So this week has been pretty cray-cray (sorry Stephen, I just had to say it). On Monday we had inservice, which for the Paras (teacher's assistants) pretty much meant reading through a section of the "Framework for Professional Practice" handbook and then working in our classrooms. It was really nice to get a break form the students and get some unfinished work and cleaning done. Except that I still had so much left undone at the end of the day. Then on Tuesday I was in charge of the classroom all by myself! Mrs. Hausman (the teacher I work with) had some data analysis training, or something like that with the school district, so I was put in charge of the class for the day. Whoopie! I only knew about this 2 or 3 days in advance which was actually good because I didn't really have enough time to worry or get stressed about it. Also, Bethany (my roomate) had been talking earlier about how she wanted to not get stressed in teaching and to just enjoy it more. So, I had already been intentionally looking to do the same. And God in his grace allowed Tuesday to be a really good day. I didn't get too stressed, the students behaved, for the most part, and I think they learned something too! It was really a huge comfort to have to lead the class in a way. My coworkers checked in on me and looked out for me, and now I know that it is possible for me to lead a classroom for a day if I have to. But mostly it was good to have this opportunity to rely so much on Christ to sustain me and to guide the day in how He wants it to go.
Yesterday was also quite interesting... it was a very long day. We had our first almost big issue in our class. One of the kids who frequently needs attention, reminders to stay on task, and to not talk in class had a minor breakdown. He was denied a bathroom break because he was messing around in the hallway and we as a class were going to take a break soon anyway. He got really upset and was crying and wouldn't come back to the classroom on his own, so I had to almost drag him back to our room. I was pretty upset too because I didn't know what to do and what would be best for him. I felt bad for causing this, but I knew I couldn't let him get away with not following the hallway rules. This student is also one of our low students in the class and often needs reminders to do his work. I know he has some issues at home and is on a new medication for ADHD, so that also makes it hard trying to do the right thing for him. I know he is going to be an ongoing struggle and would really appreciate prayer for him and for me and Mrs. Hausman as we try to deal with the situations that come up with him. Anyway, that was a fun day :)
Then tonight my sister decided that she is going to come visit me tomorrow!! Yay! A completely awesome end to a crazy weekend. I can't tell you how excited I am to see her!
Well, that's kind of my week in an almost short version ;)
Peace!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Some Photos
I haven't taken many photos since I've been here, but I do have some photos to share from camp and from Lifelight.
Camp Oak Hills 2013!
Fun on the slip-n-slide
Gavin's turn
Judd's got the hang of it
Caleb, Judd, and Glacier
Elisa modeling the sunglasses
Eddie's turn
The girls with style
Three of my favorite ladies!!
Kyra and Kathryn made Lizzi a tiara
Emily chillin' during a game of sharks and minnows
More sharks and minnows
Judd didn't want to play so Andrew carried him
I think he's enjoying it a little too much...
Go Sarah!
Lifelight!
Maddie and Faustina
Faustina and I
Newsboys!
First try at a van group picture... we're missing the front and middle rows
Take 2... Krya & Faustina still refusing to show their faces
Got 'em! Sort of...
Our wonderful driver, Pastor Randy
Happy birthday, Aaron!
Group photo! (and lens flare)
So Much in So Little Time
Since my last post, a lot has happened! Some of which includes: guests from Melany's family and friends from back home, a long weekend with a trip to Lifelight, my first "real" week of school, leading the classroom in morning meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, all-school family night with nachos, Parmelee girls Bible study, and Chipotle night here at 503 He Dog. (We should really think of a fun name for our house)
I almost didn't want to write another post because it would take a long time to write about everything that happened, but then I decided I should at least write something even if I don't get talk about everything that happened. So, at least now you have a very brief overview of the last few weeks.
