today sheila and i were walking to lunch with one of our friends, Bonnie, who we haven't seen much the past 2 months. she said, "you two seem tired. i mean, i haven't seen you in awhile - but you just seem tired."
my response?! - "yup. that's a fair assessment."
i think my bangla learning energy is just about tapped out. I don't feel like i can keep learning at this pace (as evidenced by the stack of vocabulary flash cards that are made - but definitely un-learned).
i haven't been speaking nearly as much this month compared with last month due to changes in our classes (last month i did a one on one conversation class - and i LOVED it. at the beginning of the month my brain was absolutely fried by the end of the hour - but i enjoyed the time and learned a ton!). really i was spoiled last month with my "best case scenario" classes...and what can live up to that?!
i'm learning a lot about village life in Bangladesh right now (vocab, culture etc). i'm taking a reading and writing class, and that's just the general topic so far. don't get me wrong - its great...it's just hard to see how it's applicable to my life... and i have a hard time motivating myself to learn the verb, "to husk rice." doesn't seem like i'll EVER need to know that one.
today when i was talking with one of the teachers and telling how i'm just kinda "tired" of learning, and that learning is hard right now. he said, "you have done a lot. i couldn't have done what you have done here." - and that was really affirming. after all, we did crammed 8 months of language school into 4...
so i started a new review project tonight - hopefully it will provide the motivation i need to keep working/studying/learning...the extra "umph" i need to hop out of this "funk."
in other random updates - my 3rd pen ran out of ink tonight. bummer. i don't know how i'm going through ink so quickly...doesn't seem like i write that much - but another one bit the dust.
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4 comments:
Ahhh Dear Mel...funks occur at all stages of life and are such a drag. I find an encouraging word from a friend,a little extra sleep and a fresh new day help! You are so loved and prayed for and look lovely on our frig! :)You are doing amazing and I admire you! Love from KY!
Lem, Let's get the "k" out of "funk", which is more fun.
At the very least, you could be in a "Knuf" (with a silent "K" and a long "u" - noof! And being in a noof doesn't sound so bad!
Know I love you and really do care! Love from MI (or to us IM)
doesn't everyone go through this towards the end of the school year?( regardless of how long the school year is) As a teacher I go through it (of course it may also have something to do with coaching an incredibly frustrating soccer team and teaching a different class so I have more work to do on a regular basis because I haven't done it before)
ahh Melissa, if I learned even a third of what you now know and can speak!! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You learned a ton, you are well equipped to move to the next stage of your life and work, and your Bangla skills will continue to increase as you form relationships with these women.
You're at the 2 week mark. I remember being there, and finding my discipline beginning to lapse. It was a struggle. say hi to all the teachers and Sheila from me - I miss you all!!!
Judy
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