October 2: Operation Christmas Child kickoff at elementary school
October 3: No school (German Reunification Day)
October 4-5: Local art festival
October 7: Skype with GCC students interested in TeachBeyond
October 17: Middle School Fall Party
October 18: Mentoring Event
October 21: Six Traits of Writing Seminar in Baden, Switzerland
October 26: Daylight Savings Time in Germany
October 31: Herbstmesse (Fall Festival in Basel) and End of First Quarter
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
A "Normal Day"
I've been waiting to write this blog post until the perfect "typical day" comes and goes, in hopes that I can share all of the facets of life with you, my faithful blog-readers. As if there is a normal day around here!
My days regularly consist of teaching English 6 and our new study skills class, LINK. Besides that, I can be found...
...reading and replying to sixth grade Reading Response Journal entries.
...playing the piano and singing with the middle school chapel band.
...talking with my German landlord in the backyard.
...watching movies with friends.
...visiting the elementary school campus to borrow books from their library.
...attending local German festivals and soaking in the "lasts" of this season.
...chauffeuring a student out to school who missed the bus. (This happened this morning!)
...helping with occasional middle school events after school.
...sharing southern Germany with visiting friends.
...buying groceries and making meals to share with friends.
...driving friends around. (Out to eat at a restaurant, airport pickups, to and from school, you name it!)
...conducting benchmark reading assessments for all middle school students. (I'll tell you more about my Literacy Coach role in another blog!)
...discussing curriculum with the other middle school English teacher.
...scouring Pinterest for new ideas to try in my classroom.
...writing postcards and assembling packages to send to family and friends back in America.
...meeting with women in the community to talk about promoting mentoring relationships. (More on this coming soon!)
So, although there isn't a "normal day" to recount, I'm grateful for the many opportunities God has given me already this year to invest in people and continue to be a part of the BFA community!
My days regularly consist of teaching English 6 and our new study skills class, LINK. Besides that, I can be found...
...reading and replying to sixth grade Reading Response Journal entries.
...playing the piano and singing with the middle school chapel band.
...talking with my German landlord in the backyard.
...watching movies with friends.
...visiting the elementary school campus to borrow books from their library.
...attending local German festivals and soaking in the "lasts" of this season.
...chauffeuring a student out to school who missed the bus. (This happened this morning!)
...helping with occasional middle school events after school.
...sharing southern Germany with visiting friends.
...buying groceries and making meals to share with friends.
...driving friends around. (Out to eat at a restaurant, airport pickups, to and from school, you name it!)
...conducting benchmark reading assessments for all middle school students. (I'll tell you more about my Literacy Coach role in another blog!)
...discussing curriculum with the other middle school English teacher.
...scouring Pinterest for new ideas to try in my classroom.
...writing postcards and assembling packages to send to family and friends back in America.
...meeting with women in the community to talk about promoting mentoring relationships. (More on this coming soon!)
So, although there isn't a "normal day" to recount, I'm grateful for the many opportunities God has given me already this year to invest in people and continue to be a part of the BFA community!
A special visit from Aunt Carol on Saturday!
Kandern Pottery Market
Shared meal with friends
Monday, September 1, 2014
Month at a Glance: September
September 1: New student orientation
September 2: Opening ceremony, first day of school, and my roommate's birthday!
September 3: First full day of school and Benchmark Assessment training session (I'm leading!)
September 4: Helping with musical auditions
September 5: Middle School Chillin' (outdoor games after school)
September 6-7: Budenfest (a town festival with great food!)
September 15-19: Spiritual Emphasis Week
September 20-21: Kandern Pottery Market
It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the beginning of the lasts... but thankfully, I've been so busy and the days have been so full that there hasn't even been time to think about that! I have a feeling that's pretty much how this whole year will go... So I appreciate your prayers to enjoy and cherish the moments as they fly by!
Here's to the 2014-15 school year!
September 2: Opening ceremony, first day of school, and my roommate's birthday!
September 3: First full day of school and Benchmark Assessment training session (I'm leading!)
