Today was the last of the first aid and CPR classes. It was interesting and so enjoyable and actually quite humorous because Bryan came in and asked if the students liked the class. They said, "Oh, it is the best one we have had so far". Now Bryan has taught a class too so he made a joke out of their response. I must say, I so enjoyed the time and wish it wasn't over so quickly.
Our gardener has begun putting in a garden of vegetables that we will be able to grow here. We have corn, wing beans, green beans, cassava, a papaya tree, and yesterday he was so pleased when he brought a fig tree. The fig tree grows very quickly but I don't know how soon it will bear fruit. It will be great to have a tree in the back yard though. I have tried to start an avocado tree from 3 seeds and finally the last one has sprouted so this will be added to the yard and it will be great!
It is amazing to see that we have been here in Soyo for almost 3 months. My visa requires that I leave the country every 90 days until May 2012 so that is when we will take our R&R. Bryan is going to Indonesia to make sure all preparations are completed for the trainees to come for the next 6 months for hands on training at a plant. So, we decided to also make this our R&R and to stop in Thailand and visit friends and rest there. For those of you that don't know, we used to live in Thailand...from 1992-2004. We absolutely loved the people, culture, food.... and to have the opportunity to go back for a time is wonderful. Just wish we could bring our children and their families.....that would be true rest and relaxation for me......We are leaving next week and will be back in Soyo before the end of May. I have mixed feelings because I am looking forward to this time and I will also miss all my English students while I'm gone. We haven't told them yet because they will be sad. But everything will resume when I return.
Update on Ms Kitty. With us leaving for 3 weeks, Ms Kitty must have someone care for her and change her cat box since she isn't using the toilet yet. We have one of the office staff coming over tomorrow to see if she wants to take care of the cat. Many people have dogs as pets here but not cats so this is very different for any local person.....to care for a cat inside and not just let them fend for themselves outside. We will see what happens tomorrow. If she says that this isn't something she wants to do, then we will just have someone come by daily to feed her and leave her on her own......sad.....
So what have I learned today? It is a reminder that all good things are for a season.....and just like I enjoyed teaching the class on first aid and CPR, this is now finished. I am sure that God will bring another opportunity to volunteer and share some skill that I have. I never hear anything about the possibilities to help at the hospital or the hospice idea and I have made peace with that. I continue to live each day the best I know how, find the interest and humor in all that is out here, and be thankful that we are here.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
First Aid Training
This past weekend was Easter. A time to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is usually a time spent around church activities and family. We missed that this year.....no English speaking service nearby and since the internet is so slow, we couldn't stream our service from Cornerstone Fellowship in California. Instead we had one of the men over for dinner since his wife is out of town and then Bryan and I listened to last years Easter message from our home church. It was wonderful....the message is timeless.....we are loved with an everlasting love and it was proven by the gift God gave us of making us right with Him through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus......and the victory over death on Easter morning!!! I must say that even though we weren't with our children and other family members, we still had a wonderful and encouraging day.
This past Thursday and now through this week is the First Aid and CPR classes for the 86 trainees. I was working with Jeff Madson, a trainer and former EMT. We meet with 22 trainees for half a day and go over the basics of first aid with the primary emphasis placed on CPR with time to practice. It is an intense time of learning for these students and you must remember they are learning these concepts and skills in a second language.
I am very impressed at how seriously they are taking the training and how well they did on the practical portion of the class.
There are still two more classes to go and I believe
that there will need to be more practice in the future to really cement the skills they have gained over these past days.
We also learned about and practiced the Heimlich maneuver. The interactions in the room were quite amusing since most of the students are real actors at heart and had great enjoyment - especially being able to choke and then be rescued. There was much laughter but also a great deal of learning practical skills.
Tomorrow we will be back at the schools to help with crafts. It will be good to see the kids again.
I have been wanting to share with you the appearance of one of the local grocery stores here in Soyo. This one is near our home but is almost bare of goods. It is so difficult to get things here to Soyo during the rainy season since the road is impassable. They do the best they can with what they have.
It is hard to imagine how the managers of this store must feel when they have no goods to sell. Now these photos were taken about 2 weeks ago and since then the freezers have some chicken and pork and there is plastic containers available too. So things are definitely looking up.
