Closing Out.

   Well, it's been a great ride over the last couple of years. I've really enjoyed "journaling" parts of my life, and have appreciated anyone who has taken the time to read my entries and joined along on this journey. Blogging is something that I've come to enjoy, a way I like to process new thoughts, get on my little soapbox, or tell funny stories. 

   I've pondered for a while if I'd continue to keep a blog upon returning from Africa...obviously it couldn't be  about "Life At Sakeji", and obviously it wouldn't have the great stories and quotes from the awesome grade 2's and 3's. I can't tell yet if a girl, returning from the mission field, trying to get a new job, putting her life back together, and preparing for a wedding, could have an interesting life enough to come up with stuff to blog about. I also don't want to assume that my life is that important that you'd actually want to read about it. :) But this is the thing, I really enjoy blogging, and personally would like to give it a try. I can't promise however that I would be a faithful blogger, or that I'd even successfully keep a blog active. This may be a failed attempt, and if I feel that there is nothing worth telling you about, then I have every intention to discontinue. So, if you're interested, here is "The Next Step" - tofollowwithoutfear.blogspot.com 

   I am convinced that this next stage of my life is going to be pretty great, and pretty important, and I hope and aspire to be a good wife, a good mother someday, and a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus, whatever, however, and wherever. The journey towards marriage has been a pretty long and difficult one so far (especially the past year and a half), but I think that there have been so many valuable lessons learned, and probably many more valuable lessons still to learn, try as I might to make the next five months speed by. All my life, but especially in the past two years God has abundantly supplied me with opportunities to have wife training, cooking training, teaching training, roommate training, hostess training, and mom training. While not all of these training sessions were my favorite things to do, I am richly blessed to have learned so many things, and thankful to have a God who cares enough about my future to give me the preparation for it.

   Living in Africa for the past two years has been an experience I have loved and will never forget, and transitioning back to the states while anticipating getting married is simply the next part of the adventure. What a great life, what an awesome calling, and I want to continue following my Savior onto the next path without having any fear. 

Last Night in Zambia

  I find it hard to fathom that tonight is my last night being in Zambia...at least for now anyway. Time is a concept I have yet to understand, but somehow two years ago I was staying in this very same guest house on my very first night in Zambia. Many nights (and days) have passed since then, and have led to a really exciting two years that I will never forget, and never regret.

   The first part of the journey has passed pretty smoothly, although I have to say, riding in the back of a covered pickup truck with three other people and all the luggage for five hours was definitely not leaving in style! It felt pretty Zambian though. :)

   Tomorrow afternoon we leave out of Lusaka, and hopefully all will go well and we will make all of our flight connections. Now that the journey's begun, and the goodbyes have been said I'm ready to get home. Lusaka today has been so hot, I'm pretty eager to be back in cold weather...although we'll see how long that lasts. 

   Goodnight everybody! Goodnight Zambia!

A few hundred goodbyes.

     Well, somehow we all made it through the last few days of school. Third term is always so much more full than the other end of terms, but now, unbelievably, it's all over. Yesterday came the time to say goodbye to all the kids, which wasn't easy, but a relief to have it over with. 

     Now I'm working on packing, cleaning up my classroom, and spending time with people here: staff, kids at the orphanage, other friends I've made out here. I hadn't figured just how many goodbyes I'd have to say, and how many relationships I actually really do have. Even working in my classroom I'm finding I'm saying goodbyes.  

     I'm grateful for God's grace over the last few weeks, and I'm definitely feeling the prayers of those who are remembering me this week! Closing out two years of one's life isn't easy, but at the same time, I'm excited for the future!

Pinch and a Punch!

"Pinch and a punch for the rest of the month and no returns" is a common phrase heard at Sakeji on the first of every month, accompanied with a pinch and a punch. The kids love racing each other (and the teachers) with this, and some very clever people started saying back, "And a slap and a kick for being so quick!" It's all done in fun though, and is a cute tradition. 

It occurred to me this morning that we have started yet another month here...and that these two years which have been very full are all too quickly coming to an end. 

This last week of school is very full of Christmas...Christmas dinner on Sunday, children practicing and performing Christmas carols, classrooms all decorated for Christmas, and a Christmas show being presented to the parents on the last day of school. 

I'm so happy and sad at the same time. I don't think that I've ever been this torn before in my life. 

Grade two class picture...although not everyone was cooperating for this one!

The sad faces we are making are because I'm leaving this term.(Their idea!)

A Thankful Heart!

Another Thanksgiving is here, and once again I've been so blessed by the other staff members and children here at Sakeji. 

As I walked into my classroom this morning, I found it all decorated for Thanksgiving by the grade 1 teacher. She's crazy! She came up with this idea over a month ago, and had secretly gotten my kids to help make the decorations and write me little thankful notes. Such a surprise! It just about brought me to tears. 

