First Days on the Ground

Having flown in on Thursday night, I've now been here at Bethesda for almost three days. I'm glad to be done traveling for a while, even though Paris was pretty spectacular and I really have nothing to complain about from the flights or the airports. I was surprised to learn that I will have a flat (small apartment) of my own. I think of this a gift for sure, but I know how I tend to isolate myself so I will have to work to avoid this (Proverbs 18:1 - Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment). So far, it's been a lot of orientation and preparation things. Tomorrow, I will be going through the majority of the orientation things with the team from Lee University as they're arriving tomorrow morning. In meeting with Tonya, I have a good idea of what I will be doing in the schools. Tuesday looks like it will be my first day in the school, helping out in various ways. Specifically, I will be teaching a 5th grade natural science course. It looks like I will be in the Senior grades (4-7) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday mornings and then in the Foundation grades (Grade R-3) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday afternoons. I will also be spearheading an after tutoring program that will take place at the team center with some people from the visiting teams as well as an in-home tutoring program. I hope I have all of the details right so I don't have to come back and correct myself later, but we shall see:)

So far, everyone has been so kind and hospitable to me, which should not come as a surprise at all. I remember some of the kids and am gradually learning/re-learning names (emphasis on the gradually). Yesterday, I spent most of the day with Rudy (13) and Steven (12). Steven lives next door to me and I see him a lot now. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of the other kids. As the next couple of days approach, I am in nervously anticipation for them. I am sure that I will have to remind myself that I am here to serve and to glorify God through my actions and words. Prayer is definitely going to be needed as time goes on because as I usually tend to be, I'm a bit nervous as my time in the school nears. I am really excited but nervous simultaneously and I look forward to meeting those from the other teams.

Thank you all for reading and for praying. I will try to give weekly updates, maybe more or less depending on the circumstances. Specifically, you can pray for my time in the school as well as the time I spend alone that I would use it all wisely and to glorify God.

In Christ,
Dan Lehe