Imaginations Gone Wild

Two people sit in two chairs having a brief chat before they part ways.

"How are you doing?"

"Good."

"Are you having a good time at the retreat?"

"Yes."

"Great. Me too."

"Awesome."

The conversation could have ended there. But then it happens. I lift up my hand as though I am holding a small figurine and raise my voice to a squeaky pitch to say,

"I guess I need to go meet Ken, now. See you later, Barbie."

It was a joke. I mean, what teacher really plays with barbies? Not me. Until the Secondary Retreat.

The 12th grade student seated next to me laughed and picked up her very own 'invisible barbie.' (Please take note that all of these things were said in a high pitched squeaky voice-- it doesn't have the same effect without it!)

"Hey Barbie, does it ever get tiring standing on your toes all of them time?"

"Eh, nah. I am kind of jealous of the new barbies that have flat feet, though."

"Jealousy is a sin!"

" . . . Oh, yeah."

"Where is Stacie?"

" . . . oh, her head fell off. So, she's going to get it reattached at the doctor."

Within minutes other people were wondering what we were doing. More students came over. Once they figured out the "rules" of our new game, they were quick to join in! By the time we were done we had 10 students, including 2 male students, playing invisible barbies at the CISP secondary retreat. (And no, the students weren't out of alternatives. There were plenty of other activities that they could have participated in!)

We had a blast! In fact, we're still talking about our spontaneous game of invisible barbies weeks later! (And, some of the school's board members are still questioning my sanity-- it was a risk I knew I was taking. ;-) )

Why is it that a bunch of 7th-12th grade students could have so much fun playing a game of invisible barbie dolls? Maybe it brought back fond memories of their childhoods? Or maybe, it was an excuse to use the creative minds that God has given us.

I think we forget that our imaginations are a gift. We think that only little children can use their imaginations. Last week our Pastor at the International Church of Prague opened his sermon with a reminder that God gave us our imaginations. We can use these imaginations for good or for evil. (He spoke of the people of Israel designing a Golden calf, trying to put God into a visible form, as an example of "imagination used wrongly") Yet, our God is a creative God. He designed the heavens and the earth; The Bible tells us that "the heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). And, He made us in His image.We are a creative people; we glorify Him when we make use of our creative imaginations.

This semester my 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English classes have been working on creative writing journals. Each day I provide my students with a creative writing prompt. They have the choice to use this prompt or to write a "free write" on another topic. Some of the prompts we have written on include:

" You just discovered Peter Pan’s Never-land…. children NEVER grow up here! Would you choose to stay in Neverland, or would you come back like Wendy? (Does this remind you at all of Tuck Everlasting?)"

Mr. Chumbley’s (Our school Principal's) roaring laughter is heard echoing down the hallway. You decide to check it out. You walk down the hall towards his laughter and begin to see smoke coming out of the science lab…. you begin to get a bit nervous. You open the door slowly… and…. (finish the story)

A letter of complaint: Imagine that you are one of the passengers on the train in Around the World in 80 Days when the track runs out. You were not informed in advance that the train would not end in Allahabad! Write a letter of complaint to the railroad company explaining your situation and asking for compensation. It should be indignant (annoyed, frustrated), but formal.

(and, finally, one of my favorites...)

So, your mom and dad glued your bed to your ceiling while you were at school today. You still need to sleep in your bed, and make your bed every day. (They said that this was done to help you to “think creatively.”) How would you handle this situation? How would you get into bed each night? How would you make your bed each morning?

My students have done an amazing job of making use of their imaginations! I hope to publish some of their journal entries on my blog in the near future.

My English classes have also spent a significant amount of time creating and performing their own skits based on our novels this semester. The 6th graders are finishing a unit on Tuck Everlasting right now. They chose significant events from the novel, arranged these events in chronological order, and created short review skits based on the novel. We had so much fun!

(Can you find Winnie Foster? The Man in the yellow jacket? Grandma Foster? . . .

Aren't these kids too cute for school?)

The ultimate point is this: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." (Colossians 3:23). This includes our work time and our leisure time: our creative writing journals and our invisible barbies.

. . . You can never grow too old to glorify God by making use of the wonderful imagination that He has given you!

Bethany Dillon's Imagination

I need to be reminded of who I was

When I took my first steps out the door

All I said now follows me around

I'm reminded I'm not like that anymore.

I uprooted and miles behind me

Are the faces and the home I love

You've brought to my attention

I'm slowly changing and becoming

What I wanted to stop.

Isn't that just like a finite mind

Setting out with such righteous indignation

But now I'm at your feet

Could you look at me with some imagination?

