2nd Term Comes to a Close

It’s March Madness season, and believe it or not, there have been many riveting discussions here in Ibadan about who will be the reigning champions this year in American Basketball. Unfortunately, my bracket is far from accurate, but the fact that I can even keep up with American sports is pretty amazing to me.

Our 2^nd school term is drawing to a close, and it has been a full one. All of my extra guitar clubs, basketball club, piano lessons, Bible teaching, preschool teaching, and Senior School speech training have kept each week buzzing with activity.  I just finished the Speech unit for the 11^th grade class.  After the 9^th grade presented speeches in front of the entire senior school last month, many of the 11^th graders were quite apprehensive to following their lead.  But overall, I think the experience ended up being very valuable for most of them—and for some of them, possibly life changing.  Surprisingly, several of the students chose to speak on topics which were quite personal—whether it was something that they struggled with or something which they felt passionately about.  I so enjoyed getting to discuss on a deep level issues which they felt their peers needed to hear about—whether it be self-confidence, or anorexia, or overcoming personal challenges.

On the 16^th, ACA hosted their annual Science Fair, which is a BIG DEAL. We’ve been warned about the stress of the Science Fair since our first week in Ibadan last term.  The preschool department’s set-up was nice, with information and activities related to the five senses.  Besides the fact that Kyle—the guy who was in charge of the whole thing—came down with G.I. malaria and typhoid on that day (his birthday) and was in the hospital with an IV, the day went well. At least, it was fun to see the parents come and interact with their kids and teachers. Our department—smelling—was a huge hit for children and adults of all ages.

Last week we had the older girls from the Mission for the Deaf over again. This time we just decorated cookies, played games, and got to know each other better. They are really a great group—very mature for their age and very patient to communicate and help us learn a bit of sign language.

I am thrilled out of my mind to be able to receive my good friend, Caroline Rose, as a guest here starting Thursday.  Of course, she won’t be here in Ibadan long at all before travelling with several of us to Cameroon where we will climb the highest mountain in West Africa.  I’m definitely looking forward to spending my week of spring break in such a fashion—cool weather, full moon, on a volcano in Cameroon—does it get any better? I mean, it’ll be a pretty tough three day hike from what I hear, but I’m thinking it will be worth it. Don’t worry, I’ll bring back some pictures.

In other big news, I have officially decided to return to ACA for a second year after summer break (I’m sure no one saw THAT one coming).  I’m quite excited to be able to continue teaching these students, reaching out in various ministry opportunities, and strengthening relationships.  I will also be returning a bit earlier than initially planned in order to begin a summer science course.  So, come the first of June, I’ll be back in the states—reunited with friends and family. Ahh… life is looking good.