Our time in England is quickly passing by, and as we welcome one more Spring here we were surprised to find on Easter morning a blanket of thick snow covering everything! Some of our dear friends from the community invited us to the country to stay for the weekend, and we gladly accepted. We spent our time in an idyllic country home with a special Easter morning all to ourselves, since we were snowed in.Horses in a nearby field:
The country lane:
Daddy and daughter, do they look warm enough?
Since January we have enjoyed two more terms at our training and learning about the practical aspects of life in another country are proving to be so valuable. Our latest classes include; Grammar, Literacy, Phonemics, Home Assignment, Translation, and other additional workshops on Teamwork Skills, and Home School Techniques and curriculum. With these and many other classes in the mornings, we have a short lunch break and then its back to work for the afternoon.
Jonathan has found himself enjoying his outdoor practical work. As an artist he rarely has time to enjoy the outside since most of his work involves sitting behind a computer. Recently he has been working on the demolition crew of the campus. He is helping his international teammates destroy an old Officer's Mess. He loves his job and comes home three afternoons a week covered in dust and boasting of the latest things that he has crushed with a huge mallet or dug up with a jack hammer.
Robynn as been spending the afternoons helping Jadynn develop a naptime schedule so she can be more productive. When Jadynn is sleeping, she is able to take optional classes on subjects like homeschooling. Former teachers and mothers who have years of experience are teaching these courses to help new moms plan ahead for when they may find themselves in an environment without any formal education system. Mom has a big job, she takes care of the home, is on the team with her husband, and can be the primary educational provider for her family. In addition to this she is learning to cook basic meals with everyday ingredients (i.e. cooking from scratch). Who knew that you could make brownies and cakes without a box?
In our local community we continue to look for ways to serve and use our gifts. Jonathan is helping again in the morning children's classes and Robynn is finding that Jadynn is a great way to meet other moms and make friends. The friends we have made here have been such a joy to us and we are overwhelmed with their generosity. They have made our training ground a home for us, and we are very conscious of our numbered days with them. We are making the most of every opportunity to visit or have them over for a spot of tea!
We have been so thankful for your support during our training and look forward to the time when we can see you all again, hearing from you is a great joy to us. You are continually in our loving thoughts and we ask Him to give you strength, wisdom and encouragement as we serve together both here and in your own communities.
