Homeschooling in Africa

I can’t believe that February has already come and gone. It’s hard to believe I’ve been teaching for six weeks now. My comfort level with the classes, procedures, and expectations has definitely increased and with it the students’ workloads. One of the mental adjustments I’ve had to make is that in order for homeschooling to work well, the students must do a lot of independent work. Since I’ve grown accustomed to the public school mentality where the teacher spoon-feeds everything the students need to know for the test, it’s taken a conscious effort to change my expectations. The result has been projects, creative assessments, and enrichment opportunities. That means that in addition to reading and preparing for class, I’ve been busy creating worksheets, project outlines and rubrics, and presentation rubrics. Of course, these then keep the kids busy digging in and applying what they’re reading and learning from their textbooks.

In addition to being amazed by the kids’ effort and progress, I’ve been astonished at how God has prepared me for this role. I continually refer to previous experiences He’s brought me through for teaching ideas, explanations, and patience. Not only is it helpful for my role as a teacher, but it is incredibly reassuring that God brought me to this place and wants me filling this role in His ministry. He’s also using it as a teaching device to show me how far I’ve come in my understanding of Him and who He’s created me to be. So I want to thank all of you for helping do God’s work by teaching me so many valuable lessons. Here is a list of some of the lessons I’ve been reminded of and needed to apply recently that I know I have learned from some of you.

- History is interesting and important.
- Speaking out of anger and frustration never has a desirable outcome.
- Prayer is more important than action.
- Pride occurs when we fail to recognize God’s Holy Perfectness and our own disgusting filthiness.
- Polar Coordinates and Vectors aren’t as complicated as I initially think.
- Everyone loves to hear a kind and loving word.
- In order to explain Physics, you must first understand it.
- Patience isn’t optional for success.
- God’s Word in someone’s heart language is extremely powerful.
- When using your graphing calculator, verify it’s set to degrees (not radians) before insisting it or the book’s answer is incorrect.
- Indulge a student and really listen to what he/she has to say.
- Take time to laugh and be grateful.
- It’s OK to fumble your way through a new problem, even if you’re the teacher.
- Capitalize on others’ strengths and encourage them in their weaknesses.

And lastly, I want to let you all know that James and Lisa are incredibly grateful that I’m here and for all of you who have made it possible for me to be able to get here and stay here. Both of them have been able to participate in more language lessons and increase their knowledge of the culture. Since it is dry season, James has also been able to go out on treks and distribute Scripture portions, pray for those who are suffering physically and spiritually, and share the Gospel. I truly believe that God is using me as a blessing to this family and that is only possible because of your prayers and financial support.

As far as how to pray, here are some praises and requests:

Praises
- I truly enjoy being with the Litseys and am certain this is where God desires me.
- The kids are receptive to my teaching, explanations, and personality and are learning despite my lack of knowledge in some content areas.
- My health has improved immensely (even though I still have a sniffle).
- I have adjusted to the time and temperature change.
- God is so faithful in providing for our needs, even the ones we don’t realize we have.

Requests
- That I would desire to follow God above all else and listen intently to His Will and Word.
- That my relationships with the kids and missionary women would continue to develop and that I might be an encouragement to them.
- That the Litseys would grow closer together as a family and be able to discuss their joys and dreams as well as their frustrations and fears.
- That I would know how to communicate God’s love to the people I interact with every day.

Thank you for helping make this incredible opportunity a reality. Your prayers and gifts are making a difference over here in West Africa and we are all incredibly grateful for your generosity.

Indebted to Christ and His Will,
Julie