God has faithfully brought me back to serve after a successful summer of support raising. This year I am again the resource room supervisor. However, the department is down to two people, myself at the high school and my colleague, James, at the middle school. I have 13 students that I meet with in small groups throughout the week to provided lessons in developing academic skills and extra assistance in tutoring. I also teach a resource algebra class with 4 students. My schedule is fuller than last year, with fewer prep periods, however God has been faithful in a number of ways already. First, I did my best to group students based on grade level but not all of their schedules would allow his, however, all the groups have worked out to be good combinations of students, with many students with similar struggles in the same group. This has made lesson planning and tutoring go more smoothly this year. Also, my supervisor arranged for me to have a work day in my office on a day that the other staff were helping clear out a dorm that is no longer in use. This day allowed me to catch up on paperwork for my student-teacher meetings, write goals for all my students, and plan many resource and algebra lessons. It also helped lower my stress level and allowed me to relax on Saturday rather than going into my office. I still love my role here; it has felt busier at the start of this year, but God has been faithfully providing what I need each week. I am thankful for his continued provision of strength and grace. I am excited to see what he has in store for the year ahead.
Small Groups have started again! Libby and I have two girls back from last year, the others moved away, and two new students. We have enjoyed the first few weeks of getting to know each other and we are excited to see what God will do in each of them and us this year. We are also excited to have a theme for them this year. We will be looking into what it means to become a woman of God and the different facets of womanhood.
Dance Club sponsor/teacher is one extra responsibly that I took on this year. I am happy to be sharing my love for dance with some of the students here once a week after school. We have started off with six weeks of ballet and then a friend will come in to help lead us through six weeks of swing dance.
Join Me!
Please let me know if you would be willing to commit to praying for one of my students over this next school year. If so, send me a message, email, or comment and I will send you a card with a little about one of them and how you can pray for them.
Missionary Focus...
Peter and Ineke have been working with Tearfund Belgium in Africa. Their second daughter, boarded at Black Forest Academy from 2013-2015, which enabled her parents to continue their work in Africa. Peter began working in 2009 to bring the dream of a hospital to fruition. The first unit of the hospital opened in January 2014. The team at the hospital consists of hired staff and volunteers, and has a range of specialists available to provide medical care to the community, including the poorest. In 2016 Peter and Ineke came to Germany, where their two youngest daughters are attending Black Forest Academy. Ineke is working in the school front office, while Peter undertakes further medical training at a nearby university. Their aim is to return to Africa after the girls have graduated and Peter has finished his program. They are looking forward to being able to return and continue the work, but are thankful that the hospital's work will continue in their current absence.
Please Pray...
For continued strength with this busy schedule.
For connecting with and building relationships my new students
For wisdom as I plan lessons and work with each one
For growth in our small group - that we will see the girls mature and develop a deeper love for Christ and understanding of his truth.
For the missionary families who have said good-bye to their children until Christmas, for protection and effectiveness in their ministries.
If you would like to make a monthly pledge or other financial contribution at this time please click on this link or enter the web address: give.teachbeyond.org/support/rebecca-swanson/ You can designate giving for Rebecca Swanson or account number 40335.
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