Jambo

...means "Hello" in Swahili~ its amazing hearing little children talk in different languages!  Maggie was able to join me on the journey to Africa in order to assist with missionary kids so that the parents could fully concentrate on the training.  She was able to work in the nursery with 2 other wonderful gals, Sarah and Amy (not her mom!)
They had a great ratio 1-2 with 6 children between the ages of 1 and 2 years in their room.  However when all of them are new to you, the new environment, the noise of crying echoing off all the walls... well then it seems like alot!

the playroom with creative soft flooring, tents, and toys!

Maggie was thankful we had brought some little things we could share with the kids during the 4 1/2  hours of daily meeting times.  They were also very creative and made forts from sheets and chairs!  the older kids were able to enjoy a VBS program with more helpers they had lots of fun too!
 

even worked on geography lessons :)

Sarah and Hannah playing

Joseph is such a sweetie!

The children warmed up to them and after a few rough spots the first day, it got much better for all involved!  These children are so sweet!  Maggie enjoyed hearing them talk, many of them already are speaking in different languages which is just amazing!  One of the little girls would say JAMBO to anyone who walked by :)

Hannah admiring Maggies necklace at dinner

 "It was really neat to hear the stories of the missionaries and get to know them better -- they are still just like us -- just working for Christ in a different place!  I often thought of missionaries as perfect Christians who go to share the gospel, well they are just like us - they like to have fun, joke around, even do silly things!  But its neat to see they are willing to be used by God where he sends them.  And it was a good lesson that God can use my imperfect self too!" Maggie.

there was some play time with the bigger "kids" too!  volleyball on the ocean!

 Yes there was work but there was fun play too!  More on that next!

Let us encourage one another...

I have always had a longing in my heart to head to Africa on a mission trip, picturing the lovely people, the children, the grass huts, being able to shower them all with God's love in a far away land.....  Well that isn't exactly what God called us to!

When I talked with Juli about going to Africa to speak to missionaries who homeschool, my first thought was this will never happen!  2nd thought was that isn't really  a "mission" trip! Having just returned home from almost 2 weeks in Kenya, I am thrilled that God worked it out! Thanks to all of you who prayed for our travels and donated fund to make it possible!

   I am honored to have been sent to share with missionary families, my heart is overflowing with respect and love for these families who sacrifice to much to serve the Lord!  The role I played was to be a homeschool "specialist" (I am still trying to figure out how I fit that title!) sharing ideas on  HOW TO's, providing some resources which are easily available in the US, and just encourage them in their journey.   I speak at many homeschool conventions around the US and love the opportunity to encourage families in this journey however, this challenge was one that really humbled me!  The challenges these families face are so diverse and unique for many trying to find the right curriculum fit for their family  (user friendly in locations where there are not any other resources available) is only a minor challenge!  Add in living in a very different culture, speaking different languages, building relationships with the locals, and being far from family and friends and try juggling all that with homeschooling! 

I am humbled to have been used to encourage these families! Some of the families were homeschooling in the states before going to the field and some  are homeschooling in light of the fact that the only real other option for education of their children would be a boarding school far away.  Homeschooling has as many different looks as there are families!   We covered lots of topics from homeschooling teens to toddlers, keeping Christ central in our schools, as well as things like how to do art and pe on the mission field!  It was such a ministry to me to be involved in the forum times when they shared the blessings and challenges of homeschooling while being in full time ministry. 

Some of the homeschooling moms from different parts of Africa

We have returned home many new friends! As often happens when we step out to bless others the blessings God showers on us are as much or even more of a treasure!

 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, ¹⁷ encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thes. 2:16-17

I am thrilled that God opened this door for Maggie and I to serve. 
More posts on Maggies adventures next :)

December 1st

This is my Mom :)

She went to Africa with Tutu, and they spent a LOT of time on planes.

Another trip, this ones in a bus!

They loved the beach B-)

Guess what? another plane! We are so proud of them, taking a step out in faith, getting funds, and going to Africa to serve others. BUT we are even more thankful that she is back home! ;)

So beautiful.

She is always there to encourage us and push us to do better, we are so thankful that God blessed us with you mom! 

Chuck

She says she will be posting about Africa soon!