We have dedicated teachers at CML Academy

Early September 2011, the learning process was interrupted in several Kenyan primary schools due to teachers strike. However, at the CML Academy it was learning as usual - we thank God for our committed and diligent teaching staff at the CML Academy. Because they value the kids and their future, they refused to yield to the peer pressure. Thank you to the teaching staff at CML Academy-you are appreciated! Well done to CML Academy Headteacher Madam Perez Okoyo for keeping the team focused!

July 28th 2011, Term 2 Prize-giving/closing day at the CML Academy

CML Academy Class Field Trip

As a reward for academic excellence, the top three students from each class at the CML Academy were recently treated to a field trip.

The morning of the outing was beautiful and sunny with a clear sky and lots of excitement as student's received their name badges and prepared to visit the Rongo Fish Farm & Nursery. Two trips were required to get all the students to the Farm and the ride itself turned out to be a big treat for several children who had never before ridden in a vehicle or been to Rongo.

The Rongo Fish Farm & Nursery is home to several fish ponds and a variety of trees.

Once all the students arrived the tour started with an introduction given by Mr. Moses, the Farm supervisor, and a brief explanation of the purpose of the Fish Farm. Mr. Moses then brought out a plastic jar containing a small tilapia fish. Some student's had never seen a live fish before - and when they were encouraged to ask questions the first was "How does a fish breath under water?". Teachers Mr. Mark Linus and Madame Grace took notes as the students learned all about fish.

Each student got a close-up look........

...and the brave one's even got to touch!

After learning about how the fish breath, live, swim, eat and

reproduce the students were ready to see more.

The next stop was the hatchery, where fish are cultivated and taken for breeding.

Then it was off to see the ponds.....

...and feed some fish!

After the tour of the ponds, the students were told about the benefits of tress, and encouraged to plant trees around their homes and school. Madame Grace was taking notes as the class was joined by Elisha Otewa, one of our CML Ministry volunteers.

Following the tour, each student received a tree...as did the CML Academy!

The next stop was town for a nice snack and a soda.

As you can see from the pictures everyone had a great day

and went back to school with a big smile and an even bigger fish story!

April Update

APRIL UPDATE

April isn't over yet, but so much has been going on we just couldn't wait to post an update!

We've had family members visit for the funeral of William's Aunt, finished Term 1 at the school, taught Bible Study classes, hosted the April Discipleship Camp, spent a day at the home of Collins Okoth and had Jullianne Waldrop from the U.S. visit with us for 2 weeks.

SCHOOL'S OUT!!!

Term 1 officially ended on April 4th, followed by two weeks of "tuition" (remedial classes). The kids have now gone home until May 2nd and we sure do miss their smiling faces. Before they left, our visitor Jullianne Waldrop, had a chance to help at the school - teaching Bible lessons, doing arts & crafts and teaching math and English. Below are few pictures.

Here Jullianne and the children are attending tuition do a "creative drawing" exercise. Even Madame Perez, the Head Teacher, participated!

This is Jim. Jim is actually too young to be in school but he was so cute & excited about drawing that we didn't have the heart make him leave. Jim is William's nephew and an orphan. His dad died a few years ago so Jim is now staying with us. When school starts back in May we'll enroll him in Baby Class.

Everyone was so proud of their art work and happy to show off their pictures!!

Besides doing a creative art class, Jullianne also taught the Bible Class one Friday.

Here she is sharing from scripture the story of Jesus welcoming the little children. She went on to talk about how He also knows and loves each of them. The students then made hearts to take home to remind them of how great His love is for them!

Below Prizier and the various classes display their hearts.

As you can see from the pictures it was a blessed time for all!

AWARDS DAY

Awards Day was held the last day of school to acknowledge those who have performed exceptionally well. Joined by students, teachers, parents and members of the community, William and I thanked them for their hard work and help in making the first Term a success.

Madame Perez leads the students in a song.

Parents and well wishers look on.

Below Jullianne Waldrop congratulates the top students and awards them a prize. We just loved this boys boots!

As a special treat all the students received toothbrushes and toothpaste compliments of ABC Family Dentistry in Greeneville, TN!

April Discipleship Camp

The CML Ministry holds Discipleship Camps 3 times a year and this April marked our our 11th Camp. The camps are always a favorite of the students - providing them opportunity to receive in-depth Bible teachings, develop critical thinking skills and practice their social skills.

Our theme was based on a Beth Moore Bible Study called "Believing God". The teaching sessions revolved around 5 Faith Based Statements; (1) God Is Who He Says He Is (2) God Can Do What He Says He Can Do (3) I Am Who God Says I Am (4) I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me and (5) God's Word Is Alive & Active In Me.

Here William is teaching about the "Attributes of God".

In this session I was speaking about "Moral Purity & Media".

Jullianne shared a personal testimony and encouragement during the session on "Relationships".

Between sessions the kids hang out and continue class discussions.

Lawrence enjoying a good laugh!

Everest read a poem he had written about loneliness.

Outdoor games were always preceded by warm up exercises. This may be what Lawrence was laughing at...lol!

Below -Brian, Everest, Charles, Jack & Collins lead praise & worship.

Tilly and Elisha are both CML Scholarship graduates who now volunteer as Camp facilitators. Below Tilly is speaking to her peers about "Self-Esteem" and Elisha was teaching the session on "God Can Do What He Says He Can Do".

Pastor Tim joined the Camp this year and taught several sessions, including this one on "I Am Who God Says I Am".

The third day of Camp we had an unexpected hail storm. Within 10 minutes we received several inches of hail that destroyed our garden and surrounding crops.

Crops like the sukuma wiki above, are staple food items in our community. It will take months for them to recover from the damage done by the hail.

VISITORS.....

With the funeral of William's Aunt on April the 2nd, we've had several family members visiting. I just had to take a picture when Movine, one of William's sisters, left with her children. One of the most common means of transportation used for short distance travel is the "piki-piki" or motorcycle. Below Movine and her 3 children all managed to squeezed onto one bike!

We also had a chance to visit the family home of Collins Okoth before Jullianne had to return to Nairobi. As you can see below, his sisters, cousins and mother Tabitha (right of Jullianne) all welcomed us. We had a delicious meal and the day provided a wonderful time for fellowship and making new friends.