September 4: Helping with musical auditions
September 5: Middle School Chillin' (outdoor games after school)
September 6-7: Budenfest (a town festival with great food!)
September 15-19: Spiritual Emphasis Week
September 20-21: Kandern Pottery Market
It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the beginning of the lasts... but thankfully, I've been so busy and the days have been so full that there hasn't even been time to think about that! I have a feeling that's pretty much how this whole year will go... So I appreciate your prayers to enjoy and cherish the moments as they fly by!
Here's to the 2014-15 school year!
Friday, August 29, 2014
Not Enough Time
I had a pretty productive afternoon today. I arranged the classroom furniture, reorganized a storage cabinet, hung posters on the walls, prepared student journals, and pondered course curriculum. After a late dinner this evening, I persevered through final changes to my course syllabus. It was the most productive day I've had so far in this getting-ready-for-school process. You'd think that, by my fifth first day of school, I'd feel a little bit more prepared to meet my new students and launch into a new year of learning.
I thought so, too.
For some reason, I find myself scrambling, hoping that somehow the loose ends will be pulled together in time. Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to welcome the new sixth graders into my English classroom and embrace my new role as Literacy Coach! It's just that I wish I could have more time to reflect, discuss, and plan.
I know I'm not alone. Many of my conversations with colleagues this morning affirmed that the school year is coming too quickly for us to complete all that we set out to accomplish.
Yet, in these chaotic moments, I hear God's whispers of truth. There are always lessons to be learned amidst challenge, so I'm choosing to keep my eyes open so I don't miss them.
There will never be enough time. For the high-standard, want-it-to-be-perfect type like me, there will always be something else to add to make it better. I could have three more weeks instead of three more days, and I'd find a way to fill each waking hour. I must learn to use my time wisely and then rest in the end result. It might not be perfect, but it's the best that I can offer. And I offer it with arms outstretched, fully acknowledging my weaknesses, giving my very self as a living sacrifice. Lord, may I continue to humbly rely on You, my sovereign Provider.
I must choose to make enough time for what matters. It would be easy to say that there is simply not enough time to do anything else right now but get ready for school. This would be more than a missed opportunity; it would be a mistaken priority. I spent time yesterday preparing for and leading a worship team rehearsal. This weekend, I'll celebrate my roommate's 25th birthday and honor Sunday as my weekly Sabbath. Neither of these fits nicely into my schedule, but I wouldn't think of missing these moments. Father, continue to guide my perspective so that my choices reflect Your heart.
So, I'm choosing to let go of having all the bulletin boards finished and all the books on the shelves. My Pinterest boards will have to wait. Instead, I'll spend time considering how to promote community in our school, readying myself to reteach routines, and praying for my students. I want to enter this week - my last first week of school at BFA, at least for now - with an eternal perspective and eyes that see what really matters. It's all for Him. I can't ever afford to forget that.
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14
I thought so, too.
For some reason, I find myself scrambling, hoping that somehow the loose ends will be pulled together in time. Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to welcome the new sixth graders into my English classroom and embrace my new role as Literacy Coach! It's just that I wish I could have more time to reflect, discuss, and plan.
I know I'm not alone. Many of my conversations with colleagues this morning affirmed that the school year is coming too quickly for us to complete all that we set out to accomplish.
Yet, in these chaotic moments, I hear God's whispers of truth. There are always lessons to be learned amidst challenge, so I'm choosing to keep my eyes open so I don't miss them.
There will never be enough time. For the high-standard, want-it-to-be-perfect type like me, there will always be something else to add to make it better. I could have three more weeks instead of three more days, and I'd find a way to fill each waking hour. I must learn to use my time wisely and then rest in the end result. It might not be perfect, but it's the best that I can offer. And I offer it with arms outstretched, fully acknowledging my weaknesses, giving my very self as a living sacrifice. Lord, may I continue to humbly rely on You, my sovereign Provider.
