May 1: No school and BFA Senior Girls' Tea
May 2: 4th and 5th Grade visit the Middle School
May 5: Small group preparing goodie bags for AP students
May 6: Belated birthday lunch with Middle School staff
May 7: Bible 6 presentations on independent research (more to come!)
May 9-11: Lead worship for a women's retreat in Switzerland
May 13: Middle School Talent Show
May 16: Middle School Spring Party - Disney theme!
May 18: Soccer teams leave for tournament
May 20: Senior Girls Share Night (small group panel event)
May 26-30: Middle School Experiential Learning Week
May 30: BFA's Got Talent
The beginning of the end… of my fourth year at BFA!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Saturday, April 5, 2014
A Cow Can Change Your Life
A cow can change your life.
That's how the seventh graders began their video to tell people about our Geography class fundraiser. The students and I spent the past month planning a porridge meal to be served at the middle school and the international church in town. The whole point of the event was to raise not only money, but also awareness about poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. The students selected Heifer International - an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty through the gifts of animals and farming supplies - to receive all of the proceeds from the event.
Before focusing on the fundraiser in particular, I had each of the students fill out a questionnaire about their interests and strengths, with the hope that I could create roles for the project that would illuminate their unique gifts. Based on the results of the survey, the 13 students were split into teams - finances, cause promotion, publicity, art showcase, and photography.
Throughout the process of preparing for the fundraiser, the students amazed me...
Between the two porridge meals, we collected just over 1000 euros (about $1560)! We were able to "purchase" a number of gifts from the Heifer gift catalog:
- a cow
- a sheep
- a goat
- a pig
- honeybees
- rabbits
- irrigation pumps
- tree seedlings
- a flock of chicks
- a family farm care package
- a gift of clean water
These gifts will be given to families in Africa and have the potential to impact those communities for generations to come. We are so grateful for our generous community for partnering with us and our God who can use these gifts for His purposes!
So, you see, a cow really can change a life!
That's how the seventh graders began their video to tell people about our Geography class fundraiser. The students and I spent the past month planning a porridge meal to be served at the middle school and the international church in town. The whole point of the event was to raise not only money, but also awareness about poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. The students selected Heifer International - an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty through the gifts of animals and farming supplies - to receive all of the proceeds from the event.
Before focusing on the fundraiser in particular, I had each of the students fill out a questionnaire about their interests and strengths, with the hope that I could create roles for the project that would illuminate their unique gifts. Based on the results of the survey, the 13 students were split into teams - finances, cause promotion, publicity, art showcase, and photography.
Throughout the process of preparing for the fundraiser, the students amazed me...
The finance team immediately got to work on making a colorful collection box.
The artistic students combined their interests in music, filmmaking, and visual arts to create a stop-motion video with beautiful audio tracks recorded on an iPod during lunch.
The publicity team designed creative posters and gave well-prepared presentations about the event to not only the middle school, but also the church service of over 200 people.
The cause liaisons shared about the work of Hiefer at our events.
And meanwhile, our photographer captured it all on film!
[But she's not pictured because she was always behind the camera!]
Together we prepared the cornmeal porridge and did the set up and clean up.
It was great seeing all of the students involved in the whole process of putting on the porridge meal.
We made the water brown to represent the fact that many people in Africa do not have clean water.
We provided yellow cards for people to learn more about Heifer's work in Africa.
- a cow
- a sheep
- a goat
- a pig
- honeybees
- rabbits
- irrigation pumps
- tree seedlings
- a flock of chicks
- a family farm care package
- a gift of clean water
These gifts will be given to families in Africa and have the potential to impact those communities for generations to come. We are so grateful for our generous community for partnering with us and our God who can use these gifts for His purposes!
So, you see, a cow really can change a life!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Month at a Glance: April
April 2-3: Maniac Magee In-Class Essay (English 6)
April 4: Last day of school before spring break!
April 7-11: Conference in Turkey
Spring Break: BFA Service Trips
April 13: Palm Sunday
April 14: I turn 26! :)
April 18: Good Friday
April 20: Easter Sunday - He Is Risen!
April 22: Staff Breakfast
April 23: Classes resume
April 23-May 7: Bible 6 Inquiry Project
April 26: Home soccer game and track meet
April 4: Last day of school before spring break!
April 7-11: Conference in Turkey
Spring Break: BFA Service Trips
April 13: Palm Sunday
April 14: I turn 26! :)
April 18: Good Friday
April 20: Easter Sunday - He Is Risen!
April 22: Staff Breakfast
April 23: Classes resume
April 23-May 7: Bible 6 Inquiry Project
April 26: Home soccer game and track meet
Saturday, March 8, 2014
When Oceans Rise
It had been a busy week. There was a basketball game to watch and small group to lead. There had been baking for a dorm and a guest to host. And, of course, there were lesson plans to write, activities to prepare, and assignments to grade.
