January 18, 2016
Today our team presented 5 different sessions to the
teachers at Ebenezer School in Barahona.
It was a scheduled in-service day for the teachers here. The sessions included a presentation by Mary
Jo Williams on effective schools and ,teaching techniques to improve
achievement. Steve Amstutz presented a
session on the scientific method and did a number of experiments that the
teachers really enjoyed. The last
session prior to lunch was on thematic units, presented by Becky Cronkleton.
Following lunch prepared by the staff at the school
(traditional island fare), Judy Shick talked with the teachers about using
fables and music as techniques to engage students and help them retain what
they have learned. Our physical
education crew consisting of the three J’s (Judy Pelphrey, Jana Amstutz, and
Mary Jean Galloway), taught teachers about the five fitness components, and
demonstrated games using equipment they brought made of nylon hosiery. These were made into balls, Frisbees, jump
ropes, and stretch bands.
We continue to stay in the penthouse (the fifth floor of the
school building with armed guards downstairs) when not working at the
school. We are in close quarters, but we
are handling our situation with humor and grace! Nighttime noises have been most interesting,
especially the barking dogs and confused rooster that crows all night. It has no idea of night and day! Laughter is abundant!
We have one more scheduled day at the school tomorrow, and
will be working with the school children in their classrooms. We are committed to making our last day as
meaningful as possible, and finishing strong!
Your prayers, and God’s presence have truly been felt and
are so appreciated! We are all missing
our loved ones back home, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Bendiciones,
Mary Jo Williams, Steve and Jana Amstutz
