Author name: Lois Gillespie

Here we are again at the end of another trimester. We are 2/3 of the way through our first year. It’s really hard to believe; time has flown so quickly.

Friday is leaving day for our students. A lot of families will be traveling; so again, we ask you to pray for safety on the roads and in the air. School resumes again on April 10th.

Your prayers of last week were answered in that I didn’t have any phone problems while my co-worker was gone. We did have some lines taken out by the lightning, but that was a problem to be handled by the local phone company. The person who maintains the phone system will return today, so I feel relieved.

We have no travel plans for this break. Instead Bob and I both have projects to do and things we want to accomplish. We’re looking forward to having some time to do these things.

Thank for your letters, e-mails, and prayers. We love and appreciate them all.

Wow, I’ve been so busy today I almost forget to get this out. But it’s become very important to us – we feel like we’re reaching out and touching – and we love to know you’re praying!

For me, this will be a very busy week to come. Our Technology Coordinator is gone for a week’s break, so I will have to field all requests for not only network, e-mail and computer support, but also phone support as well. I’ve even tried “I don’t do phones”, but some at ICA have a bad case of selective hearing! My prayer – that NOTHING goes wrong with the phone system. (I sure could use my friend Luke who does do phones.)

Since we are in the last week of the trimester, Bob is busy with finishing coursework and preparing finals. Because our students have a longer break than in state schools, teachers try to finish a subject matter within the trimester. It also makes it easier for students coming back on furlough or just leaving – something we have to consider often.

We’ve had a few really awesome thunderstorms with cloud-emptying downpours. Since these are the first in a few months, and since it’s averaging 99 in the shade, the students run out to play in the rain as soon as it starts. The only thing we try to stop is playing in the rain when the lighting is close. Other than that, it’s a campus-wide activity.

Suggestion for WMF or other missionary support groups: we can schedule a time to chat over AOL Instant Messenger. Find your church computer guru to set you up and we can chat during your next meeting!

Thank you for your e-mails encouraging us with your support. It means a lot to us.

We’ve survived again – our 2nd stint in the junior high boys’ dorm is history. Even though all goes well, it is an exhausting experience and gives us much better understanding for the life of a dorm parent. We’re glad to help out when we can, but are thankful God is using us elsewhere in our time at ICA.

The yellow flag of caution flew over the campus on Monday, as there were worker strikes in Bouake, and possible demonstrations. The fuel truck drivers in Abidjan were also on strike, and we were encouraged to conserve, not knowing how long the strikes would last, and how it would affect us. It seems both of these strikes have now been resolved without violence.

Some of you have written about your winter weather. Bob and I are having a hard time remembering winter – the temperatures here have been in the upper 90’s in the shade. So far, humidity hasn’t been a problem since we are in the dry season, but we are told that when the rains come, the humidity and the temperatures combined will drain the energy from all of us. 

Pray for Bob as he is really busy making worksheets, quizzes, and tests for every chapter for every subject that he teaches – a first-year teacher sort of thing. He feels he doesn’t have time to be creative with his teaching, and is looking forward to next year when he can use already prepared handouts and have a chance to have more fun with the subject matter. Since we’re not exactly novices to the teaching profession, he knew to expect this, and knows it will be better next year. 

Network concerns (including viruses) are keeping me busy, as usual. I don’t ever have a moment when I feel caught up. There’s always some computer not working, or some network application not doing what it should. If I let myself, I could spend all my waking hours with the machines, not the people, which would defeat our reason for being here.

Thank you once again for your prayers. We invite you to write and share your concerns with us so that we can pray for you also.