My roommate and I were supposed to be leading worship for Middle School Chapel on Friday afternoon, and we had barely seen each other all week.
So, we decided to keep things simple. A few weeks before that, Laura had invited us to lead worship for her Better Than a Super Birthday Bowl at the rehab center in Basel. We had practiced some of her favorites - including some new ones for us - and were blown away by God's presence that night. We were a humble gathering of honest worshippers of all ages, believing in God's transforming power in our lives, especially Laura's. The memory will forever be etched in my mind of Laura's beautiful smile and passionate praise, the strains of Dayla's viola drawing out the melodies and harmonies, and the Holy Spirit at the center of it all. It was a most special birthday.
I have to be honest: I wasn't expecting passion and God's obvious Presence at Middle School Chapel that Friday.
I have been discouraged lately by the lack of enthusiastic participation in chapel worship. Even more, I always feel like I am hurriedly "switching hats" as I transition from classroom teacher to worship leader in under four minutes. Not to mention, it had been so busy of a week that I hadn't really prepared my own heart to lead others into His presence.
I closed my eyes to focus on the lyrics of the first song and felt His presence as I sang the familiar words: "When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace, for I am Yours and You are mine." When I opened my eyes, I saw students singing along, closing their eyes, raising their hands. While these acts aren't the only indicators of the heart, they were an encouragement to me and a reminder of God's power at work.
That week was already a few weeks ago. It seems that one busy week leads into another and another and another. Last weekend, many BFA high schoolers and staff boarded charter buses for a 48-hour whirlwind retreat in the walled city of Nürnberg. A highlight for me was the opportunity to worship God in song six times over the course of the weekend. I felt my soul coming alive again, removed from the distractions of busy routine and unending to-do lists. My emotional and physical exhaustion brought me to my knees in a much-needed position of deep dependence on Him. Where I was supposed to be all along.
It's no coincidence that one of the songs repeated several times at the retreat was "Oceans" - the same song from Laura's birthday and Middle School Chapel.
How could I rest in the midst of a storm? I visualized myself gasping for breath, furiously treading water to "keep my eyes above the waves." But this picture is all wrong. Resting in a sea of troubled waters depends not on futile human effort, but rather intentional focus on Christ and total trust in Him. It's not about how hard I try, but about what He has already done. Self-reliance is futile; His embrace brings comfort, protection, and restoration.
I pray that, when oceans rise, we will choose to rest in His embrace and allow Him to lead us deeper still.
My roommate and I were supposed to be leading worship for Middle School Chapel on Friday afternoon, and we had barely seen each other all week.
So, we decided to keep things simple. A few weeks before that, Laura had invited us to lead worship for her Better Than a Super Birthday Bowl at the rehab center in Basel. We had practiced some of her favorites - including some new ones for us - and were blown away by God's presence that night. We were a humble gathering of honest worshippers of all ages, believing in God's transforming power in our lives, especially Laura's. The memory will forever be etched in my mind of Laura's beautiful smile and passionate praise, the strains of Dayla's viola drawing out the melodies and harmonies, and the Holy Spirit at the center of it all. It was a most special birthday.
I have been discouraged lately by the lack of enthusiastic participation in chapel worship. Even more, I always feel like I am hurriedly "switching hats" as I transition from classroom teacher to worship leader in under four minutes. Not to mention, it had been so busy of a week that I hadn't really prepared my own heart to lead others into His presence.
I closed my eyes to focus on the lyrics of the first song and felt His presence as I sang the familiar words: "When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace, for I am Yours and You are mine." When I opened my eyes, I saw students singing along, closing their eyes, raising their hands. While these acts aren't the only indicators of the heart, they were an encouragement to me and a reminder of God's power at work.
That week was already a few weeks ago. It seems that one busy week leads into another and another and another. Last weekend, many BFA high schoolers and staff boarded charter buses for a 48-hour whirlwind retreat in the walled city of Nürnberg. A highlight for me was the opportunity to worship God in song six times over the course of the weekend. I felt my soul coming alive again, removed from the distractions of busy routine and unending to-do lists. My emotional and physical exhaustion brought me to my knees in a much-needed position of deep dependence on Him. Where I was supposed to be all along.
"And I will call upon Your Name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine"
How could I rest in the midst of a storm? I visualized myself gasping for breath, furiously treading water to "keep my eyes above the waves." But this picture is all wrong. Resting in a sea of troubled waters depends not on futile human effort, but rather intentional focus on Christ and total trust in Him. It's not about how hard I try, but about what He has already done. Self-reliance is futile; His embrace brings comfort, protection, and restoration.
I pray that, when oceans rise, we will choose to rest in His embrace and allow Him to lead us deeper still.
"Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior."
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Month at a Glance: March
February 28- March 2: High school retreat!
