|
NEWS from Robin Gingerich in Lithuania
Sonshyne (yes, pronounced “sunshine”) is 4 years old and, as many girls, likes to dress in pink. Her parents are missionaries at our school and do all of their shopping at used clothing stores where dresses and blouses for little girls are cheap. One day she appeared at my office door in a torn white undershirt, grey slippers and a puffy pink ballerina skirt that was three sizes too big for her skinny legs. Her eyes begged me to be exclaim how beautiful she looked and how pretty her skirt was; I tuned from my computer and doted over each piece of her lovely outfit and told her that she was likely ready for the stage! She was not shy about this but rather proud to be dressed so “nicely”. On other days, Sonshyne wanders from her daddy’s office next door to stand shyly beside the left side of my desk because she knows that the second drawer is my “snack” drawer. She will stay there for a full minute sighing and trying to look lonely and when she can manage it no longer she says, “oh, I’m so hungry” and puts on a very sad face. I can hardly keep from laughing inside as I ask, “Hum, what shall we do?” This is her cue to smile up and me, open the drawer and grab a cookie or a cracker or a pretzel. And we both share a little snack together. This is one of the most delightful breaks in my day.
Elze just turned 7 years old. She is tall and thin for her age, and has silky blonde hair and blue eyes. She lives just outside of Klaipeda with her parents and two younger brothers. When we hosted English classes for children last year, Elze was the first little girl to sign up. She was a quick learner and a good listener, but shy to speak much English. At times, she tries to act all grown up and bossy with the other children and this was trying at times during the lessons. During the first semester, she was the only girl; she had no problems playing rough with the boys. However, in January she brought another little girl to class with her. Elze was very helpful and included her new friend into our already formed group. Last week, I went to my first line dancing lesson at a local secondary school and guess who was there with her mother? Elze! Now we were both students in the same glass and therefore pals. Elze remains shy towards me. She doesn’t speak English to me yet, although I know that she can. She refers to talk to me through her mother. But when my feet are twisted and I’m stumbling through the steps, I only have to watch Elze and see her confidence and light steps and I’m encouraged. If she can learn to dance, so can I. At the end of the lesson she waves a little goodbye and I know that even though we don’t talk much, we are friends.
Isak was just born in July 2009. After two miscarriages, Kim and Andrew were both excited and relieved that all went will with the pregnancy and the birth. Isak is very tiny and at times he wrinkles his forehead and looks as if he is thinking hard about quantum physics. This expression of wonder and seriousness make us adults laugh. Kim’s parents are from Michigan and they visited the new family. As Steve, our pastor, was holding up Isak for us all to see, Isak put on that little serious face as if to be saying, “My grandparents are traveling back to the states soon and so you, your little congregation, are responsible for loving me, for holding me, for playing with me and for supporting my parents. This is going to be an important job. You are my church.” Ok, perhaps Isak wasn’t thinking exactly those thoughts but when a missionary family has no relatives around, friends, church members, and colleagues fill in as ex-officio aunts and uncles. And we take that role very seriously and with much joy.
====================
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful.
I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The
Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me.
Gotta go!
Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful. I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me. Gotta go! Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful.
I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The
Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me.
Gotta go!
Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful. I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me. Gotta go! Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful.
I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The
Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me.
Gotta go!
Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful.
I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The
Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me.
Gotta go!
Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful.
I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The
Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me.
Gotta go!
Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful.
I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The
Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me.
Gotta go!
Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful.
I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The
Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me.
Gotta go!
Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
Where else could we go?
Jesse Smith
August 23, 2009
First Mennonite Church of Iowa City
Sermon Response by Robin Gingerich
Jesus’ teaching in the gospel of John is hard. It was hard in first century Palestine and it is hard in this century. Choosing whom to follow, which groups to participate in and with who to associate with is tough. We live in a world of choices. And we live a world where the pressure to make the right choice can keep us awake at night.
Jesus says that we can only come to the Father through Him. There is no way on earth by our own might and muscle to come to the Father. Rather, we are told that we need to lay down our list of goals, our high ideals and simply come to the Father through the grace of the Holy Spirit. This saying is hard for a person who would rather like to think that she can earn her way to heaven.
This saying is hard, but so are other teachings of Jesus. Trust and obey. Be merciful. Forgive your brother. Pray in secret. Don’t hold grudges. Give away your money. Turn the other cheek.
