he knows my name

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYpBgJHmGmw&index=12&list=RDBiGb14tTaH4

--

Anna Gdanian

Week 13

I have been teaching on Sexually Transmitted Disease for grade 6 and 7 Natural Science over the last two and a half weeks. I took advantage of the topic to address God's design for marriage to shed God's light on the subject and to give hope to an upcoming generation of a total transformation of the way the culture veiws sex. Tomorrow we have our second of an 8 week session with young adults ages 15 and 16. Some are kids from TKCA, but most are at Kolin Foundation (the Arandis High School). One of them is Zandria whom you can see fellowshipping with others on the rocks, behind our home, after cool drink and icecream from Ms Lea. We are to discuss adulthood, maturity and discerning the right choices for their own lives. I'm certainly privileged to have both of these opportunities all at once.

The enemy is also trying to tear me down by bringing up my mistakes; people I've hurt and who've hurt me within relationships. Sometimes it's too much to bear and I get discouraged. I read in God's word that "to wait upon him" in it's original form means that you stand in the midst of trials and challenges and say, "God I will trust you to bring me strength! I will keep standing!" Classroom management as well as teaching is often a struggle and constant reminder of my desire to invest in my own further training. I have hope that (even though this is not one of my natural gifts) God will and does give me what I need to fulfill my task here. I have renewed strength day by day, I can put extra effort in and learn what it takes to finish the race He's put before me.

I know my Father is preparing me for the gift of marriage. I see a wife's role as a support, holding up not only her husband but her children and those around her. She must be well-gifted in many things, whatever it is that those around her need. In other words she must be VERY dependent on the Holy Spirit, her comforter, her advocate, her counselor, her strength. (John 14) Like Paul, she must be "all things to all people" that she might in some ways save some. (1 Corinthians 9).

It's certainly eye-opening to be enlightened of the enormous barriers in this culture around marriage and safe sex. The kids informed me of family traditions – an uncle having sex with his young niece before she's married, or a young couple being charged enormous amounts for marriage, making it impossible. One of my girls said she only knows one married couple doing well and enjoying it. Yikes! I would not want to be a teen here. Men of God, wherever you are, be encouraged, keep holy, and be a great example to the boys around you. You are REALLY valuable and incredibly useful in this world. Thanks:)

These are some of the girls (Monica, Elizabeth and Claudia) who lead worship this week and last week. It's a little more practice and organization on my part; but as the women and children in Nehemiah 12, I am rejoicing for God makes me rejoice with great joy. The joy of Jericho was heard afar off!!! When talking to one young man after school Tuesday afternoon, he said; were you guys worshiping this morning? I heard Lord I lift your name on High and Everlasting God from my house. That was certainly from "afar." I'm blessed every time the children make an extra effort and show a desire to worship our maker. 

Pray to God our Master for confidence and ultimate leadership for the kids and purity in their own lifestyles as they gain experience.

Pray to the Rock of Ages for my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Pray to God our Advocate for healing Rejoice and baby Mikayla.

Pray for an abundance of blessing for LWCC and the mission night's success in October.

Taste and see the goodness of Jehovah Jireh who has opened the door again for Riaan to return to chef school. Pray for dedication and encouragement for him.

Praise the sovereign over all creation for rain that he's pouring on Namibia now and for people stay well in the cold.

Praise the Mighty Rock for provisions in keeping the school open next year; pray for continued provision and support from teachers/staff/parents. 

I praise the name of the Most High for using you tremendously to connect to and support Arandis during this time. May He deal bountifully with you, His servant that you may live and keep His word. Psalm 119:17

My God is BIG BIG BIG (Week 11)

My god is BIG BIG BIG, My god is so so BIG. He's bigger than your problems, oh YEESS he can solve 'Em. My god is BIG BIG BIG, oh yes he iiisss. My God is big, big, big....
Imagine these words in a blues tone being sung by some teens with beautifully trained voices. Auntie Fabiola works weekly to train these young girls and they learn a wide assortment of music, but what they may not know is that their song reaches the heavens and ministers to His people here who are stuck so very low in their issues.

I am amazed more and more each day at the Truth of God's word and how much he blesses those who diligently seek him! (Psalm 119) I'm impressed with how much character is in fact built through various trials (James 1) and how you are blessed when you can endure ridicule and judgmental people (Matthew 5). I am astounded by our God of justice and compassion each time He fights on the behalf of one of his precious children here in Arandis. I know it sounds general but there are specific incidents daily of which I'm made aware of His goodness over and over. When we pray, He really does listen – when we call, He really does answer and that is wonderful!

Ismael – whom I was taking care of this holiday thanked me on the last evening for praying that he'll draw closer to the Lord because it was working. I was about to question him about this prayer when he said, "I know you've been praying, God keeps calling to me to come closer. What should I do when I feel him speaking to me to come closer?" Open His word my dear boy and listen to all the words He's already spoken. I love to have one on one time with the kids and He provided several opportunities for Ismael to spend time with men. It makes perfect sense for him not to be comfortable with men as he's always around woman and children. He made this very clear when I proposed him with the idea God gave me and told him about these men that wanted to spend time with him. After each interaction, either with Brother Cyprian, Brother Richard from the Church in Arandis, or on Skype with a Brother back home; he came back refreshed and so very grateful for the opportunity. One day we (well, I) lost his dog. We spent the afternoon looking for him. Ismael didn't think we'd find him, so why look because he's a cute little dog that was most likely stolen. I said, well we have to do our part and then trust God to do His. Ismael then interrupted with, "seek and you will find!" I agreed. We searched every street in Arandis. We didn't find him, he was gone, there is no way that tiny dog could have lasted even overnight. We had to leave town the next day on the bus for our visit to Rehoboth to see Smithley, his brother. The next day I called the family coordinator about the Auntie who had also been beyond our reach and she informed me that because we had been looking, asking around about the dog, someone "found" him and brought him back! I called Ismael at the Auntie and Uncle's house in Rehoboth to inform him of the news. He said, "Ms Anna, that's great news, right? Our God is alive!" The Auntie and Uncle there have such a big heart for these kids and they really loved Ismael, Auntie was crying as she handed him his container full of fat cakes (small soft roles fried and glazed with sugar) and we were driving away with Ismael. Coming home, Ismael asked if he could move in with them and go to school in Rehoboth next year. Lord, your will be done!

