Experience the joy and gratitude of the Newton Church of The Way IMPACT Team, featuring a heartwarming Parent Picnic at CAPS and the exciting progress on Tracy’s new home. Be encouraged by the new friends made and the impactful experiences during another day in Abaco.
Parent Picnic:
Our team was lucky to be a part of the first annual Parent Picnic at CAPS (Central Abaco Primary School). We ate lunch with students, especially those that had parents unable to attend. We learned about the children’s families, read stories with them, and even played a few rounds of tag. The children are full of love, gratitude, and joy, and we were blessed that they opened their hearts to us.
One story involves a young girl named Ester. Carrie Veenstra allowed Ester to eat with Pam and CJ Osborn. However, after realizing that they only had a single bag of her favorite snack chips, she was drawn to the area led by Julia and Jim Roegiers. Julia offered no chips, but she found the right combination of appealing to Ester with animated stories that she read to the small group who were drawn to the lone professional teacher in the group (note: this was written by CJ due to the humility of Julia).
Tracy’s New Home:
Progress on Tracy’s new home is readily evident each day. We are so excited and thankful when we think of her and her two sons moving in. It is such a blessing to us to know that she’ll have someplace safe and comfortable. There was more painting and caulking today, and the installation of trim boards on the outside, with extensive drywall work on the inside.
Agape Eagles Basketball Team:
We had a treat late in the day as the Agape Christian High School Boys’ Basketball team joined us for dinner and fellowship. They were on a planned team-building outing on the eve of a big island basketball tournament that would be held in Nassau, Bahamas, on Saturday. They became eligible since they were Island Champions. They are coached by Laura Johnson’s husband, Stephan. What stood out in our conversations with them is their politeness, comfort in discussing life as high school athletes in Abaco, and their genuine hospitality to island guests. They are a great example of the warmth and openness we have experienced in Abaco.
– CJ, Julie, Jim
