tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64192446808440993182024-03-19T05:47:55.028-04:00Christine's Cornerchristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-79541840552020176982013-07-14T21:15:00.001-04:002013-07-14T21:15:42.647-04:00Reflections from Taitung CityI have now been home for 2 weeks, the time has gone very quickly as there was much to do. I had a wonderful week in Taiwan. The students were so gracious and eager to learn. I am excited to see how the children will respond when our students are back in the classroom full time!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Srp8m5AhwlBiaqfmQ_A7hhS92kFjYCw654_YWTqVs_DbFZ2VL5bJTSKV1luxyWlUcY8SsSc2vo_e8QfutAk0H6fDf7FmeVk8gcT_UK0QtQCdUNv6eejvNDpYbn_qfJ_B8xdnmUTWcI/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Srp8m5AhwlBiaqfmQ_A7hhS92kFjYCw654_YWTqVs_DbFZ2VL5bJTSKV1luxyWlUcY8SsSc2vo_e8QfutAk0H6fDf7FmeVk8gcT_UK0QtQCdUNv6eejvNDpYbn_qfJ_B8xdnmUTWcI/s200/IMG_1036.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZpIaAi7DAnuf8s2hlVbWT9aowPYzb26snNX2qKpu7FESuQDMt7n7tczyHu3ZTUxiQjtXS7xobu8MHQYFSVP8mRZrcezRWEtV1miLm1Ky71opVt_5a6KmmO3WV9Y2OGwuXe9Djl3ZVPQ/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZpIaAi7DAnuf8s2hlVbWT9aowPYzb26snNX2qKpu7FESuQDMt7n7tczyHu3ZTUxiQjtXS7xobu8MHQYFSVP8mRZrcezRWEtV1miLm1Ky71opVt_5a6KmmO3WV9Y2OGwuXe9Djl3ZVPQ/s200/IMG_1037.JPG" width="200" /></a>Before we left we spent few minutes at the beach; it was odd seeing the Pacific Ocean from the 'other side'. We saw some interesting people, a huge pet pig, and an amazing umbrella-type structure. We walked up under the structure and there were etchings in the floor with the milage to various islands in the Pacific. It was great to think about how close we were to Australia! I hope to go back next year and have a little more time to sight-see.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEcN0ARqHPTq4FLjiEh5gP6vtNwKxecMwcdxO7hQ4dUqmlqqsP0F_3KzzK3SWwslH8tFCnWEdcFL7ZmQAeAX_K37wZ7YN9i7zokBx-q-J45UYR_4_KTuzQ_PiqDo546LZIEeGbdXM7HQ/s1600/IMG_1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEcN0ARqHPTq4FLjiEh5gP6vtNwKxecMwcdxO7hQ4dUqmlqqsP0F_3KzzK3SWwslH8tFCnWEdcFL7ZmQAeAX_K37wZ7YN9i7zokBx-q-J45UYR_4_KTuzQ_PiqDo546LZIEeGbdXM7HQ/s200/IMG_1044.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I wanted to share a couple of pictures of the school and the children and the beautiful infant and toddler classroom. The children made a lasting impression on my heart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgox68_WVnXuMe94oQTNHPMnbznm4ubheT3i0S-XiuGzdsLhDSeuyGebvL6oUOsqAiZ0UUqLsJCwi7LPHYuBRDi0m_cm5i75nVxoRKis5tBAnhHGZROp1vd3dEC_8LA6stCsMP6EhsMT4Q/s1600/DSC00245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgox68_WVnXuMe94oQTNHPMnbznm4ubheT3i0S-XiuGzdsLhDSeuyGebvL6oUOsqAiZ0UUqLsJCwi7LPHYuBRDi0m_cm5i75nVxoRKis5tBAnhHGZROp1vd3dEC_8LA6stCsMP6EhsMT4Q/s200/DSC00245.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d3ASH7vgcsxhL-rvd29TQIMorLoGPzIxTKqcX5JlD-P_5TBUIXKMDv8CnjD2coDdpuuPkGnoEfw_cH5kaA2VBRE9CfgYq7afTwsRQf9o17kh-AQjIfq2zcm6l77hHK8Gh4S8YjMmsBw/s1600/DSC00258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8d3ASH7vgcsxhL-rvd29TQIMorLoGPzIxTKqcX5JlD-P_5TBUIXKMDv8CnjD2coDdpuuPkGnoEfw_cH5kaA2VBRE9CfgYq7afTwsRQf9o17kh-AQjIfq2zcm6l77hHK8Gh4S8YjMmsBw/s200/DSC00258.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmF6OmaNp1k9F6qOXovLmovdyRb8S8ONqbAbRcI_t92K6A1ua_h4Sb9WumIFM1kdRCe6pmVD5pyC4Nj1Rjl1lyUnxzHbAfRJ043aisNm2ho4YBtNXoszl10hEIFWvv9kijobKm8xJxSY/s1600/DSC00260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmF6OmaNp1k9F6qOXovLmovdyRb8S8ONqbAbRcI_t92K6A1ua_h4Sb9WumIFM1kdRCe6pmVD5pyC4Nj1Rjl1lyUnxzHbAfRJ043aisNm2ho4YBtNXoszl10hEIFWvv9kijobKm8xJxSY/s200/DSC00260.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-82006791062301931092013-06-26T19:03:00.001-04:002013-06-26T19:03:27.973-04:00I'm in Taiwan!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhbrLL5xgsnw-uA19m7rwgPbatRBYOhqUMZVieT_WOVPgOn0JQiZCFucQezK4gQLAepWRQm7o5JEqSZ8qkfyYJH8ds8NH5zs8JXNIs4WFA9zhCVKTYc74ofppuSUF7eHN1d8J9cAB4D0/s1600/220px-Taipei101.portrait.altonthompson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhbrLL5xgsnw-uA19m7rwgPbatRBYOhqUMZVieT_WOVPgOn0JQiZCFucQezK4gQLAepWRQm7o5JEqSZ8qkfyYJH8ds8NH5zs8JXNIs4WFA9zhCVKTYc74ofppuSUF7eHN1d8J9cAB4D0/s320/220px-Taipei101.portrait.altonthompson.jpg" width="159" /></a>Sunday was a VERY long day for me. After finishing teaching and packing it was almost midnight Saturday night before I went to bed. Then up at 4:00 to catch the 8:30 flight from Beijing to Taipei where I was greeting by my next hostess, Jane Wang. We traveled to the other end of Taipei to wait 5 hours for our flight to Taitung City where I am teaching now.<br />
While in Taipei, we visited the world's 4th tallest building, Taipei 101. Of course we only visited the first 5 floors which were filled with high end stores, but this is a pretty impressive sight!<br />
It is early Thursday morning and we are already halfway through this class. As always, God has sent some really wonderful people to take the class. They are all very well educated in early childhood, but very eager to learn more about Montessori education. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdmWqg5KivjUbI10akC4mTUUw9wWJPbIGbFniyWfGPB43tznAexfxxpRN4bVfuU6a_YlMjM_oPV5fD07j14nDyohaZtQIp4o3hM4SpdEAI9SjsgscOwyPoL8-jcABikbCRfq9oEpXt9o/s1600/DSC00193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdmWqg5KivjUbI10akC4mTUUw9wWJPbIGbFniyWfGPB43tznAexfxxpRN4bVfuU6a_YlMjM_oPV5fD07j14nDyohaZtQIp4o3hM4SpdEAI9SjsgscOwyPoL8-jcABikbCRfq9oEpXt9o/s320/DSC00193.jpg" width="212" /></a>We observed in the lab school here on Tuesday morning and when we discussed our observations I guided them through an exercise to see how a change in the environment could affect the behavior of the children. That afternoon the students begged to go make some changes, so we worked about 2 hours and rearranged the environment. When we observed again Wednesday morning, the difference was profound! This is one of the reasons I do this--it is so rewarding to see students grasp the ideas, desire to implement them, and then see positive results. They still have a way to go, but I am confident that after I leave, they will continue to make positive changes for the children.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_YfaLfHmoXn9hPOp9YR6ZL9QVuM-isHiYMJPtdGUgQwZHRSxpJpJ5MclPlwj0ddxF_Im9_Y5oYFfsY9jorNEIlC1BdpF06HNCtE2w0LAHP6eKTtLbOZse9p0eKyRgXWLzpNPpnsYBL8/s1600/DSC00226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_YfaLfHmoXn9hPOp9YR6ZL9QVuM-isHiYMJPtdGUgQwZHRSxpJpJ5MclPlwj0ddxF_Im9_Y5oYFfsY9jorNEIlC1BdpF06HNCtE2w0LAHP6eKTtLbOZse9p0eKyRgXWLzpNPpnsYBL8/s320/DSC00226.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I received a warm welcome at the University where I am teaching! Here I am with Jane, on the right, and my translator, Dr. Shu-Feng Chen on the left. The flowers and sign were a gift from the students.<br />
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<br />christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-56826201272048923802013-06-21T10:22:00.002-04:002013-06-21T10:22:35.250-04:00From my point of view<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zFei9PmWVF8jcdPJxftsoCwyez3ylGcAGVAJ3ZVhrNtSrv3t_xMDeUv_6N3cTh9YEmtavux0M3iGV8hFGwxX9W2BCaB5UDmYfo-oaKDBx7pF5yg-3CNsu0H1NE65dBAd4r9bOK2fStQ/s1600/DSC00132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zFei9PmWVF8jcdPJxftsoCwyez3ylGcAGVAJ3ZVhrNtSrv3t_xMDeUv_6N3cTh9YEmtavux0M3iGV8hFGwxX9W2BCaB5UDmYfo-oaKDBx7pF5yg-3CNsu0H1NE65dBAd4r9bOK2fStQ/s320/DSC00132.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is the view from my hotel room on one of the clearer days we've had. If you look closely you can actually see the mountains. When I look this window I am filled with many emotions; there are so many people. The streets are crowded with cars, bicycles, mopeds, and pedestrians. The high rise buildings are filled with people and the air is filled with a myriad of aromas. I have come to love these people and my heart aches knowing that so many of them live lives void of any relationship with God. They are good people, caring people, and so many of them are oh so lost. <br />
