Hello everyone!
Just thought I'd take a quick moment to say hey and give a little update. Last week was the end of our first quarter. It's so exciting to see one quarter of the school year already gone; it's also a little bit scary since there is so much I want to do in the three quarters left! Volleyball season is almost over. Our league tournament is this weekend in Farmington, New Mexico. We only won one match this year! Although all the matches were close, never a blow out! Basketball season starts in a couple weeks; although, the boys are already practicing. John is coaching both girls and boys. It sure would be nice if someone or a couple would like to come out for three months to coach the teams. John is our principal, maintenance man, teacher, and coach…as well as a bus driver! Please be praying for him!
I am going to Chandler next week for a school accreditation visit. Valley Christian High School is making the switch to ACSI from some other organization. I get to be one the "evaluators". OOOOHHHHHH, the power! Not really. It should a good time of evaluating the school, getting new ideas, and meeting new people. The staff here will be watching my dogs…please pray for them and the dogs! =)
The weather has been cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoon. Very nice, the less I need to build fires, the better. Although, it is nice to have a fire, a cup of coffee, and a good book! It's definitely fall and beautiful.
Well, it is time to do recess duty.
Talk more later, love, Megan
|
|
|
|
October 30th, 2007 October 26th, 2007 [from Esther Yazzie]
This is another exciting year to teach here at Immanuel Mission School. It is my third year of teaching here and it has been just wonderful and rewarding. I live about ten miles west of Immanuel Mission on the mesa. We have three horses in a corral amongst other animals such as chickens, cats, and dogs. My husband and I feed them everyday and give them water. One day this summer it was my turn to get some water for the horses from the windmill. While the barrel was filling I decided to take a walk to the top of the mesa where there is an overview of Sweetwater and Immanuel Mission. The view is breathtaking. I looked at the Mission and thought, “I am going to teach there again this year.” It was a good feeling. When I got home, I sat down and thought it through about my teaching job and lovely, eager students I’ll have to teach. I read Deuteronomy 6:5-7 and Proverbs 22:6. I then thought about the following: did I make a difference in each of my student’s lives in the year 2006-07? Did I teach my students that there is a place for them in the greater society? And did I teach them beyond the textbooks and work sheets? Did I encourage students to try the math problems again and again to solve the problem? And did they get answers on the second try because I had encouraged them? I hope I help my students in many ways. I understand that God placed me here in specific situations such as teaching, for a reason. To be sensitive and obedient to the divine plan is a tremendous joy.
Teachers shape and develop the young mind and show students the tools for living in society. As teachers, there is joy and happiness in knowing that the doors are open for students to teach their goals, to become leaders, teachers, lawyers, doctors, ministers, evangelists, etc. Anyway, the Lord has already planned for each student’s success and it is the student who has to embrace this. When I plan the day’s lessons, I carefully look and study the school textbooks and curriculum guide. Teaching is like art. When I want to weave a Diné rug, I have to carefully plan, such as picking the colors that match for the kind of design that will make a perfect rug. Teaching is hard work and at the same time, the greatest joy. When parents come in to thank me for teaching their child, that is a big encouragement. I care for my students patiently with respect and dignity.
I would like to share one of many adventures I have had as a teacher. I have to drive ten miles on the dirt road to get to Immanuel Mission School. The road I take goes down the mesa, across a big wash, and up some hills. When it rains the road gets muddy and when it snows it gets slippery. One evening in January, I decided to stay late to watch the game and started for home late. It had snowed that day. I drove across the wash and some hills. When I got to the bottom of the mesa and started driving up the big hill, I almost got to the top. My truck stopped and couldn’t go any further because the road was icy and it was too slippery. So then I had to drive backward down to the bottom, but about halfway down my truck slid sideways across the road. There was a big ditch on both sides of the road and I couldn’t drive anymore. I decided to wait for someone to drive this way but nobody came. I was freezing. Usually nobody drives around when it’s cold and freezing late at night, unless a person is crazy like me. I waited for thirty or forty minutes. Since there was no help I got out of the truck and started walking home. I was three and a half miles from home. It was a good thing I was well-dressed for the cold weather. I heard dogs howling to each other like wolves in the distance. When I got to the top of the mesa it was chilly and windy. My face started freezing right away. I walked about a mile and my legs started freezing and shaking, but I kept walking. Then in the distance, I saw headlights coming toward me down the road. I thanked the Lord it was my husband and daughter.
