THREE WEEKS OF SCHOOL ALREADY!!!

It hardly seems possible that we are in the third week of school already.  We have 164 students enrolled.  This year we added the 11th grade. (but we don't have a 10th grade.)   High school takes teachers for special subjects so it has been a challenge to find the staff we need.  A number of students from last year moved to other areas or were taken out by their parents because of financial concerns.   The Lord faithfully provides so that we can cover expenses.  We are thankful for each of you who have had a part in the ongoing work of the Christian School in Portachuelo 

Every Monday morning starts with the National Anthem

Marion has 23 in kindergarten.  Her new helper is Rosa, lives in Montero, 12 miles away.  Rosa has a degree in educational sciences.  We are hoping she will want to stay in kindergarten and be Marion’s replacement but I'm afraid her heart is in teaching biology.

The end of another day in kindergarten

I have mentioned Bismar in my correspondence a number of times.  Bismar is the academic director of the school.  He is also involved in leadership in the assembly.  It has been a joy to see his spiritual growth over the past couple of years.  Thursday night he brought the message during the prayer and Bible study time.  He always begins with examples from what the Lord has been teaching him. 

Bismar and Ruthy with their two boys

Being the school director is a big job.  Especially since the government has instituted a new education program.  Bismar is swamped with paperwork.  The teachers are also swamped with paperwork and one of Bismar’s jobs is to make sure their paperwork is done so that he can do his.  His people managing skills are improving.  Bismar’s wife, Ruthy is the second grade teacher.

Ready to start mixing and pouring

The roof over the new classrooms has been poured.  The builder says it has to dry for three weeks before they can go back to work.  It is the rainy season so it gets frequent showers to keep it damp.  In the mean time the 9th grade is meeting in the back of the assembly hall.

This building will give us two more classrooms.  In two years we have to add the second story.    Then we hope to build another similar unit facing this one.  The department of education did an inspection awhile back. The school doesn't have a library or a science lab yet so we got points taken off.  We are still the best equipped school in town.