First two weeks of school...some observations

The new name of our school: International Christian School of Vienna.  Such a strong name to reflect our true international identity.

1. Our kiddos make us smile and we missed their laughter over the summer.
2. These kids are HILARIOUS!  Their observations on life and school are pretty funny!
3. The transition from 2nd grade to 3rd grade seems to be a huge jump and the parents are a bit overwhelmed!
4. We forgot how tired teaching makes us!
5. In second and third grade we have 25 students (11 and 14 respectively) and they are from 16 different countries!  We are blessed to be reaching so many nations with the love of the Lord!

September 1, 2010...

we've been:
Buying: quinoa
Considering: the movie for movie night next Friday
Cooking: stuffed bell peppers and halved potatoes
Eating: cantaloupe and almonds (not at the same time)
Googleing : paper piecing patterns
Learning: all about diabetes as one of Amanda's students has it
Listening:  Sabrina
Loving: gerber daisies
Planning: what to make for movie night dinner next Friday and what to give to parents for Back To School Night
Reading: books about mammals, books by Ken Gire, and books by C.S. Lewis
Watching: Singin' in the Rain and Sabrina
Wearing: long sleeves
Wishing: that migraine headaches wouldn't ever make their appearance
Thankful: for sewing buddies, game buddies, and friends
Writing:  referrals for struggling students to receive extra help
Hoping: that it will warm up slightly.  There is a fine line between comfortable cool and flat out cold and we have most certainly crossed the line here in Vienna!  

Computer glitch...

Due to a computer glitch I was supposed to teach a high school class of this...

while simultaneously teaching this today

Never a dull moment I tell you!  I was wondering how that was going to work and luckily I was rescued and left to teach my cute "little ones" as they are often called by older "big" ones!  

The Lord loves to bring a smile to my face!  

Blessings!

A surprise in the box...

Google image boxes not the real boxes that arrived today!

The containter arrived today.  This means that all of our curriculum and supplies that we ordered in March finally arrived at school.  This also means that many of us showed up outside to unload, sort, and inventory all of the items.  Carrie and I were inventory buddies.  We finished our first set of boxes from Oriental Trading and then moved on to a box of randomness and a few things were missing in those boxes.  When we finished with that order, we moved on to the one sitting next to us.  It was a lone box that no one was touching and it was a pretty silver color.  So, we, being the diligent inventory control people that we are, start opening the box to inventory it.  While opening it we discuss that it is a strange box and "isn't it a pretty silver color".  When we get it open we are a bit surprised to discover newspaper as the filler for the box and then we see a black plastic trash bag.  At this moment I start to smell something familiar and my brain is trying to connect the smell as I look down the inventory sheet and discovered that inside the box should be fetal pigs for the biology class to dissect.  I quickly tell Carrie, "STOP, there are fetal pigs inside" as she is starting to attempt to open the black trash bag.   Carrie promptly gets this horrified look on her face and jumps back!  I then started laughing so hard I about had an asthma attack and we went to find someone else to inventory that box.  I am still giggling as I type this!  Hehe!

German success... no matter how small

Hello or God's Greeting

So today, while walking with a group of friends to the U-bahn to go home from school, I heard this statement from a mother to her family... "Kindergarten ist nächste Woche."  I immediately, without thinking, turn to my friends and happily announce, "Hey guess what?!  Kindergarten is next week!"  Well, had I thought about it I would have realized that my friends probably didn't hear this statement from the mom and I just sounded random and weird by suddenly and excitedly repeating it translated.  Nonetheless, I was happy that I had German language success today regardless how small and dorky I sounded!  It is most certainly the little things that matter!  hehe

Official Vienna residents...

