November

2011

MS. BECS IN MANILA

Teaching, Mentoring, Encouraging, and Challenging Students at Faith Academy while Celebrating What the Lord is Doing Through Their Families in Asia

Although we do not have the day off of school for American Thanksgiving, we do still celebrate it! And this year, I wanted to share with you some of the things that Im extremely thankful for

My Kiwi Family

Immediately following our time of congregational singing this past Sunday, six young men and women walked onto the stage and gathered around the candles. One by one they read out verses from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke and from the prophesies in Isaiah. Some were boisterous and obviously enjoying the limelight while others were much quieter in their confidence. And although I could not understand the French, Indonesian, Bangla, Tagalog, and Finnish tongues that they spoke in, it remained a powerful way to be called into this season of anticipation, this season of Advent. This season of anticipation is definitely extending to my classroom right now. We are nearly all on pins and needles as we eagerly await the end of the semester. Some of the Korean students in my classroom are gearing up for early graduation in 2 short days. They are anticipating returning to their passport countries to begin their college careers. Boarding students are eagerly awaiting the reunion with their parents and siblings for the holidays. And a, hopefully minute, group of students are just simply ready to be done with their last English Literature class of their high school career! I must admit to being nearly as eager as many of my students for the end of this semester. The approximate numbers of this semester tell a bit of the story that is the crazy but exhausting fun of being a teacher, a mentor, a librarian, as well as a student myself:

The Number

Ive been living with Rob and Leanne Lovatt and their boys, Simon and M ark, since February. Im so thankful for their friendship, their hospitality, the laughter, the delicious meals (shes the Home Ec. teacher!), and the stability that they have provided in my life. Skype Dates Technology makes it possible for me to keep in contact with family, friends, and colleagues who are spread quite literally all over the worldCameroon, Canada, China, Australia, and the United States. You I say it time and time againI could not be doing what I am doing without you. I thank God constantly for this incredibly supportive group of family and friends that He has blessed me with. Your calls, your letters, your messages on facebook and via e-mail, your financial support, your prayers make it possible for me to serve at Faith Academy. There really is nothing I can say but thank you!
Becca VanWeerdhuizen c/o Faith Academy, Inc. MCPO Box 2016 0706 Makati City PHILIPPINES Faith Academy Website: www.faith.edu.ph

The Activity Stress-inducing 27-minute High School chapel message on the topic of Leaving Faith Academy.

375

504

Pages of Author Research Papers proofread, edited, commented on, and marked. Hours spent in the classroom teaching my AP Literature and World Literature classes. 10-hour marathon book-buying trip that covered 2 malls and 4 bookstores. Book Talks (book recommendations) given to middle school students during their weekly M S Reads! time. Opportunities Ive had to formally collaborate with MS & HS teachers. Assignments submitted.

275

18 56

The Result Along with my own follow-up conversations with students, 5 other teachers have approached me to tell me that theyve had kids coming to talk to them about the challenge I gave to be authentic, be in the Word, and passionately pursue Christ. 25 students who I feel are more prepared for the research requirements that theyll face in their college classes. Great conversations about not only the course content but also about the struggles, the joy, and the questions raised by being a teenage TCK. 199 new books added to our library collection. Middle School-ers who are becoming voracious readerswith a few who literally dance for joy when a new book comes in that theyve been anticipating. More confident students as they use the library for research and pleasure. Ill be done with my 4th class towards my Masters in School Librarianship in another 2 weeks!

We have 2 very short weeks until the end of the semester. Would you pray that I would be effective in my teaching, Christ-like in my interactions with the people God brings across my path each day, joy-filled as I recall the first Advent, and eager in my anticipation of the next Advent of Christ?
E-mail Address: becca.vanweerdhuizen@gmail.com Blog Address: www.becsblogs.wordpress.com Facebook: Beccas Ministry Adventures Financial Support: Christian R eformed World Missions 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49560 www.crwm.org/vanweerdhuizen/ WM #: 803635 Appeal Code: 801100MP00