As I mentioned before, I’m working a lot in the Learning Support room at Inverness High School. Since the October Holidays, a lot of my classes have been switched around because they hired a new support worker and so a lot of my one-on-one lessons have been given to her and I am working in even more classes. Who knew when I graduated from high school in June that I would be straight back into school! I’m really enjoying it and all the young people are just fantastic and are constantly asking questions. A lot of them are capable of doing the work set out in front of them but just need some extra encouragement. I’m even getting to plan lessons for a couple of my pull out groups, which is really cool that they trust me with the responsibility of giving these students lessons that work for their specific needs.

I have to say it’s been quite weird being an American over here during the 2008 Presidential election. I’ve spoken more about politics over here in the last couple weeks than I ever have before! The day after Obama was announced to be our next president, all the students and staff at the school were asking me all sorts of questions. It was quite a surprise, but very cool that so many young people were interested in politics because when I was their age I had no knowledge of politics. I also got to enjoy the British holiday known as Guy Fawkes Day which was brilliant! We went to the major bonfire in town and saw some fireworks, ate cotton candy and saw a lot of people from the community there, so it was great!

Elise and I have started coaching the girls’ football team at the high school. The first week we only had 3 come, but now we are regularly getting about 8 girls. Prayer that we get more girls coming every week would be great. It’s our hope that we can encourage more and more girls to be playing football and show that football isn’t only a sport for boys. 

We have now moved into town and I have to say it’s very convenient. It has been such a blessing to be able to stay at the Clyne’s house for almost 2 months. They are great people and it will be weird not seeing them everyday, however it will be very nice living closer to town. Now we are about a 20min. walk from the high school and we won’t have to rely on people so much for transportation.

There are a couple things that I would really appreciate prayer about…The high school was broken into on Guy Fawkes Night and there is about 20,000 pounds worth of damage. Multiple windows are smashed, the science and English classes were trashed, 2 copier machines were broken, the REAL food project room was damaged, and the guidance offices were all trashed with stuff everywhere. This happened only a few weeks after the school’s assembly hall was set on fire and that won’t be opened again for at least 6 months. The police recently arrested one of the school janitors for the fire and are also trying to get him for the break in’s. This janitor was the kids’ favorite janitor, so it’s been really hard for the pupils and staff. So please pray for the school and all the people in it. Some of the kids aren’t feeling the safest and I can’t imagine the stress this is bringing to all the staff. Also, if you could pray for more opportunities to serve in the community around us.