28 June 2010
Lifelong learning - Music
Today was a great opportunity for me to continue the lifelong learning process that's important for teachers in the 21st century. A friend just happened to ask a colleague if there was anything she could do to help with an Orff-Schulwerk workshop being run at her school this week. The response was that providing some bodies to boost numbers would be helpful, and so I was volunteered. When we arrived I was asked to join the Level 2 course, even though I've never done anything like this before, since that was where their numbers were low. There were workshops on Technique, Movement, Recorder, Orchestration, Pedagogy, and Vocalisation, and while I struggled with some of the terminology and prior knowledge, I was actually able to actively participate in most of the activities, and I learned so much that I'd love to be able to do the whole course. Maybe next time I'm in Australia I'll be able to do that, meanwhile, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow and learning some more. Praise God for this opportunity to learn more that will enable me to serve Him better as I return to Cambodia.
27 June 2010
Contemplating Church
During my time in Australia I've attended four worship services at three different churches (all Baptist). The split in my "home" church has caused me to do some thinking about "church", and why we have churches and why we have "services". Today I'm going to attempt to express some of those thoughts. I know that not everyone will agree with my thoughts, and that's fine. Feel free to comment.
For me, one of the important reasons for having churches & meeting together is expressed well in Hebrews 10:24-25 which says this:
Meeting together has a key purpose in encouraging one another to serve our Lord effectively. So to me, church is not really about evangelism and reaching out to unbelievers, but about strengthening and encouraging believers so we can go out and reach unbelievers that we come into contact in the rest of our lives. Part of that encouraging involves helping me to focus on the One reason for our coming together, the One who called us to be His children and His witnesses, and worshipping Him. I guess from this comment you could assume that I see church as being for those who believe, and that we should be using places other than church to reach out to non-believers. I don't say that non-believers shouldn't come to church, but rather that, when they come, it should be with an understanding that church is about God, not them, and so they may not feel comfortable at first. Sometimes churches will have special services which are designed to reach out to non-believers, but I don't believe this should be the primary focus of regular Sunday services. As I've worked in a Christian school, where not all the students are Christians, it has been valuable to realise that it's not Bible classes or devotions or chapel service that make these students want to know Jesus, but it's the people who show them God's love in real and practical ways as they live their daily lives. Sure, Bible class & devotions and chapel are important, but they have to be in the context of love.
At times I am responsible for leading others in worship services. This is a task that I usually enjoy, but not one I undertake lightly. As I plan worship experiences, I am conscious that it is not me that matters, it is God, and that my responsibility is to help others worship Him, and to encourage them in their walk with Him. At all times, God should be at the centre of our worship, so He can receive what He alone is worthy of, and so that He can minister to the people participating in the service.
One of the joys of leading worship is that I get to choose songs, and in choosing songs I'm conscious that there are many different types of music used in churches, and that different types of songs are helpful for different people. I thank God that I grew up knowing and loving many of the hymns that have been used in worship over the centuries, and so I don't find it hard to include these in services. I've also seen a wide variety of new music come into churches, and at times I think it's funny that the "Scripture In Song" music books that were "new" when I was growing up are now considered old fashioned! It's also interesting to hear some of the "old" hymns being put to new tunes, which tells me that the words of those hymns are just as relevant for today's worshippers as they were when they were written. God has given us a wealth of music with which to worship Him, and it saddens me when people say we shouldn't sing songs just because they were written before such and such a date. As a worship leader, I pray that God will help me to choose songs which are relevant to God's message for those participating in worship on that occasion.
Well, I've contemplated some "touchy" subjects here, and I know that not everyone who reads this will agree with what I've said, but I hope that God will use my thoughts to help others clarify their own thoughts, and to remember that, after all, it's not about "me", it's about our great and wonderful God who is worthy of all our worship, and whose love is so great that we just can't keep it to ourselves!
For me, one of the important reasons for having churches & meeting together is expressed well in Hebrews 10:24-25 which says this:
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
At times I am responsible for leading others in worship services. This is a task that I usually enjoy, but not one I undertake lightly. As I plan worship experiences, I am conscious that it is not me that matters, it is God, and that my responsibility is to help others worship Him, and to encourage them in their walk with Him. At all times, God should be at the centre of our worship, so He can receive what He alone is worthy of, and so that He can minister to the people participating in the service.
