september 2023.

This update is coming to you a few days late as the business of the fall season is well underway (aka report cards). I had a wonderful September with my class. They are all learning and growing so much. In only one month, I have seen big strides in their development. As I mentioned last month, this class can have some BIG emotions that they are learning how to regulate and growth is happening! I am proud of their hard work. We memorized Matthew 5:14-16 this month and have been working on putting it into practice. What does shining our light look like on a daily level? How can we shine our light when we feel frustrated, tired, or energetic? Thank you for your prayers for my littles! I can feel the power of prayer at work in our classroom.

This month, I felt that after 3 years, my classroom needed a bit of a refresh. I took my students’ input and we decided on the theme of RAINBOW for our class decor. As we are working on shining our light, we want to shine so bright and beautifully on this campus, so rainbows seemed like the perfect choice! It was fun to engage the students in the process, but also a lot of work and finances to have it come together. In Kenya, some things just take longer, for example, I don’t have access to a colour printer at school, so I have to 1) Brainstorm class decor 2) Create class decor (no teacher shops here!) 3) Send to local colour printing shop 4) Pick it up and pay for it (1 dollar a page!!) 5) Cut out all the pieces, laminate them, then cut out again 5) Put up the posters around my classroom (on a weekend) 6) Go back and fix any sizes issues

As you can see, it is just a longer, more complex, and expensive process here. However, I felt it was important for my students to have updated learning resources that would support them as they learn. I’ve added grammar, math, birthday, and focus walls, Scripture memory verses around the room, a peace place for big feelings, an affirmation wall (In Christ, I am… special) and a new little tent for a cozy reading spot. The students have absolutely loved seeing the classroom’s changes and their joy makes it all worth it.

However, this is the part of my blog post where I ask for some support from you! If you are or have been considering supporting me financially. One time gifts are SO welcome. Please don’t feel pressure to commit to a monthly amount if you are not able, if you are, amazing, but even a one-time amount helps so much! Complete transparency here, to redecorate my classroom, it cost 100 CAD.

Here is the link where you can donate and get a tax receipt: https://gcfcanada.com/jocelyn-smart/

Thank you so much for your consideration. This would greatly help me and my ministry here. One other area where you could consider donating is toward my annual Christmas dinner for my market friends. I will likely need around 200 CAD to provide these wonderful friends with a great Christmas feast. I was thinking this year to include a Kiswahili Bible for each of them as a gift. One Bible costs about 20 dollars and I am hoping to buy at least 15, bringing the Christmas feast and Bible gift to a total of 500 dollars. If you are considering a way to bless others this Christmas, please consider this option. Thank you!!

This month at school, the students learned about fossils, plant and animal life cycles, published their personal narrative writing pieces, began reading

This month at school, the students learned about fossils, plant and animal life cycles, published their personal narrative writing pieces, began reading Charlotte’s Web, and learned about Jesus and his disciples. It never gets old seeing the students’ “lightbulb moments” and their overall love of learning. I feel so blessed to get to live out this profession. Their joyful smiles and giggles, make the long, hard days, so worth it.

As I attempt every year at this time… I am trying to bring the fall vibes to Kenya. As we approach December, the weather gets warmer here, but I have been enjoying making soups and ginger snap cookies, warm cups of coffee, and cozy blankets in the evenings. It is fun to reminisce on the changing seasons of Canada. As much as I miss the beautiful colours of the leaves changing, the crisp air, and warm sweaters, I must say it is wonderful to get to enjoy fresh, blooming flowers all year long too. God is such a master artist!

This month also held a long weekend and I got the best invitation ever! A friend of mine owns a resort at the coast and invited me to come visit for the weekend!! I felt like I was in a dream the whole time. What an incredible gift to rest and reset in such a gorgeous place. Thank God for connections, friendships, His incredible creation, and rest!

The month of October means contract renewal time. Working at an international school, contracts are renewed very early in the year to aid in the recruitment and hiring process. I ask that you’d please come alongside me in prayer as I seek God’s guidance for the next steps in my future. Such a big decision is never easy and your prayers are truly coveted, so thank you for praying with me!

Thank you for your continued love, support, and prayers.

-j.