We also had the second annual Pie Social at Sakeji, several of the ladies brought their favorite pie, and it was a pleasant evening, playing a group game, eating pie, and watching an episode of Duck Dynasty. Go America!

This morning as I was explaining to the grade 2's and 3's what Thanksgiving is all about, one kid raised their hand and said, "So, do we tell you 'Happy Thanksgiving' because it's American?" 

Being away from home on Thanksgiving always leaves one sad, and homesick...but with the friends and family that I have right here at Sakeji my heart is overflowing with thankfulness!

Keeping My Head in the Game

Unbelievably we are winding down to end of term! The next two weeks are pretty big and important, full of the usual end of term deadlines, and this time a whole bunch of goodbyes. Some of my duties done daily or weekly won't be missed too much, but at the same time there are moments when I look around at my class and realize that this last few weeks will be very sentimental, and that I will look back on those moments with fondness and sadness. 

I've begun my last round of report cards, and also started to decorate the classroom for Christmas. The kids are thrilled, and I'm appreciating the homey touch Christmas decorations add to a classroom. 

The count down's begun, and the kids are checking out...a bit earlier than I expected (like usual, my teacher self isn't quite ready to let them turn off their brains just yet!), and I realize the challenge that lies ahead for me is keeping my head in the game for just a few weeks longer!

Inquisitive Minds

"Miss Garcia? Are you on a diet?"

"Ummm, no. Why?"

"Because your multi-vitamin bottle says on it 'dietary supplement'."

This conversation has taken place twice...both times asked by grade 7 boys! :) I'm glad that the world is filled with kids, their inquisitive minds, and their blunt questions. 

Grade 3 Logic

This conversation took place while lining up this morning for class:

Grade 3 student: "Miss Garcia? Are you a girl, a lady, or a woman?"

Me: "What do you think?"

Grade 3 student: "Well, you can't be a woman until you're married, so I guess you're still a lady."

I'm certainly going to miss the funny, entertaining, and very strange questions that often come up! 

The Real Thing

I find when hearing about all the technological advances being made, I am almost freaked out by the type of things that modern technology can do. The minds behind this stuff must be very intelligent and adventurous. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable with the rapid change of times, and electronics...and the type of things you can do with electronics. But here's a thought that never occurred to me until this morning. 

Ok, so internet, skype, and texting, and all that stuff is wonderful (or at least it can be!). If it weren't for Skype I'm not sure I'd still be engaged to Chris and living in Africa. I'd probably be either engaged, or living in Africa, but probably not both. I have loved being able to talk to (and see) my nephew online, and stay in contact with my family and friends. 

But, even with some pretty high tech and amazing tools, there's still something missing. I still can't wait till the next chance I have to see the people I love, and who are dear to me, who I can touch, and hear their voices clearly...and just the different things that you miss out on when writing or talking online. 

It made me realize that the God who created the "real thing" is so much more creative and intelligent, and adventurous than those smart, nerdy, technological guys. They can do amazing things, don't get me wrong, but they will never be able to compete with the awesome creations of God. 

So....it made me realize that missing people is ok, and even makes me feel a bit good. I'm glad that the internet can't fix my craving for wanting to see people in person. God's creations are so much better than mans' creations that it leaves us wanting, missing, and counting down the days till we next get to experience the real thing. 

And just as a side note, heaven isn't going to need skype. :) 

Wedding planning...from Africa

A corny poem, based off my wedding plans, or the lack of any wedding plans...whatever.


The more that I think and the more that I plan
The more I just see things fall through,
The longer we wait and the longer we love
I see that any old wedding will do!

To me what's important is how you will smile
As I walk down the aisle towards you,
So instead of it mattering in which church we wed
Any old aisle will do. 

Some people want fancy, some people want formal
But me, I just want to be Blue,
I want to have fun, be relaxed, be myself
So any old place will do.

The church and the pastor, the meal and the fluff
The music and photographer too
Make little impact on the rest of our lives,
So any old wedding will do!

At the end of the day when everyone's gone
We'll be one when we used to be two,
And we'll be together for the rest of our lives
So....let's just get married, and not stress about everything else. :)

Missing the Point

     Right now I'm reading through a book about how to be more like Mary than Martha, and if you're me, that's a hard thing to do. Something that occurred to me recently about this Mary and Martha story though, was that when Martha approaches Jesus to ask Him to tell Mary to start helping, she is totally judging Mary for sitting at Jesus' feet. Sadly, I have come to realize that I often do this as well. I sit there thinking, "Well, that's great that so and so can feel good about not working and resting at the Lord's feet, but I don't have time for that! My job is too important to say no to. My life is too busy, people ask too much of me. No, God understands that I cannot be as lazy as so and so." This attitude Martha has (and unfortunately, me too) is completely wrong, completely prideful, and completely judgmental. 

