With one outreach to go in the summer, i am sort of done. I have no students assigned to my site during this outreach, so my stress level will be much lower!!! There will be students in the Special Ed site and my friends the Entrekins (Brian, Sissy, Mary Emily, and Isabelle) will be in town for a week, so i will be spending some time with them at the site.
This past outreach was a busy one. I had 4 students of my own and there were 3 in special ed! I once again had quiet students in my site. Its so weird for me to realize that when people are shy around me, i get shy. well, maybe shy isn't the best word, but when i have nothing to go on, i find it hard to make conversation.
We had 2 special ed teachers in this outreach which was a huge help to the school. We spent a ton of time working on resources that would be helpful in the classrooms and they taught me some techniques for teaching reading and math that i hope the teachers will learn as well. One of our constant struggles at the school is helping our teachers understand that these kids don't necesarily learn in the same way other kids learn. There are some students who have been working on the same thing for 2 years now. I struggle with how much to be in the classrooms when what I do is therapy, but there are days that i just want to say to the teachers "if they haven't figured it out yet, why not try a different method" ah well, just part of growing the program and developing the staff. I think i just get overwhelmed from time to time with how much could still be done: therapy, staff development, program development, sponsorship, etc...i need 3 of me some days!!!
I have 2 weeks left before the end of summer and I am hoping that since i don't have students i can get around to some of the details of helping the teachers understand what these 2 special ed teachers left behind. I love the ideas for math and reading and hope that our teachers will as well!
I spent last weekend in Constanza with a group from The Summit Church! It was wonderful to see friends from home (and get care packages). I love the direction our church in going in regards to missions. We did a video interview for the church (so you will be seeing my face soon!) and the whole team prayed for me...it was such a blessing!!!!
Thats the biggest news for now!!! Next up...end of summer and beach week!!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Yup, one more down 2 more to go...that's the current team count!
I am enjoying this summer. I am exhausted at the end of every team, but I love that I get to see God change people right in front of my eyes. Sometimes He strengthens their faith, other times He teaches them what love really looks like. Its such a privilege.
This past outreach brought back a few of our favorite teams...call them "all-stars" if you will. I think i love these teams so much because of their leaders. I never really paid much attention to the time and effort it takes to put together a good mission team, but now that i am on the "receiving end", i truly appreciate all the hard work that happens to make great teams!!! Thanks so much for coming again...Lourdes, Kyle, Dawn, Vito, and Becky!!!!
During this past outreach we had a bit of a crisis. One of the team leaders, Pat, was seriously injured during an excursion to a local river. He was med flighted back to the states on Thursday and will be in surgery this Wed to repair damage to his neck. Please pray for Pat and for complete healing. Pray that his testimony would increase the faith of those around him and those who were with him here in the DR.
One last piece of news...probably the best (you know "saving the best for last"). In one of our therapy sessions during this outreach, Nelito started telling me the story of God. As we talked, i asked if he had ever asked Jesus into his heart. He said no, but when i asked if he wanted to pray with me he said yes!!!! It was such a neat moment to hear him in sincerity invite Jesus in!!!! My students and i agree that is was our favorite moment of the whole outreach!!!!
I am enjoying this summer. I am exhausted at the end of every team, but I love that I get to see God change people right in front of my eyes. Sometimes He strengthens their faith, other times He teaches them what love really looks like. Its such a privilege.
This past outreach brought back a few of our favorite teams...call them "all-stars" if you will. I think i love these teams so much because of their leaders. I never really paid much attention to the time and effort it takes to put together a good mission team, but now that i am on the "receiving end", i truly appreciate all the hard work that happens to make great teams!!! Thanks so much for coming again...Lourdes, Kyle, Dawn, Vito, and Becky!!!!
During this past outreach we had a bit of a crisis. One of the team leaders, Pat, was seriously injured during an excursion to a local river. He was med flighted back to the states on Thursday and will be in surgery this Wed to repair damage to his neck. Please pray for Pat and for complete healing. Pray that his testimony would increase the faith of those around him and those who were with him here in the DR.
One last piece of news...probably the best (you know "saving the best for last"). In one of our therapy sessions during this outreach, Nelito started telling me the story of God. As we talked, i asked if he had ever asked Jesus into his heart. He said no, but when i asked if he wanted to pray with me he said yes!!!! It was such a neat moment to hear him in sincerity invite Jesus in!!!! My students and i agree that is was our favorite moment of the whole outreach!!!!
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