The Artisan Market

We had an awesome day at the Artisan Market by Oyster Bay today.  I finished up all of my Christmas shopping and had a great girls' day...it had been a few months since I had been able to do that.

Christine looking at the recycled bags.  The ladies take old flour sacks and use fabric to "dress them up" and make them into purses.  I picked up a couple.

I was amazed at all the vendors that were there (Dyan said 50+)

Speaking of...here is Dyan doing some last minute work and organizational set-up.

I LIKE this sign.

Looking at all the ornaments.

Some of the tables were just so colorful.

Baskets

Wine

Coffee!

Henna art

Oh my goodness is this ever the truth....a city of 4+ million and lacking the infrastructure to handle said 4+ million people.

I really liked all the glass work.

Dolls, candle holders, birds, and baskets.

Dolls and balls.

Taking a break while people mingle.

Such beautiful jewelry.

Love Fair Trade practices!

The Nuru Centre's table.

Laura was busy again this weekend...we went to the Nuru Centre for their Open House last week.  They were here at the Artisan Market this week and next week they are one of the vendors at the Christmas Family Fun Day we're putting on at HOPAC.

Some of the Nuru Centre products.

Christmas tree ornaments.

Lunch!  There is a Japanese restaurant at the Slipway, and we girls went there to fill up after all the walking we had done.  It was awesome!  I'll be back!!!

My shopping buddies today, Stacy, Danielle, and Christine.

Our view at lunch time. I'll be honest, I'm sure I'll miss this next year, when I'm freezing cold somewhere.....

Trip to the Tidal Pools

This past week we took a field trip to see the tidal pools during low tide.  It was an awesome trip, shared with the 1st grade class from HOPAC.  I got "FRIED" on my neck and shoulders and it still hurts, but we'll keep applying the aloe.  Enjoy the pictures!

Some of the kids in our group, walking out from the edge of the beach to where the pools begin.

We had a great time with this group.

Yummy! ;)  Brain coral.

Little crab guy was hiding from us.

The fishermen were out, trying to get their catch for the day.  We saw many cool things, like this jelly fish, that were stuck in their nets.

Dinner anyone?

This guy was still alive.  We took him out and watched the snail/shell move away.  Very cool.

Anemones....alive, and the empty shell.

Looking at the anemone.

Sissi, carrying around a bucket with treasures that her friend caught.

Yes, an octopus, and it changed colors and squirted quite a bit of ink...it did not like being bothered.

One of the fishermen, clearing out the nets.

You can see how far out the tide was, and how it creates the pools where you can find many different kinds of sea life.

The fisherman, walking away with a shirt full of lobsters and an octopus to sell.

Danielle, the 1st grade teacher, and a starfish.

Looking at what they have picked up.

We love the starfish.

Fish eggs!

Sunny, sunny day!

You got me, Gwangi!

Just sitting and playing in the water.

Just a few of the things that were collected.

The People and Places in our Lives, Part IV

For church, we meet in a movie theatre.  It is dark and the lighting just doesn't work well for good pictures.  I hope you enjoy these though.  We usually have about 50+ kids each week in the 3-8 range.

Our church is called "The Ocean in Dar."  We have 3 services now at 2 different locations.  We are an International Church in every way.  People come from America, the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and many other countries.

I was doing a lesson on this particular Sunday on individuality and so took pictures of a bunch of them so they could see themselves.

Kids really do love having their picture taken.

Trying to listen to the story, but also distracted by me taking pictures.

Pamela and one of the young teens helped us to "interview" a young "Timothy" about what his gifts were and how he came to work with Paul.

Can you see my little Gwangi sitting in the group :)

"Timothy" looked super surprised by what he was being asked in the "interview"

I'm teaching again this month and our topic is all about cooperation.  We'll be doing parts of the story of Moses, Joshua, and Nehemiah.