Much has happened in the first half of July.
One wing of the "L" shaped school.
This is the classroom for Standard II.
School, Settling, and Sights
Teaching
School started again two weeks ago. The school year follows the monthly calendar so this is the beginning of the second term. Most students had one month off and some studied through the break to prepare for national exams. The students returned to two new teachers this term, Melody and myself.
However, one change did happen at the school recently. The sponsorship program for the children switched to another organization. All involved are very excited about this and the willingness of the new organization to continue this program. Throughout the transition, God has made it clear that He is going to do great things with this. Although, some holes have developed.
The major hole now is financially. Amani Primary School is struggling financially as donations have dropped throughout this transition. The school is behind in paying salaries for the teachers. Those are the first priority. With funds short for this main cause, other areas are suffering financially as well.
I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider giving toward this need. It would be a huge blessing to the teachers and students! You can do this through this direct AIM link and it will be tax deductible just like other financial support. If you would like more specific details about the financial needs of the school, please contact me and I'll gladly provide you with more information about specific needs.
Home
We have continued to settle into our home. Most recently we were able to get a day bed (used as a couch) and a kitchen table. The small table will now be in my room for use as a desk. Chui (our lovely kitten) loves the new furniture and takes daily naps on it. Slowly we have acquired the unique things for our kitchen. We have our very own mini charcoal stove. Other recent additions include another bed and a bookshelf.
It has also been interesting to see the children get more comfortable with us. We bought Swahili Bibles to keep under the couch because they often ask for a book to read. They also enjoy playing cards while we work on our own tasks. Although, their fist priority is to probably just watch and see how the white people do everything.
Morogoro
We traveled back to Morogoro this past Wednesday for a board meeting for Amani. It was a full day but it was followed by a few relaxing days at the home of our leaders. It has been wonderful to be back in a familiar area. The "old" sights of Morogoro such as the mountains [see above] and the familiarity of walking around town to our favorite shops were a wonderful break from village life. We have enjoyed a solid internet signal and connecting with friends and family in the states as well as cold food from a fridge.
You can check out my blog for current prayer requests.
If you continue reading below that you will also find 10 reasons why you should respond to this message.
May your summer be blissful and amazing! I will continue to enjoy the "cold season" here and look forward to hearing from you.
Katherine
School started again two weeks ago. The school year follows the monthly calendar so this is the beginning of the second term. Most students had one month off and some studied through the break to prepare for national exams. The students returned to two new teachers this term, Melody and myself.
However, one change did happen at the school recently. The sponsorship program for the children switched to another organization. All involved are very excited about this and the willingness of the new organization to continue this program. Throughout the transition, God has made it clear that He is going to do great things with this. Although, some holes have developed.
The major hole now is financially. Amani Primary School is struggling financially as donations have dropped throughout this transition. The school is behind in paying salaries for the teachers. Those are the first priority. With funds short for this main cause, other areas are suffering financially as well.
I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider giving toward this need. It would be a huge blessing to the teachers and students! You can do this through this direct AIM link and it will be tax deductible just like other financial support. If you would like more specific details about the financial needs of the school, please contact me and I'll gladly provide you with more information about specific needs.
Home
We have continued to settle into our home. Most recently we were able to get a day bed (used as a couch) and a kitchen table. The small table will now be in my room for use as a desk. Chui (our lovely kitten) loves the new furniture and takes daily naps on it. Slowly we have acquired the unique things for our kitchen. We have our very own mini charcoal stove. Other recent additions include another bed and a bookshelf.
It has also been interesting to see the children get more comfortable with us. We bought Swahili Bibles to keep under the couch because they often ask for a book to read. They also enjoy playing cards while we work on our own tasks. Although, their fist priority is to probably just watch and see how the white people do everything.
Morogoro
We traveled back to Morogoro this past Wednesday for a board meeting for Amani. It was a full day but it was followed by a few relaxing days at the home of our leaders. It has been wonderful to be back in a familiar area. The "old" sights of Morogoro such as the mountains [see above] and the familiarity of walking around town to our favorite shops were a wonderful break from village life. We have enjoyed a solid internet signal and connecting with friends and family in the states as well as cold food from a fridge.
You can check out my blog for current prayer requests.
If you continue reading below that you will also find 10 reasons why you should respond to this message.
May your summer be blissful and amazing! I will continue to enjoy the "cold season" here and look forward to hearing from you.
Katherine
Chui (pronounced "chewy") enjoying a nap on the day bed.
Leaving the village in style as we ride to town to start our journey to Morogoro.