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I have one full day left in Beijing; in many ways the time has passed quickly. As always, I conclude this time wondering if I did enough. I wonder if they understand the concepts and if I inspired them to go out and make a difference? Was I clear in my teaching? Are they pondering the new information and processing it well? How many of these students will complete all of the assignments and have a successful internship that leads to certification? So many questions, but I did my best and ask my Heavenly Father to bless my words and multiply my efforts. I also pray that they were able to see Jesus in James, Michelle and I. James and Michelle will be teaching here 4 more weeks; I pray for their strength, health, wisdom, and witness.<br />
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For the many friends I have made this month I am extremely grateful. For the opportunity to worship with fellow believers at the Beijing International Christian Fellowship I am truly blessed. For the meeting I had with Dr. Marlene Barron at the AMS training center I am indebted, and for the "chance" meeting with Karen Brenneman from New Day Creations orphanage, I am amazed. I don't know what future plans God has for me in China, but I am at peace and strongly feel I will be back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEYuy3iPVQKKAcZ4KiODke-5rDdktM2Y3mfmE6GdrbbPHWmNdhqz8f1ZELmL9EJNXoS1GL5ffHMFL7FZgrebn4NJXU5Wyd5rdnfKdyXdHVOji6csIrPXmkSfkJiFWjYiqi6v_jaQuie8/s1600/IMG_1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEYuy3iPVQKKAcZ4KiODke-5rDdktM2Y3mfmE6GdrbbPHWmNdhqz8f1ZELmL9EJNXoS1GL5ffHMFL7FZgrebn4NJXU5Wyd5rdnfKdyXdHVOji6csIrPXmkSfkJiFWjYiqi6v_jaQuie8/s320/IMG_1025.jpg" width="240" /></a>As wonderful as this year's trip has been, I really miss home--western food, television, and mostly my family! (I did find a Papa John's pizza--look at their delivery vehicles!) 30 days without seeing my husband and kids is a little too long for this lady; of course ATT should be happy!! Ryan finished 2 weeks of camp today and it sounds like he had a blast. Rachel is doing well and trying to not give birth to Emmerson until I return, and Edgar is taking care of all the details on the home front. I fly to Taiwan early Sunday morning for week of teaching and then HOME on what would have been my mom's 98th birthday! I will try to post a few times from Taiwan, thanks for reading and for your prayers.<br />
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christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-6810445501341788792013-06-17T09:55:00.004-04:002013-06-17T09:55:55.397-04:00God's Busy in China!Have you ever had what you thought was a "Divine Appointment"? I believe I had one on Sunday! We went to Beijing International Christian Fellowship for the third Sunday--such a blessing. Each week there has been a different speaker and worship team, all very different and all very good. This day after church one of our students, Sarah from the Philippines who introduced us to the church, wanted to take us to a Tex Mex place to eat as she knows I am craving western food. The place was about a 15 minute drive from the church and we got there, ordered our food, and who walked in but the preacher, Byron Brenneman and his wife!! Seriously there are 20 gazillon people in Beijing and this was 15 minutes from the church---are the odds we would end up at the same place for lunch?!!<br />
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They recognized us from church (we sat in my normal spot on the third row) and waved hello. Once they had ordered their food and we had finished ours, I went over to talk with them. The church is trying to raise funds to print some children's Sunday School literature and I wanted more information. As we talked they asked why I was in China and I briefly told them. At this point his wife, Karen, became very interested and said that two of the girls who work with her had just come back from taking Montessori training and were very excited about it. She is, are you ready?--the director of an orphanage for special needs children in Beijing!! <br />
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If you know anything about me, you know that for MANY years it was my desire to adopt a little girl from China. Each time I come here I keep thinking I would love to visit an orphanage. Well, one thing led to another and Karen asked if I would be interested in coming over to do any training at the orphanage!!! Really? I don't know how or when, but we exchanged information and I am already thinking of how I can do just that. God knows the desires of our heart and His timing is perfect. I don't think it is possible that we will adopt a child, but to have the opportunity to serve, even for a short time, is amazing to me.<br />
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So, I think that was a Divine Appointment, what do you think?christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-67766019452292613682013-06-15T07:32:00.002-04:002013-06-15T07:33:36.443-04:00May I introduce you?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiMw2ILcOaBE8zgir7rRHxF9Bq84E0V13sPhQ4fHRx7muD5GMjZQc12UHvSubr1pEOqNsxZ4yUKI8Q9EJJKoT5CrymRcGBdg59UpthFMrnD-6F7Q9ZrZRREGl68L_nIxBCxnQgmIgu14/s1600/DSC00061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiMw2ILcOaBE8zgir7rRHxF9Bq84E0V13sPhQ4fHRx7muD5GMjZQc12UHvSubr1pEOqNsxZ4yUKI8Q9EJJKoT5CrymRcGBdg59UpthFMrnD-6F7Q9ZrZRREGl68L_nIxBCxnQgmIgu14/s320/DSC00061.jpg" width="247" /></a>Do you see this lovely lady with Michelle? Her name is Ye qigong Zhang, no I can't pronounce it either, but neither can I forget her.<br />
I originally met her last summer and was so impressed with her servant's heart. You see, she is the custodian for the school and she is an incredibly hard worker. She is at the school 6 days a week and is always smiling, I mean really--this woman is cheerful!<br />
She mops floors, cleans windows, scrubs playground equipment, washes sinks...she keeps the entire building looking great and never complains.<br />
Ye qigong is a very humble woman and I had to twist he arm to take her picture, but she has touched my heart with how sweetly she goes about her daily chores. I am reminded of a poem I memorized when I was a child. I think it is a good reminder on this Saturday evening as I prepare my heart for worship tomorrow morning.<br />
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"Father, where shall I work today?"<br />
My heart asked willingly.<br />
He pointed toward a little spot, and<br />
Said, "Tend that for me".<br />
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"Oh no" I cried, "Not that little place,<br />
Why no one would ever see!<br />
No matter how well my work was done,<br />
Not that little place for me!" <br />
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And the words He spoke, they were<br />
Not harsh, He answered me tenderly.<br />
"Aw, little one, search that heart of thine,<br />
Art thou working for them or me? Nazareth<br />
