Constant business and little noticeable progress aptly describes the week. However, don't be misled into thinking the time was wasted, not so. It just takes time to acclimate.
Since writing last week, afternoons have been spent reviewing course guidelines and the text, making a syllabus, and studying to prepare lesson plans for the Physical Science class. I guess one way to explain it is through an exercise we did for a preference assessment related to working with others. We were told to write out name on a paper. Then we were to rewrite out name--this time using the other hand. Obviously our preferred hand was effortless and easily read while the other was quite time consuming and less skillfully done. Well, that aptly describes me and how I feel trying to do this science. Yes, I firmly believe God would supply the need, but not without a great deal of frustration, discouragement and effort. Pride may be part of it. I'm used to helping others, not feeling inept and overwhelmed...and near tears at times.
This afternoon the department chairperson called me aside before our high school meeting began. To my surprise my schedule now has been switched to Environmental Science and that teacher will do the Physical Science! Am I better prepared, NO. The syllabus and first two weeks lesson plans still need to be completed by Friday and the previous curriculum upon which these decisions will be based for this class is less structured and helpful. However, the approach to the content is more researched based into issues rather than concentrating on the specifics of physics and chemistry. That is a much better fit. However, it will still require much preparation, just a different type...oh, yes, and prayer, too. Don't forget.
Yesterday and today was a special time in the morning as each new person to BFA shared their personal background and experience leading here. This being the largest group ever, you can imaging the rich diversity of stories. I'm hard pressed to relate any specifically meaningful due to the sheer numbers, but the opportunity to see various personalities and hear the unique events and paths blessed. To me the most demanding job here would be that of the dorm parents, and each couple who spoke showed a blend of gifts and backgrounds that will meet a variety of needs for students so well; they will be greatly loved.
Obtaining a visa here is a multifaceted experience. Last week a native speaking German who works at BFA, Ellie, started the paperwork process here on campus in half hour interviews and then sent that work over to Lorrach (umlaut needed over the "o"), a city compared to the villages around here. Yesterday afternoon Pat and I rode with the Barbers, a couple who have been here before and are returning, drove us and guided us through most of it...older ex pats are very helpful to us green people. Imagine trying to do this and not speaking German--they do! Before we left, we had to purchase biometric photographs for the visa. Then while there we were fingerprinted electronically and all the paper work finished...by the way, I'm officially I'm 161 cm tall. To pay we do not use checks or credit cards. Frau Ackerman gave us a plastic card the size of a credit card and told us the cost, but we had to go to an entirely different building to pay. When we got there, the regular doors across the walk way were locked! Then we read the hours and saw they were closed between 12:00 and 16:00--something else to get used to, a 24 hour clock and having hours off mid-day. After going back we learned it would be necessary to enter the building during closed hours from another entrance all the way around on the other side. Once inside we had to ask in English from a German speaking receptionist where to go to pay...fun. It turns out to be an ATM in reverse. Once we located the machine (hidden down a hall to the right and located behind a potted plant) we had to figure out how to read the machine, insert the card, and read the currency it said we also needed to insert to pay. In these situations I always envision myself failing to do something correctly or having the machine fail to work, and loosing all those euros--imagine having to explain that not speaking German! Fortunately all went well. In a few weeks we should have our official visas--the EU now issues something like a credit card with all the information and signatures for security purposes, no more papers glued into the passport documents.
A side note: Was I ever fortunate. I had my picture taken yesterday morning at 8:30 a.m. (they open earlier here for business, close mid-day, and reopen until about 6 in the evening). Today we learned that the optical store that does the photos is closed for two weeks--crunch time at BFA! The others at achool will have to locate the photo place in Lorrach, not far but more time consuming, and have all of this done before the students get here next week. I may have to teach science, but I'm still blessed. :)
Upcoming special things to report...the opening exercise next Tuesday--which is supposed to be something quite special and the following weekend retreat in a Swiss chalet.
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