"Not by might nor power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord. (The Word of God to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:6)
After a rough second day in the classroom, I was contemplating how to improve for the next day... and the next and the next! On top of classroom management, I was staring at my school year calendar, trying to plan novel studies, fit in all of the textbook units, and make room for field trips and projects. How was I ever going to get through all of the curricular material when I had to continually remind the students to face front, give me their full attention, and focus?!
And it hit me -- I couldn't.
That's when the Lord reminded me that it's not by my might or power, but His. There is no way I could ever have perfect classroom management or lesson planning in my own strength!
How many times have I had to learn and relearn this lesson? How often do I attempt to live disconnected from the True Vine? Too many. Too often.
So, my prayer for this week and the weeks to come is that Christ would reign in me so that His life would be lived through me. As I teach, may my students see Jesus in me! I'm praying the same thing for you as you embrace the adventure of each day at work, in classes, with your families, wherever He leads you. It's not by our hands that His will is accomplished -- but "by My Spirit," says the Lord.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Officially Done with Day 1!
Today was my first day as an "official" teacher... and what a great day it was! I am tired and my feet hurt, but something tells me that those are signs of a good teacher. :)
Highlights from today:
-- The opening ceremony: students cheered for faculty as we entered the auditorium, enthusiasm about the coming school year, director rappelled from the ceiling to the Mission Impossible theme song...
-- Morning activities: the 4th graders liked the construction theme (!!), things went smoothly with introducing routines
-- Team-building game: it was really LOUD while the students were making their towers out of trash, but I think they got the point! (working together, patience, perseverance, including everyone, encouraging one another)
-- Hopes and dreams bricks: today we wrote goals for the year on paper bricks, tomorrow we'll talk about how we can practically achieve these goals and turn those into classroom rules
I would appreciate your continued prayers for God to give me an uncondtional love for my students. As I told my class today, there will be challenges that we face this year that take perseverance and patience. I have asked them to press on and do the best they can... and I am challenged to do the same. I don't want to give up on them when they're confused, give into them when they're misbehaving, or give way to them when they're disrespectful. Only the fruit of the Holy Spirit will enable me to impact the lives of these third and fourth graders. And that's my prayer: Christ working through me for a year of impact.
Highlights from today:
-- The opening ceremony: students cheered for faculty as we entered the auditorium, enthusiasm about the coming school year, director rappelled from the ceiling to the Mission Impossible theme song...
-- Team-building game: it was really LOUD while the students were making their towers out of trash, but I think they got the point! (working together, patience, perseverance, including everyone, encouraging one another)
-- Hopes and dreams bricks: today we wrote goals for the year on paper bricks, tomorrow we'll talk about how we can practically achieve these goals and turn those into classroom rules
I would appreciate your continued prayers for God to give me an uncondtional love for my students. As I told my class today, there will be challenges that we face this year that take perseverance and patience. I have asked them to press on and do the best they can... and I am challenged to do the same. I don't want to give up on them when they're confused, give into them when they're misbehaving, or give way to them when they're disrespectful. Only the fruit of the Holy Spirit will enable me to impact the lives of these third and fourth graders. And that's my prayer: Christ working through me for a year of impact.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Transformations!
It's been just over a week since I found out the grade level I will be teaching, and I am amazed at how the classroom has come together in that time! (In addition to taking the car to the shop, attending all-staff conference, etc...) Thanks to a teacher assistant and my roommates, here are some photos of the transformation!
BEFORE: lots of furniture in no particular place, curriculum piled high
AFTER: desks in their places, curriculum in the cabinet, conference corner created!
BEFORE: Far side of the classroom along the wall with windows
AFTER: Decorations hung, "nailing good behavior" system in place
BEFORE: Teacher corner wasn't really defined
AFTER: Orderly teacher desk with classroom library in front
As I consider the transformation that has happened in my classroom, I can't help but think about the transformation of our lives because of Jesus. Praise God that He takes our sinful selves and makes us new! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Cor 5:17)
I am also challenged to pray for the transformation of my students. I have heard that this is a challenging group, but I know that God can transform their hearts. Although I can teach lessons, assign homework, and plan activities, I cannot change their attitudes, motivations, and desires. God can. Please join me in praying for the third and fourth graders who will enter my class on Tuesday -- that they would be good listeners and hard workers, and that I would have wisdom to meet the needs of each one with patience and love.