Was a little place, and so was Galilee." christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-30239246160285693462013-06-12T07:44:00.002-04:002013-06-12T07:45:11.442-04:00Holidays and Hailstorms!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vhd7K6_Z6ZT5_t3wsV3Yuw36jgDHDr2cQ-VirEduYzvwez7Vi8Fdpti47XYo7YaZCrnm1tMM4oBJXsR81blhW35UL_YifqF1zPzBof0KXxus-N1cdFM32wdy9-0uBm5q5nDbiZQeL-Y/s1600/DSC00052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vhd7K6_Z6ZT5_t3wsV3Yuw36jgDHDr2cQ-VirEduYzvwez7Vi8Fdpti47XYo7YaZCrnm1tMM4oBJXsR81blhW35UL_YifqF1zPzBof0KXxus-N1cdFM32wdy9-0uBm5q5nDbiZQeL-Y/s320/DSC00052.jpg" width="212" /></a>Today the students presented their Prenatal Timelines. I am really pleased with the work they are doing--this is a dedicated group of men and women! We have completed 9 days of class--72 hours of lectures and discussions, whew!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryoSzxqILlkZI4kzG4Vh04JhG5jT7hN29AUOrp0Tsujs5D3BeQfLypSDm21NIo_6YUG1qZQw5w7fH27o0gku7pDl7CkJsCVw_ojd7DZHXKCQHEBLN-Gv9Y1hK0YSO_1S6iha4Ylgu90I/s1600/DSC00056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryoSzxqILlkZI4kzG4Vh04JhG5jT7hN29AUOrp0Tsujs5D3BeQfLypSDm21NIo_6YUG1qZQw5w7fH27o0gku7pDl7CkJsCVw_ojd7DZHXKCQHEBLN-Gv9Y1hK0YSO_1S6iha4Ylgu90I/s320/DSC00056.JPG" width="320" /></a>The city has had three days of holiday for the Dragon Boat Festival. The Dragon Boat Festival is also known as the Duanwu Festival in China. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. Tonight is the culmination of this festival and there are many fire crackers exploding! Because of the holidays only our class has been meeting; the children and staff will return to the school tomorrow--I have missed them!<br />
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We had some crazy weather yesterday--in the morning the sun was shining and the air was clear since we had so much rain last week. Suddenly we had a 20 minute HAIL storm of all things in the middle of the afternoon. The size of the hail was like large marbles and it was so noisy we had to suspend class for a few minutes. This is very unusual in Beijing and an hour later the sun was shining again!<br />
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Have a great day, we will write more later!<br />
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<br />christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-24270095560110216362013-06-10T08:54:00.003-04:002013-06-10T08:54:35.554-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_7SQeAcg_zEdOWMzw05j7QX416hyphenhyphenldfEAJKX7ZhD5-kJY7e2LxJ7B9Zl4zACDD3zdCLdU3Hhgc7grTf4qErMxhd2cSokeZkFBZC_jOnOWJD-QU6I52VHasd84mpdKgEsFC6RSYuGsck/s1600/DSC00047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_7SQeAcg_zEdOWMzw05j7QX416hyphenhyphenldfEAJKX7ZhD5-kJY7e2LxJ7B9Zl4zACDD3zdCLdU3Hhgc7grTf4qErMxhd2cSokeZkFBZC_jOnOWJD-QU6I52VHasd84mpdKgEsFC6RSYuGsck/s320/DSC00047.JPG" width="320" /></a>I have now been in Beijing for 10 days! We have a wonderful group of students including one married couple, who are all eager to learn more about child development, pregnancy, childbirth, infant care, and toddler care. The discussions have been very good and I am learning more about Chinese culture. The married couple have their 6 month old and 7 year old daughters with them. On more than one occasion the little one has been the perfect model for much of what I am teaching!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpvrxA9fMm-MAw2DIk8jEztTKNgm3A8wiYaVM56sk2Y7bKMmuN3w8UY0Cu4EQoDCccLHXnQ7j1K8nT8mJL-Qxt5JOfLHGuasR0cWEfpm1okOhVsNvPQRo200Hb480-gtqXwhtOc2Q9po/s1600/DSC00042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpvrxA9fMm-MAw2DIk8jEztTKNgm3A8wiYaVM56sk2Y7bKMmuN3w8UY0Cu4EQoDCccLHXnQ7j1K8nT8mJL-Qxt5JOfLHGuasR0cWEfpm1okOhVsNvPQRo200Hb480-gtqXwhtOc2Q9po/s320/DSC00042.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
A couple of the English teachers at the school are Christians and have introduced me to the Beijing International Christian Fellowship; what a wonderful group of believers! One must show a foreign ID to be allowed to attend the service, so I have attended the English speaking service the last two Sundays. It is over an hour's drive from my hotel, but well with it! Both weeks the music, the message, and the people have been so inspiring. <br />
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One of my challenges in China is being able to eat the food--I have a severe sensitivity to anything that lives in water--fish, shellfish, sea weed, fish oil....so eating here is difficult. I came prepared with instant oatmeal, fig newtons, and peanut butter crackers, but we have still had 3 meals at Pizza Hut and 2 meals at Subway, ha!<br />
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After church yesterday, James, Michelle, and I found the best little French bakery so we had to sample some sweets! I love the French outfits the employees were wearing! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaf-FlY8UBBPKPUjKwnbyjuVgMIoPSPO1xRNeo1nINXSI4J1oDgH-bJA_FsjLGluVS7hioiiffVRcH-g8uwr3OBoYqlvJ9fespmM6gki2D8y-MTdas1LVeTi7v-pltvOejYIrRYBmif1c/s1600/IMG_1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaf-FlY8UBBPKPUjKwnbyjuVgMIoPSPO1xRNeo1nINXSI4J1oDgH-bJA_FsjLGluVS7hioiiffVRcH-g8uwr3OBoYqlvJ9fespmM6gki2D8y-MTdas1LVeTi7v-pltvOejYIrRYBmif1c/s320/IMG_1018.JPG" width="320" /></a>We appreciate your prayers while we are here, and will do our best to keep this blog updated! <br />
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<br />christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-60205768819144764482013-06-08T10:51:00.000-04:002013-06-08T10:51:33.049-04:00A little late, but news from China
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The school year ended with a lovely celebration and
luncheon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children reviewed
the sounds they learned this year and sang several songs in English and
Chinese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all enjoyed the salads
and deserts provided by the parents and, by popular request, I made our
Shepherd’s </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course
I was busy and took no pictures, but hopefully some of the parents will email
me some and I will share them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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For the next month I will be in Asia and will try to keep
you updated on my trip and the work we are doing here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all the flight is long, but
thanks to my hosts, I flew business class and Delta has done a great job of
improving the 12 hour flight experience for the business customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only was the food delicious, but
also the seats totally recline into a personal flat bed and they provide
pillows, upgraded blankets, and a personal filled toiletries bag for each
customer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched several
movies, read for a while and slept a few hours, which is unusual for me, as I
normally cannot sleep on the plane.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I arrived in Beijing the owner of Kiddie Academy
greeted me with roses!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathy Chen
is always very gracious and it is a pleasure working with her to help her
teachers and others learn more about Montessori education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We loaded my three—yes three—suitcases
into the car and arrived at my hotel about midnight Beijing time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was reminded again what a spoiled
American I am when I was told that the main which for the central air is turned
off at night because it is cool at night and we can just open the windows!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well the window opened about 3 inches and of course there were
no screens and in order to get any cool breeze I had to leave the curtains
open!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 2 pretty cold showers
I did fall asleep for a few hours but was awakened by the sun pouring in
through the windows at 6:00 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
this point I am thinking I must find a translator soon who can help me
communicate to the hotel that I need AC at night--are there no middle aged
