Let the Little Things Change you

September is basically over but the last exciting event that happened this month was our Staff Retreat. We spent two days out of Moscow at this beautiful resort where Fall was definitely in the air. The trees were orange, red, and yellow. Leaves were all over the place, the weather was a bit chilly, and it rained most of the time we were there. Staff retreat wasn't about the appearance of the place but the time of fellowship and bonding time among the staff. We had two full days of worship, fun games, discussion time, very meaningful sessions, amazing food, and a large area of nature and beauty to explore. I am blessed to be a part of a group of people who love God and each other so dearly. 

This coming week is Spiritual Emphasis Week at Hinkson. The elementary team decided that this year we are going to do something new, we are going to lead a VBS for all of elementary. The theme is called Kingdom Rock and it is going to be so much fun this week teaching the children new songs and having a time of Bible all together as a team. A plus to doing a VBS this year means,jeans and a t-shirt everyday of work. That works for me!! :) I look forward to sharing this new experience with all of you.

Kindergarten has been a learning experience but also a very exciting time. In September we had: the start of a new chapter, language barrier, tears, happiness, change, a birthday celebration, and a lot of learning experiences for everyone. As October is vastly approaching, we continue to press on with learning, laughter, and togetherness. Kindergarten is full of life and it is such a privilege to go to work everyday and love what I do. 

As teachers and staff in a school it is easy to become very tired, have little patience, and it is very common to ask ourselves, Why? Then there is a time when the brains click on, the "I can't" becomes "I did it," the smiling faces that come running into class, and the hugs at the right time of day - That is why we teach. We reflect on all of this every day of our life no matter how frustrated we get that, one child forgot his homework again, another child won't follow directions, another child just isn't getting it, or that child won't stop eating crayons. I know for me and all the challenges I face, I wouldn't trade what I do for anyone. I love my kiddos, I love my job, I love everything about what career path God led me to. No one can quite understand that you may be having the worst day ever until the first giggling, snotty nose, sticky fingers, happy five year old runs into your class and smothers you with hugs, it is then the happiest best moment of the entire day. 

I challenge each of you to embrace the life of a child even if they come running at you with snotty noses, sticky fingers, or a colorful mouth from eating crayons. What harm will it do to love, hug, and share the love of God with that child? The only harm that may be caused is if you don't do these things. Love the little children that God created. 

The Challenges and New Life Experiences

 With the two week delay of school starting, all of the teachers, staff, and admin were anxiously awaiting for the first day to arrive. During the two week delay, God continued to show us that He had everything in control. While we are preparing for Accreditation this school year, we were able to knock out quite a bit of things needed during the two week block that we had. We were able to focus in our classrooms, come together as one family, and prepare for what was going to happen at Hinkson this school year. The two weeks were up and it was time to welcome new and old students back to school. I have never seen so much excitement, from the teachers and students, to start a new school year.

Kindergarten is full of life and energy, but also some more difficult challenges this year. I am still a new teacher to Hinkson but also to the teaching world in general. This is my third year teaching since college and my second year at Hinkson. I have the perfect size class of eight. Now to some of you, you may think, 'Wow, that is nothing compared to in the states when you have 25.' In that sense, you would be correct but what some of you don't understand is exactly what I deal with on a day to day basis. I may only have eight students but my eight students come from, America, Africa, and Russia. Three of my eight came in with extremely little to no English. One of my students is fluent in English and Russian but has never had to control when to use either. Then I have three students who are American who know no Russian and can't communicate with the other students. Out of the eight students that I have, only seven of them are here right now. We are awaiting the arrival of one my students who is having some Visa issues back in the states. Please pray that she can get here quickly, for I have one lonely girl who is surrounded by six full blown energized boys until she gets here. My class definitely keeps me busy all day, everyday. I am constantly on the move to encourage the students to only use English as much as possible. At first, my non-native speakers did not quite understand this concept but we are getting it and now discovering how to communicate in the classroom. There are a lot of hands on activities, acting, tears, and frustration when it comes to learning in the classroom.We are now going into our third week of school and my class is still motivated and just as energized as the first day of school. We have been working really hard on classroom behavior, direction, listening, and simple things such as: how to write our name, letters, numbers, colors, and shapes.  As the teacher, I had to learn to be very patient and understanding of all of my students needs. By the end of the school day, I am fully drained but I still love my job.

In the first couple weeks of school, we already had some functions take place. The first Friday after school started we had our annual 'All School Picnic.' All of the parents brought a dish and we opened up the Gym and the Cafeteria (we had bad weather) and the school provided hotdogs and hamburgers. We were able to kick off the school year by getting to eat, mingle, and get to know each other a little more. Then a week after school started we had our annual PIE Night. (Partners in Education Night). The parents were able to come in the evening time and could attend up to four sessions including going to their child's class and get to hear more about what happens in the classroom. After all of the sessions were finished, we met upstairs and shared some tea and pie. It was a successful night for all. As we are getting into our third week of school, this week will be cut short, for the staff at Hinkson will be leaving for our Staff Retreat on Thursday afternoon. We will go out of Moscow and have a weekend of music, games, get to know each other, worship, and mini sessions. It will be a time of focus on what God has in store for us individually and as a Family at Hinkson.

I appreciate all of you who are faithful to reading and keeping up with this adventure here in Moscow. I ask for continued prayers for myself, the staff, the students, Hinkson community, and Moscow as we continue to pursue God's calling.