Hey, hey everyone!!
I pray that you, the reader, is doing well spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally, in every sense.
The enemy has taken great measures lately to get us to loose our focus on Jesus Christ. He knows that the Lord called us here and has and continues to equip us, and that the Kingdom of God will increase as long as we completely trust in Him and allow Him to flow into and through us, - praise His holy name!!!
Now that we’ve settled into the school year, and things aren’t as foreign anymore, we’re really focusing our prayers on God’s “hidden agenda.” Before coming out we knew, more or less, what we’d be doing here. You know, things we knew we could do; build, fix, teach, love, hug kids, encourage, pray for others, etc. Things that don’t necessarily stretch us. Things we can do with our hands. Thing’s that we can do “on our own.“
You see, a few months before we left home, Isaac said to me that he believes that God is calling us to do much more than what we are currently doing at CRIB, school, New Hope, etc. But if God had revealed to us all the things He wants to accomplish in and through us, we would most likely have said, “No Lord, you’ve got the wrong people, send someone else.” - the Moses syndrome: God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and Moses says, Lord you’ve got the wrong guy, I don’t speak very well. Send someone else.
And so here we are, serving in different areas, and yet sensing in our spirit that we haven’t yet tapped into all that we’re called to do here.
We believe that God started illuminating His will in this regard almost right after we got here. We were spending a lot of time at the CRIB home, and almost immediately noticed there was a lot of fighting between the kids, they were watching unwholesome movies, listening to music that doesn’t edify their souls, etc. A person might be tempted to think that this is normal and natural in today’s world, especially in a home with about 50 kids. But this could be very different by the power of God. I mean, for anyone, but also especially for these kids; God hand picked them; they too could have been killed along with many other children during the war; He spared them. He wants them to have an abundant life. Many of these children and teenagers know Jesus as their Saviour; they receive a Christian education and have a number of other Christian influences in their lives. But they also have a lot of strikes against them.
We feel that God is calling us to do a weekly Bible study with the kids. Not just skimming over the surface, shallow stuff, but a deep, Spirit led and filled time of praying/studying/discipling. A time where we would allow the Holy Spirit to use us to speak into these kids’ hearts and lives with words of knowledge, wisdom and prophesy. A time to pray over them for a powerful, life changing, personal encounter and baptism of the Holy Spirit. A time to walk along side them and model purity in heart, a deep love and need for studying the Scripture; a passion for prayer, a complete submission and devotion to Jesus Christ.
Wow, as I read this last paragraph, it hits me again. We can do none of this on our own. None!!!!! We don’t even live like this all the time. We sin; we stumble; we fall; we’re so far from perfect. But praise be to God, He calls sinners saved by grace to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.“ Mt 28: 19-20.
So we shared our hearts with Chrissie, the “mama” to the kids; the founder of the orphanage. She informed us that there would be a couple coming in a few weeks, the pastor and his wife from her church in England, and they would be living on site at CRIB for 6 months; their main focus here would be to pour into the kids. At this point we’re like, “okay Lord, did we hear wrong, there’s someone with fantastic credentials coming to minister to the kids, they don’t need us.” But we told Chrissie that if this couple wanted, we’d be willing to help them. We continued to pray.
Last week Pastor David and Sheena arrived. They are one dynamite couple! I would guesstimate they’re about 55-60 yrs. old, but boy do they have spunk in them. David is used very powerfully by the Lord in the area of prophesy. This last Sunday we were so blessed to experience, along with 7,000 other people, a huge outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Jabe church. Pastor Edmond was introducing them to the church as they will be doing some work with Jabe, and immediately after the intro., Pastor David opens his mouth and pours forth the heart of God. This released the Spirit, and it was probably 30 minutes before Pastor Edmond could start the message. (By the way, church is always between three and a half to four hours long. We worship for an hour and a half to two hours.)
On Tuesday we were at CRIB after school, and David and Sheena said that Chrissie had told them about our willingness to help them. I wonder how much helping we’ll be doing versus soaking up what this couple has to offer. Please pray for a deep anointing and equipping for us; for eyes that see the kids the way our heavenly Father sees them; for our hugs to soothe hurts and mend broken hearts as if the arms of Jesus were enfolding them; for humble hearts, fully committed to administering all that the Lord imparts to us for these kids. For the kids to allow themselves to be vulnerable and ‘moldable’ by the Potter. Please pray for constant guidance and direction as we seek to be and do all the Lord calls us to.
