The last blog post of the year. As Dries and I reflected on all that came to pass during this year, we were in agreement that a lot of things came together right at the end.
The new classroom looks really good. There was a time when we almost gave up on it; trying to find people to deliver quality work and the time constraint, proved to be challenging. Norbert, Antonin, Vola’s husband, ex-student Bruno and Jeancris one of PM’s workers really gave it their all and worked long hours. Dries finished the gutters and made two of the neighbours very happy by installing pipes and 200 litre containers for them to be able to benefit from the water coming off the huge roof of the school. After more than a year at the new school, people are finally beginning to accept us and this is definitely because Dries made the extra effort to build relationships with them. I did loose my cool with some of them from time to time, but in the end it is all part of the spiritual battle. We are encroaching on evil’s territory and that always brings problems.
The other prayer request which was answered right at the end of 2023 was the matter of Gabriel. Everything is now in place for the removal of the boat from the water between 14 – 16 January. Please pray with us that the damage to the boat will be repairable within six months. Our whole routine and focus will have to be adjusted for the next year as the repair of Gabriel is vital to our ministry.
You’ll remember that one of the reasons for my visit to South Africa was to write the DELF B1 French exam. I don’t think that I have ever been so nervous about any exam, so it was a relief when I received my results just before Christmas. Almost full marks, so I feel more positive now for the next level.
We wish you all a blessed 2024. Thank you for your love and support. Dries and I have hearts filled with gratitude when we see what God has done this past year. Thank you for being a part of His work on our island.