The bush before me, I slip my sandals off

I only stopped to look

In the depths of the sea, in the midst of a great storm

I run, I run from you.

Isn't that just like a finite mind

Setting out with such righteous indignation

But now I'm at your feet

Could you look at me with some imagination.

So remind me why you woke me up

And why you wake me every morn

The staff in my hand

Held in by your love

Just stay close, stay close.

Because I know my own mind

I set out with righteous indignation

But when I'm at your feet

Please look at me with some imagination

With some imagination.

He imagined us all into existence -- he "woke us up" and "wakes us every morn." And, he continues to look at us each and every day with His wonderful imagination.

Pictures from the Fall Secondary Retreat, 2010

(Designing Face Masks -- they looked great when they were painted in the end!)

(Making use of fall leaves . . . )

(hiding in fall leaves . . . )

(Finding new uses for pipe cleaners!)

(And, more new uses for pipe cleaners!)

Beginning to Understand

"Miss Nietfeld? Please?," says my sixth grade student from the Ukraine. "What are you asking me? Try again." "... ooh. Can't say English. Please?" I've had this conversation several times over the past few weeks. I'm currently teaching 3 students who range from beginning to intermediate English. They have moved to Prague from places such as the Ukraine and Korea. They are my "English Language Learners" or, ELL students.

These students sit in my classes understanding a fraction of my words. I try to speak slowly and clearly, but I cannot rush this process of learning English. Yes, they have ESL classes and special electronic dictionaries... but sometimes these things are just not enough. No matter how hard these students try, both teacher and student are often left puzzled as to what to do. As the teacher do I simply say "yes" to stop this awkward inconclusive conversation? Do I continue seeking to understand the student's question, ignoring the rest of my students?

Early in the year I noticed the look of complete frustration in one of my student's eyes. I looked him in the eyes and said, "Don't worry. You're doing great!" He looked right back at me, and said "No. Not okay. And I not doing great. This very hard."

My well intentioned remark did anything but encourage my student! He understands how small his English speaking skills are. He can see how hard it is for me to find assignments for him to work on during class.

I thought that I understood this student's frustration. After all, I understand how hard it is to be in a room of people speaking Czech. Everyone around you understands what is happening besides you.

Yet, I was wrong. Standing in a room with Czech speakers didn't give me a full taste of my students' frustration. I didn't really have a chance to experience my students' frustration until last night. Last night the teachers of CISP had our first Czech classes. Our teacher came into the room and spoke Czech to us for an hour. She kept repeating, "Ano? Ano?" (Yes? Yes?) The honest answer was, no! no, no, no. I don't get it. But, we all say "ano," knowing that it is easier than stopping the class with questions that we don't know how to ask. The main goal of last night was to practice pronunciation. (The Czech alphabet has a variety of soft and hard accents that we need to learn to pronounce.) We were pronouncing words that I've never seen before. I have no idea what I was saying. I was simply learning to make the proper sounds-- and this is part of learning a language. And, it didn't matter how slowly the Czech teacher spoke; I wasn't going to be able to rush this process of learning.

By the end of the hour I was mentally exhausted. I felt overwhelmed by the sounds and words we had just learned. How would I retain so much information? And, our teacher speaks very minimal English! How am I supposed to ask questions?

As I stood up at the end of class I realized where I was sitting: I was in the exact same seat that my beginning ELL student sits in every day. Not only was I sitting in his physical seat, but I was seeing language through his eyes. He sits through 45 minutes of my English class every day, understanding only a hand full of my words. My Czech teacher may only speak minimal English-- but I don't speak any Korean, Russian, or Ukrainian. My students' teacher (me) truly cannot answer any of the ELL students questions without drawing pictures or using dictionaries.

Now I can truly say that I have an appreciation for what my English Language Learners experience every day in my classroom. Now is the time for me to persevere in showing patience and compassion to these students who are so precious to our Lord!

Please pray for my sixth and eighth grade English classes

as we learn to display patience and compassion for our classmates

who are struggling to learn English.

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

~Ephesians 4:1-2

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

~Galatians 5: 22-24

Embracing Friends. . . & Embracing Change!

Preparing to move to another country definitely keeps you busy! I've put together my packing lists, booked my airline tickets, packed my bags, and paid the down payment on my new apartment!

... and now, it's time to say "good bye." And, "hello!"

An important part of the past couple of weeks has been saying good byes. My delayed departure for Prague has been a blessing in several ways. For instance, I was unexpectedly able to attend a dear friend of mine's wedding in Virginia! Many of my friends from Grove City were there to celebrate. (I was even able to visit some of my friend's new apartments along the way!)

(The ladies of Grove City College and the beautiful newly married "Mrs. Aljets")

(And the Bride and Groom depart . . . to live happily ever after. . .)

