Monday, April 7, 2014

#BogotaBlog (Joy's Perspective)

I don’t speak Spanish, not even a little. But in Bogotá I learned one very important phrase -- ya casi. I was told it means “already, almost”. Apparently it applies to, well, everything!

Is my bowl of ajiaco coming? Ya casi!
Did you finish your math worksheet? Ya casi!

Bogotanos are very optimistic and reassuring to one another – so, letting someone know you’re “already, almost” where you need to be or that the food is just about to your table (even if you really just ordered it) is normal.  It makes you feel like you’re always only moments away from where you are meant to be.

That’s one of the things I like that about Colombia – or at least, what I was able to see of it in my very short visit to Bogotá the last week of March. I also like that people greet each other with a kiss (just one, and on the right cheek), and that everyone, everywhere says good day, good afternoon or good night as you pass by.  I like that Colombians are proud – of their coffee, of their food, their diverse heritage and their soccer team.

As for me, I’m just proud to say I was able to visit my dear friend Kelli and see her life in Bogotá. In five short days she showed me so much about this beautiful, colorful country. From unwrapping my first breakfast tamal or practicing enough Spanish to order a cup of coffee by myself, we jumped right in to the culture of the city. We saw priceless works of modern art in the free Botero museum and witnessed the Stations of the Cross set against breathtaking views in Monserrate. We worked hard – thankfully fueled by delicious coffee – to take in as much as possible. A highlight for me was visiting the small town of Zipaquirá, where we took in more amazing views, walked some very steep hills and explored an underground cathedral carved out of an old salt mine.





I also learned so much about El Camino Academy, and the community of students and staff God has brought together there. I caught a hilarious closing show of Pinocchio, read poetry with Kelli’s 2nd graders and discussed with high schoolers the difficulties of being authentic to the Christian faith in today’s world of modern media. My favorite part of each school day was when the staff came together first thing to share a devotional or sing praise songs together in both Spanish and English. It was a wonderful way to start the day grounded in God and in the real task at hand: leading students in a closer walk with the Lord as they learn about the world around them. ECA reminds me so much of the international school I attended growing up in Penang, Malaysia, and I felt instantly at home – how could I not, with these adorable new friends?




It was an amazing experience to visit Kelli in Bogotá—to see her in her new home, speaking beautiful Spanish and running her own classroom. It felt like I became a part of ECA and a resident of Bogotá for a few days, stopping at the local CoffiPan for breakfast and sending the 2nd graders home with a hug at the end of another busy school day.

And when, during the taxi ride through morning rush hour traffic to the airport, the taxi driver turned and said “ya casi!” I just smiled back.  I knew I was on my way home, but at the same time I realized something: when sharing life with a great friend in a community of believers – no matter where in the world you are – it’s easy to feel like you’re “already, almost” home.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Updates

Oh my, what a year this has been...and so few blog updates!  Well, let me try to catch up on some things...


In late November, I flew home to Michigan unexpectedly because my dad had emergency brain surgery.  He had some complications after, but is doing well now, praise the Lord!!!

 Here are the three of us at Christmas.



I came back to Bogotá for the last few weeks of first semester, then flew home again for the holidays.  On December 21st, during a crazy ice storm, Bryan Morrison asked me to be his wife!  (And I said yes!)

This was the next morning, by my folks' Christmas tree, where he hid the ring.  We're getting married in November!



Back to Bogotá in early January... Below are a few photos from this semester so far.  It's amazing to see my students learn and grow, and I continue to be challenged to rely on the Lord's wisdom, love, and strength in order to teach them well!





"Throwback Thursday" (dressed as ancient Romans) during Spirit Week... Celebrate Colombia day... and a writing celebration at the end of 3rd quarter!



Last month, I flew home unexpectedly (again) because my sweet Grandma, Ann, passed away.  I have hope that she is with the Lord, but it will be an ongoing process to mourn her absence from our lives.  I was very thankful that God opened the door for me to go home for a few days to be with family during that time.

Grandma with all her grandkids at Christmas.



And, just after I came back, my dear friend Joy came to visit Bogotá!  It was an awesome encouragement (and so much fun!) to show her around town and help her get a glimpse of my life here.

Exploring Zipaquirá.  Joy and I now have spent time together on FOUR CONTINENTS.  I am so thankful for this friend and the journeys the Lord has taken us on thus far!


Joy will actually be the next person to post here on the blog.  I've asked her to be a "guest blogger" and share a bit of what stood out from her experience here!  So watch out for that.  :)

Before I sign off on this post, I'd like to share some other important pieces of news.  After much prayer and discussion, Bryan and I have decided that we will spend our first year of marriage in East Lansing, where he plans to continue a ministry internship.  This means that I will be leaving Bogotá and ECA after this school year ends.  Though I am excited for what the next chapter of life will bring, I will be sad to leave my students, colleagues, friends, church, and the city that has been my home for the past 2 years.  Those of you who pray for me, please pray for the transition and the strength to finish and say goodbye well.

Lastly, next Thursday, April 10, I will be leaving with a team of ECA high schoolers and staff, plus a North American/Colombian medical brigade, to spend a week in the Amazon region of Colombia and Brazil.  We'll serve with a Colombian missionary family who work among the Tikuna tribe.  We'll come alongside our missionary friends by bringing medical care, teaching the Bible to children, and other outreaches.  Please pray for final preparations for the trip and God's will to be done!

Okay, I'll sign off here.  Again, watch for Joy's post, coming soon!

