pm- Beginners English. These were my favourite classes. They were small, usually 2-4 kids. Small groups is where I thrive so I loved being able to have this time.
3:30-5pm- Talking club. This is divided into 2 groups- advanced and beginners. We would basically spend an hour and a half talking about a select topic- trying to encourage converstaion and develop their conversational english. We would define new vocabulary with most lessons. We usually started the time with a game- trying to keep them active so they wouldn’t get bored and would stay engaged.
5-6pm- This time was set apart to hang out with the students. The centre was stocked with a heap of games- including a ping pong table- so there was never a shortage of fun to be had.
6-10pm- We would head home and cook dinner, or go out for dinner with some of the students, then spend the rest of the night relaxing. We would sit at the table and talk, or watch movies.
10-11pm- Bedtime. Keeping a regular bedtime is important to me so being able to get away from people and wind down on my own was welcomed.
I loved these weeks that we spent in Bishkek. The ministry, people, and city (and the house!), make this a place that I will definitely be going back to.
