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Kristi Schliep

kristi.schliep@yfci.org

AUGUST 2024

One of my last days in Bakersfield, I was reflecting on my year in the States. I was filled with such gratitude for all God had done over the previous 13 months. I marveled at His provision of a place to live and a car to drive. I was thankful for all the people I was able to visit and the new friends I made in Bakersfield. It was such a gift to spend so much time with family. As I thought further about the year, I realized there had been a lot of challenges and heartache to navigate as well. Yet those were not what stood out looking back. The things that had been hard about the year did not have the loudest voice and didn’t get the last word. Instead, gratitude overflowed.

As I was thinking about this, I heard an invitation from the Spirit to have similar hope about this school year at Black Forest Academy. The thought that came to mind was “what if I could look back on this coming school year as one of my favorites at BFA?” I have loved my time at Black Forest Academy over the years. There have been such sweet seasons here. It is hard to imagine one of my favorite years is still to come.

I know this school year will have challenges and that there will be heartache. I don’t want those things to have the loudest voice or the last word. I long to be able to look back with gratitude for all God is going to do in and through me this school year. I have hope in the One who holds all things together (Colossians 1:17) and has the capacity to do immeasurably more than I ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

I'm enjoying hiking in the woods around our school, Black Forest Academy

So I returned to Germany with open hands and expectant eyes, even as I grieved leaving behind friends, family and community. I arrived back in Kandern, Germany, on June 26 and these first weeks have filled me with gratitude. The time has included settling into my apartment, unpacking things that had been in storage for the year, as well as sweet reunions with friends, coworkers, and community members. I rediscovered the trails around Kandern, often in the company of another staff member. It was a particular delight to connect with young staff and give them space to process the past school year.

On July 15, I was officially back at Black Forest Academy as the Director of People Services. This has included meetings with school leaders to catch up on what I need to know from last school year to be prepared for this year. Since I returned to work, my time has primarily been spent preparing for New Staff Orientation and All Staff Conference. These two training events shape the school year moving forward. Additionally, we will not have an HR manager this year. Part of the last couple of weeks has been shaping expectations and systems to function without an HR manager. It has also meant there are elements of this role that I need to take on.

Throughout these weeks, work continued to be peppered with hikes through the woods and chats with friends. I continue to be postured in hope and gratitude. As challenges arise, I keep asking the Spirit to not let those things cloud my vision or let discouragement’s voice become louder than the voice of Jesus. Thanks for joining me in praying for this to be one of my favorite years at Black Forest Academy.

Kristi Schliep