Every year during GO! Week at CHA, we have to problem-solve. Someone forgets a passport. Someone is late. A location doesn’t have much for us to do. Someone has to head home due to a family crisis. This year, it was no different.
On Wednesday night, I got a text from Mrs. Acres that Mr. Chavez was sick.
Mrs. Acres: Joe, could you fill in with the North Chicago Team working on home construction with ReNew Ministries?
Me: Of course!
Mrs. Acres: Oh, and try to wear something cat-themed.
I don’t have any cat-themed clothing, but I did get handed a cat ear headband from Dr. Kindt that morning before heading out to the van. Naturally, Dr. Kindt and the North Chicago team had a theme for each day. Why wouldn’t they? Today it was cats.
On the way there I heard all sorts of stories about the week, from a rest stop at Dr. Kindt’s house to plans for a week-end celebration at Chili’s on Friday. And it was a blast throughout the workday with inside jokes, a great teacher-approved playlist, and a very clear picture that this wasn’t just a service project; it was also evidence of a wonderful relationship that each of these students had with their brilliant high school science teacher.
The best part? I was not surprised at all.
You see, as I’ve said at least one hundred times, our faculty are what make CHA such an incredible place to be.
The following week, CHA faculty spent time sharing stories from GO! Week at our Monday in-service. One stayed up into the early hours of the morning praying with students. Another took a six-hour bus trip across Guatemala to resolve some unexpected visa issues. Another spent hours rescheduling flights due to a tropical storm.
And our Lower School faculty are not outdone. From visiting students in the hospital, or dropping in on holiday playdates at the park, to hosting a classroom full of grandparents for a Thanksgiving celebration, or coming in on a Saturday just to make sure Monday’s lessons have the maximum impact.
Last year I about fell out of my chair when I saw the data from this student survey question:
You are seeing that correctly. Just one of 163 Middle and Upper School respondents (the tiny red sliver of pie above) provided a negative response to this question.
I love CHA because our teachers are not only academically excellent; they are also mentors, ministers, and coaches. If you are reading this and your kids don’t have those kinds of adults in their lives, schedule a visit and learn more about CHA. Your kids are missing out.
If you are a CHA parent and, like me, are deeply grateful to have these role models in your kids’ lives, please pray for and encourage our teachers! Also please consider a gift to Coinucopia this year. Whether big or small, your gift supports their excellent work. Click here to give!
—J.T.
