So I [Anna] am now officially a Canadian Citizen! The progress has been a little more complicated than we originally thought, but it's done now, and it's a big relief. I originally applied for citizenship in Sept 2011, thinking it would be finished in plenty of time before we moved to Germany (we originally planned to come to Germany in August 2013). However, we ended up moving to Germany a year earlier than planned. Thankfully, they were able to keep progressing my application, but I had to fly back to Canada TWICE for official matters - once to take my Citizenship Test (in May 2013) and once to do my Citizenship Ceremony (September 2013). There were so other minor complications along the way - the clerk actually recognized my name when she called me up during the ceremony to receive my Citizenship Certificate! She joked about how my case had given her such a headache and she was glad to be done with me. :)
So, I am now a dual citizen - yes, I DO get to keep my American citizenship, and am working on filing for a Canadian passport. I am excited, and a little nausea from all the maple syrup I drank . . .
Friday 4 October 2013
Sunday 15 September 2013
A few summer pics!
A few pictures to recap our summer!
Some traveling with Clarence's parents: Rothenburg, LEGOLAND, and Paris.
A visit from Anna's mom: Connyland, Europa Park, and fun at home!
Good old summer fun: playing in the creek!
New School Year
The new school year is well underway already! We had a wonderful summer enjoying visits from family and some local vacationing. This new school year brings lots of changes for our family. Austin is attending Grade 1 at a bilingual school which partners with BFA and a German, Christian school. He's loving it! He's picking up German fairly quickly and loves his teachers. His biggest complaint the first day was, "there's too many breaks!". Silly boy. ;)
Silas has started German Kindergarten. Kindergarten here is private and non-academic. So, really more like preschool in North American - hence why he's starting so young. Silas tends to be fairly reserved and takes awhile to warm up to things, but he's adjusting okay so far. He enjoys playing with the toys and having snacktime at Kindergarten. Thankfully, there are a few other English speaking children in his class, making the transition a little easier. He's usually exhausted by the time he comes home for lunch, though - I'm glad it's only half day!
Clarence is enjoying being back in the classroom again! He loves teaching Bible to the 8th graders, and this year he is in charge of a homeroom as well. Things are quickly coming together for the Middle School small groups, Student Council, and other Middle School events. He loves being involved in all of it!
Our family (with Anna's mom visiting) at the Einschulungsfest - a special ceremony to
welcome the new first graders! Austin is holding a 'schultute' - a cone they're given on the
first day of school filled with school supplies and small gifts from the parents.
Silas has started German Kindergarten. Kindergarten here is private and non-academic. So, really more like preschool in North American - hence why he's starting so young. Silas tends to be fairly reserved and takes awhile to warm up to things, but he's adjusting okay so far. He enjoys playing with the toys and having snacktime at Kindergarten. Thankfully, there are a few other English speaking children in his class, making the transition a little easier. He's usually exhausted by the time he comes home for lunch, though - I'm glad it's only half day!
The boys on their first day of school!!!
Clarence is enjoying being back in the classroom again! He loves teaching Bible to the 8th graders, and this year he is in charge of a homeroom as well. Things are quickly coming together for the Middle School small groups, Student Council, and other Middle School events. He loves being involved in all of it!
The BFA seniors lining up for Opening Ceremony, when they get to carry
in the flags of all the countries represented at BFA.
Our school's theme for the year: Seek Truth.
Friday 31 May 2013
Thursday 23 May 2013
Summer plans!
Although our weather is still cold and rainy, summer is supposedly just around the corner! We will be sad to see the school year ending and saying goodbye to so many wonderful friends, including graduating seniors and some very close families who are moving on. However, summer plans are coming together and we look forward to it!
On the 'work front': Each summer Black Forest Academy works with Cairn University (formerly PBU) to host classes here in Germany. These classes are primarily aimed towards teachers, school administrators, or other missionaries working overseas and wanting to further their education, such as pursing a masters degree. Classes are held in Germany to provide a more convenient location for those living and working in Europe. Clarence and I are working as the "Assistant Directors" for this summer program with Cairn University. We will help provide housing, transportation, and other practical needs for those coming to BFA to take classes.
