This is a note I sent to our board of directors today, but I wanted to share it with you…
I hope you are all well and having an amazing day! Today was the official open of Jehovah Shalom Mission School and I just wanted to share a link to some pictures and to tell you a bit about the first day. It is such a great reminder for me of why it is critical for us to keep focused as we serve an awesome God and these amazing kids.
Our team of 6 volunteer teachers (4 Americans, 1 American/South African and 1 South African) are already doing an amazing job and their tender hearts for the kids is deeply inspiring. They have started to settle into the mission base in Alexandria and are finding out slowly but surely how to be good roommates to one another. I have no doubt they will get there quickly. I plan to spend more time with them next week and to take them to Rufus farm in a few weekends for a getaway and time for out of the house team building.
Last night, Darrell, myself and the team were up until midnight finishing to build the desks for the kids and when I was looking around I just could not help thinking “Holy flip flop Batman, we started a flippin’ school!”. Did you hear that, board? We started a flippin’ school! That is amazing in itself but what is even more amazing is how, because of the new school and the team living in Alexandria, the entire community has started to rally in amazing ways. There is a transformation taking place, not just in our kids at the school but the whole community has gotten on board. I am inspired, in awe and humbled.
I know things have been stressful these last few weeks, but please remember that what God is doing here is so much bigger than any of this stress. Our kids are happy. Our kids are seen. Our kids are not falling through the cracks. Our kids are being shown the love of Christ. They are not invisible orphans in some small town in South Africa. They are OUR kids. They are HIS kids and as good and loving parents, we are making sure they get what they need to succeed in this life and to have eternity with the Father in the next.
My heart is bursting with love and with motherly pride for the kids, for the community and for our team. I truly hope this little reminder of why we do what we do will inspire you today.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.296454510404421.67676.161985363851337&type=1
With love,
Mama Jen
Wow – it is exciting to see what God is doing around the world. Such an encouraging message. To God be the glory. And God bless you for your sacrifice and hard work and obedience.
From your Mom Judy’s cousin in Indiana where it is cold and windy and dreary outside, but above it all the sun (Son) shines on!