Let the School Times Roll!

If you're anywhere near us, you know that today was the first day of school at ICS. The teachers have been in orientation meetings for two weeks and finally the first day with students has arrived. Although Jason doesn't teach all of his classes until next week, he loved seeing all the students again. I'm also excited for what this year brings. I'm still at home with Isaac (ever growing and learning) but I'm also still volunteering to lead elementary chapels. As much as I love organizing things, I sometimes dread it as well--it feels like an enormous pressure to have to get it all together. But you know what, I really love it in the end!

This year we made some schedule changes and elementary chapel is now in the afternoon. It may mean nothing to you, but I'm pretty excited about the change and looking forward to how the students may react differently in the middle/end of the day compared to the very first morning groggies! I may just have to write a blog about all the changes later!

But the real purpose of me telling you about the first day of school is to remind you to pray with me for our teachers, both new and old. I started this last year and didn't ever get pictures of the rest of the teachers, but I hope to improve on that this year. Here is my first round of introductions to our teachers and some prayer requests that you can lift up on their behalf!

Laura Edwards, Kindergarten
This is Laura's 5th year teaching but her 1st year at ICS. Pray for Laura to constantly be aware
of how much she will be shaping the lives of these kiddos as they progress through her class.
Pray that she finds comfort in the very small class size.

Suzie Moon, 1st Grade
This is Suzie's 1st year teaching so everything is new. Pray for her to
be diligent in her lessons but mostly just focus on loving her students with
teaching as a side effect!



:)
Phoebe Menger, 2nd Grade
This is Phoebe's 1st year at ICS but I believe she's an experienced teacher. She
hails from Egypt and has come to Korea to serve the Lord with her husband. Pray that
she finds the perfect balance of school, home, family, and service. Pray that she
reflects Christ to her students in all she does. 

Jennifer Swanson, 3rd Grade
This is Jenny's 2nd year of teaching 3rd grade and her 3rd year at ICS. Pray for her
to share her strengths as a returning teacher and guidance among the classes. Pray that
she finds peace in her classroom, manages the "pack" well and stays healthy this year!

Hannah Cynn, 4th Grade
This is Hannah's 1st year teaching. Pray that she can reflectively grow in her
goals as a teacher, building good relationships and a valuable place
in her student's eyes as role model. 

Kari KD Prejean, 5th Grade
This is Kari's 3rd year teaching 5th grade and 3rd year at ICS. Pray that she also can
practically and wisely share her knowledge as a returning teacher, loves her students
and can develop deep relationships as well as teach them. 

Jonathan Edwards, 6th Grade
This is Jonathan's 5th year teaching, but 1st year with 6th grade as a homeroom and 1st year at ICS.
Pray that he will have consistent and mature relationships with his students that will
lend themselves to good conversation. Pray that his students will mature as good role models for
the rest of elementary.

(Suzie and) Lisa Hyun, Art Teacher
Lisa is a full time volunteer! This is her 2nd year teaching with ICS. Pray that
she feels connected to the teaching staff and communicates well with
the students as she speaks very little English. 

For everyone, please pray for unity among our entire staff. Pray for classroom conversations about salvation and the commitments made throughout the year. Pray for the different religions expressed in our student population and that God's truth and wisdom will be planted in their hearts. Pray for the daily interactions our teachers and students have with each other and for the opportunities of grace and discipleship that develop through those interactions.

Ready, Set, Go!