And finally, pray that we will “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Lord, send me!!
In Christ
Isaac, Rosel and Colton
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Run to Jesus
Hey everyone;
We’re missing my (Rosel) favorite season - fall. The beautiful and colourful oranges, reds and yellows in the foliage, the crisper air, the lengthening evenings, ahhhh, all signs of relief from the heat of summer.
The rains are late in coming; as I wrote last week, we had one down pour, but the daily, almost torrential rains is what the land and the people are waiting for. Because of the delay, the electricity generating dam up country is at low levels and Bujumbura is on a very tight conservation schedule. For the last week plus, generally, we have power 24 hours on/24 hours off.
A few days ago I was thinking that I’d much rather go without electricity than without running water. Showers have always been important to me; long, relaxing ones, not rushed. Now in this heat, the thought of going to bed in sticky skin and not being able to wash my hands many, many times a day is most unwelcome. But not having running water is also a very real possibility here. I’m getting some where’s with this. The question I was wrestling with is this: in the event there would be no running water for even just half a day, never mind an extended period of time, would I be able to endure this joyfully, patiently, even thankfully!!! with a godly attitude?
I’m reminded of the apostle Paul, who was imprisoned, flogged, exposed to death, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked thrice, hungry, thirsty, cold and naked. Did he grumble and gripe? In 2 Co 1:8 he talks about suffering hardships far beyond his ability to endure, so that he even despaired of life. Sounds pretty dire. But he continues on, stating that this happened so that he would not rely on himself, but on God.
Being thankful seems like a huge stretch, but 1 Thess 5:16 - 18 admonishes me to: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Ouch!!
Heb.12:7 says: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.”
2 Ti 2:3 & 4:5: “Endure hardships with us like a good soldier of Christ. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” You mean I’d still have to serve, in public, humbly, faithfully, joyfully, obediently, the people that the Lord has called us to when I haven’t showered in days and I’m stinky??!!
In contrast to Paul‘s hardships, our “light and momentary troubles” - 2 Co 4:17, sure seem insignificant. I mean, running water and refreshing showers compared to being stoned!!??
But praise be to God, He cares about the smaller ’what if’s’ in our lives too, not just apostle Paul sized hardships. So whether or not we will be faced with no running water, one thing I do know without a doubt is this: when Jesus, in 2 Co 12:9 said, “My grace is sufficient for you…” He meant what He said. The rest is up to me… will I accept and walk in that all sufficient grace?
What is your ‘what if’ concern, or a very real issue that is burdening you? Run to Jesus and leave it at His feet. He is more than able, He is more than sufficient, He is more than we can imagine!
I’m preaching to myself.
Please pray for us. We’re in a hardship, and it has nothing to do with running water.
In Christ,
Isaac, Rosel and Colton
We’re missing my (Rosel) favorite season - fall. The beautiful and colourful oranges, reds and yellows in the foliage, the crisper air, the lengthening evenings, ahhhh, all signs of relief from the heat of summer.
The rains are late in coming; as I wrote last week, we had one down pour, but the daily, almost torrential rains is what the land and the people are waiting for. Because of the delay, the electricity generating dam up country is at low levels and Bujumbura is on a very tight conservation schedule. For the last week plus, generally, we have power 24 hours on/24 hours off.
A few days ago I was thinking that I’d much rather go without electricity than without running water. Showers have always been important to me; long, relaxing ones, not rushed. Now in this heat, the thought of going to bed in sticky skin and not being able to wash my hands many, many times a day is most unwelcome. But not having running water is also a very real possibility here. I’m getting some where’s with this. The question I was wrestling with is this: in the event there would be no running water for even just half a day, never mind an extended period of time, would I be able to endure this joyfully, patiently, even thankfully!!! with a godly attitude?
I’m reminded of the apostle Paul, who was imprisoned, flogged, exposed to death, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked thrice, hungry, thirsty, cold and naked. Did he grumble and gripe? In 2 Co 1:8 he talks about suffering hardships far beyond his ability to endure, so that he even despaired of life. Sounds pretty dire. But he continues on, stating that this happened so that he would not rely on himself, but on God.