God has blessed me with 12 more weeks here. I have the privilege of working with several who are being raised up in worship. I look forward to meeting with them more regularly. There was a day during the holiday where I just asked them to close their eyes and sing a very familiar song for worship; but to not look around and mean every word coming from their mouth. I am telling you - within five minutes, there were deeper levels of worship they had never experienced. I could see the teenage insecurities just disappearing and their praise going right up to the Father. It's so simple, "I lift up my hands, standing unashamed, I worship you Father, exalting your name. You've captured my heart, now my life has changed..." but it's not something that can be set up, only my God can do that! I could have stayed in that room forever.

Please pray for self-control and discipline to be faithful to drawing near to Him daily so the devil does not have any place in their lives. Unity among the body of Christ here – both in the Church and Children of Promise. All people working together will love each other and move beyond offenses to further His kingdom. Health for Ms Nan and Elizabeth. A FATHER and MOTHER within a loving home for Ismael, Brendan and Annalisa. Guidance for Auntie S and all her children looking ahead to the future. A principle and more volunteer teachers for TKCA next year. Thank God for his tremendous support and for those he's put in our lives to pray for us and get us through difficult times.

Growing up, I was surrounded by Godly people showing me who God is and instructing me on worship; it's sad to think these kids have not had this privilege. It's the very purpose for my existence, for the rest of my days, I will love God and direct people to Him. Wherever I am, in whatever form it takes, as I have been guided, I will help to train and mentor others into living a life of worship.


I want to leave you with this precious thought: Give Thanks to God! He always leads us in the winners' parade because we belong to Christ. Through us, God spreads the knowledge of Christ everywhere like perfume. God considers us to be the sweet smell that Christ is spreading among people who are being saved and people who are dying. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16) You are children that God dearly loves. So be just like him. Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. he was a sweet smelling offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Week 8

Time really flies here. So many amazing things have been happening since our last communication. The teams went home and several volunteer teachers have come and blessed us and gone at this point. Things are settling down in Arandis - but never in God's house!

The Lord blessed us this week by giving His word to us every morning in an extended Bible class with grade 5-7. They are so hungry for righteousness - and God has totally given the exact message to share each morning. I'm a "plan ahead" person and I enjoy being prepared in advance. He'd give the message that night or morning of. We even had a Bible study after school Thursday with some older kids, teachers and adults who joined us. One of the kids that didn't even want to come because he wasn't sure there would be other boys there said to me the next day, "Ms Anna, that was my best Bible study! I love Bible study, I'm definitely going next week!" The cool thing is, we are literally doing just that. I'm not teaching at all, just showing them, the way I've been guided over the years. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Palm 119) On Friday we were going through Psalm 119, pulling out advice about meditating on God's word. The students did the study as they each stood up and shared one different but very meaningful passage. I could have sat there all day and listened to them. Sometimes I wonder if they even know the full impact of the things they are saying to the Lord. These kids know how to worship, they know scripture - Lord, may you open their eyes that they may see you.

Saturday (17 August) was a fun day! The Shofar Christian Church in Swakopmund came and taught them useful information on Horticulture and then brought the things to build vegetable, fruit tree and flower gardens in tires, compost and recycled items for an irrigation system at the school and all three homes. There will be beautiful pictures to follow after they are painted. I believe the kids will take care of these plants and they will produce fruit. Very practical, very fun and very manageable in our "desert" community. The leadership was also blessed by the Lord through this day!

I've had a few interactions with unhealthy teeth over the past few weeks and God has extended so much grace and healing right in front of my very eyes. We should remember to pray the impossible - as long as it lines up with His word - because He is only one that can do it. God is the most absolute judge and He cares for his children more than any person can, so let our response for our concerns be - pleading to the Father for the health of His children. Every prayer prayed in faith will be answered, what a faithful God!

The next two weeks I'm moving over to one of the families homes and my focus will be on one boy whom I feel very privileged to know and love. May God increase his love and desire for himself and give us grace for this time. May He open up opportunities for Him to see the love of a father which he has never had.

Week Two: 7 July 2013

Over the weekend, we drove into the moonscape (right) which is what can be compared to a beautiful, inverted, smaller-scale, Grand Canyon and then we visited the sand dunes so some of the new volunteers could see some of Namibia's natural beauty, nearby.

Wednesday's all day Youth Conference went really well. We had four main teachings by some amazing Servants of the Lord. 1) God's passionate, unending love and acceptance as we are His princes and princess' 2) Run towards God and receive courage to fight the giant in your life (David and Joshua) 3) Practically being a special part of his exciting adventure 4) Faith Walk – ask God to speak to you and listen to Him. There were worship times and activities intermingled into the day, but it was almost 5 hours of Bible Teaching which was more than they have ever had all at once and all the kids were engaged the whole time.

Thursday was a blessed evening which brought a lot of encouragement to several leaders. I believe God is bringing people together who do not normally meet together. 

Over the weekend a good friend of the ministry celebrated his 70^th birthday by blessing all of our kids with camel rides so we took a drive to the camel farm just outside of Swakopmund. We are waiting for the weather to warm up here in Arandis, because I forgot my winter coat.

