Going Home Tomorrow
At the end of my first year at boarding school I was so excited to go home. I’d made a few friends and learned the ropes but hoped I wouldn’t ever return.
Tell Me the Story Again
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering … the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4,5 (NIV) “In place of our usual devotion time tonight, we have a special speaker,” the Dorm Uncle announced to the eager first-through-third graders gathered in the lounge. After dinner, I had expected our usual Bible reading in the dorm in our pajamas. Instead, we had walked from the dining room, across…
Pressure to Succeed
In first grade at boarding school I decided to cheat on a test and hoped I would get sent home. I missed my little brothers and new baby sister.
A Bundle of Joy
Photo credit: Rainstorm at Miango Rest Home, Nigeria. Courtesy of Tabitha Plueddemann. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. (Job 11:18 NIV) The heavy tropical rain beat like a drum on the tin roof of the school building. Its rhythmic ratta-tat-tat soothed my spirit and fed my daydreams while it drowned out all other classroom noise. My first-grade teacher raised her voice. “School is over for the week,…
Why Am I Here Again?
Photo: Room check at Kent Academy. Courtesy of Conni Townsend. “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry. (Psalm 10:17 NIV) Chirp, chirp, chi-ree. Chirp, chirp, chi-ree. As I opened my eyes, the bird-song floated through the window from the citrus trees outside. I moaned. Those aren’t Egbe birds. That means I’m not at home, so I must be at Kent Academy. I blinked back tears and pulled the covers over…
Back to Boarding School
Photo courtesy of Thadd Jackson: My friends Elizabeth, Rebecca, Jane, and Aunt Lavina in front of Camel Rock. As I watched out the side window, the bush airstrip and surrounding jungle fell rapidly away. The pilot circled around and dipped the wing toward the cluster of missionary families and Nigerian friends, their chins tipped skyward, hands shading eyes from the bright sun. They waved vigorously at the two mission planes whisking their children away to Kent Academy, 300 miles north….
Stocking Night
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10,11 (ESV) The warm tropical sun beat down on the tarmac of the playground outside the classroom window. I couldn’t seem to focus on my schoolwork. I’d like to go outside and play in the…
The Candy House
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) “Christmas will be here soon,” my first-grade teacher said. “In a couple weeks you kids will fly back to your parents on their mission stations for the holidays. Today you’ll make a Christmas craft to take home.” Twenty happy faces beamed around the sunlit classroom at the boarding school for missionary children in…
Shower Troubles
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:1,4 (NIV) “We hope you like it here at Kent Academy and soon feel at home,” the dorm auntie said with a welcoming smile the day I arrived for first grade at the boarding school for missionary kids in…
The Thumb-Sucker
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76 (NIV) “What are you doing?” The auntie’s dark, wavy hair appeared above my Curious George book, and her voice tugged my mind back from the jungle to the girls’ dormitory at our boarding school in Nigeria. “You shouldn’t be reading here in the lobby, slouched in that chair on this sunny afternoon.” At her brusque tone, I snapped my book closed and sat up…