The saying, ‘one man’s trash, is another man’s treasure’, rings true in our daily lives. After the new classroom was completed, we had to install a railing and a gate for the safety of the children. PM mentioned to Dries that he had some old railings and burglar proofing materials lying around at the factory and that we were welcome to use it. Given the high cost of rebar her, that was a big help. It was also a rush to get it all done before Dries leaves for South Africa on Tuesday.
Annika and Anne have celebrated their first month on the island, and they’re settling into tropical life remarkably well. They’re mastering the art of bargaining for the best prices, finding their way around independently, and like most newcomers, experiencing the inevitable sunburn. Last week, they took a trip to Iranja, one of the neighboring islands, but underestimated the intensity of the African sun. It was a lesson learned the hard way!
At school and with the Rangers, they have found their rhythm. Every Wednesday afternoon, I set aside time for leadership training, and Annika was the first to share. It’s valuable for our leaders to hear how Rangers operate in other countries and to recognise that growth and improvement are always necessary.
This year, I’m teaching a weekly French class to Grade 4 with a focus on improving their reading and comprehension skills. For many of these children, learning French comes with significant challenges (tell me about it!). Alphinah lives in a modest Malagasy home with no electricity. Without a television, she rarely hears French spoken outside the classroom. Miria, a new student from a small town in the far south, has never had French taught in school before. To complicate matters, her Malagasy dialect is nearly incomprehensible to me, making communication an added challenge. Grandilah, on the other hand, has missed weeks of school due to illness and family difficulties, making it hard for her to catch up. Despite these hurdles, their eagerness to learn makes up for the frustrations. We have a lot of work ahead, but with hard work and lots of prayer, I have no doubt they will rise to the occasion.
Please pray that Dries will have a time of rest and refreshing in South Africa. He is very tired with so much to do and never enough time to do it. A break is much needed. Additionally, we are facing a challenge regarding transportation for future visits. Until now, we’ve been able to borrow a car from fellow missionaries, but they will be selling it soon. Without reliable transport, visiting will be problematic. Please pray that we can find an affordable car that meets our needs.
We appreciate your prayers and support!
Have a blessed week.
E-posadres: lynettedj@gmail.com
Bank: ABSA, Lynette de Jager,
Rekeningnr: 1410142909,
Takkode: 632005