“This community is so warm, especially to newcomers.”

5:30 a.m.        

I wake up to sunshine streaming in my window and my dog, Gracie, stirring next to me. I tumble out of bed, quickly dress and take Gracie out for her morning walk, which she loves unless it’s raining.

6:30 a.m.        

After breakfast, I Facetime with my daughter in California. Her boys are just getting home from school and I love hearing about their day and blowing them kisses.

7:10 a.m.        

I say goodbye to my husband and head downstairs. On the way to school, I often chat with other faculty, parents or students. The community is so warm—especially to newcomers.

7:40 a.m.        

Greeting everyone as they arrive at the Middle School is my favorite part of the morning. A warm smile and caring words start the day off right.

8:15 a.m.        

It’s time for the admin team’s morning check-in and prayer. We meet every morning to connect and pray for our students.

10:30 a.m.      

Time to visit some classrooms and interact with the students. This makes me realize just how blessed I am to be serving at Concordia. I take notes and snapshots of what I see in the classrooms to share with the teachers.

11:30 a.m.      

Time to grab lunch with the students and staff in the commons. Here, I can interact with folks outside of Middle School. Every week I attend at least one grade level team meeting. It’s a great way to chat face to face with each team.

12:15 p.m.      

I’m off to meet with the MS Instructional Coach and the Curriculum Director to discuss Reading and Writing Workshop and how it aligns with our Middle School goals and objectives.

1:00 p.m.        

After our discussion, I’m off to the weekly Administration Council meeting. It allows our entire school leadership team to collaborate to achieve our school-wide goals.

3:20 p.m.        

School is out and I say goodbye to everyone as they leave. I especially enjoy watching the buses leave the campus; it’s like a finely-tuned orchestra. I return to the office for a quick recap of the day with the MS Assistant Principal or I meet with faculty or team leaders.

5:00 p.m.        

I walk through the door and Gracie immediately greets me with a wagging tail, excited about her afternoon walk.

5:30 p.m.        

My husband and I have dinner together. This is our time to connect and share the events of our day. In the few short months we’ve been here, he has really gotten involved in the community.

7:00 p.m.        

Time for Gracie’s evening walk. It’s fun watching her explore. I can tell she is feeling more at home in China, just like the rest of us.

10:00 p.m.      

Feeling blessed to be here in China and at Concordia, I read, reflect and ready myself for the next day.