september 2020.

What a whirlwind of a month! It must have been because I am writing this on October 10th only just realizing that a new month is here! September was a busy month filled with new adventures and experiences.

The month started off by beginning the school year! While teaching online is not exactly ideal, the Lord has shown his goodness in many ways these past few weeks as the students (and teachers) have been getting used to online school. A huge blessing is that while the students are unable to come to school, all of the teaching staff are able to be on campus, teaching live from their classrooms. This has built such a strong foundation of community, a positive work environment, and time for collaboration as we navigate this season of online learning.

I have loved getting to know my students and have been surprised at how we have been able to build such a supportive, close classroom community while being online. I give all credit to God for this, since I am only able to see my students for a portion of a typical school day. This month, the third grade students have been learning their multiplication facts, about different types of communities, the various kinds of nouns, and most importantly about the life of Jesus! I have really enjoyed teaching the students about Jesus’ ministry while on earth, the miracles he performed, the people he chose to use, and the choices he made. Please pray that the students would continue to ask their big questions about Jesus, the Bible and their faith.

As for my personal life, I have really come to find an appreciation of running. I guess I figured if I live in a country well-known for having talented running athletes, I might as well try it out! When I go for runs, I enjoy listening to worship music or my audio Bible (However I don’t recommend listening to Matthew 1 to pump you up, learned that the hard way). I really value this time with God. He is teaching me many things through running.

In addition to this new hobby, on the weekends I love to explore new places and try new things. There is a giraffe orphanage about ten minutes from my house! It was so fun to see some animals native to Africa.

One weekend this month, I also got to hike Mount Longonot, a stratovolcano, here in Kenya with some coworkers! The 14 km hike took us up the volcano and around the crater rim and boy, were there some remarkable views. This hike was definitely a personal highlight of this month. I enjoyed being able to marvel at God’s magnificent creation. Kenya is such a diverse and beautiful country. I can’t wait to see and experience more of it in the upcoming months.

Another amazing thing that has come out of this month is a women’s Bible study with the primary teaching staff from the school. We meet every other Thursday after school for the study and alternating Fridays for worship nights. I was able to help lead the worship night this month through singing and it was so wonderful. I am enjoying getting to know these women better, building a strong community, and journeying together in our walks with Christ. Praise God for his providence.

In conclusion, while this month may have been super busy, it was filled with blessings. I am continually blown away by God’s hand in my life, this transition, teaching, community, all of it. He is so, so good. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I FEEL it.

Please be praying for:

-The government as they are likely to announce a reopening in person date for schools in October.

-Families, students, and teachers as they navigate yet another transition.

-That churches would be able to reopen soon too!

-This country. Since COVID started, a recent article estimated that 54% percent of the Kenyan population has lost their jobs. Please be in prayer for the families and individuals that are struggling to make ends meet.

-Next month is report cards, parent teacher conferences, and navigating a hybrid model of in person and virtual school.

God bless you,

J.