David & Joanna Morrison

Just like parents all over the world who were suddenly faced with the challenge of homeschooling, we are no different except for the size of our family. On March 23rd, we suddenly found ourselves responsible for the continued education of 89 children and young adults. Since all schools were closed on that day, 30 secondary students and 9 college/university students made their way home to join our 50 primary school kids who live on the base fulltime. 

The Morrison home is much quieter these days, particularly when the Iris kids are at school. Joanna has been focused on writing and mentoring house parents, while David continues to oversee the day to day running of the ministry, working closely with Timothy Makwalo and other national leaders.  

September is the month when temperatures climb considerably, and the trees are dropping their leaves.  Papaya trees are loaded with fruit, and winter maize stalks are standing tall and drying. There is a smoky quality to the air, as fields of sugar cane are being burned in preparation for harvest.  Just a couple weeks ago our sports camp was in full swing here at Iris and shouts and cheers could be heard above the whir of the sewing machines, as tailors sewed school uniforms for Iris Primary School.

Life in the Morrison household is still full of children, though two out of three Morrison children have flown the coop. Children come to our house to play Scrabble or Dutch Blitz, to read or borrow books from our library, to play with Play People or Lego, and to find encouragement. Some come with a cut that needs a bandage, a torn pair of shorts that needs mending, or a story that needs to be told. We enjoy their company, and count it a privilege to be a part of their various stories.