Finding a Regular Schedule

This week has been an interesting exercise in flexibility. Very little has gone as planned. But as the Marines say, "Adapt and Overcome!"

I (Pru) have spent a lot of time on the city's buses learning the names of the stops and the bus lines that I need in order to get from the house to the school. AMI's director, Gwangsu (a Korean missionary with AIM) has been gracious enough to meet me half way and give me a ride in his car most days since he is going in as well.

They don't really appreciate me on the buses. If you have seen the buses we use in Mauldin at MCA you will understand. Standard practice is for two adults to sit in each bench seat on either side of the row. Then you place a board across the seats so that someone can sit in the aisle. Malagasy people are small. Most only come to my shoulder. They are also very narrow. Needless to say...

However, they do smile at me and chuckle at my mispronunciation of their language. But they do seem glad to see me exit the bus.

Deborah and the kids have all spent the week at home. When you travel internationally, there are some specific ailments that tend to follow you along. All have taken antibiotics and are improving. Sarah has had a fever of about 102 for two days. It finally broke this morning, but she is still feeling wiped out. Please pray that The Great Physician would heal the three of them from their discomfort.

The kids start school tomorrow at the Madagascar Christian Academy. Sarah will be in the 3rd grade. Her class will have 12 students. There is one other MK in the class, the other 10 are Malagasy. In the states Jacob would be in 7th grade, but because of his academic level he is being placed in the 8th grade this year. He will be the only non-Malagsy student in his class. Please pray that they would make friends quickly and not feel excluded because of language.

Deb and have begun our assignments as teachers this week. She has been working diligently on scheduling about 50 children for private instruction in music. These students also gather for a time of sharing God's Word together. Pray for Deborah that she would be a light in the lives of these children each Wednesday. Her classes start at 12:30 PM local time (5:30 AM back home).

Yesterday, was my first day of teaching at AMI. I was privileged to lead worship for about a half hour with the students and faculty at our opening convocation. Then I taught back to back classes the rest of the day. It is going to be a challenge to stay mentally focused for that period of time. I was really tired at the end of the day, but God supplied the strength and energy needed to make it through the day.

Epehesians 3: 2-21