I’ve been living in Lithuania and serving at LCC International University for 11 years. I’ve seen many changes and I’ve been a part of a growing school that continues to struggle financially and is always short of teachers. We will never reach our goals. Our school will never be able to meet the needs around us. Questions creep into my head. Why does this school exist? Why am I still here? Will we ever get it right? This work is too hard.
I’ve been worshiping with a small group of expatriates most of whom also work at the school. For me, worship services have meant work; prior to the worship, the tasks are planning worship, calling musicians, setting up chairs. After the worship, the tasks are sweeping the floor, washing coffee cups, turning off the lights and locking the doors at the end of the service. The service is in English rather than the local language, Lithuanian, in order to serve the needs of the expatriates who are here for a short term. The questions there also loom big. What are we doing here? Why should we continue to meet together? Some Sundays it is a struggle to know if I should take the 45 minute walk to church or enjoy a quiet evening at home. This too is hard.
Jesse’ focus on the disciples’ question hit home to me. Where else could we go? The disciples had committed themselves to following Jesus. In the same way that the disciples committed themselves to a path, a journey and a life with Jesus, we also commit ourselves to walking the Jesus way. Yes, someone, sometime, somewhere along my journey opened up the windows of God’s grace and His power of possibility and welcomed me into this life of loving, learning and living my life in the very palm of His hand. So I committed myself to this journey. I’m too far to turn back. And yet I can’t see the end. I’m too far along to even begin to comprehend life outside of the Christian way. And yet, the messages for followers are difficult. Continue. Press on. Keep on loving your neighbor without reward. Don’t worry.
Jesse reminded us that the disciples didn’t fully understand what it meant to follow Jesus, to eat of His flesh, but “further along they will understand why.” My steps this fall seem especially slow and small. My walk seems like more of a limp this semester. I don’t understand where this commitment is taking me. I don’t understand where this job is leading me. I’m tired and confused. I admit my doubts. But I took a jump years ago, in faith, to follow Jesus’ call. My faith has landed me here with Jesus. Turning back, turning away from Jesus is not an option. Jesse’s sermon reminded me that I need to renew my commitment to Him. Perhaps someday God will ask me to jump into something else. But for this year, I will only try to keep on and to lean on the everlasting arms. For where else could I go?
Today, I finished reading through the entire book of Psalms. I started reading the Psalms at the beginning of the summer. Mag’s sermon on Psalms 104 was a wonderful way to pull together the ideas of worship and creation. While Mag and Bob are enjoying the Iowa countryside after living in Chicago for 16 years, I miss the Iowa countryside from my home in Klaipeda. I have to remember that even in the city I can see God’s creation.
Some days I only see the cement sidewalks littered with cigarette butts. Some days I work hard to find a spot in the sun, away from the shadows of the tall apartment buildings. The noise of cars and busses cloud my head with the sounds of motors, the smell of diesel fuel, and the annoying beeping of car alarms.
I’m lucky. I live in a quiet neighborhood and almost every house is surrounded by a garden. I secretly watch my neighbor from my window as she weeds, plants and trims her bushes. In the yard where I live, there are apple trees, cherry trees and several flower beds. Our landlord is in Vilnius for cancer treatments and so the yard has grown up in weeds and the apples are falling neglected on the sidewalk.
Yesterday I came home to find the owner’s son pulling the weeds at the edge of the driveway; this was long over due task. I went up to my flat, but then turned around and offered to help. We tugged at dandelion weeds, pulled up grass, and swept the driveway. We worked together silently; we are both shy about using each other’s languages. At times, we have simple conversations in Lithuanian. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be able to get my hands dirty and to help in our yard.
I love sitting at my west window and look out over the trees near to our house. I miss the Iowa countryside, the smell of hay, the tall oak trees and the songs of the robins and finches. Mag reminds us that we are “sitting in the box seats” of God’s creation each day. Noticing the small flowers, the circling hawks, and the fallen apples we are reminded that God’s elaborate creation is magical each day. God’s creation evident even in our city calls me, too, to look for miracles and gifts each day that point to God’s amazing world.
Just as for many of you in the congregation, I also began a new school year in August. This year may hold some new things for me but many times it feels like I’m living in the same movie frames as the previous years. May I be willing and able to see God’s creation as a constant reminded of His steadfast love.
September first is traditionally the first day of school in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It’s (almost) a national holiday. Children walk to school dressed in their best. Boys wear suit jackets and dress pants. Girls have bows in their hair and pleated skirts. Children present flowers to their teachers. Everyone at school greets each other with “Congratulations.” The rest of the day the teachers work at organizing classrooms and making final preparations for the “real” start of lessons on September 2.
