Perspectives on the New Year

Overall the start of the year was just as crazy as every other year. There were times where I stepped back and said, "wow, we have this under control." Then, that was quickly dashed with a figurative fire here or a new teacher there... or a new family plus two students over yonder. We've included a few snippets from each of us - minus the dog, cats and bunny. They pretty much exists and their schedules are fairly uncomplicated.

Ken:  This past Sunday was the first day of recreational hockey! And man, what a hoot! We had a small turn out but really that doesn't matter. It was just a small taste of home in our own back yard (or school.) I've talked with a number of other families and they are excited to come out next week. I will be substitute teaching for the Elementary PE teacher later in September and a couple times in October so we will have opportunity to do some hockey with them. Just between you and me the thought of a bunch of kinder students running around with sticks is a wee bit unnerving but ya gotta start out somewhere, eh?

Ken, as goalie

Ken, as goalie, again

I've also been asked to serve on the Communications Committee at our local church. I know, some of you are saying, "... wait a moment - y'all aren't the greatest communicators and you are going to do what?!" ... And that is pretty much what I said but who knows... maybe some truly remarkable things will come of it, right?

On the note of the tech stuff - things continue to move along. The Tech Department has a number of projects we're working through. I continue to be blessed to have Edgard and Alan working with me (Greg has returned to teaching a full course load.)

Joy:  Busy, but "vale la pena" - it's going to be worth it.  Rehearsals are underway for Seussical the Musical, and my three choirs, and I am teaching a full load of classes.  I thank God daily for my husband pulling the weight (like all of it) with the family while I am at school from 8 - 6.  Mondays are a hard day as I teach 5 classes, 2 piano lessons, and an hour and a half of rehearsals.  (For that reason we will be switching our updates to a different night, so they will actually happen.)

Abigail:  "My teacher is crazy, she has lots of really fun ideas."  She is doing well in school, continuing with piano - though only needing to have lessons once a week.  (Praise God - that has saved us a lot of money!)  She is also taking ballet at school once a week, and quite a natural.  She is going to be the baby kangaroo in our musical.   Her relationships at school have gotten much stronger as she has grown and matured, and her classmates have too.

Emma:  "My favorite part so far is that today we got to eat every part of a plant, even the flower.  Every part was very, very good.  It was a sunflower plant."  (Who knew you could eat it all?  Not sure I believe it - since now she is telling me the stem was celery and the roots were carrots.)She loves her new teacher.  Her teacher is really new in fact, she signed on to teach classes the day new teacher orientation was due to start.  She has lots of experience in public schools in the States and used to live in Guate years ago.  Emma is excited to be able to join Vox Laudis, our elementary choir, this year.  Emma has also been leading worship up front in church most Sundays with a group of us.

Sara:  Well, what can you say - she's Sara.  Full of energy, laughs, and attitude.  Most of the time she is very sweet.  One of the Dads who also teaches was telling a story the other day about Sarita.  Apparently they were all running in the gym together, he was intentionally going slow.  She felt bad for him so she went back and held his hand and helped him get to the finish line.  (I have spied her doing that with other kids before too.)  It's those moments I hold on to when she gets a time out for telling her teacher "You don't control me."  Geesh!

We will try to post more interesting, cute stories of the kids and stories of our ministry.  Once we start updating on a different night, when we have brain cells left, that will be much easier.

Thank you for reading, and a special thank you to all who support us in prayer and financially.  We really couldn't do what we have been called to without you being on our sending team.

Blessings,
-knm/jr/ac/eb/sje + Snickers, Milkyway & Trixie