Killmers In Colombia

Time is a funny thing- in many ways, it feels like we have been here in Bogota for months and in other ways, we still find ourselves waking up amazed that we are really here! Things have definitely gotten busier at school with the start of week 3 upon us. Jeff is actually sitting next to me grading papers and preparing his lesson plans for the week and asked that I do the blog entry this week, so here I am J.

Although my days tend to be quite busy, I do appreciate the fact that I don’t have to give and grade assignments and I never have to deal with homework! So while J deals with teaching 3 of a 4 block-schedule (90 minute classes) per day, I am honored to serve the needs of ‘my’ 136 ninth grade students and families. Although they don’t know it yet, they are going to be the best class ever and I am looking forward to continuing to get to know them all. The good/fun news is that I will actually be their counselor for the next four years and will move up in grades right alongside them.

Some news from Bogota: we continue to love this country and her warm and welcoming ways. We had a fun “it’s a small world after all” experience last weekend when one of my brother’s colleagues was here in Bogota. He and his family are from Bogota and he was here for a conference and invited J and I to his mother’s home for a family reunion/party/celebration. Such fun when worlds collide and we felt so fortunate to meet so many really wonderful people.

The school too continues to have welcoming ceremonies and celebrations. One of the sweet traditions of the first assembly is that all students get settled in the gymnasium and the Seniors walk in hand-in-hand with the K-4 students. There weren’t too many dry eyes up in the parent section! The Head of School offered a great welcome address complete with the official ringing of the school bell.

Yesterday, the PTA hosted a beautiful breakfast for all staff and faculty off campus in a gorgeous renovated mansion. J was the lucky recipient of one of the raffle items!

We’ve also found a church and the fun part is that it’s 4 blocks from our apartment! Union Church is the only English-speaking Protestant church in all of Bogota and we are so grateful to have it so close by! The church has a rich history here in the city and appears to be primed for a renewal with a newly hired youth pastor (from NC!) who has a heart for youth and young adults. We are praying about how to best serve the congregation and all the possibilities that exist.