The academy at Shepherd is at least 85% Hispanic.  Because of this there is a real need for ELL instruction (English Language Learner).  My time overseas and my returning Spanish should aid me.  I'm enrolled at WGU (Western Governor's University) in the ELL endorsement program.  I'm really excited about the way the program works.  You pay by six month terms.  If you are motivated and accomplish a lot in the six months, you are not charged any more tuition.  There are no cohorts and group projects.  Wish me luck!  Hopefully within a year, I will have finished! 

America is a very noisy place at times.  The inner city even more so.  There are always sounds of passing trains, sirens, traffic, and people. 

Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly. 

It's hard to believe that we've been back in the States for two full years.  I've learned a couple of things...

-Your biggest fears are meant to be conquered.  One of my biggest fears was driving--I hadn't driven in twelve years and living in a big city means big roads :)  After Matt's stroke I was forced to drive everywhere showing me that my fear was no big deal! I'm now a pro. at zipping around the interstates.

-Bloom where you are planted!  God has something for you to do wherever you are.  Although this is not the place I would have picked, I can honestly say I am content here!  God has used me in some interesting and challenging ways.  There has been a lot of growth here.


-Let God break your heart for where you are.  Every place has needs-some of them extreme.  Be of use.

-Learn.  I'm taking every opportunity to work on my Spanish.  I joined the worship team--it's been a stretching experience.  Sometimes I play piano and sing harmony in Spanish.  Talk about brain overload!  Sometimes the Spanish pastor asks me to play a song I don't know, but God helps me along.  I'm excited to be adding an endorsement to my teaching license so that I can help our students struggling with English.

-My kids are kids from hard places.  It's challenging to look at life through their eyes and try to understand why they feel the way they do.  It's hard to be kind when they aren't--but I am the adult!  It's extremely difficult to attempt to love when you continously face rejection.  There are days when I've told God, "I want out!" God doesn't call us to easy tasks.  You learn from pain and tears.  I'm just praying that I stay teachable and humble.

-Inner city life- Yes!  There is a lot more crime, but there is so much need here.  I love my community.  We all look out for one another.  My neighbor comes over and borrows eggs and milk.  We sit out on our front porches and watch our kids play.  There is a diversity here that encourages my soul. 

-Old houses- They are a lot of work, BUT I take intense enjoyment out of saying, "I restored/refinished/painted that!  (I hope to post some pictures soon.)  Matt has been doing an amazing job refinishing the many old solid wood doors in our house. 

To sum it up...life hasn't been easy, but God has faithfully seen us through some extremely tough situations.  We pray that as we seek HIS will He will see fit to prosper our family in the years to come!

The Wong family gathered up some Asian supplies along with some handmade treats and sent them to us.  We enjoyed some chicken rice today (Ana had seconds!)  Thanks for your continued thoughtfulness!  We miss you.

There was a great article in the Indianapolis paper today.  Please click HERE to read it.  Shepherd has been facing a lot of challenges lately, but I like to see that we continue to move forward!  It is encouraging too that so many churches in the suburbs are beginning to back what is going on in the neighborhood.

 These are just a few of the best (in my opinion) of what Ana brought home.  I think they're pretty amazing for a first grader!






 The pictures with writing are from their journal.  They studied the seven continents and animals from each continent. 

 I think I'll frame this one and the swan!

What I love about the Oaks is that everything is well done.  The paintings are done on very nice paper that will be easy to keep And her journal is well bound.  She might run out of shelf space in her room before she leaves the Oaks!