november 2023.

I read a devotional recently on gratitude and its benefits. Gratitude refocuses our attention, relieves our anxiety, refreshes our relationship, and reinforces our faith. I’m sure you’ve heard the word “gratitude” circling around your conversations or social media this past month. It was even our focus word in the classroom this past month. As I prepared my students’ morning gratitude journals, I thought to myself, “Why don’t I complete one with them?” It is so easy to think about what things might help you feel more grateful, but to be purposeful in setting aside time is another thing. Similar to the article, what I found most impactful from this month of intentional gratitude was that my desire to praise amplified. While I have had a rather challenging month, I wanted to praise God amidst it more than ever. This was really encouraging to me. While I still have a lot of unanswered questions, praise has become my battle cry. The song Praise by Maverick City has been on constant replay in my life lately. In my classroom, my car, my house, through my headphones at the gym, everywhere! May you be encouraged by these lyrics as well.

I’ll praise in the valley

Praise on the mountain

I’ll praise when I’m sure

Praise when I’m doubting

I’ll praise when I feel it

I’ll praise when I don’t

I’ll praise cause I know

You’re still in control

In my classroom this month, the students have had a number of events happening. Near the beginning of the month, the class had a Market Day. As we learned about producers and consumers, we decided to put our learning in action. The students produced a variety of creative goods to sell at our market. In turn, each student was able to be a consumer and purchase items as well.

This month, the entire elementary department was able to go on a service mission-minded field trip. For our Spiritual Emphasis Week, the students focused on the school’s theme verse (Matthew 5:14-16). The students learned about what it means to shine for Christ, understanding that the Holy Spirit at work within us is the light we are to shine, and that as we fall more in love with Christ, we desire to shine His light to others. The students collected a wide variety of food, clothing, and toy items to donate to a local children’s center. The students made gifts, practiced songs, and memorized Scripture to present to the children upon arrival. What is unique about this children’s center is that it is a center solely for children in Nairobi with disabilities. Heshima meaning dignity in Swahili is the name of the center. This organization not only provides education and physiotherapy services for these children, but also provides housing and jobs for the children’s mothers. It is an incredible organization that I’m so grateful our school got to be a part of. In a country with a hugely negative view towards individuals with disabilities, it was beautiful witnessing our students SO eager and excited to shower these kids with love, hugs, songs, and gifts. We are all children of God made in His image! I believe it was an experience that the students will remember for years to come. I do not take for granted the amazing ministry opportunities we have here.

This month has held a lot of prayer and discernment for me. I continue to put my future before the Lord in prayer. I know that Kenya continues to be my home for now, but I am praying for clarity in my decision for what is next – whether I stay at my current school or move to a different one. Thank you for continuing to come alongside me in prayer.

I have been really enjoying reading the book A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers. It is an older book that I am only discovering now, but wow is it good. It is a series of 5 historical fiction novellas about the 5 women in the lineage of Jesus (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary). It has been wonderful brining these Bible stories to life by unpacking the cultural time more in depth.

I was also able to host some of my coworkers over to my house this month for a girls craft night. I thought as we approach the Christmas season and we have been teaching our students to shine the light, why not create an opportunity for us to as well? As we painted candles, we reflected and shared stories of how we are seeing God at work in our classrooms, personal lives, and families.

Lastly, I want to share my latest mini-ministry update in case you wanted to share it with those in your circles. If you have any family, friends or coworkers who might be interested in following or being a part of my ministry here, please feel welcome to share this newsletter with them. Thank you for your support.

Blessings,

-j.