Nikki's News - June 2009

The School Year in Review
On Friday the 12th of June we officially closed the 2008/2009 school year with a teachers celebrations, we took time to share about the highs and even the lows of the past 10 months as we served God and the families on board the Africa Mercy. One thing that was the thread throughout each story or laugh was the fact that God was faithful. This past year started with some serious challenges but when we looked back we did not remember those as much as we remembers to moments where God touched the lives of our students and the moments when we laughed!

This has been a ground break year for our school!
The most official and important event was the fact that our school was accepted in the candidacy program for accreditation with the Association of Christian School International (ACSI). When we achieve this it will make it far easier for our students to return home to their home countries and have their schooling on board recognised and accepted. We are still at the beginning of a rather long process but we are excited about first few steps we have taken!
Another very special event that was significant in the life of the Mercy Ships Academy was that we adopted a new logo. This is the first time the Academy’s 27 year history that the school has had one. We share it with the students by giving them each a t-shirt. See the picture below. Something about having a school identify has made us all very proud!

Why is Nikki still on board, what happened to 2 years?
This past May marked my 2 year anniversary of serving with Mercy Ships and this summer should have marked the end of my commitment. I believe that this season is not complete in my life and that I should continue serving with Mercy Ships. The school is in a very exciting phase and I look forward to seeing it through the accreditation process and then I will see what God has in store for me. How long the entire process will take depends on many factors, so it is difficult to say how much longer I will be with serving on board but I know that is where God wants me to stay! Thank you to all of you who have so faithfully supported me during the past 2 years!


What do the next few months hold?
The Academy is officially on Summer Vacation but I have chosen to remain on board and work on the many details needed for accreditation and the beginning of the new school year in August.

At the beginning of July my Mom is coming to visit and will be staying on board for 10 days. This is a very exciting time for me as I can’t wait to show her my life here. Although I try to describe it , it is something that needs to be experienced. I look forward to spending time with her.

Last year I have the wonderful opportunity to attend a conference in New Year specially for missionary teachers. It was a wonderful time of growth and learning. This year I have been invited to attend the ACSI Leadership Academy in Colorado Springs from the 23rd—26th July. The Conference is aimed at Christian School leaders and provides an opportunity for teaching and networking. Although I have been given a scholarship to attend the conference I need to cover the cost of the air ticket. Brain Blackburn, my college in Texas has faithfully been raising support and I am both humbled and honoured by his efforts! One of the ways he is using a Facebook Cause: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/296396?m=6b07e9f9 If I am able to attend the conference I will also be spending sometime in Texas working with Brian on accreditation. I will let you know what happens .

It is always hard to know just what to write and sum up months of events in short newsletter. This year I have tried to blog regularly and included both the big and small things about my life as I serve with Mercy Ships—keep logging on to my Blog and you will be able to see more of the finer details!

love Nikki

Pray with Me!

Praise
· … for God’s faithfulness in calling an excellent team of teachers to serve on board!
· … for the good and successful end of a difficult year.
· .. God for providing a full team of teachers for next school year starting in August.

Requests
· For the team of teacher who are preparing to arrive on board in August, that God will make their paths straight.
· Continued support as I serve with Mercy Ships longer than the original 2 years I thought.
· Continued wisdom as I lead the school through the next school year.
· For the opportunity to attend the ACSI Leadership Academy in Colorado this July.