Usually I try to update every couple of months but this semester was so full and busy that the time to sit down and load and share pictures never came. Now we are already into the new year and I sit back reflecting on a year past and seeing all the amazing things God has done.
Our school year started off with a surprise as we were anticipating a very full grade one class and out of the 14 I tested only 9 students enrolled for this Fall. Smaller class than anticipated but our God is faithful and knows exactly what we need before we do! They are a very active group of 7 boys and 2 girls that have kept me more than just on my toes!
Starting School
Our school is in record breaking numbers this year with close to 160 students enrolled. Each one of our elementary classes are anywhere from 9-16 students in a class. My class has students from USA, Russia, India, Greece, Singapore, India and Japan. Majority of them have had very little to no exposure to the Bible and when I asked them who Jesus is they looked at me with blank expressions. "He is the good guy in the Bible!" one of students ventured to explain. What amazing opportunities we have to share the love of Jesus and who he is with these kids and their families.
5 Senses our First Field Trip
Museum of Senses
The first time I have tried this field trip for my kids and I will definitely do it again! The kids had a great time and it was put together so well for Czech and English speakers.
We got to explore optical illusions, sensory buckets, guess smells and solve puzzles using our senses.
If you noticed a couple new faces it is because two of our staff members who have kids in Czech schools joined us for the field trip. These girls are normally in Czech school but since their school was on holiday they were able to join us and help us reach the minimum of 10 students needed for a discount at the museum.
Reading Day
This has to be one of my favourite celebration days that we have during the school year when we celebrate reading. It allows for our students to connect with the kids in the other classes and explore the joys of literature. It is also an opportunity to dress up! I have been wanting to do Emily Elizabeth from Clifford and the Big Red Dog for years! However the costume hung on the finding of a hot pink button up sweater which I finally found in a thrift store this summer while back in Canada!
In the fall we have some time set aside for our staff to get away and spend some time together. This year we took a day to go out in the Czech countryside and visit Konopiště: a four-winged, three-storey château located in the Czech Republic, about 50 km southeast of Prague, outside the city of Benešov. It has become famous as the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered World War I.
We got to tour the castle and the grounds and then a group of us ventured out into the woods to participate in some paintball. Nothing says staff bonding like climbing through obstacles and shooting paint at your co-workers!
Celebrations!
In grade one we get to learn about celebrations from around the world. This year we learned about Thanksgiving, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Christmas.
We have quite a few students from India so for the first time I researched and learned about one of India's major holidays: Diwali. It is very neat getting to learn about different cultures and their beliefs and teaching about these from a Christian world view.
Hanukkah - making Latkes
Christmas around the world
We learned about Christmas celebrations from England, Mexico, Sweden, and Germany
Gingerbread men - We made Christmas ornaments and decorated cookies
Christmas Markets Field Trip
Christmas markets originated in Germany and as much fun as it would be to take the kids on a two hour train ride to Germany to see the markets it is much easier to walk down the street to the local markets.
My Miracle
Preparing to leave is a difficult thing and having to do it when you don't know who your replacement is going to be makes it even harder. From the moment in May when I learned I had to go back to Canada for 6 months I began praying for my replacement. I was specific in these prayers listing all the things that this person needed to be. Someone who loved Jesus, had experience working with small children, was trained in education, had experience working with kids with special needs, would be in the Czech Republic in December, had their visa and would be there in time for me to train them before I left. I know God likes to work in the last hour because our faith is strengthened and there were moments that I thought my prayers were not to be answered and yet the echo of "TRUST ME" rang out loud and clear during this time.
On December 13th my miracle walked into our school. She checked off all my boxes, had permanent residency and was hired 3 days before I was set to leave for Canada. Trusting the Lord when things seem impossible is not easy and yet our God is forever faithful!
Saying goodbye to the kids was difficult but I know they are in good hands and I look forward to seeing them again next fall!
Where are you now and what are you doing?
Now I am back in Canada - had an amazing Christmas break with my family and have been battling the snow and the cold. I keep busy working on curriculum, planning and sharing about our school and my ministry with anyone who will listen. I will do a bit of travelling to see friends and family.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Please continue to pray for our need for teachers, especially in the elementary. We are going to need at least 4 teachers in elementary next year as our class sizes are growing. Trusting in the Lord's provision. For more details be sure to sign up for my newsletter in the column on the left or check out our school's website http://www.cisprague.org/
