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The Start of the 24-25 School-year!
The 2024-2025 school-year has begun! Before we jump into our newest updates, we thought we’d touch base with you all about the last few months…
A few months ago, I hosted an Adult Ceramics Class Fundraiser. The proceeds from the class bought a new slab roller, which evenly flattens large amounts of clay (a very practical tool for the classroom setting). The old slab roller had broken beyond repair.
I have been so impressed by the support of the community to help improve the classroom through participating in the fundraisers we have run. Sixteen adults attended the adult ceramics evenings. The class registration filled up very quickly. I needed an extra knowledgeable ceramic artist in the room, so I asked one of my advanced students to be my teaching assistant for the evening. Kristen invited two of her German friends to come to the class with her, who are interested in art and ceramics and is continuing to build into these relationships that began two years ago.
**The slab roller has been getting used daily in my classes this semester.
Adult Ceramics Class Fundraiser - the new slab roller arrived for our second day of class
Making dishes during the adult ceramics night.
Summer Updates:
Kristen and Rachel completing a painting job in the Health Office at BFA.
Watching European soccer with Germans is so fun! This summer the Euro Cup took place in Germany. When the games were on TV we would hear people cheering from their houses and outdoor watch parties. The outdoor parties also included horns and lots of festive German decorations and food.
Kristen’s friend, Rachel came for a visit in late June, while our kids were still finishing up the school year. They spent some quality time together and also painted the sickbay in the BFA health office for a much needed update. (We will share the finished look of the room soon!)
During the summer we drove down to a campground in Italy for a week of rest and recharge. This was certainly a highlight of the summer for the whole family! For some of our kids, this was the first time for them to experience the ocean. It was also neat going to this campground, as Kristen had been there with her family as a kid (while her parents were missionaries in Austria).
July and August were very full months in the health office for Kristen and her co-worker, Sarah, who were preparing for the upcoming year. They manage the medical care and medical info for the dorm students and all students during the school day. Two new staff arrived for the health office in July (praise God!). They put together a first aid course for the Res Life Team (dorm staff) and taught two other courses for the staff and teachers at the school.
This past July, I offered to go to the kindergarten and run two ceramics lessons. This was not something that had been done there before. The staff and parents were very appreciative of this experience for the kids. The Kindergarten even hosted a small art show to showcase the kindergartner’s artwork at a parent night before the end of the school year. We have enjoyed building and deepening our local German connections and friendships.
This is a picture from the second day where we glazed the animals that the kids had made.
The art show display for the parent's night at the Kindergarten.
All-Staff Training at BFA began the week of August 12th with over 40 new staff joining the various roles to make this school run.
During this time, Kristen and I had help caring for our kids from her parents, Paul and Sharon. This allowed us to both to be able to be present for our work responsibilites for the start of the year. Kristen is spending more time in the health office during the beginning of this year to help things run smoothly and to assist with the process of getting the new staff on-boarded. She will back down to part-time in a few weeks and will continue helping schedule medical appointments and follow-ups in the area when needed. Paul returend to the States the other week and Sharon will be staying in Kandern to help with our kids (and as a volunteer at BFA) until the second week of October. We are so grateful to have had the help & support during this busy start of the school year while our kids have been home and also now adjusting to their new different schedules!
Kristen during the BFA staff health training.
The 2024-25 BFA Staff
The Start of the 2024-2025 School Year
The new school year began last week with the BFA opening ceremony. Similar to the Olympics, students carry in flags to kick off the school year, representing the countries that the student body population is from or where their families are serving- It is very moving. This year, over 60 countries are represented amongst the student body at BFA.
Updates from the Classroom
This semester I am teaching two sections of Ceramics 1, two sections of Ceramics 2 and (new this year) an art class for the 5th graders (which happens to include Joelle). It’s exciting to start the year with a lot of new faces in the classrooms and see the student’s excitement to create their own art out of clay.
Our first projects are warm-ups, where students get their hands on clay and have a chance to learn techniques for the first time (Ceramics 1) or to refresh their skills (Ceramics 2). The kiln is mostly filled with decorative dishes made by the Ceramics 2 class and small lidded pinch pots made by the Ceramics 1 class. We’ll get an experience with doing the first glazing of the semester next week. This first week has been great for setting the tone for the semester and for getting to know each student better.
Besides the classes I teach, I will be the department chair again for the Visual and Practical Arts Department. We meet before school every three weeks to discuss everything from new policies to scheduling needs. My goal is to represent the amazing teachers in my department and to help advise on keeping BFA running smoothly; all for the larger goal of better student outcomes (everything from their academics to their whole school experience)
Family Updates
Joelle is going into 5th grade and will be in the BFA middle school this year! During the summer she participated in a volleyball camp. Joelle also loved swimming at the local Kandern pool this summer and boogie boarding during our time at the campground by the beach in Italy. She enjoys playing the piano and will also be learning to play the violin this year in the middle school strings group.
Amber just started 3rd grade at the same bilingual school she’s been attending and was very excited to go back to school. She also spent many hours in the local pool this summer. Amber enjoyed watching the Olympics and then trying the water sports like swimming laps and synchronized swimming with her sisters and friends. She likes the high-dive, but wasn’t quite ready to try the double or triple flips that she saw on TV during the Olympics.
Kara is starting 1st grade tomorrow! She will go to the same bilingual school that Amber is attending (and that Joelle just graduated from) Tomorrow they will start the day with a celebration where all the first graders come for part of the school day and bring a “Schultüte”- a large decorative cone filled with school supplies, candy or little goodies, followed by the traditional German “Kaffee und Kuchen” (afternoon coffee and cake time) . She can’t wait to learn how to read and write.
Nathan just started back at the same Kindergarten in Holzen this past Monday. He will be there without Kara this year, but was very ready to be back and playing with his friends. His German has significantly improved and feels confident in starting up conversations with his peers. A highlight from his summer was a turtle eating some of his ice cream on his birthday…ask him about it sometime. ;)
Prayer Requests
With the start of the school year, please pray for the new students that are adjusting to living in a new country and going to a new school; especially those in the boarding program that they would thrive this year at BFA. Pray for the staff to be able to minister well to each of the students we are caring for and educating.
There are several new health office staff that arrived this year. Praise God that they are here now! Pray for them as they are stepping into their new roles in an international school setting. Pray for it to be a place, not only where students come to have their healthcare needs met, but also where the staff can speak words of life and encouragement over these kids.
In October our church is having an outreach event for elementary students called the Lego Bau Tage. Pray that this event can bring in many new kids that don't know about Jesus and that their hearts will be soft to the messages that are shared.
Thank you all for your generous support of our ministry here at BFA. We would not be able to do the work here without your support both prayerfully and financially.
2024 BFA Ceramics Art Show
Last weekend, we had our second annual ceramics art show that opened at the Heimat und Keramik Museum here in Kandern. This has been a collaboration between the museum and BFA which started last year and has now become a tradition that we hope to continue in future school years. A bit of back story on this can be found in our blog update from last year’s show. In summary, the museum director reached out to BFA and connected with me in October 2022 to start a collaboration between the school and the local museum.
One thing that has been a lesson I’ve learned this past year is it never hurts to just ask. Several great learning experiences for my students have come from simply asking an artist in town to go and visit them in their work spaces and studios. The Kandern German community is open to connections if we pursue them. I’m so grateful for the opportunity God has put in front of us to build these relationships and be connectors for the students. Learning can happen outside of the classroom through observation and new experiences. Kandern has a rich art history that our students have benefited from learning about.
Art Show Theme - "Kandern Inspiriert!" (Kandern Inspires)
This year, Kristen and I passed out posters to local shops in town to help promote the art show.
After last year’s show, I discussed what this year’s exhibition should be like with Frau Hartmann (the museum director). She wanted the students at BFA to experience more of the history of the area in ceramics and challenged us to create a work which was inspired by the artists that historically or currently work here in Kandern. Starting in the fall, I took my level 2 and 3 students to the different ceramic experiences available in the area so they could develop an idea they would like to use for the show. Each advanced student from semester 1 and semester 2 completed an artwork with this inspiration. I am so proud of each of them for connecting with the German community this way!