Visiting friends this summer

As of August 14th we've been:
Buying: new yearly transportation passes - we were then asked for our pass while on the u-bahn so it was very handy to have the new ones!  We were also able to pick up our new Schluesselkraft Visas and insurance cards.  Yay!
Considering: that there is A LOT of work to be done in our classrooms before the first day of school which is next Monday.  Anyone want to come help??!  :)
Cooking: Buckeye balls and potato salad
Eating: yummy ribs at the staff BBQ
Googleing : the difference between wakeboards and skimboards
Learning: it is going to take a while for our brains to turn on to German and that we have a lot to do and not enough time to get it all done
Listening:  Fee thanks to Chante and friends' stories of their summer adventures
Loving: our own beds they are as comfy as marshmallows
Planning: what order I need to do things to try and make a miracle happen before next Monday!
Reading: a women's devotional and a book about a small town doctor
Watching: Gilmore Girls and Chuck
Wearing: slip resistant Tevas that will help my toe heal
Wishing: that jetlag would pass quickly and there were more hours in the day
Thankful: for supporters and words of love and encouragement
Writing:  lesson plan ideas - specifically month-by-month phonics ideas 
Hoping: that the new staff at ICSV transition well and know that we care about them

God's Beauty...

Our friends Jennifer and Bonnie love to treat us to a few days in God's beauty while we are in CO on summer home assignment.  It has become a tradition to go to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park for a few days.  It is relaxing and very beautiful.  I LOVE it and am so blessed to be able to share in viewing God's beauty with friends.  Enjoy the pics below.

an interesting bridge

a babbling brook

Mills Lake in Estes Park, CO - Our final destination

Colorado update

Amanda and Carrie in Estes Park at Mills Lake

As of July 26, we've been..


Buying: vitamins
Considering: the idea that the summer with family and friends is to short
Cooking: Quinoa and chicken
Eating: cabbage and corned beef
Googleing : nothing recently - this is quite surprising!
Learning: that my brother John's dog Cashew is an escape artist
Listening:  to my mom tell me stories and share her heart with me
Loving: my family so much
Planning: what to pack for MI and wondering if everything will fit in our suitcases for Vienna
Reading: books by Earlene Fowler
Watching: American Pickers - my dad really likes it and I now know why
Wearing: shorts and a tee shirt
Wishing: my family could come to Europe
Thankful: for the encouraging meetings with supporters
Writing:  directions 
Hoping: that my friends and family know how much I love them

A praise...

As many of you know Carrie and I are missionary teachers in Vienna, Austria.  We are following the Lord's leading to impact the world through teaching at the only English speaking K-12 Christian School in Austria.  Since we are missionaries we are required to raise our own support.  All throughout the year and during the summers while we are on home assignment we are continually trying to get our support level at 100%.  We desire to serve the Lord but not go into debt while doing it.  The only way to make this happen is to continually be 100% supported.

When we stepped off of the plane into beautiful Colorado on June 22 we both needed to raise $1000 in monthly donations to be at the desired 100%.  This is the moment where I am sure most of you are gasping and believe me I gasped a few times myself at the daunting task before us.  During this time of complete reliance on God, because I knew I could not do this within my own power, I always remembered that the Lord is in control.  He called me to be a missionary teacher in Vienna and He already has plans to provide for all of my needs including the financial ones!  Well, neither of us are currently at 100% but we are sure close and it has been amazing to see supporters come out of the woodwork!  I (Amanda) currently need $350 in additional commitments and Carrie needs $300. Will you join us in rejoicing at the Lord moving such huge mountains and carrying our burdens?  Please also join us in praying that the additional monthly commitments come in soon and those that have made monthly commitments follow through with their giving!  Thank you for blessing our lives with your prayers!

Meet Elsie!!

This is Elsie the newest member of the happy Brunker family!  I fell in love with her from the first moment I was able to touch her after I had stepped off the plane in June!  She has officially stolen my heart!  I love that little one!  My brother and sister-in-law (I just call her my sister) are sooo good at taking care of her.  I am not successful at feeding her without giving her the hiccups but they are!  I've always known that they would make wonderful parents!

Things we've observed...

• DSW is huge and there are no shoes that will work 100% of the time!  frustrating!
• There are crazy drivers - I have been almost hit many times this last week of driving from Elizabeth to Denver and back.
• It is possible for Amazon.com companies to send the incorrect item and then not believe you when you inform them of their mistake!  frustrating!
• God's continual provision is AMAZING!
• The summer time with my family is certainly not long enough.
• The stores are huge and cold due to air conditioning!
• Ice cream isn't as good here.  It is fun, however, to get ice cream with cookie dough in it!  :)
• Friends in the sates are wonderful!
• 6 month old Bernese Mountain dogs are a bit ADHD-ish but hilariously fun.  She thinks I am her best friend.
• Sunsets in CO are hands down one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!  I am reminded of this every year but the beauty still amazes me.