     Living in a real life ministry makes it very difficult to know when you can (and should) stop, when you should say no. I know that part of my problem is my lack of ability to say no, and so I take on way, way, way too much. It leaves me frustrated, stressed out, pressured, and totally judging the Marys, of whom Jesus says "(they) have made the better choice". So being "lazy" sitting at Jesus' feet is the better choice? Doesn't He want my service? Can't He see that my work is too important to simply lay aside and leave for some other unsuspecting Martha to finish off for me? Isn't it better that I take on a greater bulk of the work so that someone else can sit at the Lord's feet? Then yesterday morning I read in Acts 6. Kind of the answers to my questions:

   "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

   Then the twelve called the multitude of the the disciples unto them, and said, 'It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

   Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

   But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.'

   And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

   Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, the laid their hands on them.

   And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." -Acts 6:1-7

     I'm not saying that my job is the same as the original twelve apostles. I'm not even saying that I'm the more important of these two groups. I don't care whether I'm the serving tables guys, or if I'm the ministering of the word and praying guys. All I know is that the complaint was valid, and the widows were important. It was a job that had to be done...but not by the guys who were already busy. So, they hired more people. I don't exactly know how to apply this in my life right this second, except to be willing to humble myself, not try to do it all, and ask for some help. The way that I am, and the way that I'm living leaves me in a messed up, judging state...and that clearly cannot be what God's perfect plans for my life and heart are. Nor was that what He wanted from the original Martha, who in serving the Lord, totally missed the point.

Patience and Wisdom

   This morning while brushing my teeth I decided to quote some memory verses (in my head, since after all, I was brushing my teeth!) in effort to be prepared to quote them with a friend this afternoon. I didn't get too far though, because I was caught up in the awesomeness and truth of the passage. Here it is:

   "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of you faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:2-5

   This was just exactly what I needed to hear this morning, since I have felt very much lately that I am lacking in both patience and wisdom...and here it is, the answers for getting them. Be joyful in trials because they bring you patience, and ask God for wisdom, because He will give it to you, without reproaching you for not having it already! Granted, easier to quote than to live out, but still, a great start to my day! 

A Lesson in Lunda

    One of the four year olds at the orphanage has decided to make it his job to teach "Mama Hannah" to speak Lunda. As I was sitting with him yesterday he kept pointing to different body parts and then saying them to me in Lunda, and when I repeated them back to him he would say rather seriously "eŋa" (yes). About every ten seconds or so he'd decide that it was time for me to learn another word (or sometimes to review one already taught), and so it went, until it was time for me to get up and leave. These children are so precious...how hard it will be to leave them behind when the time comes. 

Heaven - from a grade 2/3 perspective

     Lately we've been learning in Scripture class about Jesus' second coming and what heaven will be like. This subject is intriguing to the grade 2's and 3's, and I've been having trouble making it through my lesson plans with the amount of questions I am having to answer. Their comments about heaven range from how wonderful it will be to not have school there, to thoughts about there being no car accidents anymore. 

     My favorite question was asked today though by a grade three boy: "Who will cook all the meals?" Which was promptly answered by a grade two girl with: "The women."

Medieval Birthday Party!

This week was birthday party with a medieval theme. It was a little intimidating at first, trying to think of a costume, but in the end things worked out pretty well. We had a great evening, lots of skits and songs from the students, and an actual boar's head on the dinner menu! I think Sarah enjoyed it...and she went all out on her costume!

A part of me was pretty sad at the end of the party, as it was my very last one at Sakeji. Each birthday party brings its own fun memories, and I'm thankful for all the ones I've been able to share here. 

Sarah's cake - a tower

My cake - a court jester's hat

The boar's head!!!

God made me this way!

Grade two student: "Miss Garcia, why do you have brown spots on your face?" (Referring to my freckles)

Me: "Why is your skin brown?"

Grade two student: "Because God made me this way."

Me: "God made me this way too!"

     I'm pretty sure that the world would be a simpler place if we all realized and accepted this simple concept that even a second grader can grasp.

Little miracles

     Since coming to Zambia and living through the dry season here, my hands (and especially my right hand) have struggled seriously with dry skin, cracking, and eczema. Things like coconut oil, vitamin e lotion, and petroleum jelly have kept them functioning, but the dry air, chalk dust, and Africa germs have kept them cracked, cut up, and sometimes even infected. 

