Olympics

Our school has an annual Olympic sports event for all the students. Our kids competed against kids in their age groups. Last year we had just arrived from Mali and so our kids were pretty out of shape. This year they trained more, but unfortunately still didn't fare very well. Luke got 2nd in shotput, but Faith and Zach did not earn any awards. Unfortunately our kids are not very competitive - not quite sure how that happened with me as a Mom. They are definitely not built for speed! All in all they had fun and did better than they did last year. Here are some pictures from the day:













Here is a funny thing that happened to us this week. Our cook, whom we have had problems with, doesn't have a clue most of the time. Thursday I had asked her to cook a chocolate cake with frosting. She was very proud of the fact that she went above and beyond the call of duty and added sprinkles. Upon further investigation, she put rainbow sprinkles and bacon bits. They were sitting next to each other on the shelf. Culturally I guess bacon bits is a foreign concept!

Stuff

Faith had show and tell and she went dressed up in her matching American girl outfit - thanks Aunt Diana. It was a big hit!

We have been busy with the day to day activities of life here in Africa. School started back after Christmas and has been non-stop ever since. We continue to study language, parent 18 kids, manage 4 national workers, seek opportunities to build relationships to share the gospel, grow in the Lord, and nurture our marriage. Life here at the school is rarely dull with many things on the calendar. Our job is to be at the events of our 18 kids and cheer them on, take pictures and affirm them the best we can. Sometimes that task alone is daunting. We are usually running this way and that with all of the events on the weekend, although it is challenging - it is very rewarding as well. We took our guys to the sand dunes and they absolutely loved it!

The boys have gotten into volleyball and really like it. They are doing really well and continue to get better with each practice and game. Luke is a master at serving and is really improving his coordination. Zach is also getting better and really likes the game.

Today and tomorrow are Olympic days. Last year we had just arrived - out of shape and unfamiliar with the things of the day. So our kids did not have much fun being last. This year they have trained and practiced and will hopefully do much better. It is a hard thing as a parent to see your kid disappointed and embarrassed, but they took that and worked hard this year. They are still not the fastest kids, but I think they will feel better about their performance this year. Stay tuned for pics.

Life in Africa continues to be a great adventure. We have learned a lot about ourselves. We are learning how we deal when life gets a little crazy and what areas in ourselves that need to change as a result. Africans in general think differently and I need to adjust my thinking so that I don't go crazy! It is hard when you grow up thinking and acting in ways that you think are the "right" way, only to see that it is backwards thinking here. I see it with our workers daily - different work ethic and non-linear thinking. It can be frustrating at times, but then I just need to realize that my thinking is not right or wrong - it is just different!

In 2 weeks we will go on our first outreach to a village to build a church, host clubs, do a medical clinic and show the Jesus film. Pray for an openness in this village and for safety.