New Seasons

A World Vision Caregiver provides a bed net to a family
The seasons are turning here. We have left the dry, cool days of Zambian "winter" and are moving into warmer days that will culminate with the rains in November. Growing up in Colorado I remember how the heat would build throughout a summer day and then explode in a storm in the afternoon. That is essentially the next three months here - each day warmer and hotter until finally the rains start.

A lot has happened since we last wrote. The good news is that Lucas and his siblings are all back together with their mother. It was a long process with lots of turns, but they are together and it is good. Also, thanks to many of you, a new home is being constructed for them to have a permanent place that is their own. The house should be done in the next 4-5 weeks. We've missed Lucas, but have also felt the peace and simplicity of having just our own original family.

Today started a new chapter for us too - Home schooling, a.k.a. The Dykstra Academy (I'm the Principal, Janitor, PTA pres. current events and bible study teacher, and room dad - Molly's doing 95% of the work). The kids were excited to start in earnest after some orientation and trial run days on Thursday and Friday last week.

In the midst of guests, having an extra kid, etc. etc. Molly managed to get organized and ready to teach a great curriculum. She has had a few moments of, "I can't believe I've taken this on..." But as we've gotten closer to starting she has gotten more excited. She wrote in her journal this morning...

"If we give the kids this year a smattering of world history - an understanding of the flow of time and major events, some good guided writing time, copying great quotes each day, the ability to take notes, read and ask good questions, consistent exposure to beautiful literature, poetry and scripture then we are giving them a great gift."

I would add 9 months of time learning with their mom and one another in this environment will be another gift. We can already sense that this is a year we will always look back on and treasure.

I remain grateful for the work I get to be a part of here. The heart of what we are trying to do is improve the lives of orphans, widows, and the many people in this country who have been affected by HIV/AIDs - The best part is that we are doing this by providing resources that allow Zambians to help Zambians. There are more than 12,000 Zambian volunteers just like the one pictured above who are making a difference in hundreds of thousands of lives across the country and for that we can all be grateful.

Goodnight from Zambia.