As another week becomes history, we look back with definite impressions of God’s hand both leading and sustaining. For that we praise Him! But we were also faced with the opportunity to rely on the fact that God is the one who was instrumental in our being in Cyprus - read facing significant challenges which are only placed in perspective as we go back to the fact that He opened the door for our Kingdom service here.
What was prominent last Saturday? If you guessed the full moon, you are right. Its influence was strong both Friday and Monday as the number of discipline problems seemed to escalate beyond comprehension! A senior Greek Cypriot student, slaps a young Turkish Cypriot boy across the face; three young boys playing soccer decide that kicking the ball is not enough sport so resort to kicking each other - in one case where it really hurts! In trying to diffuse one situation you are confronted by a teacher who asks for five minutes of my time - facing him are three males who challenged his direct authority and skipped his class - actually didn’t wait for class because the previous class was a little late writing a test. They were sent to my office - Oh the power! Such defiance of direct instruction is not tolerated and so they will lose 2% of the terms final percentage plus, and this is what really caught their attention - they are banned from entering the futsal (smaller version of soccer played on an enclosed court)- for the remainder of the month. A parent calls upset over the arrangements for saxophone lessons and asks if I can help. It turns out the student has his whole timetable filled with courses and is trying to squeeze in some sax instruction during two breaks per day - impossible! Where is there time for life? I talk with the music teacher and ask if there is anything which can be done outside of school. This is arranged and I receive a call a couple of days later expressing appreciation!
Three meetings in the evenings this week added to the carousel that is life in Cyprus! The first was with the Alumni. My presence was precedent setting since the previous principal had not attended due to concerns over the aims of the group interpreted as we do not like the new administration and want the ‘old’ guard back. Such is politics in organizations! One member present, out of the 7, was an actress and I could just imagine that she probably attended the academy back in the 1940’s! She was a pleasant lady but seemed to live in the past!
The next night was the PTA group which is so dynamic that I am pleased to see how God is raising up so many who share our faith who are excited to be involved in helping the Academy be a better place. But there is opportunity to give guidance as they do not have any experience in working with a committee structure so guess who steps into that gap and helps them?
A meeting of the Board was held - we will not go there but start praying for November 9 when I have to go through another one. This topic is too big an issue to open in a blog!
Today the students received their interim report marks and the parents come to pick them up - whirlwind or what! The parents of the young Turkish boy who had been slapped arrive and want to talk. Honestly, this week has been so busy that I could hardly remember what they were talking about. When they brought in their son everything clicked. The reason for continued prayer is for wisdom. Notice how this unfolded.
I had dealt with the original issue on I think, Wednesday, an eon ago, and now I am asked to recall the issue for the father who was out of the country when this happened. I discuss the details of my handling the issue and in the ensuing conversation, heard him say that all through the Greek and Turkish community the incident is the gossip. Well when the Lord presents a teaching moment and the eyes to see, I walk in.
I asked how this had become known and assured him that I do not discuss such issues outside the school. So, I said, it must have been your son who shared the details. The father agreed and I urged him to talk with the son and tell him that yes, he told part of the story in saying he had been slapped by a Greek boy but that he needed to add the rest of the story which included a very sincere apology and a trip by the senior boy to take the young boy to the canteen to buy him a treat. That is the story which needs to be told and the father and mother understood!
They then invited me to visit their home in the Northern part of Cyprus on the seacoast! He is diamond wholesaler, retailer and and polisher.
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be an agent of your peace!
Tonight with tiredness wracking my body we have been invited to go out to dinner at the home of parents whose children attend the Academy. We are happy to go and will enjoy the fellowship. Perhaps tomorrow we will go for a drive and see some more of the country.
David
posted by David & Marian Sloss @ 7:52 AM
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