March 3: Rosenmontag (holiday)
March 6-8: Middle school play (Annie Jr.)
March 7-10: Visitors from France!
March 8: Storch dorm open house
March 14-16: BFA Staff Retreat
March 27: African porridge fundraiser meal (Geography class)
March 28: First day of 4th Quarter!
March 29: Home soccer game
March 30: African porridge fundraiser meal - part 2!
March 3: Rosenmontag (holiday)
March 6-8: Middle school play (Annie Jr.)
March 7-10: Visitors from France!
March 8: Storch dorm open house
March 14-16: BFA Staff Retreat
March 27: African porridge fundraiser meal (Geography class)
March 28: First day of 4th Quarter!
March 29: Home soccer game
March 30: African porridge fundraiser meal - part 2!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
"Let It Go"
Chances are, you've probably heard that song by now. Whether you've seen the latest Disney movie Frozen or not, there have been plenty of YouTube covers floating around Facebook. (If you haven't, then check out this or this!) I'm an unashamed fan of Frozen. I've quoted movie lines in conversations and joined in with students' sing-a-longs in the halls. I love the redemptive story line and the hilarious characters.
The song "Let It Go" pairs powerful lyrics with a memorable tune that marks a turning point for Elsa's character in the film. As a Christian, however, I can't help but notice the emptiness within this song. While it is admirable that Elsa does not want to let fear control her anymore, she embraces a rebellious "no rules for me" position. Elsa is unwilling to continue concealing her powers and desires freedom - a freedom that is achieved when she is alone and free from societal expectations. Alternatively, Christ has called us to a freedom that comes from from fully relying on Him.
While listening to a song from Casting Crowns' newest album, Thrive, I immediately thought of Frozen and its "Let It Go" anthem. How different it would be for Elsa to sing the words of "Just Be Held" (below)! I pray that this message of freedom might take root in our hearts: True freedom is found in trust, rest, and surrender.
I invite you to pray for me as I share these thoughts with the BFA middle school students at our Monday morning devotions tomorrow. My prayer is that the students would see this new perspective of true freedom and walk in humble dependence on Christ.
"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering." Romans 8:1-3
The song "Let It Go" pairs powerful lyrics with a memorable tune that marks a turning point for Elsa's character in the film. As a Christian, however, I can't help but notice the emptiness within this song. While it is admirable that Elsa does not want to let fear control her anymore, she embraces a rebellious "no rules for me" position. Elsa is unwilling to continue concealing her powers and desires freedom - a freedom that is achieved when she is alone and free from societal expectations. Alternatively, Christ has called us to a freedom that comes from from fully relying on Him.
While listening to a song from Casting Crowns' newest album, Thrive, I immediately thought of Frozen and its "Let It Go" anthem. How different it would be for Elsa to sing the words of "Just Be Held" (below)! I pray that this message of freedom might take root in our hearts: True freedom is found in trust, rest, and surrender.
Just
Be Held
(Casting
Crowns)
Hold
it all together
Everybody
needs you strong
But
life hits you out of nowhere
And
barely leaves you holding on
And
when you're tired of fighting
Chained
by your control
There's
freedom in surrender
Lay
it down and let it go
So when you're on your knees and answers
seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and
just be held
Your world’s not falling apart, it’s
falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and
just be held
Just be held, just be held
If
your eyes are on the storm
You'll
wonder if I love you still
But
if your eyes are on the cross
You'll
know I always have and I always will
And
not a tear is wasted
In
time, you'll understand
I'm
painting beauty with the ashes
Your
life is in My hands
(Chorus)
Lift
your hands, lift your eyes
In
the storm is where you'll find Me
And
where you are, I'll hold your heart, I'll hold your heart
Come
to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won’t let go
"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering." Romans 8:1-3
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Hashtags
#lifeofateacher #middleschoolpride
If you follow me on Instagram or view my Instagram pictures on Twitter or Facebook, you'll know that those hashtags have been showing up a lot lately. It has been a full, fast-paced few weeks back to school after a delightfully restful 25-day Christmas break. I'm grateful for the supernatural energy that God has provided to keep pressing on through changing semesters, visiting my inspirational friend Laura in the hospital, and embracing opportunities to be involved in the lives of my students outside the classroom.
#soblessed #sixthgraderocks
If you follow me on Instagram or view my Instagram pictures on Twitter or Facebook, you'll know that those hashtags have been showing up a lot lately. It has been a full, fast-paced few weeks back to school after a delightfully restful 25-day Christmas break. I'm grateful for the supernatural energy that God has provided to keep pressing on through changing semesters, visiting my inspirational friend Laura in the hospital, and embracing opportunities to be involved in the lives of my students outside the classroom.
#soblessed #sixthgraderocks
Love seeing our middle schoolers genuinely praising God
and using the gifts He's given them to lead others in worship!
and using the gifts He's given them to lead others in worship!
