Viruses are in the Air

January 18, 2008

This week was absolutely crazy because of different viruses floating around. One day we had a total of 60 students out with some kind of sickness, and that is not including teachers and dorm staff. Thursday, I had only 5 out of 14 students present in one of my classes.

They say this happens everyone once in awhile; it is the nature of the environment here. Students coming back from all parts of the world, including very exotic parts of the world, I might add. So they bring all kinds of germs with them to the dorm, and the germs only spread from there. These kids live in very close proximity. Then they come to school not feeling well and pass it on to teachers and home students. The director made an important announcement for students to not come if they are feeling bad, it only makes the situation worse.

Inspite of the sicknesses, we still had basketball games last night. Nolan and I went for awhile. They always grill hamburgers and chicken, so I enjoyed some good ole'American food. And there is always an assorment of homemade desserts for sale. The junior class sponsors the concession as a way to raise money for the class. So Nolan and I always rather "eat out" at the school, knowing the money is going back to the students....especially since I am a junior class teacher.

The junior class came up with the idea of a coffee house. They had this going on in the auditorium while the games were taking place. So if someone got tired of watching the games, they could come to the coffee house, drink coffee and enjoy live music. Of course Nolan was asked to play a 30-minute "gig". He had some of the students join in with their guitars and bongos. This one time I did not have my camera with me. No pictures this time. Hopefully they be doing this again.

Something I want to add in my blog is weekly prayer requests. I know I have some listed on the side, but those are year-round requests. So here they are for this week:

1. Nolan and I have to begin making decisions regarding next year and future plans.

2. Some students in my class who are a little troublesome. Pray for guidance and how
I can handle the situation.

3. Nolan's middle school choir. 52 MS students, 7th period, Friday afternoon...enough said.

4. Nolan and I have to take a written test for a German driver's license. Thank goodness it will be in English, but we hear it is quite difficult.