September Update

Plattner Family Update -- September

We believe in monthly updates. We really do. I know it may not feel like it as we send out a September update on the 19^th of October. But, we believe they are valuable. We are convinced of their importance as a duty and we try to do them in delight. In duty, we believe that we have an obligation to everyone who so faithfully supports us. As an act of accountability we believe we are supposed to be reporting to all who are praying. We believe in the power of communicated needs and cumulative support. We feel a duty to write of our journey. On the other hand, we delight in reporting God’s faithfulness. No, we don’t always feel this as sometimes these feelings evade us and hide behind life’s little rankles. But, we believe in His faithfulness and enjoy praising His name. And, we delight in the fact that as we approach 4 years in Jamaica, we should have close to 48 updates that record the life and times of our experiences. There is value in reflection and these updates should provide us a “memoir” of sorts on which to reflect. We believe in monthly updates.

Well, as we said, September was a long time ago and its kind of hard to remember such ancient history! But, we know that school started in September and normalcy came back into our life. The students have slowly trickled back to school over the past month. It has been great getting into the swing of school and seeing the kids again. Kirk is back working on the farm with the kids. The work thus far has been focused on getting some vegetables in the ground. We have some cabbage, callaloo, sweet potatoes, pak choy, and tomatoes starting to grow. September saw Keri putting on her teaching hat and spending her morning sitting at the table with Drew. This is a huge responsibility and opportunity and we pray that God can use this formative time in helping our kids build a strong foundation for faith. We have also had the opportunity to teach the weekend chapels at school. Our hearts continue to be very burdened for the students as we witness them copycatting the lives by which they are surrounded. We see a loss of hope, a lack of vision, and a misunderstanding of God’s word. We pray for the students and ask you to pray with us.

Our family is doing well. September saw Drew starting 1^st grade. He is mostly being home schooled and continues to do well. He loves to learn and is very self-motivated. Truitt started school at CCCD. Similar to what Drew had done, Truitt is in a deaf classroom for 2 hours every morning. He doesn’t learn the same way as Drew, but he has been growing by leaps and bounds. Truitt’s level of confidence over the past month has doubled. For some reason, I think he finally understands that it is acceptable for him not to be Drew. It is really exciting. Daisha often sits at home in the morning waiting for her “Teecha.” She is convinced that she needs to have everything the same as the boys. Therefore, she believes that our helper, Claudine, is her teacher. It is hilarious and her schoolwork involves trying to figure out how to use the potty. She is special. Danae continues to grow fast. Besides a day here and there where she becomes convinced that the world is out to get her, she is a good baby. She is happy, smiley, and loves her siblings. While we still sometimes have to stop in our tracks when think about the fact that we have 4 children, we are profoundly blessed.

We continue to appreciate your loving support. Our school, CCCD, has been going through some very difficult times. Leadership transitions and financial struggles were front and center through the month of September. It has been difficult watching the turmoil swirl around us. We continue to ask for your prayers as we continue to seek wisdom through these difficulties. The “whys” have come easy during these times. But, at the same time, we have learned many lessons and continue to ask the Lord for understanding and clarity. Thanks for joining with us in prayer.