Here we are with the kids in our missionary kid school! Yesterday was our first day and we really enjoyed it! Although we are juggling 6 grade levels and all subjects, we had a lot of fun. David is excited about the opportunity and challenge of teaching middle and high school history, bible and literature in addition to teaching science. I am enjoying working with the elementary school kids on language arts in addition to teaching math. I almost forgot how much I love teaching math! I know that makes me a bit weird, but I'm fine with that. I have tutored some in recent years, but today was my first day back in the classroom full-time and it was a joy.
While I am teaching, Zeke is playing with Bobby, a three year old son of Claudia. I am so glad he has a playmate, and since we are all on the same campus, I see him for a break at 10:30-11, for lunch 1-2 and when he wakes from his nap around 4. Here is the only picture I could get of these two boys where they were still enough to not be blurry.
Ezra had his first day of school doing Kindergarten, and he loved it. Claudia's daughter, Amelia is also doing kindergarten so Ezra has a classmate. ;) Here they are sitting at their desks together. 
Wednesday evening we had an open house for the parents to come to see our classroom and talk about the school year. It was so encouraging to have these parents thank us for coming to teach their kids and lighten their load as they minister to the children at Good Shepherd's Fold. Here is a photo of the parents at the Open House. 
We love these families and are so grateful for their service to the Lord! Claudia is on the left; she oversees the accounting office, the adoptions, and is mother to six children. In all her spare time she keeps us all entertained with her great sense of humor! The couple in the middle is Amy and Mark Gwartney. Mark is our team leader and Amy works with all the house moms overseeing the care for all the children here. During our first team meeting I was awed by all the things they juggle and the love, compassion, humility and wisdom with which they lead this team. The couple on the right are Robb and Sheila Warfield. We met them back in the states and immediately knew that we would enjoy working together. Robb is responsible for overseeing the educational needs of all the children here, both in the children's home and the 300 more who come from local villages. He also works with kids who grew up at GSF who are now going to University. He is also working with Amazima ministries to start a new secondary school to provide better options for the kids here when they finish primary school. Sheila is a kind, gentle, calming presence here on campus. Here is a picture of her at the babies home loving on the children there. At one point I think I saw six kids all sitting on her "lap." Ok, really they were just all over her, but it was precious! 
It is such a privilege to serve alongside these families here. Thank you all who have sent us, prayed for us and encouraged us along the way!
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