Friday, January 25, 2013

Spirit Day at the Academy

Today we celebrated Spirit Day. This means everyone got dressed up and had lots of fun at the school. Our theme today was our “dream job”. So here are some of the results:
            
           

First, our high school social studies teacher let the cat out of the bag—she really wants to be a ninja star! And our principal—a fireman!! Not to be outdone, our kindergarten teacher decided she wanted to be a mom, while her 3 boys opted for race car driver, hunter, and engineer. Then our French teacher came in and presented her dream job—zumba instructor! Her sixth graders wanted to be a photographer, a life guard, and a reptile specialist. Then the 11th and 12th graders announced they wanted to be an archaeologist, an analyst, a classical missionary (including socks and sandals), a radiologist, and, oops, there’s that fireman again!

What a creative and diverse bunch!

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Reflections on Sailing...

Our class read Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “1996” and wrote poems in response. I thought you might enjoy reading this one, especially if you have sailed on the M/V Anastasis or M/V Africa Mercy…

 

2113

by Hannah Palmer

 

How can I convey to you how I feel?

When the world seems at peace

Out on the blue.

The never-ending ocean all around,

Breathing in the salty mist,

With the wind sweeping through your hair

 

How can I explain the serenity?

The subtle rocking sway

Out on the blue

Enough to drift you off into deep sleep

In complete solitude

Nothing but your thoughts and their wings

 

How can I show you the world that I see?

The vast expanse spread out

Out on the blue

Wildlife dancing to the beat of the waves

Joined by the song of the wind-

The music of the universe

 

How can I give you eyes to see the awe?

God’s glory broadcasted

Out on the blue

The crystal blue days follow starry nights

The sky painted with beauty

One hundred years prior to you.

 

 

 


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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Down in Ward B

We have around 20 women currently down in Ward B. They have been there over Christmas, hoping for successful results from their reconstructive surgery for VVF conditions...
My students had a great time making Christmas bags for them. They colored the outside of brown lunch bags and stuffed them with toys, coloring books, crayons, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other things. The ladies were delighted to receive the gifts, and quite surprised. Gift exchange is not common in West Africa, and certainly not in a Muslim country at Christmas… However, Christmas fun onboard draws everyone in, and I heard Christmas carols coming up the stairs from the wards!

This message and any attachments may be privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure - Mercy Ships.
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