      Going home for a visit during the month of August did wonders, and finally got my hands past a point of healing that has made a huge difference, even back in Zambia. As one of my grade threes put it bluntly yesterday, "Miss Garcia, your hand looks much better. It is almost beautiful!" Although a semi backhanded compliment (children are great at speaking their minds!), I agree 100%, and I'm so thankful and happy to have almost normal looking, and even almost beautiful hands again! 

This is God's will....

     A sticky note on my desk top has the verse 2 Thess. 5:18 on it, talking about giving thanks no matter the circumstance, because it is God's will for us to be in that circumstance. 

     It's a favorite verse of mine, but a new thought in it just hit me today. So often we are pining to know "God's will for our lives"....so rarely do we like to think that those everyday sticky, uncomfortable situations are actually His will. "God's will" is not always this big huge calling that saves the world...often times it's getting out of bed every morning, working through homesickness, or just being there for that crying student. 

     Right now for me God's will is pretty simple. Stay in Zambia until December, have a good attitude, and put in your best effort (no matter how you feel). Ok...I think I can do that. :)

First Week Finished

     Well, today finishes the first week of school, and to be perfectly honest, it's been a rough week.

     Apart from having very hot weather (which drains everyone), I've been struggling health-wise since coming back to Zambia, just going from one thing to the next. It's left me with little energy and therefore, a lot of last minute preparations. The most obvious sign of my procrastination was the fact that I had to tell the bell ringer on two occasions to please not ring the bell for assembly until I was actually there to lead the songs!

      For Sarah it's been a bit overwhelming trying to figure out the crazy schedule, the long list of school rules and expectations, all the kids' names, how she fits into everything. I realized that I was attempting to teach her in one week what has taken me nearly two years to learn....not exactly realistic, and definitely not happening. 

     In spite of the roughness of the week, I'm still seeing great things, getting way more grace and miracles handed my way than I deserve, and Sarah is loving being here. God is still getting me out of bed every morning (even with a night of practically no sleep!) with a desire to do my job, and have a love for my kids as I finish out the last two and a half months with them! God's strength is surely great!

In my classroom, teaching my grade twos.

Sarah leading a grade two reading group.

Not the best shot, I admit, but I was trying to be discreet! 

Back at Sakeji

Waking up this morning back at Sakeji in my own bed was a little strange. It took me a few seconds to figure out which home I was in! Everything was so familiar, but I wasn't really used to it at the same time!

Anyway, we've made it back safe and sound. The trip was very long, but very smooth. It's the first time traveling between the states and Zambia where I didn't have any delays, any missing luggage, or any stressful layovers. Immigration in Lusaka was pleasant, and for the first time in the Lusaka airport, I wasn't the last person to get out of the baggage claim! 

We took a small flight up to Solwezi, waited about two hours for our ride, and then traveled up to Sakeji, a six hour drive. So smooth, and I'm grateful to finally be finished traveling. 

The month of August at home in the states was a wonderful time. I enjoyed spending so much time with Chris and family, and got to do just about everything on my list while at home. 

Next step, term three! My prayer is to stay very focused, and keep my head in the game for my last term. Sarah, my sister, is here as well, and I'd really love for this term to be a good time for us both. 

Another Mr. and Mrs. Garcia

Today I got a new sister in law! They are so happy, it is an easy thing to share in their happiness.

Chris and I are the next ones up! Neither of us can wait for our special day!

Sometimes He Calms the Storm...

All who sail the sea of faith

Find out before too long

How quickly blue skies can grow dark

And gentle winds grow strong

Suddenly fear is like white water

Pounding on the soul

Still we sail on knowing

That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm

With a whispered "Peace be still"

He can settle any sea

But it doesn't mean He will

Sometimes He holds us close

And lets the winds and waves go wild

Sometimes He calms the storm

And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial

That we pass through in life

And though we're shaken

We cannot be pulled apart from Christ

No matter how the driving rain beats down

On those who hold to faith

A heart of trust will always 

Be a quiet peaceful place.

~Scott Krippayne

Lessons from a rooster

You'll probably observe that I'm not a farm girl from this post, but I did learn some cool things about a certain farm animal today. 

I was over at the Blue's house, and while Chris and I were cleaning the algae out from the bottom of their pool I noticed the very interesting and peculiar behavior of their rooster. Now, I love chickens, and my family has owned chickens many times over the years, but we've never owned a rooster. For all I knew, a rooster's only jobs were to "cock-a-doodle-doo" all day long, and make it possible for the eggs to hatch into baby chickens. Well, I was wrong. 

