April and May have been months of “moving up” academically.
Natanya completed grade one with honors on April 29 and was promoted to grade two. She is looking forward to this new experience, even as she bemoans the fact that her schooling is moving so slowly. Her brother and her cousins are already in high school, and she wants to be there with them. That’s the ‘problem’ with being the youngest in a large connected family…it demands a lot of patience!
Ethan with his graduation medals
On May 15, Ethan completed grade 10 with honors. A few years back, this would have been the completion of his high school studies, and instead of a ‘moving up’ ceremony, there would have been a graduation. However, that has now changed, and the Department of Education has added grades 11 and 12. Again, this is different from the school system in the States. Instead of continuing at the same school for grades 11 and 12, he can choose any high school that offers the courses he wants to take. Some high schools specialize in business courses, some in science, etc.
Since childhood, Ethan has had one desire – to be a pilot. So he has enrolled in a high school – WCC – that offers studies in avionics. He will major in Avionics Technology for the last two years of senior high school. He will then continue at WCC for the next four years to complete his baccalaureate degree in Avionics Technology. This will qualify him to find employment in the aviation industry. After saving some money, he will be able to continue his studies to become a commercial pilot.
We are so thankful that God has heard and answered so many prayers so Ethan can fulfill what he believes is God’s direction for his life. All of his schooling from Testimony School in Eldoret, Kenya to Tarlac Living Faith Academy in Tarlac City, Philippines, has been in a Christian environment. These next two years will be a challenge to him as he enters a different educational setting. We ask you to join us in praying for him to be a strong Christian witness to faculty and students in this new academic environment.
On May 1, I was privileged to speak to the 13 students from Rosario and Bacnatan, La Union, who have completed their first year of studies in the School of Ministry program. We are so thankful for these students who have taken time from their busy schedules to attend classes to prepare themselves for ministry.
Children at VBS
Having started later than the La Union class, our SOM class in Tarlac City is about half-way through their first-year program. We are also looking forward to the students in Baguio scheduling their first-year completion ceremony soon. The studies are complete, but due to road work on the road leading to the church, it has been necessary to delay the ceremony. Now, the roadwork is almost complete and the ceremony should be held soon.
At the end of May, Remy and Ethan taught VBS at the Urquico PH Church. Natanya was among the 40+ students that attended each day.
God has been very good to the Barton family. We are all in good health and thankful for your prayers and financial support.
Blessings,
Douglas, Remy, Ethan, And Natanya Barton
