What About A Cake

sometimes, in the preschool class, we have story time during which a student is chosen to share an original story with the class. they walk to the front of the class, say "once upon a time" and launch into a long, drawn out story that nobody understands but everybody appreciates. during such a time, it was robert's turn to tell a story. it was his first time and he had heard so many stories, so he just guessed at what to say. he stood there for a moment, took a deep breath, and began. "what about a cake." there was an awkward silence as the preschoolers processed what he had just said, and soon the room was filled with uproarious laughter. poor robert went to go sit down, confused as to why they were laughing. his teacher attempted to conceal her smile as she explained to him that he was supposed to say "once upon a time". 

true story. all of his little life, robert has thought that stories begin with "what about a cake." 

hello from halfway across the world

Surprising. Overwhelming. 

Beautiful. Fresh. Exhausting. 

Confusing. Surreal. 

Seven words barely scratching the surface of how I feel about being here. I've settled in, I think, and I've got myself a schedule. I teach Bible class and English class for grades one, two, and three, and I've come to the conclusion that third grade is my grade. Or second. Probably not first, considering the way I'm completely incapable of getting them to quiet down long enough for me to teach anything. Thank goodness I'm not the only teacher in the room while teaching them, or else I would perhaps end each day in tears. 

Instead of crying, however, I usually end the day with a nice cup of tea and one of Tolkien's esteemed novels. I made it through the Lord of the Rings series in three weeks and am now working on the Hobbit, which I haven't read since my dad read it to me and my brother and sister when we were too young to understand the beauty of everything Tolkien. I watch the news and go to sleep early in order to be able to wake up nice and early every morning. 

Between my busy teaching schedule and my relaxed evening schedule, I've been taking Swahili lessons from the friendly principal, Teacher Moses. I've learned a bit and (I really wish I didn't have to say this) learning Latin for four years has actually helped me have the ability to learn Swahili quickly. Who would have known that my not-so-hot high school career would have helped me halfway across the world? 

I know this blog post has been brief and sporadic, but I'm trying to get it finished before my credit runs out. See, here in Africa there's no such thing as unlimited internet. For every moment of internet you have to pay. I put a certain amount of money on my computer and it's rapidly running out so, my friends, I must bid you adieu. I am grateful for your prayers and I promise to eat a coconut or two for you if you promise to eat some macaroni or pizza for me over there. 

Love, 
Christie
xoxo

Africa

most loyal blog readers: 

this experience. wow. so far this journey has not only been an adventure but a challenge that goes so far out of my comfort zone I can't even see the zone anymore. I guess that's what an adventure is, though, isn't it? learning and experiencing the very good things of life as well as the very bad. the challenge of this whole thing has been moving forward blindly with nobody to relate to when a lizard scurries out of my closet one morning or I take my first bucket shower or I first see those beautiful smiling faces beaming up at me when I walk into a classroom. it's new and beautiful and a huge, huge challenge to face alone. along the way though , I've met so many wonderful people who I know I will only grow closer to as I get further into my six months of being here. I'm terrified and excited and willing to do whatever it takes to stick this one out - how many people get the opportunity to enter into a brand new culture and learn such a large amount about the world in six months? not many. I am filled with anticipation as I wait to see what the Lord has planned for me and Him as we go down this road together. 

home is on my mind and in my prayers much of the time. may God bless you all, my friends! please keep me in your prayers and pray against any spirits of negativity or complaining...this is experience will be no good for anyone if I let the devil take my joy! I love you all so much 

xoxo Christie