The hens were wandering all over the yard, when all of the sudden I noticed that the rooster came running out, rounded them all up in a matter of minutes, and they all went running into the wooded area together. When I noted what I'd seen to Chris he explained that there was probably a hawk nearby and the rooster was protecting the hens, and warning them to go to a safer place using a certain type of noise! About a minute later I noticed a hawk flying overhead! Intriguing. Chris and I went on to talk about roosters, and he mentioned a couple other facts, such as how roosters will break up hen fights, make sure the hens know where the food is, let them eat more than himself, and keep them all safe. 

Roosters are very busy, always on the lookout for the hens, and putting the hens first. When a fox goes after a group of chickens it will always go after the rooster first, because then the hens don't know what to do! And get this, the hens listen to the rooster, and somehow understand that he's the big boss, and that his warnings and commands are for their own good!

Now, God is really, really cool and amazing, but somehow every time I find out about something like this it makes me once again really in awe of God's creation and wisdom, and the incredible instincts that He has put into His creatures. 

The rooster shows me such a perfect picture of what a husband ought to be like, although I'll admit, it's more flattering to compare Chris to a rooster than myself to a hen!

Awesome passage

I love the Lord, because He has heard
My voice and my supplications. 
Because He has inclined His ear to me, 
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

The pains of death surrounded me,
And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
I found trouble and sorrow.
Then I called upon the name of the Lord:
"Oh Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!"

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from falling.
I will walk before the Lord
In the land of the living.
I believed, therefore I spoke,
"I am greatly afflicted."
I said in my haste, 
"All men are liars."

What shall I render to the Lord
For all His benefits towards me?
I will take up the cup of salvation, 
And call upon the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of His people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His saints.

O Lord, truly I am Your servant;
I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant;
You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the Lord.

I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of all His people,
In the courts of the Lord's house,
In the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 116 (NKJV)

I read this passage a few days ago in my quiet time, and am amazed to see how it has been fitting in some of my present circumstances. There are so many incredible promises here...it once again causes me to wonder how can people live without the Lord?

Jumping back into life at home

Well, being home has been pretty good so far. I've experienced a few missionary moments which have left me feeling like I don't really fit back into America, but those moments have been pretty rare, for which I am very thankful! 

I'm settled in now, over jet-lag, and not in school mode where I'm constantly listening for the school bell to ring and tell me where I'm supposed to be. 

Life is good, it's wonderful to be on break!

Camping in the beautiful Hudson Valley!

Catching up with my nephews!!!

Chris and I slaughtered our family's turkeys one day. Exciting date!

Somehow....

     Seven months ago I kissed Chris goodbye in the airport. We knew that it would be a really long time till we saw each other again, and lots of things had to happen before then. It was a difficult moment, and I remember thinking, "As soon as I walk through security I'm going to burst into tears." But I didn't. As soon as I walked through security God gave me this huge sense of peace, letting me know that what I was doing was the right (although very hard!) thing, and that Sakeji was the place for me for now.

     So now, as I sit here, completely done with second term (having finished up all my school work and deadlines, cleaned and locked up my classroom), I can't believe that somehow time has passed, and somehow this oh so very long separation is going to come to an end (for a month anyway). Somehow the first two terms of my last year at Sakeji are done, and somehow I am on my way home to visit and catch up with everyone for the month of August. Somehow there are only three more months where Chris and I have to make a bi-continental relationship work, and somehow I am going to be ready at the end of third term to say goodbye, pack up my life, and head home to get married to an amazing guy. 

     Today I need to start (yes start!) packing for my trip home, which begins early tomorrow morning. It will be a couple of days before I'm all the way to NY, but on Sunday afternoon (Lord willing) I will be in my fiance's arms again, getting a long awaited (and very sweet) kiss......somehow.

"Forget not...."

     Recently I started out my day reading Psalm 103, a truly encouraging and uplifting passage, and one thing that popped out at me was the phrase in verse 2 "forget not His benefits". 

     Yes, my life (especially at end of term) may be full of stress, frustration, deadlines, pain, challenges, but this verse reminded me to remember all the wonderful things too! Thinking back over this week I can think of plenty of His benefits that have affected my life, and made each day a bit better and easier to get through. May I truly bless the Lord with my soul, and forget not how great my wonderful God and Father is who daily loads me with benefits!

Report Card Party Anyone?

What is a report card party? It's an event that only happens at the end of term, the week that report cards are due. A whole bunch of teachers get together, make hot drinks, pop popcorn, and sit around on laptops writing report card comments. It's mostly a silent time unless you are noting the improvement of a student, or asking, "Listen to this. Is this comment too harsh?"

Yeah, I know....sounds like fun. 

Bad Grammar

Zambians have plenty of sayings that aren't exactly grammatically correct, but, when one is trying to explain something to a Zambian child, it makes more sense sometimes to say it the way they would say it. So here's what happened this morning:

Grade 3 student: Whoa Miss Garcia, what's wrong with your hand? 

