Issue #90
June 11, 2001

Dear Friends and Family,
The last couple of weeks have been interesting. There is no shortage of things to write about if I can just remember all the stories of what has happened. The kids have been providing me with quite a bit of humor. I will share with you some of the interesting and funny stories.

The other morning one of my students woke up and asked her mom, "Mom, who is taking Miss Epps place today?" Her mom looked at her confused. Then she proceeded to stay, "She went to the hospital to have twins and named them Neptune and Pluto." Upon saying Neptune and Pluto, she said, "Oh, it was a dream." I told her that I doubted I would have twins, and if I ever did, I could guarantee that they would be named Neptune and Pluto. We had been studying the Solar System. I think she had spent too much time working on her group project.

Another dream story that happened a few days before that one was another of my students ask me, "Did you ask us to start calling you Mrs. Morris so you can get used to it?" I just looked at her. She said, "Oh, I guess it was a dream." I guess I know my kids at least think of me enough that I am in their dreams.

My class is a group of very faithful prayer warriors. Once a prayer request is mentioned, they keep on praying until they know it has been answered. One of the girls in my class has ask us to pray as she makes transition back to the States for furlough and especially as she has to leave her dog, Snowie, behind. Her parents haven't found anyone to keep the dog while they are gone, so they are probably going to give it to someone in the village. Last Friday, we were having popcorn prayer, where the kids just take turns praying until everyone is finished and then I close. One of the other girls prayer, "Lord, please help them to find a good home for Snowie where the people won't eat her." That isn't a prayer you would hear in America.

This past weekend of group of 15 of us went away for the weekend. There were 13 singles and one couple. We went to a nice hotel that is about two hours away. It was a good time of relaxation and spending time together before we all go our separate ways.

Last night, the staff ladies had a surprise bridal shower for me and another girl who is getting married in July. I'm not sure how they pulled it all off and kept it a secret, but they did a good job. It was a lot of fun and nice time.

Please pray as the school year is quickly coming to an end. We have two weeks and three days from today. We have already had students leaving, and the numbers will keep getting lower. There are also a lot of people traveling this way for graduation. Pray that these weeks will be a good time of fellowship and saying goodbye. Pray for the seniors and departing staff as they say goodbye to Africa for the last time. Pray for the ones going on furlough as they transition back to their home countries and go to new schools.

Thanks for your prayers and support. I wish you all could come and visit and get a chance to meet "my kids." They are a wonderful group, and I'm sure you would enjoy them just as much as I do.

In Christ,
Traci Epps