women in China who wake up hot in the middle of the night?!</div>
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June 1 is Children’s Day in Beijing and most of the schools
had programs for the parents—Kiddie Academy is no exception, but I thought I
would be going to the school to begin setting up the classroom for my lectures
so I dressed very casually—in work clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Joanna, one of Cathy’s English speaking teachers, arrived to be my
personal escort for the day, we immediately went to a different school where
they were having their program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once there, Cathy asked me to please address the parents and assist in
presenting some of the gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
first response was to decline and apologize for my appearance, but she insisted
and I felt God reminding me that I was there to serve. Not only I am I current
president of the Montessori Institute of America, but considered a kind of
dignitary coming from the US—it is very humbling and I want the Lord to use me
however He chooses while I am here.</div>
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I was introduced to all the parents (about 200) so I could
bring greetings and congratulations from MIA and the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was then honored to select the
winning raffle ticket for the largest prize and present it to the winning
parent!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the program, I had
my picture taken with each of the nine classes of children, their teachers, and
their parents!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully no one
notice the bleach stains on my ‘work pants’!</div>
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Once the program concluded, we were off to the school and we
began the task of preparing for the class of adult students who will begin on
Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kiddie Academy has a large
meeting room where the students can sit in desks on one end of the room,
Michelle (my friend and translator) can face them in the middle, and behind us
we can set up the model rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first space we create is a model infant home environment that I can modify as
the lectures progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I change it
from a newborn room, to an older infant room to a care giving room as I teach
the students about the child at each of these stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we finish the prenatal and infant work, we transform
the room to a toddler home environment and finally to a toddler care giving
space. In this way the students can not only see the different environments, but
also they can see how to modify an existing space to accommodate the needs of
the growing child.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our first task was to carefully clean the room, move out or
rearrange the existing furniture and plants and begin locating the furniture
needed to set up the infant environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only was Joanna a great
help, but several of the teachers where at the school and all eagerly moved
furniture, swept and mopped the floor and carried furniture from all over the
school so I could set up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly
many hands make light work, and these people, many of whom I met last year, are
always so kind and helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
finished in just over an hour and this afternoon I will take the materials I
brought to finish setting up.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
As I mentioned it was Children’s Day, so when we went to
Pizza Hut for lunch we waited over an hour, but it was a good opportunity for
me to observe Chinese children with their parents!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After eating we came back to the hotel where the air was
working and the man from the hotel fixed the wi fi so I am now connected!</div>
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All in all it was a great first 24 hours in Beijing! </div>
christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-25320531971995162322013-03-05T11:09:00.000-05:002013-03-05T11:09:46.000-05:00With Extreme Gratitude
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<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are so
many critical pieces involved when putting together a first rate Montessori
program. Dr. Montessori described
the balance of three elements to be essential in what is described as a true
Montessori program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first
element is the physical environment.
When deciding where to set up a classroom, beautiful natural lighting
and plenty of space is desirable.
Of course having a complete set of the materials Dr. Montessori
developed is essential so that the children can do the work of developing their
minds. The materials are not only
child-sized, but are self correcting and intentional in their design. They should be very attractive and
arranged on the shelves in logical order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">children. Montessori discovered that children
develop in three-year planes. By
grouping children together who are on the same plane, we can maximize their
learning experience. In the
Primary classroom we enroll children who are basically between the ages of
three years and six years of age that allows them to work in each subject area
on the level that is individually most appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When adults
learn to be Montessori teachers they become certified on different levels. Each level of training requires at
least 210 classroom hours and a 9-month internship. The certification levels are Birth to Three, Three to Six,
Six to Nine, Nine, Nine to Twelve, and Twelve to Fifteen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The third
critical element is the adult in the environment. The adult must not only be well versed in Montessori
philosophy and pedagogy, but must be a keen observer. Dr. Montessori did not refer to the adults as teachers but
Directresses or Guides, because they do not teach in the traditional
sense. After carefully observing
the child, this prepared adult directs or guides the child to appropriate
learning materials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While most
intelligent adults can learn the materials and philosophy and can even learn to
become a careful observer, really outstanding Guides have more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Really
outstanding Montessori adults express a true respect for children. These adults do not consider themselves
superior to children, but delight in spending time with them and watching them
discover new truths. They
diligently prepare new materials and they share their love of learning with the
children. They bring a sense of
joy to the classroom and they genuinely care about each child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
week I was reminded once again that God has blessed our school with all three
of the critical elements that make an outstanding Montessori program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On
Monday evening, when I very suddenly and without forewarning, was stricken with
a severe attack of acute pancreatitis that resulted in five days in the
hospital and emergency gall bladder surgery, I knew that everything at the
school would be fine. I knew that
under the leadership of Michelle and James, and the availability of Miss Karen,
the school would easily continue without missing a beat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
am so grateful, and hope that you are too, for the dedication as well as
professionalism of Michelle and James.
