Studies have shown that children that grow up in poverty lack character traits that are necessary for them to succeed and thrive in school and in the work force. Mark has started a new character program at Cornerstone Prep Academy that focuses on teaching the kids gratitude, grit, optimism, purpose, curiosity, self-control, social intelligence, growth mindset and zest. Each of these traits is rooted in scripture and is taught in various ways throughout each month. At the beginning of the month the new trait is introduced with a fun all school assembly that Mark leads followed by weekly meetings that seek to help the kids grasp and develop the new trait.

We had the teachers from Cornerstone Prep Academy over for pizza a few weeks ago to get to know them better. Mark is working more closely with the teachers this year as he develops the character trait program into each class.

In past updates we introduced you to Joseph, a father of 2 Cornerstone students. In July it was decided that a skin graft could not be done and that the bones in his legs could not be fixed. Both of his legs were amputated in July. He is now awaiting his visit to CURE Hospital this week to be fitted with 2 prosthetics. Thank you for those of you that made this possible! Joseph is a strong believer and has had an amazing attitude towards his medical situation from the start.
David and Emily Hayes from WSBC came for a few days in September and we were able to introduce them to Joseph along with Philomena, Cornerstone’s chaplain.

Liz has started a new role of Early Childhood Coordinator, in addition to her role as the Child Sponsorship Coordinator. She is helping to teach the importance of early literacy and how to implement reading to children at a young age in hopes of expanding their cognitive development. Reading to our children is semi-intuitive in middle class America, but this is a very new idea for Kenyan culture. We are excited to begin implementing these ideas with the house moms at Naomi’s Village and hopefully expand to begin a preschool for the community next year.

Liz and Anji have also recently started a reading time at Cornerstone for the primary classes. They have a weekly story time in the classes and then read with the kids during recess as well.

Jaden and Josiah had a half day of school last week and we were able to bring them down to Cornerstone to play soccer with the kids during lunch recess.

The roads around Kijabe are so bad that for the last few months I have met with the MCA (Mayor) numerous times to try and convince him to allow me access to a grader. This has been a 5 month process that has truly stretched my negotiation skills! Finally a few weeks ago the MCA allowed me to ride and direct the grader for 5 days. It felt like a huge victory as I rode up and down the hills scraping down the rough sections.

Click HERE this link to see a short video that summarizes some of what we are doing at Cornerstone Prep Academy.

Items for prayer:
The Children at Naomi’s Village: Please pray for the 69 children that are currently at Naomi’s Village, pray that they would know and follow Jesus Christ

Funds for Teenage Housing : Pray that God would raise up the remaining funds necessary to construct the teenage housing at Naomi’s Village

Community Kids that attend Cornerstone: There are still many community kids that need financial support.

Our Family: We praise God that we are all adjusting to our second year of living in Kenya well. Please pray for our family to reflect Christ in our words and actions.