ICEC (International Christian Educators Conference) was held March 12-15 at Black Forest Academy. Around 350 educators working in Christian schools in Europe and northern Africa attended the conference. The three and a half days were packed full of keynote speakers and workshops. Not only was this a time of professional development and encouragement, but we were also able to see some of the ways BFA has had an impact throughout the world. One of the keynote speakers was a former BFA graduate. The head of the conference was a former BFA school director who now works for ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). A French man named Amaury was asked to come and share his story of attending BFA and how God has lead him to where he is now helping an evangelist plan a church in France. He came to BFA in middle school after failing in the french schools. His family heard about the school from a missionary at their church and wanted to provide a better future for their son. After a difficult road to graduation, Amaury went on to become a computer programer in France. A few months ago he contacted one of his former BFA teachers to ask about ideas to raise money for the church plant he is helping to start in his community. He shared with us that while his French friends think his ideas for raising funds are crazy, he laughs and tells them that this is something he learned at BFA because all of his teachers have to ask others to raise funds to be there to teach."
Spring Break followed the conference, and I greatly enjoyed this time off from work. I was able to take a three day trip into France with my friend, Crystal. We enjoyed exploring a Chateau, a medieval village, a cathedral, and a number of old churches around where we stayed. I spent the rest of the break here in Kandern and worked on spring cleaning my whole apartment and completing my US taxes. The time off was both refreshing and productive. I enjoyed celebrating Easter with my church at a sunrise service followed by breakfast together, and in German-style, I enjoyed celebrating Easter Monday with a friend's family. Easter Monday, like second Christmas, is something we should pick up on in the United States.
Side Notes...
I will spend some time in April preparing and planning for my return over the summer. I will be in California for 7 weeks and will split my time between San Diego and Redding, with one-week set aside for a family reunion. I will make the more detailed arrangements at the end of the month or in May.
Please Pray...
That this past week's trend of behavior and engagement in my algebra class will continue. It has been an even greater joy to work teach these students this week.
For Terra Nova Testing (standardized testing), as I am working to coordinate the students with accommodations and ensure they have the appropriate setting and aids in place, which is always a bit of a puzzle to figure out.
For continued wisdom and strength in the different ways God is calling me to serve him and show his love to others, both at the school and in my personal life.
For this summer, as I return to California to connect with family, friends, and supports and to raise my monthly support some in order to return to Black Forest for another three-year term.
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.