The Rodgers Tribe

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Character


This past week Hannah's school had an awards ceremony. There were awards for perfect attendance, character kids awards, and The Panther Gold award for each class. The students have been learning about different character traits throughout this year that are important for them to have. The Panther Gold Award was the best award to get since it meant that you exhibited a lot of the character traits. Hannah received a certificate for "Kindness" and "The Panther Gold Award."

Going to public school has been a good experience for Hannah although it has been tough at times. She has learned a lot about American culture, friendships, and living out her faith in addition to what she has actually been learning in all of her subjects. Every day on the way to school we pray together. Many days I would pray several things for Hannah: a) that she would do her best in her schoolwork, b) that she would be kind to others even when they are hard to be kind to, and c) that she would be a good witness. We don't always see how God answers our prayers but I'm thankful for these tangible awards that she won. I think it is going to help her to remember that we always are making some kind of difference in others lives. It can be a good difference or a bad difference, it is our choice. Too often if we follow after the world or our friends we make the wrong choices in our behavior which can impact those around us in a negative way. However, if we choose to follow God's way for our lives we can impact others in a positive way. I'm so proud of Hannah for doing the right thing!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Swimming

This is the pool where Kevin and I have been swimming 3 times/week since we have been in the states. We have really enjoyed exercising together.

For the last several weeks Hannah has been able to take swimming lessons. She has done really well especially since she has not had many lessons before. The pic. above is of her class. Yes, she was the only girl in the class. We are so thankful she had the opportunity while we were in the states to take some lessons. Hopefully, she can continue learning once we get back to Zambia since we will live near a pool.

I didn't get very good pics. and my battery ran out but I wanted to at least put a couple pics. on here.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Our time is coming to an end....

Well, our time in the states is coming to an end. We got medical clearance last week and then our flight schedule very shortly after that. We will be flying out of Raleigh on the 19th of March and arriving in Lusaka, Zambia on the 21st of March. We are all excited about going back to Zambia but at the same time it will be hard to leave Zach here. Please just pray for us in these next six weeks to get everything done that needs to be taken care of. Also, that we continue to make memories that will last for a long time in the few weeks that we have left. Saying bye this time will be the most difficult ever so pray for us as we prepare to do that. We really do appreciate all of you who lift us up in prayer.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Feb. 2nd Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2, and according to tradition, if a groundhog comes out of his burrow and does not see his shadow, then he will come out, thus predicting that winter will soon end. But if the groundhog does see his shadow, then that is supposed to mean we are going to have six more weeks until the coming of spring. How accurate are the forecasts given by these rodents on Groundhog Day? Some studies have shown that the results have an approximate 80% rate of accuracy!

This time around, much of the humor for many people has merely been the fact that the beloved groundhog predicted an early spring -- even in spite of the fact that there are currently snowstorms ravaging most of America. However, where we are in NC it is a beautiful day and around 65 degrees!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Happy New Year!

My first blogpost for 2011! A whole new year of stories and pictures to look forward to.

Wow...2010 was a great year. Challenging? Yes. Frustrating at times? You betcha! However, it is through these challenging times that we grow closer to God. As I review this past year in my mind I'm thankful to see God's hand leading and guiding us through good times and bad times. We have been in the states for our furlough time since the end of July and will go back to Zambia in March. It will be hard to go back as a family of 4 and not 5 as we have to leave our oldest son Zach here in the states so he can go to college. I'm so thankful that just like God's mercies are new every morning they are also new in this new year.
What will 2011 hold? I'm not sure, but I can guarantee it won't be easy or without obstacles. But I do know the One who directs my path. So I'm welcoming 2011 with excitement and anticipation, knowing that the best is yet to come.

This past weekend we had a reunion of missionaries that have served in Zambia over the last 10 years or so who happened to live close to Greer, SC. I think this was a great way to start this new year. As we met for fellowship this weekend we remembered the past and looked forward to the future in prayer for one another. Some of these people I had not seen in 10 years so it was so much fun to reconnect. This has been one of my highlights for this furlough!

Here is a group picture of everyone who was able to come.(Kevin and Suzie Rodgers, Ricky and Niki Cook, Helen and Les Neely, James and Cindy Strange, Alan and Jessie Parrish, Meredith Futral, and Paige Thompson Greer-and everyone's kids)