I must choose to make enough time for what matters. It would be easy to say that there is simply not enough time to do anything else right now but get ready for school. This would be more than a missed opportunity; it would be a mistaken priority. I spent time yesterday preparing for and leading a worship team rehearsal. This weekend, I'll celebrate my roommate's 25th birthday and honor Sunday as my weekly Sabbath. Neither of these fits nicely into my schedule, but I wouldn't think of missing these moments. Father, continue to guide my perspective so that my choices reflect Your heart.
So, I'm choosing to let go of having all the bulletin boards finished and all the books on the shelves. My Pinterest boards will have to wait. Instead, I'll spend time considering how to promote community in our school, readying myself to reteach routines, and praying for my students. I want to enter this week - my last first week of school at BFA, at least for now - with an eternal perspective and eyes that see what really matters. It's all for Him. I can't ever afford to forget that.
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14
Saturday, August 16, 2014
A New Perspective on Transition
For the past two summers, I have coordinated the TeachBeyond orientation program for the middle and high schoolers to prepare them for the transition of moving to a new country and making new friends. My co-teacher Katie and I loved these two week-long experiences of seeing the world through the eyes of a group of pre-MKs! These times together revealed uncertainty and trust, curiosity and enthusiasm.
This week I had the opportunity to witness transition from the "other side." I spent each morning this week with eleven middle and high schoolers whose parents are new to BFA staff. These students are coming from the USA, Canada, Honduras, and Russia, so they have quite a wide range of cultural experiences. Again, we connected over games, role-playing, and conversations about culture shock, expectations, and trusting God. This time, our sessions were specifically geared toward life in Germany - small-town customs, BFA lingo, and understanding German. We had a lot of fun and (hopefully!) learned a lot!
This week I had the opportunity to witness transition from the "other side." I spent each morning this week with eleven middle and high schoolers whose parents are new to BFA staff. These students are coming from the USA, Canada, Honduras, and Russia, so they have quite a wide range of cultural experiences. Again, we connected over games, role-playing, and conversations about culture shock, expectations, and trusting God. This time, our sessions were specifically geared toward life in Germany - small-town customs, BFA lingo, and understanding German. We had a lot of fun and (hopefully!) learned a lot!
Several other adults joined us for our daily "snack time" to share about different opportunities for students to get involved in community life - music, athletics, small groups, dance, school musical...
Several of our activities this week involved returning students, including a tour of the high school campus.
It was great seeing the returners and new students building friendships already!
Practicing BFA lingo with a crossword puzzle!
Welcome to BFA!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Month at a Glance: August
August 3: Worship at Restoration Church
August 4: Depart for Germany
August 5: Arrive back in Germany
August 7: Pick up two new staff at the airport
August 11-15: New staff orientation (planning middle/high school program)
August 18: All Staff Conference begins
August 31: New dorm students arrive
And there will be a lot more to do in between! I have a lot of responsibilities this month - from welcoming new staff and teens to preparing for my new job as literacy coach - so there will be plenty to keep me busy between now and the first day of school on September 2! I appreciate your prayers as I travel back and get ready for my fifth year at BFA. Thanks for a great summer!
August 4: Depart for Germany
August 5: Arrive back in Germany
August 7: Pick up two new staff at the airport
August 11-15: New staff orientation (planning middle/high school program)
August 18: All Staff Conference begins
August 31: New dorm students arrive
And there will be a lot more to do in between! I have a lot of responsibilities this month - from welcoming new staff and teens to preparing for my new job as literacy coach - so there will be plenty to keep me busy between now and the first day of school on September 2! I appreciate your prayers as I travel back and get ready for my fifth year at BFA. Thanks for a great summer!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Two Weeks and Many Miles
To Boston and Back.
As many of you know, I will be taking on a new role as Middle School Literacy Coach at BFA in addition to teaching English 6 again this year. I'm excited for the opportunity to build our literacy program, work directly with students and staff, and continue to grow professionally... but also a little bit overwhelmed at the thought of all that entails! I was SO glad to get to spend a week at Lesley University in Massachusetts studying about literacy coaching with some of the nation's top reading researchers. I left the conference feeling much more equipped to do my job this year.