Here are some up close images of some of the artworks created for the art show!
The BFA Ceramics 2024 Art Opening
The opening for the 2024 BFA Ceramics Art Show was on April 28th and included 24 art pieces intermixed with the local artwork from the museum, some ranging back several hundred years. The event began with several speeches about the art everyone was about to see— speeches from the museum director, the mayor of Kandern, me (translated by Kristen), the BFA principal and even two of the ceramics students, speaking in German. Kristen put together an amazing spread of food to provide hospitality to the visitors at the museum. Eight BFA community members volunteered to help with hospitality and the flow of visitors! Like last year, the museum was filled with great music performed by several BFA student musicians. We estimate between 75 and 100 people came to the opening of the show this year.
Frau Hartmann mentioned that she can tell that the teachers at BFA really care for their students in a unique way and that it stands out to her. Please pray for good conversations to come from this event and thank God for the opportunity to connect with our German community and this experience for our art students.
Here is a preview of the 2024 show!
Kristen at the food table along with two of our volunteers.
Sharing some words about the student’s work.
Some Spring Updates
Updates from the Ceramics Room
By Jameson
Black Forest Academy has now finished the third quarter for the year! It has been an extremely fun semester so far with two sections of ceramics 1, one section of ceramics 2 and (for the first time in my time here) one section of ceramics 3. As a teacher that has been through new beginnings for classes many times, I always look for new things to do and things that could be done differently than the last time I taught a class. This semester has been a good balance of new projects and updating previous projects to make them work more smoothly. Three times a week, students can access the ceramics room at the end of the day for half an hour. There are many students that are not part of the class that are able to learn how to make things out of clay. This has become a busy time with my classroom being filled with students working on clay and hanging out. It has been great to make more connections with some students that I have not been able to have in class yet and have a welcoming and comfortable space for them during Access Time. Some students seem to use it as a way to wind down at the end of the school day.
Ceramics 2 class working on their salt and pepper shakers.
Access time at the end of the day. The room is well used.
Detailed painting on a cylinder cup.
Field trip to a local Kandern potter
Two classes of advanced ceramic students were able to visit a local Kandern potter mid-March. It was so great for them to be able to see the potter work and also ask specific questions related to ceramics from a professional potter.
Here are the current projects we are making:
Ceramics 1 - Give One / Get One - Slab Mug Project – Students get to create textured slab mugs with the intention of making a set. One of the mugs should be given away to a friend / family and the other kept. When you are with that friend / family member you can share coffee or tea together with matching mugs.
Ceramics 2 & 3 - Kandern Inspiration Project - Both of these classes are working on completing their Kandern Museum show artwork for the upcoming art show in April. As a class, I brought each group to different pottery shops in town to study the style of Kandern pottery. Students were to work from a current or historical Kandern style for an artwork they create through hand-building or on a pottery wheel.
What’s Coming Up
Gnome Hunt 2024
Gnome Hunt 2024 will be happening the week after spring break! Each of the ceramics 1 students created a gnome with a personality. Over 40 gnomes will be hidden around the campus of BFA in a school-wide scavenger hunt. This year’s event will be more complicated with several routes of clues to follow in order to complete the hunt. It has been fun involving some of the students in some of the preparations and planning this year.
Second Annual Student Ceramic Art Show
A ceramics student art show will be held from the end of April to the beginning of June in collaboration with the local history and ceramics museum here in Kandern. Look for an update from us after the opening of the show. I’m so proud of my students as they have a genuine desire to connect with their German neighbors by participating in a show about Kandern.
Updates from the Health Office, Small Group and Family Life
In the health office we have sensed a theme these past few weeks, one that we, as Believers, often need a reminder of…God provides.
We saw God answer prayers for new staff (something that we have been praying about for the upcoming school year as two of our nurses are moving this summer) Our new nurse, Sarah, arrived in February. We have other staff who are expected to arrive this summer. Right now we are a team of four. (pictured left at the high school retreat)
An unexpected and surprising provision happened the other month…It was a Wednesday in January, when Zach and Kara were talking about supplies that we need in the health office or things that need to be updated. At the time we had a sports therapy table in our office that was getting a little wobbly and needed to be replaced. They looked up the price for a new table and saw that it wouldn’t be something in the health office budget at the time and would need to be revisited or we would need to come up with something else for the time being.
Thursday morning, we received a text from a Physical Therapist we partner with saying that she had a friend who just happened to be getting rid of a sports therapy table and that it would be free if we would be able to pick it up that weekend. That Sunday afternoon, the table was loaded into one of the BFA vans and brought to our office. (Pictured to the left) This table also is adjustable and is quite an upgrade from our previous table. The PT had no idea that Kara and Zach were looking at prices for one of them the day before. When we told her the story, she said she just felt a nudge to reach out to BFA.
We hadn’t asked and God still provided. His goodness can be surprising during times when we may not expect it or even be looking or asking for it.
Tuesday nights continue to be a highlight of every week as they are small group night! This year we have had some great conversations and I’ve seen the girls deepen their relationships with each other. We also meet every other Friday at BFA during lunch. In February we went on the high school retreat, where we stayed in a hostel across the border in Switzerland. We had a speaker come for the weekend and talk more about this years theme of ‘surrender’ and what that looks like in the Bible. We had small group discussions after the sessions, where we could dive in deeper as a small group. Some other high-lights included: ice skating, dodgeball tournament, mega relay, silent disco, snacks, walks, worship though singing, and the sun shining during our time outside.
Above: driving girls home after small group on a snowy night. They were thrilled about all the snow.
Left: A combined small group night last Tuesday before spring break with a bonfire, food, and fellowship at a bonfire pit that we hiked up to in the woods.
We keep learning more about German culture. The picture above with Amber and her scooter, was taken they day after the Kandern Fasching parade, when the streets are covered with confetti. Nathan’s German has really picked up and he can carry on some conversations in German. Both he and Kara enjoy playdates with their German friends from Kindergarten. The bilingual elementary school that Joelle and Amber are at just had an open house for the incoming 1st graders the other week. Kara was able to attend the open house and is thrilled to start learning how to read and write more, as that is not something they work on in Kindergarten/Preschool here. We just submitted Joelle’s application for BFA middle school for next year. She has loved her time at her elementary school, has made good friends and is looking forward to being an official middle schooler this fall.
Spring is in full bloom here in Kandern and the days are getting longer and brighter after a very rainy few months. Happy [early] Easter from our family to you!
May we all continue to “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” 2 Peter 3:18
by Kristen
P.S. Thank you so much for your interest in what we are doing here at BFA! As always, we love to hear from you as well! Grateful for you!
Bast Family @ BFA - Third Year - Fundraiser
Hello everyone! It is with hopeful anticipation that we are writing this today. We are kicking off our fundraiser for our third year at Black Forest Academy!
Over the past year and a half, we have been working at BFA in Kandern, Germany. Our initial plan was to serve at BFA for two years and being open to God’s leading in the future. Both Kristen and I have felt called to serve here for a third year. We have seen doors open for year three and have taken some steps to act on it.
Why a Third Year?
As was shared in an earlier update, there are several reasons why is makes sense for us to continue in our roles through a third year:
Stability of our service in our roles at BFA- which is a big deal at an International School with people coming and going.
To help meet BFA’s critical staffing needs for 2024-2025.
Art Department - Consistency in learning for students coming through the Ceramics classes and being mentored in their artistic growth. Continued growth with connections in the Kandern community.
Health Office - There is a large transition with nurses in the Health Office next year as two of the three nurses are moving. Kristen will be helping with the transition in the health office with new staff. At BFA, where students are coming in from around the globe, some of the behind the scenes tasks are unique to an International School setting with a boarding program.
Student Relationships- Kristen’s small group will be graduating at the end of our third year here. She will be a consistent adult relationship in their time here at BFA and has already built solid relationships with those girls. I have also been connecting with the students in and outside my classroom. I enjoy lunchtime Foosball games with students, video game club, ultimate frisbee, and open studio time in the ceramics room.
