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 :)