On the 'ministry front': Clarence and I will be attending TeachBeyond Institute, which is held here in Kandern, the first week of August. It is also called, Orientation Part 2. We will be learning more practical advice about how to thrive long-term on the mission field and be effective in our ministry.
On the 'home front': The most exciting thing, of course, is that we're moving! We will still be living in Kandern, just moving about 1km down the street to a nicer apartment, which is also closer to the high school. Hopefully this new apartment will also be a better fit for Silas with his dust mite allergies. So, starting on July 1st we will have a new address:
Hammersteinerstrasse 18
79400 Kandern, Germany
We also will be celebrating Austin's 6th birthday this summer. It's amazing to see how God has molded and shaped our little boy. Clarence's parents are coming to visit for a few weeks in August and we're excited to do some local sight-seeing with them. The boys are especially excited to see 'Mah-mah' and 'Yea-yea'!
On the 'work front': Each summer Black Forest Academy works with Cairn University (formerly PBU) to host classes here in Germany. These classes are primarily aimed towards teachers, school administrators, or other missionaries working overseas and wanting to further their education, such as pursing a masters degree. Classes are held in Germany to provide a more convenient location for those living and working in Europe. Clarence and I are working as the "Assistant Directors" for this summer program with Cairn University. We will help provide housing, transportation, and other practical needs for those coming to BFA to take classes.
On the 'ministry front': Clarence and I will be attending TeachBeyond Institute, which is held here in Kandern, the first week of August. It is also called, Orientation Part 2. We will be learning more practical advice about how to thrive long-term on the mission field and be effective in our ministry.
On the 'home front': The most exciting thing, of course, is that we're moving! We will still be living in Kandern, just moving about 1km down the street to a nicer apartment, which is also closer to the high school. Hopefully this new apartment will also be a better fit for Silas with his dust mite allergies. So, starting on July 1st we will have a new address:
Hammersteinerstrasse 18
79400 Kandern, Germany
We also will be celebrating Austin's 6th birthday this summer. It's amazing to see how God has molded and shaped our little boy. Clarence's parents are coming to visit for a few weeks in August and we're excited to do some local sight-seeing with them. The boys are especially excited to see 'Mah-mah' and 'Yea-yea'!
Friday 17 May 2013
Happy Mother's Day!
Okay, a little belated, but Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful mommies out there - and to all parents, even 'unofficial' ones, such are spiritual mothers/mentors, aunties, grandparents, etc.
This Mother's Day was quite different for me as I was away from my own children (see previous post about visit to Toronto), which was kind of sad. But I did end up getting to have lunch with my parents and my mother-in-law!
And now for a few pictures of my boys, because if you can't use a blog to post 'brag pictures' of your kiddos, then where can you?!
These two pictures are almost two years old now, but they're still some of my favorites!
This Mother's Day was quite different for me as I was away from my own children (see previous post about visit to Toronto), which was kind of sad. But I did end up getting to have lunch with my parents and my mother-in-law!
And now for a few pictures of my boys, because if you can't use a blog to post 'brag pictures' of your kiddos, then where can you?!
These two pictures are almost two years old now, but they're still some of my favorites!
And a few more recent pictures, just for fun!
Trip to Toronto
Most of you have probably heard, but I had a quick trip back to Toronto last week! I flew back to take my Canadian Citizenship Test. The test went pretty well - no official results yet, but I feel pretty confident that I passed. The discouraging news, however, is that I will have to fly back AGAIN in a few months do have my swearing in ceremony. I asked multiple times to do the ceremony and the test in the same visit (this would've been ideal for both our times and our finances) and the continued answer was a resounding NO. But we know that God is in control of all, even seemingly little things such as flying back to Canada.
It was nice to visit my friends from our church in Toronto, where we served for the last 7 years. Thanks so much to friends who made time to visit with me, house me, and give airport rides!
It was nice to visit my friends from our church in Toronto, where we served for the last 7 years. Thanks so much to friends who made time to visit with me, house me, and give airport rides!
