Haman the Bully

Yesterday. I was teaching from the book of Esther for my Bible class. I love talking about the lessons in this book!  I was scheduled to teach chapter three: the chapter that introduces the villainous Haman.  As I was talking, the kids got real quiet (which is one of their spelling words this week and also quite (oops, another spelling word) rare) as I started discussing why I thought that Haman was a bully.  I talked about why bullies do what they do and then gave examples of some of the bullying the kids may encounter on the playground or in other social settings.  As I preached... I mean teached.. I mean taught, I just felt that I needed to really hit home that in actually bullies do what they do because they are afraid that people might find out what they are scared of, not like them, and make fun of them.  So I said to the kids, "When someone is bullying you, you need to ask this question - What are you really scared of?" With the understanding that the person they ask this to, probably will not know how to answer that at first and be thrown off. So be prepared.
It was a interesting to watch a number of the faces in the class as we talked through this.  I am praying that God gives me numerous opportunities to speak truth over this class and see some much needed changes.

first day in G3

So today I  started my adventure with the G3 class. We had a chance to discuss the weather and climate. So we talked about the fact that if they were wise, they would buy land now here in Nepal. They all looked at me a bit  strangely... but don't worry, I've seen that look many a time. I can handle it... so I continued with this whole idea that with the reported global warming, ice caps were melting, thus sea levels were rising, thus high places in the world would see an increase of population. All those people would need housing, therefore if you bought land now, when it was needed they could use it as needed. It was quite funny to see their looks. I ,of course explained that God was ultimately in control of His creation, so we need not worry, but we are commanded to be good stewards of God's creation. One of the students said,'"Then we need to pray!"
Amen to that!

Boy, it is good to be back in the classroom again!

The Silence it Over

I realized that I have been quiet on here for a while. So I just wanted to write a quick note to say I am doing well and that once I get a bit more settled in my new job I will  pick up on the blogging. Oh! The new job?!.. I am now teaching third grade. Not for long.. but to 'PHIL' in for an emergency home leave this term. Should be fun!

Thanks for the prayers..

New Direction

Yesterday in my post, I mentioned that I was moving to a new office in about three weeks. That is because I have a new title in my job and will be needed to have my own office. At last count I will have about four different jobs.  My new title, for the next 18 months or so, is Academic Director (K-13).  The job description is varied and all things I am looking forward to doing. It is a new position at the school, so I will be writing a lot of the job as I progress.
I ask that you pray for me as I take on this new role. I want most of all to glorify God in all I do and be an encouragement to others.

Above the School Kitchen

My office at school sits over the school kitchen.

Each day my nose is assaulted with the aromatic smells of garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, chilies, onions, and cilantro. It smells heavenly and i just wish that they would make a hot drink of it all, for these cold, winter days. Today I wandered down to the kitchen to see what was actually on the menu and it is tomato soup with pasta. I thought, 'Never knew that tomato soup smelled this way? Wished that I had signed up for lunch now." It is really quite difficult to concentrate some days because I am salivating so much. I was thinking how could I make a scratch and sniff of this wonderful aroma for my blog. When I figure that out I will share it with you.
Other issue with being over the kitchen is the heat. I thought that during the winter months the heat from the kitchen would also help heat the office. Alas, it is not true. A gas heater is still needed. Most days we are wearing gloves, mufflers, and at least three layers, trying to stay warm. The other day, I was in the staff lounge getting a cup of hot water and the kitchen cook came in. I said, " Man, it is a lot warmer today." To which she retorted, "Only if you are in the kitchen." I replied," I was wondering why the kitchen always had at least five people in there." She said, "Because of the heat." I smiled, "And here I thought it was your warm personality." She laughed, " Well, that too."

I guess I need to enjoy the aroma while I can, as I will be moving to a new office in about three weeks. Hope that I can still get some whiffs of lunch cooking.

is this term over yet!?

We have been in school for four days, but already I am asking, " When is spring break?" It's going to be a long term.
But on the side of silver lining... look at all the future opportunities I have to teach and influence the next generation.
Okay, Okay, when you look at it that way....Bring on Day 5!

hail poetry!

this week i took on a new adventure
it has to do with poems
i am teaching grade 3 this wordy art
when i'd rather read them tomes.

each week we will gather and we will study
a plethora of rhymes
but i would rather teach them verbs or nouns
addition, even times!

when i was a kid, my father often read
us children  poems in verse
he is the poet, he excels at it
so reading poems i dread the worse.

i've tried my hand at smithing
to get  the rhythming right
but as this poor attempt will show
in poetry... i'm not so bright.

so this term will be a challenge
as I try and instill this art,
this love for poetic artistry
into each tender heart.