January, Sunny and Warm

January here is, yes, sunny and warm. We are in our dry season and things aren't as green as they were when I arrived in November. While you are all drinking hot chocolate and snuggling under your comforters, we are drinking lots of fluids and sleeveless.

The beginning of the new year brought us into a new school year. Last Monday all of our children moved up a grade and we began again, just as you did in the fall. Each new year we add a new grade as our children grow into it. And so we now have a first grade for the first time.
Our preschoolers are kindergarteners and some of our newest arrivals have joined our preschool. While we have added a class we have not as yet been able to add to our teaching staff.
With the limitations of education in Liberia there is a great shortage of qualified teachers.
We are waiting and praying for God to send the right teachers to us to be a godly influence on our children. Please pray with me for His guidance in this.

To update you on our new children, I know you all want to know how our tiny Tim, little Grace and Theresa are doing. Well, Grace and Theresa started school last week and are very excited
and eager to learn. They have both concluded that Rafiki is a safe and happy place to live and are flourishing in their new found security.
In little Timothy, we have seen the greatest transformation. He is now walking on his own. Well, actually running. He loves to dance and what a joy to hear his laughter. No longer sad and weak, he plays with toys and interacts with his brothers, who enjoy having a toddler in the house. Watching these little ones change and grow brings joy to our hearts as we experience the privilege of being a part of God's plan for their lives. Please pray for our little ones. We have 21 now. Pray that God keep them tender toward Him, that He heal their hearts as well as their bodies. That He use them for His glory in this, their nation and where ever on earth He sends them.