Harding Sisters in South Africa

School is in full swing for the Harding household!  In South Africa the school year begins in January, so the girls are wrapping up their first quarter.  Here’s an update on each of our daughters:
 

1. Kaiden is so grown up and turns 14 on March 14th!  She just started 8th Grade at Rhenish Girls High.  I am impressed with the values and work ethic the school demands of her.  You should hear the beautiful South African accent she has developed when speaking to her friends, (but she switches back to her American accent around us).  She has just finished a season of water polo and will soon begin field hockey.  Kaiden was selected for the prestigious Rhenish Girls High Choir and will be touring with them throughout the year.  Two weeks ago she had braces put on, and still has a warm and beautiful smile.  We are proud of the way Kaiden helps Janna run the house while I travel, and we all benefit from her amazing skills in the kitchen.  
   

2. Kirsi is a 7th grader at Rhenish Primary School.  Grade 7 is a big year, because as they are in their final year of primary school, the students are expected to be leaders and are given a lot of responsibility.  It has been beautiful to see Kirsi grow and thrive in this environment.  She continues to play guitar and is assembling a band - I can’t wait for her to release her first single!  She was chosen for the Performing Marimba Band, creating some of the most fun and energizing music at events for the school.  Kirsi was also selected for the Field Hockey Tour team, and will be traveling 6 hours away with her team for a 4 day Tour, playing teams from all over the country.  A few days a week she also participates in the Chess Club at school.  Creativity is another of Kirsi’s traits - you never know what amazing product she will design and build in her room!  
   

3. Kaia started 5th grade this year at Rhenish and is thriving.  She has been given the gift of speed and athleticism, excelling in sprinting, hurdles, and shot put this quarter.  She won gold for shot put in our city!  It has been exciting to watch her grow and become a leader in her class.  She is a connector -always bringing people together to socialize, party, study, and play.  Kaia is also playing field hockey, and the other team better watch out!  She has a new-found passion for reading, and is starting to devour books.  Music is another interest; Kaia is an amazing guitar player, and she sings beautiful harmony with Kirsi.  
   

4. Kelty, our 3rd grader, is radiant with joy!  Her smile lights up a room.  She has a best friend named Puk, and they are inseparable.  Kelty is blossoming into quite the field hockey player, and also competes on the school tennis and swim teams.  Her tender and sincere heart is evidenced as she enjoys digging into scripture and asking great questions.  Kelty also loves fashion, as demonstrated by multiple outfit changes each day when she gets home from school.  Thank the Lord for uniforms at school!
   

5. Kerani runs the show!  She is now in 2nd grade, and loves school.  Her South African accent is so cute.  Nini enjoys serving, and has accompanied me on multiple Samaritan’s Feet shoe distributions, always looking for babies to hold.  I admire her genuine love for others and color blindness, having friends from every race, language, and economic level.  She is excelling in chess, swimming, tennis, track & field, and will soon be starting hockey.  This year she wanted to learn to play the piano.  That will make her grandma proud!  Kerani is so sincere and matter-of-fact in her faith; she shows us the benefits of having “faith like a child”.      
                                                                     
   Every day Janna and I tell each other how thankful we are for the five amazing daughters God has given us.