Being thankful seems like a huge stretch, but 1 Thess 5:16 - 18 admonishes me to: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Ouch!!
Heb.12:7 says: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.”
2 Ti 2:3 & 4:5: “Endure hardships with us like a good soldier of Christ. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” You mean I’d still have to serve, in public, humbly, faithfully, joyfully, obediently, the people that the Lord has called us to when I haven’t showered in days and I’m stinky??!!
In contrast to Paul‘s hardships, our “light and momentary troubles” - 2 Co 4:17, sure seem insignificant. I mean, running water and refreshing showers compared to being stoned!!??
But praise be to God, He cares about the smaller ’what if’s’ in our lives too, not just apostle Paul sized hardships. So whether or not we will be faced with no running water, one thing I do know without a doubt is this: when Jesus, in 2 Co 12:9 said, “My grace is sufficient for you…” He meant what He said. The rest is up to me… will I accept and walk in that all sufficient grace?
What is your ‘what if’ concern, or a very real issue that is burdening you? Run to Jesus and leave it at His feet. He is more than able, He is more than sufficient, He is more than we can imagine!
I’m preaching to myself.
Please pray for us. We’re in a hardship, and it has nothing to do with running water.
In Christ,
Isaac, Rosel and Colton
Friday, September 11, 2009
God's providing for and stretching us
Hey everyone; we bless you, our dear family and friends in the name of Jesus.
God is faithful - He continues to protect, equip, strengthen and stretch us.
We had a really good down pour a few days ago, so now with the rising temperature we also have humidity. The fact that we haven’t had hot water since the second day we got here is, for the most part, becoming less of an issue. After the initial shock of the cold water hitting your hot body in the shower, it’s wonderfully refreshing.
Power outages have posed to be stretching for us. In the last week we’ve been without electricity far more than with. In the last 72 hours we’ve had power for about 6-8 hours. This is problematic for many reasons; the food spoils in the fridge, classes at school have to be revised because of the photocopier not running, you can’t get any relief from the heat from the use of fans, which also affects your sleep, etc., etc.
But in all this, God truly is helping us cope. Yes, there are times when you wonder why the government doesn’t do things differently and channel money into infrastructure instead of some other things, but I believe that we are being stretched by this for a purpose. Leave it to Colton to often bring humour into a situation; yesterday as we sat down to our simple evening meal, he quipped; “ I thought candlelight dinners were supposed to have fancier food than this.”
School is going well, both for Colton the student and myself the assistant/teacher. Both Secondary and Primary begin with devotions every day - what a huge blessing to corporately start the day like this. Isaac joins the staff devotions with me at Primary. So far Pastor Ray does them, however, we will start a rota shortly. There is so much power in welcoming the Holy Spirit into every aspect of the day, and being challenged to incorporate a godly principle into every lesson that is taught. What a joy to see Muslim/Hindu children enthusiastically singing Christian songs, learning Scripture and praying. Twenty two percent of our students come from these homes; the reason they are at this school? It’s English - the only one in Bujumbura. Being knowledgeable in English is very important to this community of people, and they are willing to have their children fully integrate into a Christian school to accommodate this. What a fantastic opportunity to evangelize and disciple these children. Parents as well have seeds planted in them when they come to school programs and celebrations.
The Lord is answering our prayers as He gives Isaac creative and often unusual ways to fix/do things in his work. For instance, Isaac had tried to fix our constantly running kitchen faucet to no avail. With no plumbing parts and only a screwdriver, your options are limited. After a few attempts, he used a pencil for the solution; the metal part that holds the eraser makes a wonderful faucet part; who would have known!? With God all things are possible.
Isaac does find it frustrating that there are so very few materials available to do his job. He knew this would be the case before we came, but when you live it every day, and the things are so very basic that he needs sometimes, it can be taxing. Please pray for continued and an increase of creativity and improvisation skills for Isaac.
Jehovah Jirah -God our provider. There’s a guy by the name of John who’s from England, who’s lived here for about 20 years that donated some tools yesterday that people have shipped out to him over the years. He works for the President of Burundi, and I don’t know exactly what else he does. All of a sudden he’s at the Primary school, wanting to see Isaac to arrange the donation. It’s so faith building, the Lord putting it on John’s heart to do this now, at the perfect time when there’s someone here that needs the tools.
