To laugh or cry?

Tuesday was my first day as an ESL teacher to real live Mongolian students! I have been preparing for this day for almost two years and can't even begin to tell you all the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into this journey - not to mention all of the support I've received from family, friends and supporters!

So I walk into my classroom and my lesson plan (that is planned down to the minute) is quickly interrupted by the head English teacher. She takes up about 10 minutes - 10 precious minutes. I take a deep breath after she leaves and begin my lesson. About 10 minutes later, I realize none of the students have their books. I begin to panic as 3/4 of my plan involves the book! I take another deep breath and start to "wing it". At their break, I go to the sink to wet down the "erasure" (a rag) and the water sprays down my front which makes it look like I have bladder issues! And of course, I end the class slipping on a cord - thankfully I catch myself and don't fall but it was enough to get a few more giggles.

I have decided to laugh and have hopes that it will get better and things will go smoother the rest of the week. Either way, I had fun despite the curve balls!

I got them to speak in English to each other - SUCCESS!!!