Joelle, Amber, Kara and Nathan would also benefit from having another year of uninterrupted stability as they have been learning the language and have been establishing friendships as well.
We’ve stepped through some doors we’ve seen opening these past months; applying with Reach Global and being accepted for the third year as short term status; finding housing in Kandern to fit our family and also have space for hospitality/ministry that we don’t have to move out of, but could continue to live in through our time here; Nathan getting into preschool; deepening local connections with the German community and the International BFA Community. As we share some of this information, some may seem like minor details, but we continue to see these small openings as confirmation and a “yes” to stay through the 2024-2025 school year.
Our Ministry Fundraising Need
Thanks to the partnership and generous giving of over 70 individuals and several churches we have been fully supported to serve here in our roles at BFA for the first two years of service.
Based on our current monthly giving and the amount of one-time gifts that were given, we will need to raise $35,000 to cover the cost of doing ministry here at BFA through July 2025. Our current monthly giving is $3,625 and our monthly costs are $7,500. The balance in our ministry account will be able to absorb the deficit each month until early fall 2024. Lord willing, if we can raise our goal of $35,000, our account will cover the complete third year of service.
What is included in the cost of living in Germany to serve at Black Forest Academy:
Specific ministry expenses (example: small group activities, hospitality/food for students)
Health insurance
Rent & utilities in our apartment
Education costs for our kids
General living expenses (food, fuel, car insurance, ect.)
Mission Agency Service Allocation
In Germany, one can earn up to 450 EUR monthly without any German tax implication. By doing some photography and selling some pottery, I’ve been able to add that to our general living expenses to offset some of the cost of living.
How You Can Get Involved
Please pray for BFA, the ministry here and fundraising needs. We know that all things are as a result of what God is doing; not the works of men. (Ephesians 2:9)
Please also prayerfully consider joining in on our fundraiser through either monthly giving, an increase in monthly support, or through a one-time donation. Your gift helps to support care & education for missionary kids and missions around the globe through the families represented in 30 different countries.
We are looking forward to continuing to being a part of what God is doing here at and through Black Forest Academy.
We will continue to “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always and remember the wonders he has done.” (Psalm 105:4-5)
Join us!
Fundraising Goal Timeline: February 1, 2024
November News
Jameson and I are sitting on the couch in our living room on this cool November day, wondering how we could summarize all of the happenings of these first couple months of the new school year into one blog. We’ve had some big events we’ve been a part of, but would also like to keep you updated on some of the day-to-day occurrences of our ministry and of our family life here in Kandern.
(We’re including a lot of pictures to help you visualize some of what we are sharing with you.)
Health Office:
I’ve been working in the health office three days a week and occasionally from home, at the dorms, or at sporting events. Each day is different and you don’t know what will come through the door or via message on the phone.
The health office staff provide medical care for students, perform health screenings, triage and advise, and coordinate referrals to health care providers. Last month, our team hosted a “Hot Apple Cider and Cookies” event to encourage the BFA students, let them know that we care for them, and brighten their day. We don’t do these types of events often, but it’s fun to make things interesting or throw in a little celebration here or there to share some joy and promote wholistic well-being :)
Currently there are three of us nurses on staff & another nurse will be moving here the end of December. Both of the other current nurses will be moving away this summer. We are looking for more help next year in our office (please pray for more nurses to work at BFA for the 2024-2025 school year & beyond… or, if you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about the position and/or would like to apply, click here- there’s lots of great info on the website, but I’d also be happy to chat with you or refer you on to one of our Mobilizers.)
The health office apple cider & cookie event.
2023-2024 BFA Staff
Here are some updates from Jameson:
Junior Trip
At the start of October, I joined the Junior class on their annual trip to Normandy. This trip centers around the historical context of this area as part of a turning point in World War II. Some of the trip highlights were: visiting the locations of the D-Day invasion & several cemeteries from various Nations involved to learn more about history; the group bonded well and had great discussions about historical events and the impact on things now; the students also had a great time jumping into the ocean and making a pit stop in Paris where they spent 11 hours exploring & seeing a few sites in the city.
The students had a reflection and response session at the end of our third day visiting sites. There were guiding questions that smaller groups went through to make connections to our current world context and our faith. One of the students mentioned how the sacrifice that soldiers made on D-Day should make them appreciate the freedom they enjoy each day. Then a connection was made about how Jesus had sacrificed himself on our behalf and how much more this sacrifice should impact the way we choose to live each day and the eternal freedom we have gained because of His ultimate sacrifice. It was cool to see how they were making those connections and the discussions that occurred as a result.
Ceramics Classes
This year I am teaching only ceramics at BFA. This has allowed for more intentional time focusing on these classes. It has been great having the room available to students more frequently and to see some new and returning faces into the room during open ceramics times during the week. This year we are continuing the connection with the local ceramics museum in town. All the second and third level students will be making an artwork to show this spring at the museum, based on a ceramic style from Kandern's past or present.
Here is a view into the daily happenings of our ceramic classes at BFA. Each day we start class with a meme or joke, for example "Have you heard of the knight that likes pottery? His name was Sir Amic." After instructions and demonstrations we have a great time working on our projects. Music is usually playing while students work, based on whomever gives a recommendation.
Ultimate Frisbee
This year, I’m leading an ultimate frisbee enrichment class, where we spend time honing our frisbee and teamwork skills, by playing a highly energetic game each Friday. This has been fun to get to know some students I have not had in class before and also get to know them in a different context than the classroom.
Photography at BFA
I took on the role of doing some photography for BFA this year. The dorms had some photo sessions as well as 50+ seniors. These photo sessions took place in September and October before the weather turned too cold. I’ve enjoyed using the skills and equipment from my previous profession in this context and fill a need that BFA had in this area.
Some of the seniors!
Some other highlights from these past two months:
The junior girls small group! We meet every Tuesday night and each lunch together at school every other Friday. We have a tight-knit group and are looking forward to the weeks and months ahead.
Volunteering at Kara & Nathan’s Kindergarten cake sale in Holzen during the yearly Craft Market; building relationships with other parents and helping the Kindergarten raise money for projects at the school
Coming along-side our local German church to help out with the Lego Days. During the set up, Jameson guessed that there were Tens-of-thousands-of-legos there for the kids to use. It was run similarly to a VBS (for those of you who are familiar with Vacation Bible School) It was an after school event at our church and kids could sign up for 2-3 days out of the 5 days. We had a total of about 100 kids come.
After the kids arrived, the staff gave them info on the legos (they each could build something to add to a massive lego city) The kids built towers, houses, pyramids, castles, gardens, soccer stadiums, concert venues, cabins, pirate ships, airports, horse stables etc etc etc. Then the kids would have a snack break, hear a Bible story and get back to building with legos. By the end of the week, the City was huge!
Joelle and Amber participated in this event too and just loved it! There were also many kids who came who were new to the church.
Having a college friend visit for a few days and having family here over fall break. It is so fun sharing some of our life and the place we call home with friends/family from the States.
Hiking near Kandern.
Joelle (4th grade) and Amber (2nd grade) both started piano lessons this fall and are enjoying their school and time with friends. Kara and Nathan are still in the Holzen Kindergarten. Kara speaks German fluently and loves playing with her friends at the Kindergarten. Nathan is still working on his German, but is also making more friends there.
Praises:
We are so thankful for all of your prayers and support which allows us to serve at Black Forest Academy. Your partnership is a blessing to us and to those we are here to serve.
The small group has been bonding and have had some great discussions. Am hoping that it continues to be a place of encouragement, growth and friendship for these girls.
Prayer:
Please pray for more staff in the Health Office at BFA for the 2024-2025 school year (and beyond) and for the staffing needs of the school in general
Bast Family Third Year Extension Fundraising Goal- more info to come out about this next week as this blog already contains a lot of info.
