Author Archive

Who Encourages Whom?

Posted: February 10, 2023 by bluewatergigi in African School, C.A.R.E. Africa, Missionaries, Nigeria, Volunteers
0

by Cindy Borody

Every other Thursday morning I hold my phone close in anticipation and wait. 

I get my coffee, sit at my desk, and wait.

I watch my phone screen and wait.

Then my phone rings, my heart beats a bit quicker, and I answer.

Sometimes it takes a few times answering before the connection holds, but the attempts and the wait are worth it.

On the other end of the line are the sweet voices of the teachers at CARE/Foundations Academy in Egbe!

For a few years now I have had the privilege of chatting with teachers over WhatsApp.

We share what they have been teaching the kids. I ask them about their ‘Big Wins’ and pray over the challenges they face in their classrooms. We laugh together and share about family life. It is like sitting in a Staff Room at any school, community, and fellowship except we are doing it over the phone.

When the network is cooperating, we do FaceTime. What a treat that is, we can see each other, we wave and wave, and sometimes a few happy tears flow.

I ask how I can pray for them, and we pray for each other.

Many times, the call gets dropped, but we try connecting again (and again) so we can finish the call with sweet goodbyes.

My role is to encourage the staff at Foundations. I listen and take notes as they share their experiences in Egbe.

As I write down what they share, many memories come flooding back to my days at Foundations. Good memories.

After the call ends, I take a few minutes to review what I have written and pray again.

Each call brings joy. I can picture the school, staff, and kids running around, I can hear the laughter coming from the kids in the background.

These calls encourage me.

I am thankful for the time that we get to connect.

God is faithful to keep His promises and has been faithful to CARE and Foundations Academy!

Our teachers at Foundations Academy in Egbe Nigeria, are committed to the counter-cultural work of teaching the whole child. They implement classroom management styles that train in excellence while inspiring each child to reach for their God-given gifts. $100 can support a teacher for one month AND provide much-desired direct encouragement and discipleship. Teachers are essential to our children’s lives, and we strive to implement a holistic approach.

So, join us as we care for each child through their teachers! Visit our site at http://bit.ly/egbeteachers to sponsor a teacher’s salary at $50 or $100 a month.  

What Would You Have Me to Do?

Posted: January 25, 2022 by bluewatergigi in African School, Board of Directors, C.A.R.E. Africa, Coaching, Egbe Nigeria, Missionaries, People of Egbe, Volunteers
1

When I found myself back in Canada after our time in Egbe Nigeria had ended, I found myself feeling a bit lost. 

My husband and I had ministered overseas for over 20 years. Those had been years filled with great blessings, and a few challenges. One of the greatest blessings for me was my involvement at C.A.R.E. Africa and Foundations Academy in Egbe. Each week I would find myself wrapping arms around both the kids and the staff. I loved walking into each classroom and coming alongside the educators that were so dedicated to their profession. I counted it a privilege to be called ‘Mommy Cindy’ and many were adopted as ‘my kids’. 

During my time at Egbe, I was introduced to Patrice Miles and Emma Salako. Patrice and Emma had a God-given dream for C.A.R.E. Africa. I watched and prayed during the early years as the Centre progressed and the desire for a school was birthed. I was thrilled when asked if I could teach/mentor at the School.

Knowing the staff and children by name became very important to me. It was so much fun going to Market and hearing my name called and kids would come running to the White Mommy with no fear.  

Late 2019 we found ourselves flying back across the ocean to Canada to settle back with our family, kids and grandchildren, but a part of my heart was left In Egbe.  

How I would miss this very special place! 

A few months after landing in the Great White North, I found myself asking ‘What Would You Have Me to Do?’ during my times with Jesus. C.A.R.E. Africa was still tugging at my heart. I kept praying…

    God does know the desire of our heart. 

Soon after praying, I received word from Patrice asking if I would consider doing Bi-Monthly calls with staff members with Foundations Academy Staff. I jumped right on this…Yes! 

It has been close to 2 years now, every other Thursday morning (providing we have good network) I have the PRIVILEGE of talking to a different staff member over WhatsApp.

We laugh, sing, cry, share struggles of being an educator in Nigeria and pray! Lately we have begun doing video chats, the calls always end with joyful tears as I get to see my fellow colleagues in Egbe. What joy. 

God does know the desire of our heart. 

When we returned to Canada, I had no idea how I could still be involved on a consistent basis with C.A.R.E. and Foundations Academy Egbe. 

God knew my desire and He answered.