PK Service 2014

Christmas is such wonderful time of year. Homes are decorated, special treats are being made, and in spite of the craziness of extra activities, most people are in pretty good moods!

This week I had the JOY of taking my little pre-kinders to serve at the nursing home. Students at our school go twice a year in Pre-kinder, kinder and first grade, so I have the wonderful privilege of introducing my students to this ministry.

This year my students blew me away with their loving hearts! Usually the first experience is a little overwhelming and most of my students are timid around the "grandparents". This year, however, my little angels loved the grandparents with all their hearts!

For example, one student took seriously the task of finding a grandparent to color with. The person she chose was clearly in the depths of dementia and was singing to herself most of the time. In fact a nurse gave her a lollipop to keep her quiet and not to scare the kids. My little student didnt mind at all! She walked right up to her, gave her a hug and got to work coloring a special picture for her.

Part of our time together is singing some songs. We are learning "Do you hear what I hear" for the Christmas program, so I decided to have my students sing it for the grandparents. While they were singing, one of the grandmas got up and started to dance with one of my little students. I was watching carefully to make sure not to scare my students, but the little boy she grabbed joined in. I could tell he was uncomfortable, but was willing to dance with the lady. She made her way down the line and ended up dancing with four of my students before the nurse re-directed her. I was to blessed to see my students show God's love in an uncomfortable situation and I am sure it made that lady's day a little bit brighter!

Towards the end of our time, we pass out fruit salad that the students cut themselves. The teachers dish up the cups and children deliver. My little servants were so careful to make sure every grandparent got a snack and even brought seconds for those who wanted more. I was almost in tears seeing their loving smiles, grateful hearts and responsible attitudes to love and care for the grandparents.

Before we left, another grandmother grabbed me to dance and we formed a bridge for the students to dance under and around us. We left big smiles of the faces of the grandparents and my students got to see what a joy it can be to serve others. I cannot wait for our second trip this spring to bring more joy and love to the wonderful grandparents!

Greeting all the grandparents when we arrive

Singing for the Grandparents some Christmas carols

Coloring special Christmas pictures for the grandparents to hang in their rooms

Serving fruit salad to the grandparents

Giving Thanks

It's been a hard few weeks. There has been a lot going on in and out of the classroom. This is our fifth Thanksgiving celebrated outside of the USA and each year it looks and feels a little different, but as this day comes around it is time to practice what I teach my students: be thankful in everything. So on this sunny, somewhat normal day in Bogota I stop to give thanks to God.

I give thanks to God for the wonderful team of co-workers He has joined together in ministry. From my wonderful co-teacher, our fantastic assistant and the plethora of volunteers he brings each day- I thank the Lord that our hearts are united to serve and love our students.

I give thanks to God for the attitude of flexibility has has given my class this year. We have had a interesting few weeks together. First, my co-teacher is on a leave of absence to take care of her daughter, so we have had substitutes to cover her role. Second, we have had to say goodbye to two wonderful short-term volunteers who helped us throughout the day. Third, we have been blessed to welcome some new volunteers and helpers. Although there has been a lot of changes my students are still eager to come to class, learn new things and are excited to participate in activities.

I give thanks to God for his provision when I am lacking. When I have felt overwhelmed He has reminded me it is His work, not my own, that I am doing When I have felt exhausted, He has provided for me bits of energy through wonderful Colombian coffee, hugs from cute pre-kinders, and encouraging words and prayers from others. When I have felt homesick and discontent He has given me good conversations with family and friends, and wonderful reminders from parents of students of why I am here and doing what I am doing.

Just today I received a kind note from a parent saying "Mrs Trussell in this day thanks to God for your work in Colombia, for your heart and love for our children, thanks for be in Colombia."

As I go through this day- celebrating with Ed and friends here in Bogota (both American and Colombian) This is on my heart: 

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100.

I will leave you with these fun pictures from our Thanksgiving celebration in PK.

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Rain rain go away

Pre-Kinders this month have been learning all about the life of Noah. This week we learned about the 40 days and nights that flooded the earth. To expand our understanding we had a special "rain day" party.

All dressed up for rainy weather!

Thankfully it did rain! and we got to stomp in the puddles.

Boots Boots Boots

As a treat we made mud cups (chocolate pudding and gummy worms).

Yum Yum YUM :)

This and that

Usually in a blog post I try to have a topic or theme or story. But sometimes that doesn't really work. So today I thought I would share random pieces of our life in Bogota that isn't really that connected.

Just outside of Bogota is a cathedral built into an old salt mine. It's a beautiful work of art!

Some of the smaller towns outside of Bogota have a more traditional look with brick roofs and white washed walls.

All middle and high school classes share classrooms so each teacher is given a desk in the teacher office. This is Ed's desk on a normal day.

The natural beauty of Colombia is outstanding. There is never a bad view.

Sometimes the teacher office is a place of work, while other times a lot of goofing off happens :)

While coming back from the teacher retreat there was a long stop while a land slide was cleared. For this guy selling treats it was a great business opportunity.

One time at the local mall a whole parade of women dressed in white gowns walked around. I have no idea why.

Peanut butter is a rare fine here- and expensive. It's almost $5 for a small jar!

Hanging out with some of friends on break sometimes means going on a Ferris wheel.

One of the theme parks in Bogota- with a good discount on Wednesdays (we learned!)

Ed's not too excited about his tummy treat! Shaved ice with sweetened condensed milk!

Ed, always known for his fashion, made a sweet hat while horse back riding on the retreat.

Creation- end of unit

It's the end of the first quarter and the end of the Pre-Kinder unit of creation. To celebrate we invited parents to join us. Each family chose a day of creation to dress up as, then we came together to share lunch and an afternoon. Here are some of the highlights:

Apartment tour

Some of you know that we moved apartments last June to have a little more space and be closer to our transportation. We are still in the process of decorating, but here's a basic tour of our cozy little home!

Our living room area

Bedroom (and the bed is actually made!)

My indoor garden with lettuce, kale and chard.

Our kitchen (the washer is behind me)

Our living room from the front door

View from our window- look at the beautiful clouds and mountains!

The court yard area below us- with green space and a small playground at the end