Easter Eggs

Happy Easter to all of our family, friends and supporters back in North America. We counted many blessings this Easter. Among them were Teya’s first ever experience of decorating Easter eggs and our first 100 (and counting) eggs from the new laying hens we recently brought to the school.

It was actually a big week for our family, and for Teya in particular. On Monday we celebrated her fourth birthday. This was a big event for all of us, especially because, as far as we know, it was the first time her birthday was celebrated. She definitely caught up on celebrations and everyone within the province knew it was “a happy birthday for Teya”! We started the day with Jean’s world famous cinnamon rolls, an Esther School tradition, then had a family party in the evening. We are so blessed to have Tina’s sister Jennie, her husband Mick and our niece Olivia here for a 6 week work assignment and they were able to join as well. We were even able to phone and FaceTime several family members back home.

Tuesday and Wednesday were also great for Tina and I as we were able to go away overnight with Drew and Arika. After nearly two years here together, this was our first outing as couples aside from one afternoon lunch outing awhile back. We had a beautiful time and were able to relax, reflect and prepare for their upcoming departure.

We enjoyed a uniquely Zambian worship service this morning as the local congregation we attend hosted several sister churches in a weekend-long Easter conference at the nearby government school grounds. Nearly 100 visitors camped out at the school since Friday, participating in worship, teachings and baptisms. The Easter morning service was the capstone event and we were blessed by some amazing singing, a powerful message, and the chance to partake of the Lord’s Supper with our brothers and sisters here. This followed an equally powerful Palm Sunday service last week where we joined with the large local Roman Catholic congregation for joint worship and a palm procession through the village. I can tell we have been here for awhile as our presence barely registers notice anymore!

Unfortunately, the realities of life and death here are never far away and we were tragically reminded of this again earlier in the week. While away on Wednesday, we received word that a young neighbor girl passed away suddenly after a brief unknown illness. Marianna lived just meters from our home. She had just turned 5. Her family is well known to us including a sister in Grade 1 and several cousins throughout the school. She herself had just been registered for consideration for next year’s preschool class. So for the second time in just a few weeks we helped bury a young child and mourn with their family. The acute sadness of this event could only be offset by the beauty with which this community comes together in times of difficulty and grief and only accepted in light of the love of a Perfect Father with whom this little angel now rests.

Please pray for these mourning families and for the entire community as we continue forward in His name. Tomorrow, though a national holiday here, we will attempt to finish the roof of the P/K building that we have used the advantage of our Easter Break to complete. Tuesday we return to school after a week + off. This Friday is our assessment day where we will test the 78 children who recently registered for next year’s preschool class. The following week we will meet as staff and with members of the community to select the 24 that will make up the class of 2028.

After that we will begin to interview for next year’s new Zambian teacher, welcome the Miedema family to campus, and say goodbye to the Roelofs. Also before the end of the year we will harvest 3 acres of beans, peanuts and okra, have 3 class trips, 76 parent teacher conferences and 1 field day. Then, the final week of school, we will host a 10 person team from Dordt College, followed immediately by a 20 person team from Calvin College. If we are still alive at that point, we will conclude the year on May 30 and then continue assisting in the transition of staff and students while continuing our construction schedule and sustainability projects.

Needless to say, your continued prayer is appreciated.

Happy Easter! May the joy of His Resurrection fill your hearts and homes.