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.

Students and staff are now back to life as usual – for ICA, that is. Many enjoyed time with family and friends over the long weekend. Bob and I spent time with our Chaplain and his wife in Grand Basaam, the commercial center on the Atlantic coast for French West Africa in the early 1900’s. We enjoyed the fellowship as well the time to relax. 

This next weekend, we again pull dorm duty as we cover the 2-day break for the houseparents at the boys junior high dorm. We sailed through our last tour of duty, but this weekend could be different since the boys won’t be in school. Please remember us in prayer this weekend as we ‘parent’ 22 very normal junior high boys!

We also ask that you continue to pray for staffing concerns for the next school year. When we are understaffed, there is a strain on all of us as we try to cover more than we sometimes should (which is why we are covering houseparent time off). God’s grace has been sufficient, but some staff members are ‘running on empty’ and simply maintaining until Easter break.

Thank you for praying for us.

Penny Fair is finally over! Much to our amazement, when Saturday finally arrived, we were ready. When starting time rolled around, and parents, students and visitors came to call, we were prepared to show them a good time. I must say that Bob and I were surprised at the turnout. People had told us that the campus would be packed – everyone shows up – and they were right. It gave us a really warm feeling, and made us feel that all our efforts were not only to raise money for the Class of 2005, but to provide a wholesome fun time for the families of ICA. Although we could hardly drag ourselves home after the cleanup on Saturday, we felt that we would do it all over again if we had to. (And that’s a good thing, since next year, the Class of 2005 puts on the Food Court.) I’ve attached a picture of our class before the big event.

This next weekend is ‘Long Weekend’ – no Friday afternoon classes. Most students will either leave the campus for home or for a friend’s house. Some parents will come and take their kids away for the weekend. Very few stay on campus; those kids who are here actually enjoy the special attention they receive from the dorm parents, including special meals and outings. Please pray for all the traveling that we will do this weekend, keeping in mind the road conditions and the unrest in Cote d’Ivoire.

Speaking of the unrest, there have again been robberies and attacks in Bouake, some in the neighborhood where our Baptist Mid-Missions missionaries live and minister. At least one of these was rather violent. We have been encouraged to be very cautious when we go out (no jewelry, etc.). It has been suggested that we not to go out in the evening, go out only in groups, and not eat in local restaurants. Please pray for our safety; these robberies are being done by the same small group of thugs. Most of our friends in Bouake would protect us if given the opportunity; some of them are even being robbed.

Also, continue to pray for staff for next year. Specifically, we need more grade school and middle school teachers, as well as high school English, French, Math and Music. A building and maintenance supervisor is also needed. Do you know anyone who fits those categories and could come for even 1 year? Give them our e-mail address; we’d love to talk to them about needs.

Thanks again for taking us before the throne.