Once again, I start the school year feeling humbled. I just finished my first full week with my 4th graders and couldn't feel more blessed. We have been keeping very busy...planting a garden, reading a new chapter book, visiting all the specials (including art, music, library, and P.E.), and simply enjoying each other.
My favorite part of the day is morning prayer. We pray for a new student in the class every day. S/he has the opportunity to give prayer requests and then volunteers offer to pray. It blesses my heart to hear these 4th graders pray for each other, such powerful prayers. It is so obvious that they really bonded last year and I feel privileged to be welcomed into their cohort. Not a day goes by when I don't get about a dozen hugs from my students!
Last night (Friday) was Sahel Academy's Open House Picnic! Families bring a dish to share and students have a chance show mom and dad their classroom. Tired from the week, I was not sure how the night would go. However, as I interacted with the students and their parents, I felt so encouraged. This place, this community, is held together by Jesus Christ. And anyone who comes to Sahel not knowing the Lord, will somehow be touched by Jesus' love. God is sovereign and sustains our weak hearts.
Thank you, Lord, for taking care of me, even when I have no idea what you are doing. Thank you for blessing me, even when I don't deserve it. Thank you for this community and the life-giving interactions with friends who feel like family. May we honor You in every thought, word, and deed.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Friday, August 14, 2015
First Days in Fourth Grade
School is in session! On Wednesday, August 12th, Sahel Academy had its opening assembly for the 2015-2016 school year. Parents, teachers, students K-12, and staff gathered for worship and special announcements for the new year. I love teaching at a K-12 school for this very reason. Kindergartners are wide-eyed with wonder, middle schoolers eagerly chat with friends new and old, and seniors lackadaisically lean back in their chairs, perhaps too comfortably.
What a privilege it was to stand with my parents as staff at the same school! Wednesday mornings, my 4th graders will visit Mrs. Knox for art class! And dad keeps busy with odd jobs on campus, fixing desks, putting up bulletin boards, and even supervising study halls! They fit right into life here at Sahel and I'm happy to be able to introduce them as "mom" and "dad."
Day 3 in 4th grade just finished, and as I sit at my "teacher's desk" writing this, I think of how blessed I am to be at this school. It was just today at lunch that I was conversing with another staff member about the awesome community here. God has blessed me with a wonderful class this year and great co-workers. It's hard to believe that this is my second year of teaching and when I think about doing another whole year again, I am quite overwhelmed. But as I take things day by day, I find myself full of joy and a renewed passion for investing in the students here at Sahel Academy.
To God be the glory!
What a privilege it was to stand with my parents as staff at the same school! Wednesday mornings, my 4th graders will visit Mrs. Knox for art class! And dad keeps busy with odd jobs on campus, fixing desks, putting up bulletin boards, and even supervising study halls! They fit right into life here at Sahel and I'm happy to be able to introduce them as "mom" and "dad."
Day 3 in 4th grade just finished, and as I sit at my "teacher's desk" writing this, I think of how blessed I am to be at this school. It was just today at lunch that I was conversing with another staff member about the awesome community here. God has blessed me with a wonderful class this year and great co-workers. It's hard to believe that this is my second year of teaching and when I think about doing another whole year again, I am quite overwhelmed. But as I take things day by day, I find myself full of joy and a renewed passion for investing in the students here at Sahel Academy.
To God be the glory!
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| Mom and me on our first day of school! |
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Getting Ready
Round two, another school year. The summer has ended and school is almost in session! I have been busily working in my classroom, setting up desks, cleaning shelves, making name tags, and labeling books! Students have their first day of classes on Wednesday, August 12th. As we begin school, I am reminded of this time last year. And in many ways, there are many similarities...rain storms, teacher meetings, new faces. But this year doesn't feel anything like last year, for which I am very much grateful!
For one, my parents are here! It has been such an incredible blessing to have them around, and they've only been here for less than two weeks! God has blessed us with good fellowship and I love being their neighbor. I've been able to help them as they adjust to Niger by taking them grocery shopping and showing them around the school. Since they live just down the street, I've been busy delivering spices they didn't have, dropping off medicine for unwanted sickness, and passing along messages from others when they didn't have phones yet. I went running the other morning around Sahel's campus and ended up doing a lap with my mom. How cool is that?! Both mom and dad and I went for an early morning stroll past the rice fields, green with life and sun shining through the humid sky. This year I get to experience life in Africa with family. God is good.
