As in places all around the world, we weren’t quite sure how the 2020-2021 school year would look. We were not allowed to have students come to the school, so we prepared for at least one semester of online classes. In the beginning, we were a little concerned that we wouldn’t have any students register. The parents do not like the online classes, but right now, the government gives us no choice. When we first opened registration, we had around 45 students. But by the time registration closed at the end of September, we had over 150 students. Praise the Lord!
That being said, I have to say that this is probably my most challenging year as a teacher. We only have four teachers managing the online classes. I oversee sixth through ninth grade. That means I am grading and checking work for a total of 21 different subjects. I also must be able to answer any questions about every subject. Math has always been one of my weakest subjects, and now I’m answering questions and doing tutorials for four different math’s, from Arithmetic to Algebra. From the moment I wake up in the morning to the moment I lay my head down, I’m grading papers, checking books, and answering questions. Honestly, it’s exhausting. I wake up every day thinking that I can’t do it anymore, that today will be the day that I’ll break. But each and every day, God gives me the grace and strength to continue and somehow find the will to carry on. I find myself clinging to verses such as: Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”; and Ex. 15:2a, “The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God. . .” I thank Him for the strength to carry on!
On a brighter note, the church is running the bus routes again! It is exciting to see the sanctuary filled with people again. It is also encouraging to see my bus kids coming faithfully and wanting to serve. Michelle is one of my girls that has been coming with me since I started the route. She has been saved and baptized since then. Now, she has started helping in various capacities, including the nursery. Daniela and Nicol, two of my other girls, also want to be baptized and start helping in the ministry. I am thrilled to see God working in their lives!
Continue to pray for our school year and for the continued growth of Michelle, Daniela, and Nicol. Thank you for all your love and support!
Ericka Wright