A Heart for Colombia : 2014

Hello everyone!

These past few months have been full of blessings and challenges, frustrations and elations, and downright hard work! Sometimes I feel like my time here is flying by (like… how it is already November!?) and other times I am just struggling to make it to Friday. However, through all of this the Lord is stretching me and growing me in many ways: spiritually, emotionally, professionally, mentally, and organizationally (is that a thing…?). So I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts, adventures, prayer requests, and teaching moments with you about my life in COLOMBIA...

C-Caño Cristales

In the beginning of October we had a full week off of school and myself and 18 other ECA people went on an incredible adventure to Caño Cristales. Caño Cristales is a river in a small town called La Macarena. It is often referred to as the “The Liquid Rainbow” or “The River of 5 Colors” because different colored plants grow in the water! Although it was a short trip (4 days), it was wonderful to get out of the city, relax for a few days, and soak in God’s beautiful creation.

All aboard our little 20 passenger plane

Say hello to the luggage cart

Patrick- our favorite street dog

On the way to the Canyon- 1st: boat ride

2nd: Crazy jeep ride 3rd: 25 min hike!

<<Typical Colombian picnic (chicken, rice, potatoes)

Monkey! Francy- one of our guides

O- Organization

Now, I love organization and I’m usually pretty on top of things. However, being a first year teacher has put my organizational skills to the test! No matter how many notes I write for myself, habits I try and force myself to get into, or neat piles of papers and assignments I try to make, it is never enough. Having 22 students to keep track of (and 44 parents to work with), endless homework assignments to grade, meetings to attend, lessons to plan, and copies to make is a circus act to juggle, to say the least. Nevertheless, I am improving (HALLELUJAH J )! But this still remains one of my prayer requests. Please pray that I’d learn patience, habits, and that I’d continue to grow organizationally, yet still just be okay with a bit of chaos and disorganization.

Some of the 3rd floor construction.

Above: New auditorium

Right: Art room (with an INCREIDBLE view of the mountains)

Below: Science room with a new lab next door

L-Lopez

Mrs. Lopez, my WONDERFUL teacher aide! I don’t know what I would do without her. I seriously do not know how teachers at other schools survive without a teacher aide. Mrs. Zayde Lopez is an amazing woman of God who is constantly encouraging me, blessing me, and challenging me with her dynamic walk with the Lord. She has a remarkable love for our students and such a servant’s heart. Please pray for her family as her mother’s health is declining and they have to make some hard decisions about what would be best for her.

O- On my way…

I am coming home for Christmas! I will be home December 20^th- January 11^th. Please let me know if you are interested in meeting with me to hear about my ministry or catch up. I would love to share! Contact me at becky.e.almer@gmail.com

<<Jessica

Isabel>>

M- Machines

Lately we have been learning about Simple Machines in 4^th grade- levers, wheels and axles, wedges, inclined planes, screws, and pulleys! My students made their very own catapults and then launch marshmallows! They also made simple wheel and axles and then spent an entire afternoon experimenting with different inclined planes!

B- Bailar

In Colombia, they have their version of Valentines Day in September, Mes del Amor y Amistad (month of love and friendship). To celebrate this month, we always end it with a dance party at a staff member’s home. Such a fun way to spend time with my ECA family (and learn some dance moves)!

I- I miss…Chick-fil-a, my family, driving my car, good cheeseburgers (preferably from Portillos), the change of seasons, walking on even sidewalks, mint anything (Colombians don’t like it), chocolate chip cookies (no chocolate chips here), and going to church in English. However, I wouldn’t trade being here for any of that!

But Colombian fútbol is where it's at!

A-Attitude

In 4^th grade we have been working A LOT on having an attitude that glorifies the Lord. Many of my students really struggle with this and I am often met by groans, eyes rolling, and unhappy hearts. However, we are making some progress! Our phrase this year is “Yay or nothing;” basically, you can either respond to something with a happy heart or you don’t need to share your displeasure. Please, please continue to pray for the hearts and attitudes of my students. It is a daily battle.