GIS Sentimentality

Schools are closing everywhere for summer break. There was a very significant closing at Grace International School here in Chiang Mai this week.

I had just gotten in from Bangkok meetings late the night before, and went out to GIS to see my grand-kids on their last day of school and watch them sing in their last program of the year. Hayley is here on the front far right on her last day of 1st grade. (sorry for the bad lighting)

Summer  in the light blue shirt in the back, is singing with her 4th grade class for the last time.  As I was celebrating the last day of school with  them, it soon dawned on me that this was my last time at this school building.  There were some poems read about all the memories that the walls of this school hold, and some songs written about the sentiments of leaving.

I immediately became sentimental, too- with 16 years of memories on this campus.  When the school was established in 1999, we helped with the beginnings.  In fact, Mike found this World Club facility. Lori (2002), Bethany (2004), and Jenny (2006) all graduated from this school.  I was the PE teacher on these beautiful fields for a short time, and have substitute taught here over the years.

Now three of our grandchildren have been creating their own memories here too, as they receive an outstanding education.   I was able to go into Hayley's class as they got some awards and final papers to take home.

The school is not closing permanently,  but moving campuses from the Hang Dong World Club to a new campus.  It will still provide the great education it always has and be a great community for families- but for a person who does not always like change- the location and it's memories will be missed.

Marisa and I opted to deal with our end of school year mixed emotions, by visiting a new (to us) coffee shop, Fabb Cafe Coffee Roasters. It was a great choice and met all of our emotional needs. Ha!

Later on we drove, out a few miles to see the new facility where the school will be moving next year. With over 500 students and 90% of them being missionary kids, whose parents work in 24 countries- the school is being used in very significant ways to meet the educational needs of MK's.  We look forward to watching God's great plan for this school at their new facility.  If you are an educator and want to do a few years of teaching in a place where you will make a huge difference in the lives of MK's- I recommend you checking out GIS.

3rd grade Wednesday's

What fun it has been for me these past 6 weeks to spend every Wednesday in Summer's 3rd grade classroom helping her teacher. She has an extra large class and when her aid had to take off early, I decided to help out and get some extra time with a granddaughter. I've enjoyed getting back in the classroom and simply making myself available however I can help.

It has been insightful for me to enter this part of Summer's world.  Last week all the parents (and grandparents) were invited to come hear them give their home country reports. We got to go to Collin's last year, too. Summer did a great job.

They were encouraged to bring a favorite snack from their home area.  Summer was so excited to share these 'Peanut Butter Swirl Bars' which she says are "amazing".

We continually feel so blessed to have some of our grand kids here and to be able to come to their school activities.

With her proud dad and mom, too!

Summer's teacher, Miss Blair, is such a gifted teacher.  I love to be in the classroom with her and just observe her style of teaching.  She makes the lessons so interesting, that I often feel like I want to come to her 3rd grade class and study all over again. Summer has been blessed to learn from her this year.

GIS is such a great school and our grandkids are so privileged to get an education there.  The setting looking out over the mountain is beautiful.  That is summer with her 3rd grade girlfriends at recess posing for me.

The school is continually in need of new teachers as the staff come and go every year. If any of you educators are interested in coming over for a year or two or twenty- I am pretty sure it would be an experience you'd never regret.  Have a look at their webpage here and see if any of their needs are something that pricks your spirit of adventure  and willingness to have an impact on missionary kids. Look at this link of positions still open next year and we will  welcome you here with open arms.