Life is never dull with raising a large family…but when large means 70 plus girls of all ages, dull is simply never a word that comes to mind! And while leading a large family is not always easy or predicable, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I was reflecting on this after a particularly challenging day and I recalled that during my initial retirement, I did fun things (golf and fishing), but life was empty. As I sit here and enjoy the lush green grounds from the steady rains and the growing ecoVillage, I can truly say the girls bring me more joy and happiness than I thought possible. I haven’t provided an update on the girls’ progress recently, but we have been busy! Education and culture Preparing the girls for a future of financial independence and spiritual/emotional health remain our top focus.  I am thankful for all our tutors, volunteers and teachers who carefully watch over our girls; and while they perform well compared to their local peers, on a global or even developing country scale, there is much improvement needed. We are exploring additional programs to excel our girl’s ability to compete for the few opportunities available. In addition to the expanded computer labs, generous donors have purchased tablets for the girls to augment their learning. The younger girls use the tablets for self-paced learning while the older girls participate in self-paced math learning. Secondary girls use AI tools to help with homework in physics and math. Our teachers test the girls on their knowledge to ensure true learning is taking place. Our newly hired computer specialist is managing security but also teaching basic computer skills like word processing, letter writing, etc. Mama Flora (our lead teacher) has really upped the game on expanding the girls’ English skills and their overall education. The young kids (I like to call them the babies) absorb knowledge like sponges and will enter school trilingual (Swahili, Maa, and English)! Singing remains key to the girls. Many evenings, their voices can be heard outside the Center…not only do they emit joy when they sing, they give joy to others. The girls are asked regularly to sing at community events, graduations, church ceremonies. Most recently they were invited to sing at the African Culture Center in Arusha. It was a memorable and joyous occasion! Summertime fun Like others raising a large family, the girls are looking to their summer break from school. While we give them plenty of free time, we have learned they thrive when they are busy and have a schedule. Their weekdays will start early (6:00 am) with morning prayers and tidying their rooms. After physical exercise and breakfast, the girls will have Bible study followed by a variety of programs: computer, math, career center (gardening, animal care, baking and cooking). After free time and lunch, the afternoon is filled with sports and games. Dinner is followed by Bible verse sharing. The evening ends with watchingEnglish movies (a favorite way to practice English), shower and sleep. The weekends are a bit more leisurely, but the girls still rise at 6:00 am […]