Speaking of tools, the crate that contains more tools that our church put in there is held up here in Bujumbura because of red tape. It arrived close to two weeks ago; hopefully we’ll get possession of it this coming week. Please also pray in this regard.
You’ve probably heard stories of how living things have crawled through sewer pipes into toilets. I had, and the thought wasn’t pleasant. Neither is the experience!! Here’s what happened: I was at Secondary, the main building was locked, so I had to use the outdoor toilet. It was relatively dark in there compared to the bright sunshine outside, and my eyes took some time to adjust. Obviously, you never sit down in public facilities, so as I hovered over the loo, I happened to look into it. At first I thought that the girl that came out of the loo just before I entered had forgotten to flush, but then I saw “it” move!! I suddenly didn’t need to go anymore, as by this time the creature was in sharp focus and trying to scale the side of the toilet. ( My hair at the nape, even in the re-telling of the event, is doing weird things.) I flushed, hoping to rid the earth of this intruder, but “the thing” was determined not to co-operate. I stood and watched as it flailed and wiggled and struggled to not be sucked under by the powerful current. African toilets have a much more powerful flush, more like a vacuum. So when the waters had calmed, there he was, all 7-8 inches of him, shiny black and much more relaxed. At this point I high-tailed it out of there and informed a guy standing nearby about the goings on. He came to evaluate the situation, sauntered off and came back with a long branch. He was going to rescue the thing!! He stuck the branch into the toilet, and slowly it climbed onto it. He brought the approximately 3 inch circumference, snake-like, ugly thing with 4 short legs out and it scurried off. I wonder who it’s next victim will be!?
We get to sleep in tomorrow! We have to get up at the uncivilized hour of 5:45 A.M. to get to school by 7:00 for staff devotions during the week, so with our earplugs in place to shut out the loud sounds of the night and early morning, the slumber will be most welcome.
I’ll try and post some pictures tomorrow.
Goodnight, we miss you, we love you.
The Froese’s
God is faithful - He continues to protect, equip, strengthen and stretch us.
We had a really good down pour a few days ago, so now with the rising temperature we also have humidity. The fact that we haven’t had hot water since the second day we got here is, for the most part, becoming less of an issue. After the initial shock of the cold water hitting your hot body in the shower, it’s wonderfully refreshing.
Power outages have posed to be stretching for us. In the last week we’ve been without electricity far more than with. In the last 72 hours we’ve had power for about 6-8 hours. This is problematic for many reasons; the food spoils in the fridge, classes at school have to be revised because of the photocopier not running, you can’t get any relief from the heat from the use of fans, which also affects your sleep, etc., etc.
But in all this, God truly is helping us cope. Yes, there are times when you wonder why the government doesn’t do things differently and channel money into infrastructure instead of some other things, but I believe that we are being stretched by this for a purpose. Leave it to Colton to often bring humour into a situation; yesterday as we sat down to our simple evening meal, he quipped; “ I thought candlelight dinners were supposed to have fancier food than this.”
School is going well, both for Colton the student and myself the assistant/teacher. Both Secondary and Primary begin with devotions every day - what a huge blessing to corporately start the day like this. Isaac joins the staff devotions with me at Primary. So far Pastor Ray does them, however, we will start a rota shortly. There is so much power in welcoming the Holy Spirit into every aspect of the day, and being challenged to incorporate a godly principle into every lesson that is taught. What a joy to see Muslim/Hindu children enthusiastically singing Christian songs, learning Scripture and praying. Twenty two percent of our students come from these homes; the reason they are at this school? It’s English - the only one in Bujumbura. Being knowledgeable in English is very important to this community of people, and they are willing to have their children fully integrate into a Christian school to accommodate this. What a fantastic opportunity to evangelize and disciple these children. Parents as well have seeds planted in them when they come to school programs and celebrations.
The Lord is answering our prayers as He gives Isaac creative and often unusual ways to fix/do things in his work. For instance, Isaac had tried to fix our constantly running kitchen faucet to no avail. With no plumbing parts and only a screwdriver, your options are limited. After a few attempts, he used a pencil for the solution; the metal part that holds the eraser makes a wonderful faucet part; who would have known!? With God all things are possible.