It was so comforting to know that these outstanding Montessori
professionals would continue to be at school each day to love on, and guide
your children. We are truly
blessed to have them and while I hope to not ever have a <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">medical
emergency like this again, I am grateful to know that the school is in great
hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
also appreciate the prayers, emails, texts, and calls from many of you! I should be back at school full time
this week. Seeing the children and
hearing their precious voices was great ‘medicine’ for the few hours I was at
school this week!</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-27816271164874252382013-02-14T13:14:00.001-05:002013-02-14T13:14:30.339-05:00 Montessori Philosophy
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many times I am asked to describe, simply, what Montessori is and what makes a Montessori school different from other schools. It is a simple question, but not so simple an answer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To begin, Dr. Maria Montessori was the first woman physician in Italy, and as a physician she approached education from a scientific approach. She observed children and developed a pedagogy based on her observations. One of the greatest contributions Dr. Montessori made to the educational world is her discovery that children do not come to us as mini adults or as 'blank slates', but rather their minds are like sponges that absorb, without filters, everything in their environment. By the time they are three years of age, they have absorbs and incorporated not only a native language, but a native culture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is for this reason that authentic Montessori environments are filled with natural light, lovely child-sized furnishings, rich learning materials, and a well educated staff. We do not set up typical 'learning centers' with activities to re-enforce what the teacher says. Rather out classrooms are very orderly and filled with self-correcting materials that the child uses to 'construct' his mind. The adult carefully observes the child and presents new materials on an individual basis as the child is ready or shows an interest. There is no lock-step learning here--each child is an individual progresses individually.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>“Mentally, the children have an immense power
and are capable of great effort and concentration. Their intellectual curiosity is limitless. This curiosity is not the same as that
o f the adult’s. A scientist, for
example, seeks to find something new.
The children’s purpose is the formation of their own minds. They take in new information in order
to re-form it and bring it into existing relation ship with what is already
there. Recent research
substantiates this conclusion of Montessori. The frontal cortex of the brain is not a storage place but
is in constant formation and re-formation, in interaction not only with the
outer environment, but within the brain’s own interior pathways.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b>From <u>Montessori Today</u> by Paula Polk Lillard</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are so grateful to have the opportunity to observe the daily miracles these children reveal as they interact with the environment, each other and us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever observed a Montessori classroom? What were your impressions? How did you feel about it? We would love your feedback.</span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-43499668129251546172013-02-11T13:30:00.001-05:002013-02-11T13:30:51.065-05:00Starting Again<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is sad, but true; I forgot about my blog! Not quite sure how that happens, but in all the busyness of school, and children, and church, and life, I suddenly realized that I had sorely neglected this blog! A few of you have hung in there and still check it occasionally--thank you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3rrtDhpvL7yMrkdl9NVzar2fmxerSzzeWsegS2c9YpavxbG3RUMPiKibneKmvWouCEfqADEMECZ9u8mNf7IFMxeWeO78pASHp925n0evyR-fD8ESwDnA94dt_xTvwGlTMp8MXepi_EI/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3rrtDhpvL7yMrkdl9NVzar2fmxerSzzeWsegS2c9YpavxbG3RUMPiKibneKmvWouCEfqADEMECZ9u8mNf7IFMxeWeO78pASHp925n0evyR-fD8ESwDnA94dt_xTvwGlTMp8MXepi_EI/s320/IMG_1256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a small recap since the last blog post: We had a very good second year of school, starting with 12 students. We moved to a new location on Brown's Bridge Road in January of 2012. The Board, parents, and students came together and we dedicated the building to God on February 4, 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We finished the school year in May and prepared for the opening of the Primary class in August 2012. For a variety of reasons, we did not have an elementary class this past year. Many of our students aged out, some decided to homeschool and several moved out of the area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I reviewed my calendar from last spring, I am amazed at what the Lord was able to accomplish through my meager efforts! We completed the paperwork and are now a 501 c 3 non profit organization, which means we can accept donations! We got the new Primary classroom all set up, I prepared for my three weeks of teaching in China last summer, we completed the paperwork to sponsor Miss Michelle for her H1B visa, AND my daughter has a little wedding! It was quite a few months, but He saw us through it all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Primary class has been outstanding and such a blessing. Miss Michelle is our lead teacher and Mr. James is completing his Montessori internship as her assistant. We have 10 students, all of whom are new to Montessori but doing exceptionally well. One big change has been the addition of hot meals to our program. The new building has a full kitchen and currently I am the head cook!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YsnBUiaPrASERphN_25fEem_vjtE1go6rfnzGrtfPGvbWqoNlIZO8SGiUfCEQjakbtbVZT6DGntMpwIfh31BnpreQty1lGE341pH_n5HctHqDqUjdCwE-pvflnSJnRlzeDOin_IIeJI/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YsnBUiaPrASERphN_25fEem_vjtE1go6rfnzGrtfPGvbWqoNlIZO8SGiUfCEQjakbtbVZT6DGntMpwIfh31BnpreQty1lGE341pH_n5HctHqDqUjdCwE-pvflnSJnRlzeDOin_IIeJI/s320/IMG_0257.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we begin enrolling students for the fall classes, we are thankful that almost all of our current students want to return, and we are getting several inquiries from possible new students. It is our earnest prayer that next fall we will have both classrooms full of precious children eager to learn. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This ministry reminds us daily of our dependance upon our Heavenly Father, but we would not have it any other way. As the old song goes, "Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know Who holds the future, and I know He holds my hand." We are eager to invite many new children to this amazing little place He has provided and watch them bloom. I will try to do a better job of updating this post so you can celebrate the fun stuff and pray us through the uncertainties. Thank you for journeying with us!</span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-8681119456512041202011-05-15T21:24:00.000-04:002011-05-15T21:24:48.162-04:00Finishing wellIt does not seem possible that tomorrow we will begin the last full week of this school year; wasn't it just yesterday that we were incorporating and designing a logo? The time really has flown by quickly and although a part of me is ready to have a break where I can sleep until 8:00 am, another part of me is sad to think that I will not see these children and our terrific staff each day!<br />
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Last week I spent some time writing a year in review newsletter for our Board and I was a little overwhelmed with all we have done! I know that some prospective parents who like what they see when they visit our school are still hesitant because they feel we are too small to meet all of their child's needs. While I certainly respect the opinion of parents, I don't think I agree with that sentiment--our students lacked for little this year! In addition to providing an incredibly rich learning environment, we had a couple of field trips, a visit from the Mobile Science Lab and a couple of guest speakers, had school pictures, a Thanksgiving Feast, a couple of class parties, did two charitable events, entered a float in the Cumming Christmas parade, and re-enacted a Passover Seder, to name a few things!!<br />
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Our goals for the year were simple--we wanted the children to feel good about their ability to learn and to like coming to school. By the grace of God we reached those goals and surpassed them! The children did learn and for the most part they improved their attitudes and their self esteem. Some of them greatly surpassed the expected academic goals for their age. We want to finish well and look to the future to see what God has planned for us next year.<br />