Brand new this year: middle school basketball teams!
Check out the height difference - 6th to 8th grade -
of these middle school basketball players!
Friday night class party with the sixth graders =
watching Despicable Me 2 and eating a bunch of sweets!
watching Despicable Me 2 and eating a bunch of sweets!
Helping out with (more like being amazed by the cast of)
the middle school play, Annie Jr!
Our semester 1 portfolio share brought 14 parents into the classroom!
What fun to see the students sharing about the 6 traits
and taking pride in their work so far this year.
My 6th grade Bible class presented a skit in chapel
acting out the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15).
You can watch the skit here!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Month at a Glance: February
February 1: Superbowl tailgate party in a girls' dorm!
February 2: High school dorm powderpuff game
February 4: "Better Than a Superbowl Party" for our awesome friend Laura
February 7: High school basketball game and annual book swap
February 10: Small group assembles Valentine's Day goodie bags for underclassmen
February 14: Middle school basketball game
February 26: Present about Six Traits to middle school staff
February 28: Leave for high school retreat! (Last one with my small group girls!)
February 2: High school dorm powderpuff game
February 4: "Better Than a Superbowl Party" for our awesome friend Laura
February 7: High school basketball game and annual book swap
February 10: Small group assembles Valentine's Day goodie bags for underclassmen
February 14: Middle school basketball game
February 26: Present about Six Traits to middle school staff
February 28: Leave for high school retreat! (Last one with my small group girls!)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Month at a Glance: January
The end of one year and beginning of the next always calls for a time of reflection - remembering God's faithfulness in the past year and recommitting to follow Him in the coming months.
Thank You, God, for the opportunities I had in 2013 to...
- ring in the new year with thousands of believers at Urbana missions conference.
- plan two panel events for high school girls about identity and intimacy.
- present a seminar with a friend at the International Christian Educator's Conference.
- celebrate 25 years of life!
- fly to America for a whirlwind weekend to attend my brother's college graduation.
- plan a week of hands-on learning activities for the 6th grade students.
- share a week with pre-field TeachBeyond members, making many new friends and leading the middle school program.
- see God provide financially - again and again!
- move into a new apartment in town.
- begin my fourth year of teaching at BFA!
- celebrate GCC's homecoming for the first time as an alum.
- coordinate Operation Christmas Child collection at BFA again this fall.
- host a fourth annual Thanksgiving celebration with friends.
- have Dana Schnitzel as a student teacher for two months.
- spend time with my family in Wheaton, Newtown, and Kandern!
God, I give you 2014! With excitement, anticipation, and surrender, I offer You the year ahead!
January 1: Start the New Year with fireworks and sparklers with friends
January 7: Teacher inservice meetings
January 8: Classes resume
January 10-11: Home basketball games
January 16: High school drama recital
January 22-23: Middle school exam days
January 24: Teacher inservice day
January 24-25: Home basketball games
January 27: Second semester begins
January 31: Middle school basketball game
Thank You, God, for the opportunities I had in 2013 to...
- ring in the new year with thousands of believers at Urbana missions conference.
- plan two panel events for high school girls about identity and intimacy.
- present a seminar with a friend at the International Christian Educator's Conference.
- celebrate 25 years of life!
- fly to America for a whirlwind weekend to attend my brother's college graduation.
- plan a week of hands-on learning activities for the 6th grade students.
- share a week with pre-field TeachBeyond members, making many new friends and leading the middle school program.
- see God provide financially - again and again!
- move into a new apartment in town.
- begin my fourth year of teaching at BFA!
- celebrate GCC's homecoming for the first time as an alum.
- coordinate Operation Christmas Child collection at BFA again this fall.
- host a fourth annual Thanksgiving celebration with friends.
- have Dana Schnitzel as a student teacher for two months.
- spend time with my family in Wheaton, Newtown, and Kandern!
God, I give you 2014! With excitement, anticipation, and surrender, I offer You the year ahead!
January 1: Start the New Year with fireworks and sparklers with friends
January 7: Teacher inservice meetings
January 8: Classes resume
January 10-11: Home basketball games
January 16: High school drama recital
January 22-23: Middle school exam days
January 24: Teacher inservice day
January 24-25: Home basketball games
January 27: Second semester begins
January 31: Middle school basketball game
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Fun in Geography!
Teaching Geography 7 has been an adventure. While I don't always feel as confident in planning this class since it's new to me, I've really enjoyed trying new things and being creative with this class. I think this spirit also spread to Miss Schnitzel during her time here. :) We had a lot of fun planning these activities over the past few months!
"Euro" Coin Activity
Mock European Union
Viking Day!
Studying the British Isles = Drinking Tea!
Panel event with people who have lived in different parts of Western Europe
Christmas Around the World: Hungary
Christmas Around the World: Korea
Christmas Around the World: Australia
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