I think we are all asking that question. Where did 2025 go? I know “they” say that time goes faster as you get older, but at 62 years of age, I can confirm that notion. We have an expression on Project Canaan that says, “every day is a week,” because so much happens in a single day. Earlier this week I looked at my watch thinking it was close to 3 PM and it was only 10:30. Sheesh!
And then so much more happened.
The school year runs from January to December in Eswatini, so we only have a couple of weeks left of school. Last week the Kindergarten students got to visit the Primary School for a day. It was my birthday that day, and they all burst into the best rendition of “Happy Birthday” when they saw me. It sure made my day! From there, the day went downhill for some of them, and some of them LOVED it. Next year will be a new adventure for these little ones.
Grades 1–7 spent the past one to two weeks doing IEB Primary School Initiative exams, and this was the first time for them to write these types of exams. They all said they were very intense, but this is the beginning of a proper examination process that we will continue annually. We are pleased with the Grade 6 and 7 results, but we know we can do even better next year.
Kindergarten graduation is on Friday, November 28th, and our very first Primary School graduation will be on Thursday, December 4th. While the graduates are really excited about graduating, they are even more excited about Bhuti Bryan (Throgmorton) coming for their graduation. Thank you, Bryan, for making the trip back. It’s a really big deal to us all.
When our kids turn 14 years old, part of their birthday gift is getting to go out for dinner with a friend and a staff member of their choice, along with one of our volunteers. This week Ben went to Nkonyeni for dinner with Teri McClure, Janice and Roy Johnson, and he chose Timothy and Bhuti Allen to go with them. Of course, Allen’s wife Thobie and new baby Avi got to attend too, so it was a great celebration. We are so thankful to our volunteers who come and give these special birthday gifts.
Our 13-year-old birthday gift is E200 ($12 USD), and they get to choose a friend to go to town with for a shopping trip. This usually happens when we have volunteers here so that they can enjoy watching the kids choose what they want to spend their precious money on. Some (mostly boys) spend their money on snacks (LOTS of snacks). Girls usually buy some kind of clothing (flip-flops are a favorite). Then there is Ben. Last year, Ben used his birthday money to buy everything needed to throw a birthday party for himself—and he invited all 40 of his housemates! That’s our Ben!
Our kids are growing so fast. The boys’ voices are changing, and we now have real bass singers in the senior choir. It is SO awesome to hear them, and they are proud of it. Acne is real in both boys and girls, and we are upgrading our deodorant brand for some of them. Ian and I are so very proud of them. We have hired a wonderful full-time counselor, and our children (and staff) are starting to go deeper in their learning of emotional intelligence, self-control, and getting “tools in their toolbox.” And it’s working! (I know all my mental health friends are laughing at me… and applauding.)
Last, but not least, we need your help. I am told that many ministries and charities are struggling this year with the economic uncertainties we are all facing. Heart for Africa is also facing this challenge, and we need your support more than ever. Would you prayerfully consider making a year-end gift that will allow us to finish 2025 strong by paying all of our bills, suppliers, and staff? I am personally asking you—who just read this whole blog—to make a gift today. Thank you in advance for helping us fight hunger, care for orphans, decrease povrty, and provide education.
Thank you.
Janine