School and ministry preparations...

We took a train ride last Sunday to see the nearby country towns. 



Kaylin's 6th grade classroom at the BFA middle school.




Kaylin in front of her new school at BFA. 




Lauren's elementary school in a nearby town of Wollbach. 




Prayerfully, both of our girls will learn the German language while in school. 

This past week our whole family participated in the "BFA new staff conference".  Lauren and Kaylin were blessed to play with other children in the high school gym and Rick and I spent some mornings being "schooled" in all the things that would be helpful to know about the BFA student and our ministry here in Germany. 

Kaylin enjoyed getting a tour of her new school on Tuesday.  She said it feels like a small home where you go to school.  She was very impressed by the locker size though.  We are so thankful for a school where we pray she will grow in her faith.  It has the most lovely view of apple trees and pastures out her school windows.  We heard the cows have been known to walk by the windows at times. 

On Wednesday morning, Lauren took her evaluation to see if she would be part of the 3rd or 4th grade class at the elementary school.  After a summer of "home schooling", I am thankful to say her hard work paid off and the Lord directed her paths to the 4th grade class.  We have met Miss Brown (the 4th grade teacher)and are delighted how kind and compassionate she seems.   Lauren's school also looks out on the most beautiful country scenery.

On Thursday, the girls and I took a much needed "day off" from school work and had a quiet morning at home.  I even figured out how to make pancakes here (more baking powder and flour is needed).  Other moms have even told me how to make homemade syrup. 
That afternoon, while the girls went to the FREEZING Kandern pool with friends, I ventured out with my host friend to the Rhein-Center (the closest thing they have to a mall here).  WOW... very overstimulating.  For someone that does not enjoy the mall, I was still thankful to find some things I hadn't yet located in our smaller town.  We were on a quest for lined notebook paper for school supplies.  Who knew this was such a treasure to find in Germany.  :) 
The girls and I helped Rick decorate his classroom on Friday.  So glad we brought sticky-tack from the US.
Rick is busily reading and trying to put together the curriculum for his classes.  Please pray for his week and the much needed time to write lesson plans and the objectives. 
We will begin the "BFA all-staff conference" tomorrow.  Rick and I will share our testimonies on Monday or Tuesday to the rest of the staff at BFA and pray they hear how GREAT our God is! 
The girls are thankful to be able to play again with friends in the gym.

We will enjoy dinner Monday evening with the other Bible teacher's family and Tuesday dinner with our host family.  On Wednesday, Rick's sister's family arrives from the States.  It will be so nice to have them back in Germany.  On Thursday, Rick will celebrate his birthday.  Prayerfully, my attempt at a cheesecake will work here for his birthday cake (baking is very different here because of the ingredients).

Psalm 121 has been such a blessing in my life this week!  I am also reading the book, "Choosing Gratitude."  It has been a good encouragement to my heart and mind.  My new quote to my girls is "Will you choose to whine or worship?" 

We so look forward to the BFA students arriving next Sunday.  We pray the theme the school has chosen for the year of "Only Grace" will be true in their lives and ours. 

Blessings!