I woke up early once more on Saturday July 12th, repeating the previous Saturdays to-do list from class party, and then some: -Roll out the Grills-Get meat from the cafo-Set out condiments-Make sure ordering systems are a go-Do we have all the meat out and thawed?-Make sure all students are reporting for shifts-Are the merchandise sellers out and prepared?-Are the cash boxes counted?-Is the ice-cream … Continue reading The Long End: Day 9
The next morning, I struggled to get out of bed exhausted already from the previous two days shenanigans, but I was roused by an exciting thought: Sunday July 6th. TODAY IS THE DAY! Today is the day Rachael comes. My sweet friend who was my duplex neighbor for two years returned for a short trip to clean out her things, some to the community, the … Continue reading The Long End: Days 3-8
I slept fitfully, fully aware of the impending alarm that I feared I would not wake up to. We’d had a meeting early in the week and had laid out the parameters they were given to work within: -They were not allowed to delay the seniors past 5:10am so there wouldn’t be a chance they’d miss their train-They were not to use unauthorized school equipment-They … Continue reading The Long End: Day 2
We have reached the end of term! We have reached the end of a school year! But man, what a long end it was… the next few posts over the next few days chronicle just how truly long the end was… The last weekend before finals week kicked off with a bang: literally, Friday July 4th, my students from AP Chemistry set off the fireworks … Continue reading The Long End: Day 1
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. This was hung on the wall of my ninth-grade biology classroom and pointed out on a regular basis as our teacher sought to set us up for success, both in her classroom and beyond. If you read many of my posts, you know that sponsoring is a huge love of mine and a big part of my ministry here at … Continue reading The Big Event: Planning
There is something special about the RVA community. We work together, we laugh together, we go to church together, we do ministry together. Sometimes, it is too much together, and other times it just isn’t enough. I have come to love this community, my rhythms, my routines, the people I see on a regular basis. But what continues to blow me away is how people … Continue reading Community Blessings. Community Prayers.
Once more, one of my favorite times of the school year has come and gone. It used to be called interim, but now has more aptly been renamed “African Field Studies (AFS).” It’s a time where our 11th and 12th grade students head off on adventures all across the continent, many in Kenya but a few beyond, to learn about other cultures, ministry contexts, some … Continue reading Adventure Is Out There!!!
Let me tell you about my fun week! I wish I had pictures of some of this to share with you, but I find some of the most spontaneous moments of joy don’t have a camera poised and ready to capture it, so here is my attempt at a few word pictures of what this past week has looked like… It started on Monday. Eighth … Continue reading Snippets of Stories
Usually I write a blog post when I’m inspired, when something happens that I think is really funny, or really moving. Typically, there is always a story mulling in the back of my mind just waiting for me to put it down on paper. Welp. It’s been over a month and there isn’t anything ground breaking that I’ve said, “THAT’S IT! That’s the one I … Continue reading Simple Joys
They call it a “Sunrise Summit.” The goal is to reach the summit by sunrise, and watch the world awaken around you from over 16,000 ft of elevation. As the guys began to stir and the world was still dark, I knew it was time. I rolled out of bed and packed up my sleeping bag. I’d worn to bed what I’d hike in on … Continue reading The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done (2/2)
Faithful Footsteps 