Fun little update :)

I know you guys are all super pumped because I’m posting two blogs on the same day. I figure that I’ll have a lot of talk about after rural home stay so I better update on the workings of everyday life before I head out. On Friday I will be leaving for 10 days and be out of contact. I’m excited for the experience.

Lately I have been volunteering at a school called Bishop Tucker Central. This is a primary school (similar to our elementary school) that has 700 students. Its sister school with is right next door also has 700 students. I know that you teachers who are following my blog are going to faint at this next one. Many classes only have one stream, while some are lucky to have two. That means that as a teacher you may have up to 100 students in one classroom. You are in charge of imparting your vast knowledge on all those students. I was wondering what my dad would do with 70 trouble-makers in his classroom. One big headache, if you ask me. My heart hurt for the children who do not get to interact at all with their learning, but rather are forced to listen to lectures they do not understand. Although I would way rather play games with the kids during recess, sometimes I am called upon to teach a class. If any of you teachers have some good ideas as to what I can do, I would totally appreciate some tips!

As for workings within the family… I learned that I have another brother. I didn’t even include him in the first list because I thought he was just a family friend. His name is Brian and is a biological child of mama and papa. He only comes on the weekends, and I didn’t talk to him much until after I learned this little detail. He totally opened up to hanging out with me and was actually quite funny. He loves Hillsong and sings in the choir at his church in Kampala. Rachel is really starting to open up as well. She cracks jokes and busts out random dance moves. Michael recently told Shannon that he cannot understand anything I say because I talk too fast. Usually he just nods his head and laughs. When I learned this we joked about him pretending and now I make a point to talk really slow. It has really sped up our friendship. Amazing what happens when someone understands what you are saying. Joan is an 11 year old who comes with when Faith comes. She is pretty shy but loves when I goof off around her. She loves to laugh and I enjoy having her here. Faith likes me some days and other days won’t let me close to her. Today she wouldn’t greet me or give me a high five, but when Stella told her I loved her, she snuggled on my arm and almost fell asleep. I do not get to see Judith much these days because she stays at school until 10:30 at night preparing for her exams in November. With her stays Julius. Stella is as fabulous as ever. Since Kiersten and I have made Thursdays lunch with Stella day, she gets really excited for them to come. Last week I asked if I could go buy a pineapple for lunch and she told me no because they would rip me off but she couldn’t leave because of Faith. Today when I came home Stella was in town buying a pineapple because tomorrow is Thursday and she knew we were coming home for lunch. She is so great. Oh I forgot to mention Peter who is a cousin (I think) who is also living with us right now. He doesn’t talk much but is usually smiling. Last night he was holding Curly and petting her. I thought that was cute.

As for me I am doing well. I have been very tired lately with the amount of school work this week as it is midterms. I cannot believe how fast it is going and am not looking forward to how fast the rest will fly by. Sometimes I find myself saying, “I cannot believe I am in Africa. I cannot believe I am a part of a new family.” I got a Halloween package from my mom and am having a hard time remembering what the season of fall feels like. Here the season of rain is going strong!

I cannot fail to mention that last weekend I went to a circumcision ceremony which was one of the most unique experiences I have ever gone through. I won’t blog about it to save you from the details. If you want to know more remember to ask me about it when I get home!
Speaking of getting home… I was thinking about how great it would be to see you all. I would love to fellowship with you over a cup of tea and if you know how to make anything fun I would love to learn how to bake or cook a couple more meals (hint hint..) ☺ haha I’m just kidding. I hope you all are doing well. Enjoy Minnesota!

p.s. I tried to fall asleep the other night wearing shorts and a tank top. It didn’t work. I missed my nightgown.