TIME IS HERE

God started me on a wonderful adventure many months ago.  I distinctly remember conversations around the table at our place in Egg Harbor, Door County with our long time friend Dick Anderson.  " Bev when you retire, would you come to Nicaragua (NICA) and help with teaching strategies in our schools attached to the orphanages?" or words to that effect.  Dick is the Executive Director of ORPHANetwork (www.ORPHANetwork.org).

Since that time, I have retired from my school district after 25 years of service and tomorrow I set out on a new adventure.

I met a wonderful person at the start of this adventure.  Joan, a retired special education teacher from the north suburbs has partnered with me in planning and, as of tomorrow, executing the plans for staff development and training at the Verbo School in Managua, NICA.  Joan and I have had many wonderful meetings at Panera and Willowcreek Church as we talked, planned,  and gathered the materials needed.  We have become good friends in the process.

I have reached out to many people and they responded ethusiastically with materials and ideas that are making this training top notch.  My thanks go to Dave S. for letting us translate his Energizing Brain Breaks  in Spanish and then providing us with 30 copies to take and distribute.  Chuck H.  donated construction paper that will be used in one of the sessions.  Robin L. gave me wise counsel and suggestions for cooperative learning. Harbors Solutions and Services provided Bloom's Taxonomy flip books as well as chart paper, fairy tales, scissors, etc.  Dist. 203 and Dist. 34    for additional gifts to use with our presentation.

Many people have help prepare by giving of their gift of translation.  My friend Bruce put me in touch with Joann and Robin.  Friends Sylvia and Dolores from my school district added their expertise.  Friends who, out of their busyness, were willing to take documents and make sure that the Spanish translation was apporpriate.

So... TOMMORROW IS THE DAY.  I leave home at 3:45AM, not my best hour but I will endure, meet Joan at the airport and off we go.  "My bags are packed, I'm ready to go, I'm leavin' on a jet plane....."

Pray for our safety both in the air and in the country.
Pray  that our training will go smoothly, and expand the teachers' knowledge.
Pray for the teachers of Verbo School as they seek to enhance their teaching skills
Pray for the students of the orphanages that they will feel the love of God and caregivers.

Will keep you posted as to what is happening as best I can through text and pictures.