We have already begun Teacher Orientation at Sahel and during the meetings, I couldn't help but think, "How awesome is it that my parents are here?" We were able to worship together and share our story with the staff. Even getting a simple mom or dad hug at lunch time is a gift from God. I never thought that I would be on the same teaching staff as my mom, but I'm so excited to have the opportunity this year!
Another difference from last year is my living comfort level. As I help welcome new teachers and staff, I am reminded of similar feelings I had this time last year. Knowing how to grocery shop, understanding a bit more of the culture, and having a few familiar faces has made a tremendous difference and reduced a lot of transitional stress and anxiety. The adjustment to Niger has, for the most part, already taken place for me, allowing me to feel much more relaxed and settled into life here.
Also, it's my second year of teaching! I am eager to have older kiddos, as I teach 4th grade this year. Although the curriculum is new to me, the staff and students (most of them) are not. Being familiar with the school and how it runs has allowed me to easily anticipate what's next and understand how things are done here. I'm so grateful to be returning to Sahel for a second year.
It was hard for me a year ago to imagine being in the place that I am today, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, as well. Many people welcomed and mentored me with open arms when I arrived to Niamey. Now it is my turn to do the same for those around me. Though it's only been a year, I am able to answer questions that new-comers have and hopefully offer encouragement when needed.
I am so grateful for all that the Lord has taught me this past year. And I am also grateful that I feel a bit different this year. Everyday with the Lord is an adventure when we are walking in obedience. That is my prayer and heart's cry. That I would know, without a doubt, that I am exactly where the Lord wants me. So He can use me and continue to mold me. May God be glorified because of my obedience and trust in Him. To Christ be the glory! As they say at SB2W, "The glory goes to God!"
For one, my parents are here! It has been such an incredible blessing to have them around, and they've only been here for less than two weeks! God has blessed us with good fellowship and I love being their neighbor. I've been able to help them as they adjust to Niger by taking them grocery shopping and showing them around the school. Since they live just down the street, I've been busy delivering spices they didn't have, dropping off medicine for unwanted sickness, and passing along messages from others when they didn't have phones yet. I went running the other morning around Sahel's campus and ended up doing a lap with my mom. How cool is that?! Both mom and dad and I went for an early morning stroll past the rice fields, green with life and sun shining through the humid sky. This year I get to experience life in Africa with family. God is good.
We have already begun Teacher Orientation at Sahel and during the meetings, I couldn't help but think, "How awesome is it that my parents are here?" We were able to worship together and share our story with the staff. Even getting a simple mom or dad hug at lunch time is a gift from God. I never thought that I would be on the same teaching staff as my mom, but I'm so excited to have the opportunity this year!
Another difference from last year is my living comfort level. As I help welcome new teachers and staff, I am reminded of similar feelings I had this time last year. Knowing how to grocery shop, understanding a bit more of the culture, and having a few familiar faces has made a tremendous difference and reduced a lot of transitional stress and anxiety. The adjustment to Niger has, for the most part, already taken place for me, allowing me to feel much more relaxed and settled into life here.
Also, it's my second year of teaching! I am eager to have older kiddos, as I teach 4th grade this year. Although the curriculum is new to me, the staff and students (most of them) are not. Being familiar with the school and how it runs has allowed me to easily anticipate what's next and understand how things are done here. I'm so grateful to be returning to Sahel for a second year.
It was hard for me a year ago to imagine being in the place that I am today, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, as well. Many people welcomed and mentored me with open arms when I arrived to Niamey. Now it is my turn to do the same for those around me. Though it's only been a year, I am able to answer questions that new-comers have and hopefully offer encouragement when needed.
I am so grateful for all that the Lord has taught me this past year. And I am also grateful that I feel a bit different this year. Everyday with the Lord is an adventure when we are walking in obedience. That is my prayer and heart's cry. That I would know, without a doubt, that I am exactly where the Lord wants me. So He can use me and continue to mold me. May God be glorified because of my obedience and trust in Him. To Christ be the glory! As they say at SB2W, "The glory goes to God!"
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| Mom, Dad and me at Sahel Staff Orientation! |
Saturday, August 1, 2015
One Year
On July 29th, I had the pleasure of welcoming my parents at the Niamey Airport! Talk about role reversal! Although this was the second time I have met Mom and Dad at the airport, it was a bit different this time knowing that they are here to stay for awhile longer.
I anticipated that having my parents here would be nice. And to answer the frequently asked question, "Are you excited for your parents to come?" the answer is YES! But having them here has been a blessing in small and unexpected ways, too.