Prayer for:

• Children playing the guitar and leading worship to have more knowledge of His presence and character and love Him as they sing to Him.
• Guarding our hearts because it's the wellspring of life.
• Provision and father's for our children.
• Wisdom for the ministry in the months ahead.
• Health and unity for all the directors.

More love for a loving, caring creator and Lord. (April 2013)

It's always a beautiful day in the Lord's presence. I heard some very disturbing news today that I was letting steal my joy. One of the Lord's precious ones is going to be sent back to his home where he was removed from so long ago because it was a vulnerable and terribly unsafe environment for him - one in which he would most likely end up diseased or dead....BUT GOD!  We spent a lot of time praying for this young boy - motivating many people from NH to pray and there have been some positive breakthrough in this boys life. Praise Him! Praise Him and lift Him up. Exalt His name forever.

A few more weeks in the USA!

The flight home was amazingly comfortable and quick. I was thrown into wedding preparations the minute I returned home and the Gdanian family sailed smoothly through a beautiful wedding day of celebration on 20 April 2013. Chelsea and Josiah Gdanian are now a newly formed family and God will do amazing things through their hearts that are devoted to serving Him.

After the wedding I took a deep breath and was able to connect with friends from my church family at Chestnut Hill Chapel and Light of the World Christian Church. In sharing pictures and telling stories about the first term of the 2013 school year and what God has done in the families and all the lives of the children of COPM and Talitha Kumi Christian - despite my changing teaching posistion and hectic schedule - I was energized, excited and motivated for a few more months of service in the great nation of Namibia.

I enjoyed my stay at home and was ready to return last week but by God's perfect plan I was delayed and now have a few more weeks at home with my family. I was graciously offered a few hours at Curves of Amherst - a place of previous employment as a Fitness Trainer and some generous friends and family contributed to help me raise money to take the kids on some community service trips when I return. I've been blessed beyond belief by many...Thanks to Jeff, two Diane's, Mom and Dad Gdanian, Emily, Faye, Josiah, Lorraine and Alden, Laurie and many others who are faithfully contributing to my life and needs in Arandis. Our children are on the receiving end of a lot of blessings and it would be neat for them to do something to serve the people who help them.

One of my goals in serving in Namibia was - yes to help out - but most importantly to connect other people and resources to meet the needs of these people in Namibia and to let God do a work in me to "Make Me His Servant" to make me "Humble and Meek." and my prayer is always "That Lord I may lift up those who are weak." A huge answer to prayer this year is that a friend of mine Kayla who is an experienced, talented, creative teacher and woman of God will be heading over to arrive before me in June and teach for one month for her first time in Namibia. There's also team of all young Men from YWAM Youth with a Mission, Pittsburgh - the school I attended in 2005 heading over there in a few weeks for just over two months. I'm so excited for these connections and for our young boys to have Godly examples to follow.

New!!! Pictures in Album from December Holiday. If you have a problem viewing them, please email me: anna.gdanian@gmail.com

What a blessing it was today to walk to and from church (in 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity) and come across at least three different father's walking with or holding their daughters. It's not that common here, so it was very noticeable. Father/daughter relationships are very powerful. As we know father's are very influential weather negatively or positively. There are countless times every day during my time here where things my father has taught, spoken, shown me have come up in conversations, lessons, thoughts mini sermons during worship, prayer, or just my own thoughts. My prayer is for every child, and young adult to be just as blessed as I am to have an amazing father who daily sacrifices everything he can for the benefit of his family. Not only at present but throughout the (um...27 years of my life :)

In January, the Lord sent an amazingly talented, Christian Counselor who is serving with us for a couple of months from Johannesburg, to minister specifically to our children and mommies. The bible says there are those who plant and those who water and those who yield the Harvest. Well so many people, tears and so much time and energy have all been poured into the children and mommies in Children of Promise Ministries, Namibia. The Lord is blessing each conversation she has with His presence and is producing a lot of fruit through the time, experiences and words she is giving them. Pray for continued fruit!

Mr B is coaching/disciplining the soccer team and doing an excellent job chasing our kids around the field until we learn to play by the rules and respect the sport! My roles at TKCA have changed in the past couple of weeks. Praise the Lord, they found an excellent, Namibian, grade 3 teacher (though I really miss them) and I am now doing individual training for the children with special needs along with teaching 2 upper primary classes. The challenge now is fitting everyone from the different grades into my day and coordinating with classroom teachers so that I am reinforcing the classroom work as well as meeting their individual needs. God's grace and mercy and patience has been extended to me and others during this time, but only through your prayers for peace and flexibility. Thank you!

Guitar classes are every Wednesday and they come for supervised practice on two seperate days. Please pray for ideas and guidance as far as keeping the children interested and helping them to see they can do it and become successful with practice. Commitment is very important - weather it's to school work, a hobby, family, church, anything however it's very difficult to teach them. Pray that the Lord will build the confidence in themselves. There is so much desire, but only two come on a regular basis. 
 
Speaking of church ministry, I am so privileged that the Lord has been using me daily at Eagle Christian Center, Arandis. I have seen the desperation for our heavenly father in this place and it's amazing during a Sunday service to see people so intent on loving Jesus and drawing closer to Him through the songs they sing. He gives me words to teach, motivate and encourage - nothing I "plan" to say can ever come close to the clarity and power of His message. I know the peace and success in their life is coming as they invest in God's word. Pray for the young people as members of the worship, youth group and choir to listen to the Lord and be open to commitment to Him. I know they will be blessed if they reach beyond themselves to a loving, Father.

