The challenges have been the heat and the kids behaviour – its been such a big change for them both and I think Ninza has shown it by his disobedience and naughty behaviour, and Safila by complete clingyness to me – she’s gone back to screaming even if Martin has her let alone anyone else! However, over the last 2 days Ninza in particular has improved loads so we know its just a phase while we get used to life here. For me, another challenge has been the lack of the convenience of mod cons! one example that sums it up well is how I spent ages washing our linen and towels yesterday (by hand) and just got them hung up to dry when the line snapped and they fell into loads of orange mud and stones. Needless to say I wasn’t the happiest person around as I had to start all over again! We are going to be looking for a washing service until our container arrives with the washing machine!

In terms of progress on the plans for the school, things have been slow this week due to a couple of puplic holidays and just finding our feet, but we have managed to speak to an architect who is going to do a site survey and then a site layout plan which will give us a clearer idea of how things will look at each phase of the building. He is also going to finalise the classroom and house designs for us which is exciting. We have also been in contact with Borehole drillers so that that can be done soon as water is needed for any building work to commence. This coming week Martin will be travelling to Namibia to pick up the car, and when we have that we will be more free to travel up to Kapiri for meetings, site work and house hunting.

We are thankful for: wonderful family and Church who have helped us settle in quickly; the smooth journey and that the kids are getting used to things now

We would value prayer for: safety as Martin drives the car back (it is a 19 hour drive!) and me with the kids while he’s gone; progess to be made on getting hold of the legal documents for the land; further support to come in as we have realised once again just how expensive things are here (fuel costs the same as in the UK, milk costs £1.50 for 4pts, phone calls cost way more as you can only get pay as you go and it eats up your money like you would not believe and generally everything is expensive even though wages are low!)

As we chat to people and the kids around where we’re staying, we are reminded once again of the need for good quality education and the fact that this is exactly where we are meant to be, so we continue to feel motivated and excited as we see plans for the Vinjeru School progressing.

Please keep your news coming too, and continue to pray for us!

Martin and Karolyn Simbeye