super-lecture before spring break!

In the interest of cross-curricular instruction, Thomas Gardner organized a lecture day for the Sophomore class. His World History class is starting a unit on the interwar period and my Lit class has just completed All Quiet on the Western Front, so we figured it would be appropriate to introduce some of the widespread philosophy emerging at this time, and it's impact on literature and society. We combined our two classes for a longer block session, took over the amphitheater seating that is currently set up for the Spring Musical to give the kids that "lecture hall feel", and we gave it a go...

Gardner introducing the layout for the day and setting the stage for Elwell

Elwell introducing the students to relativity

Elwell in the process of blowing the audience's mind (myself included)

Gardner discussing some of the philosophical ideas that serve as the underpinning for the modern mind
(Freud, Nietzsche, Spengler, et al)

Here I am introducing how these philosophical ideals and social realties are reflected in the literature.

"Explaining" Kafka's Metamorphosis

Gardner and his walking note board

Comments

and baby makes four...

that's right...our little family will soon become a foursome. We have found out that Rebecca is 6 weeks pregnant! There is definitely "something in the water" as all the families that live within our block have recently had a baby or are currently pregnant. Our baby will be the 6th baby born to ICSV staff in a span of less than a year (first one was born in early November and we will be welcoming our new addition in September). So, kind of unexpected, but a pleasant surprise nonetheless!

an update on the transition and the simplicity of obedience.

As many of you might know, it has been over a year and a half since we moved back to southern california. It been a wonderfully difficult time. The reminder in James 1:2 to "Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds" has never been more real to me than this year. These past months have been a experiment in examining the "various kinds"...and in God proving the promise that these trials will produce steadfastness. It's been too long since I have updated this page. In some ways, I think it is losing its "effectiveness". With our mailchimp updates and our facebook group page, it almost seems like we're falling in to the trap of over-communicating...and in this trap, updates are lost. But...I think over-communicating is "better" than isolation. Plus...God has done some amazing things during this time and through the challenges, has placed our entire family in positions of growth while stretching and strengthening our faith. For...

Who are these kids at ICSV...

Hi everyone... The first week and a half of school has been absolutely amazing! We have had some great opportunities to begin building lasting relationships with the students that God has brought to Vienna to be educated at the International Christian School of Vienna. Rebecca has been adjusting well to her role as secondary secretary. She is learning quickly the many demands of her new role and is doing quite well in supporting us teachers and the rest of the staff. Rebecca hard at work I have been really enjoying my classes. I have a total of 43 students spread out over 4 periods. The students I have represent 14 different home nations, with many of the students who are "Austrian" are first generation, so they are of other nationalities as well. I have also had the opportunity to begin working with the soccer team...again, many nationalities are represented on the field, truly an international squad. Here are some pictures of the team training at the local club...

Johnstein!

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