Birthdays are a tremendous blessing in Arandis! We celebrated Cyprian and his wife Rejoice (an elder at Eagle Christian Center) on a beautiful afternoon of some more of Ms Nan, Hospitality. Christmas Eve (attached) was another example when we had more than 30 people at the house to eat! Her gift is so evident and it's great to see. Pray that the Lord will bless her even more as she consistently gives generously. While on the topic, I am humbled and amazed daily at God's provision for my life and the Lord is using her to willingly provide for my living here. If and when I hear about birthday's I try to give words of encouragement and some chocolate to each child, but since it's been more than a year - they are all coming back for round two, YIKES!

There are 7 weeks to wrap up before I will be reunited with my family on the other side of the coast, to return and finish out the year. No matter how strong you are, 10 months is a long time to be away from family :) Pray that these last few weeks, I will give all that I can to help establish leaders here in Arandis.

As you open you're eyes, may you see God and experience that peace that, Lord knows, we all need.

Running Start - Day 7 of the School Year!!

It was a great Holiday, filled with many perfect gifts from our heavenly Father of whom all light and peace comes from. One was His tremendous presence throughout each moment of every day. Another was my one and only mother of whom I am honored to be a daughter of and hope to be one day an image of. Mom was here in Arandis till one lovely day after Christmas. As many of you know, she was a gift to each one she met. Between her endless love, tremendous physical packages of joy, gentle but healing massages, valuable time, wise words, beautiful voice, spirit-filled presence at church, home and much much more. The children, mother's of the ministry families and church friends are still asking about "Ms Ms Ms Mauuureeen" Another gift was the safe arrival of all the ministry children back from the their "families" over holiday. Three of the children will now stay possibly permanently in Rehabooth at new families homes for various reasons. These precious ones are still in my prayers and most importantly cradled within the loving hands of our capable heavenly Father. Still another gift was the meeting of some precious folks from Swakopmund (a nearby town) who Mom and I quickly became very good friends with. Their generosity and hospitality and friendship has been a true example of Christ to us. We are still connected, though not in close proximity at this time. In addition, the Lord has opened up opportunities for Christ-fearing Namibians and South Africans to become aware of Arandis and Children of Promise Ministries, strike an interest in the Children and pray for and some visit on a regular basis. There are some gentleman from the worship team that aided in a great time of worship around the camp fire in Arandis to close out the holiday. We hope to do some more of that! There is a team of young people from Shofar Church in Swakopmund coming this Saturday to teach the children to make recycled shopping bags to sell at their church and continue on their own. They have also played soccer with the kids, worshiped with them, spoiled them with Christmas gifts, and ministered to the mothers. It has been a tremendous honor to sit back and observe God's hands reaching out through Namibians to these families in need. My hope is for them to turn around and then see how they can also be valuable and enhance the lives of people that they meet. Still another gift was two new wonderful full-time teachers and two aids by the start of 2013. This is a great headstart! We always can use more help and Ms Nan would still like one more full-time teacher as the year progresses, but we are doing wonderfully with what we have gotten.

As for myself, at TKCA, the Lord is gracing me with flexibility and willingness to do whatever task is at hand. I am now teaching grade three full-time, all the subjects (except for Afrikaans). We have finished two weeks and now I can say that I am doing well and loving it. I have one reading student, and guitar students apart from the eleven in third grade. We'll be starting an "academic/social counseling" session (of sort) one on one with the upper primary children next week in the afternoons. We have some people coming in to help with afternoon classes and the third grade aid is taking care of after school for our class! God has brought help and it's really neat to see things working well this year. Of course their are gaps, but with His help there is also tremendous success.

I am enjoying playing guitar again with the kids and leading at church. One of my students is now playing with us on Sundays which is really amazing! As soon as I can figure out how to get my pictures from my memory card to my computer, I promise I will post them to the blog so you can see what we've been doing. Until then, be blessed in His presence and continue to be open to conversations and random acts of kindness to people that will bring change in their lives.

Greetings church family from Maureen in Arandis

Greetings Church Family,

It is comforting to think about you all back home. I am thankful for the prayers that are sent here from home. They are the absolute best Christmas gift I could ever hope for. I see how God applies the prayers of his saints where ever he needs them. I see how they are used to prevent peril, provide for needs, to soften hard hearts, and increasing his kingdom in every imaginable ,way. THANK YOU!!!
The children are done with school now and are preparing for break, "holiday" as they call it. It is summer vacation and Christmas all wrapped together. They will return to school January 15 to begin a new year.
Most of the children will be traveling. They go to the "farm". The farm is a general term which could mean a farm with animals and produce or just where they have "family". Family could be the people they grew up with or that lived in their household, not necessarily blood related. So if they say my brother, Aunty, or cousin it is, for sure, an important relationship of some sort.
The farm, however, isn't always a safe place for them. It represents the dangers, negligence that fostered their coming to Arandis. Many were removed by the government for their safety.
I had the privilege of assisting Anna in planning a Friday Fun Day full of events for about 35 of the children. The main desire was to send them off with prayer as we do in our church when someone is going off somewhere. First we had a field play where they played soccer, elimination, and other fun activities with water balloons. There were lots of smiles and joyful sounds as they all interacted. We then prepared snacks for the movie we showed at the end of the activities. The most important time was the prayer and sharing we had with them. We asked pastor Banda and another brother involved in youth ministry to join us. It was reassuring for us as well as the children to have encouraged and prayed for them before they all leave. God will protect them!
I will leave you with some verses I've been meditating on.
" Praise to God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly realms in Christ. For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love. He did this by predestinating us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us in his dear Son. In Christ, we too have been claimed as God's own possession, since we were predestined according to one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will.
"in this new life, it does Not matter if we are Jew or gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free. CHRIST IS ALL THAT MATTERS AND HE LIVES IN ALL OF US!!". Ephesians 1:3-6,11.
Colossians 3:11
Yes, Father, we were all created by you and in your image and likeness as part of your family. Some come from such places of devastation yet we all are rich in your glorious nature through Jesus Christ, our brother of redemption. So from Every nation, tribe and tongue we call you, Abba,Father. Praise to your most Holy Name!

