Back in the swing of things!

The Spring semester has started well and promises to be full of challenges and excitement. Much to my relief, the transition back into teaching full time was smoother than I expected. I feared that I would have to start building up the classroom and relationships all over again, but I have been so delighted to see my students again and they have been so welcoming and especially receptive that teaching has been a joy and not a struggle.

I have already been graced with a visit from one of my pastors, Jim Linder. Jim traveled to the DR for the first time to bless the Doulos staff with a workshop on positive discipline in the classroom. The workshop was thoughtful and uplifting. All of us felt renewed excitement for developing positive teaching practices and also for generally learning how to handle relationships in a more Christ-like manner. Jim’s visit was a pleasure and a blessing for all. I am excited to see how New Covenant Fellowship (my church in Champaign) can continue to interact with Doulos in the future.

I am excited to launch into our Spring expeditions. We will be studying the local water quality in 11th grade chemistry and alternative energy sources in 9th grade physical science. It is refreshing to be able to use my background in chemistry as well as biology. I am extremely grateful for all those that have donated science supplies. The students are so much more excited to learn about science when I have the materials to design cool labs for them.

The beautiful weather certainly provides added motivation for walking outdoors, but the healing of my leg continues to be slow. All of the walking and standing required of life here and teaching has been a bit of a strain, but I am managing. I won’t be playing any more soccer this year, but I have refused to sell my red soccer cleats!