New Things

I want to preface this blog with the fact that it is so random.  I apologize in advance for it being kind of all over the place.  :)

Lots of new things happening!!   1) I am somehow getting up at 5:30 every morning.  I am thoroughly impressed with myself.  2) I am able to talk about Jesus in school and it is encouraged! 3) I walk to work every morning 4) I have more mosquito bites on my legs than I can count.  5) I sleep with my pants tucked into my socks some night so I don’t get eaten.  6) I have to consciously think about my clothes and if my skirt/dress is too short or if my shirt is too revealing because it may offend someone.  7) There is no dismissal policy after school.  I just open the door and say “Bye,” hoping they all make it to their bus or parents.  8) Spiders don’t phase me any more.  9) I am going to be coaching U-11 girls soccer.  10) I have fantastic roommates! 11) I am addicted to the show Downton Abbey (its from the UK)

There are many more things but I can’t remember them all.  Somehow, all these new parts of my life are becoming more and more familiar. 

School~  So school has started.  I have had a week and a half.  Getting up before the sun comes up has its perks.  I get to see the sun rise and walk to school while it is still cool out.  I will never get sick of seeing the sun rise and set on the hill where we live.  It is so magnificent!  School starts at 7:20 so my aim, for at least the first half of the year, is to get there at 6:30.  The principal invites anyone to come pray with him at 7 before the day starts.  With my bunch this year I am constantly praying for endurance, patience, energy, and “crazy love.”  Crazy Love is HOPAC’s theme this year.  One of my students put it so perfectly, Jesus’s love is not normal love it is CRAZY LOVE!  So awesome.   How convenient that my name has love in it too!  I am hammering this concept into my kids haha.  They love it!

My kids really are fantastic.  They do have a lot of energy and a lot to say and share.  They have the most wonderful personalities.  They will definitely test my endurance and energy throughout the year, but what class doesn’t.  I find that I don’t realize how tired I am until they leave.  Then I remember what quiet is like too!  Each grade puts on an assembly on a Friday throughout the year and I am feeling that my class is going to wow everyone with a dance or song.  They love singing and dancing!!!

To celebrate out first full week of school Sarah, Emily, Rose, Winston and I all went to the beach.  I love swimming in the Indian Ocean.  The water is gorgeous and the perfect temperature.  We had a drink overlooking the water.  It was such a nice, relaxing time.  Much needed! 

Orphanage~  I have had the awesome opportunity on Sundays to visit an orphanage in Kurasini.  The Miller’s, a Young Life Family, have taken me out to eat and then to the orphanage for the past two weeks.  My roommate Ali and another HOPAC teacher Winston have been going.  The kids are amazing.  The first visit I was really taking it all in.  These kids just want love and hugs!  They are so precious.  I have really enjoyed my time there.  One of the little boys, Frankie, fell asleep in my arms last Sunday.    My heart gets so excited to see them, I just love it!  It is making me want and need to learn Kiswahili.   I want to talk with these amazing children.  I have been trying to learn something every week.  For example, last week I learned right, left and straight ahead.  This way when I am in the bajaj I can at least tell the driver how to get me home.  Some of us might get private lessons are our house. 

Goat Races ~  Goat races are the first weekend in September.  In the States we celebrate labor and here they celebrate goats!   They have a handful of different heats.  Different organizations sponsor the goats and you can bet on them.  It is pretty funny.  The goats have to be chased by this blue bar otherwise they won’t run.  There were lots of food, drinks, games, and places to buy African goodies.  I got some hand woven baskets!  They are so pretty!   It was like an African carnival.  

I am so excited, a tailor my roommates knows is coming to the house to take measurements on dresses and such.  He is also going to make me a better and more usable mosquito net!  I am so pumped.   No more climbing in and out of my cocoon of a mosquito net or debating if I should go to the bathroom and un-tuck it or if I just suck it up haha.  So funny.  The little joys in life.

I can’t believe it is September already.  School is on its way and there are lots of new lifestyles and routines I am experiencing.  I am definitely settling in but I miss home a lot and all my friends and family.  Love you all so much!  HUGS!!!