• We celebrate all the work that has been done on the campus of the The Esther School. The first teachers’ home is complete, the preschool/kindergarten classroom is complete, and the library/clinic is nearly complete as well! The team enjoyed working alongside the Zambian crew as together they worked diligently to complete the library.
• Other members of the work team enjoyed making curtains for the teachers’ home using foot treadle sewing machines similar to their grandmother’s! They made the house ready for the North America teachers that will one day be living there.
• Eight area pastors and their wives were encouraged, built up, and trained by the pastor and his wife from Ontario, CN that were part of the team. Connections with these pastors will be very important as the school prepares to open and relationships with parents and community leaders are forged.
• A highlight for the work team was visiting with/hosting puppet shows and a VBS types program for the children in the area. So many young lives eager to receive love, instruction, and encouragement. Smiles and joy-filled hearts abounded!
• Another highlight for all on the trip was the daily fellowship and spiritual nurture that took place among team members. When people work hard together all day giving their very best to their labor, they feel great – so used by God. So when its time to list the God-sightings for the day, it’s not difficult. Over and over again each person can recount how he or she saw God at work. Each has tender eyes.
• Down the road from The Esther School is a Bible College that is growing and expanding. Several members of both teams visited the college. Everyone became very excited over the announcement that Nursing, Education, and Business tracts are planned for the future. We began to talk about possible partnership arrangements with the Bible College. It will be such a great arrangement for children who go through The Esther School and then hope to go on to college. The Bible College will be a continuation of their Christian schooling.
• Nearly 100 returning counselors were trained by the training team. It was great to get feedback on clubs and club activities. We were so encouraged to hear what the girls are learning and how much they are enjoying their clubs. As expected, several of the previously organized clubs are currently struggling. Life is hard in Zambia, and when poor health or desperation from lack of cash/food takes over, the women have no choice but to drop their club participation and focus on getting food for their families. But the women at training are strong. They are determined. They want to succeed and be the best GEMS counselor they can be.
• Six new clubs were started. And all the women now trained as counselors are excited to go back to their home churches and start GEMS! Many, many more could have been started; however, resources are limited and the need for Sister Clubs from North America to sponsor more clubs is significant. To help reduce expenses we are field-testing a new plan whereby capable, seasoned counselors from areas at a significant distance from the capital city, Lusaka, where training is held, are recruited, trained, and equipped to go back to their areas and teach and train the women there. We are excited to see how God will use these women in their own areas this year.
• Both teams visited The house that GEMS Built and the orphan children that live there. The children have grown so much! All are well and seem so content and happy. We heard good reports from their progress in school and are so thankful for our ability to continue to invest in the lives of these eight children and their wonderful momma, Florence.
• Hand picked by God: Getrude, who was one of the first girls we met in Zambia in 2005, will become the first preschool teacher at The Esther School!
• The first group of CITs (Counselors-in-Training) graduated to become counselors in a joyful celebration!

God again was generous with His leadings, safety, and security throughout the trip!