Thursday 28 February 2013
Half Year Mark...
February 9th marked half a year of serving at Black Forest Academy again. We didn't have any big celebrations or anything, we just took it as another day. In fact we really didn't think too much about it until recently. I (Clarence) have just been so enamored and honored to be able to be doing something that I love and enjoy with people whom I love and enjoy also.
I was very happy to learn, around that time, that I would be able to keep my position as MS Chaplain for as long as the Lord would have me in that position. It's been an awesome role to have and I just love being able to do something that I am passionate about and to be surrounded as well by people who enjoy this age group as well is so great.
This weekend (Mar.1-3) is our school's annual Retreat in Switzerland....in the Alps. I know, the Alps, right. So awesome and I bet you're also saying so jealous too. But all that aside, this weekend is a weekend that I would invite you to join us in prayer as the students and staff join together to fellowship, worhsip and praise God in his marvelous creation! Pray also that the hearts of all attending would be ready to hear the truth of God's Word and also that they will put the truth that they hear into action in their journey of faith.
Thank you to all of you who have prayed, are praying and are supporting us financially throughout this adventure. Without you and without the Lord working through you we would not have been able to accomplish anything here over the past 6 months. If you know of people whom you feel would like to know more about our ministry and possibly join you in building the kingdom of God together here at Black Forest Academy, please have them send us an e-mail or direct them to our blog.
God Bless :)
I was very happy to learn, around that time, that I would be able to keep my position as MS Chaplain for as long as the Lord would have me in that position. It's been an awesome role to have and I just love being able to do something that I am passionate about and to be surrounded as well by people who enjoy this age group as well is so great.
This weekend (Mar.1-3) is our school's annual Retreat in Switzerland....in the Alps. I know, the Alps, right. So awesome and I bet you're also saying so jealous too. But all that aside, this weekend is a weekend that I would invite you to join us in prayer as the students and staff join together to fellowship, worhsip and praise God in his marvelous creation! Pray also that the hearts of all attending would be ready to hear the truth of God's Word and also that they will put the truth that they hear into action in their journey of faith.
Thank you to all of you who have prayed, are praying and are supporting us financially throughout this adventure. Without you and without the Lord working through you we would not have been able to accomplish anything here over the past 6 months. If you know of people whom you feel would like to know more about our ministry and possibly join you in building the kingdom of God together here at Black Forest Academy, please have them send us an e-mail or direct them to our blog.
God Bless :)
Sunday 17 February 2013
Multicultural Sunday
At our church yesterday, Black Forest Christian Fellowship, we had a Multicultural Sunday. Since most of the people who attend the church have lived or were raised in different cultures, we took some time to celebrate our great diversitiy. We worshipped through songs, prayers and Scripture reading in at least 10 different languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Tajik, Korean, Cantonese, American Sign Language, Turkish, Russian. There might a few more I'm forgetting. Many people also wore 'native clothes' reflecting another culture where they have lived or visited. One family was dressed with maple leaf gear and warm toques - made me miss Canada! lol. It was neat to remember how God made everyone so different, and that people of many different cultures and languages all worship Him. Also, a good reminder to pray for God's work in various countries around the world.
Also this weekend, we had a chance to be substitution dorm parents at our of the girls' dorms. The regular dorm parents had a weekend off, so we stayed at the dorm and helped out the female resident assistant for the weekend, primarily cooking and driving the girls to various activities. It was fun to get to know some of the girls who lived in that dorm a little better, especially for me (Anna), as I don't often have as much regular interaction with the students. Austin and Silas LOVED spending the weekend at the dorm - they enjoyed playing pretend with the dorm girls and entertaining them their their silly knock-knock jokes and riddles. It was neat to see them getting along there.
As some of you may know, we had initially thought we would return to BFA to be dorm parents. We were surprised and excited when God provided Clarence with the job as Middle School Chaplain instead. It is truly a great fit for him and he's really thriving there. But it was also fun to spend a few days back in dorm life this weekend. Occasionally helping at the dorms seems like a better fit for our lives right now. Not sure if we really took any pictures, but I'll see if I can add some later.