After this happy ending, I never did leave from work late again in wintertime. This is one of many adventures I have had as a teacher. Hágoónee’
October 24th, 2007 [from Dorothy Harvey] Hi, this is the Lady from Thrifty store. I’m still running my store and it’s going slow, but it’s surviving. For those who have been asking what is needed for my store, here is a list: Household items: sheets, towels, curtains, dish towels, dish rags, any other kitchen items, fabric (cotton) large bolts, men’s working gloves, school supplies, and any home decoration. Toiletries: Bar soap, shampoo with conditioner, lotion (scented), tooth paste, baby lotion, baby shampoo, baby powder, disposable diapers (size 2-6), and any personal item for bath or shower These are things my customers always ask about, and I think they will sell and will help me big time. Next month I will be taking a break to go see a very good friend in Washington State. This will be quite a vacation for me. I know I’ll enjoy every minute of that time, but I will also miss being here for ministry with the Wednesday afternoon Bible study. Please pray with us for that Bible study. October 23rd, 2007 [from Greg & Kathy Staley]
Dear Everyone,
Whew! What a busy month. School started the end of August and is going well with about 85 students. This year we actually have adequate staff with the exception of a maintenance man. There haven't been any serious behaviour problems although I heard this week that one junior high boy is bringing cigarettes and smoking behind the school. Kids really aren't very original.
The school counseling is going well and I'm happy to say that I think I'm home and on the job now for awhile. I spent two weeks in Spokane with our grand kids and that was such a gift. And then I was in the Bay Area for a women's conference which was a tremendous blessing. One primary tactic of our enemy here is to cause a fog to settle over us. The result is dullness and a going-through-the-motions without much enthusiasm or joy. Getting away and being refreshed by God's people in another place was just what I needed. (Thanks to you who made that possible). While there a dear friend challenged me with the question of whether it was time for us to leave the Mission and serve somewhere else. My word from the Lord was that we don't need to leave, we just need a renewing and revival from time to time. I left home dry and shriveled and came back home filled and excited about what God is doing in and through us here.
While I was gone to California Greg and our youngest son went to the Grand Canyon, having trained all year in order to run Rim to Rim and back again. The day before the run Matthew twisted his knee and was unable to do the run, much to his and Greg's great disappointment. Greg went ahead and ran the 48 miles—-no bad for a 57 year old, huh?
Servant Greg can be found almost everyday over at his job site where he is building a large new home for a young woman, a widow, and her four children. He does very nice work and it is going to be such an improvement for this family. (Thanks to you who provided for this project.)
This weekend the Mission is hosting a Singspiration. Lots of good Christian music, testimonies, a godly Navajo preacher, and of course, FOOD. May and George Willie, a couple who are from here but moved away years ago, were burdened for our community and so, two years ago began praying and planning for this event. They shared their burden and got a number of churches to commit to prayer and participation. And now the big event is upon us. How much we need a work of God here among us where a large majority believes the traditional ways, the Peyote cult, and Christianity to be the same thing, a lie straight from the father of lies. There is pervasive fear and brokenness all around us and only Christ is able to meet the deep needs.
A young man came to visit last week. He made the comment, "I think I'm a crisis Christian." He meant that when his life is going along smoothly he wanders from the Lord and makes bad choices. Then when trouble comes his way he cries out to the Lord and gets back on track. When will we really get it–all of us–that we need the hard times just because of this tendency? God is so patient and merciful.
The speaker at the women's retreat in Calif was a Jewish potter. As she formed her pots in front of us she talked about God's dealings in our lives as illustrated in the potter forming his pots. After selecting the clay from the pit, the potter centers the lump on the wheel. If it isn't centered, it will wobble. Gently he shapes the clay, applying the necessary pressure. One hand is inside the pot (interestingly called the 'heart') giving it its form, and the other hand guiding from the outside. When the pot is perfect it is placed on a shelf to dry thoroughly. The firing is critical to the pot becoming strong, useful and beautiful. A pot not fired will turn to mush when filled with water. Not useful for anything. And NEVER is the pot forgotten or out of the potter's care. When he is finished he etches his name into the bottom of the vessel.
