Something New--Teaching Art!

Since last April when the civil unrest began here in Nicaragua, we have had numerous challenges.  One of these challenges was the number of teachers who decided not to continue at NCA for the 2018-2019 school year.  In June, we learned that the art teacher would not be continuing. I (Jessica) had thought for the past few years that if I were going to start teaching again at NCA, Elementary Art classes would be an interesting option.  And so, here I find myself!  I teach part time, fitting all 9 elementary classes into two days of teaching.  Those two days are busy, but I am LOVING the job!  It challenges me to be constantly finding new art ideas and to ensure that all of the grades have challenging and rewarding projects that teach them different forms of media, techniques, and art theory.  Another thing I have loved is getting to know ALL of the kids from preschool to 6th grade.  I think that at the end of October I had just about learned all 185 names!

I am amazed to see God’s perfect timing.  Although we were sad to see so many of our teachers go, and we have been so saddened by what is happening in Nicaragua, He is in control and has provided me with this opportunity to teach again, right at the time when our youngest entered first grade.  In times of such uncertainty it is reassuring to see the Lord working in our own stories to perfectly place us where we can give glory to Him.

Here are a few pictures of what we’ve been up to.  If you’re interested, you can follow me on Instagram (ncaiart) and get a taste of what we’re doing in the art room.