We Have No Reason for Fear

Last week during our monthly all-staff meeting, individuals shared some of their experiences from the first weeks of school. One of our new teachers shared that she is starting her 29th year in education, and ICSV students are the nicest kids she’s ever had the experience of teaching. Now, that’s something we all want to hear! Others shared about parents and children who arrived at school saying that they were super excited about coming back. One father reported that he felt like he had come home when he walked through the door. Another family said they appreciate the warm, welcoming atmosphere of ICSV. These are all comments that describe the wonderful community in which we participate.

This morning as I got off the bus en route to the U1, I noticed a little girl holding hands with her young mother. The girl must have been about four years old. She was singing and skipping along, as happy and carefree as could be. As we entered the U-bahn station, we took a right turn, and since the elevator was there and empty, we both made the decision to take it up to the platform. After I stepped in, two pre-teen boys also joined us, so there were five of us in the small box. Immediately, the mother asked her daughter to stop singing, so we rode up the one flight in silence.

I was facing the outer window to try and protect myself and others from COVID even though we were all wearing a mask. When I turned around, I noticed that the joy was no longer visible in her little eyes. Instead, her forehead was crunched up and I sensed that she now showed concern and even a little fear. We all exited the elevator car and began to walk down the platform to wait for the train. The little girl and her mother continued hand in hand, as she started asking her some questions in German. No skipping. No singing.

During my short train ride, I pondered what had precipitated the change. Was it being in a small space with strangers? Was it the tone with which her mother has told her to stop singing? Had she been told about keeping distance from people? Whatever took place in her head, the girl had gotten the message that she needed to be serious and quiet.

In this world, which can be scary at times, and especially during this period where we are all wearing masks and avoiding physical contact, I pray that ICSV will be a haven for our families and students. As the family stated that they appreciate ICSV’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, we desire for our students to feel at ease here, learning about God’s amazing creation with joy in their hearts. This week, I encourage you to start your day with a song in your heart and a spring in your step. We serve an almighty God who is in control. We have no reason for fear.

“This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Because of His Faithfulness,
Dr. Sharon Brobst, Director