Getting into a routine

You know you’re settling in when you’re teaching a lesson and right in the middle of writing a word on the board, the power goes out, and you continue the word and finish the lesson as if nothing happened. Crank the windows open all the way to let more light in and carry on…

What all to write in an update…that is the question! First, we are living in a different place as of this weekend. Friday after a looong day at work we were blessed in so many ways! First, the ominous-looking sky didn’t open up and pour down rain as it looked like it was about to. Second, three kind and generous coworkers and the spouse of one helped load and unload all of our belongings from the apartment and move them across town into a house. This included our beds, dressers, fridge, stove, washer, and all clothes, kitchen items, etc. Last but certainly not least, we rested in this peaceful little house and got a great night’s sleep! Our new place is about a 7 minute walk to school, much more convenient than the 30-40 minute walk to the other place. It’s also on a very quiet dead-end residential street, much calmer than the hustle-bustle apartment along a very busy street with several businesses surrounding it. We are also within one block of three different coworkers of mine, one of whom has a daughter in Jamarius’ class. We are thankful for the apartment we called home for the first six weeks here…it was clean and safe…but this is more comfortable and convenient and we believe it will work out great! And, we have another beautiful view of the mountains.

We are within walking distance of a swimming pool, which we enjoyed visiting already today.

There’s a small yard here with a parking area (AKA soccer field), some palm trees, an aloe plant, and some kind of citrus fruit tree – maybe oranges?

School is going great. We have a routine in place and I feel like the kids are learning. I’m surely learning a lot! There are days without power, most days there is no printer or copier, internet doesn’t always work…but learning and fun take place regardless! Plans may or may not work out as I hoped, but we “wing it” when needed. My kids love singing, and it’s proven to be a great tool during transitions and to encourage them to practice their English. I have a CD of fun VBS songs, many of which I know the motions to, and they’ve pretty much mastered two of the songs already. I’d love to get my hands on some of the VBS DVD’s that have the kids singing with the motions and have the words on the screen. If anyone has some they could send please let me know! These little faces would enjoy it for sure…

Our Social Studies book talks about community helpers, and after learning about police officers and firefighters, we were able to get some local community helpers to come talk/demonstrate for the children. They really enjoyed this! And unfortunately I missed it because we don’t have a television and I didn’t realize it would be aired – but we were on the news that evening! A man with a cell phone who I thought was taking pictures was actually recording for the local news evidently.

Last little picture I’ll share for now is the kids at Salto Baiguate last weekend. We had a fun time doing the short trip to the waterfall and wading in the water below. Blessings to all and keep in touch – I would love to hear from you!

Well I was writing and hoped to post this last night (Sunday) but the power went out so I couldn’t. Early morning now on Monday, getting ready for school and our first time walking from the new house. I hope everyone has a good Monday and a productive week!
Love, Megan, Jamarius & Felicia