a coffee cupdate

If we were to sit down for a cup of coffee, I would have a lot to tell you.

I would tell you that I am so thrilled to be singing in a choir again, and that Danny Plett is probably the most fun director I've ever sang for. I would hand you a flyer and ask you to come to the Great Hallelujah at Black Forest Christian Fellowship on April 28 and 29 because it's going to be huge and you won't want to miss it. I would probably then laugh and tell you how I accidentally walked into the men's bathroom during this Sunday's rehearsal, and that while no one was in the bathroom (thank God!), a man standing in the hallway watched me go in and as a result, almost walked into the women's bathroom!

I would probably then remember another awkward/awesome moment that happened at my best friend Katrina's Dominion tournament birthday party on Saturday night. I would most likely be giggling uncontrollably as I explain how I poured myself a drink, then set my cup down and turned around to pick up a cookie, turning back just in time to see someone else pick up my cup and take a sip. I would laugh out loud recalling the look on her face as we both realized at the same time what had just happened. I would also inform you that even though I failed at winning any of the games in the tournament, my mischevious friends and I had pretty epic costumes. I would probably ask you what embarassing moments you've experienced recently. Maybe we would swap "most embarassing moment" stories and laugh louder than anyone else in the coffeeshop.

I might mention that I'm feeling the pressure, financially, right now. You would probably already know that support has been low for me this year, and that some pledged support has not come in, but that God has been doing miracles for me all year. I would share with you that my biggest frustration right now has been trying to decide what to do this summer, knowing that I need to go back to the States for support raising but not having the money to pay for the ticket. Then, I would start grinning as I tell you that my prayer has been answered, and that just last night two people who love me very much (no, not my parents, but they love me too!)  told me that they going to help me buy my ticket! I would then ask you to pray that ticket prices remain stable for the next two months, since the money to buy my ticket won't be available until the end of April and while that makes me a little nervous, I'm trusting that God has a plan and my best interests in mind, and that the perfect ticket is just waiting to show itself!

At this point in the conversation you would notice the earrings I'm wearing. Or maybe you would compliment my necklace, like one of my eighth grade boys did yesterday during class. I would blush a little as I accept your compliment and share that I made them myself. Of course, since you're my friend you would probably already know about my Etsy shop so I would tell you a secret: that in honor of the leap year, for 24 hours on February 29, you can get 29% off your order with the code LEAPYEAR2012.

Then I would gasp and tell you how crazy it is that the fourth quarter begins in ten days. Most likely I would start to get stressed telling you how little time we have left and how much we still have to accomplish, and how the fourth quarter will fly by after we return from spring break. Then I would probably start biting my nails in anticipation of the 8th grade class trip, explaining to you that I am leading this trip for the very first time and terrified to be the one responsible for everything! I would hopefully then recall how awesome my eighth graders are this year and trust that even if I make mistakes in leading the trip, they will still (hopefully!) love me.

What would you tell me? Would you have an embarassing story from the week to share? Would you tell me how to pray for you, or would you share a God moment?

five things friday

Brian Shipley: BFA alumnus Brian Shipley has been missing since February 13. This video was put together to "shine him home." Watching this video blows my mind as I try to comprehend the global community fostered by BFA. Please be in prayer for this young man's safe return!

The Bachelor: I came across this blog post about the TV show The Bachelor, written by a fellow missionary. If you enjoy this show, please don't be offended. This woman speaks truth, yo.

Ten sales: This week, after much begging, I reached ten official sales on my Etsy shop! If you're not aware, the proceeds from this shop supplement the support I raise to live and serve here in Germany. In other words, you can get yourself some bling and support a missionary at the same time!

Around, Around...: This week I rediscovered one of my childhood favorites - an excerpt from Sesame Street's Getting Ready for School video. I'm finding my experience in teaching Math 6 this year to be eerily similar to Grover's experience in the video.

Printable Recipe Cards: In all my spare time, someday I'd like to compile a nice recipe book/cookbook for myself. If I ever hope to become a domesticated woman, it will be nice to have a few tricks up my sleeve. This week I came across this free printable recipe card, which has two options - a generic one to print and write on, and an editable one that you can type on and then print. Genius.

thankful thursday

This week I'm thankful for:

• Skype + encouraging conversations with friends
• A short week
• Restful sleep
• Laughter
• Warm weather and sunshine
• My 8th graders and their awesome sense of humor (read this post). Yesterday they said "Good morning, Miss Bertschi" in twelve different languages. TWELVE!!

8th graders working on a mineral identification lab

a coffee cupdate

If we were to sit down for a cup of coffee, I would have a lot to tell you.

I'd probably start by bemoaning the fact that we don't have enough three-day weekends, and wish that BFA would look into implementing a four-day school week. We can dream, right?