We’d also like to acknowledge, that there have been some difficult world events that have happened (or are currently happening), which have affected certain regions in countries/ people groups…earthquakes, floods, wars etc, When we turn on the TV or read about a devastating event happening, these aren’t “just news stories” . These events have have had a direct impact on families, friends, neighbors, churches and large communities. In the BFA community some of these events have been hitting very close to home and they aren’t “just stories”. When you turn on the news, please remember to pray for these people, countries and what they are going through. Pray for God’s comfort and peace to bring light and hope in some very difficult situations.
Thank you so much for your time and for partnering with us here at Black Forest Academy,
Jameson & Kristen
Summer 2023 updates
The countdown is on for the start of the 2023 school year…12 more days until BFA’s halls are filled with International students from around the world.
This summer we have been gearing up for the new school year and are excited to see what the 2023-2024 school year has in store.
Jameson will continue in his roll as the head of the art department and will be teaching ceramics 1,2, & 3. He was able to raise enough money to buy another potters-wheel for his classroom this summer- which also can increase his class size by 2 more students. His classroom also got some new art supplies, that he is excited about using with the students to help give them some more tools to create some really cool art.
I have been in the health office a fair amount since the school year ended, learning some of the tasks that need to happen during the summer at an International School. These past months, I supported the health office staff with some of those tasks to prepare for the new school year which will help in supporting the health and well-being of our students and staff. This year I will be in the office a little more and will continue making medical appointments for students and communicating with Doctors offices in the German community.
A Summer Move into Kandern
We have some exciting news!…We moved into Kandern from Holzen in mid-July and are centrally located in town now. Our home is much closer to BFA and also closer to more of the dorms- even grocery stores are within walking distance. The home we were in last year was something we knew we would only be living in for the first year here. Our new Kandern yellow-butter-colored apartment will allow us a little more space for hospitality and family-life. This was an answer to prayer. We will miss living near our Holzen neighbors, but Kara and Nathan will still be in the Kindergarten (preschool) in Holzen this upcoming year.
Our fabulous downstairs neighbors / landlords from Holzen.
Our new home in Kandern. We live on the second and third floor with our “front door” at the back of the house.
A rear view of our home. Interesting facts about this home:
It was built over 100 years ago.
This was once a shoe makers store (first floor), work space (second floor) and living quarters (third floor).
There used to be a double decker outhouse attached to the exterior of the house. One on the far left of the porch and the other on the ground level.
Big News - Third Year at BFA Approved
Some more big news to share is that we had applied for and were approved by Reach Global to serve at BFA for a THIRD year, extending our original commitment by one year. Both Jameson and I felt led to pursue this extension-Here are our reasons why…
Uprooting and becoming established in a new community takes time, resources and energy; last year we grew in our roles at BFA & in our relationships with others here in the community. We would like to continue to build into the community, school and students lives as they have a need for both of us in our roles in the 2024-2025 school year. (Stability in a school that primarily serves MKs is a big deal)
Per BFA’s leadership, Jameson has been able to strengthen the art program this past year. Black Forest Academy would benefit from having an art teacher as the head of the department with a background in business for an additional year without interruption. He has also built a bridge with the local art community that could benefit from more time with growth.
In 2024, the Health Office will be going through a major transition in staff and I could help carry over knowledge for the incoming nursing staff. One of the nurses that has been here for over ten years is moving after this school year.
Learning the tasks that need to happen behind the scenes at an International School takes time and my background with the German language has been an asset to the Health Office. (Please pray for more health office staff- one of our new nurses is currently raising support and is hoping to come sometime this school year)
By adding a third year here, this would allow me to stick with my small group girls all the way through their senior year/graduation. I’d like to be here to continue to walk with, encourage, and build up these girls.
Joelle, Amber, Kara and Nathan would also benefit from having another year of uninterrupted stability as they have been learning the language and have been establishing friendships as well.
Visitors from Minnesota
On a personal note, we had some visitors from Minnesota this summer. Our friends, David and Rachel came earlier this month and my sisters family also just spent a few days here. They were able to get a glimpse of what life is like in the Southwestern corner of Germany. It was such a gift to spend some quality time together with them.
David and Rachel with us on Hochblauen (just north of Kandern)
Sarah, Noble and their crew with our family on day-hike in Switzerland.
Looking Ahead in these Upcoming Weeks…
Black Forest Academy’s All-Staff training began today and runs into next week.
Incoming dorm students begin to arrive in a week.
There are a variety of meetings and school events planned as students and families arrive until the school year officially begins August 30th
Jameson will continue prepping his classroom and lessons. He is also in the process of making 30+ mugs for the BFA merch table for next week.
Kara and Nathan just started their summer break and will start up with Kindergarten again mid-September (Kara is very excited to have her Kindergarten friends over next week for a Birthday party)
Joelle and Amber will be back at CSK starting the first week of September. Joelle will be in 4th grade and Amber will be in 2nd grade.
Our local German church, F.e.G Kandern, is doing a Lego outreach week in October that we will be helping out with ‘ein bisschen’ (=a little in German). More to come on that.
Praise & Prayer Requests
Many of you have asked how Jameson’s dad, Jim, has been doing…a HUGE answer to prayer- He is in remission. Praise God! He had decided to forgo chemo treatment and try a medication that has little to no-side effects which has significantly helped him feel better and his bloodwork is looking really good.
Please pray for:
continued growth in relationships with new and returning students
Kristen’s small group
For Nathan as he is still working on learning German and gets frustrated that he still can’t fully communicate what he would like to yet in German
Students and families who will be traveling this week
That God would continue to do big things at and through Black Forest Academy and the families that serve around the globe
BFA Ceramic Art Show 2023
Happy spring everyone! Depending on where you are in the world while reading this, it may feel more like a warm spring, snowy spring, or a very wet spring (that is our experience here in Germany). I wanted to send out a quick update regarding the BFA Ceramic Art Show that opened this past weekend at a local museum here in Kandern. I am so proud of the students and their willingness to put themselves out to the public by making artworks that are so unique and personal! It is our hope that this will become an annual tradition for Black Forest Academy and this local museum (Heimat und Keramikmuseum Kandern). The relationship between the international BFA community and the local German community is so valuable.
The story of how this all came about was interesting. In October 2022 the reception office at BFA received an email from the new director of the museum asking if the school had any interest in having a cooperation; connecting the school and the museum in any way. This email was then forwarded to me. When I initially read the email, I thought it would be a unique way to have students learn about art history by seeing artworks in person. This email came at a time when I was very much transitioning in my job to getting comfortable on how to do things and it would have been the easier solution to turn down the offer, but I went with it. After initially meeting with the Museum Director in November, we discussed the possibility of having a student art show at some point. You may remember in March, the students were able to have a guided tour of the museum. I’m so glad that this connection was made and that now 6 months later it became a reality. This is the first time since the art museum opened, 47 years ago, where they have exhibited student artwork.
The students could choose their meaning in the artwork they wanted to present. Some chose to communicate a poem, others based their work on memories and some chose Bible passages to represent through sculptural ceramics. Through the month of May, visitors will be able to see BFA student art work mixed in with the museum’s art collection and read the student’s artist statements; perhaps beginning a conversation about the student’s artwork themes.
Here is a quick video preview of the student art at the show.
The Museum Director (speaking) and the Mayor of Kandern (to the right) gave speeches at the beginning of the art opening.
During the art show opening, two BFA students played piano for background music for the event and Kristen put together an amazing spread of food for museum visitors. I didn’t keep a count of the number of visitors at the opening, but I would guess between 75 and 100 over the course of the two hours. Hopefully many more will come and see the great work done by our BFA students. I look forward to seeing where this continued cooperation may lead. I’m also praying that God will bring more connections like this to the school so that we might be more of a light to the community we live in.
Thanks for reading this update!
March Happenings
Spring is here in the Black Forest area! With that, we’ve seen buds on trees, blooming flowers, and new grass springing up out of the muddy soil.
This month we’ve also seen growth and blossoming that has come in this season that we are in here at BFA.
