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