I'd probably tell you that I am 100% in love with my 8th grade class. I'd explain that this is the first class I've had for all three years of middle school, and I'm already getting teary-eyed thinking about saying goodbye to them. I'd tell you how excited I am to take them to Lugano in a few months, and how proud I am of the progress some of them have made since 6th grade. I'd laugh as I explain that right now, they're doing this thing when class begins and when I greet them with, "Good morning, everyone!" they respond sing-songy unison, "Good morning Miss Bertschi!"

I'd probably tell you that I'm struggling with my 7th grade class. I'd explain how many of them have become complacent and lazy - in their studies, in their homework, and in their classroom behavior. I'd tell you how everyday no less than ten students ask me what time class starts, when they are all standing inches away from the schedule that has been hanging on the wall since the first day of school. I'd shake my head in disbelief as I explain how just today this exact scenario unfolded and when I replied with, "Class starts at the same time it has always started. Look at the schedule," the questioning student retorted, "I'm too lazy to look at the stupid schedule!" ... And then I'd tell you how I'm embarassed with the way I snapped back, "And that's exactly why I'm not answering your question!"

At this point in our conversation I would probably heave a huge sigh and admit how much I dread going to 5th period these days. I would tell you how many different learning styles and needs are present in my 6th grade math class and how much of a challenge they have been to teach. I would admit to you that there have been brief glimpses of hope here and there, but that most days I leave that class feeling defeated and discouraged. I would wonder out loud if I have unleashed a beast by rewarding good quiz grades, because now they won't do anything with real effort unless a reward is promised. I would tell you how today I literally wanted to throw a bucket of water on them because I was doing everything I could think of to get a response from them, and they just stared at me...or stared out the window.

I would then probably perk up as I tell you how much I'm enjoying teaching my media communications class the second time around. I would explain how we refined the course description to weed out the kids looking for a "goof-off" class, and that only five kids signed up. I'd smile as I recounted how at first I freaked out because three of the five were sixth graders who hardly knew how to save a Word document, but how they have turned out to be quick learners and are three of the most responsible sixth graders. I'd brag about how my students have done the majority of their assignments outside of class, and that they have never missed a deadline, and then shake my head in awe as I told you how, in the same amount of time (one quarter), we will have accomplished twice as much work with half the number of students.

I would most likely mention how much I want to stab my eyes out when I think about going to German class. I'd whine about how confusing German grammar is, and wonder why I'm even bothering to learn this language. Then I'd remember how stupid I feel everytime someone outside of the BFA Bubble speaks to me, and realize that I need to learn the language.

At this point in the conversation, I would realize that I have been blabbing the whole time and be embarassed that I haven't yet asked how you are doing. So I'd ask you, how are you doing? What's new in your life? What have been your highs and lows this week? What's been on your mind?

thankful thursday

This week I was really tired. I literally fell asleep in the middle of writing this post on Thursday evening, and I'm finally getting around to finishing it now, two days later!

This week I'm thankful for:

• my students' parents - they have encouraged and blessed us this week with goodies!
• my humble principal - she and her husband constantly shower us with love and gifts!
• valentine's day - an excuse to eat chocolate without regret
• temperatures that are finally above freezing. I never thought 34*F could feel so warm.
• sunshine. Despite the cold temperatures we'd been having, the sun was still shining.
• the upcoming three day weekend - no school Monday!
• salted crusty bread from the incredible lady next door to the school

nothing says "I love you" like cheddar cheese

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays with which I have always had a love/hate relationship. This video might explain it better than I can:

When I was a child it involved about decorating a paper sack, handing out cutesy cards, and collecting a boatload of Conversation Hearts. Love.

During my teenage years it brought Candy-Grams from secret admirers and the Sadie Hawkins dance, which I only attended once during my four years of high school, with the biggest dirtbag I've ever had the privilege of dating. Hate.

In college, it brought not-date-dates to Argo Tea with fellow Singles-Awareness-Day activist, Drew. Love. It also brought Crush Cans, the grown-up version of a CandyGram, in which various flavors corresponded with increasing levels of love: from Orange (Just Friends) to Cherry (True Love) to the Monster energy drink (I'm Stalking You). Hate.

As an elementary teacher, my Valentine's booty involved handmade cards, treats, and goodies from my sweet little students. Love. That year, is also involved a roadtrip to Iowa and partaking in the wedded bliss of friends Heidi and Jeff (LOVE) and a fender bender (HATE).

Now, as a middle school teacher, it has involved tremendous amounts of glee as I watch my students navigate the awkward waters of puppy love. At BFA it is tradition for a girl to make a paper heart and attach some sweets to it, then wear it to school around her neck. If a girl speaks to a boy during the school day, she must give him her "heart." It becomes a competition to see which girl can withstand the temptation to talk and which boy can collect the most hearts or crack the most stone-lipped lady.

This year, today, I have found myself so filled with love that I may have gained five pounds. I will say it again - we middle school teachers are blessed to have the most active, encouraging, and supportive parent community I have ever had the privilege of serving. We were greeted in the staff room this morning by bouquets of flowers, a plate of pink and white frosted cookies, and a poem written by the parents.

