Hi everyone!
Well between not having school Friday due to typhoon weather, and getting out at noon today because of a tseunomy (tidal wave), I don't feel like I've put in a whole lot of work, and I don't feel like I'm going to get anything done with school! We don't have school on Wednesday either--Liberation Day, holiday here. Oh and don't worry about that tidal wave thing--I don't think it even hit us. The government ordered early dismissal though--Mr. Benjamin wasn't too happy. It has really disrupted my lesson plan schedule, and I think I'm now a week behind what I thought I'd cover. Oh well, someone told me quality, not quantity, so that's what I'm going for! ha ha.
This weekend was really fun. We went to church in the neighboring village of Kitti (pronounced Keechee), which was a really nice change. And despite the fact that it is small, and they are remodeling, it felt very warm (no pun intended!) and welcoming there. I enjoyed it. We were called on for impromptu special musics and a children's story. A few of us sang "The Blood" for one special music (it's becoming famous with us at church!) and Kristen Stagg sang a little spanish song for the other. Andrew Massengill told the children's story, and we were good to go. We need to start putting things together ahead of time I guess, because it's kind of hard to think of things on the spot!
Anyway, we relaxed and had lunch after church, then all of us piled into the trucks and headed out to Sokehs Rock to go hiking! Wow, and it was a hike. I'm quite sore from it actually. The whole way was straight up--with slippery rocks and vines, and a rock face to climb with a water pipe acting as our steadying rope. Luckily nobody got hurt. I have one picture enclosed of me and a few of the guys up on top--looking at the backside (island side) of it. The other side looks straight out on the ocean. So beautiful. We relaxed and sat in the sun for awhile up top before heading back down the mountain, part of the way in the early dark (slightly treacherous...don't worry Mom, I'm a great climber! :O) ).
Later that night a bunch of us headed to SouthPark restaurant to get some food, dessert, and to watch the hula dancing they have there! Two of my students dance, though they didn't that night. It was really fun to watch, and a student of Brad Clifford's was dancing and pulled a few of us up to learn and participate! Quite embarrassing for some. I stood there and laughed--watching the island men dancing around us looking like tribal people, and not knowing if I was supposed to actually participate (we're the teachers....is that allowed??). I asked and heard that it's ok though, so I'm going to have one of my students, Christy, try to teach me some of her hula dances! Maybe I'll be a pro when I come home.
Sunday morning was spent working on the campus--painting, mixing
cement for a small driveway to a hang-out building for the kids, clearing the
"jungle" beside the guys' apartments, and other small odds and ends. We
worked hard and got a lot done, and were quite filthy and tired when we
were done. Some people went out to the ocean that afternoon to surf and fish,
but I think most of us were too tired so we napped and did classwork. I've got
a slight cold, so have been trying to up the vitamins and sleep... The
vitamins I've got, the sleep...well I'm never very good at that.
This afternoon after the students went home we congregated in the
library and watched a movie, then went and watched our guys' basketball
game. They're in a league here, and are doing quite well. They won by one
point tonight (these island people play ROUGH), and have two games left.
It's been fun cheering them on. I wish I could play! Need to
exercise--I've been lazy because of being so tired and sick.
Well I've enclosed a few other pictures. There are two of my classroom--the front and back, then one of our apartments--ours is the top right, and one looking out from the porch. Then the one on Sokehs, and one of Richard Zecha (one of our guys), me, Mary Rose (Mr. Benjamin's daughter) and another little boy whose name I don't know. And also one of my roommates and I in our kitchen! Enjoy! Tell me if you even get them all.
Hope you all are doing well! I appreciate the letters and emails! Miss
you guys. Keep praying...
In His Service,
Lindsey
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