Mom and Dad are living on Sahel Academy's campus. Though I have moved to another house on a neighboring compound, we are just a short walk away from each other. Who would have ever guessed that I would be neighbors with my parents in Africa? On Thursday I was able to have my parents over for their first dinner...homemade lasagna and mango ice cream for dessert! I enjoyed being able to "give back," since Mom has been cooking for me all these years!
Friday morning, my housemate and I took Mom and Dad grocery shopping. This was no short excursion. Getting acclimated to the new menu options, figuring out prices, deciding what and how much you need, as well as how long something might last in the heat without spoiling all takes time. Not to mention the traffic. All in all, it was a successful trip! I taught mom how to properly wash produce and she's already been cooking like a pro! I've been over to their house twice now for lunch :) What a unique privilege it has been to share these new memories with my folks.
After having lived here for a year (August 1st marks one year exactly!), and as people return from summer vacation, I can't help but think, "This feels like home." Such an amazing family has formed for me here in Niger and welcoming Mom and Dad into this Niger family has brought me such joy. Praise God for how he provides!
I continue to plan and get ready for school to start. Only one and a half more weeks until the first day of classes! Please pray for all staff at Sahel Academy as we prepare our classrooms and sort through curriculum. There is often an overwhelming feeling that accompanies these preparations, knowing there is so much to do and so little time. Pray for peace and diligence and JOY! Thank you for your faithfulness to God and the Body of Christ!
I anticipated that having my parents here would be nice. And to answer the frequently asked question, "Are you excited for your parents to come?" the answer is YES! But having them here has been a blessing in small and unexpected ways, too.
Mom and Dad are living on Sahel Academy's campus. Though I have moved to another house on a neighboring compound, we are just a short walk away from each other. Who would have ever guessed that I would be neighbors with my parents in Africa? On Thursday I was able to have my parents over for their first dinner...homemade lasagna and mango ice cream for dessert! I enjoyed being able to "give back," since Mom has been cooking for me all these years!
Friday morning, my housemate and I took Mom and Dad grocery shopping. This was no short excursion. Getting acclimated to the new menu options, figuring out prices, deciding what and how much you need, as well as how long something might last in the heat without spoiling all takes time. Not to mention the traffic. All in all, it was a successful trip! I taught mom how to properly wash produce and she's already been cooking like a pro! I've been over to their house twice now for lunch :) What a unique privilege it has been to share these new memories with my folks.
After having lived here for a year (August 1st marks one year exactly!), and as people return from summer vacation, I can't help but think, "This feels like home." Such an amazing family has formed for me here in Niger and welcoming Mom and Dad into this Niger family has brought me such joy. Praise God for how he provides!
I continue to plan and get ready for school to start. Only one and a half more weeks until the first day of classes! Please pray for all staff at Sahel Academy as we prepare our classrooms and sort through curriculum. There is often an overwhelming feeling that accompanies these preparations, knowing there is so much to do and so little time. Pray for peace and diligence and JOY! Thank you for your faithfulness to God and the Body of Christ!
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Swiss Getaway
Wednesday, July 8th I left Africa for the first time in a year to enjoy short holiday with some friends in Switzerland! Needless to say, I had an amazing time. The contrast between the two countries is quite real, giving me an even deeper appreciation for the beauty I saw and felt while away.
This past year, I had the privilege of meeting one of the kindest friends I know. She worked with SIM Education in Niamey, helping to train kindergarten teachers in local schools. When she found out that I was staying in Niger for the summer, she invited me to retreat to Switzerland for a couple weeks with her and her sister. And what a retreat it was!
Our time was filled with walks at sunset, bike rides to church and along the river, swimming in Lake Lucerne, eating meals and dessert with friends and family, my first cheese fondue!, visiting cheese and chocolate factories, hiking in the mountains, and lazily reading in the hammock.
After my friends picked me up at the airport, I realized that stepping in and out of the car was oddly interesting. I anticipated a wall of heat and to instantly start sweating once I exited the vehicle, as it is in Niger. To my pleasant surprise, the air was cool, much like being in air conditioning! It was lovely and refreshing, a break I didn't realize I needed.
Our first stop was the grocery store. Oh! The options! I picked out some blueberries and we snacked on those while we waited for our post-shopping ice cream. We then visited mom, who has a beautiful garden and a breath-taking view! Rolling hills covered with bright green trees and grass, small farms and fields kissed by the sun. I had my fair share of freshly picked home-grown raspberries and then snacked on a juicy apricot while taking in the view. Water for my soul.
All in all, it was an amazing trip. I visited my friends' grandparents and their 300 year old house, talked with their uncle and learned how he milks 75 cows twice a day and knows them all by name!, and we even saw The Lion King musical in Basel! It was incredible to be so welcomed by the culture, family, and this place they call home. Though quite busy, between our trip to the mountains and 4 day stay at Lake Lucerne and the Friday grill nights at the church, it was absolutely refreshing and restful.