One of the joys of leading worship is that I get to choose songs, and in choosing songs I'm conscious that there are many different types of music used in churches, and that different types of songs are helpful for different people. I thank God that I grew up knowing and loving many of the hymns that have been used in worship over the centuries, and so I don't find it hard to include these in services. I've also seen a wide variety of new music come into churches, and at times I think it's funny that the "Scripture In Song" music books that were "new" when I was growing up are now considered old fashioned! It's also interesting to hear some of the "old" hymns being put to new tunes, which tells me that the words of those hymns are just as relevant for today's worshippers as they were when they were written. God has given us a wealth of music with which to worship Him, and it saddens me when people say we shouldn't sing songs just because they were written before such and such a date. As a worship leader, I pray that God will help me to choose songs which are relevant to God's message for those participating in worship on that occasion.
Well, I've contemplated some "touchy" subjects here, and I know that not everyone who reads this will agree with what I've said, but I hope that God will use my thoughts to help others clarify their own thoughts, and to remember that, after all, it's not about "me", it's about our great and wonderful God who is worthy of all our worship, and whose love is so great that we just can't keep it to ourselves!
To God be the glory, great things he hath done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the lifegate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory, great things he hath done!
14 June 2010
A little encouragement can make a big difference
I just realised that it's over a week since I posted, but it's been a quiet one. Well, relatively speaking. One of the tasks I wanted to do this trip was to put together all (or most anyway) of the notes and cards I've received from students, and parents, and even colleagues over my first 3 1/2 years of teaching. I am pleased to say that I have actually completed this task! Hooray! I also had some end of year "memory" sheets from each of my classes, and while I'd put the first class together, with photos of the students, I still had 2 years to do, and some cover pages to put together. Yep, that task is also off the things to do list.
Over those 3 1/2 years I've received a number of notes and e-mails from parents thanking me for the input I've had into their children's lives. God's timing has often been apparent when I've received a note from a parent or a student when I've been going through a tough time. Usually there's been no way of the writer knowing what was going on in my life, but their encouragement has come at a time when I really needed encouragement. So, if you are a parent reading this, and you are seeing growth in your child's life, and you know that a teacher has helped with this, drop the teacher a note! A little bit of encouragement can go a long way. Actually, as I think about this, don't limit yourself to teachers. Is there someone in your life who has done something that has helped or encouraged you? Is there someone who gave you a smile when life was tough? Is there someone you appreciate just because of who they are? Drop them a note. Send an e-mail. Even send a text message to their mobile phone. It's amazing how a few words of encouragement can brighten an ordinary or even bleak day!
Apart from that, I also managed a trip to the Coffs Harbour Jetty for a fish'n'chips lunch and walk with Mum, and some more shopping. On Saturday my sister & her husband arrived for a visit since I wasn't going to be able to make the trip to Muswellbrook this time. It was good to see them again, and catch up. On Sunday morning we all enjoyed worship at Boambee Community Baptist Church, and then I headed back to Mum's to pack for the trip to Toowoomba. Having a car for the trip meant that I could bring some of the things Mum has passed on to me since Dad died up to put into storage with the rest of my belongings, helping to give Mum back a little of the storage space I'd been slowly taking over in the spare room.
I enjoyed the drive up to Toowoomba, although it took a little longer than I expected. I know I drove a little more slowly than I might have in the past, particularly with the threat of double demerit points if pulled over by the police for anything.
Today I remembered that I had no present for the 5 year old whose birthday party I had been invited to attend, so I went to my local Christian bookstore, which just happened to be open, and spent way too much time there, but found some great resources (as well as a great book & card for the 5 year old). Leaving that event, I decided to call in on some friends from my home church who I have missed a lot while in Cambodia. I ended up being there for about 5 hours, but it was a great time to catch up. There has been a lot happen in both their lives and mine over the last 3 1/2 years, and while we keep in touch, there's something about spending time with friends that Skype & e-mails & Facebook just can't compete with. Thanks D & A.