Isaac does find it frustrating that there are so very few materials available to do his job. He knew this would be the case before we came, but when you live it every day, and the things are so very basic that he needs sometimes, it can be taxing. Please pray for continued and an increase of creativity and improvisation skills for Isaac.
Jehovah Jirah -God our provider. There’s a guy by the name of John who’s from England, who’s lived here for about 20 years that donated some tools yesterday that people have shipped out to him over the years. He works for the President of Burundi, and I don’t know exactly what else he does. All of a sudden he’s at the Primary school, wanting to see Isaac to arrange the donation. It’s so faith building, the Lord putting it on John’s heart to do this now, at the perfect time when there’s someone here that needs the tools.
Speaking of tools, the crate that contains more tools that our church put in there is held up here in Bujumbura because of red tape. It arrived close to two weeks ago; hopefully we’ll get possession of it this coming week. Please also pray in this regard.
You’ve probably heard stories of how living things have crawled through sewer pipes into toilets. I had, and the thought wasn’t pleasant. Neither is the experience!! Here’s what happened: I was at Secondary, the main building was locked, so I had to use the outdoor toilet. It was relatively dark in there compared to the bright sunshine outside, and my eyes took some time to adjust. Obviously, you never sit down in public facilities, so as I hovered over the loo, I happened to look into it. At first I thought that the girl that came out of the loo just before I entered had forgotten to flush, but then I saw “it” move!! I suddenly didn’t need to go anymore, as by this time the creature was in sharp focus and trying to scale the side of the toilet. ( My hair at the nape, even in the re-telling of the event, is doing weird things.) I flushed, hoping to rid the earth of this intruder, but “the thing” was determined not to co-operate. I stood and watched as it flailed and wiggled and struggled to not be sucked under by the powerful current. African toilets have a much more powerful flush, more like a vacuum. So when the waters had calmed, there he was, all 7-8 inches of him, shiny black and much more relaxed. At this point I high-tailed it out of there and informed a guy standing nearby about the goings on. He came to evaluate the situation, sauntered off and came back with a long branch. He was going to rescue the thing!! He stuck the branch into the toilet, and slowly it climbed onto it. He brought the approximately 3 inch circumference, snake-like, ugly thing with 4 short legs out and it scurried off. I wonder who it’s next victim will be!?
We get to sleep in tomorrow! We have to get up at the uncivilized hour of 5:45 A.M. to get to school by 7:00 for staff devotions during the week, so with our earplugs in place to shut out the loud sounds of the night and early morning, the slumber will be most welcome.
I’ll try and post some pictures tomorrow.
Goodnight, we miss you, we love you.
The Froese’s
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Gecko's and surprise
So folks, we’ve had some emails gently asking for another update. I keep thinking I need to sit down again and do this, (yes I know Dave, intentions don’t get things done; bless you!!) but first off, I only turn the computer on 1-2 times per week; and second, we’re seriously busy. But I want to keep all you guys updated so you can pray specifically, and remember, we’re in this together, we really need and appreciate your prayers. I truly believe that your prayers strengthen us, and also allow us to laugh at some situations that otherwise would be quite upsetting. Things are just so very different here, and often there doesn’t seem to be any logic as to why situations are as they are.
Gecko’s, gecko’s, gecko’s!!! Wow, are there ever many gecko’s. Last week one evening we had the group from England over and exactly that night the gecko’s decided to come out in droves. One of the team members is a zoo keeper, so he didn’t mind trying to herd them out the door, but they’re awfully fast, and the ceiling is really high ( they prefer walls and ceilings), so this can be a funny sight - man versus gecko. It doesn’t help that there is about a 1 inch gap between the door and floor; once Isaac has tools, we can hopefully rectify this problem. Ladies, how would you like to share your bedroom with elusive critters like this. It’s a good thing we’re tired from the day’s activities; we sleep soundly apart from the noises that are so much a part of the night here.
We live smack across from a large Catholic church, and the churches here are mostly open on the sides to allow for much, much needed air flow. This means that the singing is heard from far away, never mind across the street, with a bedroom window facing the church, as ours does. They have nightly services, but the Sunday 6:00 A.M. service really is a challenge. They sing beautifully, albeit to/about Mary, but on a morning that we don’t have to be at school at 7:00 A.M?!!? I’ve wondered from the beginning, how can they sing so enthusiastically when many of them worship a dead woman? Yes, I know there are born again Christians in the Catholic faith, but when you hear former Catholics talk about going to the front of the church to kneel before a statue of Mary, and the only word in a song that you know as it filters through your window is “Maria, Maria,” you can’t help but wonder. Can you imagine the wonderful worship that would greet our ears at 6:00 A.M. if they worshipped the living Lord Jesus!!!???
