Implicit Curriculum AKA How to Play Boliche
In my first education course, “Students and Learning,” we had to memorize the definition of curriculum. Of course by now I’ve forgotten it, but I remember it being something about, “the stuff that you teach the students, both EXPLICIT and IMPLICIT.” (Emphasis on that explicit and implicit thing- because you’re always teaching someone something, whether you realize it or not.) I’m not sure about each of you, but sometimes as I’m teaching the kids in Sunday school or the teens in youth group, I feel that explicit teaching thing does not go so well. Or maybe just because... Read more
"22 was like the worst idea that I have ever had..."
*Disclaimer: I haven’t been 22 since January, but…* Seeing this Paramore song quoted on someone’s story for their 22nd birthday reminded me of a conversation I had a few months back with a different person, who told me, “Yeah, they say everyone hates you when you’re 23…” I imagine this has something to do with the actual fact of being 23. It’s kind of an awkward time, to speak really clearly. All of a sudden you’ve finished you’re schooling, and you’re looking to integrate into “the real world,” “the work force,” and trying to be “an adult,” who “contributes to society.” Coming with those... Read moreJoy and Sorrow
Joy and Sorrow The spring and summer of the year 2020 has been a roller coaster of emotions and experiences in my life. In March I came back after only three weeks on the mission field I’d committed to for two years, and I have never understood better the meaning of the phrase “having the rug pulled out from under you.” However, I was grateful and confident that God led me to be in Colorado for this time, and it soon became more clear why. In the month of July I stood up next to two of my dearest friends as they got married. I watched my brother go through two surgeries and an ER visit due... Read more
Well, it happened...
This one is a vlog. Story time!!! Well, it happened! July Vlog Video of Well, it happened! July Vlog Read more
Not Finished Yet
When I first decided to become a missionary, I knew that doing this work would require a lot of flexibility and adaptability on my part. That makes sense. I mean, how else could you navigate through so many changes -- location, culture, language, community, etc. -- all at once? What I didn’t expect was that sometimes, the very nature of your ministry changes as well. Several weeks ago, I had a meeting with the director of BridgeWay (the school where I teach), during which he told me that due to some changes at the school, I wouldn’t be able to return for the next school year. My first... Read more
June 2020 Thank you, God. (Alt. Title: It’s Rainy Season) Adapted from personal journal, June 16, 2020
June 2020 Thank you, God. (Alt. Title: It’s Rainy Season) Adapted from personal journal, June 16, 2020 Thank you, God. Thank you for a mom who prays with me… Thank you for your many options that show your continued, perfect, provision. Thank you that anything that really means something will be hard. Thank you that my work really means something. Thank you that my relationships really mean something. Thank you that my life here really means something. Read more
Repatriation
I posted this on my personal WordPress blog for our supporters, but the more I think about it, the more I see God's hand in the difficult process and wanted to put it up here too. Last month, on April 15th, we made the hard decision to return home during this time of uncertainty. One-week prior we dedicated a week for prayer and fasting on what to do in regards with ministry as well as if we should stay in Peru or come home. God didn’t speak any big and clear words, but He did us this ever-increasing trust that whatever would happen, He would have our back. From that week we created four... Read more
Cultural Learning
I love learning. Honestly, since as long as I can remember I have enjoyed school. Going to the cool museum or historical place is often a necessary stop on a vacation. The majority of the books read are non-fiction. Daily, I receive newsletters on technology, economics, and politics. Throughout all of these moments of reading, listening or seeing I am very aware of the learning process. Here in Peru that still exists – learning Spanish, how to get places, ministry tools, hobbies – but tons of learning comes on the fly. Kinda like when we were all kids. After enough time and traveling to other... Read more