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,
