June 1-12
Time really passes fast when you are busy. We were very busy around here while the PWNC mission team was here May 19-31. When they left I had plenty to do to put our classrooms back into shape for school after all the painting. Everything is so clean and pretty, and everyone is enjoying the new look.
Stan made a bed for the dolls while he was here, and I have just finished making the mattress, bedspread and pillows for the dolls the mission group brought from Gastonia. It’s like Christmas when they come bearing all their gifts. Then there is a lot of storage space to be found.!
The first day back to school for the last school year block was this past Monday. We took into our class a new student that day. Her name is Ellen, and she had just been fitted with prosthesis for both of her feet which were amputated when she was 3 years old because of extreme mal-nutrition. I was taken by Maralise to see her in her village 2 days after she had regained feet. She was walking very well with them. I was told that her first words after putting on the feet were, “Now I can go to school.” I asked how she was going to be taken to school and the reply was that there was a bike in her village that could be used to take her to school when it was not already scheduled. Fearing that she might not get there on many days we managed to get a bike and had seat mounted on the back with hand bars and feet bars. I’m sure the bike will be used many useful ways by that family who seems to be so appreciative. Ellen is 7 years old, but had spoken no English words before coming to school. Only minutes after arriving she was responding to the roll call by raising her hand and saying, “Present”. We will keep her in our 4 years old class until she picks up the routine and some key words. She can handle scissors quite well and has caught on to working puzzles very quickly. Since her feet have been amputated, she has lived with her grandmother in a small one room village house. Her parents and two little brothers live next door. Her grandmother has carried her on her back until she got the prosthesis 2 weeks ago. I believe the grandmother must have taught Ellen
many things for she seems to catch on quickly. We have recently taken in 2 village children who are on 100% scholarships. It feels so good to be able to offer these children educational opportunities. They have both come to school in great need of clothing. I was given 3 sweaters for each of them. They were so pleased to get the warm sweaters.
The next 7 weeks are going to be a challenge for me for the TerHaar’s have just left for a 7 week holiday in Holland. This is their first trip home in three years. That family does so much for this mission compound.
We will all miss them, but we wish for them a wonderful relaxing time. I am already seeking other help because this coming Monday we will be dedicating the second school building which was financed by Korean Christians. A Mr. Kim is coming from Korea to present the school a memorial plaque for building. I am busy planning for his 2 day visit with us and planning for the school’s dedication of the building. Our children will offer a prayer and will sing the National Anthem at the program. I was busy at school today making a banner with the children’s handprints on it for the children to present to Mr. Kim. He will take it to the Korean Christian School from which Mr. Kim and the other donors graduated.
As I think of all the graduations and school closing in NC, it’s strange to be still in school until August 8.
Winter is just settling in here. It continues to be like spring or fall weather for us North Carolinians, cool in the morning and evening and warm during the day. The school calendar is changing this year to be more like the States and Europe. School will end on August 8 for this year and will start next year on September15.
Jessi and I spent Saturday in Lilongwe primarily to obtain our 6 months visa. I had just gotten a 30 day extension and then was told that I should start at least 3 weeks before the end of that time to getting my 6 months visa. Actually it wasn’t so bad an experience. Lots of paper work and 30,000 kwacha (actually only about $175.00 - sounds as almost nothing after all those thousands)) and it’s all done. We are glad that’s the end of the visa story for now.