Bendiciones,

Kelli


Monday, October 21, 2013

A Two-Photo Update from Year Two

"I'll blog while I'm in Michigan during the summer," I told myself.  Then, "I'll write a good summer summary once I'm back in Bogotá."  Well, here we are starting 2nd quarter of the school year, and obviously no blog posts.

I really would like to share more from this year so far, but on this school night I will just share two pictures of this year's group of 2nd grade kiddos.  Enjoy.  :)



The Lord is always faithful.  Thank you for your prayers as He uses me as His fragile vessel (2 Cor. 4:7) to teach these precious children.

Bendiciones,

Kelli

Saturday, June 1, 2013

End-of-Year Whirlwind


It's really so hard to believe, but I am done with my first year of teaching.  Thursday was the kids' last day in the classroom, and today was the year-end celebration and awards ceremony with parents.  I don't know if this has hit me yet.  I want to reflect on and share in writing the things that the Lord has taught me this year, but honestly, I think I'm still reeling and need more time to process.  I have a feeling that some key themes will be His amazing grace and faithfulness, though, just as a preview.  Stay tuned.

For now, I'll let pictures tell most of the story.  Here are a whole bunch from various events these past couple of months.

Popsicles in Science Class! (April)
...making popsicles happens to be an AWESOME way to teach the states of matter!  And no jokes about my last name, please and thank you!  :)



Poetry Celebration (April)
 We worked on poems for all of Poetry Month.  My kids did a GREAT job with reciting their poems, and they looked so spiffy!  Also, the moms who helped with this event are fantastic!



 


 

 

Visit from Ministry Kids (May)
 ECA 2nd grade is paired up with the kids from a Christian school called Acoinprev.  We visited them in September, but they came to us this time!





Panaca Field Trip (May)
 Cool park north of the city...lots of animals and pretty scenery, some rain, but overall a fun trip!















Fun Day Trip (May)
Fun Day is an elementary tradition.  We went to Multiparque with the firsties.  Again with the rain...but oh well.  The kiddos did cool stuff like go-carts, bumper boats, putt-putt, and those bungy-trampoline jumping things.  (Thankful again for the fantastic moms...and trained park staff!)  Overall a fun way to celebrate the kids' hard work this year.










(Gotta love kid photography...and teachers who make students pull them on the cart things on the playground...?)
Year-End Celebration/Awards (Today--June 1st!) 
 The kids helped me make a video to share some of what they've learned this year, I and other teachers presented awards for character traits, outstanding effort and academic achievement.  And we prayed and thanked God for how He has gifted and worked in our class.  Afterwards, the parents took me out for lunch to say goodbye and have an early birthday celebration.  It was so nice and I'm so thankful for them!

 
 
  
 
 
 
  

  

Here's the birthday treat, silly kids whom I will miss, and one little sister (in the back) who is coming to my class next year!

Mixed in with all of this were also a Spelling Bee (made me so proud of my kids' progress this year) and several days of "normal" teaching!  Like I said, I'd like to share more reflections once they are formed.

Please pray for me as I wrap up organizational tasks and prepare to head home soon.  Pray for the kids as they transition to vacation, but hopefully also retain things they've learned this year in their hearts and minds.  Pray for ECA staff who are saying hard goodbyes and transitioning to life and ministry elsewhere.  And finally, please keep praying for the open positions we still have, including two administrative roles.

Gracias y bendiciones (thanks and blessings!),

Miss Sickles

Saturday, April 27, 2013

ECA 2013-2014 Staff Needs

Hard to believe it, but there are only 5 weeks left of this school year!  God continues to bless, challenge, and grow me and the 2nd graders.

I want to take a minute to share the list of positions that are still open at El Camino Academy for next school year:

Elementary teacher

Middle School--Computers and Math

High School--English, Science, Math

Administrative--Academic Director, High School Principal

Other--Special Ed & Library staff


If you are at all interested in missions teaching and ministry in Colombia, please explore these opportunities.  Check out http://www.eca.edu.co/get-involved/potential-teachersstaff or email me (kelli.b.sickles@gmail.com) or info@eca.edu.co to get in touch!  If you know someone who might be interested, please pass this information along!

ECA exists to support Colombian and international families by training their children for lifelong service to Christ.  Please pray for these needs as we trust God to meet them, and again, pass this message along if someone comes to mind!

Thanks and have a great weekend!


Sunday, March 10, 2013

Pictures from 2nd Grade!

Here's a mix of photos of my class from first semester...Better late than never, I say!


Here's one of ALMOST the whole group.  We have a few new kids this semester (I'm at 25 students now), so I'll try to post a current group shot soon!  Also, disregard the headdress and face paint...this was from a Pilgrims and Native Americans competition at Thanksgiving-time.  :)



Below are some kiddos working on posters for our presentation about Squanto and Joseph for Thanksgiving Chapel.


Sharing awesome Science projects about environments (rainforest, tundra, etc...)!  My students are very creative!




Fast forward to the amazing, bilingual Christmas play, "In the Beginning." My kids were Israelites during the time of the plagues in Egypt. 



Singing "Joy to the World" at the end of the production.


 Christmas celebration!


The lovely lady with me below is Gloria, the 2nd grade teacher aide (pictured at our staff Christmas dinner).  She is a major source of support and a wonderful blessing!

 


Now you prayer warriors out there have some faces to put with your prayers!  One more week of 3rd quarter (crazy!) and two more weeks until Semana Santa (our "spring break").  Please pray this week as we wrap up the quarter.  Pray that God will give strength, joy, wisdom, and love to me, Gloria, and the kids.  Thank you!

Bendiciones!