Fourth Quarter (Mandy)

It’s hard to believe, but we are into the last nine weeks of school. I was giving my students a pep talk about “finishing strong” today. As Doug and I were taking a walk around our normal loop here in Beit Jala this afternoon, we expressed gratitude for mild, springy temperatures as of late. Once it hits May summer settles in nicely, creating a sticky classroom filled with stinky students. My students and I have a lovely view of the soccer field from our classroom. It’s fun to hear kids express excitement about playing out there and watching them race to the field at break time. Today one of my students told me he couldn’t wait to play American football on the field! I’m glad they’re discovering new ways to use it. The playground seems calmer these days as many kids filter out to the soccer field. That is a huge answer to prayer! Space is always an issue here, so it’s nice to be able to create a safer environment for them at least during recess. During our weekly P.E. class the children now have a choice between playing on the soccer field or playing basketball in the courtyard. A choice! Wow! I say all this because of the great appreciation I have for the soccer field. It’s managed to change the atmosphere of the school, even just a little bit. Every little bit helps that’s for sure. I wish more walls could be knocked down to create more spacious rooms-another project for another time perhaps……

Doug is busy working on creating the yearbook with a local printing company in Bethlehem. The seniors are using the computer lab (9 new computers donated by a church in Georgia) to help with this. Today they were able to type up notes to each elementary grade level from the respective teacher. Eventually they will help Doug with the layout and design of the final product. All grade levels are able to take computer classes two times a week. They learn how to type on the keyboard and how to navigate the internet. I imagine the high schoolers will learn how to use different search engines to find information for research projects/papers. Again, another “change of pace” is wonderful for our students!

I coordinated an elementary school talent show a couple of weeks ago. Enjoy some sights from that fun evening!

My Bible study is still going well. We are in between focuses right now, but I look forward to studying the book of Esther with them. The girls say they know about many stories but haven’t taken time to read them. I’m going to take the liberty of introducing them to one of the amazing women of the Bible! They were not aware that heroes of the faith included women up until about a week ago! That’s sad, and that’s going to change.
Pray that God would speak to them during this particular study coming up. Also pray that God gives me the wisdom and clarity of words in which to proclaim Truth to them.

We are both gearing up for the senior trip in May! Details are still being worked out, but we could use prayers for finances and traveling mercies. Thanks for your encouragement and support! We appreciate each and every one of you. God bless!