A Year Later

28 Nov A Year Later

Can you believe it?!  Oh how things can change in just one year!

Just one year ago, we decided to take a huge leap of faith.

Just one year ago, we said our kids deserved better.

Just one year ago, many of you know we took a huge step in our organization when we opened up a school for our beloved kids from the Bordos community

Oh, what a wild, chaotic, yet blessed ride it has been.

Just a year later, we find ourselves closing the book on the first year of the Sparrow Academy.  As I look back over the course of the year, it is obvious that the enemy did not like the idea of us having this school. We had multiple families forced out of their homes when a local university reclaimed their land weeks after school began. Then, not long after that, our school was forced to move as well.

It is definitely true, we had a few growing pains in our first year, but, I am so glad that our God is much greater than any challenge the enemy throws our way. And not only did He help us overcome difficulties, He has used the school to bless our children beyond measure. We have tremendous testimonies of students who never went to class, got in fights frequently, or were disrespectful to their teachers who now are thriving and learning how to become disciplined leaders who do not have to let their circumstances at home determine their success in the classroom.

One of these testimonies is a young man that many of you know as Tavo. He is one of our fourth graders whose behavior has changed completely. Despite his mom and other family issues, he now shows interest in school and takes responsibility and cares for his little brother. He has also developed a big heart for others, especially those he thinks are defenseless at school.  Another incredible testimony would be that of a young lady named Karol. Her family situation is not ideal and she has been responsible for her younger siblings for many years. But this year she fought the battle and finished her 6^th grade year! With a lot of struggles, pressure and not much support, I saw God’s mercy in her life and how He would holding her hand each day she was able to make it to school.  As we finish up our first school year, I can only think of the many times I saw God show up in our students lives and how ONLY He could do it.  Karol is a great example of success in God’s eyes and in my heart for sure.

Yes, God has used our school to be a blessing beyond what we could ever have imagined. And isn’t that what usually happens? We have our dreams and visions, but God has His plan. And if we are obedient, God’s plan usually turns out to be so much bigger than anything we could have envisioned. Paul agrees in 1 Corinthians 2:9 when he says,

“… What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

God had something much bigger planned for the Sparrow Academy than we did and I pray He continues to surprise us. As we dream bigger for next year, I feel like one of the disciples who brought Jesus the few fish and loaves of bread. He will use the little resources of our Sparrow Academy to make an eternal impact beyond our wildest dreams. How exciting is that?!

And as we are in the season of giving thanks, I would like to wrap this blog up by just saying thanks to all of those who made this first school year a success.

Thank You to each of our teams who helped bring school supplies, packed backpacks, taught devotionals at chapel, and even provided the manpower to help us quickly switch school buildings.

Thank You to those who donated before we even began our first day of class.

Thank You to each of our sponsors, whose love and support keep our students focused and dedicated.

Thank You to our local staff for all of your hard work, patience, and flexibility. It has taken dedication from the top to the bottom to get through this year.

And most importantly, Thank You to our Lord who guided us every step of the way and will continue to do so.

For as David said in Psalms 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

God Bless! Elena Faulkner