Jutting out from the green-painted walls, three shower heads loom dark and shadowy under the single lightbulb that lights the bathroom. I’m scared to take my first dormitory shower in this open room with a dozen other first-grade girls…. I’ve rewritten this story using the present tense, and I would value your honest feedback. Does this tense flow well and bring you more deeply into the story? Or does it sound awkward? What other thoughts do you have? Shower Troubles…
The noon siren wailed, telling us it was lunchtime at Kent Academy, the boarding school for missionary’s children in central Nigeria. “I’ve been waiting for hours to eat,” I said to the other first-grade girl next to me as I closed my desk drawer. “I’m starving.” She crinkled her eyebrows. “Are we having something good for lunch?” I shrugged. “The food here tastes weird to me, and I really miss my mom and dad. No matter how hungry I get,…
While living in a boarding school for ten years as a child and youth, I developed many necessary coping mechanisms. They got me through hours of loneliness, confusion, and grief. With the threat of a bad report card being sent home to my parents at the end of each term, I was motivated to measure up in my classes. At Kent Academy, I also got a Dorm Report Card covering my attitudes and actions throughout the day. Each week I…
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 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…
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…
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…
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 “My tummy hurts!” I said to my classmates, as three of us first-graders sat cross-legged, playing jacks on the front steps of the girls’ dorm. I rubbed the loose waistband of my shorts. One girl counted out ten tiny metal jacks and glanced up at me, squinting in the bright, African sunlight. “What’s the matter?” she asked. “I don’t…
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 “Good morning! Rise and shine!” The sing-song voice in the hallway tugged me awake from dreamland, and my eyes peeked open. “Morning! Time to get up!” Repeating…
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy … so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. Titus 3:4-8a (NIV) “It’s time for lunch, and I’m hungry as a lion,” said my roommate as four of us first graders stood in front of a row of sinks in the large bathroom of the girls’ dorm…