Later in the day, homemade fudge found it's way into the staff room and we nibbled on heavenly-rich dark chocolate and chocolate peanut butter varieties while watching our waistlines expand right before our eyes.

At lunch, TeachBeyond brought chocolate cupcakes for all TB staff and staff kids.

During lunch we teachers were each gifted with a beautiful scarf from Hong Kong (souvenirs from our principal's husband's recent travels) and a small block of cheddar cheese imported from Ireland. You're probably thinking, "Cheese? Who gives cheese for Valentine's Day??" What you don't know is that cheddar cheese is very rare here in Germany - the main flavors available to us are gouda and emmentaler. All the cheese is white here. So a small taste of home, in cheese form, was an incredibly meaningful and very well received gift!

So. Valentine's Day 2012.
Gained five pounds in one day: Hate.
Filled to the brim with encouragement and support from parents and teachers: Love.

After all, nothing says "I love you" like cheddar cheese.

etsy shop

It's been awhile since I've mentioned my etsy shop here on the blog, so today seemed like a good day to do so. For those of you who aren't aware, during my summer 2011 home assignment I began tinkering around and tried my hand at designing jewelry - something I've always wanted to do. I started by designing these special German-flag inspired earrings to give as unique thank-you gifts for new supporters, and shortly after began crafting new earring and necklace designs.

thankful thursday - a day late

This week I'm thankful for:

• The chance to sing in a choir again
• My German class, even if it DOES make me want to stab my eyes out
• The fact that my car battery has held up during the deep freeze we've been experiencing
• Warm clothes, functioning heaters, etc.
• Students who don't try to be funny but always make you smile (see below)
• A new opportunity to serve at my church here in Germany
• An awesome 8th grade class party involving nerf guns, zombies, and mass chaos

Quotes from everyone's favorite 8th grade Swede. Please read these with an accent.

• [after asked to respond to a skeptic's argument against Noah's flood] I think...he is...word I cannot say in front of the class.
• [when asked if he knew how to set up a PowerPoint] I am...eh...a computer genius.
• [when asked which topic he had chosen to write about for English] There is a cake in the oven, and it will be better if you wait for it to be done. No licking!
• [after being divided into two teams for nerf wars] They are the Imperial Force and we are the Rebel Alliance. We will defeat them!

Facebook statuses actually worth reading

Have you ever logged onto Facebook and discovered that 95% of your news feed contains nearly identical updates from your friends? Living in Germany, this often happens to me when the US Midwest experiences odd weather patterns or a particular sporting event or television show is on. I can't tell you how many "down with (insert controversial political figure)!", "OMG did you see The Bachelor tonight?", "I-can't-believe-this-awesome/insane-weather-we're-having!" statuses I've had to scroll through to get to something that I actually care about! If there were a filter that blocked out statuses with certain keywords, I could just eliminate all that mindless noise and focus on legitimate updates on my friends' lives. Living an ocean away makes Facebook a bit more valuable as a "social networking" site, and if it weren't for the fact that I live in Germany, I probably wouldn't spend nearly as much time on it!

So tonight, after skipping over countless Super Bowl afterparty statuses ("OMG I ate so much at the party", "yay my team won", "boo my team lost...") I finally got to the good stuff. Three different posts caught my eye and I wanted to share them here because they encouraged me, and might be an encouragement for you today, too.


From an old college friend who has often spoken truth into my life: Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. [Psalm 46:10]

From the husband of a childhood friend whom I haven't seen in over ten years: Jesus' love watches over you, protects you, plans your future, and encourages you not to give up in times of sorrow and discouragement. [Charles Stanley]

From a distant relative whom I have never even met in real life:

 I guess Facebook has some redeeming qualities after all.

spirit day: time warp

This week the middle school had a "Time Warp" themed spirit day. Here is the video the student council showed during chapel to advertise the event:

Unfortunately, I have been having camera woes so I was not able to get decent pictures of the students' costumes this time around. Even more unfortunately is that no other teachers took many pictures of the students' costumes, either. What we do have, instead, is lots and lots of pictures of the staff costumes. I know it's more fun too see kids in costume! (these pics are courtesy of Natalie's camera)

80's, pioneer times, wild west, gypsy/middle ages, 50's, and 80's

sock hop, anyone?

bringing you the news for a penny a pape

You may remember this post from October in which we published the middle school newspaper. We decided to take a break from the paper and did not offer the class during the second quarter. After Christmas break, however, we brought it back as a third quarter option. Five students signed up, and at first I was a bit nervous until I realized that I would be able to keep track of five students working independently much more easily than I could the TWELVE in my last class. The students in my newspaper class are highly motivated by this project and extremely responsible, so despite only having one hour a week for class, we accomplished in four weeks what my other class accomplished in nine!

The second issue of the Middle School Minds was published today and distributed during lunchtime, much to the excitement of my little newsies. I love that they are so proud of their accomplishment, and that they are willing to share it with their classmates.