About the "Teacher Feature"
The Teacher Feature is designed to acquaint you with "another side" of our Academy teachers in addition to their professional lives. Each month, an interview and a few photo clips of a teacher will appear in the Teacher Feature. We have great people serving here at the Academy, and we want you to get to know and appreciate them. - Mr. Zimmerman
The following article was published on Oct 19, 2009.
Mrs. Leilani Mortland
What do you do for fun?
Thankfully, I consider my work at home, at school, and at church to be fun. I also enjoy watching soccer, basketball, and football. When I need a little time to "de-stress" I like to play the piano or listen to classical music. I like cooking ethnic foods - especially Mexican. And I'm always up for a road trip!
What books or books have you recently read?
I've been reading commentaries on the book of Job for my ladies Bible class. Beyond Suffering, written by Dr. Layton Talbert, is one of my favorites. For lighter reading I'm finishing up a series by Karen Kingsbury with the final book Sunset. I've really been enjoying having my devotions in my Spanish Bible this year. Reading in another language brings new light to often-read passages.
How did you spend the summer?
This summer we had the rare privilege of having all ten of our children and three grandchildren together at one time. We took the grandkids to see the deer at a rehabilitation farm in Caribou, hiked the mountain near our house, ate lots of good food, and took lots of pictures. Before that we took our yearly fishing trip to Pleasant Lake in Washington County. As usual, it rained much of the time, but we still had fun keeping the fire burning, playing board games, reading, watching our cat catch 13 bats, cooking, eating, and boating in the rain.
Of what church are you a member and in what ministries do you participate?
My husband pastors New Life Baptist Church in Presque Isle. I play the piano for the choir and organize the special music. I counsel with ladies and teach a weekly ladies Bible class. Right now we are studying the book of Job. I also produce the weekly bulletin and monthly bulletin boards.
Do you have a life verse? Why have you adopted it?
I claim a theme verse each year. This year the Lord laid Colossians 1:10-12 on my heart. "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." My motto this year is “All for Jesus.” How can I give Him less than my best when He's done so much for me?!
What have you done recently to better yourself professionally?
I am working on a masters degree in Personnel Services from Bob Jones University. Most of my work can be done online, but I won't complain when I have to take a summer school class since my three grandchildren live in Greenville, SC!
What makes you want to get up in the morning?
I enjoy the ride to school each day with my children. We talk about the previous day's events, go over what the current day holds, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and sometimes wildlife along the way. Right now the leaves are just beautiful. Once I get to school I enjoy sharing my love for Spanish and sign language with the students. When God called us to leave our missionary work with the deaf in Mexico and Uruguay I didn't know if I'd ever get to use those languages again. I'm glad that I can teach them at GHCA!
What do you like about GHCA?
appreciate the fact that the faculty and staff love the Lord and want to serve Him by ministering to the students, their families, and one another.
If you could design your dream school, what would it look like?
I'd love to have a piano lab where I could teach piano classes! You said “dream”!