Praise God for mountains, lakes, grass, cows, hammocks, flowers, sunsets and sunrises, raspberries fresh off the vine, homemade pasta, and new family. I am so thankful for my time to travel and find new energy. God is so faithful to give me rest when I need it. Praise God!
This past year, I had the privilege of meeting one of the kindest friends I know. She worked with SIM Education in Niamey, helping to train kindergarten teachers in local schools. When she found out that I was staying in Niger for the summer, she invited me to retreat to Switzerland for a couple weeks with her and her sister. And what a retreat it was!
Our time was filled with walks at sunset, bike rides to church and along the river, swimming in Lake Lucerne, eating meals and dessert with friends and family, my first cheese fondue!, visiting cheese and chocolate factories, hiking in the mountains, and lazily reading in the hammock.
After my friends picked me up at the airport, I realized that stepping in and out of the car was oddly interesting. I anticipated a wall of heat and to instantly start sweating once I exited the vehicle, as it is in Niger. To my pleasant surprise, the air was cool, much like being in air conditioning! It was lovely and refreshing, a break I didn't realize I needed.
Our first stop was the grocery store. Oh! The options! I picked out some blueberries and we snacked on those while we waited for our post-shopping ice cream. We then visited mom, who has a beautiful garden and a breath-taking view! Rolling hills covered with bright green trees and grass, small farms and fields kissed by the sun. I had my fair share of freshly picked home-grown raspberries and then snacked on a juicy apricot while taking in the view. Water for my soul.
All in all, it was an amazing trip. I visited my friends' grandparents and their 300 year old house, talked with their uncle and learned how he milks 75 cows twice a day and knows them all by name!, and we even saw The Lion King musical in Basel! It was incredible to be so welcomed by the culture, family, and this place they call home. Though quite busy, between our trip to the mountains and 4 day stay at Lake Lucerne and the Friday grill nights at the church, it was absolutely refreshing and restful.
Praise God for mountains, lakes, grass, cows, hammocks, flowers, sunsets and sunrises, raspberries fresh off the vine, homemade pasta, and new family. I am so thankful for my time to travel and find new energy. God is so faithful to give me rest when I need it. Praise God!
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." -Psalm 68:19
"Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies." Psalm 148:1, 3-4
Friday, July 17, 2015
Misunderstood
I've been stuck on this thought for awhile now. I have lived in Niger just over 11 months, August 1st marking one year. And the further in time I am from the day that I left the States, the more distant I feel from people back "home."
What you know of my life is based on what I happen to post on my blog, what you read in my newsletter, or the pictures you see on Facebook. Granted, I do my best to share as much as I can. Pictures and blog posts can often provide a helpful glimpse into my life. Yet, there is so much more that takes place and shapes me than what floats about in cyberspace.
This distance has created a sense of loneliness, or perhaps a feeling of being unknown. There have been many times when I wished a friend from back home could be here to share an inside joke or to listen to my woes of the day. And after 11 months of living in Niger, I know that there is a significant part of my life that many people I love and care about will never fully understand. No matter how much I share and communicate (which is often limited by time and internet connections), a part of me will be misunderstood. I am tempted to think, "If only you knew..." or "Why don't you understand...?" When questions go unasked because a friend doesn't even know where to start, I find myself disappointed.
Perhaps you share this deep desire to be known, to be understood.
But think about this with me for a moment. (Cheesy illustration time). How many tools and machines do we use everyday that we really have no idea how they work? For instance, a cell phone sends messages and calls your friends, but if you were asked to replicate this device, to make your own cell phone, would you be able to do it? Of course not! You don't understand how it was made! (Unless of course, you are some sort of cell phone manufacturer). The one who made the device will naturally know it best, because he made it! I would venture to say that our hearts work the same way. Who better to know me, understand me like I want to be understood, than the One who made me?
I want to lean into the knowledge that Christ's love for me reaches the deepest parts of my heart where I feel the least known. Life in Niger is drastically different from life in the States (or anywhere else, it seems!). But God knows that. He knows my toughest struggles and my deepest joys. What better friend to rely on than our Heavenly Father? My heart rejoices as I think of the rich friendship he calls us into with His Holy Spirit. I serve a God who desires His people. The same God who created the Universe knows me and intimately pursues me.
