Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:28-29
Eyes brimming with tears, my student peeked through my office door. The low grade, the stress... her feelings broke through, and tears rolled down her cheek. I helped her write an email to a teacher and asked if she needed a hug. As she nodded her head, I got up and wrapped my arms around her winter coat. She then walked back down the hallway to her classroom. That evening I prayed.
I lack the wisdom to respond to the hurt that runs deep, the anxiety that paralyzes, the frustration that rages, and the longing to be heard and to belong. The needs of my students are greater than I can meet, but God is with me. He has led me here and he has brought each of the students here so that his grace is sufficient to work through my weakness and touch the lives of my students.
First Quarter Overview
The grades are in for quarter one. We have completed the first nine weeks of school. The volleyball and cross country season is over. The senior class trip to Rome and the junior class trip to Normandy are now memories. New staff and students have established routines. However, for some, the novelty of a new place is wearing off and homesickness has set in. The next six weeks will be packed as we approach the holidays and Christmas break. The boys have started asking girls to Christmas banquet, and it will be here before we know it. Next week we have basketball tryouts and auditions for the spring musical, "Into the Woods." I have been asked to choreograph a piece for the end of act one. I am looking forward to using my background in dance to help with this.
Neuenburg International Church
I go to church in a "Little Carrot," but perhaps you might call it a big carrot (see picture below). I am very thankful to be at the NIC and have been attending here for the past four years. Our pastor, Stephen Spanjer, started the church about 10 years ago with the desire to reach the community with the gospel. Stephen is originally from New York, and his wife, Laura, is from Alabama. We moved to our current location about a year ago due to slow but steady growth. The church has had Christians and a few unbelievers join and mature in their faith. Our congregation has about 40-60 in attendance. We support an African missionary in Kenya. We are also praying about supporting a ministry in a middle eastern country. We have connected with the local pastor and missionaries who work there. The missionaries' adult daughter also happens to be working at BFA. The world of missions is small, and it is wonderful to see how God connects his church all across the globe. Please remember to pray for the NIC, that we would advance the kingdom in our area even as you work in your community for the gospel.
Please Pray
Praise God, for Neuenburg International Church and their ministry in Germany.
Praise God, for great colleagues.
Praise God, that all the regular duties of the first quarter have been accomplished and our department is running smoothly.
Praise God, my mom will come to visit in December.
For wisdom is working with each student and their individual challenges, especially those dealing with social and emotional struggles.
For "Coffee and Cake" with some German friends on the last Saturday in November. I will share some American traditions and hope to build stronger friendships. The invitations will include my physiotherapist and Christian's sister.
For opportunities to speak gospel truth.
For continued spiritual and physical strength through the next six weeks to Christmas Break.
Blessings,
Becky
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