End of year school events

Kyla was an angel in her school's nativity concert. As always it was an adorable affair and Kyla was a star!

Matt's concert was fantastic as well. We had our own little drummer boy! He ended up having a fantastic year after getting off to a rough start. He starts Grade 1 in January.

Malachi was asked to introduce was of the classes during his assembly and did a great job. We were so impressed as he took the podium and confidently called out each name. When it came time for him to play the piano with his teacher he was a little less confident and waited until everyone else was finished but did a great job! He starts Grade 3 in a few weeks.

Choosing which school our children attend has been our greatest struggle. Education is not free in South Africa although the cost of rural school varies greatly from private ones. In our city there are options for English, Tswana, Afrikaans or German speaking. We have never wanted our call into world missions to hurt their education or put them in dangerous situations and we've spent many hours in prayer seeking what God would have us do. Our boys currently attend a school established by the King of the Bafokeng people as a school of excellence for the Bafokeng nation. That would include most of the children in our orphan care program although only a handful have applied. It is a small school with two classes for each grade level and is taught in English and Tswana. With the assistance of the royal family over 60% of the attending children pay little or no school fees and with the schools nutrition program these children are secured at least one meal a day. Our family must pay full tuition and this is our single greatest monthly expense. For the safe environment of the school, for the quality of education and teachers, for the interaction with the children in the community, this is our best option for schooling and one of our greatest areas of trusting God to guide us. He has never given us a promise to provide for this cost, but we know He will instruct us if we need to make a change. I wish I could say there has been no stress involved 42but on my part there has been plenty. God and I are continually walking a tight rope of trust it seems. Last year before school began I was praying one night and said this to the Lord, "You know our options. This school is it. Please show me that you can provide for this. Or show us another way." I was expecting an answer I just didn't have any idea what it would be. Within a month we were sent a gift from a contributor to be used however we wanted. It covered the cost of the boys school for 2011! I don't know how long God will provide for this but I know He will either cover the cost each month or show us another way. I am incredibly grateful that we can trust Him to take care of us however He sees fit.