Update on Joanne

(Blogmaster’s note: The Grenell’s have been unable to forward photos due to lack of sufficient computer time, as they explain in the “P.S.”, that I’ve added to this update on Joanne. Thus, the first image was NOT taken by the Grenells, and is only a representation of what Joanne might have tried to cross resulting in her injury. The other photos ARE photos the Grenells have taken that I pulled from the archives. These photos most likely have appeared in previous updates and/or can be found in the photo slideshow posted on the blog.)

(on-line image of an actual irrigation ditch in Tanzania)

Thanks to all for your prayers! We had comments from coast to coast about Joanne's misstep and the consequences. She's still a bit gimpy, but is back to a full schedule of teaching. We even went to church by the same route last Sunday. It was a BYOB service . . . - Bring Your Own Bridge! I carried a board to stretch across the irrigation ditch so that Joanne could step over. (I didn't have a cape, but I'm still her prince!)



We took in a "football" game the other night. Idigima won against a village team 3-0. American football sure is a lot easier (for me) to understand, but we're learning.



We have four of our top Form IV grads helping with the Pre-Form classes. Three are teaching math and the fourth is taking over the third English class so that all classes have individual teachers responsible. Gary still has a few periods where he is suppose to be in English class and Bible Knowledge class at the same time, but we're dealing with it by making assignments to keep students busy and combining some classes to catch them up on their notes. Gary's Pre-Form English class is the newest students, growing daily. Two weeks ago there were 84 in the classroom; now there are 114. We've talked to the Headmaster about it and he plans to divide the class next week. We gave the students a test today to see who needs to back up a bit and make a fresh start with the newest students.



Building is in full swing. Thanks to a couple of very generous offerings from Idigima supporters, truck loads of timber, nails, roofing and cement has been arriving lately. The students and villagers are contributing bricks and sand. The plan is to get all materials on campus and then bring in a number of laborers to get the buildings up quickly. It will be so totally awesome to see the two buildings started last summer and FOUR other buildings built this year! Thank you all for giving from your hearts and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

With all of our love and appreciation,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

P.S. We’re taking all kinds of pics and video, but have no way to load due to short time available with the computer, network, battery charge, etc. When possible, we'll forward you some pics. Sorry!

Prayer request from Joanne

Please, I could use some special prayers right now.


Last Sunday I went to a church that students are starting across the mountain. As I was coming home I jumped over an irrigation ditch. My skirt was not full enough to allow the full stretch. I ended up in the ditch and stretched some muscles in my right upper calf.


I Aced it with ointment and have been in bed for three days. I will try to stand on it tomorrow and get back in the classroom. Gary has been a saint, trying to cover all of my bases and needs along with his own schedule.

Many great things are happening here; we wouldn't want to be any other place.

Praise God; He is great!

Love,

Joanne (and Gary)

Geriamu's stories

These stories come from a Form One student, which means he has had less than two years of English. Where it seemed needed for clear understanding, I’ve added text in parenthesis; otherwise, the text is in the student’s own words.

Geriamu comes by train from Morogoro, a hot low-land region. Geriamu is one of Joanne’s favorite assistants at the sewing machine. He is able to spin the crank so fast that Joanne sometimes thinks she is using electricity.

"You've got mail! --- NOT!"

We are having problems accessing and loading incoming emails, so we get to read the teasers, but no details beyond the subject/first lines. Charging continues to be a problem, and the generator continues to destroy adapters (Gary's and VST's). We are using solar to charge Joanne's and with the rainy season coming on early, the sun has not been cooperative

In addition to all this, we have record numbers of new students and are lacking classrooms. We've gone to having school in shifts, with Pre-Form, Form II and Form III in the morning until 1:00 PM and then Form One until 6:00 PM. Form IV are having their National Exams this week and next, so armed guards patrol those testing areas. Once that is behind us, there will be more classrooms available and a regular schedule. In the meantime, Joanne teaches 130 students in two classrooms, and Gary has the newest Pre-Form class of about 85 in a third classroom all morning. Then Gary spends all afternoon with the other classes with Bible Knowledge. He gets home as it begins to get dark.


We appreciate your prayers: Today we had an hour long deliverance session with a girl who has been oppressed for the past four years. Gary was asked to participate and was the first to pray over her. Before it was over, there were four students and five teachers involved. Pray for the Lord's Spirit to reign over this school, country, continent and world.

We've made multiple trips to the village and ghettos to be with students. Many students continue to come to our home daily. One shared today that when he was sick and missing school, his sister also became ill and died. We've asked him and others to write their stories, so you may share in connecting with their lives of suffering and better pray for them.

Here are some names you can pray for: George, who has taken hold of Jesus and rejected by his father as a result; Noeli, who is mentioned above as losing his sister; Nestory, who is currently in the hospital for more TB and heart testing; Boni, our headmaster, who has so many responsibilities with this growing school; Sifaeli, who always seems tired from being in charge of registration and the building projects; and us, as we get back into the routine of teaching, serving, and sleeping in a small bed (lol).

We love you all very much and miss you already!

G & J