If you’re interested in reading about how our personal and
professional lives are taking shape, then read on! If you’ve enjoyed hearing
from us, remember that we love to hear from you. We read emails, open snail mail
letters, and answer phones (see contact details below). Regardless of the form
it takes, we greatly appreciate your interest and partnership. C, S, K, & N
School three weeks on
We’re pleased to report that school has got off to a good
start. We had a meeting with N’s
teachers, and learner support personnel at the end of his second day. We had a
teaching assistant for him sorted by the end of the first week who began at the
end of the second. About the same time, he did a series of (American) academic
aptitude tests (called the Woodcock-Johnson). The results were far from encouraging.
I expect that his IEP (individual education plan) will take some time to
finalize. A number of specialists may need to consulted & co-opted. Be that
as it may, all those involved (including us!) are on the ball! Something that
we’re particularly thankful for is that he’s in a nice class where he’s
included. Like us, they appreciate his easy-going personality & sense of
humour.
K’s
start to the school year has been good, but frequently stressful. What on Earth
are feet and inches?! Where is my next class & why don’t the teachers move around our rooms? Please don’t ask me where my
classmates are from, they find it as hard to explain as I do! There’s a social
on Saturday night, but I don’t want to go. Wait! I do, now! Oh, I don’t know
how to dance. You know you can’t teach, so don’t… What does casual dress mean?
Is this too casual? Will others be more dressed up?
New Affiliation, Office & Visas
CJ
has secured a research position at a Chiang Mai University. It’s flexible, credible,
and consistent with other commitments and callings. Thanks praying friends! Making
it even more perfect is that it comes with an office (that has already been shifted
into). On Sept 9th, C & S will fly to KL for three days to
process new visas (the kids get have student visas through school). Work permit
applications begin after we return.
Course Preparations, & Teaching Negotiations
CJ
continues to occasionally spend time preparing his new course on anthropology,
and tweaking his course on Islam. He plans to teach both in Southeast Asian
theological seminaries over the next two years. Two firm invitations to teach have
been received, and there are a number of negotiations with a number of other training
institutions. While thankful for the interest in someone teaching such subjects,
most warned that class sizes will be extremely small (4-5 students). While
small is beautiful, synergy in a classroom is important, and being away from
family for two weeks to teach 5 people is a big decision. There’s also talk of
joining a local seminary’s adjunct faculty. Continue to pray for this strategic
contribution to the cause!
Mentoring & Caring Together
A
few weeks after getting back from KL, we’ll be in the far-south together for a
few days. We’re still working out how we can best mentor and care for folks.
You’ve heard this before from us: “Good people are made (not found) and kept
when they are cared for”. One of the reasons for heading down together sooner
than later, is that our landlord’s 31 year old son died last week. While his
parents were extremely devout, he had drug & alcohol issues ¾
a good reminder that many Muslim males are far from pious & impregnable.
Pray for us as we spend time with these grieving friends.
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