Continuing on the Covid Roller Coaster
April
At the beginning of April we returned to the classroom grades 1-5. Masks up and taking an Antigen test twice a week. This consisted of spitting in a cup and having our spit combined with a chemical solution that we waited for the colour to climb up a test strip to indicate we were good to go.
May
In May the count of Covid-19 cases in the country began to decline and middle school grades 6-8 returned to the building. Antigen Testing was reduced to once a week and we were allowed to take masks off when outside.
In the classroom we began our plant unit and planted seeds.
The neat thing about this project is how relatable growing a plant is to our Christian lives. The patience and the care needed to cultivate, nurture and help the plant to grow. We had been learning about Jesus' parables and the Sower and the Seed was fresh in their minds when we tested plant growth in different soils and monitored the progress. One student proclaimed "I knew the seeds in the rocky soil wouldn't make it because that is what happened in Jesus' story." True to form they got scorched by the sun over the weekend and withered and died.
I equate my ministry very much to being the sower of the seeds. Each students' heart is a different kind of soil when I start and it is neat to see over the years how the seed of the gospel is planted in the hearts of our students and I get to watch them grow.
Please be praying for our students, especially those that will be moving on from our school.
June
We had two weeks of school left in June and near the very end we got to go mask free!
We did our annual trip to the zoo. Although Covid restrictions are still happening many places are opening back up. Especially outdoor venues like the zoo.
Just when you think you have experienced it all you have a kid get his leg stuck in a gorilla statue. You read that right. After you instruct the children not to climb on it, one child climbs up on it and gets stuck! We lubed the trapped child up with spray on sunscreen and were thankful for a strong passer by who helped to dislodge him. People asked for photo evidence but this is something you don't think about doing when you have a frightened wailing child stuck in a wooden gorilla statue. So pictures were taken once he was popped out. Another story to go down in the books. His words after the rescue and release... "I hate gorillas."
We survived the 2020 - 2021 School Year!
To say it was a difficult school year would be an understatement. It was unlike any year I have ever experienced! We learned a lot more than just how to read, write stories or add and multiply. We learned to persevere through the unknown and the scary things. We learned how to cope with annoying things like wearing masks all day. We prayed every day for Covid-19 to go away. I even had a student declare he was going to make a spray called No-Vid to make Covid go away. Through it all I got to see God on his throne. Loving the little children and his creation.
Praying for a day when there is no more sickness and pain.
Jan Amos Komenský
Jan Amos Komenský (John Amos Comenius) was a Moravian philosopher, pedagogue and theologian from the Margraviate of Moravia who is considered the father of modern education. He is a well known educational historical figure and his picture is even on the 200 czech kroun bill. A number of years ago our school started a tradition of giving the J.A. Komenský award to a teacher who demonstrated exemplary teaching and service to their students and their colleagues. This year I was honoured to receive this award.
10 Years with TeachBeyond & CISP!
It is hard to believe that I have been here for 10 years! I signed up for a 2 year contract and fell in love with this country, its people and our school. I started out my journey sharing an apartment with Andrea and we have journeyed together serving with TeachBeyond in different capacities. I am sad that once again we will have to say goodbye as Andrea will be returning to the USA to serve with TeachBeyond in another capacity.
CISP also recognises years of service with a gift. After 5 years I received a pen. This year I got a personalised street sign. These are what the street signs look like in Prague and they are mounted on the sides of the buildings. This one has a double meaning: Třída in Czech means avenue but it also means class. So as a street sign it read the avenue of K. Robinson but it can also mean the class of K. Robinson. So clever and I have to thank one of our Czech teachers for the idea.
Summer Plans
I had originally planned to come to Canada for a visit for June and July. I even had bought my tickets at amazing prices in October. However, with the current situation with getting into the country all the requirements of tests and hotel stays were going to cost the same as my ticket. I prayed about it and I am at peace about the choice to stay in Czech Republic this summer.
I will be getting involved in an English camp along with pet sitting for friends while we gear up for the next school year starting at the end of August.
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| Our TeachBeyond Team this year |
Praying for Mountains to Move
The giant mountain I am praying away this year will take the miraculous hand of God to move. Currently I am the only returning Elementary staff that we have next year. We are in desperate need of teachers in grade 3-5 along with special teachers for Art, Music and PE! Currently long term resident visas for missionaries are not being issued by the CZ. Please pray for paperwork to start moving so our staff for next year can get into the country.
We NEED Teachers!!!
If you are a teacher and are interested in oversea adventures stop by our school website www.cisprague.org to learn more.
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