Over those 3 1/2 years I've received a number of notes and e-mails from parents thanking me for the input I've had into their children's lives. God's timing has often been apparent when I've received a note from a parent or a student when I've been going through a tough time. Usually there's been no way of the writer knowing what was going on in my life, but their encouragement has come at a time when I really needed encouragement. So, if you are a parent reading this, and you are seeing growth in your child's life, and you know that a teacher has helped with this, drop the teacher a note! A little bit of encouragement can go a long way. Actually, as I think about this, don't limit yourself to teachers. Is there someone in your life who has done something that has helped or encouraged you? Is there someone who gave you a smile when life was tough? Is there someone you appreciate just because of who they are? Drop them a note. Send an e-mail. Even send a text message to their mobile phone. It's amazing how a few words of encouragement can brighten an ordinary or even bleak day!
Apart from that, I also managed a trip to the Coffs Harbour Jetty for a fish'n'chips lunch and walk with Mum, and some more shopping. On Saturday my sister & her husband arrived for a visit since I wasn't going to be able to make the trip to Muswellbrook this time. It was good to see them again, and catch up. On Sunday morning we all enjoyed worship at Boambee Community Baptist Church, and then I headed back to Mum's to pack for the trip to Toowoomba. Having a car for the trip meant that I could bring some of the things Mum has passed on to me since Dad died up to put into storage with the rest of my belongings, helping to give Mum back a little of the storage space I'd been slowly taking over in the spare room.
I enjoyed the drive up to Toowoomba, although it took a little longer than I expected. I know I drove a little more slowly than I might have in the past, particularly with the threat of double demerit points if pulled over by the police for anything.
Today I remembered that I had no present for the 5 year old whose birthday party I had been invited to attend, so I went to my local Christian bookstore, which just happened to be open, and spent way too much time there, but found some great resources (as well as a great book & card for the 5 year old). Leaving that event, I decided to call in on some friends from my home church who I have missed a lot while in Cambodia. I ended up being there for about 5 hours, but it was a great time to catch up. There has been a lot happen in both their lives and mine over the last 3 1/2 years, and while we keep in touch, there's something about spending time with friends that Skype & e-mails & Facebook just can't compete with. Thanks D & A.
07 June 2010
Enjoying Cooler Weather
One of the great things about working to the Northern Hemisphere school year is that I get to enjoy some cooler weather on my trips down under. My "summer" holidays become "winter get aways" if I head down to Australia. This trip so far has been cool but not cold, although I was cold last night and went hunting for an extra quilt in the middle of the night. Between that and the electric blanket I warmed up and enjoyed a lovely long sleep snuggled under the covers.
Backing up a few days, I left Cambodia on Wednesday after a hot, sweaty day, during which I managed to get my house somewhat more organised than it had been, so the person who will be staying there part of the time won't have too much trouble finding space to work and relax. On arrival in Bangkok I found eventually found the person who was to meet me, and was transported to my hotel. All was quiet. The next morning I was back to the airport ready for the journey to Australia. I was somewhat put out by the very intrusive security inspection just prior to boarding the plane. We'd already been through the main security check, but just before we entered the gate lounge they did another inspection and this time they actually open all our bags and go through all our stuff by hand. I don't mind security, but that was over the top. Eventually we got on the plane, and I managed to end up with 4 seats to spread out across for the trip to Sydney which made up a little for the security check. It's always a little challenging when they feed you breakfast and then promptly turn all the cabin lights out! Fortunately I had plenty to do, and with the plane only about half full, it was easy enough to wander the aisles occasionally, and get drinks or snacks, as well as enjoying the onboard entertainment. On arriving in Sydney we had to go through yet another security check and then had about 30 minutes before reboarding the plane for Brisbane. This time I had two seats to myself, a window & and aisle, so I was able to enjoy the lights as we came in to land at Brisbane airport.
