Introducing Evangeline

There's always lots of excitement and lots to do in the last weeks leading up to departure.  With the count down on, one of the new things I'm enjoying in preparing for this particular trip is getting to know Evangeline.

A recent graduate of WLU with an Honours BA in Film Studies, Evangeline is curious to see what God is doing in other parts of the world.  She responded to my invitation (through City Watch, KW's ministerial prayer group), and following two meaningful conversations together, her tickets were purchased!

We leave Tuesday, October 30th with the plane lifting off at 12:40 p.m.

So far, Evangline and I are thinking that we're going to get along just fine!  We seem to have a lot in common, not the least of which is a love for ice caps (I even know where we can get a pretty good one in Chiang Mai).   I am enjoying her calm demeanor combined with a splash of risky, being willing to embark in a first-ever off-the-continent adventure.

Evangeline will be most welcome at Hot Springs as we continue our English Literacy program with the children there.  The simple act of reading to or being read to is a powerful agent in assisting the children to become more confident of their English language skills.

We will take with us the bountiful outcome of the fundraiser book party held earlier this month through Usborne Books and the generous participation of so many.  Just for fun, here's a list of the new titles we are taking with us.

The Snow Queen
How the Camel Got His Hump
How the Elephant Got His Trunk
How the Whale Got His Throat
The Story of Baby Jesus
The Easter Story
Noah's Ark
Stop that Cow
Night and Day
Antartica

Photo Credit Kristyn Hiemstra

What is Poo?
The Perfect Pet
Late Night at the Zoo
Living in Space
Egyptians
Dinosaurs
Bugs
Ancient Greeks
Moon Zoom
On the Moon
Wild School
That's Not My Snowman!
Pirate Pat
Fox on a Box
Frog on a Log
Racoon on the Moon
Giraffe in the Bath
Kangaroo in the Zoo
Croc Gets a Shock
Snail Brings the Mail
Bug in a Rug
Shark in the Park
Llamas in Pyjamas
Goat in a Boat
Bee Makes Tea
Chimp With A Limp

A few things you might observe about the list.

One, all the rhyming titles do indeed provide a wide variety of simple books to encourage reading confidence.
Two, there's a combination of story and non-fiction to catch the varied interests of the children.
Some titles may or may not lend themselves as being more interesting for the boys, who up to this time have had to read a lot about little baby pets.  Of course we let the children choose the books they want to read, giving ample opportunity for non-gender-based reading.
Three, we're going to have a weight challenge again.  This is always the case, which is a happy problem to have.  With Evangeline coming along there will be more weight/space available, and we will do our best to bring every book.  If not, I will just some aside for the next time :).

As I was swimming/praying this morning I had that eager, happy realization that I will soon see all these beautiful faces again, be among community again, be welcomed into belonging again.  In this time of fasting from my own community here at home, my heart is hungry.  These days, I must confess, I pray harder that somehow, in the midst of all my heart receives while I'm there, I can bring enough to balance it out.

Photo Credit Dave Driver