Thoughts During the Last Week of School

Wow!  The 2012-2013 school year is complete, I officially have a 5th, 3rd, and 1st grader and I can hardly believe it!  The kids asked if we could have chocolate cake for lunch on the last day of school..in AFRICA...so, I said YES!  

I feel like we've had a beautiful two year run here...lots of memories and projects completed at HOPAC, with the Sala Sala Kids' Club, with The Ocean, within our own family, and with our schooling.  

Tomorrow, we can officially say we're going back to the US "this month"...it's just 12 more days!

There are a lot of conflicting emotions and feelings going on right now.  There are things about reverse culture shock that I'm not sure that I'm ready for, that will surprise me, no matter how much I read about it or how much I pray.  I've been working hard to set things up in the States for us, housing, finances, school things, training for Indy and I... plus, there is the packing and giving away of stuff here in Dar as well.  Yesterday, I had some time where I literally laid in bed and felt like I was going to completely shut down and just wanted it all to go away, it was just too much to handle!

I'm excited about the end of this race, and the new beginning that we can see emerging as well!

Life, when we walk with our Lord, is always an adventure!

The "Dragon Son" that Gwangi made from his Legos.

Working on some school work.

Final 50 States "fill in the blank" quiz.

The boys did well, there were just a few that they needed prodding on to remember.  I probably should have quizzed them a month ago, we haven't reviewed it in about that many weeks, lol.

Sala Sala Field Day

Our Physical Education Teacher at HOPAC, Rose, had a team come out and help put on FOUR Field Days...one each for the Primary and Secondary students at HOPAC and then 2 for the Sala Sala kids that we work with on Monday and Tuesdays each week.  They brought out t-shirts, ribbons, certificates, and purchased snacks and WATER FILTERS for the families that we love from the Sala Sala rock quarry behind HOPAC.  What a huge blessing they were!  It's always so awesome when you can share your vision with those from home.

Showing up, getting their shirts, some water and a banana, and getting ready for the events.

Jackson and Shaun letting the kids know what is going to happen.

They're listening.

Jennifer Wickham, all ready for the events to begin.

Krypto

My group of girls started off with the softball throw.

They had been working on this skill for the past couple of months on Mondays.

And, there she goes, the ball is away.

Gavin, Gwangi, and Indy were measuring the distances.

They all wanted to see how far they had thrown the softball.

Then, the long jump.

Those girls could get some air.

And, she landed.

Another one is flying.

Lucy was excited and watching some of the younger girls jump.

Gwangi

The running events...200, 400, and 800 meters.

Checking on the times.

The boys, coming around the corner.

The girls, cheering on the boys.

We got some ribbons, and they were so happy!

And certificates, too.

The girls going up to get their ribbons and certificates.

Another ribbon!

The view of the moon as we were leaving after the kids had gone and we had cleaned up the field.  Whew!  What a day!  So glad Rose's team also brought GLO STICKS for the kids that helped, my kids were thrilled!  Thanks, Rose!

Last Trip to Mbudya Island

It was a beautiful day and we were able to share it with some wonderful friends!

So nice to be able to make a quick day trip to a National Park and Refuge, just off the coast of Dar es Salaam.

Our view of the coast, as we were heading out to the island.

Rob and Donovan, with Krypto, waiting for the boat to come and pick us up.

Shelbyanne

Gwangi

On the way to Mbudya, you pass this island...Gwangi calls is Jungle Island.

My view in the boat

Gwangi and Shelbyanne, talking.

Amy and Donovan.

Indy and Sissi.

A Dhow boat that we passed.

Floating in the clear Indian Ocean.

"I'm going to get you..."

Brothers, having fun.

Amy and Donovan, playing in the water.  It was clear and perfect.

They found a starfish.

A sea anemone.

Krypto loves all things about the sea.

Lunch time!

My lobster and chips, yummy!  Caught fresh while we were on the beach.

Indy's fish and chips!  It was amazing and I had been dreaming about it all week.

The kids, eating their lunch.

More play time on the beach.

Silly faces by the baobab.

A shell!

The "serious" look.

Looking into a "crater"

The waves against the rocks.