When our flight arrived in Brisbane our luggage was quickly unloaded, and there was no queue at all for immigration and customs. As I had a wooden cyclo and some snacks among my luggage I knew that I'd have to go through a customs inspection. As I started unpacking I also realised that among my momentos from students were several hand-made cards. Fortunately only one of these contained enough plant material that it was kept, and my wooden cyclo was no problem. I was quickly on my way again, and trying to work out where I had to meet the car parking people. With a little assistance I quickly connected with them, and was able to collect the car that had been left for me. The fun began as I tried to work out where the car key was hiding. Eventually I discovered it, hiding inside the remote control. Hooray. Load it up and venture onto the roads. It was good to make my first trip at 11pm when there was little traffic on the roads. Brisbane roads had undergone some changes while I've been away, but thanks to some tips from the car parking people I was soon able to find my way onto familiar roads. Then came the tunnels! Which road did I want? I was fairly sure I didn't want the Clem Jones Tunnel (because that's a toll road and my Australian cash was at the bottom of my carryon bag), but knew I had to take the Brisbane city bypass. Fortunately I'm fairly good at following my nose, and I found my way relatively easily to the familiar territory of Milton Road then onto the Western Freeway and Centenary Highway. Hooray! Now I know where I'm going. When I arrived safely at my friends' home, I was greeted enthusiastically by their dog Sari, who never seems to forget me, no matter how long it might be between visits. Don't get me wrong, my friends greeted me too! It's always good to come "home".
I enjoyed snuggling under a "doona" that evening, and enjoyed a long sleep. The next day I enjoyed a venture into one of the regional shopping centres, where many years ago I had my first job. It has changed so much since then, but I was able to get my local health insurance reactivated, and get an Australian sim card for my phone, as well as make at one of the essential purchases on my Aussie shopping list of things I can't buy in Cambodia or Thailand. That evening I enjoyed steak and veggies for dinner, something of rarity in Cambodia, followed by stewed apple & custard! Yummy. Thanks Leanne!
The next day, after after another delightful sleep, I ventured back on the roads, heading south for Coffs Harbour. As I headed across town, I was faced with the choice of a toll road, or exploring a little to avoid the toll road, so I opted to avoid the toll road, and managed to find my way to Beadesert Road and the Mt Lindsay Highway without paying tolls and without getting lost! I then enjoyed driving through the Australian bush as I headed inland to the Summerland Way. The inland route takes a little longer, but has lots less traffic on it, and having not driven for almost 2 years, I enjoyed the lower stress of less traffic. I arrived safely in Coffs Harbour just after 6pm, having driven in the dark for the last hour. I hadn't expected that, having forgotten that cooler weather also means shorter days, but it wasn't a problem.
Sunday morning I rose in time to walk down to Boambee Community Baptist Church, where Mum was on projecter duty, and enjoyed the time of worship and fellowship. I was delighted to see the faces of a young couple whom I knew in Toowoomba flash up on the screen, announcing the safe arrival of their second child. It was good to catch up with the husband, and meet their elder child. It was also good to be welcomed at a church which has faithfully prayed for me during my time in Cambodia. After lunch we took advantage of Sunday shopping and I made more purchases on the essential items list.
Today I enjoyed another sleep in, then after a quick breakfast managed to find my way into town. I do love shopping where the prices are fixed and you don't get hassled every second step to buy something. It's fun too, just looking at the variety of things available and thinking how I don't really need all those things to be happy. Tomorrow I'm going to have to start tacking the mountain of paperwork that I've been procrastinating on - superannuation, rates, bank statements, and all that sort of fun stuff. Then I can have fun sorting the various notes I've received from children and parents over my three and a half years at Logos, and putting them in an album to enjoy in my old age!
I love holidays!
Backing up a few days, I left Cambodia on Wednesday after a hot, sweaty day, during which I managed to get my house somewhat more organised than it had been, so the person who will be staying there part of the time won't have too much trouble finding space to work and relax. On arrival in Bangkok I found eventually found the person who was to meet me, and was transported to my hotel. All was quiet. The next morning I was back to the airport ready for the journey to Australia. I was somewhat put out by the very intrusive security inspection just prior to boarding the plane. We'd already been through the main security check, but just before we entered the gate lounge they did another inspection and this time they actually open all our bags and go through all our stuff by hand. I don't mind security, but that was over the top. Eventually we got on the plane, and I managed to end up with 4 seats to spread out across for the trip to Sydney which made up a little for the security check. It's always a little challenging when they feed you breakfast and then promptly turn all the cabin lights out! Fortunately I had plenty to do, and with the plane only about half full, it was easy enough to wander the aisles occasionally, and get drinks or snacks, as well as enjoying the onboard entertainment. On arriving in Sydney we had to go through yet another security check and then had about 30 minutes before reboarding the plane for Brisbane. This time I had two seats to myself, a window & and aisle, so I was able to enjoy the lights as we came in to land at Brisbane airport.