The lessons are so relevant. God chose us, lifting us out of the pit of sin and judgment. Then He centers us on Christ, the Rock, who holds us steady while He works. He works in us in direct correspondence with what comes from without (our circumstances). Everything is totally under His control. Even the fire, those hard circumstances that we hate so much, is precisely regulated. The finer the vase, the hotter the fire must be.
I'm so grateful that when the Lord chose this lump of clay, He had a purpose and a perfect plan to carry out His purpose. I'm so grateful that it is Him who sits at the wheel, whose hands lovingly mold me. I'm so grateful that the things that feel so wrong are the very things that He is using to make something beautiful, to be used for His pleasure and glory. And, I'm so grateful that His name is etched on every one His creations, showing them to be His work, something He's proud to claim as His own.
And, finally, I'm so grateful for the sacrifices you make in order for us to be here.
With love, Greg and Kathy Staley
October 17th, 2007 [from Becky Knopf]
Thank you for mailing the BoxTops and Campbell’s UPCs (the skinny black bars on white) to us. Do keep them coming. [They are no good to us if they are torn, even if they are taped back together. I also want to remind you that Betty Crocker coupons are now worthless] My new home is lovely; I am enjoying it SO much. It is the new-er half of the duplex that I share with the Blooms. It is very open and light, with some big windows and light-colored wood in the kitchen. No mice in it so far!!!!!!! There are 15 – 5th and 6th graders in my classroom this year. They are quite varied in scholastic ability, as usual, and no less varied in personality! I have everything from students who utter perhaps 3 whispered words aloud per week to those who have strong opinions and are eager to share them at every opportunity!!! I have a student who, although only ‘average’ in his grades, has amazing insight into truths from God’s Word. [I'm learning a lot from him.] I have one who struggles to process ANY information, whether given verbally, in writing, or acted out. [Does he remind God of me?] I have one who writes “Thank you” at the bottom of every paper she turns in. [There's nothing like a little gratitude to keep us going, eh?] Several are striving against The Enemy, wanting to follow Jesus Christ with all of their heart yet drawn away by the ease of lifelong (bad) habits. [This still sounds like me.] I like this ‘class-full’ so much! I like hearing from you, too. Feel free to write! 1 Peter 1:3-5 October 16th, 2007 [from Solomon Sun] Grades equal stress at any grade and for all teachers who fill-out those dreaded report cards. Nothing seems to get by that doesn't have to be assessed and possibly reassessed time and time again: small school, big school, formal, informal, public or private. What can I say? Teaching is a life of one form of assessment based on another to make your life ever more stressful and students ever more disconcerted with tests, especially around week 8 or 9 of the quarter. Don't get me wrong. A's are awesome, B's should still make you smile, and C's can be hard to swallow. For some, report cards are life or death, for others I am sure they use them as coasters for all the soda they drink. But here's the thing: I want students to care about making the right choices when no one, especially me, is riding their back; to be what they want to make the grade. I want my student's education to infest all aspects of their lives so much and be so apparent that the only thing that has an opinion on what the report card says or is used for is the tree that was harmed in its making. Having a class full of self-evident learners is what makes my job so special. Be the knowledge and feed the knowledge. October 15th, 2007 [from Lorena Herbert]
In the spring of the year 2006 we said our farewells to 8 good friends and staff members who had faithfully served the Lord in Navajo land. To this day, they are remembered by many. I personally appreciate them after I try to fill up some of the gaps they left behind. I never realize how much a person does in their ministry until they move on. This makes me think of those who are presently working here and I appreciate and thank them more often. This summer I took on a couple of ministries that were left by those who had moved on. First, I had the privilege to go to homes to set up the DVBS sites for the youth groups that come weekly. I had so much fun and I met more relatives. Hanging out with my own people, the Navajo, is great, especially when the doors are wide open for me. Secondly, I had the privilege to be there for some people when they were going through a hard time. I received phone calls, listening, praying, and witnessing that Jesus is the answer and so forth. Many who came said that one of the ones who had moved was the person who usually was there when they needed to share their troubles. Now I have been able to be that person for them.
I want to thank all of you who are praying for us every day for the work here.
