Paper Making Field Trip (we love Miss Katie)

This is the ever lovely Katie Stafford - Emma's teacher and a good friend of our family.  She recently wrote a blog for our internal communication forum affectionately known as "Navigator" -- we thought you'd like to see/hear her pictures and words from a recent field trip the Elementary Kids were able to take (and some bonus sea urchin activities!).

The end of the school year is upon us, and we have been busy with many fun activities and highlights! The elementary students recently had the opportunity to visit a local paper-making craftsman. What a memorable experience! We learned all about every step of the process, and then we got to do it ourselves.

Step 1: Beat the tree bark that has already been soaked and cooked for 8 hours

Step 2: Slap and spread the mixture over the screens in the water

Step 3: Design your own piece of paper using beautiful Madagascar flowers! Seal water over the top

Step 4: Leave the paper in the sun to dry. Thank the craftsman with a hearty “Misaotra Bessika!” Go enjoy ice cream before heading back to the ship!

Step 5: A few days later, admire your beautiful, hand-crafted Malagasy work of art!

Bonus! Sea Urchins!  : Racing and holding live sea urchins for a school-wide devotion time, led by our principal. What!?!?

Thanks, Katie, for letting us use your blog post.  And thank you for loving on Emma and teaching her so very much.  You've taught her so much more than reading and math and science, you've taught her kindness and generosity, gentlness and the art of laughter.  You've modeled the life of a woman who loves the Lord and lives her life for Him.  You've invested so very well in her and we will forever benefit and forever be grateful.  We would be thrilled if she grows up to be anything like you. We couldn't have asked for a better Kindergarten teacher.  We are praying God's absolute best for you as you transition from this place.  It's quite the understatement to say that we will miss you.  

The treasures and gifts of this place amaze us...Miss Katie and the Academy are certainly 2 of those treasures (not to mention sea urchins). 

Surely there will be more to come.