Gladys Aylward...

Gladys Aylward was an amazing woman!  After reading her autobiography, written in conjunction with Christine Hunter, as part of our Beautiful Feet Modern American and World History study, I have a much greater appreciation for her life and work.  This Little Woman put her faith and trust in God to provide not only for her needs, but the needs of the children He entrusted in her care.  I remember reading a bit about Aylward from Hero Tales through Sonlight when Riley was in Kindergarten or first grade, so her name was familiar to me.  However, Gladys Aylward, The Little Woman really brought her story to life.

After reading the book, we did watch The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, starring Ingrid Bergman.  The film was good as far as movies go, but it was not an accurate portrayal of Aylward....definitely not in accordance with her autobiography.  I was a little disappointed, particularly with the romance Bergman developed throughout her role of Aylward's mission work.  It was surely made for Hollywood.  If you have to pick between the two, I would highly recommend the book over the movie.

Below are some of RileyAnn's notebooking pages she created during our study of Gladys Aylward...

Missionary Study: George Muller...

This year I've added Missionary Study to our list of subjects.  For the first term, I chose George Muller.  A friend borrowed us the YWAM audio CD for George Muller, The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans by Janet & Geoff Benge.  We listened to it on Thursdays while traveling to and from our homeschool choir.  There were 17 chapters and the audio had a running time of 4:39 hours over the course of four CDs.

The story of George Muller is a compelling testimony a prodigal brought to faith.  Muller's early years as a common thief and the life of the party gave no indication of how the Lord would use him later in life to provide for the orphans of Bristol.  This wonderful biography shows that God has a plan for each and every one of us.  Muller's transformation and trust in God in his later years was truly amazing.  By his faith, the Lord provided.

George Muller was our first YWAM  biography, but we would definitely recommend it and read another.  I very much enjoyed the audio format, which is not my typical preference.  The narrator added to the mood of the story.

Part way through the story, the kids remembered me reading The Bandit of Ashley Downs, A Trailblazer Book by Dave & Neta Jackson.  I read it aloud several years ago as part of Sonlight.  It is fascinating to me the way they make connections without poking and prodding, but simply reading and allowing them to digest.