April 6

Dear Framily,

Snow in April

Some things seem so normal, and some things so foreign. I go home in the evening, listen to iheart radio, sweep the floors, look at FaceBook, and read a novel. Then we hear about the spiritual warfare that is going on in the dorm- night terrors, self-mutilation, outrageous reactions to simple requests by the dorm parent, quarrels, etc. Also, it’s weird not to be making my own meal decisions. SVIS sticks to the rigid state standards for the school lunch program. When we went off campus to SubWay and the girl asked what to put on the sandwich, I said, “Oh, I get to choose?!” It had been so long since I’d chosen my own lunch. (We have an excellent Chef, by the way, whom we appreciate very much.)

I’ve been trying to help my students understand that the Kingdom of God is upside-down. It is not like the Anglo world, and it is not like the Navajo world. Jesus wants us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek and be content and thankful. It’s not about my rights; it’s about putting the other people first. And a special gift of clothing from a dear friend (Thanks K*) also encouraged me to share the verses we memorized this week. The kingdom of God is about our clothing – what we choose to take off, and what we put on.

Col. 3:8 Put aside anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth and (Col. 3:12) put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other … just as the Lord forgave you.”

Another student has left our school. He was 16 and in 7^th grade. I know he felt safe here, and he had made a lot of progress. He was one who had thrown a Bible across the room the first week he was here. Towards the end, he was reading his Bible and saying things weren’t so bad here. He hopefully will study for his GED. The dorm dad tried to convince him to pass the GED and join the military. Talk about hopeless. But the Holy Spirit is the One who gives hope and changes lives.

So, we have another week of school until our Easter Break. Every teacher is emphasizing Jesus’ atoning death and victorious resurrection this week. We’re praying for hearts to be changed. And, as always, we thank you for praying with us.

Kids' Club