Closed Borders, Home Schooling, & Plans Awry.

Hello Friends,

What a world we live in! Here in landlocked Zambia our neighbouring countries are closing their borders. What will this mean for us? How do we prepare while walking in generosity, and how do we educate without causing fear?

At this stage we just really don’t know yet! The latest reports now have us up to 29 cases; schools are closed, restaurants are closed, and supply chains are dwindling. In the midst of uncertainty we continue to place our trust in God.

We have, of course, taken a number of precautions such a hiring a guard for our gate to keep out unnecessary visitors. We’ve also implemented handwashing stations around the Project and spent time with the kids teaching about increased hygiene and sanitation measures.

The most exciting thing for us has been starting an interim “Project Samuel Homeschool.” With over twenty students in different grade levels we’ve had to be a little creative. Lizzie and Kennedy, who graduated late last year, have stepped into a tutoring/teaching role with some of the younger kids. They are doing a wonderful job! We also have a retired teacher from Canada and a local high school teacher tutoring different “classes” and subjects. Even Isaac, our computer guru, has put his hand up to help teach on computers. For us, getting all this time with the kids where we can guide their input is actually a real blessing in disguise. It gives us a chance to focus on individual areas of need for each child and have time to fit things like one on one reading. We certainly hope that things get back to normal before too long, but we are having fun and utilizing the extra time we have with our kids to help them grow and develop, as continues to be our heart and passion.

With the local church closed we’ve even started our own interim Project Samuel church! Considering that our kids lead and make up the vast majority of the praise team at our local church, that part is easy, and we’ll all take turns sharing.

Some of you have been asking how the virus has affected our personal plans as we are scheduled to travel home in June for the birth of our second little one. At this stage we will just have to wait and see! We felt it was right to remain here in Zambia for the time being. If borders and flights don’t re-open before our intended travel dates we have a great doctor here in Zambia. Either way we trust we will be in good hands. We have peace that we are where we need to be and that things will work out.

Would you continue to pray for our ministry and our family over these coming months? You can sign up for our newsletter today to receive updates on how things roll out here at Project Samuel Zambia.

Sending love from our big family to all of you.

Take care and stay safe!