Pages

Monday, November 7, 2016

3rd Time's a Charm


Year three at ECA is well underway! Students are here, classrooms are set-up, learning is happening, and teachers are laying it all on the line. Day in and day out I have the incredible opportunity to serve God by teaching, leading, and using my God-given gifts. This year I am being stretched and challenged to serve in new ways at El Camino Academy.

I am being stretched and challenged with my 22 students each and every day. My students love to learn! They ask lots of questions and are usually very excited about whatever topic we are exploring that day. It’s always encouraging when you announce that it’s time for social studies and your hear a few kids mutter, “Yessss!” under their breath. Yay learning! However, my students definitely struggle with showing love and kindness towards each other. I am constantly scouring Pinterest for ideas, asking my co-workers and supervisor for advice, and ultimately, looking to our loving Father for help. Although some days I feel completely drained by the lack of gentleness and self-control among my 4th graders, God is challenging me to continue to exercise patience with my kids, model compassion in every situation, and not give up reminding them of God’s truths.

  

 

 





For this 2016-17 school year I’m also being stretched by serving as the advisor for the High School Student Council! The Student Council is responsible for planning and organizing the school-wide Spirit Week, high school retreats and lock-ins, and many other fun events. It has been such a blessing to work alongside these 10 wonderfully talented high school students and help teach leadership skills to them. 

(They're not all in the picture obviously)

I am also part of ECA’s Academic Council this year, which is composed of different teachers who represent the various school subjects (math, science, Bible, etc.). The group meets once a month to discuss how to improve El Camino’s curriculum, organize online resources, and check that our curriculum is representative of the school’s mission and vision.  

One thing I am learning as a missionary is that there is a lot of change and turnover at a school like ECA. Last year many teachers said goodbye to ECA and this year our community was blessed with many new faces. Although I miss the people who left in June like crazy, God is challenging me to form new relationships with the teachers here this year and trust Him in that. 

 (roomies)


So….lots of growing, learning, and stretching here. But then there is also just the pure joy and fun that’s happened this quarter! Like… 


     1.) My best friend visiting in October and traveling to the coast with her to enjoy some much needed days on the beach.
 




    


































2.) Getting out of the classroom and visiting the beautiful Laguna de Guatavita on a field trip with my kiddos

 

 
















    3.) Spending time laughing and sharing with my new roommates, Amy Harris & Wendy Woehr.
     4.) Oh and of course…watching the Chicago Cubs win the World Series (even if it was from afar…) 

Prayer Requests:
  • Please pray that my students would work on treating each other with Christlike love and that the Lord would guide us in helping them with that 
  • Please pray that I would continue to grow in my Spanish skills 
  • Please pray that I wouldn't experience so much homesickness 
  • Please pray for me as I consider what to do next year as I seek to serve Jesus- stay at ECA or return to the U.S.

As always, thank you for reading and keeping me in your prayers!