I must admit that I can often be quite ignorant of the Lord's pursuing. I have become fairly skilled at the practice of hardening my heart to the Holy Spirit's drawing. Yet my mind rests and my heart finds peace knowing that God doesn't leave me. He is constant. He is consistent. He is faithful. He is unchanging. This is the God who satisfies my cravings to be understood.
I've come to the conclusion that I spend too much time trying to be understood. Perhaps, I should invest more of my energy into trying to understand those around me and especially, the One who made me.
What you know of my life is based on what I happen to post on my blog, what you read in my newsletter, or the pictures you see on Facebook. Granted, I do my best to share as much as I can. Pictures and blog posts can often provide a helpful glimpse into my life. Yet, there is so much more that takes place and shapes me than what floats about in cyberspace.
This distance has created a sense of loneliness, or perhaps a feeling of being unknown. There have been many times when I wished a friend from back home could be here to share an inside joke or to listen to my woes of the day. And after 11 months of living in Niger, I know that there is a significant part of my life that many people I love and care about will never fully understand. No matter how much I share and communicate (which is often limited by time and internet connections), a part of me will be misunderstood. I am tempted to think, "If only you knew..." or "Why don't you understand...?" When questions go unasked because a friend doesn't even know where to start, I find myself disappointed.
Perhaps you share this deep desire to be known, to be understood.
But think about this with me for a moment. (Cheesy illustration time). How many tools and machines do we use everyday that we really have no idea how they work? For instance, a cell phone sends messages and calls your friends, but if you were asked to replicate this device, to make your own cell phone, would you be able to do it? Of course not! You don't understand how it was made! (Unless of course, you are some sort of cell phone manufacturer). The one who made the device will naturally know it best, because he made it! I would venture to say that our hearts work the same way. Who better to know me, understand me like I want to be understood, than the One who made me?
I want to lean into the knowledge that Christ's love for me reaches the deepest parts of my heart where I feel the least known. Life in Niger is drastically different from life in the States (or anywhere else, it seems!). But God knows that. He knows my toughest struggles and my deepest joys. What better friend to rely on than our Heavenly Father? My heart rejoices as I think of the rich friendship he calls us into with His Holy Spirit. I serve a God who desires His people. The same God who created the Universe knows me and intimately pursues me.
I must admit that I can often be quite ignorant of the Lord's pursuing. I have become fairly skilled at the practice of hardening my heart to the Holy Spirit's drawing. Yet my mind rests and my heart finds peace knowing that God doesn't leave me. He is constant. He is consistent. He is faithful. He is unchanging. This is the God who satisfies my cravings to be understood.
I've come to the conclusion that I spend too much time trying to be understood. Perhaps, I should invest more of my energy into trying to understand those around me and especially, the One who made me.
"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me."
Psalm 139:1
"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."
1 Corinthians 1:9
"I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people."
Leviticus 26:12
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Let's Dance!
"First position, round those arms, pinch the penny!" My voice echoed off the walls of Hope Hall this summer every Tuesday and Thursday morning this past month. Though I've never taught a dance class before, I had the pleasure of sharing my love for dancing with about a dozen 4-10 year old girls.
We had a blast exploring different elements of dance, i.e. quick, slow, sharp, smooth, high, low, big, small. We explored how to dance with streamers and hula hoops! We learned about the importance of stretching and even did a bit of line dancing! And of course, we learned ballet! The girls were ecstatic to learn and practice their positions and ballet technique. Using the backs of chairs for our "bar" and clearing a few rows for circle exercises, we managed quite well.
Though the age range was challenging, I was happy to see progress in each student. At the end of each class, we held hands in a circle to pray and thank God for giving us the gift of dance. We always discussed that one of the main reasons we dance is to bring glory to our Heavenly Father. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to bring dance to some of the girls at Sahel Academy and within the community. Bringing joy to these little dancers has definitely been a summer highlight!
We had a blast exploring different elements of dance, i.e. quick, slow, sharp, smooth, high, low, big, small. We explored how to dance with streamers and hula hoops! We learned about the importance of stretching and even did a bit of line dancing! And of course, we learned ballet! The girls were ecstatic to learn and practice their positions and ballet technique. Using the backs of chairs for our "bar" and clearing a few rows for circle exercises, we managed quite well.
Though the age range was challenging, I was happy to see progress in each student. At the end of each class, we held hands in a circle to pray and thank God for giving us the gift of dance. We always discussed that one of the main reasons we dance is to bring glory to our Heavenly Father. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to bring dance to some of the girls at Sahel Academy and within the community. Bringing joy to these little dancers has definitely been a summer highlight!
"Let them praise His name with the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp." Psalm 149:3
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