Dan's Decision

Sunday, September 16, has been a beautiful day in more ways than one. Outside it is sunny, but cool. The sky is blue and a light breeze is blowing. Batllava lake is glistening and cold. Many are fretting that the lake is 9 meters low, but today a small group has gathered to rejoice in the baptism of Daniel Palmer. Praise God. While dad spoke with Dan, his handwritten reasons for becoming a "child of God" were read to a crowd of a dozen or so. Mom took pictures, sister looked on. Dan emerged a new creation. Everyone smiled. God is good and Dan knows it.

9 - 11

The evening of 9-11 we found ourselves in the middle of Prishtina sitting in the Red Hall, a modest concert hall with long red curtains draped along the walls. We were there to take in a memorial concert for the tragic events of September 11th. After opening remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the US office in Prishtina (translated in English, Albanian and Serbian), we enjoyed an intimate concert given by the Kosova Philharmony –Opera Orchestra. Several of the high school staff were there quietly appreciating the quality of the music and the genuine empathy collectively expressed by the Kosovar performers. It is unique, indeed, to experience being allies at such a simple, personal level. The people of Kosova truly appreciate America and its citizens for what they have done (and will do) for them, and hopefully for their independence.

Grand Opening

Prishtina High School had its grand opening this past Tuesday. It was a formal occasion with parents, students and dignitaries mingling outside prior to the ribbon cutting. Our principal greeted everyone and the mayor of Prishtina spoke. The family who funded and built the striking five million euro building was praised for their generosity and commended for their many benevolent endeavors in Prishtina. People filed in and enjoyed a variety of hors d’oeurves, a string quartet played and many smiling faces explored the building and classrooms. Julia got to meet my coworkers and Melanie & Daniel got to hang out in daddy’s classroom (but they like the 5th floor PE area the best).

The building is indeed beautiful. It was good to finally fire the starting pistol; now we can begin teaching. The next three days went quickly. We are teaching in “orientation” mode for the first couple weeks. Students aren’t in their specific classes yet because we need to determine their abilities in each main subject area – so Sarah, the other math teacher, and I are teaching together and trying to determine where each student belongs: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry or Algebra II. This orientation is a perfect time for teachers to begin building relationships while teaching fundamental skills.

We presently have only 20 students, so we are also allowing time for procrastinators – we hope there are several. God is throwing us a curve ball when it comes to student numbers. Please pray for this. We will continue to teach no matter what happens and the staff and students are already very close – bonding doesn’t take long with small class sizes.