Are we there yet?

“Are we there yet?”

“When can we eat?”

"I have to go to the bathroom."

“Can we pick our own groups?”

“Do we have to have a teacher in our group? Can't we just explore on our own?”

If you have ever led a field trip or if you are a parent, you have heard either these exact questions or similar ones. This week was ELW (Experiential Learning Week) at the middle school. I was one of the team leaders for the 7^th grade and over the course of four field trip days I heard all of these questions multiple times. In many ways, our kids are just like every other kid. But then you have those moments that remind you that they have experienced a lot more than many their age.  From having the the current crisis in Thailand explained to me in detail, to being told that they had been to a very similar museum in Dubai, my students continue to teach me! While the week was exhausting, it was good to connect with these students outside of the classroom. 

Our crew for the week

 On Monday we visited the Basel zoo and traveled on public transportation, which turned into quite an adventure. Although we had called ahead and told them that a bigger bus would be required, the message did not seem to have been received. We ended up standing for well over an hour trying not to crush 1^st and 3^rd graders (who were also standing) traveling with us. Our kids were great sports but needless to say, it was a long ride. 

Finally made it to Basel - headed to the Zoo

Splitting a McFlurry three ways and enjoying every bite with these two!

  On Tuesday we spend a day at the high school. They were able to enjoy some of the perks of the high school campus: ceramics class, chemistry lab, and a full sized gym. 

Their egg survived a four story drop!

 On Wednesday we traveled an hour and a half away to a very nice children's museum outside of Zurich. We spent four full hours exploring and could have stayed longer. 

On Friday we visited a local castle and they did the ropes course in a nearby town. (Thursday was Ascension Day – a national holiday). 

You have to have at least one silly picture. :) 

Ready to conquer the ropes course!

Showing their muscles

Monday begins our last full week of classes. Final exams are the following week followed by graduation and more goodbyes than any of us wish to say (to staff and students who will not be returning next year). But even in the midst of the sadness that can come with the end of the year, there is also a sense of amazement at all God has done this year. And I see that in the faces of my students and colleagues and in my own heart and life. He has been faithful in allowing me to return to BFA, in helping me jump back into teaching French and teaching the Old Testament for the first time. He has been faithful in providing for my every need!