So what have I been learning over these past few days? We are going through different stages in our lives with the attending losses and changes that are not always easy but are what they are. The celebration of Easter brings such joy and a reminder that we are where we are by the leading of our Lord. Even though I had the plan for hospice here and this has not become a reality.......yet......there are still things to do to make a difference in peoples lives and to use the education and life experience that I have had to assist them in their growth. I am so thankful to be here.....I repeat this many times because even though it is a strange and unusual place for us to live.....it is still a great place to be at this time.
This past Thursday and now through this week is the First Aid and CPR classes for the 86 trainees. I was working with Jeff Madson, a trainer and former EMT. We meet with 22 trainees for half a day and go over the basics of first aid with the primary emphasis placed on CPR with time to practice. It is an intense time of learning for these students and you must remember they are learning these concepts and skills in a second language. I am very impressed at how seriously they are taking the training and how well they did on the practical portion of the class.
There are still two more classes to go and I believethat there will need to be more practice in the future to really cement the skills they have gained over these past days.
We also learned about and practiced the Heimlich maneuver. The interactions in the room were quite amusing since most of the students are real actors at heart and had great enjoyment - especially being able to choke and then be rescued. There was much laughter but also a great deal of learning practical skills.
Tomorrow we will be back at the schools to help with crafts. It will be good to see the kids again.
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| Laundry Soap Bars |
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| The olive oil - one deep on shelves |
It is hard to imagine how the managers of this store must feel when they have no goods to sell. Now these photos were taken about 2 weeks ago and since then the freezers have some chicken and pork and there is plastic containers available too. So things are definitely looking up.
So what have I been learning over these past few days? We are going through different stages in our lives with the attending losses and changes that are not always easy but are what they are. The celebration of Easter brings such joy and a reminder that we are where we are by the leading of our Lord. Even though I had the plan for hospice here and this has not become a reality.......yet......there are still things to do to make a difference in peoples lives and to use the education and life experience that I have had to assist them in their growth. I am so thankful to be here.....I repeat this many times because even though it is a strange and unusual place for us to live.....it is still a great place to be at this time.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Keep looking up.....
Several really good things have happened recently. We have found new food items in the market. First was wonderful big red tomatoes.....these were crazy expensive but wonderful and such a surprise that we invited our neighbor for BCT sandwiches....bacon, cucumber and tomato...and they were great.
I believe I have shared about the great bread here. The bakery we like the best is not far from our home and is a earthen oven.
We go there several times a week and buy the small bread rolls....warm and fresh from the oven. It is quite a process from making to baking and then all along the road you will see people selling bread from this bakery and others. It is interesting to see how different the bread is shaped based on the bakery. It is all delicious and I have never been much of a bread eater until I came here.
The baker puts the individual rolls onto the large wooden stick and places the unbaked bread deep into the oven. Then the stick with the curved end is used to bring the baked bread back out of the oven and it is rolled into a basket and then onto a plastic sheet too cool and be sold. The cost of the bread is about 10 rolls for one dollar. This bakery works daily and has a steady group of people that come and buy their bread.
Yesterday one of the ladies had been to the market and she found the best surprise in the 72 days we have been here.......I know it is 72 because that is how long it has been since we had salad.....and she found greenhouse grown lettuce!!! I must say that I don't know when a salad has tasted so good. We brought salad dressing......and finally were able to use it! I don't have the bill yet on the cost, but will be happy to pay it......what a treat.....
Thursday will be the beginning of the First Aid training so I am spending many hours preparing for this to make sure it goes well. There are 86 trainees that need to successfully complete this training that includes CPR, Heimlich maneuver, and what to do for heat stroke, broken bones and bleeding. It is general information and except for CPR and Heimlich which require practice, it is informational. Hopefully it will be beneficial. I'm sure enjoying getting the program ready. I have had a lot of help from the trainers at the office. The students will complete the training on the 27th and leave to go for time off on the 28th.
Oh, Warren the wildlife guy here has found a new species of snake....one that has never been found here before. Here is what he sent to us for information: "I captured a new species of highly venomous snake in Soyo, namely the Black Tree Snake (Thrasops jacksoni). This is not a new species to science but a new species for the project. Since 2006 we have found 15 species of snake in Soyo, 7 of which are highly venomous! The Black Tree snake will bring the current species count up to 16 species in total! This large snake was captured in a cashew tree."
"The Black Tree Snake (Thrasops jacksoni) is a very similar species to the more common African Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) which is widely regarded as the most venomous snake in Africa and requires a specific monovalent antivenom to treat the bite. The hemotoxic venom which both these two species possess works on the blood stream and destroys the bloods clotting factor causing internal bleeding and hemorrhaging in victims leading to kidney failure. Fortunately these snakes are responsible for very few bites in Africa due to their shy nature and the fact that they live in trees and seldom encounter people. The Black tree snake can be identified by its very large eye and shiny black clouration. When this species feels threatened it will inflate the neck and body making itself look bigger and more intimidating."