We love you, church!
Grace and peace be to you all,
Anna and Maureen

Just imagine what life would be like for students if the following were true?

IF teachers' and staffs' main focus in their work was the students THAN there would be a much higher passing rate in Namibia and across the world!
IF precious children felt safe, valued and respected - the state of mind in which they are most naturally capable of learning - THAN they would be able to retain content.
 IF teachers assigned authority to students and not gave them tasks THAN we would develop leaders not followers.

Imagine if...
every moment of these precious ones' days were absent of all threats, confusion and strife.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of PEACE!"

they knew what to expect when coming to class
the directions were clear and there was never miscommunication between teacher and student.

"Mean what you say, and say what you mean!"

teachers cared about their students' personal and academic goals.
teachers actually believed that every student can learn, although each brain is unique?!
teachers believed that they can influence and inspire students?
Imagine if...
students were were consistently taught (7% of the time with words 93% by adult-modelling) to respect teachers, peers and themselves.
there was a secure classroom whose activities were purposed to intentionally reach "all learners." If
students could trust and therefore respect the authorities in their lives

IF we engaged students in their learning since that's 90% effective and lecturing is only 5% THAN we would have at least 90% success in the classroom, at home and at assessment time.
IF we ministered to their emotional needs THAN "A heart at Peace gives life to the body!"
IF we exemplified true love for them to follow since that is the only thing that can truly transform a person THAN they would actually love thier peers and themselves.
In the same way, if students felt valued by the adults in their lives; they could in turn value themselves, their peers and their work.

 "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With Men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!'" (Matthew 19:26

Teacher, parent or not - we all have children in our lives, can we commit to loving them like this so the above items can turn from imaginary to reality and our "proofs" can come to pass?

They are worth it!

Those Who Trust in the Lord are like MT Zion

Those who Trust in the Lord are [verb "to be" just is, no ??] like [simile: comparison] Mount Zion, Which cannot be Moved, but abides forever [unlimited]. As the mountains surround Jerusalem: so the Lord surrounds his people [analogy aids in deeper meaning] from this very time [Now! Now!] forth and forever [Alliteration] [forward, no turning back]

From a few of my kids when analyzing simile's in preparation from their exam
Student: The "God worshipers" are being compared to a mountain. The mountain is strong, it can not be shaken or move. It just sits there.
Ms Anna: Ok, and what about those people? Why are they being compared to this mountain?
Student: Well, when they trust God, they also can not move. Their trustness in God so strong that they don't think about moving.

There are many things that one could be anxious about during this time. For example: children whom you've been entrusted with passing their exams and moving onto the next grade, wondering if you've prepared them enough; an important City in the USA and myriads of families loosing their livelihood from a natural disaster; ones precious country electing it's new president while your watching with the rest of the world from afar..and the list goes on.

I've been gripped with fear and concern from the beginning of the day. Not because of the man that will be in office after this day finishes, but because of a lack of Trust in the Mighty, powerful God that we serve. What happens to those who do not trust in the Lord? We are not a country who trusts in the Lord or relies on His complete and utter control. Will we fall? Will we be shaken? We will certainly not stand like Mt Zion or be surrounded by the loving arms of the Lord. I awoke this morning after having dreamed about the declaration of independence with such a sense of honor for my own country and a burden to pray for us that we may remember Christ.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." (Declaration of Independence)

Do you know though that, despite what happens, God is in control?

This is literally where I read as I was praying tonight: I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever, nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it, God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past. Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

Let's pray more, trust God and live to the fullness that he wants us to. Ek het jou lief! Lekker aand!

Education-What does that word mean?

              Vandag was Diensdag. Die dag was baia lekker! I enjoyed walking around after, afternoon classes and greeting many people on the road. There are just those days when you can say, "I'm so happy to be in Namibia!" When, despite the many challenges, you can attest to the fact that you fit right in! You can greet someone and make small conversation in Afrikaans, you become accustomed to the common remarks and can behave similarly, you are aware of certain personality traits of Namibians – eliminating some confusion, you don't stick out as much on arrival to a place. This evening there was a knock on the door… "It's Luis!" shouted the man with complete confidence, as if we should know him. Jillian, do you know a Luis? "No" Who's Luis? Should I open the door? I open the first door and of course it would be a micro-wave delivery man at 8pm. "No, sorry, wrong address!"

               Deep into a lengthy lecture this morning with a few of my students about purpose and informing them that they need to desire their own education. If they are doing their work for Ouma, Teacher Anna, Teacher Jillian, or Auntie; they will not complete it. Each student has to want to want to get his education. For example, if Auntie says, "you can have a chocolate bar if you clean your room," will you clean it?

"YES!"

"Why?"

"Because I want the chocolate, Ms. Anna."

"What if your brother dropped 12 eggs and wiped them all over the floor?"

"I would do whatever it takes to clean that room because I want the chocolate."

"What if you were not offered chocolate? Would you want to do such a good job cleaning your room?"

"No!"

"Ok, well what's your chocolate? What's that something you love to keep you interested in your education?...please tell me, I'm waiting."

"Well, Ms. Anna, what does 'Education' mean?" Oh, wow, great question. I guess I have to start again.

"I don't even think chocolate would keep me interested in school for that long. I would get sick of it!"

               I don't know why I thought symbolism would work with very literal brains, but it was an honest mistake on my part. Working here in Arandis has aided in my understanding of how invaluable education is and how irrelevant it is to, much of the government in this country. On my way to Mummies Restaurant to greet a friend who works there, I ran into a ninth grade student who is suffering because her teachers have gone on strike and are lazy at school. They are not being taught anything in class; if they want to pass their exams, they have to go and find out the information on their own. Teachers are threatening not to mark the grade 12 exam papers, which would deter students from passing altogether. Ahh! What do you even say to a student who is going through this on a daily basis? Many students are just fooling around and the serious ones are getting understandably discouraged.

