Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Mt 10: 29-31)
We greatly appreciate those who read and pray over our updates! Below is our latest. Remember that if you -- or anyone else -- is interested in reading previous posts, these are available here
1. Going into to Bat for our Boy
In our last Jollt, that was written while still in a mild state of shock, we mentioned that the kids' school had informed us that they thought that we should find another school scenario for N. We have been greatly encouraged by the expressions of concern and promises of prayer that have landed in our inbox. Equally encouraging has been the advice and generous offers from people here that we've only known for a month, to give N some input. On September 21st, we met with the superintendent (headmaster/principal). We communicated our (a) dissappointment in the decision that Nathan should leave by Sept 28, and (b) concerns that this decision was made after 4 weeks in the classroom. We heard last week, that they will make a final decision about whether Nathan can stay at the start of mid-term break on October 18th.
While the way forward is still unclear, we now have a bit more time to think, pray, and plan. Phew & PTL! We'll also have the opportunity to get input from our home-school advisor who has just got back to town after a month-long trip away. Both of us are acutely aware of our need for input from people who know what N needs and how he can get it. We're aware that the school's decision could still go either way. The pigeons have been evicted from the balcony upstairs (that wasn't as easy as you think) in case we'll us this as a home-schooling space.
N is still unaware of what is going on. He's the happiest we've ever seen him, having bonded with people whose background, upbringing, and values are similar to his. He's working hard in class and at home. While still not at the level of his peers, his reading is improving. Like all parents, we want the best for him. While we'd prefer him to stay in school, a decision to strengthen his reading and writing weaknesses through a (hopefully short) season of home-schooling, beginning this in November seems a lot more palatable.
Pray on and we'll keep you posted!
2. Fieldwork
On October 1st, I (CJ) will be in South Thailand for a week of fieldwork for two research projects that he's working on. The first is a six-month project on Malay language use that the research centre he's working for is undertaking. The second project is concerned with sufism networks in South and Central Thailand (that we mentioned in a recent Jollt). Last week, a delegation from the Malay south came to my department as part of a study tour looking at issues of ethnic diversity in North Thailand, It was great to see some familiar faces, shake hands with old friends, and to speak Malay again. Even better were the offers from a number of the delegates to introduce me to people who can help me. While we had planned to visit the south last week (which we cancel after the school threw a spanner in the works), I'm striking while the iron is hot. I'll enjoy spending some time with the team, especially the new(er) arrivals. Will kill two birds with one stone (there's a bit of a bird theme going on).
3. VIP Visitors
For all of us, one of the highlights in October is going to be a two-week visit by Ian & Maybeth (Sandra's parents). After 40 years in East and Southeast Asia, the're relocating back to the land of the long grey cloud. Most of their time with us coincides with mi-term break. We won't be going away. Having build a comfortable nest, why perch anywhere else! C & S will see them off at the airport in Bangkok when they leave on Nov 7.
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