Issue #25

August 19, 1999

Dear Friends and Family,

Bon Jour! I have arrived safely back in Africa. My trip back was good. Ihave a couple of praise items. First, I was able to come back without have to pay anything for my excess baggage. That was really nice, since it usually cost over $200. Second, the plane I was to get on in Detroit had a blow out as it was pulling into the terminal. It was a good thing that it happened there and not while we were trying to land in Amsterdam. It made us a bit late leaving, but we still landed in Amsterdam on time. It is also a praise item that all of my luggage arrived with me.

This week is Orientation. Tomorrow is the last day. There are lots of new staff this year. Most of the empty spots were finally filled. A few spots are still vacant, such as a music teacher. Everyone is having a good time right now getting to know each other and getting a feel of how this year is going to go. I think it is going to be a really good year. Everyone is full of excitement and ready to get to work.

Remember to pray for everyone here this trimester. It is going to be longer than normal. The school board extended this trimester by a week, so we could start second trimester one week later just in case there are any difficulties at the beginning of the new year.

I wanted to let you all know that my dog is doing much better. I was able to talk to a vet while I was home to find out how to best treat him. He has grown most of his hair back. He just looks like he has had a really bad haircut now. He is getting very big and has gotten his energy and playfulness back.

The kids will arrive on Tuesday, August 24, and classes start Wednesday, August 25. As of now I have 11 students in my class. I am still teaching elementary music as well. I will have more students in those classes. There are 29 students in the 1st - 3rd grade class, and 31 in the 4th-5th grade class. These numbers could increase some in the next few days.

Prayer requests:

*For the parents and students as they are traveling.

*Janna Greenfield (school nurse) and Larry Charter (dorm dad) as they are in the States because of medical reasons. They are both hoping to come back next week.

*The Kuiper family - a new family that was supposed to arrive today. Their little girl got sick so they were unable to leave the States.

*A music teacher. There are a couple of possibilities that a music teacher could be on the way out here soon. A lot of arrangements will have to be taken care of for this to happen.

*The new stuff as they are adjusting to being in Africa.

*The staff can get everything ready for the students' arrival.

Thanks for your prayers and support.
In Christ,
Traci