               Back to the above story of our young students who lack the motivation to learn basic academics. What example are they getting from all outside influences? Why is it so hard to motivate these kids to challenge their minds and think outside the box of their current understanding? Everything around them says school is a joke; you won't ever amount to anything anyway. May they hear only the words of Christ; they are children of the King. They are fearfully and wonderfully made! He knows the number of the hair on their head; He knows their thoughts and every detail of their life before they were even born. (Psalm 139)

               Now my thoughts are out – I can stop putting off preparing the end of year exam review for English! Yikes, two weeks left to the term and then it's decided, who moves onto the next grade. May each one reach his full-potential and study to the best of His ability; may God carry him the rest… Write one synonym for carry. Yes, good – Hold! Now use it in a sentence written in the past tense with two common nouns and one proper noun…

Stop typing and get to work, MS ANNA!

I love teenagers and there helpful advice!

"It's just a job Anna, don't worry so much about it!"
"That's the thing, my friend, it's not. If it were I'd be home, sitting on my parents couch drinking coffee! It's not a job; it's why I came here."
"What?"
"Yes, that's what I'd be doing!"
"Remember, it’s just a job. Who are these kids? I’ll come and talk to them! You know Anna, in order for you to gain the students respect; you have to be buddies with them. Then they will do whatever you ask, not because they care about school, but because they like you!"
“Thank you, but, for fifth grade students, that won’t work. They will eat me alive. You know I am so reliant on God. I am desperate for him to fill my mouth with words. 'A soft answer turns away wrath!' Each moment with them is a gift from God."
“Remember, it’ just a job!”
How could I ever say that about real, human beings? Even though I'm terrible at this more days than not, and they help me to daily come face to face with all my imperfections...I still can't be lazy or give up. These are kids’ lives and the future of their community. Thankfully He has them hidden within the palm of His hand. There are those days when I wonder if I'm called to be a teacher. Communicating to students, managing their behavior and learning, disciplining and motivating them to want to want to learn and be successful, dodging their darts, and all the time understanding that they are just calling out to be loved, is nie maak lik werk. (It’s not easy work!) It's asking a lot of a weak, insecure human piece of dirt, it's not asking a lot of God! He knows and loves each one.
I attended a meeting and am pondering the ultimate privilege it is to work with children.  (Simile is on the brain after editing my test for tomorrow) As frustrating as winding up a microphone cord. Tiring - like a ten mile run having been dormant all season; painful as slamming my thumb in the door of an old station wagon and heart-breaking because I want so much for them to realize the full potential that is there life. The privilege is: every question I can ask to stimulate his mind, every moment to plant the seed of God's word to quicken his spirit, every interaction to point him in the right direction. In the recurring words of Ms. Nan to the kids, I may be speaking to the "next president of Namibia!" I can always count the seeds in an apple, but I'll never know the myriads of apples that will come from planting one seed.
We had our first group-guitar class; I gave up giving 10 lessons in a row. There were only a few, who came, but it was great to see the excitement and the eagerness when they saw two brand new guitars purchased just for them. They are eager to learn and practice. Today we learned all the major notes up the neck, not the most fun lesson :) It’s so much more fun to play songs and sing or ask Ms. Anna to sing for them, but we are growing and learning to stay committed to something good, even when it's not as fun. One student hadn't done English homework in two weeks; I couldn't figure out a reason or come up with a way to get them to care about it. This person really enjoys the guitar and is doing so well. I finally decided to deter their practice until they decided to put the effort into the grades. One of the brightest in the class, could still pass without doing any homework or practice at all, but would be soaring if only would apply them self. At first it backfired (like many motivational activities I try to implement) this person decided to give up the guitar or find some other means to learn it. I stuck to my decision, as hard as it was and they came around with the signed agreement. I'm delighted they made the right choice! Let’s have faith it will last. There are so many stories of daily challenges and successes, I hope to jump on here more so you will be able to come along for the ride. All the honor goes to our Maker and Father, Jesus Christ.

Take a look!

 

We are Kindle Readers. Anna, in the highest grade at TKCA, is taking the opportunity to get her homework on the Kindle after school. I think I see a smile :)

The foundation for the new building at TKCA.

It went up very quickly but it's been sitting like this for several weeks now. I think it will be ready for 2013 school year.

 Left, Teacher Shelly, 2nd grade. She's the longest serving TKCA and most dedicated teacher. She has amazing talents. May God continue to bless her as she diligently prepares her students to succeed in their education and finishes her own studies. Bis smiles for coffee break!

 To the right is the upper primary and primary buildings in the background of the new foundation.
1st and 2nd grade play ground, just moved from where the new foundation is. School has been a construction sight for several months now. We can't wait till the work is done and the kids can play again.

  To the left is the pre-school play ground. About 40 kids play on here.

 Grade six to the right. 7 children, our oldest class. They are smart and dedicated. Pray against bullying and picking on the smart ones that like to do well. May they continue to shine as stars and lead their classmates. One day I'll get pictures with everyone inside, it's more interesting. Don't tell anyone but it's my favorite class :) I'm kidding, we have a great time though.

 This small classroom and teacher office is where we pull out some of the kids for math and reading.

Grade 5 classroom. 10 of the most emotionally engaged children I have ever met. It's always a mess. We have our successful days!

I love Arandis and TKCA! Go Team Go!