Me: Oh...just a rash (really, it's eczema, and it's just irritated by the dry season).

Grade 3 student: Why is it like that?

Me: Well, it's "paining me". (Zambian expression)

Grade 3 student: It's paining you, or it's hurting you?

Me: What's the difference?

Grade 3 student: "Paining you" is bad grammar Miss Garcia!

Is it end of term yet?

     It's been a long day apparently. The note on my chalk board (which I wrote this morning during independent work time) says "What did I just say? NO talking. Stay at your desks!" 

      Eeeh....is it end of term yet?

Welcome Report Card Season!

     Report cards are due in two weeks, and since it's such a hefty job (pretty much a comment/grade for every kid for every single class that you teach) I always give myself two weeks to do it...so I officially started today. 

     Normally report card season is something which I dread, but this term it's a wonderful, welcoming thing! Report cards being due is just bringing me that much closer to end of term, which means that much closer to coming home for the month of August! 

     So much has happened in the last six and a half months...new baby, older baby growing up, new future in laws, seeing my fiance, catching up with the rest of my family and friends.....let's hear it for report card season!

Just a small taste of America

     Well it's Independence Day again...today my little personal victory was getting out of bed and teaching all my classes! I thought about dressing all patriotic today, but figured I'd get enough attention in the dining hall as it was, and didn't really want to stand out any more than I had to. :)

      One cool part of America this morning though was sitting on my desk - a bottle of Dr. Pepper!! Thanks Lina! :) Happy Independence Day all!

My strength compared to His

     For the last 48 hours I've spent most of my time in bed, due to the fact that I threw out my back on Monday morning. The timing was actually pretty perfect because Tuesday was Sport's Day (so no classes), and since I taught all of my Monday classes and almost half of my Wednesday classes I haven't officially been "out" that long. It is hard though, to be lying down so much of the time, feeling pretty useless, as if I'm not pulling my weight, knowing I'm creating extra work for my fellow workers, and not feeling at all like a missionary. 

     Interestingly enough though, the song that has kept going through my head all day yesterday and today was "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" (which we sang on Sunday), where the first line is "I am weak, but Thou art strong". Also, the verses from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 kept running through my head (although, perhaps taken a little out of context, as I am no Paul!), particularly verse 9: 'And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.' and again in the end of verse 10: 'For when I am weak, then I am strong.' (NKJV)

     I've never had health issues until coming out to Zambia, so the feeling of not being physically able to do something is quite a new one for me. Being weak is a new and humbling experience. I sometimes wonder why God would allow something to happen that would keep me from fully being able to do my job in serving Him, but instead needing other people to serve me. 

    I don't know all the answers, but at least I can rest in the fact that He does. I'm sure there are valuable lessons being learned that I am just unable to see at present....somehow perhaps I am stronger in His strength when I'm weak in my own.

     By the way, in case this blog post concerns you, I can say that I am on the mend, and am planning to be back in classes tomorrow. :) 

Grade 2 Sentences

Grade 2's are currently learning about conjunctions in grammar class, and we are specifically using the words and, but, because, and so to make sentences. Here are two of the sentences from this morning's class:

"Mr. Blue is funny so I like him very much."
"Miss Garcia loves Mr. Blue and Mr. Blue loves Miss Garcia."

Apparently my grade two class is as in love with Chris Blue as I am! 

Tired of saying goodbye....

It didn't take me too long to realize that life on the mission field is full of goodbyes. So many people in and out, getting close to people, then having to say goodbye to them. I know there are plenty of other seasoned missionaries who have been out here way longer than I have who have been dealing with this for a long time, but even in my short year and a half here I have said goodbye too many times! 

Anyway, these melancholy thoughts were brought on today as I said yet another goodbye to a girl who's been a good friend to me these past three months. I'd been busy and preoccupied all weekend with responsibilities and duties, so had lost track of time and not expected to need to say goodbye so soon. 

Oh well...a few things I've learned from this are that 1. I'd rather put my energy and time into relationships and deal with the sad goodbyes, rather than not getting the opportunity to know some of the amazing people God sends out here, and 2. Heaven is going to be really wonderful...no tears, no goodbyes, no separation from the ones you love who love Jesus. 

Field Trip to the Farm....African Style

Last Wednesday we were able to take the grades 1 - 3 (36 kids) over to the local farm for a tour. It was a great trip, the kids loved it, and we are so appreciative to those who made it possible for us to come over. 

I've gotten to plan plenty of field trips in America in the past, all of which took a lot of time and energy to plan out, making sure of all the details. Research about the field trip, making a reservation, writing up a letter to tell the parents and get their permission, collecting all the money and the permission slips, securing drivers and vehicles and chaperons, making sure to bring all the right things on the day of...snack/lunch, epi-pen, emergency numbers. 