Colorado Moments...

Carrie and I have been in Colorado for 6 days.  I have remembered why I love Colorado!  It will be a challenge to find time to rest while meeting with supporters/potential supporters, reconnecting with dear family, and reconnecting with faithful friends.  Here are some of our reasons we love Colorado.  These ideas have resurfaced after our year absence.

• Enjoying the abundant sunshine!  Colorado really does have more than 300 days of sunshine a year and we LOVE it!
• Spending time with friends and family whom we have missed dearly.
• The sunsets on the plains as well as in the mountains.
• (in the states) Everyone speaks a language I can understand but sometimes I forget that I can respond in the same language!
• The low, or non-existent humidity
• Hugs of those we love and have missed!

These are just a few but know that we would love to get together with you while we are back in Colorado to create more memories.  We leave Colorado on July 31.  Hope to hear from you!  :)

June 16 update

As of June 16, 2010 we've been...
Buying: Supporter gifts
Considering: the fact that we fly to America for a month and a half in 6 days!!!
Cooking: Buckeye Balls
Eating: hummus and bell peppers
Googleing : weather in Vienna
Learning: that my new umbrella works quite well!
Listening:  to a World Cup soccer game between Spain and Switzerland (but it is in German so this is hard)
Loving: the cute present I purchased for dear little Elsie
Planning: what to pack and where I am  going to stay in CO
Reading: Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes
Watching: Some World Cup games
Wearing: a rain jacket as it is quite rainy today
Wishing: I was in the States right now
Thankful: that name cards and table number cards are finished
Writing:  e-mails
Hoping: that the rain stops soon

Last day of school..

Tomorrow, June 9, is the last day of school for the 2009-2010 school year at VCS.  For seven years now this day is always bittersweet for me.  It seems to be even harder here at VCS as I know many people who have impacted my life, students included, will leave soon and I may not see them again.  I always wonder if I have impacted their lives as much as they've impacted mine.  Have I done everything I can to comfort them and show them the love of Jesus?  These are things that are going around and around in my mind.  This years class was a lot of fun.  They most certainly kept me laughing and we flew through the curriculum.  They are sooo smart!  I will miss them.  I also know how tired I am so I am somewhat glad to be done but the nagging in my heart about missing those that are leaving seems to, at many times, overtake the weariness.  For those of you that read this blog, which I am not sure there are many, please pray for the five students leaving from my class as well as the dear colleagues heading back to the States.  They will be missed.  Please pray that they know how much of an impact they have made and the lives they have changed because they stepped out to follow the Lord.  Also, pray for their transitions (both students and staff) as it will be difficult to go back to a land that has changed so much since they were last there.  Thank you and blessings.

Reasons to smile...

The Lord graces us with many joyful moments throughout our days.  There have been so many recently that I thought I should tell you about some.  Due to the sheer volume of joyful moments, I will only list a few from the past two days!  :)

1. Snails:  In third grade we are studying the structures of life.  We are highlighting plants and snails.  My students crack me up.  There are two of them (out of 14) that are so excited they cannot handle their excitement.  They brought in snails and the class said, "ewww, Miss Brunker why would we want to study snails?  They are gross and slimy."  That was Friday's exclamation.  Then today, Wednesday, I had to feed the sails (who knew they LOVE cucumbers?!).  So, I was feeding the snails and then one by one the kiddos were around me squealing with delight as I let them touch them and feed them!  They now LOVE it and my heart smiled because of it.  These kids are so precious and they make learning about slimy things like snails so much fun!
2. Hair:  The second grade girls were playing with each other's hair during recess.  They decided to play with Carrie's hair and were shocked that her hair is softer than their African hair.  Carrie then told them that Miss Brunker's hair is probably the softest she has ever felt and they should feel it later.  Well, they found me in the hallway and were shocked to discover how soft my hair is.  They giggled so hard while feeling our hair!  It was so cute and definitely made us smile!