When our flight arrived in Brisbane our luggage was quickly unloaded, and there was no queue at all for immigration and customs. As I had a wooden cyclo and some snacks among my luggage I knew that I'd have to go through a customs inspection. As I started unpacking I also realised that among my momentos from students were several hand-made cards. Fortunately only one of these contained enough plant material that it was kept, and my wooden cyclo was no problem. I was quickly on my way again, and trying to work out where I had to meet the car parking people. With a little assistance I quickly connected with them, and was able to collect the car that had been left for me. The fun began as I tried to work out where the car key was hiding. Eventually I discovered it, hiding inside the remote control. Hooray. Load it up and venture onto the roads. It was good to make my first trip at 11pm when there was little traffic on the roads. Brisbane roads had undergone some changes while I've been away, but thanks to some tips from the car parking people I was soon able to find my way onto familiar roads. Then came the tunnels! Which road did I want? I was fairly sure I didn't want the Clem Jones Tunnel (because that's a toll road and my Australian cash was at the bottom of my carryon bag), but knew I had to take the Brisbane city bypass. Fortunately I'm fairly good at following my nose, and I found my way relatively easily to the familiar territory of Milton Road then onto the Western Freeway and Centenary Highway. Hooray! Now I know where I'm going. When I arrived safely at my friends' home, I was greeted enthusiastically by their dog Sari, who never seems to forget me, no matter how long it might be between visits. Don't get me wrong, my friends greeted me too! It's always good to come "home".
I enjoyed snuggling under a "doona" that evening, and enjoyed a long sleep. The next day I enjoyed a venture into one of the regional shopping centres, where many years ago I had my first job. It has changed so much since then, but I was able to get my local health insurance reactivated, and get an Australian sim card for my phone, as well as make at one of the essential purchases on my Aussie shopping list of things I can't buy in Cambodia or Thailand. That evening I enjoyed steak and veggies for dinner, something of rarity in Cambodia, followed by stewed apple & custard! Yummy. Thanks Leanne!
The next day, after after another delightful sleep, I ventured back on the roads, heading south for Coffs Harbour. As I headed across town, I was faced with the choice of a toll road, or exploring a little to avoid the toll road, so I opted to avoid the toll road, and managed to find my way to Beadesert Road and the Mt Lindsay Highway without paying tolls and without getting lost! I then enjoyed driving through the Australian bush as I headed inland to the Summerland Way. The inland route takes a little longer, but has lots less traffic on it, and having not driven for almost 2 years, I enjoyed the lower stress of less traffic. I arrived safely in Coffs Harbour just after 6pm, having driven in the dark for the last hour. I hadn't expected that, having forgotten that cooler weather also means shorter days, but it wasn't a problem.
Sunday morning I rose in time to walk down to Boambee Community Baptist Church, where Mum was on projecter duty, and enjoyed the time of worship and fellowship. I was delighted to see the faces of a young couple whom I knew in Toowoomba flash up on the screen, announcing the safe arrival of their second child. It was good to catch up with the husband, and meet their elder child. It was also good to be welcomed at a church which has faithfully prayed for me during my time in Cambodia. After lunch we took advantage of Sunday shopping and I made more purchases on the essential items list.
Today I enjoyed another sleep in, then after a quick breakfast managed to find my way into town. I do love shopping where the prices are fixed and you don't get hassled every second step to buy something. It's fun too, just looking at the variety of things available and thinking how I don't really need all those things to be happy. Tomorrow I'm going to have to start tacking the mountain of paperwork that I've been procrastinating on - superannuation, rates, bank statements, and all that sort of fun stuff. Then I can have fun sorting the various notes I've received from children and parents over my three and a half years at Logos, and putting them in an album to enjoy in my old age!
I love holidays!
