Gecko's and surprise

So folks, we’ve had some emails gently asking for another update. I keep thinking I need to sit down again and do this, (yes I know Dave, intentions don’t get things done; bless you!!) but first off, I only turn the computer on 1-2 times per week; and second, we’re seriously busy. But I want to keep all you guys updated so you can pray specifically, and remember, we’re in this together, we really need and appreciate your prayers. I truly believe that your prayers strengthen us, and also allow us to laugh at some situations that otherwise would be quite upsetting. Things are just so very different here, and often there doesn’t seem to be any logic as to why situations are as they are.
Gecko’s, gecko’s, gecko’s!!! Wow, are there ever many gecko’s. Last week one evening we had the group from England over and exactly that night the gecko’s decided to come out in droves. One of the team members is a zoo keeper, so he didn’t mind trying to herd them out the door, but they’re awfully fast, and the ceiling is really high ( they prefer walls and ceilings), so this can be a funny sight - man versus gecko. It doesn’t help that there is about a 1 inch gap between the door and floor; once Isaac has tools, we can hopefully rectify this problem. Ladies, how would you like to share your bedroom with elusive critters like this. It’s a good thing we’re tired from the day’s activities; we sleep soundly apart from the noises that are so much a part of the night here.
We live smack across from a large Catholic church, and the churches here are mostly open on the sides to allow for much, much needed air flow. This means that the singing is heard from far away, never mind across the street, with a bedroom window facing the church, as ours does. They have nightly services, but the Sunday 6:00 A.M. service really is a challenge. They sing beautifully, albeit to/about Mary, but on a morning that we don’t have to be at school at 7:00 A.M?!!?  I’ve wondered from the beginning, how can they sing so enthusiastically when many of them worship a dead woman? Yes, I know there are born again Christians in the Catholic faith, but when you hear former Catholics talk about going to the front of the church to kneel before a statue of Mary, and the only word in a song that you know as it filters through your window is “Maria, Maria,” you can’t help but wonder. Can you imagine the wonderful worship that would greet our ears at 6:00 A.M. if they worshipped the living Lord Jesus!!!???
This last Sunday we went to a different church than Jabe. We met a pastor - Andy Kennedy -  through Everiste a few weeks ago who was here from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for 3 months, scoping out what their ministry could do in Burundi. Through Andy we met Chris, a dynamite Christian guy that’s becoming a good friend. Chris invited us to his church as Andy was preaching. It was so nice to not have to strain your ears to hear the translation of the message through not great ear phones. The message was on grace - grace that is un-earned and un-deserved, but so real. Chris has a French website where he posts a new sermon  6 days a week. He has listeners in over 80 countries.
So I had a surprise this week. I started work at school, with this week just preparing the classrooms and resources etc. After staff devotions led by Pastor Ray we were all introduced, where people are from etc. (Andrew and Kristine Astington are from the UK, however they were teaching in Saudi Arabia for the last six years. They’ve both taught for many years, Kristine’s starting her 42nd year. I am going to be an assistant in her year 6 class part of the time. Anni-Mette is from Denmark, she’s here till February, Kristy Jones is from Arizona, there’s 2 guys from Canada coming on Sunday, Debbie, the head teacher for Primary is from the UK; the rest of the teachers are from various African countries.) So…. the surprise… When Pastor Ray said what I’d be doing he said “ Rosel’s our arts teacher and will be assisting in years 2 and 6.” That was news to me, I thought I was only assisting. Here’s what happened. The above mentioned head teacher, Debbie, is currently on mat. leave in the UK. So Irene, the year two teacher is presently the interim head teacher. So a few weeks ago when Irene came over before going home to Kenya for two weeks, she asked me if I would be willing to help her with art. I said sure. Well, I guess she had in mind “helping her” was, as in taking the arts position; only I thought “helping her” was doing year 2 art, at least partially with her together, since I’m already in that class. So I’m teaching years 2 - 6 art, with each lesson being 70 minutes long. Each grade has art once a week. Amanda, I’m so grateful for your files that you left - they are a huge help. For you non- Calvary people, Amanda was here last school year and taught art and sports. You know what the cool part is???!!!  God prepared me for this. A few days before we left Manitoba, I went and bought more art supplies than I had already purchased up to that point to  take with us, presumably for the New Hope and CRIB kids. I just saw myself doing art with kids, and here’s how our awesome Father orchestrated it all. Isn’t that sweet??!! Later I told Pastor Ray  about the surprise, which he found humorous as well.
I think perhaps Irene was a little over zealous today; she asked me if I would be willing to teach sports (gym) as well. I told her I’d pray about it, but I don’t have peace about that, as all sports are done outside (no gymnasium), and I’m already struggling with walking to and from school every day in the sun. ( in case you didn’t read in a previous blog, I have what my Dr. calls a near allergy to the sun.)
Speaking of the sun, it’s generally a few degrees hotter now already than when we came a month ago. Because we’re so close to Lake Tanganyika, we get a pretty strong wind off the lake mid day, exactly when we’re walking home from school. It’s a challenge to control my umbrella against the wind as our tired and sweaty bodies trudge the mile plus home. Rainy season is around the corner when the temperature really rises!! We’ve been told a few times, you can almost set your clock to the rain. It comes at noon, and often again at four in the afternoon. Immediately following the rain, the sun is out, and steam rises from the ground.
Isaac’s gecko hunting again.
Sending our love and blessings to you all - our team.
Isaac, Rosel and Colton