We got to sleep in today!! Instead of having to be at breakfast at 7:15, we could show up at 7:45....nothing like a lazy Saturday morning to recharge the ol' batteries. Seriously though, today was a nice change to the "normal" pace of the last week. We only had morning sessions and after lunch had 1 45 minute advising session.
For the morning sessions, we were divided into our specific tracks...I joined the other teachers in a couple of sessions focused on what it means to serve in a Christian school setting. The first have of the morning was spent looking at the organizational structure that Association of Christian Schools, International (ACSI) seeks to instill in its member organizations. The second half was presented by a husband and wife team from Australia, who shared a sample lesson of what it means to teach in a "Christianly" manner. It was exciting for me because it really helped me to visualize what my classroom will look like. Fortunately, she walked through a literature lesson, which helped me greatly!
After lunch we had some free time...Justin alternated between playing in the quad with his friends, and watching the World Cup game between Spain and Paraguay. I watched the first half, but then headed out to the quad to play some American Football for 45 minutes or so before heading to our advising appointment with the Howard's. The Howard's served in Ecuador and currently live outside Houghton, and have embraced us and helped us process the last couple of days.
After the session we spent some time sitting in the College Center with the Overby's and Basnett's...Good times. Although Dan called Michael W. Smith the Christian Michael Bolton...which really bothered me. But then he reminded me that I made the assumption that HE thought being like Michael Bolton was a bad thing...as you can see, we are over-analyzing the cultural significance of comments and assumptions a bit too much...
After dinner I joined some of the other participants in a game of soccer (the real football). Lots of fun...but I realized that I am definitely not in playing shape. Had fun though and held my own. Justin even played and did really well as the youngest one on the field by at least 8 years. Very proud moment for me to see adults not taking it easy on him because he was doing well enough to challenge them and was even able to get some pretty good shots on goal.
So after 2 hours of playing soccer, I am super tired. All in all, today was a restful day because we were able to do things to simply give our minds (and emotions) a break.
Tomorrow we'll be heading to Church and then to see Niagra falls. Very excited for this. Nothing academic or training related on the schedule...so get ready for a bunch of pictures of water falling long distances...
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. While we are getting some much needed downtime and rest, we pray that we will be able to have focus in the coming week in order to be able to absorb all the information that will be sent our way. Also, former midweek bible class teachers of mine, Mark and Heather Manning, will be presenting our ministry and needs to their church home on our behalf in tomorrow services. Please pray that God will move powerfully in that building, building a heart for missions in Europe and identifying individuals and families who want to join our support team.
Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations!
For the morning sessions, we were divided into our specific tracks...I joined the other teachers in a couple of sessions focused on what it means to serve in a Christian school setting. The first have of the morning was spent looking at the organizational structure that Association of Christian Schools, International (ACSI) seeks to instill in its member organizations. The second half was presented by a husband and wife team from Australia, who shared a sample lesson of what it means to teach in a "Christianly" manner. It was exciting for me because it really helped me to visualize what my classroom will look like. Fortunately, she walked through a literature lesson, which helped me greatly!
After lunch we had some free time...Justin alternated between playing in the quad with his friends, and watching the World Cup game between Spain and Paraguay. I watched the first half, but then headed out to the quad to play some American Football for 45 minutes or so before heading to our advising appointment with the Howard's. The Howard's served in Ecuador and currently live outside Houghton, and have embraced us and helped us process the last couple of days.
After the session we spent some time sitting in the College Center with the Overby's and Basnett's...Good times. Although Dan called Michael W. Smith the Christian Michael Bolton...which really bothered me. But then he reminded me that I made the assumption that HE thought being like Michael Bolton was a bad thing...as you can see, we are over-analyzing the cultural significance of comments and assumptions a bit too much...
After dinner I joined some of the other participants in a game of soccer (the real football). Lots of fun...but I realized that I am definitely not in playing shape. Had fun though and held my own. Justin even played and did really well as the youngest one on the field by at least 8 years. Very proud moment for me to see adults not taking it easy on him because he was doing well enough to challenge them and was even able to get some pretty good shots on goal.
So after 2 hours of playing soccer, I am super tired. All in all, today was a restful day because we were able to do things to simply give our minds (and emotions) a break.
Tomorrow we'll be heading to Church and then to see Niagra falls. Very excited for this. Nothing academic or training related on the schedule...so get ready for a bunch of pictures of water falling long distances...
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. While we are getting some much needed downtime and rest, we pray that we will be able to have focus in the coming week in order to be able to absorb all the information that will be sent our way. Also, former midweek bible class teachers of mine, Mark and Heather Manning, will be presenting our ministry and needs to their church home on our behalf in tomorrow services. Please pray that God will move powerfully in that building, building a heart for missions in Europe and identifying individuals and families who want to join our support team.
Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations!
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