Yeah, this field trip was nothing like that! We called and asked the farm if we could come, and the day before decided what vehicles to take, but that ended up changing at the last minute as one of the vehicles wasn't available. On the day of, we received an email from the farm owner saying that he was expecting us to come at the wrong time, we couldn't get him on the phone to make sure he knew what time we actually were planning to come. Half an hour before we were supposed to leave had to send someone over to check and make sure that we actually could go on the trip!

Five minutes before our planned departure we got the ok to go, and then proceeded to stuff thirty-six students, four adults, and two younger staff kids into two vehicles (each with seating for about 6 - 8 adults).

The trip was a success, everyone had a great time, and we arrived back just in time for lunch. Just another instance where in Zambia, it's almost pointless to plan ahead, as the plans almost never happen the way you think they will, yet everything somehow always works out in the end! 

An incredible woman!

     At the beginning of this term, I had the amazing opportunity to have a former Sakeji teacher (who'd given 32 years of her life to teaching at Sakeji) stay at my house. With the amount of people that she wanted to see and spend time with, I realized that the only reason why I was able to get to know her a little bit was because of the fact that she was staying with me. 

     I got to hear some fascinating stories (including things like her house burning down, one of her students being bitten by a snake on a field trip, how God called her to Zambia, of countless people's lives that she touched), hear her testimony, and learn some from her dedication and life given to the Lord. She was easy to talk and relate to, very funny, and also a very spiritual but very humble woman. 

     We hear so much about some missionaries in the past, like Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Gladys Aylward - who have truly done amazing things for God's kingdom,  but there are so many other inspiring people out there who have devoted their lives to God's work, both over-seas and back home...and it is always an honor and inspiration to get to know them a little bit. 

Don't leave your brain in the dorm!!!!

     For some reason this week the grade two class has been forgetting to turn on their brains...or perhaps just leaving them up in the dorm! 

    This morning I asked one of the girls: "Ok....so if you're counting by ones, which number comes right after 400?" Her answer: "500". My response, "That's counting by 100's. If the number is 100, the number right after is 101, and if the number is 200, the number right after it is 201, so what number comes right after 400?" Her answer: "500". 

     I really hope that brain power is restored quickly, or I will have none left pretty soon!

A good day...

     Today has been full of many good things! Assembly went well this morning - the kids sang loudly and had fun, grade 2's and 3's were waiting for me in a nice quiet line at the beginning of class, two of my struggling students did an extra good job in reading, my birthday cards and packages started to come in the mail today, I got an envelope full of encouraging cards from my church.....and my day is only halfway over. :)

You know you speak too fast when....

     I had a funny situation happen in class today, which further confirmed the fact that I speak way too quickly! At the end of math class this morning I was working with a few confused students one on one, while the not so confused students (who had finished their work) were able to silent read until we could all move on to the next class. One of my students (whose English isn't the best) finished her work and I told her to go silent read. Well, a couple of minutes later when I noticed that she was outside the classroom, and questioned her about it, she said with a distressed face, "You told me to go outside and play!" It took me a second or two to realize what had happened, but I suppose if you say "go silent read" really quickly, it could sound a bit like, "go outside and play". 

     Oh dear....well, it made me laugh....I suppose I should really focus on slowing down when I give a direction!

God's Word - living and active

     Funny how God can speak to you through the lessons you are teaching to 2nd and 3rd graders! This past week we've been discussing in Scripture class about serving with a right heart and attitude...and somehow since we've started going over this it seems as if God has been showing me some of my own heart, and making me much more aware of my own attitude when it comes to serving. 

     This morning when - for some unknown reason - I was feeling a bit more homesick than normal, God gave me a quick encouragement as I was typing out the 2nd/3rd grade memory verse for the week. I love that God's Word can encourage or convict me even in something as simple as grade 2/3 Bible class.

      "And David said to his son Solomon, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God - my God - will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord."  1 Chronicles 28:20 (NKJV)

Psalm 37:3-4

    How can it be, that I fail to trust You,

    How do I forget all that You've done

    How do I see Your promises come true

    And still not believe

    Why do I doubt that You keep Your word

    Why do I seek to find my own way

    Why do I worry about life's decisions

    And still not believe

chorus

     Cause if I trust You, and do good

     And dwell in the land, and feed on Your faithfulness

     And if I delight myself in the Lord

     Will You really give me the desires of my heart?

     Who am I, that You're mindful of me

     Who am I, that You should care

     Who am I, to not entrust You 

With my heart's desires

      You made me, and You know my heart

      You are the One who gave me my dreams

      You are the One who best can give me

      My heart's desires (chorus)

    I wrote this song about a year ago, and recently came across it again. The Scripture passage from which this song is based, Psalm 37:3-4, was really the deciding factor for me if I should stay on at Sakeji or not. I had my doubts and fears about staying in a land so far from home, what if I didn't have the needed funds, what if I never got married....

