New Student

I got a new student today.  He's a little mischievous and I'll have to keep my eyes on him.

They call this a beach...

They've got a few of these beaches along the Donau (Danube), complete with sand, lounging chairs, umbrellas, and bars.  It's ironic to me because these beaches are along the canal where no one swims. 

Line Dancing

Tonight I had the opportunity to go line dancing.  Who would have thought one could go line dancing in Vienna, but apparently they do this every week.  The first two hours were instructional and we learned three new dances.  Then they got crazy...all kinds of complicated dances.  I tried to jump in on one of the dances I didn't know...that was a big mistake...I was lost.  But the other girls did really well.  Whitney and Leslie even got to two-step.

My first Bible Lesson for Chapel

I figured since I had some experience speaking in the children's program of BSF, I would/should volunteer to speak in our weekly elementary chapel services.  I even get to do it with a partner and only have to speak every other week.  Today was my first attempt.   I think it went fairly well.  The topic...II Samuel.  How does one cram the last 40 years of David's life into 20 minutes on a level that must be understood by kindergarten and 5th grade?  Well...honestly I mostly geared it to the older kids...I knew my kids weren't going to get much unless I pulled out the flannel boards and I knew the older kids wouldn't go for that.  

But I must say, BSF spoiled me with those premade outlines...the most time consuming part was breaking the material down into three main points with three sub points.  I'll admit that I slacked off on the principle area...I will definitely make a point to do better next time.  But once I had the outline ready, the rest was a snap.  I had those application questions on the tip of my tongue and the conclusion and finally the introduction were a breeze.  Even the actual presentation went fairly well...I went over a couple of minutes....GASP...I know.  And I wish I could have included the younger children better...but a good first attempt.  

FYI...My aim:  To cause the students to learn that in any life situation, victory or disobedience, one should praise God.

I'm famous!!

http://amandacarrie.blogspot.com/2008/09/ransom-note.html

How to stay warm

Apparently the trick, so I've been told, is to wear nylons under one's clothing.  I tried it today and did feel a bit warmer.  That's encouraging...but I think this So Cal girl might have to go for something thicker if she's going to survive recess duty in truly cold weather.

I might be a bad teacher

My boys love to play basketball, but they don't really know the rules.  They're getting a lot better about not pushing each other, but when the ball is up for grabs, they're not as nice.  One of my boys, let's call him Alex, is a bit of a snot.  If I say up, he'll say down, and he's not a huge fan of sharing.  This morning two of the boys are chasing down the ball and one of them (um...how about Bernie) clearly has the ball in his arms.  Alex reaches both arms around Bernie to take the ball away and Bernie's natural reaction is to shield himself and shoo Alex away.  So when he accidentally pokes Alex in the eye I don't really do much because I figure the kid had it coming to him anyway.  That might be why I'm a bad teacher.