Another chilly day in Arandis, winter can't decide when to leave. School's out for the weekend. Friday is the most diverse day of the week. Monday through Thursday I teach reading to kids in grade 2, 3, and 4 one on one and then Grade 5&6 English each afternoon. Friday's I teach most of the morning and afternoon in the upper primary. Music, Religion and two English classes right in a a row. By that time, I'm ready for a nap :) We talked about people to whom God gave second chances to in the Bible and we were all amazed at how much we can mess up over and over again, but if God put's His hand on your life, its not about what you've done, its about who he wants you to be. I think we can all learn from that. Who are some examples of people who've gotten second chances? Why was that?

"Ok, children, do you know what this is?" I put a simple diagram on the board, single subject and compound subject. "This is a sentence diagram. I used to do at least 15 of these a day when I was in 5th and 6th grade and it's why I love writing. It helps you understand how each word in a sentence has a job...Do you guys want to learn diagramming sentences?"

Brendon: YES!! Gregorius: NO!! Simultaneously with as much intensity as the other. Oh, those two are my complete opposites, I love them. They both have very different strengths. Yeah for rocket ships! Thanks to some generous donors, next week we become Kindle Readers!

They ended the day today with an awesome scrimmage 0 to 0 in the new soccer field. TKCA is undergoing changes - the new building foundation went up very quickly and professionally. It looks great! Grade 5's started their Science Projects today. May God bless them as they work in pairs. I've decided to have them work solo in class for the rest of the term, because they learn more. When I put them in groups they eat each other alive. I am working together with the pastor's wife (sunday school teacher) on how they treat each other. Let's keep praying for them.

The term will be over before we know it, it's going to be a great one - I can tell :)

Pray for Pastor Banda

Pastor was healed and did not have to undergo surgery. They traveled to Windhoek in an ambulance and were released the very next day. He is still a bit weak, but healing speedily. Wow! The story is awesome, if you ever talk to him, ask him to tell you.

Pastor Tresford Banda is on his way into emergency surgery. Please pray for speedy healing for him and wisdom from doctors and surgeons. Pray for his family as they are this week without him. Pray for the families in the small community to come together for each other as many times people can be very dependent on the Pastor.

Hello There! (This was posted July 27)

The Back of Ms Nan's House, where I am living

The east wind is strong today. It's not too cold though. Me and 17 grade 5's and 6's just had a stupendous Bible class. I'm so thankful for God's word and children who ask a large variety of thought-provoking questions from the passages we read and discuss. It's causing me to dig deeper and fall more in love with our heavenly father - the creator of heaven and earth. He is the One who can heal, restore, give hope, bring justice and glorify himself. Our secretary, and a good friend of mine has been so encouraging this week. She says that I am passionate, I "teach with love" and that I "make the subject exciting." Because of her words, I've been motivated in the classroom to do these things that she speaks of. She thanked me for coming back. "Ms Anna, do you know that feeling when you have a sweet in your mouth and the taste is so good it's overwhelming? You are just so happy to be enjoying it! That's how I feel that you are here teaching and my sons are in this school." Her son was not reading past 2nd grade level prior to this year and she was impressed with where he's come. I know, it was not me, but it feels great to be appreciated!

View from the edge, the road that encompasses Arandis.

I traveled to Walvis Bay with the church music team last night to join another church at their practice. It was an opportunity to bring inspiration and encouragement to our small, and learning team. I believe that is exactly what happened. It was truly Namibian, for we were greeted at the door by the whole team and offered a brilliant array of Coffee, Tea, scrumptious meat pies, homemade, crispy rusks, and cookies to enjoy before the practice. What a delicious treat! I think every worship practice should start like that :) we are just too rushed in America - we barely even make time for practice, let alone the fellowship and communion together with friends prior to. On the way home, though it was late, we stopped on the side of the road to gaze at the enormous stars and high tide. The moon was just over the water and it sparkled like gold strewn all over the foaming shore. We sang a few songs and prayed together to seal what God had done in the team of young, musicians. I think they will be inspired to practice, get better and come together more as a team. Actually one of the guys from the worship team took us all out for lunch at "Mummies" the one and only restaurant in Arandis. He works there as a sous chef and I know that was a big sacrifice for him to buy lunch for all of us. It was really delicious! It was a blessing to have a break in the middle of they day and I'm thankful to be invited.

Where I am is in fact a dessert, but it's not desolate, see picture above. People don't grow crops right here in Arandis, but most people here have families from a farm far away. The trees and plants that they have are desert flowers which are not weak, but they need to be watered several times a week. It's expensive to keep trees or plants in Arandis. The home I live at and many others actually rake and water their "lawns" as well which is no more than sand. The food comes from the one store, Joseph's that's here - or larger groceries in Swakopmund where you can get your fresh fruits, vegetables and yogurt - which is really the only thing you can't get in Arandis. Yesterday morning I remembered it was one of my kids birthday's and I forgotten her gift, so I was running before 7am to the store. I was stopped by one of the girls in the youth group.
"Hi Anna!  How are you? Where are you going?" She knew I was going in the wrong direction for school.
"I am headed to the store before work"
"Oh," she said, "They only open at 8!" I sadly turned to go back. She continued, "But if you go around back there are men; they'll help you get what you need!" Haha, I was reluctant, but she sounded confident so I kept rushing.
"Thanks!" I called out to her, she quickly directed me and I was off. Sure enough there was a truck full of men that just pulled up, going in the back to open the store. I walked up, "are you open?"
"No, but we'd like to help you!"
"OK, thanks! I need chocolate, a water bottle and chips." He said something in Afrikaans to a young boy and the next I knew I was walking in the back way through the store. I felt like a true Namibian! What service!

I walk 15 minutes across the desert every morning to school, some mornings home for lunch to let Sammy out before he goes in the house (which happens if I don't come before 3pm) and then back for afternoon classes. It's also a walk across the desert to church, music practice and bible study. Arandis is small, so the walk is never more than 15 minutes, but when the temperatures are extreme, it appears much longer. I'll post pictures of the open dessert in the album you'll find on the right side of the blog.