     I felt like this promise in Psalm 37 really answered every single one of my fears:

     "Trust in the Lord and do good, 

       dwell in the land (Zambia)

      and feed on His faithfulness (the needed funds that would be provided).

      Delight yourself also in the Lord

      and He will give you the desires of your heart (marriage and a family)."

     It's so amazing to look back now, and see how true that has been in my life! God is a very awesome, powerful, and faithful God!

And we're back!

     Today is the official last day of term break as all the kids will be driving and flying in as the day plays out. A few passenger planes have already dropped off some kids, and the noise level is slowly going back up. :) A school is never quite right if it isn't filled with children making lots of noise!

     Break has been great, but I'm ready for term to begin. My classroom is mostly ready...I've done some desk rearranging, made about five hundred copies, changed my bulletin board, and probably done all the long term unit planning I'll ever need to do for a lifetime! 

     The children are back...term two is starting...buckle up because we're off in full speed again!

   

My week at the orphanage...

     This past week I had a neat time, spending every morning at the orphanage teaching 19 kids ranging from the ages of 3 - 7, none of which can understand/speak English very well. It was a lot more challenging to try to teach things to them....but at the same time, a lot less stressful because they are so young, so it's okay if some of them just weren't quite ready to understand certain concepts. 

     The change of environment left me feeling a bit more like a missionary (since I guess life at Sakeji has just become normal now), and seeing the need for more long term workers at the orphanage left me wanting to somehow fill that need some day. 

     Those kids at the orphanage, however naughty and mischievous, have a big part of my heart, and it has been lots of fun to spend so much time with them, as the break has allowed me the time to do that. Yesterday as I left the orphanage, Alex, one of the children said, "See you tomorrow?", something that I said every day when I left this week. 

     I am definitely ready for the Sakeji students to come back this Tuesday, and to be back into my hectic term schedule again, but I'm grateful for the other ministries that I was able to be a part of during break. 

Three for Three

     It seems to me that the less I expect anything to happen for my birthday the more wonderful my birthday generally goes over, and the more special and loved I feel. This birthday was my third birthday spent out of the country (as in, away from home and loved ones), and for each one I've tried not to get my hopes up, and expect my birthday to end up lonely and sad, and each time I've been happily surprised. 

     Between the large amount of love I received, both from my dear friends and loved ones here in Zambia and back home, it made me realize a few things. One, I have an amazing support group back home, who is extremely encouraging and caring, and two, I have some incredible friends right here in Zambia who have accepted me into their community, team, and family. 

     Pretty much my entire birthday I kept thinking about how blessed and loved I am, and how grateful I am for all of my friends and family. And technically my birthday still isn't over yet, as the Zambian postal service is about two months behind with all their letters and packages, so I have more birthday surprises yet to come!! Woot woot!

Substitute Teaching

Today I took a walk over to the orphanage to get out a bit (and get a few hugs from some kids in the process), and I stumbled across an opportunity to help out at the orphanage a little.

The two Zambian teachers at the orphanage, a married couple, are needing to take a week off so that they can work in their fields, and someone needs to be able to come fill in and teach the lower grade kids at the orphanage for a week. With me being on break I actually have the time to fill in, so if nothing else comes up, I will be substitute teaching at the orphanage all next week! I'm pretty excited about this...I'm eager to have a better idea what teaching at the orphanage is really like, and to see if that's something that I'd be interested in doing at some point down the road. I'm also ready to do something else other than be on break, so it should be a nice change of pace. 

Substitute teaching, here I come! :)

Friday Swim Time!

For several months last year the kids at the orphanage would come and use the Sakeji pool for a swimming outing every Friday morning. Since the key people who ran that have since gone back to their home in England, the Friday swim times have been dwindling, as it takes quite a bit of manpower to watch 25 - 30 little kids who mostly don't know how to swim! During term I'm unable to help out with that as I'm always in the classroom  around that time, but since I'm on term break, I, along with others, have been trying to revive it. We've had a great couple of times, and even seen some progress with kids who were afraid of the water and are now conquering their fears, and are obviously having a blast!

I've been enjoying spending time with the orphanage kids in a different capacity, and building on the relationships that I have with them a bit more. I was down at the pool a little before the kids arrived today (to unlock the bathrooms and check for snakes) and it was sweet when they all arrived and immediately started shouting out "Mama Hannah! Mama Hannah!"

These kids are so precious, and I love being able to be a part of their lives...however small of a difference it may make in the long run.