High School Retreat
March started out with the high school retreat in Mannheim, Germany, where BFA students and volunteers spent the weekend at a Youth Hostel. The weekend included lots of uno, late nights, exploring the city as a small group, a mega-relay, sessions led by a speaker who was also a TCK (Third Culture Kid), lots of snacks, and a “silent-disco”. The silent disco was new to me and included a room full of sweaty people dancing to music you hear only in your headphones. You can tune into one of three DJs, all playing different songs on one of three stations. It was a highlight for my girls (that’s what the glowing headphone pic is next to this column)
The theme of the weekend was “captivated” and our small group talked about ways we can “tune-in” to God. (Not sure if the team who planned the event realized how the silent disco night would be such a great connection with what the speaker had to share and resonated with my group of gals.)
A Look Into The Classroom
This month the art students have had some great experiences inside and outside the classroom.
The beginning of March, the ceramics students put together an all-school garden gnome scavenger hunt; in Jameson’s words “an experiential-art-experience”. The ceramics class made garden gnomes out of clay, painted them with glaze and hid them around BFA’s school campus. Whoever found all the gnomes and figured out the clue written on the bottom of the gnomes won a candy prize…and also just had fun with the excitement of the scavenger hunt.
The ceramics students also went on a tour of the local ceramics museum and learned about the history of pottery in Kandern. (Kristen was able to come along as an interpreter).
Next month the ceramics students will be displaying some of their artwork in a part of this museum. Students will be able to share about their artwork while food is being served and live music being played by BFA piano students.
Outside Of The School Day
As we have gotten more into a rythm here in our work roles (and haven’t had to be studying for the drivers test…hehe), we’ve had more capacity and energy to do things outside of the school/work day with students as well and include them into our family life.
Getting to know them better, hearing their stories, and learning about their interests are some things that we think is important during our time here.
Jameson started a Mario Tournament on the third Thursday of each month, which so far has drawn in a big group of students that have a common interest in video games.
Family
Our kids are continuing to adjust to life here and have grown a lot …not only in centimeters ;)
A week after posting the last blog update and asking for prayer for Nathan to get accepted into Kindergarten here, Kara’s Kindergarten teacher pulled me aside and told me that Nathan would be able to start there in the beginning of May (btw- Kindergarten here is similar to preschool in the States) He is thrilled.
Kara’s german-speaking skills have really blossomed, being around German-speakers all morning at Kindergarten. She enjoys teaching her siblings the songs she learns at school and playing with neighbors from her class. Her German friends have been reminding me that Kara is speaking “a lot of German now”…although, Kara, a girl of many many words, says she does not know much German yet.
Amber is enjoying school & her favorite part of the school day is “seeing friends”. She is still a little hesitant in speaking in German. Amber has also been enjoying being out on her scooter and bike.
On one of our recent family bike rides we unknowingly started biking across a path covered in manure that had mixed with some new rain water. (It is what we call “tractor season here now and the farmers are spraying their fields to prepare for planting) Because of the wet path, we had been sprayed literally, from head to toe with animal poo & didn’t realize it until we were all going across this part of the trail when the smell really intensified…we are avoiding the bike paths for a while until “tractor-season” passes.
Joelle is thriving at school and also has made some good friends. She continues to enjoy art classes and often says “maybe someday I can be in one of your art classes, dad”. Some of you may have seen our little post on our facebook group, that Joelle gave her first german presentation this month…she chose to research about Papageien (parrots).
Upcoming News and Prayer Requests
Prayer Request - In our last update we had included the news that Jameson’s dad was diagnosed with cancer this winter. We decided to visit him during BFA’s spring break. While the visit will be short, we hope to have some quality time with him & family.
Praise - Nathan will be starting Kindergarten in May!
Prayer Request - We are approaching the last stretch of the school year. Please pray for students and staff to finish of the school year well.
Praise - We will be moving out of this years housing arrangement in July. The home that we will be moving into is located in Kandern, close to the school. We are excited to have a space that can be used well for our ministry and family…Prayer Request The move to this new home will increase the cost of rent and utilities. The amount of monthly increase is roughly 600 EUR (300 EUR in rent and 300 EUR in pre-paid utilities). This winter we found out we can earn income in Germany (up to 450 EUR a month) without much a tax implication. Because of this, we are hoping to use our photography portrait business to help with this increase to our costs. We are also asking for additional financial funding for this increase to our cost of living here. Donation Link
Prayer Request - It has been a huge joy to serve here at BFA. Our skills and giftings match with the school needs and we are considering serving here at BFA for a third year. Please pray with us for discernment in this.
February Updates…
(Night sky photo from mountain just outside of Kandern)
Just over six months ago, we boarded our plane in Minneapolis and arrived in Germany. Some have been asking us how the transition here is going and how we are settling in… This semester we have definitely found more of a rhythm and have been able to find our place a bit more in the roles we are privileged to have here, at Black Forest Academy.
Some of the highlights of this month at BFA have been:
Jameson lined up a spring student art show at the local museum in Kandern and is continuing to try to build a good relationship between the art Museum and BFA (the art show is set for April 23rd).
January Art Show at BFA
The art department also planned a different art exhibit on the BFA campus in mid-January and displayed some beautiful student projects from the 1st semester.
I helped out as a medical staff member on the sidelines at some of the winter basketball games and also was able to “scratch the itch” of playing basketball again, in a staff versus middle school students Basketball game last week. (It’s been 20 years since I’ve played in a “legit” game)
The girls small group relationships and conversations have been deepening and I was able to share my testimony with the girls a few weeks ago; they’ve been opening up with some of their stories as well.
Jameson pulled out his photo gear and helped out with taking pictures at the dress rehearsal for the play and also did cast portraits for the upcoming school musical
I’ve been helping out in the School Health office once a week and continue with medical related phone calls with Doctors offices for some of the dorm students from our home.
Kristen playing the middle school team.
The start of a new semester of Ceramics classes.
Working on the yearbook design for BFA.
It has been a JOY for us both to use some of the skills and knowledge from previous life experiences, here, at BFA, to encourage, teach, care for, interpret, build relationships and to be present with these students.
That being said, we’ve also had experiences and challenges where we haven’t felt qualified, but very stretched and haven’t been as knowledgable…
Living in a new culture and working in an International setting will constantly bring new things to the table for us to learn as well as working with students, in particular, Gen Z.
Something that has really hit home for us and we hope to live out with those in the community around us is, that in seasons of joy, difficulty, growth, newness, illness and earthly uncertainty, we hold on to the promise that “God is our dwelling place”, our constant “from everlasting to everlasting” and who is able to satisfy with his steadfast and unwavering love.
[A comical cultural “aha-moment” was when Jameson had learned that the word “pants” doesn’t mean just mean “pants/trousers” but has a different meaning in the UK…for those of you who are English or have visited there, you may know…;) Unfortunately he found that out after sending out an all-school email and hanging up posters to promote a yearbook initiative all around the school campus]
Prayer Requests / Praises:
We passed our theory drivers exam (THANK YOU for praying with us!) We spent a lot of time over the past few months studying for the exam as the questions are quite difficult. The night before the test, I had a practice question come up (1 out of 1,000+ question bank) about driving in manual that happened to be on my test the next day. Jameson had explained the concept to me the night before and I was able to answer it with confidence. That question would have been the one, if answered wrong, that would have kept me from passing the test. Jameson passed his test the 2nd time around. We are grateful and don’t take the ability to drive for granted.
Praise that Joelle, Amber, Kara & Nathan have made some great friendships with classmates and neighbors; We are still praying for Nathan to be accepted into the German Kindergarten/preschool.
High School retreat is coming up March 3rd-5th; I will be attending it with my small group girls- pray for the high schoolers to have softened hearts and a great weekend overall.
Praise for growth in relationships with students and continued prayer for this as well.
Pray that God would continue to work in big ways at and through BFA and for the families of the students who are serving in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Jameson’s dad, Jim, was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Please pray for Jim, Marlene, and the family.
Hello 2023!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us to you!