"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace" (Psalm 29:11).
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Testing the Flexibility Muscles
BFA. Be Flexible Always. That's what various staff have told me during recruiting, fundraising, and now orientation... And I have found it to be true so far!
On Thursday I found out that I will be the fourth grade teacher this year! I was originally going to be teaching third grade in the morning and fifth grade in the afternoon, but now I have a class of my own. I am thrilled to finally have curriculum, materials, and a finalized class list in my hands -- I'll have 7 fourth graders and will add 9 third graders in the afternoon. I have spent the past 2 days getting the room in order (pictures coming soon). Even with all of these preparations, it's a little surreal that I am going to be teaching in just over a week!
This week I have also enjoyed a tour of all the BFA dorms, several walks in the gorgeous Black Forest, an evening in Basel with new staff, and a day in Freiburg. Indeed every day is an adventure!
On Thursday I found out that I will be the fourth grade teacher this year! I was originally going to be teaching third grade in the morning and fifth grade in the afternoon, but now I have a class of my own. I am thrilled to finally have curriculum, materials, and a finalized class list in my hands -- I'll have 7 fourth graders and will add 9 third graders in the afternoon. I have spent the past 2 days getting the room in order (pictures coming soon). Even with all of these preparations, it's a little surreal that I am going to be teaching in just over a week!
This week I have also enjoyed a tour of all the BFA dorms, several walks in the gorgeous Black Forest, an evening in Basel with new staff, and a day in Freiburg. Indeed every day is an adventure!
(Brittany, me, and Jennifer in Basel)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
One Week Down!
As of today, I have officially been in Germany for one week! In some ways, it seems like a lot longer than that -- I have seen and done so much, met new people, and tried new things. However, time is definitely flying by as I count down the days until the first day of school on August 24!
Highlights from today:
-- Finalized insurance. I am very thankful that our German language teacher allowed me to miss class today to go to the insurance agency. The lady there is leaving for vacation this weekend, and she is only open in the morning some days. I was able to catch her right at the beginning of the day before she (and I) got too busy. So, now I can officially drive my car!
-- Went to a local cafe with the new staff. As an outing with our German language class today, we all walked to the cafe/bakery in town to "practice" ordering food and drinks auf Deutsch. The food and drinks were delicious! It was also really great to have some low-key socializing time with the other new staff members outside of the context of language class.
-- Visited Sitzenkirch. I had been to the elementary school back in March, but this trip allowed me to really visualize where I am going to be and which classrooms might be mine. The Discovery (special needs) teacher took me there, gave me a tour, and explained a little bit about the Discovery program. I am looking forward to meeting with her again before the beginning of school for specific strategies for some of my students.
-- Drove my car for the first time. I was SO nervous to drive... a new car (to me), a new type of car (stick!), a new country, and new roads! It took a few tries to get it out of the BFA parking lot... but once I did, everything went ok after that! I was so thankful for Brittany, who was an amazing copilot -- encouraging, patient, and calm. Yes, that is exactly what I needed today! She tells me I did a great job even though I stalled... is it okay to believe the lies to improve my confidence? :)
-- Made a stir fry over rice. Cooking with Brittany has been a great time of bonding as we decide what to make, go through all of the steps to prepare it, and then enjoy the meal together. Tonight I cut veggies and put them in the stir fry pan, while Brittany cooked the rice. Teamwork!
-- Strolled through the forest. One of our neighbors (another BFA missionary) took Brittany and me on a short walk through the forest behind our neighborhood. Our stroll ended with a beautiful view of the sunset!
It's the end of a long, productive day. Who knows what the weekend will hold?! Thanks, Lord, for going before me in each new day!