30 May 2010
Moving on
Moving on is not easy! Since Thursday I have been trying to get my classroom packed up, and ready for the summer, as well as making sure everything was reasonably able to be found by the teacher coming in to 4th grade next year. I don't think I realised how difficult it would be. Yesterday, after I popped into the office and picked a couple of items out of my "mailbox" was the point when the finality of it really hit me. Today, I finally finished. All that is left to do is hand in my "inventory" and keys, and then I'm done. After 3 and a half years, it was really hard to leave. In a way I'm glad my kids were happy to just come in and get their report cards, play for a while and then head home on Friday. A few were a little sad, but most of them were pretty OK with it. I guess they have seen so many teachers come and go over the years that they have been at Logos that it's pretty normal for them. They'll have a new teacher for 5th grade next year, but will still have the same music, art, and PE teachers, and most of the Khmer staff will be the same as well. I think it's been harder for me than it is for them. I guess that in a way I'm fortunate, because I will still have some contact with some of them, through church or personal friendships, and I will still be in the same country, so bumping into them at the markets isn't an impossibility either. OK. I guess that the time has come to move on, and focus on the good things that are to come.
When August/September comes around I will have a whole new class of children to love and teach. I'm so glad that God has made it possible for me to teach 3rd grade next year. I'm looking forward to visiting my new school this week, and meeting some of the people who will be my new colleagues.
The other challenge for today was saying farewell to people in my church family at the ICF who are going on home assignment for the coming year. Some I knew about, but some I didn't realise were leaving. That's one of the ongoing challenges of being part of an expat community. People are always moving in and out. In a way, you are almost always in some stage of transition in one relationship or another. When you are an introvert, and take a while to get to know people anyway, it's always a challenge when those you are comfortable with leave and new folk move in. At the same time, I have to praise God for the blessing that some of these people have been to me. Yes, I will miss them, but I know that there is one person who will never leave me to go on home assignment. Yes, I can be sure that God will never leave me, and that He will always provide for all I need, and that includes friends I can trust and feel comfortable with, and whom I respect enough to accept correction from. Not only that, but at the same time as He is with me, He will be with them too, as they go through the transitions that face them in the days and weeks to come. How do people ever survive without a relationship with the living God? He's the only one who never changes, is always with us, and accepts us just as we are (because of Jesus' sacrifice). I'm so glad I know Him, and I look forward to getting to know Him even better this "summer".
When August/September comes around I will have a whole new class of children to love and teach. I'm so glad that God has made it possible for me to teach 3rd grade next year. I'm looking forward to visiting my new school this week, and meeting some of the people who will be my new colleagues.
The other challenge for today was saying farewell to people in my church family at the ICF who are going on home assignment for the coming year. Some I knew about, but some I didn't realise were leaving. That's one of the ongoing challenges of being part of an expat community. People are always moving in and out. In a way, you are almost always in some stage of transition in one relationship or another. When you are an introvert, and take a while to get to know people anyway, it's always a challenge when those you are comfortable with leave and new folk move in. At the same time, I have to praise God for the blessing that some of these people have been to me. Yes, I will miss them, but I know that there is one person who will never leave me to go on home assignment. Yes, I can be sure that God will never leave me, and that He will always provide for all I need, and that includes friends I can trust and feel comfortable with, and whom I respect enough to accept correction from. Not only that, but at the same time as He is with me, He will be with them too, as they go through the transitions that face them in the days and weeks to come. How do people ever survive without a relationship with the living God? He's the only one who never changes, is always with us, and accepts us just as we are (because of Jesus' sacrifice). I'm so glad I know Him, and I look forward to getting to know Him even better this "summer".
28 May 2010
School's Out - Looking back
Finished! Done! Good-bye! Farewell!
Yes, school is officially finished for the 2009-2010 School Year for Logos International School students. The school was a hive of activity this morning, as students came in to pick up their report cards and Scholastic Book Club orders. Praise God that those arrived late yesterday afternoon, and I was able to have them ready for the students to collect today. It was tight, but it happened! God is good.
This morning was an early start as I dashed in to school to laminate the student's "memory cards", along with a class photograph for them all. Each year I have the students fill in a page toward the end of the school year, telling some of their favourite things and the things they will remember about this year. I then type them up, and add a personal message for each student. Each year it is slightly different. In the past I've added individual photos. This year I stitched together some group photos and everyone got a class photo. It gives me something special to look back on in the future as well. I managed to get them all done, and tucked inside the student's folders, along with their report cards, and a couple of other treats ready for when the door was opened at 8.30am.
