Looking forward to what's next. . .

Tomorrow, we will hop on a plane from Managua to Albuquerque. We are so looking forward to the change of routine, seeing family and friends, connecting with our faithful supporters and churches. And the non-essential things, too, that we sometimes miss while living here: like driving on nicely paved roads, eating at Taco Bell, shopping at Target, drinking out of the tap, speaking English while we're out and about, and flushing toilet paper.

We know these next two months will fly by. . .which is actually okay. Saying goodbye to our home, neighbors, school, and church here in Nicaragua isn't that fun, . .we will look forward to returning at the end of summer! I'm especially looking forward to the beginning of the SOAAR program. We've worked very hard this last semester, readying ourselves for the expansion of our inclusive special education program at NCA.

It's been great to work on this project as a team; I'm certainly not doing this alone! Thanks to Kevin (our current learning resources teacher), Marysol, Susan, and Sylvia  (administrators) for all of your hard work and the many hours you've spent with me this past semester as we dream and plan.

As a committee, we've done a lot of work on paper and through conversation. All parents at NCA just recieved a one-page fact sheet regarding the program; I'm hoping and praying it is well-received by our wider school community, as this is quite a shift of how our school operates.

Now some "concrete" things are happening, too, as we begin to expand our area where special education services at NCA will be housed. Here are some pictures of Kevin's current classroom (also known as a closet!), where she does an amazing job using her tiny space so well with over 20 students throughout each day!

When I arrive in Nicaragua in late July, our new space (that I was able to design!) will be move-in ready. No more closets for students with learning differences!

We're expanding our old library, and dividing it into two classrooms for Kevin and myself with a shared conference room. Keep in mind, too, that using the inclusion model, most of our student learning will actually take place in the general education classrooms! So thankful for our school. . .their increased commitment to serve children with disabilities is being witnessed by increase in staff, space, and resources!

The last thing I did today with the manager of the project was look at paint colors. . .I had to laugh when the first light blue paint color I turned to was named "Soar." I chose it without hesitation, loving the silly coincidences God places in our lives as confirmation that we're moving in His direction.