One highlight was having company for the long Labor Day weekend. Melany's brother and their friend Brooke came to hang out with us and to spend time with the kids here. We took 4 boys and 5 girls from Okreek and Parmelee to Lifelight christian music festival in Sioux Falls on Sunday night to see Newsboys. Unfortunately Melany got sick at the last minute and was not able to go. It was a pretty big disappointment for all of us, especially since she was the one who had planned the trip. It also delayed us, so we missed most of the evangelist that spoke before Newsboys came on. But overall it was a good trip and a great concert. I think the kids really enjoyed it. I know at least one of the guys we took had seen Newsboys in concert before and really likes them, so I'm sure he really enjoyed it. The lead singer also spoke about some really cool things in between the songs that I think had the potential to really affect these kids. He talked about even though people, christians especially, can put on a front, we all have serious issues that only Christ can heal. He also talked about his mother who is close to death and how that made him grieve, but also rejoice because of our hope in Christ. I pray that those who were there really take time to think about what he said. Sometimes it seems to me such a small thing that we took some kids from the rez to a christian concert, but I know that God can work mightily through the small things. And you never know how one simple thing that was said, sung, or heard can affect the heart of a teenager. I hope that you will also pray with me for the hearts of these youth.
Also, as we start a girls Bible study for the Parmelee girls, I would appreciate prayer for wisdom as we lead, open hearts to receive God's word, and most of all that they would be saved and come to know the Lord personally. We started our first week of Bible study Friday night. We decided to do a study on Esther, so this first week we watched the movie The Book of Esther. I was not hugely impressed by the movie, but I think it was good for the girls to at least have a decent overview of the story of Esther. We are going to meet every other week and go through the book, For Such a Time as This. We also want to try to split the 11 girls up into 3 small groups because we really want these girls to open up and connect which would be more difficult in the bigger group. So prayer for Melany, Bethany, and myself as we each lead a group would really be appreciated.
Well, this post is already really long, so I'll stop there. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement! This week was long, but this weekend was really restful. Today especially was a great time to really connect with God and get energized for the upcoming week. I can't wait to see what God has for me on the road ahead!
God bless!
I almost didn't want to write another post because it would take a long time to write about everything that happened, but then I decided I should at least write something even if I don't get talk about everything that happened. So, at least now you have a very brief overview of the last few weeks.
One highlight was having company for the long Labor Day weekend. Melany's brother and their friend Brooke came to hang out with us and to spend time with the kids here. We took 4 boys and 5 girls from Okreek and Parmelee to Lifelight christian music festival in Sioux Falls on Sunday night to see Newsboys. Unfortunately Melany got sick at the last minute and was not able to go. It was a pretty big disappointment for all of us, especially since she was the one who had planned the trip. It also delayed us, so we missed most of the evangelist that spoke before Newsboys came on. But overall it was a good trip and a great concert. I think the kids really enjoyed it. I know at least one of the guys we took had seen Newsboys in concert before and really likes them, so I'm sure he really enjoyed it. The lead singer also spoke about some really cool things in between the songs that I think had the potential to really affect these kids. He talked about even though people, christians especially, can put on a front, we all have serious issues that only Christ can heal. He also talked about his mother who is close to death and how that made him grieve, but also rejoice because of our hope in Christ. I pray that those who were there really take time to think about what he said. Sometimes it seems to me such a small thing that we took some kids from the rez to a christian concert, but I know that God can work mightily through the small things. And you never know how one simple thing that was said, sung, or heard can affect the heart of a teenager. I hope that you will also pray with me for the hearts of these youth.
Also, as we start a girls Bible study for the Parmelee girls, I would appreciate prayer for wisdom as we lead, open hearts to receive God's word, and most of all that they would be saved and come to know the Lord personally. We started our first week of Bible study Friday night. We decided to do a study on Esther, so this first week we watched the movie The Book of Esther. I was not hugely impressed by the movie, but I think it was good for the girls to at least have a decent overview of the story of Esther. We are going to meet every other week and go through the book, For Such a Time as This. We also want to try to split the 11 girls up into 3 small groups because we really want these girls to open up and connect which would be more difficult in the bigger group. So prayer for Melany, Bethany, and myself as we each lead a group would really be appreciated.
Well, this post is already really long, so I'll stop there. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement! This week was long, but this weekend was really restful. Today especially was a great time to really connect with God and get energized for the upcoming week. I can't wait to see what God has for me on the road ahead!
God bless!
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