Dear friends and family,
The Lord is GOOD and worthy to be praised!!!
Just wanted to drop a quick line, as John tells me I need to send more updates and photos. Things have been very busy here on campus since the school “closed” for the holidays. The newer Pre-Form I students didn’t get much holiday, as English and math classes continued to hopefully give them a fighting chance when they enter Form I with its ten subjects on Monday. Likewise, a few of the up and coming Form IV students, who will have the very important National Exams this June and November, have been here for special studies in chemistry, physics, and biology.
Joanne has been at the sewing machine nearly around the clock, trying to provide uniforms for the Pre-Form I students and many others who want a fresh look or second outfit in their wardrobe. This ministry has really opened our home to the students and been the catalyst for comfortable relationships and frank talk about their lives. As of this writing, she has made about 65 shirts since returning in September, and she has about 70 on order. The students come every day, and sometimes multiple times during the day, to see if “their” shirt is done. “Subiri” means patience/wait in kiswahili, and she’s been using it a lot, showing them where their name is in the notebook. It’s cute to see them so excited to get a custom made piece of clothing . . . most of what they wear is used clothing they find in the market place, whether it fits or not. The boy teachers are notorious for buying trousers with a 40 inch waist and coming to Joanne to have it “reduced.” She’s become very creative in how to get rid of 6-10 inches…but they get a scolding to never buy anything so big again!
Gary has been on the laptop for hours on end, typing and printing forms, schedules and records for the academic and registrar offices.
He also spent days repairing and painting the six older blackboards. The blackboards are raised, smooth cement on the walls, painted with a special “blackboard” flat black paint. Thanks again to the kids in Missions Club, who donated money for the paint.
Speaking of the Missions Club donation, the glass is finally on campus, sorted into sizes for the various buildings and being installed. It will be so nice to have ALL of the windows covered against wind and rain. With that job still incomplete, I’ll sign off and get to work!
Joanne wanted you all to know that her garden is producing carrots and zucchini, with a lot of other items coming on. We’re also enjoying banana, mango and avocado, which are “in season” now, making them very inexpensive . . . a daily commodity.
Know that we are praying for you all and are thankful for your partnership in this ministry.
Love,
Gary & Joanne Grenell
P.S. Our cat, Tanzy, appears to be in the family way…again.
The Lord is GOOD and worthy to be praised!!!
Just wanted to drop a quick line, as John tells me I need to send more updates and photos. Things have been very busy here on campus since the school “closed” for the holidays. The newer Pre-Form I students didn’t get much holiday, as English and math classes continued to hopefully give them a fighting chance when they enter Form I with its ten subjects on Monday. Likewise, a few of the up and coming Form IV students, who will have the very important National Exams this June and November, have been here for special studies in chemistry, physics, and biology.
Joanne has been at the sewing machine nearly around the clock, trying to provide uniforms for the Pre-Form I students and many others who want a fresh look or second outfit in their wardrobe. This ministry has really opened our home to the students and been the catalyst for comfortable relationships and frank talk about their lives. As of this writing, she has made about 65 shirts since returning in September, and she has about 70 on order. The students come every day, and sometimes multiple times during the day, to see if “their” shirt is done. “Subiri” means patience/wait in kiswahili, and she’s been using it a lot, showing them where their name is in the notebook. It’s cute to see them so excited to get a custom made piece of clothing . . . most of what they wear is used clothing they find in the market place, whether it fits or not. The boy teachers are notorious for buying trousers with a 40 inch waist and coming to Joanne to have it “reduced.” She’s become very creative in how to get rid of 6-10 inches…but they get a scolding to never buy anything so big again!
Gary has been on the laptop for hours on end, typing and printing forms, schedules and records for the academic and registrar offices.
He also spent days repairing and painting the six older blackboards. The blackboards are raised, smooth cement on the walls, painted with a special “blackboard” flat black paint. Thanks again to the kids in Missions Club, who donated money for the paint.
Speaking of the Missions Club donation, the glass is finally on campus, sorted into sizes for the various buildings and being installed. It will be so nice to have ALL of the windows covered against wind and rain. With that job still incomplete, I’ll sign off and get to work!
Joanne wanted you all to know that her garden is producing carrots and zucchini, with a lot of other items coming on. We’re also enjoying banana, mango and avocado, which are “in season” now, making them very inexpensive . . . a daily commodity.
Know that we are praying for you all and are thankful for your partnership in this ministry.
Love,
Gary & Joanne Grenell
P.S. Our cat, Tanzy, appears to be in the family way…again.
I love how the Lord has placed you where your talents and skills are best applied. Joanne is growing a garden and sewing. Gary is doing computer work and building repairs/maintenance. You are the same people, just in a different place. He knew exactly how you could bless this school! Thankful for you, Margy
ReplyDeleteAvocados! Ahhhh "Thou shall not covet" :)
ReplyDeleteWe have been enjoying beets, and lettuce this month! I've even seen strawberries but are about $4 a pound so haven't tried them yet!
Funny how the simple things give us excitement living overseas.
Are you planning a trip home this summer?
May the Lord continue to enable you to remain confident even when others resist the gospel or your vision. May He honor your stand for Christ, and come to the rescue when the "accuser" opposes you. Hebrews 12:3. Love you and praying for you every day. Love, Gail
ReplyDelete