October 11th, 2007
[from Solomon Sun]
The start of a new school-year is always exciting. I can promise you that it was just as exciting, if not more for me being a new, first year teacher at Immanuel Mission. Starting my own classroom is something that I have dreamed hard about for the last half-a-decade. Now having my own classroom has shown me exactly what past mentors in teaching have pressured me to work-on and demand of myself. Such disciplines as patience, humility, and genuine servant-hood are all a must that God expects to produce in my teaching and Christian life. I believe that in order to see such fruit in my own life it needs to come out of my students to really make sense. 4S is an incredible group of mixed personalities and bright, warm-hearted students. Their ability to demonstrate patience, humility, and sincere appreciation for others will make all the difference in how they approach learning and life. I earnestly seek the Lord’s guidance and approval when influencing my students toward desiring God and caring for others. Presenting such a mission statement, grounded in what the Holy Spirit expects when teaching students to put Christ and others first will continue to make all the difference in how they turn out as individuals. The power of Christ will balance and satisfy the desires that they may have for other things. It is in this and through this power that I openly embrace all that Christ has for me and my future here at Immanuel Mission.
October 7th, 2007
[from Kelli Wilson]
Hello everyone!—My name is Kelli
Wilson. I am originally from Wilmore, Kansas: a wonderful small town in the most beautiful part of Kansas. My family consists of myself, my daddy, one dog and one cat. I grew up going to Kansas Bible Camp—first as a camper, then as a staffer/counselor. KBC is where I first heard of Immanuel Mission. Little did I know that years down the road the Lord had plans for me that involved Immanuel Mission. Following high school I attended college at Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa and received a double Bachelor's degree in Bible and Elementary Education. After college I spent a year working in Dubuque and preparing to come out to Immanuel Mission to teach first grade. My cat, Mr. Bear, accompanied me and we have enjoyed our first month and a half here at the mission. I am adjusting quite easily with only an occasional twinge of homesickness (which is easily cured with a phone call or a letter). I am still working on getting settled into my apartment, since the majority of my energy goes into my classroom.
I have a wonderful classroom with six equally wonderful first graders. They are quite a challenge and keep me on my toes. We are melding together as a whole class quite nicely, despite a few bumps at the beginning. We are learning about God, His love, protection, and forgiveness, as well as His servants.
The kids in my class are varied in their understanding of who God is. Many know about Him through church, summer Bible clubs, and the much loved Veggie Tales! Others are just beginning to hear about God and learn who He is. One of my precious kiddos asked on his first day of school, "Is God real?" I assured him that our God is a very real God who loves us, hears us when we pray, and wants us to love Him. A few weeks later the Lord saw fit to touch my heart through this same little boy. He approached me with a "secret" first thing one morning. "Teacher, guess what? Last night I prayed… and it stopped raining!" The Lord used this to remind me about the faith of a child. Part of me wanted to shield this boy with the truth that God doesn't always choose to alter the weather whenever we desire. But the Lord drew me back from offering that warning and instead caused me to praise Him because of His grace to strengthen the faith of this child of His. I know that there are many times in my life when the Lord has used circumstances of the world around me to strengthen my faith. He is such a gracious and loving God!!!
At times it is very daunting to be a first grade teacher—teaching reading, addition and subtraction, not to mention building the foundations of faith that these six students of mine will need to build their life on. But I know that the Lord will be there with me the whole way, giving me gentle reminders of the knowledge I have and inspirations of wisdom that He alone can give. Somehow, whenever I recall that, the task at hand isn't quite as daunting. Isn't He wonderful!
October 6th, 2007
[from John Bloom]
Our new vo-tech building arrived by semi May 23rd. We unloaded it in a heavy rain storm. The big challenge would be to get it erected, but first the 40′x80′ concrete slab would have to be poured. A crew from Colorado and Kansas and South Carolina came in early June to see the task accomplished. It took 60 yards of cement (at $135 per yard) and two hard days of back breaking labor but the finished product looked great – despite a big dust storm the second day. After letting the cement cure for three weeks we were ready for the actual construction. Stan Bloom came from Kansas in early July to oversee the project. We had purchased a massive forklift to lift the heavy beams. After only three days the major framework was in place. A youth group from Oregon provided much needed muscle. Throughout the rest of the summer, youth groups were able to put up the walls and the roof. We praise the Lord for safety on such a major project. We still need someone to come to put on trim and put up the big overhead doors. Hopefully next summer we can finish the inside construction. We pray this building will enhance the education offered at Immanuel Mission School.
|
|
|
© 2012 Immanuel Mission |
|
