First, some housekeeping:
My father has left the hospital and returned home to Worthington to continue his recovery from a fall last July. We spoke recently over a mobile device--our first conversation since his hospitalization. I thank friends both within and beyond the All Saints family, whose prayers I credit for his remarkable progress. Please keep those prayers going!
Now for the Slovakia Mission scoop . . .
After several weeks in Slovakia and on the faculty of a Lutheran high school in Slovakia's second largest city, I can report that nothing produces surprises more effectively than unrealistic expectations. Nothing has developed in the way I expected, but everything seems to be working together for good nonetheless.
My initial orientation in Bratislava lasted a week and threw me together with other volunteers from throughout the US. We received a crash course in educational theory and practice. I still have not found time to review all of my notes. I owe a great deal of gratitude to Claudia, who guided us through classroom management, lesson mastery, and multiple variations on visual organizers.
The fellowship of dormitory living in Bratislava did not, however, prepare me for my assignment as a bit of a lone-wolf ELCA missionary in the Kosice school. I share a second-floor apartment with AJ, who serves as a missionary/teacher through the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. AJ, a Texan on the brink of 27, has already taught here for two years and has helped greatly in acclimating me to the town and to the school.
We are trying to configure our allotted space so that we can accommodate other missionaries who are traveling through the region and who need a respite from the road. Hosting other mission teachers is quite a rewarding event. So far, we have hosted two of my colleagues from Tisovec. I look forward to hosting some of AJ's LCMS colleagues, as well.
Your correspondent in front of the local cathedral, above, and students enjoying an outdoor study hall under my supervision, below.
Students
I have photographed my 200-or-so students with name tags, and still cannot remember everyone's name. Ranging in age from 14 to 18, their resemblance to teenagers everywhere seems far stronger than any differences that come from cultural differences. They have exercised much patience with my teaching. I trust their patience will increase even while the need for it (I hope) decreases.
The school where I teach is noted for its bilingual program (Slovak and English are both mandatory). However, it is extraordinary in that it also offers Russian, French, and German. Most of my students take one of these languages. Since I studied all of these in high school, I feel free to use them during my lessons when the situation seems right. Students who have learned to ignore English admonitions to maintain classroom decorum seem more attentive when the admonition comes in another language.
It has also been invaluable to have rudiments of these languages to communicate with others, both within and outside the school. The school principal speaks some English and I have learned a tiny amount of Slovak. Nonetheless, we seem to focus on communicating in Russian. We have even sung a couple of Russian folksongs together in his office over cups of very strong coffee!
Thanks
I am so grateful for the support of the All Saints family and others whose contributions have made this project possible. Members of the Pastor's Bible Study have encouraged me in many ways. Please continue to keep me in your prayers.