It was also great to connect with other literacy coaches and administrators from the Boston area, as well as various other locations further away. I had my first real experience with attempting to share about Black Forest Academy and TeachBeyond without using buzzwords like "ministry," "God's leading," and "support raising." As it came up in conversation, the other educators at the conference were baffled at the thought that an entire school could operate without paying any of its employees. Beyond the obvious (yet unspoken) question of why I would choose a job like this, they wondered why anyone would give money for me to teach overseas. I attempted to explain the concept of shared vision and generosity, finding it nearly impossible to convey God's supernatural work through an earthly lens. I pray that they saw something different in me as we interacted - that the comparison would not come down to salary and continent, but to salvation and calling.
Westward Bound.
On Sunday I braved several severe thunderstorms to travel to the west side of the state for a visit with friends. Although slowed a bit by the effects of a lingering cold, I was so grateful for the "many miles" covered in meaningful conversations with college staff and a mini reunion with friends. I was again reminded of God's goodness during my time at Grove City and how He continues to bless me through the relationships formed while there!
On my return trip (in contrastingly beautiful weather!), I had a God-arranged visit with Jin, who was in my BFA high school small group for freshman and sophomore years. For the past two years, Jin has been living with her parents in Hawaii (they serve there with YWAM), and she just so happens to be spending a few weeks in PA on her way up to NYU, where she will begin her freshman year of college this fall! What a blessing to hear how the Lord has been working in her life since she left BFA and how to pray for the next steps ahead.
Many Miles Ahead!
It's hard to believe that I am heading back to Germany on Monday night! As with every back and forth, I'll say a bittersweet goodbye to this place and the people I love so much - in order to say hello to another place and people I love. Perhaps this year holds more hesitancy and even more bittersweetness than others as I consider what lies ahead. LASTS. Lots of them. This year is my "last" year at BFA, at least for now, as I will be returning to the States indefinitely next summer. There are plenty of new things that lie ahead for this school year - new staff and friends, new mentoring ministry, new job, new students, new curriculum. I would appreciate your prayers for intentionality and focus this year as I embrace these new things and endeavor to "end well." It's all for His glory!
As many of you know, I will be taking on a new role as Middle School Literacy Coach at BFA in addition to teaching English 6 again this year. I'm excited for the opportunity to build our literacy program, work directly with students and staff, and continue to grow professionally... but also a little bit overwhelmed at the thought of all that entails! I was SO glad to get to spend a week at Lesley University in Massachusetts studying about literacy coaching with some of the nation's top reading researchers. I left the conference feeling much more equipped to do my job this year.
It was also great to connect with other literacy coaches and administrators from the Boston area, as well as various other locations further away. I had my first real experience with attempting to share about Black Forest Academy and TeachBeyond without using buzzwords like "ministry," "God's leading," and "support raising." As it came up in conversation, the other educators at the conference were baffled at the thought that an entire school could operate without paying any of its employees. Beyond the obvious (yet unspoken) question of why I would choose a job like this, they wondered why anyone would give money for me to teach overseas. I attempted to explain the concept of shared vision and generosity, finding it nearly impossible to convey God's supernatural work through an earthly lens. I pray that they saw something different in me as we interacted - that the comparison would not come down to salary and continent, but to salvation and calling.
Westward Bound.
On Sunday I braved several severe thunderstorms to travel to the west side of the state for a visit with friends. Although slowed a bit by the effects of a lingering cold, I was so grateful for the "many miles" covered in meaningful conversations with college staff and a mini reunion with friends. I was again reminded of God's goodness during my time at Grove City and how He continues to bless me through the relationships formed while there!
Many Miles Ahead!
It's hard to believe that I am heading back to Germany on Monday night! As with every back and forth, I'll say a bittersweet goodbye to this place and the people I love so much - in order to say hello to another place and people I love. Perhaps this year holds more hesitancy and even more bittersweetness than others as I consider what lies ahead. LASTS. Lots of them. This year is my "last" year at BFA, at least for now, as I will be returning to the States indefinitely next summer. There are plenty of new things that lie ahead for this school year - new staff and friends, new mentoring ministry, new job, new students, new curriculum. I would appreciate your prayers for intentionality and focus this year as I embrace these new things and endeavor to "end well." It's all for His glory!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
BINGO!
