The Library

1 library + 5 teachers + tons of books and VHS + 5 hours = a clean library and tired teachers!

Well, today was a teacher work day over at the school library. It was a long day but that library looks great! We got rid of a lot of books and moved some things around. We also painted one of the walls white and tomorrow two of the high schoolers and I are going to splatter the wall with some bright colors. We are also going to make some handprint flowers in the children's corner. It is so nice to have the library looking somewhat nice. There is so much that we can still do in there and one of these days we will get to it all.

I find it interesting that I have painted the library but still haven't found time to finish painting my apartment. Oh well, maybe I can do that during the Thanksgiving break!

An actual update

Well, I know it has been a while since I have actually written anything meaningful. Pictures are fun and all...but actually knowing what I am up to is even better. Let me think....school has been keeping me really busy. Having four students doesn't seem like a lot until you throw in some special circumstances. Plus not having a co-teacher this year has caused me to have less down time during the school day. It has been amazing however to see God provide for the school over and over again this year. The following is a brief summary of things God has done for SAM Academy in the past 4 months.

August - brought Karen here who has experience teacher and being administrator. She has been wonderful for the school and helping us get organized.
September - I went back to the States for 2 weeks and during that time the 2 kids I had were going to do work at home with their mom...however God provided two wonderful teachers from the Bolivia field just in time. They were a great help to the school and more specifically to my classroom.
October - just as the two teachers from Bolivia left and we were wondering who would help me out at least a few days in my class...God brought two more students to the school and a mom very willing to help out. She has been a huge blessing to me and the kids and I am so thankful God has brought her here.
November - Just as we started to wonder what we would do in January when the mom who has been helping me heads back out to the jungle...we get word that there is a young lady who will be coming to Peru in January for a year to help at the school. She will be working in my classroom with the intent of deciding if this is where she fits long term. Not only will I have another teacher in the class...but God has brought me a roommate! GOD IS SO GREAT!!!

While I have been busy with many things, I have still made time to relax and enjoy my time here. Right now it is mango season and I am enjoying that greatly...I love a fresh mango right off the tree. =) I have also been able to go out and enjoy the peacefulness of Cashibo a few times already this school year. It is a nice change from the smoke and noise of the wood factory nextdoor. I thank each of you for your faithfulness in reading my blog and all the support you give me. Please know it is appreciated and that God is working in great ways here!

SAM Academy Homecoming 2008

Last weekend we had Homecoming here at SAM Academy. It was a lot of fun but a very crazy weekend too. Here are some of the highlight pictures from the weekend. Enjoy!

Karen and me smiling but secretly thinking...we will never do this again! =)

The high school and middle school for the 2008-2009 school year.

Jousting contest to go along with the mid-evil theme of Homecoming.

We had a food eating contest...yes I participated. But no, I did not win!

One of the two skits for the night...this was the Cashibo team's play.