Dearest Friends and Family,
Rainy season is over. Dry season is in its beginning stages. A few rain drops here and a few showers there but all in all, the rain is a bidding us farewell. Many of my friends are happy about this, but I for one, am sad. I love the rainy season. The smell of fresh rain, the clouds helping to hide a fierce, hot sun, the green grass and beautiful flowers (including my wonderful orchids that a student’s parents gave us), and a plethora of other reasons bring me much joy and much comfort. I am in awe of His creation more during the rainy season.
But, the dry season does have its advantages. I can ride my bike without fear of being doused before I get to shelter. I can count on getting my clothes dry by noon on the clothesline and my kids like to get suntans ☺
OK! Enough about weather
We are doing well. Winding down the school year.
David is winding down his responsibilities as chaplain and member care coordinator. He is excited to return to the classroom on a full time basis next year. We have enjoyed the roles he has had the last two years. We have fed new teachers dinner one Tuesday a month for two years now, and helped guide them through their first year overseas. This has been so fulfilling to us. But, it has also drained David as he has found that he definitely loves to minister to folks in this way, but he really does enjoy the administrative side of things. So back to behind the scenes we go!
He will teach Accounting/Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Physics, and Grade 12 Bible. He is so glad to be “home” again.
Please pray for the finishing up of the year that he will finish his roles well. And, for next year that he will be able to honor the Father in teaching his classes.
Kim will take on a full time role of homeschooling Jeff. This is NOT a part time job. That has been her new discovery for the year. Jeff has been so patient with her. Love that boy. They are both looking forward to being able to have the whole day to do school and ministry and application of what they have learned.
Please pray for her to have patience with Jeff and herself. Pray for wisdom of when to move on from a lesson and when to stick with it until mastery. Pray for this to be a time for her and Jeff to really make memories (preferably good ones ☺)
The kids are pretty busy themselves
Grace has taken the SAT twice this year and the ACT once. She has had reconstructive knee surgery with the possibility of another surgery next week. She is Eliza Dolittle in Pygmalion this week (two performances) and has her AP US History exam on the same day; then to Singapore for the possible surgery and then back to school for final exams. Aduh!!! Craziness.
Grace is still hoping and praying for an opportunity to go to China this summer to work with children in orphanages or camps. Please pray for the Father’s leading in this. And for Mom who is still learning to let go. Also, please pray for upcoming senior year and wisdom in college choices.
Em is finishing off Middle School and heading to High School. We are glad to see her growing in many ways. She really loves to read. She has been making some good friends as of late and for that we are praising Dad like crazy.
Please pray for the transition into High School to go smoothly and that Em will lean on the Father for EVERYTHING.
Jeff is hoping to add some sports to his schedule next year. He is soooo excited about the World Cup. He has asked me to make sure his allegiance to Brasil is made known to all of you. ☺ That boy loves his World Cup.
Please pray as we said above that home school will be a good experience for him and that he will learn to the best of his ability.
Abi graduates from kindergarten this year. Where did the time go? According to Abi, she is ready to get to 1rst grade so that she can go to 2nd grade. We are telling her to slow down and enjoy the ride, but she feels frustrated being so much younger than her siblings and is feeling the need to catch up. Ha ha.
Please pray for Abi as she is having a hard time focusing at school. And that she will continue to love Jesus and grow in Him.
Thanks so much for praying for us and for supporting us through so many years. Your consistent notes of encouragement and your financial support have humbled us and encouraged us so much.
We are praying for you guys as well!!!
David and Kim for the rest of us Durhams