Couldn't make it to the Bingo Night earlier this month? This blog post is for you (although you won't have a chance at winning any German candy)!
B is for…
… Black Forest Academy.
… Blauen dorm.
… Bible investigative research project.
… Boston literacy conference next week.
… Brother-sister time this summer.
… Big changes ahead for the middle school.
I is for…
… International community.
… Investing in chapel band.
… Interns from JBU that I'll be hosting next year.
… Intentional relationships through mentoring.
N is for…
… New apartment.
… New teaching methods.
… Next year's new class.
… Night of prayer for high schoolers.
… New TeachBeyond members and BFA staff.
… What's next?!
G is for…
… German.
… Geography 7.
… Global conference for TeachBeyond.
… Graduation for my small group girls.
… Goodbyes.
… Grad school potentially beginning after this year.
O is for…
… Opportunity to host a student teacher.
… Outer Space fall party.
… Operation Christmas Child.
… Organizing Experiential Learning Week for 6th grade.
… Orientation for TeachBeyond youth this summer.
Please join me in prayer for the coming year...
Beginning a New Job: Please pray for creativity and wisdom as I transition into the role of Middle School Literacy Coach.
Intentional Relationships: Pray that God would continue to clarify the vision for promoting mentorship in the community.
New Staff: Pray that the new staff will be fully supported in time for school and that I will be an encouragement to them in the transition.
Guidance for Next Steps: Pray that I would sense the Lord's leading for whatever comes next after BFA.
Other Opportunities: Pray that I would be aware of other ways that I can serve and grow in the coming year.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Ten Girls
There were 10 girls in the "older" group at TeachBeyond orientation two weeks ago. They represented 5 different families heading to 5 different countries. Some were anticipating boarding a plane in a few short days (and are already at their destinations!), while others have a year of support raising ahead of them before going overseas. Their passions and fears, talents and frustrations, shone beautifully throughout the week. They asked thoughtful questions, reflected deeply about transitions, and shared openly in group discussions. (They also sang "Frozen" hits and showed off their gymnastic skills in every spare moment. They're girls!)
You may remember last year's adventures with five kids (4th-8th grades) and my co-teacher Miss Katie. TeachBeyond Orientation is a time for families to become more familiar with the organization, prepare for cultural adjustments and emotional transitions, and get connected with other TeachBeyond members. I'm so grateful that Katie and I were teammates again this summer to communicate God's love and grace in transition to middle and high schoolers. We did some of the same activities as last year - culture shock skits, team-building exercises, collage-making, journaling, and lots of games! What a joy to share the week together again and to have another amazing group eager to study God's Word and trace His faithfulness through the process.
Our culminating project this year was a music video for the song "Walk on the Water" (Britt Nicole). As we listened to the song over and over to plan and shoot the scenes, the words were again impressed on my heart, and I pray that they stick with each of the girls as they move overseas. These words are for you, too… for all of us. I pray that we will boldly follow Him wherever He leads!
You may remember last year's adventures with five kids (4th-8th grades) and my co-teacher Miss Katie. TeachBeyond Orientation is a time for families to become more familiar with the organization, prepare for cultural adjustments and emotional transitions, and get connected with other TeachBeyond members. I'm so grateful that Katie and I were teammates again this summer to communicate God's love and grace in transition to middle and high schoolers. We did some of the same activities as last year - culture shock skits, team-building exercises, collage-making, journaling, and lots of games! What a joy to share the week together again and to have another amazing group eager to study God's Word and trace His faithfulness through the process.
Researching host cultures at the public library
An English teacher's dream - kids enthusiastically taking notes from non-fiction sources!
Studying the book of Ruth together
Our culminating project this year was a music video for the song "Walk on the Water" (Britt Nicole). As we listened to the song over and over to plan and shoot the scenes, the words were again impressed on my heart, and I pray that they stick with each of the girls as they move overseas. These words are for you, too… for all of us. I pray that we will boldly follow Him wherever He leads!