(My visit to my friends' (Katie & Brandy's) new "apartment!"

Many Grove City friends traveled out to celebrate their new space! )

(Katie & I went to stay with my friend Emily after the wedding.

We were able to worship with her at her new church! Such a blessing.)

I can't say that these moments were all happy. Many tears were shed as we parted ways-- Who knows when we will all be able to gather together again?

I've also been able to spend some quality time with my family. We have had some pleasant family dinners, I've been able to babysit for my younger cousins, and I've had a few game nights with my little brother!

(Day trip to Lake George... :) )

(Visit to the Saratoga Battle Fields. I challenged my brother to a duel and

he wouldn't even fight back. Maybe he thought I was kidding! ;)

Bring it on, little bro!)

In the midst of all of these "farewell embraces," I've been embracing the idea of upcoming change. For instance, tonight I went to get my hair trimmed. . .

Yes. . . just a trim.

(I honestly had no idea I would walk out with this extreme of a haircut. . .

apparently I am ready to "embrace change!")

The next several days will be filled with many hellos. As of Thursday morning I will be living in a new country, hearing a new language all around me, and meeting my new students and teachers. Adjusting to change takes time-- (for instance, I no longer need as much shampoo to wash my hair... :) ) Please pray for me as I embrace bigger changes than this!

Join me in Prayer:

• Please pray for the transition between my substitute teachers & myself. May this transition between teachers be as smooth as possible for the students at CISP.

• Pray for my relationship with my three new roommates. Pray that we will be able to support and encourage each other this year.

• Pray for peace in a chaotic time of life. May I trust in God's timing and in His faithfulness. (May I lean on his strength through these huge changes!)

Lions, More Lions, and Change, Oh my!

Change. Does seeing this word make you feel a bit uncomfortable?

Having just graduated from college, my life is filled with many changes.Yet, these changes are only the beginning! In the near future I hope to fly over an ocean, learn a new language, decorate a new apartment, meet many new people, establish a new church, and begin teaching a new classroom of students!

Though these changes may sound exciting, I know that they will be filled with struggles. I think about Jesus' words:

"In the world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

How are we to respond when change happens and circumstances get difficult? It's impossible for us to be happy when we don't like the changes happening in our lives. But, we can remain joyful. Paul gives us an excellent standard:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The other day my dad brought up some antique furniture that used to belong to his parents. My family knows that this furniture is important to my dad. One of his favorite pieces is an old victorian hat rack/mirror piece. My dad announced that it deserved a central location in our house: the front doorway! We gathered together in the doorway for the unveiling of his treasure. This is what we saw:

Not frightened? Let's take a closer look...

Still trying to be brave?

Enough already. Admit it. It's terrifying!

Okay, so maybe some of you appreciate this kind of craftmanship. Howerver, my initial response looked more like this:

(Yes, I am cowering in fear . . . and begging for mercy. . . from a piece of furniture.)

My mom and I are both intimidated by the large, seemingly angry eyes on this lion! As soon as my dad left the room, we began to search for a more positive perspective on our new piece of furniture:

"Well," my mom said. "Let's see... lions... lions... I've got it! You like The Chronicles of Narnia, right? Aslan! This is Aslan!" I quickly responded, "Sure. Aslan preparing for judgment. We'd better watch out!"

But, my mom was right. She'd already realized that we couldn't help this change. This furniture is important to my dad. We're keeping it because we love him.

Don't get me wrong-- I still have a hard time walking past this guy in the middle of the night...but, we know that we can be joyful through all changes, even when they are hard changes!

I know that I will face much more difficult changes than this while I am in Prague. Yet, the lesson is the same. In all circumstances, Jesus expects me to be joyful and thankful!

We're all expected to rejoice and be thankful in all circumstances: What are you rejoicing over today? Thank God for these things!

Today I'm praising God for:

• Many phone calls and skype calls with friends around the world! I'm so thankful for all of your stories, support, and encouragements.

• The inflow of continued financial support! Praise God for his provision... it's still coming in!

• The continued support of my family. Though it is hard for them to have me so far away, they're ready to see me serving and growing through my teaching position in Prague.

Serving and Waiting

Last semester a friend of mine wrote down the lyrics of John Waller's song, "While I'm Waiting" to encourage me. The words have become progressively more significant in my life:

"I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting. "

Right now I'm waiting. But, I'm not only waiting! I've been able to serve in many ways while I wait to see where the Lord will lead. I wanted to share a couple of stories from these adventures!

