Night of Fun

In celebration of a successful first semester I invited my students over to my apartment for a night of pizza, hanging out, and movie watching.  We had a WONDERFUL time!  The kids are already asking about the date for our next movie night.  :)  Sadly most of the photos didn't turn out very well, but please enjoy the few I have.

Moment of Firsts

The first day of snow is a very exciting time at ICSV.  This year it decided to come several months later than last year.  (I'm NOT complaining about this!)  Not only was it the first day those in Vienna experienced snow, it was always the first time a few of my students had ever experienced snow in their lives.  Enjoy some of the pictures and video below. :)

Snowball at the camera :(

At least one of these students had never experienced snow before :)

Leaving on a Jet Plane

This year I was once again blessed with the opportunity to go home for Christmas.  Being home with family is something I used to take for granted.  I never fully realized how much being around them gave me such joy and comfort.  Living overseas and only visiting twice a year is challenging.  Don't get me wrong; I love that God has put in Vienna.  It's the perfect place for me.  He knew exactly what He was doing and I've learned to trust that His plan is the right one.  I thank God often that He gave me my family and allowed us to be very close to each other.

This Christmas, as a family, we spent time simply enjoying each other's company.  The rest and relaxing atmosphere helped me return to Vienna with a renewed energy for the new year.  Hooray!

At the Airport with my friend, Jessica

Family Trip to Hume Lake

Kindness at Christmas

This year, at Christmas, I wanted my students to focus on someone besides themselves.  In order to teach this we spent a lot of time talking about what God gave to us and how we should be thankful for Jesus' sacrifice.  Another way we focused on this was by giving gifts to others.  The students not only wrapped up the pottery they had made in Art, they also participated in a gift exchange.  Each student was given the name of another student and they needed to get a small gift for their "Secret Buddy."  Shortly before Christmas break we exchanged our gifts.  I hope you enjoy some pictures from our lesson below.

Wrapping our Gifts

The Gift Exchange

Joyous Signing at the Elementary Christmas Concert

This year our theme for the Elementary Christmas Concert was Candy Canes.  Throughout the night we clearly laid out the story of Jesus' birth and how through this baby we have the opportunity for salvation.  It was a wonderful concert with great singing and speaking from all the different students.

Prepping before the Show

Primary-2nd Grade

This Year's Theme

3rd-5th Grade

Entire Elementary

How cute it that!?!  The little brother of one of my students.

Primary-2nd Grade

Entire Elementary

IBCV Children's Christmas Concert

Here's a portion of the children's Christmas concert from my church.  A combination of cuteness and funniness!

One of my 4th Grade students (on the left)

Happy Holidays Gift Exchange!

For the past few years my friends, Amanda and Carrie, have hosted a Secret Santa Gift Exchange.  It allows a special time for the ladies of ICSV to get together and encourage one another through gift giving.  I particularly enjoyed this year since I had been able to get to know my "secret Santa" a lot better this year than last year.  It was fun trying to shop for her and find just the right thing!  Unfortunately she wasn't able to come to the party, so she didn't receive her gift until a few days later.

Look at all the presents!

Yumminess

The Hosts

Great Time on a Field Trip to the Christmas Markets

Continuing in the Christmas tradition at ICSV all students went on a field trip to the Rathaus in order to create some beautiful Christmas crafts and shop at one of the biggest Christmas markets in the city.  This year 4th and 5th grade went together again and we had a blast!  Check out some of the pictures of our time below.

On Our Way :)

Creating Picture Frames

Making Candle Holders

My Group :)

Waffle Time!

4th Grade

5th Grade

Walking Back to the uBahn