We are in the midst of Christmas Break from BFA and have our first visitors from the U.S. here right now. Kristen’s parents arrived a few days ago and we’ve been enjoying some quality time with them.
Classes at BFA start again on January 9th; It will be the last two weeks of the first semester (which has flown by!)
Thank you for praying for our paperwork to be processed quickly to be able to take our driving tests to be able to keep driving here. Two days after we sent out that prayer request in our last blog, we got the letters in the mail saying that we are good to go and the tests are scheduled.
We are so grateful for you all and wish you the best in 2023.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
A New Rhythm
Greetings from Germany! We are hoping to give you a glimpse into what life has been looking like recently on this blog…
Jameson’s daily bike ride from Holzen to BFA. So far the bike has racked up 570 KM.
Jameson has been learning the ropes of teaching at an International School in Germany. He’s been getting to know students better and has been encouraging & challenging them with their art projects in ceramics. The yearbook has been coming along - there are so many great experiences and activities for students, that the yearbook class has been able to capture to use in the book.
Jameson has also been using his photography background with taking student school portraits, class pictures, staff photos, and most recently pictures at a photo-booth at the BFA Christmas Banquet.
BFA in general, is hoping to build more bridges in within the German community. Last week, Jameson met with the Kandern Ceramics Museum Director to talk about an opportunity for BFA students to display their artwork in the local museum, starting this spring. The students will get to share about their artwork during an art gallery opening; what a great opportunity for students and it would be another bridge between the International BFA community and the local German community.
‘Me Box’ Slab Project
A recent project in Ceramics 1, has been for his students to create a slab container with four sides that represent different aspects of their lives. Many of the students chose to represent different parts of the world that they are from or other meaningful or significant parts of their lives.
I have had the privilege of getting to know some sophomore girls in a small group setting , alongside my co-leader, Jana. Our small group girls have backgrounds from Hungary, Italy, Germany, the U.S., France, Russia, the middle East & Africa. Some high-lights from our Tuesday nights together, have been seeing their friendships grow, great discussions, a game night, doing Verse Expolsions (where we dissect Bible Verses in depth as a group), talking about our “High Balls” (high-lights), “Low Balls’ (lows) and ‘Disco Balls”(something surprising- good or bad or anything in between) of the week. Last week we decorated Christmas cookies & Christmas cards. They brought some of the cookies home with them & the rest we delivered to residents in Holzen while we went Christmas caroling.
It was a first for some going Christmas caroling- we stopped at some people’s homes who are home-bound on our route and ended the evening at a neighborhood get-together where they had asked for on encore and we sang Stille Nacht (Silent Night) with some of the local Germans there, which, all the girls said was a great way to end the night.
This fall, I’ve also been supporting the dorm staff and BFA Health Office by making Doctors appointments for students or calling to follow up with Doctors Offices. I’ve had to brush up on some medical words in German, but it has been a joy to combine my nursing background with my background in the German language to help support the staff and students. Some of the dorm staff are not fluent in german and calling to schedule appointments can be difficult or stressful in another country where you don’t yet speak the language.
Joelle & Amber have made some great friends and are enjoying their new school. Kara is adjusting to being in an all-German speaking Kindergarten. She has been learning German songs and short phrases. Nathan is at home with me during the weekdays and is on the waiting list to get into the German Kindergarten. They are all very excited to have Nana and Grandpa visit the end of this month.
Some other highlights:
Taking part in and learning about some local German traditions and also learning about some new International traditions from BFA students and staff from around the world; going to the BFA middle school play; a lantern walk with Kara’s Kindergarten; eating a Thanksgiving meal with one of the BFA dorms; volleyball & basketball games; helping out with a bake sale for Kara’s Kindergarten during a local festival; connecting more in our local church; the International Chapel at BFA; figuring out and settling into a new rhythm of life here.
Our current address:
Am Herrenpfad 6
79400 Kandern
Germany, Europe
How you can be praying for us:
For safe travels for missionary kids over Christmas Break, as they travel around the globe.
For Jameson and my paperwork to be processed quickly with the German License Bureau so that we can take our drivers license theory test…and that we would pass the test to get our German drivers licenses. Being able to drive would be ideal for our family and ministry here. We have until the end of January to take and pass the test before we legally can’t drive here. The test is known to be difficult and we have learning about centrifugal force, how to calculate reaction times & stopping distances based on what speed one is driving, new road signs etc.
For wisdom for Jameson in planning out classwork for students at an International School setting in the first year of teaching here.
We are grateful that our housing for next year is lined up- we had been planning on being at this current home for a year, while the Bryan Family was away and letting us sublease from them. Next year we will be closer to BFA- in the upstairs apartment from where my small group currently meats. Our yard and home will be a great space for our family and for people to gather.
That we would be able to continue to deepen relationships with students
In Galatians 2:8, Paul says “For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles….”
We pray that God would be at work through our ministry here at Black Forest Academy.
Thank you for your prayers!
Year End Giving
If you would like to support our ministry with a year end gift, click the link below. Thank you for helping us to continue serving at Black Forest Academy.
A glimpse into our month of August
Hallo from Holzen!
We’ve been here for just over a month now and are starting to get more and more settled in. During these first few weeks here we’ve been able to start making some good connections with some Germans in our neighborhood and at BFA . At our new staff orientation, we were told that the info we would be taking in would feel like we are trying to drink from a firehose- So much was [and will be for quite a while still] new to us.
One big answer to prayer this month was being able to get a car. All the pieces that fell into place to be able to get the car, just blew us away!
The used car had come to the car dealership the Friday before we arrived in Kandern; the only used car for sale in this area that could fit our whole family and also happened to be automatic (which embarrassingly made me very happy) Jameson went to look at the car on Monday, but we needed a German bank account to make the purchase. After going to the bank, they had told us that they didn’t have availability for two weeks to set up a bank account because they were short staffed. After we walked back to the car dealership to tell him that and see if there was another way to make the purchase, he called the bank and was able to get us in for an appointment to set up a German bank account the next morning. We were able to get a German bank account set up that next day & purchased the car, but still couldn’t take it home with us.
To register a car in Germany, one must have German visas... We started the process with BFA, but we were told it could take at least two-three months to get the visa and that the visa office was also short staffed, so it may take longer. After giving the dealership all the paperwork we could, the car dealer ended up having the owner of the auto company call in to the car registration office to get our car registered without the visas, so we would be able to drive here. They were able to register our car for us and we have been able to drive for a few weeks now.
There are a few other details to the story that touched us, that we left out because on paper (or in this case, on the screen) it would have made the story a bit more wordy and taken up even more of your time. However, I did want to share some of those wild details from that story, because for us, it just showed us again how God provides and how everything is His.
We are so grateful and have more of a sense with this car, than we’ve had with any other car, that it is God’s and are hoping to use it to further His Kingdom and bless others…AND driving our kids up & over the big hill, known as THE Holzen Hill, and to another village, every day, once school starts will also be a huge plus ;)
Last Wednesday was the first day of school at BFA. Jameson is excited to be back in the classroom and getting to know some students. He’s teaching the ceramics 1 & 2 classes and the yearbook class this year. Jameson has been working on his German, especially with our German landlords who don‘t speak English. Last week, our landlord offered to bring Jameson on a bike ride to show him some trails & took him to the border of where Germany, Switzerland, and France all come together.
I‘ve started supporting the dorms & health office with scheduling appointments for students using my German (I do need to brush up on medical terminology in German though)
For those of you who are into numbers, here are some quick facts about the student population at BFA this year:
There are 260 students at Black Forest Academy.
219 of them are missionary kids and there are 41 students are from business families.
110 of the high school students live in the dorm.
There are 202 students in the high school.
58 students in the middle school who live with their families.
60+ countries are represented in the school this year.
Ceramics classroom!
Prayer requests:
For our kids as they are starting their school year soon. Joelle will be starting 3rd grade on September 5th. She is feeling a little unsure about the classes that will be taught only in German (math). Amber will be starting 1st grade at the bilingual school on September 8th. Kara will be starting an all-German preschool (called Kindergarten here) on September 15th. Nathan will be home for now, while he is on the waitlist to get into the same preschool.
