Catch-Up

Well, this is embarrassing. Sorry for the far and few blog entries. Michael and I have gotten lost in the days’ activities and medical school applications… But we have found ourselves back behind the computer again and ready to post our adventures.

Hospital worker and Teacher strikes have continued for the past two weeks and we have felt the effects of both lately. The children at Sparrow have become very restless and have no desire to do any reading or work. Kenith, one of their Youth Leaders, was struggling to entertain them and desperately sought our help. So while the strike continued and the kids remained behind we would volunteer in the mornings instead of the afternoons. From games and word puzzles to Spring Day art drawings we found our days fast-paced and tiring. Today the strikes have been suspended and our kids have gone to school and returned as little sweet angels with homework and a drive to do it. It could not have happened any sooner. Hopefully the kids will be able to end the school year in time and not have to repeat their grades because of the strikes.
In the past 2 weeks Michael and I have gone to the Johannesburg Zoo, Lion Park, and Chameleon Village (a huge flea market). When at Chameleon Village, I soon realized that I had not adequately prepared Michael for the hustle and bustle of the place – one look and you could see his senses were overwhelmed and he needed a way out. We stopped for some milkshakes and had lunch at a pancake restaurant. Mike went for the sweet caramel and banana pancake and I went for a savory bacon, mushroom, and cheese pancake with mushroom sauce (a mooCOWpolo pancake). I forgot to mention that the restaurant was cow themed and decorated with every picture of a cow that they could find (even the chik-fil-a cows from back home!!!! )Over a week ago we signed 4 girls out from Sparrow Village and brought them to the house to swim with us. They rarely get to go out and hardly know anyone outside of the village, so they were very excited when we put out the offer. Mike made delicious boerewors rolls over the fire and we had a great time in the sun. Its about time we started working on our pale tans from back home. Lol.
This week has gone well so far… Because the strikes are over we are now able to job shadow at the HIV clinic on Fridays beginning this week. I cannot wait for Mike to experience it!!!! I know it will feel good to be back there… And school had finally started up again for the kids. But while I look forward to what lays ahead I am also weary and asking for help in prayer. My gran was admitted to the hospital on Sunday after having a mild aneurism. She returned on Monday but is not doing well… I can only hope that these next few months will go smoothly. Please pray. Thank you.

Well, that is all I can think of for now. I will promise to make an effort to write more frequently. Hopefully my entries will become more interesting as well.. Until then, take care.