Doesn't this make you feel so secure? I have been looking on the path for danger....and now I need to be looking up in the cashew trees.....but who knows what a cashew tree looks like? I've only seen cashews in the market twice....and didn't know they grew here. More education is needed for me......and remember, all wildlife is relocated to a safe area of the jungle and not killed.
So for today.....and it is always one day at a time......I'm finding contentment in doing things for others.....finding surprises in the day to day routine here. Keeping focused outside of myself, not just watching where I'm walking but also now looking up too, and therefore not being unhappy but actually content and so thankful for the opportunity for us to be here. Each little thing is such a joy and that wasn't how I lived my life in the USA. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and what it will bring.
We go there several times a week and buy the small bread rolls....warm and fresh from the oven. It is quite a process from making to baking and then all along the road you will see people selling bread from this bakery and others. It is interesting to see how different the bread is shaped based on the bakery. It is all delicious and I have never been much of a bread eater until I came here.
Yesterday one of the ladies had been to the market and she found the best surprise in the 72 days we have been here.......I know it is 72 because that is how long it has been since we had salad.....and she found greenhouse grown lettuce!!! I must say that I don't know when a salad has tasted so good. We brought salad dressing......and finally were able to use it! I don't have the bill yet on the cost, but will be happy to pay it......what a treat.....
Thursday will be the beginning of the First Aid training so I am spending many hours preparing for this to make sure it goes well. There are 86 trainees that need to successfully complete this training that includes CPR, Heimlich maneuver, and what to do for heat stroke, broken bones and bleeding. It is general information and except for CPR and Heimlich which require practice, it is informational. Hopefully it will be beneficial. I'm sure enjoying getting the program ready. I have had a lot of help from the trainers at the office. The students will complete the training on the 27th and leave to go for time off on the 28th.
Oh, Warren the wildlife guy here has found a new species of snake....one that has never been found here before. Here is what he sent to us for information: "I captured a new species of highly venomous snake in Soyo, namely the Black Tree Snake (Thrasops jacksoni). This is not a new species to science but a new species for the project. Since 2006 we have found 15 species of snake in Soyo, 7 of which are highly venomous! The Black Tree snake will bring the current species count up to 16 species in total! This large snake was captured in a cashew tree."
"The Black Tree Snake (Thrasops jacksoni) is a very similar species to the more common African Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) which is widely regarded as the most venomous snake in Africa and requires a specific monovalent antivenom to treat the bite. The hemotoxic venom which both these two species possess works on the blood stream and destroys the bloods clotting factor causing internal bleeding and hemorrhaging in victims leading to kidney failure. Fortunately these snakes are responsible for very few bites in Africa due to their shy nature and the fact that they live in trees and seldom encounter people. The Black tree snake can be identified by its very large eye and shiny black clouration. When this species feels threatened it will inflate the neck and body making itself look bigger and more intimidating."
Doesn't this make you feel so secure? I have been looking on the path for danger....and now I need to be looking up in the cashew trees.....but who knows what a cashew tree looks like? I've only seen cashews in the market twice....and didn't know they grew here. More education is needed for me......and remember, all wildlife is relocated to a safe area of the jungle and not killed.
So for today.....and it is always one day at a time......I'm finding contentment in doing things for others.....finding surprises in the day to day routine here. Keeping focused outside of myself, not just watching where I'm walking but also now looking up too, and therefore not being unhappy but actually content and so thankful for the opportunity for us to be here. Each little thing is such a joy and that wasn't how I lived my life in the USA. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and what it will bring.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The power of silence
Wow, it is has been a week since I last wrote. Here is why.....many days there are not things to write about here that would interest others.....I think.....and I want to always sound cheerful and upbeat about being here.....and that isn't always the case. Just like anywhere else, there are days that aren't full of adventure and fun.....but somehow, with the big plans we had before coming here.....full of expectations and hopes to make a difference, it is difficult to realize that just because it is my plan and is a great plan at that.....very altruistic......and benevolent.....it doesn't mean that it will come to be.....and so I take time to ponder why this is......and come to the realization over and over that since I long to live my life to bring glory to God......and since He is the only one that knows what that actually means for this moment, then I must take the down times.....the quiet times without the busyness of doing and just be.....but be in a way that is glorifying to Him.....and this realization comes to me over and over as I go through more and more of the days without the purpose and plan that I had.....to start a hospice.....becoming a reality. Even the adjusted plan to go and teach in the hospital care of newborn babies....has not come to be and you know, the frustrating thing is that there is never a "No"......just silence.....
