Wildlife Park

There are a lot of differences between a Nigerian zoo and one back
home. Still so much fun!

Kids from Primary One

Getting some one on one time, reading books, counting, playdough, who
wouldn't want to come to school?

Feelings

Have you seen the movie 'What About Bob?' I love it, a little weird,
like a one hit wonder, a little too much early 90s, a little quirky but
still great. I love the line when Bob has fear, of well everything, and
in order to get through the next moment of life he says over and over to
himself 'I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful, I feel good, I
feel great, I feel wonderful.' I like it because it's so true about
life. Sometimes we don't always FEEL good, we don't always feel ready
for the next moment but if you can turn to the positive maybe you can
gear yourself up for what is to come, maybe if you pretend for just a
bit you will actually start to believe it. Bridget has been reminding me
to foucs on what IS happening, not on what isn't. So in order to keep
you in the loop, I'll share about my morning, trying to think on the
positive, willing myself to feel good, great, even wonderful! I spent
recess with friends, I know they're my friends cause they smile when I
greet them. I made letters and shapes out of playdough-finding extra joy
in the word cow, I drew on the cement floor trying to teach the
difference between G J and Z, I read story books, I watched a student
get promoted from Primary One to Primary Three, I watched a rain storm,
and enjoyed a cool morning. Okay I really do feel wonderful now.

Waiting for their turn on the zip line

Aren't they handsome?

small man can jump big man?

I knew it would be new and exciting but not addictive.

Small Victories

I'm sitting here listening to a rain storm. It's a lovely Sunday
afternoon, some rain to bring a break from the heat but not the
humidity. 10 Boarding Students will arrive today. Reading a book and
thanking God for all the great things that happened this week.
Barwa read a whole book, he is growing in confidence and skill.
Lawal came back.
Yusuf said "Thank You God" after an intense scene in 'Swiss Family
Robinson' using English and giving Praise to God!
Salihu continues to grow in leadership as he talked in length with our
security staff about proper behavior.
Umar gains courage each day to speak what he knows.
Ado learns with a fierce desire, eating up any knowledge you give him.
Ishaka has manners to beat any other 9 year old I know.
Mohammadu can beat almost everyone at a game of checkers.
Today 10 more friends will join us as we celebrate the small victories.
Some days ministry is a struggle but we cling to the good and find our
answers in Jesus.

Changes

During my travels this weekend I stayed in Ethiopia for a night, along
with some other Malawians. I was so glad they also found it strange to
figure the time difference and laughed as we drove on the right side of
the road and were confused about this strange new country just as I am.
I found myself smiling, so thankful that I am not the only one who has
to relearn everything as I jump from place to place.