God has been at work in my heart over the summer as well. I read a book that is helping me re-think how I approach students and their struggles, which is something we face a lot of in the resource room. The book was about looking deeper than our surface struggles to the heart of the matter: IS CHRIST MY FIRST DESIRE/THEIR FIRST DESIRE? And how do we join where the Spirit is at work drawing people to knowing God first, no matter the cost, rather than joining the flesh to promote the Self's desires first. It has challenged how I look at my role both as a teacher and at times as a spiritual mentor to my students. How do I keep Christ as my first desire rather than trying to use him to get what I want and how do I encourage my students to desire Christ first? I have been encouraged as I have had the opportunity to speak with a few friends and fellow staff members and have heard God is drawing them in a similar way. We are planning to encourage and challenge each other throughout the year as we each are drawn closer to God.
Here are a few figures about Black Forest Academy for the 2015-2016 school year:
300 Students in the Middle and High Schools
140 Boarding Students in 7 Dorms
30% New Students
82% Missionary Families
18% Business Families
60 Passport and Host Countries Represented
What will I be doing this year?
I will again be the Resource Room Supervisor. There will be 4 staff members under me working on the 3 separate campuses. I will be working daily with about 10 students. I will be teaching a Resource Algebra 1 course for 5 students. I am hoping to co-lead a high school small group.
Side Notes...
I was blessed to Skype/FaceTime with a few supporters over the summer. Please feel free to contact me and arrange a time if you would like. Just remember that I am 9 hours ahead of California.
I have some great new neighbors who have moved into the same building: 2 single ladies on one side and a family on the other.
It looks like I will be able to continue studying German at the high school.
Please Pray...
There is still a lot to do to get ready for this year: walking through with new staff on my team and getting them settled, preparing for this Algebra class which I found out about just this past week, preparing schedules, contacting parents, and starting out with students... There are moments that I feel overwhelmed by all that needs to get accomplished in the next few days!
My grandmother had to go to the hospital and what initially seemed to be a minor issue was found to be more serious and required surgery.
While many things are going very well, I am also walking through some hard things and would appreciate prayers that Christ would be seen and glorified.
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: https://give.teachbeyond.org/usa/ You can designate giving for Rebecca Swanson or account number 40335.