Get out and let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste, don't wait
And don't you turn around
And miss out on everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe, try to run away
When you take that first step into the unknown
He won't let you go
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to hold to you
You know you're made for more
Don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes
And you can walk on the water, too!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Overwhelmed
The end of this school year has been an overwhelming time…
I'm overwhelmed by God's faithfulness as I consider His continual provision of the energy needed for each day, the creativity for each lesson, and the wisdom for each moment.
I'm overwhelmed at the thought of starting over again in the fall with new students, a new middle school chapel band team, a new role as Middle School Literacy Coach, and many changes at the middle school.
I'm overwhelmed to think that my small group girls have graduated and are now scattered on three continents.
I'm overwhelmed by the never-ending goodbyes and the unavoidable emptiness left in their wake.
I'm overwhelmed as I consider this time next year, when I'll be the one saying farewell to this community - at least for a year or a season. I'm overwhelmed by the vast unknown that lies ahead.
But, I'm also overwhelmed by a deep peace as I rest in His promises. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He has called me to be strong and courageous. He will be faithful to complete the work that He's started in me. He has created me to do good works that He has prepared in advance for me to do. He who called me is faithful. That He does not change like shifting shadows, that He is my constant in the midst of change.
And as I consider all that has happened in the past and that I anticipate in the future, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that you are walking with me in this journey.
Thank you, dear blog readers, for your support over the past four years! What a blessing it is - in the midst of an overwhelming end of the year - to consider the ways that you have enabled me to keep doing what I'm doing. To God be the glory!
I'm overwhelmed by God's faithfulness as I consider His continual provision of the energy needed for each day, the creativity for each lesson, and the wisdom for each moment.
I'm overwhelmed at the thought of starting over again in the fall with new students, a new middle school chapel band team, a new role as Middle School Literacy Coach, and many changes at the middle school.
I'm overwhelmed to think that my small group girls have graduated and are now scattered on three continents.
I'm overwhelmed by the never-ending goodbyes and the unavoidable emptiness left in their wake.
I'm overwhelmed as I consider this time next year, when I'll be the one saying farewell to this community - at least for a year or a season. I'm overwhelmed by the vast unknown that lies ahead.
But, I'm also overwhelmed by a deep peace as I rest in His promises. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He has called me to be strong and courageous. He will be faithful to complete the work that He's started in me. He has created me to do good works that He has prepared in advance for me to do. He who called me is faithful. That He does not change like shifting shadows, that He is my constant in the midst of change.
And as I consider all that has happened in the past and that I anticipate in the future, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that you are walking with me in this journey.
God has answered your prayers for my classes this year.
He gave me energy, ideas, and a deep love for my students.
You've made it possible for me to invest in the lives of chapel band students
so they understand that worship is a lifestyle, not just a song.
You've made it possible for the parents of my students to keep serving,
whether here in Kandern or in faraway places.
You've asked God to encourage me, grow me, and stretch me.
He's used this amazing staff team to do that.
You've prayed with me for my small group girls for four years.
From a distance, you've watched them grow from freshmen to seniors.
I wish you'd overheard the precious conversations I had with these girls' parents,
some of whom traveled for many hours to see their girls graduate.
These were beautiful "frozen-in-time" moments to remember forever.
You would have sat beside me at the High School Awards Ceremony,
where you would have seen Katie receive the Barnabas Encouragement Award,
Brianne accept the Female Athlete Award,
and Senior Class President Nara give the Senior Class Gift.
You would have been amazed, as I was,
to hear the beautiful tributes read for each of them at Graduation.
These young women are so thankful to YOU for making it possible
for me to stay at BFA for all four of their high school years.
You've given sacrificially so that I can keep serving here in Germany.
Thank you, dear blog readers, for your support over the past four years! What a blessing it is - in the midst of an overwhelming end of the year - to consider the ways that you have enabled me to keep doing what I'm doing. To God be the glory!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)