Highlights from today:
-- Finalized insurance. I am very thankful that our German language teacher allowed me to miss class today to go to the insurance agency. The lady there is leaving for vacation this weekend, and she is only open in the morning some days. I was able to catch her right at the beginning of the day before she (and I) got too busy. So, now I can officially drive my car!
-- Went to a local cafe with the new staff. As an outing with our German language class today, we all walked to the cafe/bakery in town to "practice" ordering food and drinks auf Deutsch. The food and drinks were delicious! It was also really great to have some low-key socializing time with the other new staff members outside of the context of language class.
-- Visited Sitzenkirch. I had been to the elementary school back in March, but this trip allowed me to really visualize where I am going to be and which classrooms might be mine. The Discovery (special needs) teacher took me there, gave me a tour, and explained a little bit about the Discovery program. I am looking forward to meeting with her again before the beginning of school for specific strategies for some of my students.
-- Drove my car for the first time. I was SO nervous to drive... a new car (to me), a new type of car (stick!), a new country, and new roads! It took a few tries to get it out of the BFA parking lot... but once I did, everything went ok after that! I was so thankful for Brittany, who was an amazing copilot -- encouraging, patient, and calm. Yes, that is exactly what I needed today! She tells me I did a great job even though I stalled... is it okay to believe the lies to improve my confidence? :)
-- Made a stir fry over rice. Cooking with Brittany has been a great time of bonding as we decide what to make, go through all of the steps to prepare it, and then enjoy the meal together. Tonight I cut veggies and put them in the stir fry pan, while Brittany cooked the rice. Teamwork!
-- Strolled through the forest. One of our neighbors (another BFA missionary) took Brittany and me on a short walk through the forest behind our neighborhood. Our stroll ended with a beautiful view of the sunset!
It's the end of a long, productive day. Who knows what the weekend will hold?! Thanks, Lord, for going before me in each new day!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
How Do You Say "Adventure" auf Deutsch?
I need to ask someone how you say "adventure" in German -- every day here is truly an adventure! We embrace the newness of supermarket trips, walks in the rain, language studies, travels around the area, extreme changes in weather, trash sorting... In fact, I find myself saying throughout the day, "This is another part of the adventure!"
Some new things take our breath away -- like the gorgeous view from my apartment!
But other times, new things can be frustrating and confusing -- getting from one unfamiliar place to another seems more complicated than it actually is, and understanding the "German way" of doing things takes time and energy. But I am reminded that these things are part of the journey. Instead of asking WHY, I should focus on HOW to make the adjustments.
After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea out of slavery and into freedom, Moses celebrated God's faithfulness in song (Exodus 15). Moses acknowledges the Lord's protection through the course of their journey and rests in God's promise to continue leading and guiding them! I rejoice with Moses in God's loving concern for His people: "In Your unfailing love, You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength, You will guide them to Your holy dwelling" (Ex 15:13).
I think that we sometimes see new or "different" things as nuisances. God is not calling us to complaint, doubt, or discouragement. Rather, let's embrace each aspect of the adventure with JOY in the JOURNEY! (Thank You, God, for a blog name that reminds me of the attitude You want me to have!)
Some new things take our breath away -- like the gorgeous view from my apartment!
But other times, new things can be frustrating and confusing -- getting from one unfamiliar place to another seems more complicated than it actually is, and understanding the "German way" of doing things takes time and energy. But I am reminded that these things are part of the journey. Instead of asking WHY, I should focus on HOW to make the adjustments.
After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea out of slavery and into freedom, Moses celebrated God's faithfulness in song (Exodus 15). Moses acknowledges the Lord's protection through the course of their journey and rests in God's promise to continue leading and guiding them! I rejoice with Moses in God's loving concern for His people: "In Your unfailing love, You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength, You will guide them to Your holy dwelling" (Ex 15:13).
I think that we sometimes see new or "different" things as nuisances. God is not calling us to complaint, doubt, or discouragement. Rather, let's embrace each aspect of the adventure with JOY in the JOURNEY! (Thank You, God, for a blog name that reminds me of the attitude You want me to have!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)