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Our fence is finally up and the in-house cameras are functioning well. We are interviewing for our additional teacher and have enrolled two new students for next year, with several other appointments this week. We are still awaiting our 501 c 3 status and will need to change our accreditation agency, so there is work to be done, but as always we trust that God will lead and will provide. We appreciate your continued prayers and will try to get to the blog more often.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-86651515774281084362011-03-01T21:27:00.000-05:002011-03-01T21:27:57.007-05:00"I Love This"We want school to be fun for children, but the truth is, there are certain academic disciplines that are not necessarily fun. Some of our older students are behind academically and as we have worked with them it has become obvious that there are "holes" in what they do know. Often it is in the form of processing skills, or lack there of. Even if they can successfully complete a task they often do not understand it. In an attempt to help these students "catch up" we introduce them to the Montessori materials which can give concrete understanding. We also have them produce work on paper to help 'cement' concepts and knowledge. <br />
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We use the Spelling Connections curriculum for spelling as it is very thorough and phonetically based, but we find it is challenging for them. It requires thought and and writing---both of which are somewhat difficult for several of our students.<br />
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Today, as I was working in the classroom, I overhead a student say, "I love this"! I could not see what he was working on, but presumed it to be some hands on lesson. When I looked over to see what it was, I was thrilled to see it was one of our students, who is usually resistant to spelling work and he was commenting on his assigned spelling pages--that was a win! As I smiled to myself I could not help but think, "I love THIS"!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-37967521732707826902011-02-27T19:21:00.000-05:002011-02-27T19:21:27.268-05:00There is work, and there is workI love seeing children really connect with specific materials in the classroom and engage in real learning. Sometimes it is an 8 year old delighting in locating the major rivers and lakes in Asia, sometimes it is a 10 year old successfully labeling all of the parts of speech in a particular literary passage; this week it was a 6 year old learning to read a "whole" book and choosing to copy said book on paper! When children are truly captivated they work for long periods of time, and when they complete their task they have a peaceful, satisfied demeanor that is difficult to describe. We Montessori teachers have great faith in the "inner teacher" of each child; we simply must observe carefully and introduce lessons to let "the match" happen.<br />
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There is a feeling of tiredness one feels after a day of cleaning house or doing yard work--it is usually just fatigue. There is a completely different feeling of tiredness after a great work out or a serious run; it is more of exhilaration. It is the second type of fatigue that we observe when children engage in activities that are purposeful and fulfilling. They will repeat an activity over and over until they are satisfied. With very young children it may be pouring rice or building the pink tower. With older children it is often more academic, such as spontaneously recording all the combinations of numbers to equal 20. It is so different when children choose to challenge themselves instead struggling to complete the typical paperwork often assigned to children in traditional educational settings.<br />
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In the next few weeks we will begin to enroll children for our second year of school at the Montessori Children's House of North Forsyth; what an incredible testimony to God's faithfulness! This first year has been nothing short of miraculous in many ways, and we look forward to next year when we believe He will send us a total of 15 students. I am beginning to interview for an additional teacher and are trusting God to send us the perfect one! Daily, I thank God for the way He is blessing our school and appreciate the prayers and support of so many! Often I go home tire at the end of the day, but I am so thankful that it is the exhilarating tired having completed work that is so satisfying! It is a joy to get to do what you love!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-25975896318361904242011-02-12T12:13:00.000-05:002011-02-12T12:13:39.694-05:00Valentine's for KidsValentine's Day is basically celebrated by two groups of people: those who are in love and children who have visions of eating conversation hearts and chocolate candy. Since we do not encourage either of those things with the children at school, what would be the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day with children? We decided to focus on love--God's love for us, our love for Him, and brotherly love between each other.<br />
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Paul taught that as the Spirit of God is alive in our lives we will display His fruit. Much like we can look at an apple tree, or a peach tree, an orange tree, a banana tree, or any other fruit bearing plant and identify the type of tree it is, so people should be able to observe us and by the fruit we bear, know that we have His Spirit in us. Our Bible discussions this week focused on those fruits--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We discussed what each of those things mean and what it looks like in our behavior to exhibit those qualities.<br />
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We made a form, bordered in hearts, for each child to give to every other child. This special Valentine includes a space for the giver to list at least three positive qualities they appreciate in that person. It could be one of the fruits of the Spirit or any other encouraging trait. It was interesting to see how the children thoughtfully considered each of their friends and the uniqueness of that person.<br />
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Yes, we will have a little party with red fruit, heart shaped cheese, valentine cookies, and juice. We decorated paper bags and will let the children exchange any Valentines they bring from home, but our emphasis will be on how much God loves us and how we can express His love to those around us.<br />
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How do you celebrate Valentine's Day with children?christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-30496612548574017952011-01-24T21:04:00.000-05:002011-01-24T21:04:50.474-05:00Monday MelodiesOften when I observe children working in a Montessori classroom it reminds me of listening to a lovely symphony; thus was the case this morning. It began with a time of tuning up. The children arrived slowly over a period of about 10 minutes. As they entered the room they started their routine by washing hands and selecting an activity; that is when the music began. A couple of children warmed up in the library, glancing through familiar titles. Three banded together to assemble a floor puzzle of the Presidents, and one soloist carefully arranged silk flowers in 6 different vases and then decorated each of the tables. It was a lovely harmony of activity and spontaneous socialization.<br />
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During our morning meeting, one could almost hear the unison as the children recited pledges, read Bible verses, and shared prayer requests. Although their ages and grades are varied, their spirit of curiosity, and joy unite them. It is a lovely sound. By the end of the day I had observed many choruses produced by this very alive yet soothing group of musicians. The youngest and newest member enjoyed repeating his part several times--rehearsing it over and over to perfection. The more seasoned players delighted in tutoring their less skilled colleagues while building their own self confidence. The melodies were enchanting.<br />
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Some days the tempo is more stimulating, and the volume less soothing, but today the orchestration was perfect and the music delightful.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-26353530140204809232011-01-21T20:01:00.000-05:002011-01-21T20:01:56.263-05:00Praying BoldlyLast week our pastor, Andy Stanley, challenged our prayer life a little. He suggested that often we pray mundanely and do not ask God for Boldness. While I agree with him, in principal, I believe that throughout the journey of this school I have consistently asked God to bless us in such a way that only He could get the credit. I also believe I have been faithful to give Him all the credit every step of the way. <br />
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I have been asking Him for 2 or 3 more students this semester. Two would get us to the financial 'break even' point and three would give us a little breathing room. So after last Sunday's message, I boldly asked Him to please direct 2 or 3 students to us now. We only want to enroll children that He brings, but surely there were a couple out there who simply had not found us yet. <br />
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That being said, it has been a rough week. My husband was out of town on business all week, I got sick on Tuesday and missed 2 and a half days of work, and our teacher had a medical emergency with her eldest daughter and missed a day and a half--not our best week. But I had Boldly asked God to send us some students NOW, and with what I can only attribute as some Heavenly humor, He chose to answer my prayer. Not only did He send us 2 students, but they are siblings whose parents have been looking for a Christian Montessori school for a long time, and they came to visit us while I was sick and Sherry was distracted!!! "when I am weak, He is strong." They are great kids, our students fell in love with them and see them as an answer to their prayers (yes the children have also been praying for more students), and I really believe that they will be a great 'fit'.<br />
