The Prodigal Returns

How to restart a blog after almost a year later? Well, I'm not sure it can actually be done successfully, but I'm going to give it a shot. Let me catch you up to where I am now. Ok,

1. After much hard work, including: writing curriculum guides, filling out a self study on our entire school, writing a six page paper on my philosophy of Christian Education; Highlands International School was accredited by SACS (Southern Area Colleges and Schools) and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). This is a milestone marker in the short life of our school and puts us at par with the other international schools in the area in terms of the quality of education we offer.

2. Many teachers left HIS (Highlands International School) which made my second year a tough one as I had to say goodbye to very close friends. Many of the teachers that left were in leadership positions:

Jason - director

Fishers: Tom - ESL, Music, fellow Games Club leader; Anne -Elementary Principal

Deborah: Middle School Lead

John: Interim High School Principal, Chaplain, Guidance Counselor, etc...

James: High School Science & Accreditation Committee Chair

Scarboroughs: Tim - Backpacking/Middle School SS Whitney - Middle School LA

As you can see, probably half of our experienced staff left for obligations elsewhere. So, not only were there many positions to fill, but it required the remaining staff, mainly elementary to step up and be leaders for the new arriving staff.

3. This summer was a time of relaxation, reading, painting the outside of the Bjorlie house, Sonshine Music Festival, and quality time spent with friends in the Twin Cities. At many points though, I saw it as an unhealthy escape from the community of HIS and La Paz. Their memories had become bittersweet, and I wasn't sure if I was going to be ready to go back with things changing so much. At the same time, after having spent 10 1/2 months straight in Bolivia, it was more home than the U.S. was. So, much of the summer had the feeling of being caught in limbo. Yet, when the time came July 28th to return to La Paz, I couldn't wait to get on the plane.

4. New Staff: It would take me quite awhile to list all the new staff and how amazing they all are, but I will give you the basic breakdown. The only foreign returning staff members were singles, yes that includes me. :) Except for the new director, Scott, his wife Tammy (Science), and their three children, all the new staff members are also 20 something singles (2 guys, 7 gals). Now those that know me well know that I am always keeping my eyes open for the woman He has for me, and you may think I might be excited about this prospect, but instead I ask for your prayers for two reasons.

a. I've tried dating in the HIS atmosphere. It's not easy, and the after effects can be very painful. I'm not exactly eager to re-attempt even if there was somebody.

b. I miss the family influence. My closest friends were the Fishers. I loved going over to their place to play games, eat dinner, play with their daughter Avery, or whatever. Suffice to say, I'm tired of most aspects of the single lifestyle and am ready to woo whomever the Lord may choose. You can also pray that I would be content no matter what my marital status may be. :)

5. New Class and Old Class: It really is the best of both. I am teaching all subjects to my new fourth grade students, except for science. The fifth grade teacher does that, while I teach Social Studies to my fourth grade students from last year. It's such a blessing to be able to be their teacher for a third year in a row. There're definitely strong ties with that class. My new class is amazing too! I would say they are more mature than my previous class, and so far, are easier to manage, or maybe that's just my two years of experience beginning to pay off. I love having a class that is getting to know me as I am getting to know them. I love the mysteries that leads to new discoveries about each other in a safe and caring environment.

6. Tomorrow marks the end of our third week of the new school year. Each day that passes brings me closer to another very difficult decision. At this time, I have no idea if I will decide to stay another year or if this is my last. It's easier to see myself staying, mainly because I'm not sure what I would do if I left. I have thought about Seminary as a possibility, maybe going into Children's Ministries, but then probably going right back out, maybe with a Missions Organization like SIM or some other, but probably to a Latin American country. So, I would love your prayers regarding this decision.

7. I am writing this update as I sit alone at the apartment that Sheldon (Samaritan's Purse, and great friend) and I are staying at until it's owners, missionaries on furlough, return in January. It's a great place and close to school, but that means that it's also pretty out of the way when it comes to hanging out with other teachers. Sheldon is usually out in the campo helping oversee different well projects during the week. Pray for me that I would not only stay connected while living out of the way, but that I would rest in the Lord's strength when idle time meets alone time and not succumb to the temptations the devil is sure to lay in my path.

I think this should catch you up for the most part as to what my life has been like and what it's like right now. I really appreciate your prayers for the things mentioned above. My plan is to write updates at the end of each month. So, if you don't see one by the time October starts, then please bug me until I write. :) Connecting is going to be extremely important for me this semester, so please respond in anyway you see fit. I hope this update finds each reader well and blessed. Thanks again!

Bjorlie