They’ve started to make some friends already and have all said that they are feeling ready to start the school year again.
For Jameson as he’s jumping in to a new role and is still learning the ropes on how things are done at BFA.
At the end of the day we are tired and still feel like we are still getting used to a new rhythm here
The school is in need of another maintenance staff to help with facilities management
30% of the students are new this year- for the students to make good connections with each other and staff at BFA
The 2022-2023 BFA Staff
We have arrived!
On Sunday night we made it to Germany!
This week we’ve been busy doing things to get settled into our new home …we registered at the Rathaus and are doing some the things that come with moving to a new country (getting over jet-lag, learning how to sort garbage, meeting neighbors, figuring out banking, insurance, a car, unpacking - 5 out of our 12 suitcases made it here. We are still waiting on the other 7 suitcases to arrive. We live on the 2nd story of the house seen below.
Our hosts, Katrina and the Hills have been so gracious with car rides, meals, showing us around, and answering a billion questions.
It’s been super fun (and humbling) to dive into the German language again. The kids made friends with a neighbor boy tonight and randomly would say the few German words they know to try to connect.
Jameson briefly visited BFA today, met some staff and saw his ceramics classroom.
New staff orientation begins on the 4th of August.
We are excited to be here!!!
It is very humbling getting settled into a new place where everything is new.
A prayer request: for Joelle’s neck muscle/ it’s been pretty sore and we’ve been working with it to not be so stiff.
And we’re off…
Today is the day!…This evening we will be hopping on a plane and making our way over the ocean towards Germany! The kids say they are pumped to watch movies all night and Jameson and I are ready to snooze once we get on our flight. One of our friends will be picking us up in Basel, Switzerland (after a 7 hour layover in Paris-prayers appreciated for our whole crew!) We land around 7pm and then Katrina will drive us to our new address: Am Herrenpfad 6, 79400 Kandern, Germany Europe.
These last weeks have been a whirlwind;
We packed up our house, moved out about a week and a half ago. A truck came and picked up our crate (it should get there in 6-8 weeks) Over the past few weeks we’ve been saying some ‘goodbyes’ or ‘see-you-laters’ and those haven’t been easy…we are feeling ready for some ‘hello’s!’, or should I say, “Guten Tags” ;)
This last week we were up North and were able to spend time with both of our families. We are so grateful for that time!
Today, I’m keeping this blog short and simple, but we just wanted to check in before we land in Europe.
We are so grateful for you all!
Bis spaeter!
~Kristen & Jameson
Quick Update
For those of you who are new to following our ministry at Black Forest Academy, here is a short video that gives a great overview of what we will be doing. Shout out to Daniel for putting this together!
We just finished a week long training with ReachGlobal in Bloomington with 16 other pre-deployed missionaries. There were so many great speakers, stories and some great insight that helped us prepare more before we move… we still have so much to learn once we get there.
Thank you for your prayers and for partnering with us!
This is getting so real…
In the last few weeks we have been asked many times what the count down is to arriving in Germany… so here it is:
Since our last update there have been many things that have happened. To keep it short and simple:
I finished my 8th year of teaching at Tartan High School. The school year finished well, and it was a little surreal walking down the halls for the last time remembering all the experiences over these years. I built some great relationships with my students and coworkers.
The last two years were very challenging as an educator and for students trying to learn during a pandemic; a theme for many teachers and students this year was perseverance through difficult things and I felt stretched in this way too.
At the end of the year I was able to hear from students and read some cards that showed some of the fruit and the impact in their lives from my time at Tartan.
(Looking forward to starting classes at BFA in the fall!)
We are halfway through our Pre-Field training through ReachGlobal, which will end with a five day long in-person training at the end of June. Our cohort of pre-deployed missionaries will be working in the US and in other countries around the world. We love that the cohort is a multicultural and multigenerational group.
There is an emphasis in our training about how missions is from everywhere to everywhere, whether it is across the street or across the globe.
This Friday is the last day of school for our kids in the White Bear Lake public schools… the next time they will be in school, a big chunk of their day will be speaking, hearing and learning in German.
The packing has officially begun… our home sold at the end of May. We are grateful that we can continue living here (in the same house) until mid July.
In the upcoming weeks, along with our pre-field training, we will be packing, cleaning, hanging out with friends & family, and will be visiting our supporting churches. On June 19th our church is having a commissioning service for our family. If any of you would like to come, here are the details:
Rockpoint Church in Lake Elmo, MN (5825 Kelvin Ave N Lake Elmo, MN 55042) The service times are at 9:15AM and 10:45AM. Or watch the service online at 9:15 with this link: YOUTUBE
Bis später!
House closing at the end of May.
May Updates
We have some exciting updates to share with you! Things are getting real over here in the Bast household! In just a little over two months we will be arriving in Germany...we officially have our plane tickets and fly out from Minneapolis on July 23rd!
This month we started an online pre-field training course through Reach Global with 17 other missionaries who will be serving in various parts of the world. It has been so great connecting with them, hearing their stories, and hearing about what they will be doing.
In April, we had the privilege and a blast sharing about Black Forest Academy at our home church with the elementary schoolers. This month, I was able to visit City Church in Minneapolis to talk about our ministry and to connect.
Later this month we will be closing on our house (We'll be able to continue to live here until mid-July)
Last month was Kristen's last shift with the foot care clinic. I will be wrapping up my 8th year of teaching at Tartan High School the beginning of June.
100%!
The kids are all set to go with their schools for the 2022-2023 schoolyear and we have housing lined up as well. Joelle and Amber will be at a bilingual elementary school nearby and Kara got into a German preschool just down the street from us.
It has been so awesome seeing how things have been coming together...as of this week, we have 100% of our monthly support needs met through commitments and donations. We are SO grateful and humbled by the partnerships and generosity!
We'd appreciate prayers for the following:
Balancing work, packing, training, and family life as things are picking up and during the transition time.
For Black Forest Academy as they students and staff are wrapping up this school year.
We are recovering from Covid and are feeling a bit drained physically.
Something to ponder, while drinking your morning coffee…
This last week, I was pretty pumped to have gotten a few instagram messages from Ann Voskamp! For those of you who don’t know her, she is an author and public speaker, who has a very thought-provoking and poetic writing style. A few weeks ago, she was a speaker at a conference and she introduced her new book called, Waymaker. I have yet to read the book, but during that conference she shared some thoughts & stories from the book; she talked about how we don’t always understand why difficult things happen or we may wonder “Where are you God” during certain times of our lives or in painful experiences. She made the point that “When we don’t know the way, look to God-He is the Way!” and “When we say, ‘there is no way’, turn and look to The Way”
During that evening, Ann had also shared about how one of her daughters has a heart condition. This pulled on my heartstrings a bit as some of you know about our story with our daughter, Kara.
Kara was born in August of 2017, a few weeks after my Mother-In-Law, Linda, passed away in July. That August we entered into the realm of the NICU at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital. As a newborn, Kara had pulmonary hypertension and a “damaged” heart; later cardiologists figured out that she had experienced a heart-attack (which is super uncommon in babies). Those of you who have had kiddos in the NICU, understand the ups and downs you experience there. During one of her first nights there, she was unstable and they needed to call a Rapid on her. That night around 3am, I sat in the corner of a hospital room full of people trying to figure out what was going on; alarms beeping, kind of chaotic and yet in my soul I felt this peace that could not have come from myself and felt like God was saying in my soul “She is my daughter”. As a nurse and a mom I felt so helpless and yet I could trust that she was His. After that experience, my fears and worries didn’t go away for forever. But I’m reminded that I can lean into the One who is Peace, even in chaos, and a that He is present with us in the ups and downs of life. (Also, give a shout-out to some counseling)
Kara still has a “unique” heart, but her heart function is strong and her heart has healed significantly. Every few years, she’ll still be needing to check in with her cardiologist. At her appointment earlier this month, they said they have a 6 mo old who had a similar issue and they were able to let the family know, they are seeing another girl (Kara) who is 4 years out- Hoping that our story can encourage and bring hope to others along the way.
