First day of School!

We woke up this morning to no power, no water…on the first day of school. It’s almost laughable because it seems that on “big days” our overflowing tanks seem to dry up and our solar panels seem to stop working! Almost laughable because all of our teachers and administrators have been working non-stop to make this little campus “perfect”…planning, organizing, doing. And this part really is laughable…since we all had to get dressed in the dark this morning a certain someone (I won’t mention any names) wore her outift inside out and was gently informed of this by one of our Zambian mommas. :o) So we have learned to laugh in the midst of frustration.

And then God provides. He always provides. He provided us with a beautiful sunrise to give us light for the day and just enough water to get all of the children’s hands washed for breakfast and lunch. What a great reminder that we can plan, plan, plan but ultimately it’s all in His hands. I just love that thought.

Even with no power and limited water, the day went great! It was so amazing to see the children coming down the long dusty road…finally! In their new uniforms, with their new backpacks… So wonderful to see so many mommas volunteering…cooking & cleaning. And also to see a cluster of the new mommas standing together (see picture) watching their new preschoolers to see how they would do. Us mommas are all alike, aren’t we? There seemed to be children everyone! Adding a new batch of 25 students seemed to make the school grounds so much smaller but SO full of life. We added a lunch program this year, in addition to breakfast, so the children were so very happy with plates piled high with nshima, chicken and relish. We also had our very first Physical education class (thanks mr. Dave!) which the kids seemed to love.

Thank you for your prayers for Rowan and Hudson’s first day. Rowan came out of his room at 6am dressed, shoes on, backpack on…ready for the day. And Hudson was so excited to be going as well. He did great for his first day…only a few tears mid-morning where he announced matter of factly to “teacha Jean” that he just really wanted his mommy. :o) But he stayed the whole day and said he was ready to go back tomorrow. Please enjoy a few photos of the day! Continued prayers for the school would be awesome! As I sit here and think about how I’m going to bathe my kids tonight (now the faucets are running dry again)…prayers for water, and for the teachers for a new day tomorrow. For all of the children again as some walk long distances and most importantly that these children see Christ in each of us though out this week! Blessings, Tina