"The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25

Many of us are wrapping up a year of homeschooling and thinking about what curriculum we will use next year. As we pore over homeschool catalogs and wonder how we will meet the needs of all the children God has placed in our care, our tension often mounts. I found a good antidote to this worry at the orphanage my husband helps.

There are three new girls living there now, and one of the older girls, only there a few months and recently having failed her sixth grade classes, was sitting with these new girls patiently sifting through their hair with a fine toothed comb for lice. It was such a vivid contrast, this child, like many here in Mexico may be 20 years old by the time she graduates, if she does.  The Mexican school system does not advance you until you complete the previous grade, so if you spent your first years of life on the streets, you will likely start school far behind. Another boy, fourteen years old will be repeating 6th grade next year. It certainly puts my fretting in perspective.

I have many children, of varying abilities, and some of them have serious struggles, but by the Grace of God, I am able each day to bring them a little further on the journey. By the Grace of God, I am also able to keep moving them forward, knowing that there are many ways to get a high school diploma, or to get a college education.

I am thankful to God for small ways to help these orphans, and for His mercy in allowing me to teach my own children. I am reminded to keep trials in perspective and enjoy the journey.

Jennifer Pepito-Chapel Editor