Thank you for sharing in our moments to smile!  I hope you are able to see many evidences of God's hand and joy in your life today!  :)

Faith in Action

I get cute handmade cards (or love notes as I like to call them) from my students quite frequently.  One particular student always reminds me of one amazing truth at the end of each love note.  She always writes "I love you Miss Brunker and so does God"  This makes my heart melt because every time I have received a note from her I have needed to hear those words and believe them deep down.  I recently remembered that this little one accepted Christ as her Savior this school year.  I can already see her living her faith by encouraging others and reminding them  of the truth.  Thank you Lord for allowing me to minister to these children from the nations of the world!  Thank you to my financial supporters and prayer partners who come alongside my ministry here in Vienna.  I most certainly couldn't reach these nations without your faith in me.  Thank you!

13 May 2010

As of May 13, 2010 we've been...
Buying: orange juice
Considering: the fact that it will be very difficult to put together a bed without the screws and bolts
Cooking: Perfectly Chocolate White Chocolate cookies and lasagna
Eating: mini cucumbers
Googleing : scarlet fever
Learning: that sun dresses are cute but I do not fit the European sizes - Where is Kohl's when you need it!
Listening:  to Carrie hum amazing grace
Loving: our time at Family  Fun Day
Planning: meals for next week
Reading: A Thousand Suns
Watching: CNN International - simply because everything else is in German
Wearing: a light jacket - the weather is a bit damp and chilly here today
Wishing: that friends would always continue to care about one another
Thankful: that our God loves us more than all of the stars in the sky
Writing:  the April/May newsletter
Hoping: that our friends and family know how much we love them

May update

As of May 9, 2010 we've been...
Buying: chocolate covered rice cakes
Considering: the fact that I will turn 30 in a few days
Cooking: German Potato Salad
Eating: butter keks (they're kind of like vanilla wafers)
Googleing : how to melt wax for water color batik
Learning: that the temperature inside of the church gets swelteringly hot on warm May afternoons
Listening:  to the dishwasher
Loving: the sunshine we had today.  We've missed it.
Planning: Amanda's birthday party
Reading: The Meanest Doll Ever
Watching: a marathon of Monk
Wearing: comfy socks and no coat to church today
Wishing: that life could just stay the same
Thankful: for our mothers on this Mother's Day
Writing:  this blog post
Hoping: that we make it on time to the meeting at 7:30am tomorrow morning (Monday)

An update...

As of April 25, 2010 we've been...
Buying: Pink Lady Apples
Considering: the fact that we are suppose to run in a race on Wednesday and I am sick!  Hum, I wonder how this is going to work!
Cooking: couscous
Eating: gelato
Googleing : different types of tulips - there are many!
Learning: that the German language is a confusing language!
Listening:  to the movie Tuck Everlasting
Loving: the spring flowers that are appearing all around
Planning: our trip to the States this summer
Reading: The Kite Runner
Watching: Mystery Diagnosis
Wearing: short sleeves
Wishing: that I didn't have some sort of random illness that kicking me pretty hard
Thankful: that baby Elsie is home from the hospital and eating on her own and that we've purchased our tickets to Colorado for the summer!  We arrive on June 22, look out!  ;)
Writing:  grades on papers
Hoping: I kick this illness quickly and it doesn't turn into bronchitis for the third time this school year!  ugh!

As of April 5, 2010 we've been...
Buying: Pretty eggs for friends
Considering: the early morning it will be tomorrow when we return to school from Spring Break
Cooking: empanadas
Eating: homemade chocolate muffins
Googleing : knitting patterns for baby bibs
Learning: that our washing machine can produce a lot of bubbles and they can then go all over the floor at 1 in the morning!
Listening:  the movie Hitch
Loving: the warm weather
Planning: the events for the week
Reading: Exodus
Watching: Movies borrowed from friends
Wearing: pretty scarves
Wishing: that I didn't have to say goodbye to friends soon
Thankful: that baby Elsie is making progress
Writing:  "love notes" to my parents
Hoping: this week goes smoothly and I get enough sleep!