By Lonnie Hetterle – Denver, Colorado . . . A committee was recently appointed to monitor the pandemic in connection with our Rocky Mountain Conference schools and watch for ways to best address any lingering and/or new concerns that may arise. Meeting after graduations are complete, they will be working closely with our own state government as well as the Mid- America Union Education Office and our national and church leadership.
Recently, while looking through pictures on my phone from this past Christmas I was stunned to realize they were taken only five months ago. Today is a different world from the one we knew lately.
Our teachers, students and parents, have not only survived but in many ways thrived, through the challenges of this pandemic. We have grown in our digital competence and have incorporated some new and exciting avenues for learning into the curriculum that have been a blessing.
We are certainly hoping to open in August for the new school year. Teachers and Students are missing that one-to-one contact, That personal touch that only an appropriate hug, high five, or fist bump can give. The Zoom contacts, telephone calls, and work packets are good, but they cannot replace the rapport and faith-building relationships that are so vital in this confusing and chaotic world.
We assure our parents and church members that it is our strong desire and intent to open our schools in August. We would love to be able to guarantee that we will be open for in-person instruction, but we don’t know what the world will be like in three months and we are depending on the wisdom of the newly-appointed committee to prayerfully study the ramifications of any path we take.
The Bible describes us as seeing the future “through a glass darkly”. I think that glass has been given a thick coat of impenetrable black paint. I do however, know Someone who can clearly see the days, weeks, and months ahead and He has promised to give His guidance and support as we seek Him.
My encouragement to you today is to listen closely to that “Still Small Voice” and to rest assured that although we may not “know the future” we do “know Who holds the future”. Thank you for remembering God’s children in your daily devotions.
–Lonnie Hetterle is RMC education director