Friday I saw the woman that was to meet with the doctor at the hospital two weeks ago to find out if I can start there......I was at a tree planting along a road with some school children.....and still...even meeting each other on the street, there was no news. And I found that when I returned home after the event, I didn't feel angry and frustrated.....just felt nothing......maybe it is just that I am finding peace in the waiting, I don't know. I hope and pray that it is an evidence of growth......to be able to let it go and do what is in front of me to do today.....
So the English classes with the drivers are interesting. One day there was only one driver that came to class. We were learning about feelings and colors and reviewing days of the week......he got the feelings due to the pictures from the internet and made notes and remembered them. He loves to study. Then we got to colors and I had pictures of different people. I asked the question, "What color is his/her hair?" and the answer practiced was "Her/his hair is red, yellow, brown or black". Then I would ask, "What color is his shirt?" and the answer was "His shirt is......."whatever the color was. Finally, to go with feelings, "Is he happy?" "Yes, he is happy" or "No, he isn't happy". Well, we had gone over the flash cards for about 10 minutes and I thought we could change it up to respond, "It is yellow" rather than Her hair is yellow and the same for the shirt....use "It" but not for the feelings.....that would still be he/she. So when I said this......the student asked...."what is hair?". I had to laugh.....so much like me......I say what is expected for me to say and yet don't understand the real questions many times..... I guess that when I had shown a picture of a bald man and asked "what color is his hair" and the student said, brown....the color of his face.....I should have known we weren't getting the concept.....So I learn as much as the students.
On Friday we had new students and it was enjoyable to see that there is an interest to learn something new.....and we have such fun working together with these men.
Yesterday one of the families moved from here. They are from Australia and are retiring.....they have plans for their next two years and so were excited about the transition. We were so happy for them but will miss them here. So now the numbers of expatriates have shrunk by one more family......This is a small group of expats and very nice people.
The food situation has been about the same. We found Coke light again and were glad about that. That is the one extra we all enjoy. With the rains lessening, there is more food in the market....but still, it takes time to get here by truck so we have to look hard to find things that are not really tired looking.
I am continuing to study Portuguese but find it not an easy language for me or maybe it is because we don't have a teacher and just learn from CD's. I find it difficult to stay focused and not let my mind wander while studying. But perseverance is the name of the game.
So what am I learning? To take each day as it is......without complaining.....and find the good in each thing.....keep my focus on the important things and not get caught up in the issues of what is not here but rather focus on what is and enjoy that......and it makes me so much more content. More importantly, I am finding a real need to change my focus. It is so much easier for me to pray and expect a definite "yes" or "no" because then I can move on with my life and be doing something or not doing something for God. But God is more often answering me with silence. So my real learning for today is to accept the silence as a desire of God to draw me closer to Him because God wants me to focus my attention on Him and not on the activity that I believe I can do for Him.
Friday I saw the woman that was to meet with the doctor at the hospital two weeks ago to find out if I can start there......I was at a tree planting along a road with some school children.....and still...even meeting each other on the street, there was no news. And I found that when I returned home after the event, I didn't feel angry and frustrated.....just felt nothing......maybe it is just that I am finding peace in the waiting, I don't know. I hope and pray that it is an evidence of growth......to be able to let it go and do what is in front of me to do today.....
So the English classes with the drivers are interesting. One day there was only one driver that came to class. We were learning about feelings and colors and reviewing days of the week......he got the feelings due to the pictures from the internet and made notes and remembered them. He loves to study. Then we got to colors and I had pictures of different people. I asked the question, "What color is his/her hair?" and the answer practiced was "Her/his hair is red, yellow, brown or black". Then I would ask, "What color is his shirt?" and the answer was "His shirt is......."whatever the color was. Finally, to go with feelings, "Is he happy?" "Yes, he is happy" or "No, he isn't happy". Well, we had gone over the flash cards for about 10 minutes and I thought we could change it up to respond, "It is yellow" rather than Her hair is yellow and the same for the shirt....use "It" but not for the feelings.....that would still be he/she. So when I said this......the student asked...."what is hair?". I had to laugh.....so much like me......I say what is expected for me to say and yet don't understand the real questions many times..... I guess that when I had shown a picture of a bald man and asked "what color is his hair" and the student said, brown....the color of his face.....I should have known we weren't getting the concept.....So I learn as much as the students.
