Our "School" is Growing!

I have the most amazing news to share tonight! We have another new student in our home school!

Left to right: Shauna, Steven, Jane, Isata, Prudence, Sia, Carlin, and Caylie

Augustine and Bridget came over last night for Ministries Training Center, (MTC), excited to tell us their latest news. They have opened their tiny little home and great big hearts to yet another young girl. Augustine was bicycling to the compounds recently when he noticed the 14 year old daughter of a family friend sobbing. He stopped to ask her why she was crying and she told him that she could no longer go to school. Her story is similar to many girls in Zambia. Her father died a few years ago and her mother struggles to keep the family fed and dry. There is nothing left over for school.

Anyway, back to the good news. Augustine and Bridget talked to Jane's mother about her daughter joining their family. Her mother was shocked that Augustine would even care. Evidently, he use to be a rather ornery guy who showed no mercy to anyone. Jane's mother wondered what had happened to completely transform her good friend's son. He shared his faith and told her that he was now the pastor of a church. She was stunned yet happy to learn this.

Jane went home with the Matambos that night. In fact, she was the friend Prudence was showing her assignments to. We told Augustine and Bridget that she is welcome to join our little school. You may be wondering why we didn't simply buy the uniform, books, and pay for tuition. Before living here for five months, that is exactly what we would have done.

The problem is that there are any number of reasons why children, particularly teenage girls do not attend school regularly. If they are needed at home, they miss school which is why at fourteen, Jane is still in grade 5. Education for girls is not considered a high priority beyond early elementary years.

When they come here, they receive individualized learning. If they are needed at home, we can adjust. Of course the hope is that they will continue to stay with the Matambos and attend school with us five days a week. When Augustine and Bridget went to see Jane's mother today to let her know that she would be studying with us, her mother danced and cried. Her response was to thank God and the Matambos for the opportunity her daughter was given. Even though Jane will live with our good friends, she will still visit her mother and siblings.

This morning, Prudence walked in with Jane by her side, both of them beaming. They worked non stop and then went home and worked together some more. Both of the girls are highly motivated to learn. I've talked to Prudence about her education affecting not only herself, but her future husband, children, and even her country. She smiled as she contemplated her life having such an impact.

Augustine and Bridget have been reading through the books we brought from home. The past few days they read The Prayer of Jabez. Jason teased them by saying they better give the book back before they end up with even more children. He continued to say that their new house will be too small before the walls even go up. They responded by saying "Oh that would be sooo nice."

They thoroughly enjoy MTC and are applying everything they learn. They look forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays so they can discover new Bible truths. It's amazing to see how the simple act of moving into this house has shaped our ministry. It is an awesome experience to watch a couple read their Bible and then look for ways to do what it says.

Augustine confessed that in years past, he would not have even noticed a crying girl. Now he is "filled with mercy." (his words). He and Bridget told us that what we are all learning at MTC has changed the way they interact with their countrymen. Jason told them again that by opening their hearts to these girls, the girls will begin to think differently. It is so easy to encourage people who live an active faith.

Once again it is almost midnight. YIKES! But I couldn't wait to let you all know what the Matambos and the Sibleys are up to now.

Blessings and joy,
Beckie