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So we are thanking God for His perfect timing and grateful for the challenge to ask God for big things--things only He can do, and to ask with boldness!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-91072245952758858122011-01-19T12:12:00.000-05:002011-01-19T12:12:57.854-05:00Kids say the cutest thingsDuring the month of December the children attempted to memorize the first 19 verses of the second chapter of Luke, and because of the poetic nature of the language, we opted to have them learn the King James Version. To help them with understanding, we selected about a dozen of the words we felt they might not know and typed them on small cards with definitions on other cards, thus creating a matching lesson. To introduce the lesson I reviewed them at group time by asking the children if they knew what the word meant. The words included "abiding", "with haste", "espoused", etc. Of course the children did not know any of these words, but then I asked if anyone knew what "abroad" meant, and one of the younger boys excitedly waved his arm, "I know, I know--a girl" he said proudly! :) <br />
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(BTW, they all learned the first 15 verses perfectly and most got all the way through verse 19!)<br />
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At lunch last Sunday, we were eating with my daughter and her best friend Maureen. During the mealtime discussion my daughter told a story about her boyfriend who is a deployed marine. Ryan thought for a moment and said, "Hey mom, Maureen and marine are homonyms, right?" I think he is getting it!!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-39080943250897849762011-01-14T22:17:00.000-05:002011-01-14T22:17:45.541-05:00We're Back!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is impossible to believe that we are 2 weeks into the new year and that we have been in school for four months!! I know you think I have abandoned the blog; I simply needed a little hiatus, but hopefully I am back and thrilled to report to you on our first semester.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I have consistently stated, this school is the direct result of God leading us and we pray that everything we do is only because of His blessing. We had some specific goals and He has exceeded our expectations in so many ways. First of all--God brought us the perfect teacher to begin our journey. Miss Sherry is not only an extremely competent reading and math teacher, but she is compassionate, caring, and very dedicated. She and I work so well together. She is definitely the lead teacher, but her weaknesses are my strengths and my strengths are where she is weak. In a small school we both wear several hats, and have many non-conventional duties, but we share them and for the most part our days are filled with joy!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We asked God to send us the children He wanted to be here. I am disappointed that He brought so few--mostly because it means that Edgar and I must financially support the school for much longer, but am so thankful for the five we have!! The big WIN is that I can assure you, the changes we have seen in our students over the last few weeks can only be attributed to God! We knew that many of the students came to us with a low self esteem and/or a dislike of school, so our first goal was to create an environment where children loved to learn and would feel successful. I truly believe we have met that goal! On the days when I become frustrated with the lack of prospective students, I go into the classroom and look at the incredible children that He has given us! They are learning, they interact more like siblings than peers, and they are feeling so much better about their own abilities.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lastly, I have loved seeing the children grow in their understanding of God's Word and their desire to learn about Him. We have seen their prayers mature, their ability to memorize scripture increase, and their ability to apply the truths they are learning expand. We are on an incredible journey together and we are so grateful for the opportunity. We still need your prayers, and we long to have more students because we know their are more children who need to be here (and we need the money) but we are more confident today than we were 6 months ago, that this is exactly what we need to be doing!!</span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-16151715739295397122010-07-18T21:33:00.000-04:002010-07-18T21:33:42.577-04:00Open HouseWhat a whirlwind week! The renovations went well, but as usual everything took longer than we had planned. Inspections and weather put us two days later than we had hoped, but our contractor did a great job, and Brian and Joe got everything painted and decorated in record time! Thanks to my sister who came up for the week, our good friend Joe, and our teacher Sherry, we pulled it all together in time for the Open House on Friday. We will need to work on the office and finish up some of the lessons in the classroom, but for the most part the room is all set and we are quite pleased with the results. <br />
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Thanks for some of your suggestions on marketing. We are more aggressive on the Internet and now that our signs are up we are getting more calls. Here are a few pictures:<br />
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This looks a little cloudy, but Chris did a great job on the front doors!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUV3-csctREM-GXIGFbd_wN6Kb8b6b7Va180E4hXLIcdwJ4vUO-1KtlBoZYl3R3_tr_L7sdBqTmVziztCMISpDKY_tOXpm4jt5k7jFTyszQxEBfOaXid0jQ6KIZopMKjnoEIQKJFNTzU/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUV3-csctREM-GXIGFbd_wN6Kb8b6b7Va180E4hXLIcdwJ4vUO-1KtlBoZYl3R3_tr_L7sdBqTmVziztCMISpDKY_tOXpm4jt5k7jFTyszQxEBfOaXid0jQ6KIZopMKjnoEIQKJFNTzU/s320/IMG_1438.JPG" /></a></div>This is a shot of the library<br />
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Part of the math area<br />
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The grammar area<br />
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We had a great time at the Open House and appreciate everyone who came out to see us!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-46590534972519752062010-06-26T23:02:00.001-04:002010-06-26T23:03:31.735-04:00Suggestions welcomeMarketing is an interesting thing. There are so many options and so little money. People need to know that we exist.We have a pretty specific target audience and a clear vision The classroom will be stunningly beautiful, the materials are amazing, the teachers are so dedicated and excellent, the curriculum is proven, but we must "get the word out".<br />
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Last month we did a quarter page (expensive) ad in a local magazine and only got one email response; yesterday I learned why: we printed the wrong phone number!! I couldn't believe that I missed that--I approved the copy that had an 8 not a 5. The upside is that I spoke with the very gracious lady whose number we did print and she assured me there had been several calls--but of course she did not know the correct number to give them. Ugh, I can't believe this, but it is done and now I must move on. <br />
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We do have another ad coming out in a "state of the schools" annual publication, but it won't be distributed until early August. We also have a tentative date for an Open House, and we need <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">alot</span> of people to attend, but I am not sure the most cost effective way to let people know about it.<br />
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Theater ads would be great, but much more expensive than what we can afford.<br />
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We have a working relationship with a very talented, local photographer, <a href="http://www.ananchel.com/">www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">ananchel</span>.com</a> and they will invite their clients and even give a discount coupon to all who attend. What are some other ways we can let people know about our school? I appreciate any suggestions you have. We know there are children near us who are struggling with learning and who have lost their self confidence. Our school CAN help them. Would you please help us let them know? Please comment here if you have any suggestions. Our website is <a href="http://www.mchnf.org/">www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">mchnf</span>.org</a>.<br />
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Lastly, if you missed the last post, we urgently need prayers for this Tuesday morning, June 29. We need our plans to be reviewed and passed so we can start construction on the renovations Thursday morning, July 1. Thanks so much!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-57321720602781446912010-06-25T09:13:00.000-04:002010-06-25T09:13:04.761-04:00Riding the Roller CoasterSometimes the ups and downs of living a life of faith are like riding a roller coaster--exciting, thrilling, terrifying, and can make one's stomach do awful things. This week has been like that. The high points include knowing that we are only a few days away from taking possession of the leased space, talking with some great potential parents, meeting an amazing teacher who wants to support and encourage us, and finalizing the furniture order. But the lows were pretty deep and twisted. When our contractor went to the county office to begin pulling permits he was told we needed the Architect to draw new plans and they could not review them until July 20th; this is almost three weeks later than our "countdown to opening" schedule! <br />
