“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 7th
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.
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| 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 1st and
3rd graders (who were also standing) traveling with us. Our kids were great sports but needless to say, it
was a long ride.
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| Finally made it to Basel - headed to the Zoo |
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| 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.
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| 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).
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| You have to have at least one silly picture. :) |
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| Ready to conquer the ropes course! |
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| 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!