Last night was an all night prayer service which I wasn't able to attend, but I was praying with them. I am so glad they do these things, it really brings people together. Please pray for Brenda and children here because she is on her way back to the States for a couple weeks. She lost her father last week and thankfully the doctors said she could fly even though she is still recovering from her eye surgery. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Ms Nan in a few weeks. Please pray for continued patience and peace in the classroom as we have many children with a lot of needs that are distracting to learning. May God's words always be on my tongue, so my words are not wasted. I just do not want to ever loose focus and always remember why I am here - to serve them and teach them. The children seem to be getting sick a lot lately, there are some infections going on, pray for healing in the homes and families to be protected. It's been really neat (to say the least) to observe tremendous growth and development in several children. They are really thriving! This morning, I was so excited because I saw a father walking his three little boys to school!

Thanks for listening! I just wanted to remind you that I'm out here and loving each moment of every day that God allows me to be here, in His presence. I hope you can also remember to thank him for each of  your precious moments. With Love, from Arandis ~ Anna G

Hello There!

The east wind is strong today. It's not too cold though. Me and 17 grade 5's and 6's just had a stupendous Bible class. I'm so thankful for God's word and children who ask a large variety of thought-provoking questions from the passages we read and discuss. It's causing me to dig deeper and fall more in love with our heavenly father - the creator of heaven and earth. He is the One who can heal, restore, give hope, bring justice and glorify himself. Our secretary, and a good friend of mine has been so encouraging this week. She says that I am passionate, I "teach with love" and that I "make the subject exciting." Because of her words, I've been motivated in the classroom to do these things that she speaks of. She thanked me for coming back. "Ms Anna, do you know that feeling when you have a sweet in your mouth and the taste is so good it's overwhelming? You are just so happy to be enjoying it! That's how I feel that you are here teaching and my sons are in this school." Her son was not reading past 2nd grade level prior to this year and she was impressed with where he's come. I know, it was not me, but it feels great to be appreciated!

I traveled to Walvis Bay with the church music team last night to join another church at their practice. It was an opportunity to bring inspiration and encouragement to our small, and learning team. I believe that is exactly what happened. It was truly Namibian, for we were greeted at the door by the whole team and offered a brilliant array of Coffee, Tea, scrumptious meat pies, homemade, crispy rusks, and cookies to enjoy before the practice. What a delicious treat! I think every worship practice should start like that :) we are just too rushed in America - we barely even make time for practice, let a lone the fellowship and communion together with friends prior to. On the way home, though it was late, we stopped on the side of the road to gaze at the enormous stars and high tide. The moon was just over the water and it sparkled like gold strewn all over the foaming shore. We sang a few songs and prayed together to seal what God had done in the team of young, musicians. I think they will be inspired to practice, get better and come together more as a team. Actually one of the guys from the worship team took us all out for lunch at "Mummies" the one and only restaurant in Arandis. He works there as a sous chef and I know that was a big sacrifice for him to buy lunch for all of us. It was really delicious! It was a blessing to have a break in the middle of they day and to be invited.

Where I am is in fact a dessert, but it's not desolate. People don't grow crops right here in Arandis, but most people here have families from a farm far away. The trees and plants that they have are desert flowers which are not weak, but they need to be watered several times a week. It's expensive to keep trees or plants in Arandis. The home I live at and many others actually rake and water their "lawns" as well which is no more than sand. The food comes from the one store, Joseph's that's here - or larger groceries in Swakopmund where you can get your fresh fruits, vegetables and yogurt - which is really the only thing you can't get in Arandis. Yesterday morning I remembered it was one of my kids birthday's and I forgotten her gift, so I was running before 7am to the store. I was stopped by one of the girls in the youth group.
"Hi Anna!  How are you? Where are you going?" She knew I was going in the wrong direction for school.
"I am headed to the store before work"
"Oh," she said, "They only open at 8!" I sadly turned to go back. She continued, "But if you go around back there are men; they'll help you get what you need!" Haha, I was reluctant, but she sounded confident so I kept rushing.
"Thanks!" I called out to her, she quickly directed me and I was off. Sure enough there was a truck full of men that just pulled up, going in the back to open the store. I walked up, "are you open?"
"No, but we'd like to help you!"
"OK, thanks! I need chocolate, a water bottle and chips." He said something in Afrikaans to a young boy and the next I knew I was walking in the back way through the store. I felt like a true Namibian! What service!

I walk 15 minutes across the desert every morning to school, some mornings home for lunch to let Sammy out before he goes in the house (which happens if I don't come before 3pm) and then back for afternoon classes. It's also a walk across the desert to church, music practice and bible study. Arandis is small, so the walk is never more than 15 minutes, but when the temperatures are extreme, it appears much longer.

Last night was an all night prayer service which I wasn't able to attend, but I was praying with them. I am so glad they do these things, it really brings people together. Please pray for Brenda and children here because she is on her way back to the States for a couple weeks. She lost her father last week and thankfully the doctors said she could fly even though she is still recovering from her eye surgery. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Ms Nan in a few weeks. Please pray for continued patience and peace in the classroom as we have many children with a lot of needs that are distracting to learning. May God's words always be on my tongue, so my words are not wasted. I just do not want to ever loose focus and always remember why I am here - to serve them and teach them. The children seem to be getting sick a lot lately, there are some infections going on, pray for healing in the homes and families to be protected. It's been really neat (to say the least) to observe tremendous growth and development in several children. They are really thriving! This morning, I was so excited because I saw a father walking his three little boys to school!

Thanks for listening! I just wanted to remind you that I'm out here and loving each moment of every day that God allows me to be here, in His presence. I hope you can also remember to thank him for each of  your precious moments. With Love, from Arandis ~ Anna G