WINTER COMIN, EASTER and More !!

Hi Again to All,

Hope this finds you well, and for some of you enjoying the coming on of Springtime in the Midwest. Things are a-ok for us, but as the days roll on, there are definite signs that winter in Africa is coming on………sunrise is now about 6:20AM…around Christmas Day it was about 4:45AM………and now sunset is about 5:30PM, and it is again pitch dark at 6PM. We like Africa, but not sure we will ever get used to the early darkness……even the “longest days of summer” here are only daylight until about 7:30PM. Ugh. And lots of other signs too that winter is approaching….we are now burning a fire in the fireplace almost every evening---thank goodness we harvest timber, and cut/ sell firewood on the farm…!---since most homes have no central heating in Africa…..When the temperature drops, you just put on some layers and build a fire….. just a few months ago we were sleeping in summer pj’s, and under a sheet….now it’s flannels, and a couple blankets….and wearing furry lined bedroom slippers, instead of our flimsy flip flops—on these cold tile floors….and in the summer when I would walk back from town mid-day…usually I would be wet with perspiration, but now I can walk back, and not even break a sweat….and in the summer we were living in tee shirts, and now long sleeves, and fleeces, and sweaters, and sweatshirts. Yes winter definitely comin on…..

April is the month we have a LOT of birthdays back home… so HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY: Dana, Troy, Mark, and Gram….no childrens birthdays here this month, so I guess we will just need to celebrate each of your birthdays here, 11000 miles away.

The kids have been home for their first term break for the last 2 ½ weeks, and will go back to school tomorrow. We had an action-packed “holiday program” planned for most days – both morning and afternoon sessions led by either Mike, myself, or Tim, a volunteer from Wilkes Barre, Pa. Who’s been here for a month. It was nice to have the chance to prepare the kids for Easter – with crafts, songs, and Bible lessons of the events that led up to the arrest and crucifiction. Michelle then had us all watch the first half of the Passion movie. Good Friday reminded me of my childhood – most go to church for a lengthy service, many shops & businesses are closed, and it is a day of reverence. Easter Sunday was less celebratory than I’m used to – both in church and at home. Here they also celebrate Easter Monday. That was the day we had an Easter egg hunt. Michelle cleverly had the boys hide chocolate eggs for the girls, and vice versa. After that, we had some fun relay races and games.

This holiday program we thought we’d start a daily reading program so as to keep their reading skills sharp. For the most past it was very successful. Each morning we had independent reading/with an adult reading to the younger ones. Each afternoon we paired an older child with a younger one, so they could either read to the younger one, or help the “learning to read” kids sound out words & sentences. We all enjoyed those sessions.
English is their 2nd language, but after grade 2, all classes are taught in English, and their native language is treated as a special subject area. There are very few books printed in SiSwati, so we work mainly to teach the kids to read English.

Another bulk of the program sessions focused on becoming independent. As a children’s home, the plan is for the kids to become emancipated once they turn age 18, and/or finish their schooling. We outlined for the older children what the responsibilities as well as the freedoms they’ll enjoy, and the steps we’ll be taking to help them reach their goals. Mike did a session on budgeting and saving and another on public speaking. We “played store” to give them practice in buying and selling items and making change. The lessons were exciting for some; sobering for others, especially if they are struggling in school. Unfortunately, with the high unemployment rate, those who don’t advance to higher learning face a challenging future. We watched the DVD of the original “Miracle Worker” movie, so they could see how Helen Keller overcame her disabilities.

We balanced the learning stuff with sports: soccer, volleyball, cross-country running and ping pong. Also, singing, movies, taking walks, playing games like bingo, Uno, etc.
Today was “get ready for school” day. Lots of school uniforms needed repair. I’ve taught everyone how to sew on a button, so we did lots of that. These kids are no different from kids everywhere: some take good care of their clothes; others are very hard on them; some school shoes are in great shape, while others already have holes in the toe, even though they were new in Jan. Yes, the shoes are part of the school uniform. They are black leather tie shoes for the boys and black leather buckle shoes for the girls. They generally polish them daily, since they get so dirty on the way to & from school.
Everyone takes a lot of pride in dressing nicely for school. Many US schools could take a lesson from these kids.

The early fall rains have dried up, and now we’re having lovely weather: cool, crisp mornings and evenings with bright sunny, warm afternoons. We’re enjoying the year-round growing season. After a brief lull, the cabbages and lettuce are back in season, along with avocados and guava and pears.

We’re gearing up for a lot of volunteers to come help us over the North American summer. It should be fun – we’ll feel like old timers – there’s always lots to keep many bodies busy. Some will stay with us; others will sleep in the education center. We’ll be breaking ground on our 3rd children’s home any day now, so that will add another dimension to the controlled chaos we now call home.

Love to everyone. Gail & Mike