finally!

What am I doing in Russia? That's a good question. I've been all over the place in the past week. It's been crazy fun and I am loving the culture of the city. I have already made some Russian friends outside of work. We met them at church on Sunday. I am looking forward to being involved in their bible study. The ladies of the church also have a weekly cafe night. Each week we visit a different coffee shop around the city. I am SO looking forward to that. Not only will it be caffeine-filled fun, but it will be a good way to learn my way around the city. Moscow is an amazing place. There is always something going on. It's all so exciting! At least for now. Hopefully that excitement doesn't wear off too soon.
Yesterday was our first official day of work. We boarded the bus at 8 and headed to Zaitevo (where I am teaching). I was really nervous because I had no idea what to expect. The more and more I learn about the Russian way, the more I realize that I should never expect anything. They have been slow with details and slow in processing things. Yesterday was the first work day, and also the first time that the teachers had entered the school since June. I got there and they started right away, getting things organized and ready for then the kids come on Tues. From what I remember from student teaching, teachers prepare during the summer. They also come to school early and stay late. Here, we will arrive when the children are arriving and we leave when the children leave. It's strange and I don't know when I will have time to think and prepare. But, go with the flow and learn to be flexible. This is what I have been learning every day.
So I sat down with the director of the Kindergarten. She told me exactly what my job description was and a little bit about my schedule. She told me that they have never had an American teacher come over with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She was very excited. Because of this excitement and her huge amount of faith in my abilities, she has made me the homeroom teacher. This means that I will be doing most of the teaching throughout the day. This will be shared with another Russian speaking teacher. I have 24 students. These students are split into 2 groups. One day I will teach one group, the next day I will teach the other 12 students. So basically, they want me with the children as much as possible. From what I have heard and what I have seen, English is a very important subject here at the school and the parents want to ensure that their Versace and Prada sporting children are learning the language all day long. I am feeling overwhelmed. I was thinking that I would only be teaching English for a couple lessons a day. Now I feel the work load piling on my shoulders. It probably is not as bad as I am expecting. What am I saying?? No expectations, remember? Oh yeah. Ok...um...I don't know what to expect and I am hoping for the best. God is in control and nothing is too difficult for Him. (that sounds better.)
I have to keep reminding myself that I am here to TEACH. I am not here to impress the other (glaring) Russian teachers. I am not here to make loads and loads of money. I am not here to shop. I came here to teach. I am here for these kids. No matter what language they speak or how much money they have in their future college funds, they are still children who want and need to learn. They will love me if I love them. They will learn if I do my job. They will be impressed if even if my clothes are from Walmart. :)