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!

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...

A Plea For Forgiveness (when you realize you've got it all wrong)

Whew...it's been an interesting couple months. As I shared in the last update, God has already fulfilled a major part of the initial vision for using Baseball for His glory in Kosovo. Beyond even our lofty (at least in my mind) expectations. As I was processing all this upon my return, I found myself in an interesting place. I was amazed by the way God fulfilled this part of the vision. Six independent clubs now exist in Kosovo! A National Federation! WOW! God is doing some amazing things beyond my imagination. I was hopeful and joyful, and yet, I found myself slipping in to despair, and then depression. I was energized...and yet couldn't motivate myself to work. I had vision...but wouldn't see what God was doing. (In fact, I started writing a blog to process this all...and am shocked by my shortsightedness. I never posted it, but I would be "happy" to share it with you privately if you want...shoot me an email ) I wanted to embrace the challenges...bu...

Johnstein!

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