McMahon September 2021

So much has happened in the past few months! The regular school year ended on July 9, and then students participated in the all-school recitation showcasing this year’s knowledge and skills. I, with the help of classroom teacher Miss Shibre (pronounced Shi-bray), led grade level 2 students in a tri-lingual version of “Come into His Presence Singing Alleluia.”

Simultaneously, I participated in a graduate level music education workshop sponsored through Gordon College. As hard as it is to learn a communal art individually (picture me, folk dancing in my living room by myself), I was tremendously thankful to be able to take advantage of the class remotely. Plus, I have already used what I learned with the students here!

Solo folk dancing during my online class

During the following three weeks, teachers led activities with resident children. I joyfully taught all of them music. Remember, I am unable to teach older students during the school year due to their rigorous national curriculum. But how wonderful to witness their swift progress during such a short time. We even held a culminating mini-recitation which included a live art demonstration, history of the periodic table of the elements, a practical Excel presentation, and two sung canons and a folk dance (that I led). Everyone expressed their appreciation for the addition of my music skills in the school.

Teaching grade 8 students the folk dance “Old Brass Wagon”

Grade 7 students presenting on the periodic table

Following this time of very full schedules, I got to enjoy a time of relative quiet due to the annual family visit for all but nine resident children. For three weeks they got to reconnect with extended family members and experience life outside of the Village while helping cook, clean, babysit, and share what they are learning here. One girl even got to lead her grandmother to saving grace in Jesus Christ! Praise the Lord!

I have now passed my one-year mark! Can you believe it? I am so thankful to God for keeping me safe and healthy overall. I am lacking in nothing, and truly there is so much joy and love in my heart for the people I get to serve. I currently have a surplus in my account, but it is not enough to cover the whole next year’s expenses. If you donate yearly or quarterly, this is a good time to do so. Also, feel free to share this letter with anyone interested. I could never have too many prayer supporters! And as always, I love to hear from you. Email, call, or text me to let me know how you are doing.

Now the beginning of school is right around the corner. Will you join with me in prayer for:

• Swift and excellent completion of the two school buildings (primary and secondary).
• A strong beginning to the new year amidst continuance of COVID protocol.
• Peace throughout Ethiopia and true godly wisdom for the leaders.
• God’s encouragement during times of homesickness or cultural fatigue.
• My good planning for the new school year and all activities.

Thank you!

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