Also this weekend, we had a chance to be substitution dorm parents at our of the girls' dorms. The regular dorm parents had a weekend off, so we stayed at the dorm and helped out the female resident assistant for the weekend, primarily cooking and driving the girls to various activities. It was fun to get to know some of the girls who lived in that dorm a little better, especially for me (Anna), as I don't often have as much regular interaction with the students. Austin and Silas LOVED spending the weekend at the dorm - they enjoyed playing pretend with the dorm girls and entertaining them their their silly knock-knock jokes and riddles. It was neat to see them getting along there.
As some of you may know, we had initially thought we would return to BFA to be dorm parents. We were surprised and excited when God provided Clarence with the job as Middle School Chaplain instead. It is truly a great fit for him and he's really thriving there. But it was also fun to spend a few days back in dorm life this weekend. Occasionally helping at the dorms seems like a better fit for our lives right now. Not sure if we really took any pictures, but I'll see if I can add some later.
Saturday 12 January 2013
Christmas and New Year's
My goodness the time has totally just flown by. It seemed like we had just celebrated Thanksgiving and then it was Christmas and then 2012 was done. 2012 had a lot of surprises and transitions for us as you all well know. It began with a letter welcoming us to the staff of BFA and an invitation to join them as the Middle School Chaplain. Thus beginning our new journey towards moving overseas to Kandern, Germany to BFA and partnering with the Lord.
Since we've been here we have been able to meet some amazing students as well as wonderful families who have invested and taken care of us. As Christmas approached Anna and I were thinking that it was going to be a very hard time for us as we would be away from our families but it turned out to be a wonderful Christmas as we started new traditions and learned about new traditions of German cultures. One of the greatest things was the chance to see the excitement and wonder of our children as they experienced Christmas German style this year.
New Year's Eve was filled with fun and enjoyment as we were able to go to my (Clarence's) old dorm to hang out with some of the new friends that we have made here. Fireworks here are totally legal and in fact you just buy them at the local grocery store. We bought some kiddo approved fireworks and Austin and Silas got to play with them and one was totally amazed, Austin, but Silas was not quite sure about them. It was a great night with our friends and it ended with a full fireworks display across our little town provided by everyone because anyone and everyone could set of fireworks right in the middle of the street.
Another blessing for our holiday time was the special gifts that we received from our supporters and friends of our supporters. I can say that God has really revealed himself as Jehovah Jireh to our family this year and I am thankful that you all have been a wonderful part of this journey.
Thank you all for partnering with us and as we end. We would like to share this video from our school to see and get a feel of what we (you and us) have joined the Lord in here at Black Forest Academy. Please follow this link http://vimeo.com/56899247 to hear and see why Black Forest Academy does what it does.
Since we've been here we have been able to meet some amazing students as well as wonderful families who have invested and taken care of us. As Christmas approached Anna and I were thinking that it was going to be a very hard time for us as we would be away from our families but it turned out to be a wonderful Christmas as we started new traditions and learned about new traditions of German cultures. One of the greatest things was the chance to see the excitement and wonder of our children as they experienced Christmas German style this year.
New Year's Eve was filled with fun and enjoyment as we were able to go to my (Clarence's) old dorm to hang out with some of the new friends that we have made here. Fireworks here are totally legal and in fact you just buy them at the local grocery store. We bought some kiddo approved fireworks and Austin and Silas got to play with them and one was totally amazed, Austin, but Silas was not quite sure about them. It was a great night with our friends and it ended with a full fireworks display across our little town provided by everyone because anyone and everyone could set of fireworks right in the middle of the street.
Another blessing for our holiday time was the special gifts that we received from our supporters and friends of our supporters. I can say that God has really revealed himself as Jehovah Jireh to our family this year and I am thankful that you all have been a wonderful part of this journey.
Thank you all for partnering with us and as we end. We would like to share this video from our school to see and get a feel of what we (you and us) have joined the Lord in here at Black Forest Academy. Please follow this link http://vimeo.com/56899247 to hear and see why Black Forest Academy does what it does.
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