School Notes

By: Laney Grosswiler

All the school children are dressed in uniforms. Each school has their own colors and style. The children from the youngest to the oldest are very respectful, exhibiting a high degree of self-control. There are such extremes in the conditions of each of the schools I visited. One would have all dirt floors, no windows, no desks. Others have a cement floor and desks, but very little materials to work with in the classroom. Many times the only text book was found in the teacher’s hands.

The children have such a desire to learn they get up early to walk MILES to go to school. Incredible. We want an elevator in our American schools to go from floor to floor. Perspective is…

People ask if it was difficult to adjust to life in Africa. I believe the Lord prepared me in attitude and heart. I believe Pastor Julius had asked me poignant questions while he was here. “Are you willing to eat whatever is palced before you?” Being obedient to the voice of the Lord is different from being willing and obedient. Father God made me willing.

What I found was that I wasn’t prepared to come from Africa back home. Walking around my house, my head and heart were still in Africa. One Sunday morning, early, I went to my piano to sing unto the Lord. Once again Africa came washing over me like tidal waves and crashing my present reality. All of this found expression in song as I poured out my heart to Father God in prayer. Excerpt: “Africa, Africa, My heart is bent toward you. My thoughts are filled with you. I see your faces and remember the places where your love surrounded me there. Your simple faith, Jesus Anaweza.” *Jesu, Anaweza means Jesus is able.

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