On Friday we had new students and it was enjoyable to see that there is an interest to learn something new.....and we have such fun working together with these men.
Yesterday one of the families moved from here. They are from Australia and are retiring.....they have plans for their next two years and so were excited about the transition. We were so happy for them but will miss them here. So now the numbers of expatriates have shrunk by one more family......This is a small group of expats and very nice people.
The food situation has been about the same. We found Coke light again and were glad about that. That is the one extra we all enjoy. With the rains lessening, there is more food in the market....but still, it takes time to get here by truck so we have to look hard to find things that are not really tired looking.
I am continuing to study Portuguese but find it not an easy language for me or maybe it is because we don't have a teacher and just learn from CD's. I find it difficult to stay focused and not let my mind wander while studying. But perseverance is the name of the game.
So what am I learning? To take each day as it is......without complaining.....and find the good in each thing.....keep my focus on the important things and not get caught up in the issues of what is not here but rather focus on what is and enjoy that......and it makes me so much more content. More importantly, I am finding a real need to change my focus. It is so much easier for me to pray and expect a definite "yes" or "no" because then I can move on with my life and be doing something or not doing something for God. But God is more often answering me with silence. So my real learning for today is to accept the silence as a desire of God to draw me closer to Him because God wants me to focus my attention on Him and not on the activity that I believe I can do for Him.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
The joy of reaching out.....
All the cooking yesterday for the 14 was well worth it! The evening was enjoyable and the food really pretty good. What we were missing....was any sort of salad so Bryan stopped at the hotel here and asked if they could put a small salad together and we buy it.....they mentioned $3.00 per person.....and we had 14 so very manageable. When he went to pick it up he was shocked....they sent several containers of fresh tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and cucumbers all sliced and shredded carrots....and two mixed salads.....one with avocado, papaya and pineapple and the other pork, lobster and apples with some walnuts.....and wouldn't accept any payment......incredible.....
It was such a little thing to cook for these workers and to give them a chance for a home cooked meal every once in a while.....they work so hard and are here without their families.....so it is a good thing to have reached out, I think. Perhaps that is why both Bryan and I are so glad we had that evening last night.
Today we were able to get all the furniture and dishes returned to those I borrowed from. I find the community here is always willing to share things from their homes and since all of us mostly have the same dishes and furniture, it makes it easy to supplement.
Our next door neighbor bought an 8 kg red snapper today and we split it. It is so fresh and good looking. Bryan was a fisherman as a kid and knows well how to clean and fillet it. This will certainly add to the protein sources for us.
Ms Kitty continues to be such a wonderful source of enjoyment with her feline antics......Her most favorite is when a fly will venture into the house....she will stalk it for a long time and finally catch it. In the evenings she sits by the window and watches the geckos outside. I'm sure she would love to be able to hunt one of those too but they remain outside to catch mosquitoes and other bugs......and out of her reach.
I am amazed that we have been here in Soyo for more than two months already. It seems in some ways that we have been here longer but then in others, like we have just arrived. I continue to be really thankful that I am here and to anticipate what each new day will bring.
It was such a little thing to cook for these workers and to give them a chance for a home cooked meal every once in a while.....they work so hard and are here without their families.....so it is a good thing to have reached out, I think. Perhaps that is why both Bryan and I are so glad we had that evening last night.
Today we were able to get all the furniture and dishes returned to those I borrowed from. I find the community here is always willing to share things from their homes and since all of us mostly have the same dishes and furniture, it makes it easy to supplement.
Our next door neighbor bought an 8 kg red snapper today and we split it. It is so fresh and good looking. Bryan was a fisherman as a kid and knows well how to clean and fillet it. This will certainly add to the protein sources for us.
Ms Kitty continues to be such a wonderful source of enjoyment with her feline antics......Her most favorite is when a fly will venture into the house....she will stalk it for a long time and finally catch it. In the evenings she sits by the window and watches the geckos outside. I'm sure she would love to be able to hunt one of those too but they remain outside to catch mosquitoes and other bugs......and out of her reach.
I am amazed that we have been here in Soyo for more than two months already. It seems in some ways that we have been here longer but then in others, like we have just arrived. I continue to be really thankful that I am here and to anticipate what each new day will bring.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Practice makes for peace.....