Back to the conversation with Ann Voskamp :) On Instagram she had shared a picture about how they put a Bible by their coffee pot as a reminder to drink from the Living Water on a daily basis. I had sent her a super short message saying “what a great idea!”, not at all thinking that I’d get a response… she responded to me saying “It deeply grounds us in Him over and over and over again!”
Here are some of my thoughts and you, coffee-drinkers out there, may appreciate this ;) …. When we combine water with ground coffee, there is a unique reaction which results in a flavorful drink. We as people, go through life and are molded and ground by our experiences, both positive and difficult and when we we mix our stories with the Living Water, there is something unique that is created.
The Bible doesn’t talk about coffee, but it does talk about a connection with Jesus. In John 15:5 it says “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remained in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” If we are connected with God, we create something unique with him and through him that we wouldn’t be able to on our own.
Praying that in the ups and downs, you can experience the rich goodness that comes from God and that you are able to encourage, empathize with, or support each other with your unique stories and experiences.
Tomorrow morning, if you pour yourself a cup of coffee, think about how you can connect with God today. You are unique, valuable, and have a one-of-a-kind story.
Ministry & Life Updates:
We are 3.5 months away to when we arrive in Germany!
Over spring break, we took care of some projects around the house to prepare to move and sell our home…and we already have a purchase agreement for the sale in July!
We have 80% of our monthly support raised!
In the next few months we will be visiting a few partnering churches to share about our ministry at Black Forest Academy
This month will be my last month working at the foot care clinic
Jameson just started his third and last trimester at Tartan High School
Some Thoughts On Marathons
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, Consider him who endured such opposition, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Turning on the news, checking social media or even just in chatting with a neighbor or friend, it’s hard to deny that there are a lot of difficult things going on in the world right now- It almost feels like a heaviness is in the air. Though everyone’s circumstances are different, we have something in common…we are all here together during this time period on earth. We are all walking or “running” this race of life together right now.
A friend of mine, Bethany, is a runner and would be able to speak into what it’s like running in a Marathon. I had the joy of watching and cheering her on at Grandmas Marathon in Duluth, with some friends, a few years back. It was the first marathon I’ve ever watched in person and the atmosphere where we were at on the course was an absolute blast! There were musicians, people in costumes and lots of people cheering with signs. Our group was initially cheering a few miles out from the finish line and by the time the runners got to us, they looked determined and focused or pretty worn out or injured. It was inspiring to see each person in that race not matter how fast they were running or walking. At the finish line, there was so much joy, celebration, relief and what felt like a sense of comradery among the runners.
It think that in “doing life”, there are lots of parallels to what it’s like running a Marathon. There are hills and valleys; there are times along the track where you have a cheer squad and other times, where the side of the race seems bare or lonely; there are times where you feel like all you can do is take the next step; during an Marathon it’s important to stay hydrated and to stay hydrated with the right stuff -what are you hydrating or filling yourself with in your life; sometimes you can’t see what’s around the next corner and yet you keep going; from what I understand, it’s important to look up or in front of or around you instead of down at your own feet during a race; sometimes it can be painful or you may get injured; you may meet new people along the route (some come and go and some run around the same pace as you)….I could keep on going listing some of these similarities, but I think you get the picture.
In the Bible there is such great imagery when we read about “running with perseverance” (Hebrews 12:1), not running aimlessly (1 Corinthians 9:26)
However, another important part of our race is that, we have someone who will not leave us; someone who we can rely on, learn from all along the way; has compassion on us and loves us and he is a global God. We can fix our eyes on Jesus as he is the one who can help give us perseverance and walk with us through any situation.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying “This is the way, walk in it” -Isaiah 30:21
“Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” -Isaiah 41:10
Ministry Updates…
These past weeks have been a whirlwind of building up our partnership team, meetings, online (late-night) trainings after the kids go down, our normal jobs, and doing everyday life.
It has been awesome making some great connections and seeing some of the details coming together as we prepare for serving at BFA. We are a few months out from our move and it’s starting to get real! July 27th is when they’ve asked us to be in Germany, new staff training starts the beginning of August and the 2022-2023 school year starts mid-August. We are so excited and have quite a few updates to share since we last wrote in our blog.
Praises!
-The other week we found out about a great housing option for us, leasing from a German family on the 2nd story of a house in Holzen-Kandern (about halfway between BFA and our kids’ bilingual school) There is a BFA girls dorm a few blocks away that Kristen is hoping to get involved with.
- We have 62% of our monthly support raised! (When we took this pic of the glass half full for a visual on our Facebook group page last week, we were at 50% of our monthly support raised and 100% of our start up cost raised) Again, we are so grateful for the prayer and financial partnerships!
Prayer Requests:
- Both Jameson and I could use prayer for energy & wisdom as we are juggling a lot of different roles right now …our kids somehow seem to never lack energy and we could really use a bit of that ;)
- For Jameson in his current job at Tartan High School- to continue to bring joy and to be a light in the classroom there …Pray for Tartan as a whole.
- From BFA: Pray for joy and enthusiasm for teachers and students amid disruptions in the typical school year. And that students and staff would encounter God’s transforming word in a way that grows them together, as a community, and more in love with Christ.
-The invasion of Ukraine, the health and well-being of the people there; the global impact and wisdom in response for World Leaders
Upcoming weeks & months for our crew…
In the upcoming weeks and months we will be continuing to build up our partnership team and make more BFA connections. We will also be going through more training with Reach Global and be getting more updates and info from Black Forest Academy.
Last Sunday we had a booth set up at the Rockpoint Church Missions weekend…not only did we pass out some delicious Milka chocolates, but we were able to make some new connections and share more about Black Forest Academy, the global impact it has, and our future ministry there. If you are at Rockpoint this weekend, we’ll be there again…stop by our booth, say “hi” and grab some chocolate and a BFA sticker ;)
The kids have been starting to learn some German. Duolingo has been a big hit in our house as well as some of the German resources the library has.
This week we met with our realtor and that whole process has also now begun…
Once we get to BFA this summer, we will not be at the finish line of our “Marathon”, but instead we will keep on running. The scenery will look different, there will be cultural differences, and our jobs will be new; but God’s promises will stay the same and his compassion and love for the world will not change.
Thank you for coming alongside us and partnering with us on this journey!
Let us know how we can be praying for you too- We are thankful for you and cheering you on in your walk as well!
Kristen & Jameson
Rockpoint Church Missions Weekend
GRATEFUL.
As we’ve been reflecting on this year and this blog, the word grateful keeps coming to our mind. We are so grateful for the encouragement, prayer, support and excitement we have experienced over the past few months as we have been preparing to move to Germany and work at Black Forest Academy. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Truly!
Here are a few recent updates:
-This month we got all six of our passports in the mail…which brings us one step closer to moving to Germany.
-Joelle and Amber are accepted into a bilingual elementary school (and we are still looking into preschools for Kara and Nathan- which will be all in German)
-Black Forest Academy is working on our visas and work permits (prayers would be appreciated that there would be no kinks in this process!)
-BFA has also started the process of looking for rental housing for our family in the Kandern area.
-Jameson and I are hoping to go to Germany for a vision trip and make some more connections in March over Jameson’s spring break (that is still up in the air depending on how things are with Covid - Germany is also seeing a wave of increased Covid cases right now)
It’s wild to think that in about seven or eight months, we will be settling in to our home in Germany and meeting the students and staff at BFA. There are a lot of little steps needing to happen before the 2022 school year starts and we are taking one step at a time. We are so excited to serve at BFA, and again, are so humbled and grateful by your support. Thank you.
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”— Ephesians 1:16 (Feel free to reach out to us and let us know how we can be praying for you as well!)
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and as we all embrace the new year and all of the unknowns of 2022 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”- Romans 15:13
-Kristen & Jameson
Merry Christmas from the Bast Family!