Tuesday, December 24, 2013

School Progress, New Teachers and New Subjects!

The students have worked hard this year and have made many nice pieces of furniture.  Recently Janet and I (Tamara) went to the vocational school Don Bosco in Iringa.  It is a Catholic school that has a lot of nice tools.  From what we can see, they make everything with electric tools.  They make some very nice things there.  We talked with the staff and students.   We visited the mechanics, sewing and carpentry areas.  I think we were both a bit surprised at what we heard and saw.  The staff was remarkable open with us about their challenges with teachers and students (dedication and reliability) and also their financial challenges.  Janet was amazed at the quality (and lack thereof) of the projects completed by the third-year students in the sewing department.  She inspected many articles closely and pointed out areas where improvements could be make.  The students and principle were happy to get her input.  They gathered around her as she inspected various articles and pointed out issues.  It was fun to watch.
The staff was surprised to hear that our students are learning to make furniture using only hand tools.  Janet explained that we are not an industry, but truly a training school.  Our goal is to teach these young people to be able to work wherever they go.  They will not be dependent on electricity and expensive tools to make a living.  They will be able to work anywhere and any village with just a few tools and the education they receive at the school. 

 The students have been learning a lot in the two years that they have been here.  Janet keeps a close eye on the work they turn out and offers suggestions for them to improve their skills and designs so they are not just "okay" but excellent.

One of the boys using hand tools here at EVFCM.



Expidito (to the right), our teacher, Justin in the middle and other students in the carpentry classroom.

Some very nice furniture the boys have made (and the boys.)
 The hard work and persistence is making a difference in many a young person's life.
The mechanic's bay has been sitting idle since being built since the person we had hoped would teach ended up going elsewhere.  But that all will change VERY SOON.  A teacher for mechanics has been hired along with a teacher for agriculture.  Soon the school will be teaching four different courses to help the young people to have a future.



Thursday, November 28, 2013

Lots of Baptisms

A lot has happened in the last months here at Eden Valley Mission.

Many of our students have chosen to follow the Lord and been baptized.  We rejoice over each one that gives his or her life to Him.





There have been three sets of baptisms this year.  Just last week the most recent baptisms took place.  One of the second year students, Expidito, has been studying and has been here but had not decided to be baptized in any of the sessions.  At this last session, he came, and asked to be included in the baptism.  He told our staff that he had been feeling the Lord calling to his heart for a long time, and knew that he should take his stand for Jesus and be baptized if possible.  The pastor agreed and added him to the group that were making their stand for Jesus.  This young man has been a very good student in the L.I.G.H.T. course also.  We were all very happy to see him and many others making this decision!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Old and Very Old News


Hello friends, Sorry it has been so long since there was an update. With so much to do, some things fall through the cracks, and unfortunately this blog has been one of those things. Tomorrow will make two YEARS since the last post, so we think it is time for an update. What do you think?
So much has happened in the last two years including the following:

The container that Deniece mentioned in the last post did arrive and the garage construction was completed.

With the help of many friends a new hydro-electric system was installed to provide electricity to the classrooms, staff houses and the church.  It has been a huge blessing. The students even have the ability to have a hot shower because it.
Quote from Janet, "I always hated working with electrical power issues. This power plant didn't come without its challenges in the beginning." There have been headaches and heartaches, including blowing up a $2000 inverter in one of the first lightening storms. This caused us to realize that we needed MORE protection on the system against electrical surges caused by such storms.





There were other challenges, and still having a little challenge with the 110 at Janet's house (okay it is more than a little issue - it doesn't work correctly at all.)  The system requires the intake to be cleaned three times a day in the river.  "We started by cleaning once a day. There were still issues. Then we tried cleaning it twice a day. There were still issues. Three times a day has cleared up the issues."
"We are thankful to Doug Schoch who has helped us tremendously with the electric system several times."

The electricity has allowed for additional teaching opportunities without the use of generators, such as last year doing evening health meetings in the church for staff and community using the projector. It is very helpful for our evening classes. It has allowed the L.I.G.H.T. program to be taught here at the school two times now using projectors and computers, also.  A picture is worth a thousand words. We praise the Lord for the electricity He has given us.   A big "THANK YOU" to all that helped to make the electricity a reality here.  Thank you to those who supported, those who prayed and those who worked so hard to make it work!

Last year we invited Doug, Tamara and Joshua Schoch to come and do the one month L.I.G.H.T. health training for the staff and students.  We were able to do one Health Expo in the village of Mago.  The Village Executive, the local elementary teachers including the Head teacher and many others attended.  It was a big success.


Deniece has run off and gotten married last year. "And left me all to my lonesome." We wish her the very best, but she is missed very much.   Before leaving she did get the new pews installed in the church.  They look VERY nice. 

Another project that got completed before Deniece left was getting the old student's kitchen removed which helped them to appreciate the new kitchen even more.