At LCC, things are a bit different than in the local secondary schools. International students have been arriving for several days, settling into their dorm rooms, catching up with friends and picking up textbooks. The faculty, staff and student leaders lead a “Serve Day” last week. We worked in teams to tidy up the campus. We pulled weeds, washed windows, arranged classrooms, sorted dorm keys and washed floors. Fifteen new faculty and their families have been in orientation since they arrived in the middle of August. They need write syllabi, plan lessons, read textbooks and settle in to their offices and classrooms. And they also need to learn to shop, cook, and ride a bus – all the basics of living in Klaipeda. Most of our faculty are expats living here or Lithuanian so we all help the newcomers to adjust to their new homes.
Today was the first day of classes. Tomorrow students and faculty will participate in an all school convocation which will include a processional of the faculty, staff and student leaders. Our new university president will give an address and we will corporately pray for the new school year and the students who are part of our growing community.
A few more tidbits about me:
I rode in a “Critical mass” bike ride last Friday. Sixty bikers rode through Klaipeda together to send the message to cars to be safe by watching out for bicyclists on the streets. With more and more people riding bikes, we urge drivers to be especially careful.
I tried a few new recipes including fresh mushroom quiche and Pakistani Kima (More with Less Cookbook.) Plums, pears, pumpkins, blueberries and apples are in season at the market.
I found the new sidewalk nearby that is great for rollerblading. I can relax and skate along as the sun sets in the cool evenings.
Greetings from
This spring has been busy – never a dull moment. This semester I’m teaching a writing course for 28 first year students who failed (or almost failed) their first semester writing course. As I get to know them, I realized that there are as many reasons for their failure as there are students. Some struggle with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. Some struggle with family issues. Some have maturity issues as they are only 17 years old and away from home of the first time in their lives. I realized these issues are no different than first year university students at say,
The
Oh, the knock at my door is Marlene Wall, our Academic Vice President and my good friend. She has long stemmed lily for Palm Sunday for me.
Gotta go!
Robin
Latest newsletter from the Language Institute:
December 2008
November 2008 Letter from Robin:
Intensive English Program
My job, as the director, is to recruit and work with the teachers, chose and purchase textbooks, design and set the curriculum, and assess and place the students. Although there are many IEP programs in North America, creating a program from “scratch” has its challenges; thankfully, it also has its opportunities. Thankfully the students are enjoyable and determined to learn.
We took one week in October as a special IEP week for “Learning outside the classroom.” We studied environmental waste and then visited a recycling plant. We toured the Klaipeda Castle . Each student interviewed a native speaker on campus about holidays and traditions; we watched a “Whale Rider” and discussed multicultural issues.
Rhetoric and Communications
TESOL practicum
Other tidbits:
· Fifty six English teachers attended our Professional Development Seminar for English teachers on November 7-8.
· Marg Pratt and I traveled to Liepaja, Latvia to give a presentation for high school students, on November 14-15.
· Jane Holslag and I are doing our best to keep the Academic Resource Center open for students who need assistance with their English papers.
· We offer the internet base TOEFL test and I administered the test 5 times this semester.
All Saints Day
Why all the fuss? Why all the work and worry? Why the holiday? I mean, no body seems to care about the cemetery during the rest of the year? It was All Saints Day. November 1 and 2 are holy days, saint days, rest days in this country that is guided so closely by the church calendar year. It’s a day to remember. It’s a time to sit together with family and remember the fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, aunts, and uncles that are gone, that have died. It’s a time to be together, for comfort. Not to forget. Not to loose track of their heritage. It’s a holy weekend. We too can take clues from this culture. People (saints) cheer you on from heaven; People who have gone on to be with Jesus. My pastor at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City hosts a Heavenly Banquet to commemorate All Saints Day. Since I could not be at home, I prayerfully went to the graveyard and remembered.
Fun things
· We gathered on Nov 5 at 5:30 Am to cheer the US election results. We were toasting Champaign before Obama gave his acceptance speech. We feasted on sweet rolls and egg sandwiches as we watched the broadcasts.
Robin has posted a number of photos of the Summer Language Institute in July at http://picasaweb.google.com/gingerich.robin/FMCWebsite?authkey=EgjMfNLCjkU #
Newsletters
Transformations, LCC International University's general newsletter, can be accessed at www.lcc.lt/newsletters/transformations/ or by clicking on the LCC International University's Newsletters link at the left.
LCC International University Seeks Staff
|
|
||||||
 |