Flat Ethan Travels - South Africa

This year we are Exploring Countries and Cultures as we learn about World Geography.  As a fun addition to our curriculum, we created a "FLAT ETHAN" to travel around the world.

We got the idea from some friends that told us about their Flat Stanley projects.  We quickly checked out the book Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown from the library.  The book is about a young boy named Stanley who is accidentally squished "as flat as a pancake" when a bulletin board falls on him.  Stanley is very, very flat but otherwise fine.  The story tells of Stanley's adventures being flat.  He can slide under doors, go down into sidewalk grates, and even fold himself up small enough to fit into an envelope and be mailed to excited and interesting places.

So...we started asking people we know that either live in other countries and states or are traveling abroad.  We are hoping that "FLAT ETHAN" travels to every continent.  We have almost accomplished that!  We have had a blast learning about different countries, cultures, and people as we have received pictures from our friends throughout the year!

I will post highlights from all of his travels in the coming weeks.  Here is the first one...FLAT ETHAN's TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA!

Laura (Green) Orr, one of my former PALs from Redwater, is living in South Africa this year.  She was so sweet to take all of these pictures and to write a really cool letter to Ethan, explaining his travels with her and her husband!  Just click on this link to go to her blog and read about her life in South Africa right now!  Thanks, Laura, for helping us!

Scripture Memory 2013

I'm participating in Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory challenge again this year.  We are already on verse 5!  (I am so behind in blogging!)  It's not to late to begin if you'd like to join us!  It's never a waste to "hide God's word in your heart!"

Verse 1
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and good deeds.  It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.  And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Verse 2
Isaiah 26:8-9
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You;
Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
My soul yearns for You in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for You.

Verse 3
Deuteronomy 6:23 (ESV)
And He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in and give us the land that He swore to give our fathers.

Verse 4
Deuteronomy 10:20-21
Fear the Lord your God and serve Him.  Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.  He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.

Verse 5
Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.