Most of the students arrived early, and they had all collected their goodies by about 10.30am, and by 11.15am the school was mostly deserted. As I sit in my classroom writing this post, and think back over 3 and a half years of teaching at Logos there are many happy memories. I've learned a lot in my first years of teaching, and I know that I've made many mistakes, but praise God there have been lots of positives as well. I know that I still have so much to learn, both as a teacher and as a child of my heavenly Father, and I'm glad that God has given me the opportunity to continue this learning here in Cambodia.
God is good, ALL the time! I thank Him for the many good times I've had a Logos, for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many children, and for the things that I have learned during my time here. I thank Him most of all for the freedom I have had for the past 3 1/2 years to share His love in a very open way with the children, and to share with them the good news of His love for them in a meaningful way that they can understand. I can but continue to pray that the seeds that I have planted on His behalf will be nurtured and will bear much fruit in the long term. Thank you Lord for all the children who have been in my classes. I know that I can trust their futures to you. Draw them closer to you each day of their lives.
I also thank God for the colleagues that I have had. We haven't always agreed on everything, but I know that God has been working in me through my relationships with my colleagues, and I thank Him for every one of them. I know that we were all united in wanting the best for our students. God is good, ALL the time.
Yes, school is officially finished for the 2009-2010 School Year for Logos International School students. The school was a hive of activity this morning, as students came in to pick up their report cards and Scholastic Book Club orders. Praise God that those arrived late yesterday afternoon, and I was able to have them ready for the students to collect today. It was tight, but it happened! God is good.
This morning was an early start as I dashed in to school to laminate the student's "memory cards", along with a class photograph for them all. Each year I have the students fill in a page toward the end of the school year, telling some of their favourite things and the things they will remember about this year. I then type them up, and add a personal message for each student. Each year it is slightly different. In the past I've added individual photos. This year I stitched together some group photos and everyone got a class photo. It gives me something special to look back on in the future as well. I managed to get them all done, and tucked inside the student's folders, along with their report cards, and a couple of other treats ready for when the door was opened at 8.30am.
Most of the students arrived early, and they had all collected their goodies by about 10.30am, and by 11.15am the school was mostly deserted. As I sit in my classroom writing this post, and think back over 3 and a half years of teaching at Logos there are many happy memories. I've learned a lot in my first years of teaching, and I know that I've made many mistakes, but praise God there have been lots of positives as well. I know that I still have so much to learn, both as a teacher and as a child of my heavenly Father, and I'm glad that God has given me the opportunity to continue this learning here in Cambodia.
God is good, ALL the time! I thank Him for the many good times I've had a Logos, for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many children, and for the things that I have learned during my time here. I thank Him most of all for the freedom I have had for the past 3 1/2 years to share His love in a very open way with the children, and to share with them the good news of His love for them in a meaningful way that they can understand. I can but continue to pray that the seeds that I have planted on His behalf will be nurtured and will bear much fruit in the long term. Thank you Lord for all the children who have been in my classes. I know that I can trust their futures to you. Draw them closer to you each day of their lives.
I also thank God for the colleagues that I have had. We haven't always agreed on everything, but I know that God has been working in me through my relationships with my colleagues, and I thank Him for every one of them. I know that we were all united in wanting the best for our students. God is good, ALL the time.
21 May 2010
On the downhill run
With just 3 days of classes to go, life is feeling somewhat hectic. This week has been a good one in many ways. It's been a busy week, with staff meeting on Monday, to tell us all the tings we have to do before we can leave! Now that is somewhat daunting. Pray that God will help me do what is required without becoming overwhelmed and without being a pain to others. Tuesday was a long, hot day, with no electricity for 3 hours in the morning and another couple of hours in the afternoon. Wednesday was a better day electricity wise, at least until 1.30pm when we lost power just minutes before my students came back from PE. That day I spent time talking with a special lady about what I've been going through, and how God is challenging me, without ending up in tears. God is teaching me many things, but most of all He's teaching me that His love is way beyond anything I have ever known, and He wants me to experience it more deeply.
