Quiet down

This weekend, the cold I had been fighting for days triumphed, so I sank onto the couch not to stir until Sunday evening. I'm thankful for a job that can be accomplished from a prone position on the weekends. Catching up on the sleep was important, but two days of whining (to myself) and emptying Kleenex boxes got old fast.

<--Picture me huddled here.

Tonight, I showered, bundled up, and set out on a walk. With another Kleenex in my hand and a mellow playlist in my ears, I walked to my favorite bridge for fresh air and a bit of perspective. Finally able to get my attention off of my own condition, I stood amazed at the instant perspective and stillness I found over the Danube. Turning my eyes to Jesus, I was renewed in spirit and reminded to worship.

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him;

it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Lamentations 3:25-26

Peacefully,

Middle School Boys

For the past three years, in addition to teaching high school English students, I've ventured into the wonderful world of middle school. Each new class of eighth graders wins me over instantly with their enthusiasm, energy, and unabashed love of life.
The current group of middle schoolers in history class just finished studying medieval battle techniques, and they were required to create a video or power point reviewing their assigned techniques. Below is the movie trailer one group of boys submitted to my colleague.

Enjoy the result! They certainly did.*


Have a great weekend,

*Note: Since I posted the video, it has been made "private". Should the boys choose to publicize their work again, I'll repost it for you. Sorry you had to miss the amazing talent of 8th graders with energy, creativity, and  Macbooks. :)

Surviving and Thriving



ICSB Basketball



We've just come through a very busy season with the triennial Campus Crusade for Christ conference, the International Basketball Tournament, and life as we know it. There have been many lessons and added responsibilities. I've been stretched beyond what I knew was possible and glad that this season has passed, but I'm honestly thrilled with how it all turned out. God's purposes prevail and his grace is sufficient for me. Seriously.



Conference by the sea



Thank you so much for praying for and encouraging me and my students during this time! You'll find updates on the Prayer Requests page as well as three new photo albums on the photo site: the conference, the tournament, and--at last--my apartment.



My flat at Christmas



Next week is an important time in the life of our school. Spiritual Emphasis Week is a time of daily chapel with activities and a guest speaker, extended times of musical worship, and focused prayer on the spiritual health of students. While we aim to emphasize the eternal perspective all the time and live lives of worship, this week is a special addition to the rest of our year. Please join me in praying for growth in faith for students who have known Jesus for years and salvation for many who are just meeting him for the first time.

With love and gratitude,



Pray for Hungary!

We can do nothing if God is not at work. Please join my friends, students, and me in praying for Hungary.

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here..."
Exodus 33:14-15

Thank you.