Serving In Sahel

I hate saying good-byes and not matter how often you do it, saying good-bye just doesn't get any easier. The missionary community says good-bye often, some leaving for a home assignment and some for much longer. This time I am the one leaving... I will miss this oasis in the desert. I will miss the neighbour's guard saying welcome back as I arrive home. I will sound the sounds of the birds in the morning and the beauty of the flowers that grow here.  I will miss someone carrying my groceries to the car. I will miss the sound of the children's laughter from the shack next door, but I will not miss the rooster crowing. I will miss these faces and so many more who have served here with me over the past four years and become my dear friends.  I will miss my nice corner office. I am excited about the future and the plans that He has for me. I am looking forward to my changed role with Teach Beyond as I become a part of their mobilization team, helping t...

In November, one of our teachers came back from a conference very excited about a session she had gone to about establishing a prayer room in your school. During a work day, several high school students worked on painting the room. One wall is painted with chalkboard paint so that prayer requests can be written on it.  A map of the world was put on another wall for prayer requests around the world.  A wall of thanksgiving was made also! We have much to be thankful for! So thankful for a senior who really took this project on and over spring break designed this room. What a wonderful addition it is to our school! May prayer always be an important part of Sahel Academy.

About 18 months ago, we broke ground and construction began on our new elementary building. On Wednesday, we started back to school for the second school semester and our new building was officially opened. Our kindergarten and first grade classes were pretty excited to be in their new classrooms. Their "oh's and wow's" were so very cute as they entered their rooms. We are so thankful for the many hands that worked many hours so that the building was ready for the beginning of our second semester. To God be the glory, great things He has done and is doing!