Last week I had the privilege of counseling at my summer camp for a week. This is the first summer I haven't been on staff, so it was a blessing to reunite with staff members and serve an amazing group of campers. One of the biggest blessings of this week was our evening devotion times. My girls had so many questions. One day we studied Acts 20:7-16. In this story Paul knows that he is soon leaving town and he "prolonged his speech until midnight." A young man named Eutychus gets so tired that he falls from a 3rd story window and dies. (It would be a sad story if it ended here!) Paul heals Eutychus through the power of the holy spirit and the people go on talking about the gospel until daybreak! We read this story the day before all of the campers were returning home. That night the girls asked so many questions that we stayed up late into the night (much like Paul) discussing God's goodness. Don't worry! We went to bed before anyone fell out of the windows. Praise God for these conversations!



This week I got to co-teach the 5th-6th graders at my church's Vacation Bible School. I met several children who were already passionate about the Lord and surprisingly knowledgeable about scripture. Their words were extremely encouraging to me! ("...that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine." Romans 1:12)





I continue to thank God for every bit of prayer and financial support that He has already brought in! I continue to wait and watch as He reveals a path for my feet. Thank you for supporting me as I seek to follow His lead.

Blessings,
~Michelle~

Prayer requests:

1) Praise the Lord for nearly 60% pledged monthly support (with more coming in every day!) Continue praying that God will provide the rest.

2) Pray for The Christian International School of Prague (CISP). Classes begin September 8th. They need their teachers and staff members to arrive as soon as possible!

3) Pray for continued boldness as I share information about CISP and seek new financial and prayer supporters.

(Thank you for your prayers!)

TeachBeyond Orienation

I spent the past week in Minneapolis, Minnesota for TeachBeyond new candidates orientation. This was a rich time of learning about what it means to be a missionary and a teacher at the same time.

Here is the sparknotes version of what I learned:

1. Missionaries are not perfect people. Yet, their imperfections humble them and prepare them for service. Their struggles remind them of their need for a savior. I am so thankful for the honesty and transparency of the future teachers!
2. Teachers are not only "educators." They are church planters. When first mentioned this astonished me. I couldn't help but argue, "I'm not prepared to plant a church!" Yet, I am. For, children are the future church. As a teacher, I am discipling students and leading them to the cross. Teachers are church planters.
3. The Lord provides for His children in truly incredible ways! I heard so many incredible testimonies of the Lord's faithfulness last week. He is faithful in every area of life. He brings in financial support in His timing, he draws his children to him in His timing, and he brings in encouragement in His timing! One of the biggest blessings of this week was getting to spend some time with Melodee, the human resources representative from CISP. It just so happened that she was in Minneapolis at the same time that we were. Odd, or God? Definitely God. Praise the Lord for this gift! (picture above: Kate, Michelle, Melodee, and Ben-- the future CISP crew!)

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing..." 2 Corinthians 2: 14-15

May we, too, be the aroma of Christ!

Blessings,

~Michelle~

Jesus is My Rock

I have just returned home from a brief roadtrip down to Savannah, Georgia with a couple of friends. I've been away from Grove City for less than a month, and I was already in need of a vacation. It's amazing how much work there is to do. I had this idea that busyness ended after college. Oh how I was wrong!

My parents recently moved into a new house that they've been slowly building over the past three years. It's still a work in progress, and i'm not convinced that the work will ever truly end. I walked into my room and surveyed the chaos: 10 boxes neatly stacked on top of each other from 3 different houses and my college dorm room. Yikes. Someone was quick to remind me that these boxes were just the beginning. If I didn't feel that this was enough work there were plenty more boxes downstairs. Great. Let's just say that it took me a few days to gain the courage to enter the basement.

Between this and continuing to make preparations for Prague life has been overwhelming at times. Sometimes I look at the piles of boxes, the lists of phone calls that need to be made, the fundraising events that need to be arranged, and I wonder if there are actually enough hours in the day.

Yet, life has not been without constant reminders of His hand in my life. The first night I surveyed my messy room I caught sight of a small wooden frame made out of Popsicle sticks that my mom found in one of my boxes. On the frame someone wrote "Jesus is my rock." In the center is a small picture of me as a very little girl sitting in a wooden chair and smiling. I couldn't help but smile back. I didn't even remember this photo. It was taken long before I became a Christian. It was taken at a summer VBS that I went to with my cousin. It was a reminder of His hand moving in my life in every season. He was drawing me to Him long before I recognized Him as Lord. He continues to work through every circumstance. He leads me down the straight and narrow path. That night I read through a few psalms before I fell asleep. One verse stood out:

"Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy." Psalm 61:2-3

Jesus is my rock. He is my solid foundation that I can put my trust in. Praise be to God for the energy He provides to pursue His will in my life.

Blessings!