Changes

If this were Pee-wee’s Playhouse, the magic word of the day, nay, year, would be “Change” (cue loud yelling from everyone including the couch). Bridges Academy has undergone a tsunami of change in the few months I was away. I have never been a fan of change, but so far things have been running smoothly in an awkward, bumpy, way. Aside from the obvious leaving home and moving to Africa thing, here are some of the additional changes:

The first major change was in school administration. The head teacher, Jenni Feldman, who had been here since the beginning of Bridges Academy resigned. In her place, we took on two Peters – Peter Pederson and Peter Sawyers. I have been able to see Jenni and her family of Feldmans pretty frequently, but they live about 40 min away, so I can’t see them too often unfortunately. Jenni is pretty amazing. I’ve admired her organization, confidence, and ability to play about 50 roles at the same time since I met her 3 years ago, and have even more of an admiration for those abilities now that we are trying to sort out how to attempt to do all the tiny things she used to do at the school. When she left the school, the Feldman’s left the cottage next to the Academy, so that is where Cece, Kristy and I are living now. It is a great house, and is starting to feel a little less strange. I’ll probably always think of it as the Feldman’s house with some great memories of family dinners attached.

The two Peter’s are wonderful. Peter Pederson is the school’s head – so he is taking on more of the principal roll. He is also teaching some classes and is doing a fantastic job. He is settling and sorting out problems as they come up. He is incredibly kind, genuine, and is very passionate about teaching these kids and seeing them succeed. Peter Sawyers was at Bridges a couple years ago and was already familiar with most of the kids before being hired on this year as a full-time school chaplain. His job is to encourage, emphasize and guide the spiritual aspects of the school. He is incredibly joyful, always encouraging, and so creative. He has done a great job so far at planning activities for the school, organizing our morning devotion times, and making sure everyone is doing ok.

In other staffing changes, we are missing two other faces from last year – Annette, the grade 7 teacher who took on a new position this year at a local school, and John, our counselor. I’m hoping to still see a bit of both of them hopefully some time soon. We also hired on some new teachers, Sarie (an Africans math teacher) and Washington (a Zimbabwean religious studies and English teacher). Both have been so nice to work with so far. I am very lucky to work with such a great staff of like-minded people. All of us share in wanting provide the Academy students with the academic, social, and spiritual tools they will need to have a great future and stay on the right track.

We have also lost some students and gained some students. Just after I left at the end of September, there was an incident at the school involving three boys, an altercation, a pair of scissors, and about a 12 inch gash in one of the boy’s face that is now a dramatic scar from his hair down to his chin. Needless to say, the other two boys involved were expelled and are not at Bridges this year. I was sad to hear about the incident, and sad that the boys had done what they did. Both students had great potential, but made a very poor and scary decision that ended their time at Bridges.

On a positive note, we have welcomed an absolutely delightful new 9th grader from Gugulethu named Bongeka. She is so sweet and has joined in the rankings of “best smile” at Bridges. She has had a great attitude and has made friends quickly. She is very bright, participates in class, loves reading, and is just a great kid. I’m so glad she’s at the school and that I have the opportunity to teach her! Today we also had another girl come from Philippi to take her placement tests for the school. She may be joining us later this week!

The Retreat Center is also undergoing a heap of change. We are surrounded by construction on the pool, property road, kitchen and basketball court. There is a constant layer of dust on everything, but things are getting done quickly and look great so far! The Duncans also have some friends who came from Cali and have been working on beautiful paintings around the retreat center.

Last change for now– I do miss my friends Maia, Leeanne and Emily who I had the pleasure of teaching and serving with when I was last here. It is always hard to start over again meeting new people and building new relationships, especially when you miss old friends. It really has a much different vibe without them. Still good, but in a different way.

As much as I pretend I don’t care much for change, there is something very refreshing about it. It often is paired with loss, which is never easy, but I trust that God knows what he is doing and I know that good things are coming and are already here. Bring on the change!