One of my numerous passions is participating as a member of Team World Vision. Motivated by the fact that my steps can help a needy child obtain clean water, I find great joy in walking 13.2 miles during the Detroit Free Press Marathon to help those little ones in need.
However, even though I am only walking, it is still necessary to follow the training schedule in order to be properly prepared. Last Saturday, it was recommended that half marathoners walk 8 miles to be prepared for the October 19th event.
Morning appointments delayed the start of my journey until the late afternoon when it was 80 degrees (bad idea), and that day, I had eaten Chipotle for lunch (worse idea!). In addition, the occasional ache in my knee was reminding me that it was time for a cortisone shot! As a result, during the last two miles of that journey, there was a mental battle going on in my mind as my brain was trying to convince my heart to just quit. It was quite the duel, but I finally finished all eight miles.
In a similar fashion, our staff, School Board members, and parent volunteers have been diligently working for the past year on necessary documents to complete the National Lutheran School Accreditation process. Throughout this past year, they have been analyzing the effectiveness of our school ministry by examining and assessing data, as well as providing the necessary documentation that the NLSA process requires. Much like running/walking in a race, this process has required endurance, perseverance, and determination as numerous times arose that many of us felt like I did during last Saturday’s walk! However, our desire to honor God in our school ministry is the motivation to complete all of the necessary requirements.
With great joy I can announce that the first major step has been completed as the rough draft was finished last Monday! Our hope is that this document will swiftly sail through final edits, and a polished document will be submitted within the next two weeks! A Visiting Team of six qualified members is scheduled to arrive on our campus during November 9 through 12 to determine if we meet all of the necessary standards. They will make this determination by reading our reports, walking through classrooms, checking our documentation, and seeing firsthand how God is working at St. Matthew Lutheran School.
As we near the completion of this process, we pray that the Lord will use this process to enhance our ministry and guide us as we strive to give Him our best, as He always gives us His best!
In Jesus’ Love,
Mrs. Palka