Thursday and Friday were more long hot days. Just because we have a transformer that provides enough power to run our facility doesn't mean we don't lose power. Now we just lose it because the state electricity doesn't have enough power to meet all the needs and so they do rolling blackouts. Today I had the computer lab booked for the first 2 hours of the day, for students to work on their PowerPoint presentations, and the power went out promptly at 8.15am. It came back on around 10.45am, so I quickly organised my students into the computer lab and the library (not enough computers in the lab for all of them) and we took advantage of a half hour before 3rd grade was scheduled for their computer lesson. We had been back in the classroom about 2 minutes when the power went off again, and didn't return until about 1.45pm. As frustrating as this is for me and my students, I have even greater sympathy for our high school students who are writing their final exams this week and next.
On Tuesday my students were required to turn in their "History Pockets" and most students had them ready. I'd forgotten to remind them on Monday (although I had reminded them at the end of last week) and so there were a few students who had been so busy working on their research reports they'd forgotten to do their pockets. They've all been graded now (except for one student who has been sick), and I was generally pleased with their efforts. There's a lot to be said for making sure the rubric is written at the same time as the assignment is set.
Today all the Research Reports were handed in, so this weekend's priority task is to read and grade those. I also hope to get Math and Science grades finalised this weekend. It's going to be a busy one. Specialist grades are slowly coming in - got the PE, Music & ESL grades. Still waiting for Art & Khmer. Bible will have one last Memory Verse quiz on Monday, and then I can finalise that one. Language Arts and Social Studies can't be finalised until after the Presentations on Tuesday afternoon.
Speaking of presentations, after this week's nightmare electricity supply (or lack there of) we have decided to relocate for our presentations to a place where hopefully we will have a reliable supply. Not mentioning where.
It's hard to believe that in just 7 days time I will officially be finished my employment with Logos International School. This chapter in my life is ending, and a new one will begin in August. Praise God that He has enabled me to get through these last three months, and that I will be able to finish without too many regrets. It's always easy to look back and say, "I could have done this better or that better", but that really isn't helpful. What is much more helpful is to look forward to the new experiences and know that God has brought me to this new chapter, and that He will provide all I need to serve Him as I continue to grow in my trust of Him and in the security of His love.
Time for bed. 12 sleeps to go before I'm leaving on a jet plane! Good night.
Thursday and Friday were more long hot days. Just because we have a transformer that provides enough power to run our facility doesn't mean we don't lose power. Now we just lose it because the state electricity doesn't have enough power to meet all the needs and so they do rolling blackouts. Today I had the computer lab booked for the first 2 hours of the day, for students to work on their PowerPoint presentations, and the power went out promptly at 8.15am. It came back on around 10.45am, so I quickly organised my students into the computer lab and the library (not enough computers in the lab for all of them) and we took advantage of a half hour before 3rd grade was scheduled for their computer lesson. We had been back in the classroom about 2 minutes when the power went off again, and didn't return until about 1.45pm. As frustrating as this is for me and my students, I have even greater sympathy for our high school students who are writing their final exams this week and next.
On Tuesday my students were required to turn in their "History Pockets" and most students had them ready. I'd forgotten to remind them on Monday (although I had reminded them at the end of last week) and so there were a few students who had been so busy working on their research reports they'd forgotten to do their pockets. They've all been graded now (except for one student who has been sick), and I was generally pleased with their efforts. There's a lot to be said for making sure the rubric is written at the same time as the assignment is set.
Today all the Research Reports were handed in, so this weekend's priority task is to read and grade those. I also hope to get Math and Science grades finalised this weekend. It's going to be a busy one. Specialist grades are slowly coming in - got the PE, Music & ESL grades. Still waiting for Art & Khmer. Bible will have one last Memory Verse quiz on Monday, and then I can finalise that one. Language Arts and Social Studies can't be finalised until after the Presentations on Tuesday afternoon.
Speaking of presentations, after this week's nightmare electricity supply (or lack there of) we have decided to relocate for our presentations to a place where hopefully we will have a reliable supply. Not mentioning where.
It's hard to believe that in just 7 days time I will officially be finished my employment with Logos International School. This chapter in my life is ending, and a new one will begin in August. Praise God that He has enabled me to get through these last three months, and that I will be able to finish without too many regrets. It's always easy to look back and say, "I could have done this better or that better", but that really isn't helpful. What is much more helpful is to look forward to the new experiences and know that God has brought me to this new chapter, and that He will provide all I need to serve Him as I continue to grow in my trust of Him and in the security of His love.
Time for bed. 12 sleeps to go before I'm leaving on a jet plane! Good night.
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