This last Sunday we went to a different church than Jabe. We met a pastor - Andy Kennedy - through Everiste a few weeks ago who was here from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for 3 months, scoping out what their ministry could do in Burundi. Through Andy we met Chris, a dynamite Christian guy that’s becoming a good friend. Chris invited us to his church as Andy was preaching. It was so nice to not have to strain your ears to hear the translation of the message through not great ear phones. The message was on grace - grace that is un-earned and un-deserved, but so real. Chris has a French website where he posts a new sermon 6 days a week. He has listeners in over 80 countries.
So I had a surprise this week. I started work at school, with this week just preparing the classrooms and resources etc. After staff devotions led by Pastor Ray we were all introduced, where people are from etc. (Andrew and Kristine Astington are from the UK, however they were teaching in Saudi Arabia for the last six years. They’ve both taught for many years, Kristine’s starting her 42nd year. I am going to be an assistant in her year 6 class part of the time. Anni-Mette is from Denmark, she’s here till February, Kristy Jones is from Arizona, there’s 2 guys from Canada coming on Sunday, Debbie, the head teacher for Primary is from the UK; the rest of the teachers are from various African countries.) So…. the surprise… When Pastor Ray said what I’d be doing he said “ Rosel’s our arts teacher and will be assisting in years 2 and 6.” That was news to me, I thought I was only assisting. Here’s what happened. The above mentioned head teacher, Debbie, is currently on mat. leave in the UK. So Irene, the year two teacher is presently the interim head teacher. So a few weeks ago when Irene came over before going home to Kenya for two weeks, she asked me if I would be willing to help her with art. I said sure. Well, I guess she had in mind “helping her” was, as in taking the arts position; only I thought “helping her” was doing year 2 art, at least partially with her together, since I’m already in that class. So I’m teaching years 2 - 6 art, with each lesson being 70 minutes long. Each grade has art once a week. Amanda, I’m so grateful for your files that you left - they are a huge help. For you non- Calvary people, Amanda was here last school year and taught art and sports. You know what the cool part is???!!! God prepared me for this. A few days before we left Manitoba, I went and bought more art supplies than I had already purchased up to that point to take with us, presumably for the New Hope and CRIB kids. I just saw myself doing art with kids, and here’s how our awesome Father orchestrated it all. Isn’t that sweet??!! Later I told Pastor Ray about the surprise, which he found humorous as well.
I think perhaps Irene was a little over zealous today; she asked me if I would be willing to teach sports (gym) as well. I told her I’d pray about it, but I don’t have peace about that, as all sports are done outside (no gymnasium), and I’m already struggling with walking to and from school every day in the sun. ( in case you didn’t read in a previous blog, I have what my Dr. calls a near allergy to the sun.)
Speaking of the sun, it’s generally a few degrees hotter now already than when we came a month ago. Because we’re so close to Lake Tanganyika, we get a pretty strong wind off the lake mid day, exactly when we’re walking home from school. It’s a challenge to control my umbrella against the wind as our tired and sweaty bodies trudge the mile plus home. Rainy season is around the corner when the temperature really rises!! We’ve been told a few times, you can almost set your clock to the rain. It comes at noon, and often again at four in the afternoon. Immediately following the rain, the sun is out, and steam rises from the ground.
Isaac’s gecko hunting again.
Sending our love and blessings to you all - our team.
Isaac, Rosel and Colton
Gecko’s, gecko’s, gecko’s!!! Wow, are there ever many gecko’s. Last week one evening we had the group from England over and exactly that night the gecko’s decided to come out in droves. One of the team members is a zoo keeper, so he didn’t mind trying to herd them out the door, but they’re awfully fast, and the ceiling is really high ( they prefer walls and ceilings), so this can be a funny sight - man versus gecko. It doesn’t help that there is about a 1 inch gap between the door and floor; once Isaac has tools, we can hopefully rectify this problem. Ladies, how would you like to share your bedroom with elusive critters like this. It’s a good thing we’re tired from the day’s activities; we sleep soundly apart from the noises that are so much a part of the night here.