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I have said over and over that this whole project is a result of God's prompting and not only do we depend on Him "to meet all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus", but we want to make sure that everyone who even hears of us will know that it is His school. We pray that things will happen in such a way that ONLY God can get the Glory. He continues to answer that prayer by placing obstacles in our path that require divine intervention! We need our plans to be reviewed, THIS Tuesday and we need them to be passed--we are on our knees with anticipation. I did speak to the man at the planning office with whom I had met a few months ago and pleaded my case. He said he would "see what He could do" and I was thinking 'great' and I will see what God will do! :)<br />
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On a more personal note, our family enjoyed a wonderful visit with family in California--the time went too quickly. Edgar's dad is fading fast; he is in the last stages of cancer and at this point we are praying for a peaceful and painless ending. We are reminded again that ALL things are under His control.<br />
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I don't really like roller coasters, I tend to be more of a carousel kind of girl, but I am so thankful that at least I know Who is at the controls on this ride I am on! As always, your prayers and support mean more than you will ever know--thanks for journeying with us!!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-64058587054715524822010-05-29T15:31:00.000-04:002010-05-29T15:31:38.517-04:00More than just decorationsAs the beginning of summer approaches, marked not so much by the June 21 date on the calendar as by this Memorial Day weekend, we have spent a little time at our house decorating. My daughter was helping me put out the red, white, and blue flowers, the stars and stripes table runners, and several other nick knacks I always bring out at this time, she said, "Mom, why do you do this?" It reminded me that patriotism is not automatic--we must teach it to our children and take every opportunity to remind them of our Christian heritage as well as the fact that while we are at the pool and enjoying a picnic this weekend, men and women, many only babes themselves, are across the ocean fighting for our freedom.<br />
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My dad served in WWII and rarely talked about the atrocities he witnessed, he made sure we knew to stand at attention and salute the flag whenever it passed and to hold our hand over our hearts when we were at a public gathering and the national anthem was played. Not too many people do that anymore and it is very sad. We must certainly teach the facts of history but we must also instill the pride and passion on which our nation was founded. <br />
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This week as I have talked to several parents about enrolling their children in our school, I had the opportunity to discuss parts of our curriculum, I was thankful to be able to tell them that in addition to all of the wonderful Montessori materials we have to teach Math, Language, Science, Geography, and History, we will also teach Bible and patriotism! <br />
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A little school update: yes we have talked with several parents and have enrolled some boys and girls this week. Some of the students will benefit from the SB10 scholarship fund and some have been home schooled and will need some divine intervention to help with tuition. We are telling everyone we know who lives in GA about the tax credit which is a win-win for the donor will certainly help our scholarship fund for all our students. It is our prayer that every student who want to enroll will be able to do so. <br />
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Please do continue to pray for God to send us the students He wants to be with us and for Him to fill our school with those 21 children by the end of June. God reminds me almost daily, that He is in control and that He is working things out in His time, but I am still impatient! Your prayers are greatly appreciated!<br />
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I also met with the contractor and discussed the additional bathroom and petition we need to have. Of course it will cost more than we had budgeted, but we are hoping to be under contract and have him<br />
begin pulling the permits by the middle of June. We take possession of space July 1 and hope to have all the renovations completed by July 10 so we can set up the classroom! We finalized the order for the furniture and will lace the order in time for everything to arrive about July 10 also.<br />
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I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend. I hope you have time with family and friends, and I hope you take some time to remember why this is Memorial Day.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-16053920036901138662010-05-16T21:47:00.000-04:002010-05-16T21:47:07.104-04:00To God Be the GloryThis week has been so exciting as we have seen God at work in so many ways. To see our school name really on the list of approved schools for SB10 monies was so exciting, but there have been many other ways God is showing His faithfulness! <br />
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We continue to have Montessori teachers apply to work with us, and we are continuing to pray about hiring one of them or sending someone to training that starts in a few weeks. We need to have clarity on that soon.<br />
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Our one teacher began her distance Montessori training this week and she and I visited a very interesting Montessori preschool that works with special needs children. The school is about an hour away and is directed by an wonderful Christian lady with whom I felt an instant kinship. She spent a lot of time with us and we learned about HANDLE and are so excited to learn more. (see www.handle.org for more info). It is an amazing method, being used around the world to help children with brain function disorders. We think God has some plans for us to use this approach with our students in some way and to work with this delightful lady somehow.<br />
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We also launched our Facebook Friend page and have about 60 friends. We will add news there and hopefully some pictures soon. <br />
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We also answered all the questions regarding our 501 c 3 application, we hope, and will get that in the mail this week.<br />
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Edgar and I had an interesting conversation this week; he is the practical provider. It went something like this:<br />
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Edgar--"So you already signed the lease on the building right?"<br />
Me--"Yes, we had to do that for our SB10 application April 1".<br />
Edgar--"For one year or two?"<br />
Me--"For two--that is the least they would accept."<br />
Edgar--"And you have hired at least one teacher?"<br />
Me--"Yep"<br />
Edgar--"How are we going to pay for that if we don't have students?"<br />
Me--"We are going to pay for it the way we have always planned--with tuition money."<br />
Edgar--"How many students do we have now?"<br />
Me--"We have one so far, Ryan, and his scholarship covers his entire tuition."<br />
Edgar--"So how are we going to pay the bills?" (tone of voice becoming a little more intense)<br />
Me--"We are going to pay for it the way we have always planned--with tuition money."<br />
Edgar--"But you just said we only have one student, our son!"<br />
Me--"This is true, but it is only the 2nd week of May, I have asked God for a full enrollment by the end of June, and a waiting list by mid July--(I'm going for the 12 baskets left over!!)"<br />
Edgar, shaking his head--"Okay."<br />
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It may appear as if i have blind faith--maybe I do, I am not sure. I do know I have Faith. Today our pastor, Andy Stanley, preached part 5 of his series Guardrails and it was regarding money. It was not only a great message, but a wonderful confirmation that God is our Source for everything including the students we need to pay the bills for our school! I have consistently asked God that if He wants us to open this school He would do it in such a way that it would be completely obvious that only HE could accomplish it. I promised to be careful to give Him ALL the glory--Seems to me He is right on track! Praise God!!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6419244680844099318.post-79420798584499375002010-05-05T15:29:00.000-04:002010-05-05T15:29:03.489-04:00GREAT NEWSToday we submitted additional paper work to the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship committee and we were APPROVED!! This is such wonderful news and a miraculous answer to prayer. Now those students who are currently enrolled in a public school and have and IEP Individual Educational Plan can receive scholarship funds if they choose to enroll in our program!! This has been a long and tedious process, but so worth the effort. Thank you for praying for us and for continuing to ask God to lead the 21 children HE wants to be in our school to enroll.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04110363342129175901noreply@blogger.com3