Classroom Update

They were so excited to learn 2-digit multiplication.
Well, at least a couple were, and some weren't.

Good Morning!

    We've been back at school for two weeks since Christmas now. A lot of things have happened: fourth graders were introduced to the world of 2-digit multiplication, fifth graders learned how to add fractions, a no bullying campaign was started by some students in my class, our class finally led the Christmas chapel, we began addressing questions the students had about the Bible, I went to an English-speaking international school conference, and all of my students finally returned from vacation!



5th graders play math games during the 4th grade lesson.

At the carpet and ready to start.



      During Bible class last semester, we focused on the Old Testament as one of the curriculums in our classroom did. Unfortunately, I slowly began to lose the interest of my girls, who were so curious at the beginning of the year. So, I changed what we did. During our first week back, we rehearsed our Christmas skit about the true meaning of Christmas. Then, I asked the students to think of questions they had about the Bible or Christianity that we would discuss the rest of this year. Here were some of their questions:
-Why does God love us so much?
-Why is the world ending?
-Why do the disciples only eat bread and fish?
-Where does the Bible come from?
-Do we have to love Satan because Jesus says to love our enemies?
-Who made the first Bible?
-Did God make everything in the universe?
-Is there an epic fighting story?
-Help us understand Revelation.
-How did Moses go to heaven if he committed murder?
-Why does God let Satan take people if he loves us?
-How was the Bible made?
-Can we learn about Enoch's story?



     This week, we started with the most basic question: where does the Bible come from? The students learned about how God inspired some authors and who some of those authors were. Next week, we are going to learn about how the Bible was put together after everything was written.

Prayer Requests and Praises
-I have my visa!
-My students have all safely returned from vacation!
-There's been interest in Bible again!
-I had a wonderful time at VANAS - our English-speaking, international school conference!
-Continued curiosity about God and Christianity
-Friendships between students
-Strength to keep going and stay on top of my work
-Health for students, teammates, and myself
-Students' home lives





Christmas Break

     I did make it back to Venezuela safely after Christmas break (sorry to actually post this a few weeks after I did). I had a wonderful Christmas at my home in the Chicago area. I enjoyed seeing family, friends, Wicked (wonderful present from my parents), and the snow (although, I glad to escape back to the warmth of Venezuela). While I was home, I also went to the Venezuelan consulate downtown to submit my visa application. I am ecstatic to announce that I was able to receive my work visa! Thank you for all of your prayers that have gone into this process. Please continue to pray for the rest of my teammates. Four of us picked up our visas during Christmas (causing two people to return late; hopefully, they'll be back next week);the rest are hoping to be ready to submit their applications during the summer. My next step is to receive my cedula here, which is similar to a social security number, but you use it everywhere such as to buy groceries and at the bank.

 

 

      Coming back, I filled my bag with supplies and gifts for my classroom. Thank you to those of you who donated books and supplies! I spent some of my support money buying other things for my classroom and school such as 2 fractions games, The Underland Chronicles, an electricity kit, Number the Stars books and audiobook, Tale of Despereaux books and audiobooks, and bandanas for VBS. I also brought back some supplies for myself such as brown sugar, peanut butter, blackout drapes, a comforter, and some new clothes.

     Another praise: when I went to check in at the airport, I discovered that I had two free checked bags! I didn't have to pay any extra for my bags, which was a welcome surprise.

All of the school things I brought back! It was a lot when I unpacked it all.

Prayer Requests and Praises
-I received my work visa!
-I had a wonderful Christmas break!
-For all of the supplies and books I was able to bring back!
-2 free checked bags!
-Seeing almost all of my family!
-No delays during my travels!
-Visas for my teammates
-My process of getting a cedula
-My teammates who are still trying to return
-Staying on top of my work here
-Keeping my eyes on Jesus through all things