March...In Like a Lion and out Like a Lion

HACIA Democracy XXII

The Kanes have had a crazy busy month of March! Many of you already know that I took on the role of HACIA Democracy Advisor this school year. As a reminder, HACIA Democracy is a simulation of Organization of American States put on by Harvard students each year. Students from schools all across Latin America prepare for months to meet and debate real world topics with the goal of reaching a resolution.

Coaching my girls in between committee sessions.

I have been working with a select group of students since September to prepare them for the summit in Costa Rica March 9th. They debated topics such as "The War on Drugs" "Uber's Effect on the Economy of Argentina" and "Bitcoin and Currency Controls." Spencer also attended and discussed "The Rights of Indigenous People in Latin America" and "Education Reform in Latin America".

Delegates and Advisors from NCAI

In order to prepare, students had to research their topic, formulate a position, and compose a full position paper to submit to their committees prior to arrival. At the end of the summit, the best delegates are given awards. Several students from our school won awards at this year's summit. It was an amazing experience to train up tomorrow's leaders!

Spencer debating his point.

Spencer with our school's director.

Jeremy leading devotions on the first day of the conference.

Making an Impact

I have heard it said that teaching is a thankless job and educators rarely see the fruits of their labor until many years later, or not at all. However, I am already seeing amazing things in some of my 8th grade students. I love the fact that I am able to spend 2 class periods per day with them, and this is my second year teaching this same group of kiddos. And maybe this is why I am seeing changes in them so soon. When I arrived last year, there were no identifiable writing units built into the plans. The school had identified grammar and literature units with built in writing components, but no dedicated time to teach the writing process. I wrestled with the idea of implementing writing units in 7th and 8th grade units because it is incredibly time consuming to grade and coach due to the individual and often subjective nature of the beast. I also considered the fact that the majority of my students speak English as their second language. Still, after gaining approval from my principal, I decided to give it a whirl. I spent countless hours restructuring  the units to add in 4 distinctive wiritng units per year per grade level in addition to the learning objectives that were mandatory for me to teach. I knew my task would be challenging since many of my students could barely formulate a 4-5 sentence paragraph with no real topic or closing sentence. Wow. What had I gotten myself into?

Fast forward to the 3rd quarter of my second year of this implementation. My 8th grade students have now completed 7 of the 8 newly implemented writing units. They just finished their very first 5 paragraph (40-50 sentences) persuasive essay complete with a parallel thesis statement and supporting details. That is what growth looks like. Here's the best part of all. On Thursday, one of my Nicaraguan students came to me before class and asked if she could speack with me. She proceeded to tell me that she has decided to write a novel--a spy novel to be exact. She said that she wanted me to know that because I had taught her that she has the ability to write, she was taking on this challenge. Teachers: don't ever doubt your effectiveness. You may not see the fruits of your labor immediately, but don't give up and continue to do the hard stuff. It is what we are called to do. 

1 Corinthians 15:58~ Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Jeremy's Jobs

Jeremy has been working diligently on several carpentry projects for the school and church. Recently, he constructed a mobile locking bookshelf and remodled the green room for the theater department at school. The elementary teachers have been nudging administration to approve a makeover of their teacher's lounge, too. Also, Jeremy continues to teach culinary arts at the school. To most, this doesn't seem like a big deal. But, keep in mind many of the students at NCA have never lifted a spatula. Most families have empleadas to cook for the family, so the kids never have a chance to learn. In this, Jeremy has an extra special challenge!

The portable and lockable folding bookshelf.

Spencer & Hannah

Spencer has been leading his 4th grade boys' small group, playing on the worship band, and is an assistant leading youth group. He stays busy with basketball and school. Hannah is working with the elementary students teaching them how to play volleyball and teaching preschool classes at church on Sundays.

Spencer leading a group at the elementary retreat.

Hannah teaching Sunday School.

Hannah playing with the preschool
kiddos before class.

Blessings

I saved the best for last! Recently, I decided to pursue my master's degree in teaching to earn state licensure once our mission is complete in Nicaragua. In that, I was required to take a one week intensive course "on site". The school has been working to develop satellite campuses, and lucky for me, there was one in Orlando over NCA's spring break. Thanks to school loans and other financial blessings, I was able to fly to Orlando and finish an entire college course in one week. OUCH.

While I was there, I met my twin. She took notes like me, she was organized like me, she even color coordintaed her pens and notebooks like me. Scary. On the last day of class, Jeremy called me and asked if there was any way I could get several sandpaper belts for his belt sander (Nicaragua does not have them). He had broken the last peice while he was working on the book shelf. I had no car and no way of getting to a home improvement store. My twin-friend Jennifer offered to take me--30 minutes out of the way--to get the sandpaper. Not only that, she insisted on paying!

We don't look like twins, but we certainly act like them!

The blessings don't stop there. This summer, we had planned to stay home with the exception of me traveling to Virginia for 2 more intensives and 5 exams for my certification. However, some very good friends of ours blessed our whole family with airline tickets to fly to Colorado for a few weeks! They are covering food and lodging too! We are so incredibly excited to visit our friends!