Newsletter for July 2006
Namaste from the Thomas Family in Mussoorie, India
In our previous newsletter, we reflected on what we learned during our first year in India. We are grateful for God’s provision during that year of difficult transitions.
The school sent Barbara to attend a writing workshop in Thailand during the summer break. We all went early, to enjoy some relaxation time before Barb learned new tips and techniques for teaching writing, specifically to linguistically diverse, multicultural children. This will be valuable in her new classroom of first and second graders, in the international setting of Woodstock.
Barb has drawn on her Christian Education background in starting Sunday School at our small local church, St. Paul's. She will also be in charge of Adult Education this year. She is now preparing curriculum for the elementary after-school Friendship Club, and the weekly Middle School/High School Sunday evening chapel. We hope to host an FMBS (Friday Morning Bible Study) for high school students, as well as more regular dinner and movie nights at our home when school resumes. Jeff has volunteered to be the organist at St. Paul’s, and provide technical support for the pastors’ computer needs. He also starts a heavy workload this semester, supervising a computer programming class in addition to teaching other classes and training teachers in the use of technology. We ask for prayers and wisdom to prioritize needs, and to use time wisely. Now that we are more acclimated to the mountain roads we are prayerfully considering the purchase of a motor-scooter, to ease shuttling between home and school and churches and town.
Chris and Cole ended the academic year on a positive note. The time and effort they put forth towards their studies at this more challenging school paid off. We are grateful to those of you who kept them in your prayers.
The start of our three-month monsoon season began in July. We pray for positive spirits especially during this time. The clouds actually envelop the town most of this period, with dense fog, mist and drizzle interspersed with torrential rains, and occasional glorious sunshine. The story of Noah’s forty days in the flood rings true, especially in the splendor shown when the rain subsides and the sun’s rays sparkle on the valley below.
We pray that the hopeful allegory can apply as well to the explosive clouds over the Middle East and in South Asia. The recent terrorist bombings in Mumbai and Srinagar remind us that in recent years, more civilians have died from terrorist bombs in India than in any other country. Here in the hills, we feel blessedly remote from any danger; but we hope our presence can contribute in some way to bringing peace.
As always, we thank God for friends, family, and supporters who by your prayers and financial support have allowed us to represent you here in India.
Blessings,
Barb, Jeff, Chris, and Cole Thomas
Weblog at thomasindia.blogspot.com