Harvest

Even before Carl and I decided to take the big step of tying the knot, we agreed that if and when children were added to our union, that I would become a stay-at-home. Actually, I think we both had made that decision before we even knew each other. Fortunately, when Nick was born, we were at a place financially where that was possible. 

Over the next seventeen years, I held to the thought that if I was to ever teach again full time, it would be at the school my children were attending. There were never any details in that thought. Just a commitment. And as usual, God already had it planned out, way better than I myself could have put together.

Morrison Academy Taichung is a K12 school located on one compact campus. When I started teaching second grade here five years ago, Nick, Ben, and Abbi were in high school. Jacob was in his first year of middle school, and I, of course, spent most of my time in the elementary section. We were spread out over three distinct areas, but never-the-less, all together.  Often Abbi would stop by my classroom just to say hi. Ben's senior year, he and several friends would come have lunch in my room once a week. More times that I can count, Jacob has delivered my forgotten glasses on his way to his first class. 

This is just another proof that when God gives you the desires of your heart, he meets those desires!

So while there are some downfalls of having thirteen grades housed in one facility, there are definite benefits. Opportunities abound! 

Wanting to meet more than just traditional academics, the high school is full of clubs that span from cooking, audio-visual, to hiking. This year some students got together and along with a sponsor, started a sustainable garden. Throughout the year, they prepared the beds, researched how to grow organic food, and recently were able to make their first harvest available to the community.

During a recent library class, Mrs. Strange, our librarian teacher read the book If You Plant a Seed.On Friday, I had the privilege of accompanying my class to see and learn about this special garden. Two of the group's members were there to answer the class's questions.

 Taichung, while small compared to Taipei, is still an urban setting. Many elementary children never see food while still in the ground. Few families have a yard,  let alone a vegetable garden. They never experience the joy of planting a seed, watching it grow, and then enjoying its flavor and freshness. 

As a teacher, its great to see my students learning hands-on, as well as seeing what they could be part of when they reach high school. I was impressed by some of the thoughtful, higher level questions they expressed. Obviously, they are listening and learning!

Thank you Mrs. Strange for looking beyond the library's walls. 

Thank you Mrs. Peleo for the awesome photos!

I am proud and pleased to be a member of this community. While I am not perfect, neither is this community. But, God isn't looking for perfect people or communities. He is looking for obedience, for those willing to seek His face!

I pray every day that my words, my actions, my faith will be like the seeds the high schoolers have planted. With God's love, they will also grow and produce an abundant harvest!