Last Independence Day

Last week I had every intention of updating, but as I had to make a 'shopping' trip with a coworker into Ikelenge, I ended up being a bit behind. We were held up by a truck that was being loaded with pineapples right after our bridge, but thankfully they were able to get them all on board fairly quickly so we could continue to 'town.'

We were going to look for chetengi for the end of term show, and I was looking for something to use as a cat basket. I didn't find that, but I did find a nice kanga that I had to come home with!

Zambian Independence Day is October 24th, and we always have a busy day of down at the pool. We start by gathering for the flag raising ceremony and a brief message before getting ready for the swimming gala.

Then it's a busy morning and usually first part of the afternoon of swimming races and challenges for all ages. My job is to get the kids to their races on time and keep track of where we are in the program. They were pretty good at listening this year.

This year I took part in the 'drag n' dump' house contest and was enthusiastically pulled across the pool and tipped over three times. I also helped with house dominoes. Part of the reason I got in the pool this year is because it is my last year. Also, I made a deal with one of my students that if I got in, she had to take part in King of the Plank. As you can see, she ended up enjoying herself!

After supper is the bonfire and fireworks. Lots of singing, running, and excitment. So far we haven't had any burn injuries, though this year several kids tripped over the trailer hitch of the four-wheeler while running in the dark.

After that, almost 100 very tired people--student and staff alike!--went to bed so they could get up and start school again in the morning. I think this was one of my most enjoyable Independence Days ever, and I'll treasure the memories I made.

Parting shot: One of the older students wanted to paint my face--you can see the artist in the background and the results.

Oddments and Answered Prayer

Last week was an interesting one; the days/week right after a break or event is always a bit of a struggle with tired/out of focus chillin’s. Not to mention tired teachers! When you work at a school like this, breaks mean you aren’t teaching, but boy are you still doing stuff! We had board meeting last week, a long staff meeting about interviews and student’s progressing (or not) to the next grade, and I was on this weekend. I only have two more weekends on teaching morning and afternoon Sunday school—it’s a bit much!

I found a huge termite mound under the bookcase in my room, and by the time I had a spare minute to deal with it I have over a bucketfull of dirt, and had to get the trowel to chip it out. Thankfully there was almost no evidence of the termites themselves, so hopefully between that and the "Blue Doom" powder I put down I won't have any more issues.

I have been walking carefully but with more confidence on my ankle, and so far so good! In fact, this afternoon I rode my bike on the airstrip for the first time since I left in July. I am so thankful to be getting my life back! It’s been a long road, but God has provided help and resources every step of the way. Here’s hoping that by December I won’t even need the brace! I sure am going to need some new shoes though; the pair I got in May has already developed a hole… Just in time for rainy season!

Another thing I worked on last week was planning my return to the States via Germany. I need to be back by the 15th for my brother’s wedding, but I wanted to take this last opportunity when I was ‘passing by’ to visit my uncle, aunt, and cousins that I haven’t seen for 7 years. There are lots of pieces to account for and plan; getting to Lusaka, which airports in Germany to use, and leaving myself enough time to re-pack a bag for the trip to Colorado. I think things are almost sorted out now; pieces seem to be falling into place, and I’ll be glad to have my tickets booked!

Speaking of Christmas, the kids have been working on Christmas art, and these reindeer in the hall just crack me up. I especially like the fellow at the bottom right with the tinny carol book!

A big answer to prayer regarding my cat, Java, came this weekend. One of the board members told me about another single lady who’s cat had just died, and suggested she might be interested in taking Java. I heard back that yes, she would like my cat, and I am so relieved! Finding a good home for my cat has been much on my mind these last few weeks; somewhere she will be taken good care of and have a chance to thrive. I wish I could take her back with me; Java has been one of God’s greatest gifts to me during my time here. However, it just isn’t practical with the cost, the distance, and the stress it would be on my cat. So, I am incredibly thankful that the Lord worked things out for this seemingly small detail of my transition.

Parting shot: A lovely sunset at the end of a full week.

Second to last Half-Term

I have been pretty insanely busy (I know, what's new?) these last two weeks, but I wanted to update before things got too behind! Friday and Saturday last week were the first half-term, my second to last one, and this is what I did:

* Early morning swim down at the dam with the seniors--lots of joyous/cold noise, and hot chocolate as a reward at the end

* 6+ hours extracting homework from students. I told them it would happen if they continued to not get caught up...

* Auditions for the end of term program

* Ruthie and I organized a nature scavenger hunt for the 3-6th grade girls down at the river. While we were down there, the headmaster came down with the grade 1's who were his 'helpers' as he got the grill set up for later. So cute! They rode around with him that morning and sang as they went.

* The headmaster's wife who is filling in for the cook organized hamburgers for Saturday lunch--what a treat! It was fun to grill down at the river, and we all enjoyed the change of pace.

* I got some much needed sleep and quiet time over my weekend off while I also planned and marked. Time goes by so fast!

The big news for this week is that I'm out of the boot, and just back to the brace and insoles. I have been walking carefully the last few days, but so far haven't had an issues or return of pain. Praise the Lord! Hopefully after 4 weeks I'll be able to just use the insoles. It's been a long, painful journey, and I am so encouraged to be almost done!

Parting shot: I finally had my camera on hand when I walked past one of these cool tunnel webs. I'm constantly amazed at the variety God created in the insect world!