I began serving as an ELCA missionary in
Slovakia in 2004. I’m the coordinating teacher in Košice and Liptovský
Mikulás. The Lutheran school in Košice is a 15-minute stroll from my
apartment. I teach English language and conversation to 200 students
ages 15 to 20. I’m married to a Slovak Lutheran seminarian I met while
working at Nawakwa, an ELCA outdoor ministry in Arendtsville, Pa.
The
joys and challenges of my work are closely tied together. Each week we
read literature, study current events and do writing exercises. When I
enter the classroom, students rise from their seats and wait for me to
say “good morning” or “good afternoon.” They respond in unison, then
take their seats. They enjoy expressing their ideas, and demonstrate an
often hilarious wit. On skit and role-play days, the students elaborate
on a theme. There’s a subtle joy in watching the gradual progress of
their English skills.
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