September - back to school and more ...

September - Back to School and more …

Morris and I are grateful for media sources that keep us aware of what’s happening in our world and at home.  For the first week (or so) of September, my Facebook feed (like yours) has been peppered with tons of pics and posts of ‘back to school’.   I curiously read of parents taking their 3 – 5 year olds to pre-school or Kindergarten for the first time.  Then I browsed the narratives of families dropping their ‘young adults’ off at University or College.  I was fascinated with how similar the emotions were in both scenarios – excitement and tinges of heart wrenching nostalgia.  For younger parents, they hardly believe their ‘babies’ are ready to explore a new world - their first educational institution. For families of high school graduates, they barely imagine their ‘babies’ are now transitioning into adult domain. As I scanned these stories, I quickly reflected on the day we ‘released’ Erica and Stephanie to their initial schooling experiences (Kindergarten and Post-Secondary).  Some emotions are apparently common ground for many of us.

This year, school is still a part of our family life. Stephanie has returned to her second year of an Education Support Program at Conestoga College in Kitchener.  She will have opportunity to do some substitute teaching now as well, which is exciting for her.  September for Morris marks the completion of his first university degree: MA in Leadership from the University of Guelph. He has worked very hard for the last 18 months, particularly since this covered three appointments and our biggest life transition to a new home and leadership role in a developing country. We will be celebrating his graduation on October 21!  As for Erica and myself, we aren’t doing any formal studies right now but we are still in learning mode.  Along with being the mother of two little ones, Erica is becoming her own entrepreneur with two ventures – her Doula business as well as learning the ropes of being a Property Investor.  She is also now ‘teacher mom’ (along with teacher dad) to Anna-Lynne whose pre-school comprehension includes knowing her colors, her alphabet and she can count to 20, though she isn’t yet 3 years old!  I think she will be ready for school next year. :)  For me, my schooling life is about trying to improve my writing skills and learn more Swahali.  

To bring my focus back to Kenya, a few other schooling matters grabbed my attention this month. I walked to the ‘house’ next to THQ on Wednesday to deliver new t-shirts to our boys program, thanks to a kind donation from a friend in the US.  Here the Salvation Army offers an education and social setting to young boys who live on the streets in Kakamega. The program is called “Martha’s Boys”. Most of these boys, ranging from age 8-26 years, have little clothing - many only what they wear, made obvious by the washing we see them doing every day.  Their faces lit up as they donned their new shirts (pic below). They come from tough ‘family’ situations and many find no recourse but to sleep on the streets. They are welcomed at our program every day for a meal, learning social skills, and engage in classroom education.  In October, we will celebrate that 12 of them are enrolling for their high school final exams! My scope of emotions that day radiated from the joy of how we are able to help these boys to a sadness that unlike many reading this blog, family life is not the boys’ best asset. A good friend of mine recently shared with me how her 21 year old grandson wrote a beautiful letter of appreciation to his parents this year for their birthdays.  What a gift! How I wish these boys could know a fraction of the family love so many of us take for granted.

The toughest school story, however, is a very tragic one - a chronicle even tougher than hearing that the August election in Kenya was ruled ‘null and void’ because of corruption in the voting system. Kenyans go back to the polls on October 17.  In spite of all the focus on the country’s political woes, what reached the heart of the Kenyan people was the devastating report out of Nairobi that nine girls died when a high school dormitory was burned out last week. Unfortunately, arson is suspected. A 14 year old girl is now in custody and accused of murder and arson. So sad. Morris and I have visited many boarding school dormitories. They are often small rooms with large numbers of students sleeping in tightly fitted bunk beds. I imagined the panic when fire broke out. The news reported the heartache of the families. As I pray for the families who mourn so deeply, I also pray that the young girl implicated in the tragedy will find a better way forward in her life.  

Beyond what is happening here in Kenya of course, we are also conscious of many horrific world events this month - hurricanes throughout the southern States and Caribbean, earthquakes in Mexico and Italy, and monsoon rains causing exponential flooding in South East Asia leaving 1.8 million children unable to go school.  So many lives are torn apart and communities struggling to manage all the brokenness. 

Not sure what this September brings to you. Perhaps my musings bring to mind your own memories or increases your level of gratitude.  We live in a ‘both/and’ world.  Many of us have incredible blessings AND the lives of others are laced with disaster and grief.  I hope this blog prompts you to remember those in our world who need our prayers and our financial support. Let’s turn our empathy into action. We can all make some difference.

Let me close with the truth of one of my favorite songs in the Salvation Army songbook.

This is my Father’s world

O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong

God is the ruler yet.

23 boys who attend the Marthas Boys program along with their teacher, Vincent, and 

Major Beatrice Musieni, the Social Sponsorship Secretary 

After donning their t-shirts, they wanted a photo with me as well.