Behold, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them. Isaiah 42:9
A man leaned across the front seat of his car so he could see me more clearly. "Rebecca Swanson, you're a hero in our house!" These were the first words out of his mouth as his wife introduced us before hopping into the waiting vehicle. His wife and son, a new student at BFA, had arrived in time for the start of school, but he had just come from Canada this week. His son is bright and enjoys his two electives: Computer Programing and Graphic Arts 1. His least favorite subject is math, partially due to the difficulties he has with fine motor skills, and the requirement for more handwritten work. The beginning of the year brings the unique challenges of trying to learn about students as quickly as possible to determine the best support for each one. God remains sovereignly in control of bringing new students, and he continues to provide us wisdom on the course of action that we should take with them. This does not always work out as smoothly as we would hope, but God is faithful each year. So while this is not always easy sailing, it is important to remember that it is all under his control. Hopefully, the rest of the staff and I can bring hope, love, enthusiasm, and compassion to our students.
Learning to lead in a new role
This year I have the role of Academic Support Supervisor. It involves leading and providing oversight for the Discovery Department (educational therapy), the Resource Department (instructional interventions), and the ELL Department (English language learners). Taking on this role came as a surprise, but thankfully the experience of sharing the role last year helped to prepare me. I have been blessed with a wonderful team of three returning and four new staff members. The team is quick to offer to help me and we have started off the year in a great way. This year I will split my time between training the new staff, leading each of these departments, managing the administrative tasks, while continuing to work directly with three students.
Learning to have a new perspective
God continues to do new work in my heart each day. In the past few months, he has been showing me how quick I am to stress about future stress, or more simply put, worry about the future. I still struggle with entrusting my entire future to God. Sometimes I mistrust his power to control all things, and at other times I mistrust his goodness. But slowly through his word, good books, prayer, and encouragement, I am growing. I am learning to turn my worry over to him more quickly and to trust in his goodness and power.
Please Pray
Praise God, I finished my online autism class. It provided me with some great insight and new ideas for better supporting my students.
Praise God, I was able to take 60 hours of German language instruction over the summer and have seen an improvement in my conversational ability.
Praise God, I had an enjoyable summer staying here in Kandern and was able to get some much-needed rest.
Praise God, for a truly incredible team with whom to work this year.
For spiritual and physical strength in the busyness of the new school year.
For wisdom in overseeing and leading the Academic Support Department.
For opportunities to speak gospel truth into the lives of my colleagues and students.
Blessings,
Becky
[email protected]
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