We live smack across from a large Catholic church, and the churches here are mostly open on the sides to allow for much, much needed air flow. This means that the singing is heard from far away, never mind across the street, with a bedroom window facing the church, as ours does. They have nightly services, but the Sunday 6:00 A.M. service really is a challenge. They sing beautifully, albeit to/about Mary, but on a morning that we don’t have to be at school at 7:00 A.M?!!? I’ve wondered from the beginning, how can they sing so enthusiastically when many of them worship a dead woman? Yes, I know there are born again Christians in the Catholic faith, but when you hear former Catholics talk about going to the front of the church to kneel before a statue of Mary, and the only word in a song that you know as it filters through your window is “Maria, Maria,” you can’t help but wonder. Can you imagine the wonderful worship that would greet our ears at 6:00 A.M. if they worshipped the living Lord Jesus!!!???
This last Sunday we went to a different church than Jabe. We met a pastor - Andy Kennedy - through Everiste a few weeks ago who was here from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for 3 months, scoping out what their ministry could do in Burundi. Through Andy we met Chris, a dynamite Christian guy that’s becoming a good friend. Chris invited us to his church as Andy was preaching. It was so nice to not have to strain your ears to hear the translation of the message through not great ear phones. The message was on grace - grace that is un-earned and un-deserved, but so real. Chris has a French website where he posts a new sermon 6 days a week. He has listeners in over 80 countries.
So I had a surprise this week. I started work at school, with this week just preparing the classrooms and resources etc. After staff devotions led by Pastor Ray we were all introduced, where people are from etc. (Andrew and Kristine Astington are from the UK, however they were teaching in Saudi Arabia for the last six years. They’ve both taught for many years, Kristine’s starting her 42nd year. I am going to be an assistant in her year 6 class part of the time. Anni-Mette is from Denmark, she’s here till February, Kristy Jones is from Arizona, there’s 2 guys from Canada coming on Sunday, Debbie, the head teacher for Primary is from the UK; the rest of the teachers are from various African countries.) So…. the surprise… When Pastor Ray said what I’d be doing he said “ Rosel’s our arts teacher and will be assisting in years 2 and 6.” That was news to me, I thought I was only assisting. Here’s what happened. The above mentioned head teacher, Debbie, is currently on mat. leave in the UK. So Irene, the year two teacher is presently the interim head teacher. So a few weeks ago when Irene came over before going home to Kenya for two weeks, she asked me if I would be willing to help her with art. I said sure. Well, I guess she had in mind “helping her” was, as in taking the arts position; only I thought “helping her” was doing year 2 art, at least partially with her together, since I’m already in that class. So I’m teaching years 2 - 6 art, with each lesson being 70 minutes long. Each grade has art once a week. Amanda, I’m so grateful for your files that you left - they are a huge help. For you non- Calvary people, Amanda was here last school year and taught art and sports. You know what the cool part is???!!! God prepared me for this. A few days before we left Manitoba, I went and bought more art supplies than I had already purchased up to that point to take with us, presumably for the New Hope and CRIB kids. I just saw myself doing art with kids, and here’s how our awesome Father orchestrated it all. Isn’t that sweet??!! Later I told Pastor Ray about the surprise, which he found humorous as well.
I think perhaps Irene was a little over zealous today; she asked me if I would be willing to teach sports (gym) as well. I told her I’d pray about it, but I don’t have peace about that, as all sports are done outside (no gymnasium), and I’m already struggling with walking to and from school every day in the sun. ( in case you didn’t read in a previous blog, I have what my Dr. calls a near allergy to the sun.)
Speaking of the sun, it’s generally a few degrees hotter now already than when we came a month ago. Because we’re so close to Lake Tanganyika, we get a pretty strong wind off the lake mid day, exactly when we’re walking home from school. It’s a challenge to control my umbrella against the wind as our tired and sweaty bodies trudge the mile plus home. Rainy season is around the corner when the temperature really rises!! We’ve been told a few times, you can almost set your clock to the rain. It comes at noon, and often again at four in the afternoon. Immediately following the rain, the sun is out, and steam rises from the ground.
Isaac’s gecko hunting again.
Sending our love and blessings to you all - our team.
Isaac, Rosel and Colton
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