Top of the Class

I have so much to share with you; some is wonderful and encouraging, another is frustrating (yes the sewage is still flowing abundantly--it's been more than a month now), and the last is heartbreaking. This post will focus on the first.

Last June, our beloved taxi driver Jefferson began bringing his little daughter Gloria to our our home school after she finished her government sponsored classes for the day. Class sizes in Ndola are 50+ per teacher. I have worked with several students attending Zambia's public schools and all were far below grade level. Gloria came to us half way through grade 3 and still couldn't recognize the letters in her name; yet it didn't take long to realize that she is one smart little girl.

Within two months, Gloria was reading well. Of course her understanding of English skyrocketed quickly. She completes her math facts, 100 addition followed by 100 subtraction in less than seven minutes with few to no errors. These are big accomplishments for an eight-year old Zambian child.

Up until last week, the only feedback we had from Jefferson was that Gloria loved coming to our house. It was obvious that neither he nor his wife Partner realized how much her math and reading had improved...until last week.

During a trip into town, Jefferson said Gloria has excelled to the top of her class and is often called upon to read stories or solve math problems in front of her peers. He learned this from her teacher.

Above, the kids are working on their math facts. They love to race each other to be the first one done with no errors.

You can only imagine how encouraging this was for all of us. I've taught my children how to work with the younger students so we all shared in the joy.

Jefferson and Partner were delighted to receive such an outstanding report. He talked to another taxi driver who then asked if his seven-year old daughter could join us. We were thrilled to accept Winnie into our little school. She was very shy at first but opens up more and more as the days progress.

The girls come to us after their school day is finished about 2:30 p.m. Since they have been in school all day, I focus on math, reading, and English. After that they play until it's time to eat. They eat dinner with us savoring each morsel.

It is a privilege to make a difference in the lives of these precious little girls. Our goal is to have them well grounded in the basics before we leave Zambia. We teach them all sorts including the importance of washing their hands and how to do so effectively.

Of course the boys believe that the true secret to success is sailing on the rope swing with style. Jason installed it up high in the largest of our six avocado trees. I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story.


Above Winnie works on her math facts. The goal is to finish 100 addition and 100 subtraction in less than ten minutes. Gloria's time is under seven minutes.

Of course just as important as math and reading is lots of fun. Above, Gloria introduces Winnie to the rope swing.

She is still not too sure of us. But we adore her!

Of course Gloria the pro loves to show off for her new friend and the camera.

Notice the concentration and the chicken (above).

For everyone who has met Jefferson, don't you think Gloria looks just like him? We absolutely LOVE this child (above). She is just as spunky as she looks too.

Little Winnie was not too sure about the camera until I showed her the images after each shot. She warms up to us more and more with every visit.

Above, Carlin takes a flying leap. As you can see from the image below, it's all about style.

Below Steven helps Winnie to swing as high as she is comfortable.

Of course Steven was all too willing to show off his "surfing" skills.

It gives me great pleasure to share these wonderful events with you. My next few posts won't be fun to read but will give you glimpses into the realities of living and working in Zambia.

Thank you for your love, devotion, and commitment to our family. When the challenges seem overwhelming, we always think about the love showered upon us from home. God loves and provides for us through people available to Him. Thank you for your words of encouragement and your prayers. We treasure them all.

Blessings and joy,
Beckie