When can we go?
We had hoped that Madagascar’s airspace would reopen so that we could go back in the normal way. However it became clear to us that this probably will not happen any time soon. Then we’ve looked at the northern island of Nosy Be. Tourism is still allowed there. That would have been a possibility, but it was clearly stated that tourists from so-called "second wave" countries would not be allowed in. As you might understand it is extremely frustrating at times to see an opening, and then it is not really open after all.
Tickets are Booked!
Yep, you’ve read it correctly! We have booked the tickets for our return to Madagascar. Africa Inland Mission has good links with humanitarian organisations. One organisation flies on a weekly basis to Madagascar with relief aid. AIM has asked whether we can fly back to Madagascar with them. That was not a problem at all!
Yes! The relief flights depart from South Africa to Madagascar. So, after receiving confirmation, we still had to see how to get there. We were able to book a flight with KLM. At KLM, we get a discount, because we are once again booked in as humanitarian workers.
When?
We hope to depart from Schiphol on January 8. It is a direct flight to Johannesburg where we will arrive at 22:05 in the evening. Then we have enough time to collect all our suitcases and sleep for a few more hours before we travel on January 9 at 09:00 to Madagascar.
Financial
We are so happy we can go home! However, we are now facing additional costs. Despite the fact that we can fly with discounts, we are still at least 3000 Euro short. Yet we believe that we should not let this deter us. We have confidence that this gap will also be closed. The work we are allowed to do on Madagascar would never have been possible without you and many others. We would like to ask you to alongside us in prayer but also financially. Every gift is welcome and every gift is valuable! You will find more information about support at the bottom on this page.
Nervously Exciting
Given the increasing unrest regarding all measures, we find it very exciting. For the time being, we do not expect flights to South Africa to be cancelled (but that we live in a crazy time does not need an explanation). We want to trust the Lord in everything. But we too are sometimes disappointed. Our courage sometimes sinks in our shoes. Feelings sometimes fly in all directions, but it is precisely in those moments that we hold more tightly to God’s word: Psalm 55:23 “Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will sustain you” We greatly appreciate your prayer.
Finally, we wish you a very blessed Christmas and a prosperous 2021! Will we together look forward to the work the Lord will do in 2021? 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “He [God] who calls you is faithful, and keeps his promise.”
Please pray for us and with us.
We are grateful because:
- We serve a great God;
- we were able to book;
- we know we are supported a lot by a large constituency.
Pray for that
- nothing interferes;
- our friends in Madagascar;
- we may continue to trust in the Lord in everything;
- the financial situation;
- all preparations before our departure;
- peace!!
For parents home education takes a lot of (extra) time. No problem though: the children can help! Teens can cook and clean well and even a toddler can help clear away the dishes. Having the children do (more) chores not only frees the parents to home educate, but also gives children a sense of responsibility and belonging. The children might grumble and complain a bit in the beginning, but with the necessary compliments for a job well done they are sure to grow into it. 😀
Much research has been done to discover the best time of day for learning tasks. For most of us the best time to concentrate deeply is in the morning around 10. Find out what subject requires most of your child’s attention and let him sit down to it around 10 am for the best results. If 10 am is a particularly unsuitable time, you can alternatively choose for one a half hour after lunch or supper, although our concentration peak is somewhat lower at those times of day. Happy studying!
Reading is key to all further learning and paticipation in society. The ability to read is one of the most precious gifts you can give to your child. Therefore: read to your child, at least until he can read fluently himself (longer is allowed 😀). Enjoying books together whets your child’s appetite for reading, gives him a feel for language and builds his vocabulary. Secondly, have your beginning reader read to you daily – also at least until he reads fluently. Don’t be surprised if this takes long: 10 years or older is no exception for reading fluency. Reading together is one of the best investments in your child’s future.
Home Educators need grace and mercy in abundance.
This is what happens when someone puts ‘just a little to much’ soap in the dishwasher…
There seems to be no end to what can be learned. In the primary years we focus on reading, writing and arithmetic to use them later as tools for further studies. Once we gain an appetite for learning, the possibilities are manifold: we can learn a new hobby or game, taķe an online course, learn a language … Learning can be enjoyed by young and old, gives us healthy challenges and provides stimulation. So what would you like to learn – or teach your child – today?
About a year ago, on a Thursday morning, Jurgen was telling the bible stories to the king of Tsiombivohitra. There was another man in the house, an older man. Jurgen did not know him and asked his name: Iaban’i Roly. The coming weeks iaban’i Roly joined the meetings in Tsiombivohitra. After getting to know each other a bit better it turned out that the man officially lived in our village. The reason Jurgen did not see him there yet? Iaban’i Roly was building a new big house (trano-be) and until it was finished he lived somewhere else.
Okay, why telling this? Well, the appointment is very interesting. Iaban’i Roly is not only one of the king of Maroamboka, he is also considered to be a important and powerful witch doctor. Together with his ‘colleague’ witch doctor he has costumers from all around the area. He even receives people from the capital, Antananarivo. They come especially to get a ‘blessing’ or something else only he can provide. The Malagasy fear him. We are not worried. Although the stories are very clear on the practices of the witch doctors, Jurgen is there because he has been invited. He just couldn’t let go of this invitation.
