Memorial Day

I think I've said this before, but I'll say it again. I love teaching at an international school! We get Monday off for Memorial Day. Now, I recognize that just about every other school has let out for the summer already, but we're quickly finding an end ourselves. Exams finish June 8th. Teachers are done June 9th. I have one more week to teach. This both excites me and scares me. I can't believe I'm about to pass all these children off to the next grade level...are they prepared? Will the teachers after me find me to be incompetent of all teaching? Am I going to miss my students? Good news on one level- I am going to be teaching Communications next year which will allow me to teach my 11th graders as seniors next year. That makes me quite happy.

Prayer:
1.) I have to write a 6-page paper for ACSI certification. This adds another 10 lbs to my already heavy load.
2.) That I receive my residence permit- I've submitted all my paper work.
3.) That my last week of material will be well presented- accurate- and passionate.
4.) My best friend is coming to visit next Thursday- safety for her travels, fun times of touring Budapest, and just a good reunion
5.) Preparation to return home - that I'll be ready, that culture shock won't be too overwhelming- and that I'll be in a support raising mindset when I hit the ground in the states.

Thanks for all your prayers- they have been answered in innumerable ways.

Family Field Day

Family Field Day

This day of outside fun requires attendance from all students! The four teams green, red, black and blue compete in events from Kickball to Tug-Of-War to Trash Pick-Up. I had a great time cheering on the black team as one of their leaders. I did not anticipate having as much fun as I did. It was a relief not to have class, and it was a blessing to just have fun with my students. Of course, there was a water balloon fight, a football game, and many parents watching on the sidelines. I seriously wish we had field days once a month.

The Madness of May

So much has happened since the last time I updated you. I lost a student and gained one. I've taught a novel successfully (amazing). I've started the process to return next year. I've received a tentative schedule for next year. And, I've become completely overwhelmed with all that is before me.

School is moving along quickly. Daily, I'm amazed as I write the date on the board...May 11th already? There just doesn't seem to be enough time to get everything done. But, we keep moving, we don't rush too much, and we learn what we can while we can. And I say "we learn" because I think I'm learning more than the students.

In the midst of all the school stuff going on, I've also recently been bombarded with what needs to be done with my mission to return for the next school year. So, I've tried to wrap my mind around that to start moving forward.

Here's how you can pray for me as I finish this year (strong):

1.) That even though school is busy, that I won't get caught up in the information. I want to continue to love my students and to pursue relationships with them. I'm trying, and God hasn't let me down thus far, but I want to keep a positive attitude about it all as the end of the year approaches- There's so much to do!

2.) Class assignments for next year. So far, they're looking good- but sparce. Pray that electives and everything will get worked out for a full and fun schedule.

3.) I'm in the process of applying for a residence permit. The actual part of the process I'm currently in is the "gathering paperwork" stage. There are more components to this process than just me. Please pray that I'm patient with others, that I stay diligent to what I must complete, and that the Hungarian gov't will be pleased with what I present to them.

4.) I've recently received my projected budget for next year. It's still being manipulated, but it will require a considerable amount of support raising in the 1.5 months I'm home this summer. Please pray that the connections I'm beginning to make now will be directed by God. Pray that I follow his guidance in this time where I need great guidance. Pray that I will not ever be discouraged but will be sustained by the provision of God that has brought me thus far.

Thanks for your prayers. I can't tell you how much I love knowing that there are advocates for me, for my ministry, and for my students 5000 miles away!