Our Homeschooling Adventures and Activities for Jan-Feb 2026

Our Homeschooling Adventures and Activities:

Homeschooling Activities:

Homeschooling.

Our homeschooling adventures and activities for 2026 kicked off with a fantastic New Year’s Eve party by the dam in front of our home. We enjoyed a wonderful evening with family and friends and we look forward to seeing what 2026 has to offer – and what goals we can achieve.

Academics

We like to kick off our academic year at the beginning of January, to establish a strong foundation, which helps us to work diligently throughout January, February and March, before the polo season starts. We began by reflecting on the academic and sporting goals from the previous year and assessing which ones were met. Next, we discussed and documented our goals for the current year. Additionally, we compiled a ‘wish list’ of interesting and thrilling trips we look forward to enjoying during the year.

Paula Joy’s Health

Unfortunately, Paula Joy continues to face health challenges, and we have been in Harare for several weeks now, consulting specialists, as we try to better understand the meaning of her symptoms. It has been very stressful, but we are gradually uncovering the cause of her ailments.

She remains unable to engage in her schoolwork or sports, which is frustrating for her and stressful for me, as I know how much she wishes to regain her health. We may need to take her to South Africa to see specialists there..

Murray John – a working boy!

Murray John now works on the farm, after finishing his daily academic tasks. He typically does his schoolwork from 6 am to 10 am before heading off to work. He enjoys being part of the workforce and spends a lot of time flying his drone over the farm to assess the crops.

Additionally, he assists with all the farm’s IT tasks, checks on tractors, manages the pivots, as well as checking on the tobacco curing tunnels. He is gaining invaluable experience in farming and thrives on long working hours. Douglas enjoys having him on the farm, as he really enjoys sharing all his farming expertise with his son.

Homeschooling Friends.

Our farm life is further fulfilled, as we have many feathered companions. We now have ducks, geese and bantam chickens at the stables, plus 40 laying hens in the garden. The layer hens are for Paula Joy to start her own egg selling business.

Horses.

The horses are continuing to enjoy their break and are frequently spotted strolling along the dam’s edge. All the horses will begin their exercise regimen just before the end of February, to ensure that they are prepared for some slow polo chukkas, by the end of March.

Farm Outrides.

We have had many exciting rides around the farm, frequently joined by friends and always by our dogs. Riding through the African bush brings a deep sense of peace to one’s spirit…

Homeschooling Sports

Water-skiing.

With the dam located in front of his house, Murray John likes to go water skiing after finishing his farm chores. He has dedicated a lot of time into improving his water-skiing skills and has now mastered the art of shalom skiing.

Golf.

Murray John plays golf in Harare every other week, and when he’s not there, he plays in Marondera. He is putting in a lot of effort to lower his handicap and become a scratch golfer.

Using floating golf balls, which is the newest enjoyable golfing activity, involves hitting the balls as far as possible across the dam, then retrieving them with the help of a boat. It makes for a wonderful interlude, during his mid-morning tea break!

Imire Game Park – 9km Run.

Murray John thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Imire 9km Run, which took place in the nearby game park.

Despite no training, he completed the course in just under an hour, coming in 14th place. He thoroughly enjoyed the new experience.

Homeschooling Adventures:

Farm Life

Rain.

January was a very wet month with huge rainfall, causing the dam in front of our house to finally overflow. By the end of February we had received 900ml of rain! It has definitely been a very wet season, so far.

Tobacco reaping and curing.

The tobacco crop doesn’t thrive in overly wet conditions, so this season hasn’t been ideal for tobacco. Nevertheless, the processes of harvesting, curing and grading are ongoing every day.

Maize.

The maize crop has thrived with the abundant rain, and the harvest will soon be underway. Murray John is collaborating with the farm mechanics, to have the combine serviced and prepared for the maize harvesting season.

Conclusion.

After a busy few months at the close of 2025, it has been wonderful to begin 2026 at a more relaxed pace, as we begin to feel more settled on the new farm.

Starting in March, our lives will become busier, with plenty of sports and polo weekends ahead. – We very much look forward to sharing in all our upcoming activities and adventures.

God bless!

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6 vs 6.