Tonight is the first dinner party we are going to have here. We are having all of Bryan's trainers over for Chicken Curry, Rice and I was planning a cabbage salad but will have to do a stir fry as the cabbage lost it's crisp appearance over night in the fridge. It will be delicious anyway. I am loving the fact I can find just about any recipe on the internet and therefore can look for ones that have what ingredients we can find in the market.....Before dinner the plan is for another time at Cricket in the street.....no one keeps score but it is fun for folks to be able to just hit a ball and laugh together. This should be a nice evening. We are expecting 14.....so borrowed the table and some dishes from next door.....
The English classes are going along well. It is taking quite some time for some of the vocabulary words and sounds. There is no 'th' in Portuguese so it is a difficult sound to make. Everyone has a good attitude and laughs together as they work on the sound. What incredible satisfaction when they can finally say the words.....so we work on 3, 13, 30, Thursday.....Thanks.
Also, the preparation for teaching the first aid training is ready for the classes. We plan to do one per day Monday through Thursday. Then the gentleman that will be training with me will leave for his month off. There is satisfaction in being able to do these type of things to help here.
Working at the hospital or in community health teaching has yet to become a reality. I find that the waiting is less painful than when I first arrived here. I'm so thankful for that. Perhaps I am beginning to leave things in God's hands and not push for my agenda. It is a day by day leaving desires there and actually makes for time here to be so much less stressful and more enjoyable. Now if I could practice what I am learning every day.......what a better state I would remain in. So it is one day at a time in practicing letting go.......
Better get back to the dinner preparations as people will be arriving soon......
The English classes are going along well. It is taking quite some time for some of the vocabulary words and sounds. There is no 'th' in Portuguese so it is a difficult sound to make. Everyone has a good attitude and laughs together as they work on the sound. What incredible satisfaction when they can finally say the words.....so we work on 3, 13, 30, Thursday.....Thanks.
Also, the preparation for teaching the first aid training is ready for the classes. We plan to do one per day Monday through Thursday. Then the gentleman that will be training with me will leave for his month off. There is satisfaction in being able to do these type of things to help here.
Working at the hospital or in community health teaching has yet to become a reality. I find that the waiting is less painful than when I first arrived here. I'm so thankful for that. Perhaps I am beginning to leave things in God's hands and not push for my agenda. It is a day by day leaving desires there and actually makes for time here to be so much less stressful and more enjoyable. Now if I could practice what I am learning every day.......what a better state I would remain in. So it is one day at a time in practicing letting go.......
Better get back to the dinner preparations as people will be arriving soon......
Monday, April 4, 2011
Looks good on the outside.....stinky on the inside
This past weekend we bought 20 eggs to bake bread as a gift for neighbors. Now I have learned from past experience here to make sure that you check your eggs before starting any recipe since the eggs here are sold in the open market where the sun beats down on them for hours and many will be spoiled. All of the eggs I purchased looked great on the outside except one. I opened that one first and is was foul smelling and black inside. Now when we open any eggs we never crack them right into the other ingredients because we don’t’ know if they will be good or not…..so I began cracking the other 19 eggs, one at a time and by the end, I had only 5 that were edible.
Isn’t this the way with many things in life…..looks great from the outside and yet, once committed to, once engaging in the activity or buying into the thought or belief, we find that really it is rotten and stinky……and impossible to remove from our lives without having to throw a lot out and start over. It is better to just test the new shiny thing before and then, if it is really good throughout, add it to what we are making in our lives.
It is interesting that the English classes are weeding out those that are serious about learning and those that aren’t. Several of the students are a more proficient level and are frustrated at the basic level of the classes but the majority of the students are at this level and so we work there. I am finding this very enjoyable and fulfilling. Isn’t it interesting that we can have a plan…..a good plan…..and yet live in the between…..that place beyond the dream and yet not having the dream areality of life……and I just don’t want to spend my time here waiting for something to happen…..but instead do what is put before me to do today……and the drivers were so persistent in their requests for language study……how can you say no? The other really pleasing part is to hear the families that live here talking about working with their driver to help with the practicing of what they are learning. I think it is a benefit to us all.
Today is a holiday……tomorrow too…..so we are home and not going to the schools to help the kids. I did go with my two friends to the base to pick up the CPR dummy and first aid props for teaching the trainees. I’m not sure when that will be but probably this week. We need for all 86 to complete this first aid class before they go to Indonesia for the next stage of their training. See? Always something to do.
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