Term Two

Well, I’m still not feeling tremendously motivated to update this thing, but since Sheryl has been complaining about re-reading my vacation reflections too many times, I guess it’s time to put something new up here. Apparently about 4 people read this blog, so I hope you all enjoy it.

Term Two started three weeks late due to safety concerns about travelling through Kenya during the aftermath of the presidential election. I used my extra time to begin a pottery project with one of my students: a hand-built “Dicken’s House” which I’m still not quite finished.




The first several weeks of the term were much more stressful than normal, as we all wondered what would happen to our country and hoped and prayed for things to settle down. The unrest around us certainly took its toll on us all emotionally, even as we tried to keep our program as normal as possible.

The Junior-Senior banquet was a nice distraction from the realities of stress, instability, and schoolwork. Last year, as a sponsor of the class of ’08, I had a lot of involvement in the planning and work required to pull off this big event. It was lovely to go this year and just enjoy the glamour of the evening without having to worry about all the details. The top secret theme this year was “Morocco”, and the Juniors had transformed the drama hall into a huge, exotic tent.
Other backdrops around the set included a sunset over sand-dunes, a view of a starry sky out of ancient, arab-style arched windows, and a market-place. The entertainment included an assortment of musical numbers and a hilarious drama. The wonderful food and company rounded out a very enjoyable evening.



Several weekends after banquet, the Senior class, along with sponsors, participated in a Transition Seminar. The weekend started with a class party in Nairobi that included bowling, swimming, and lots of eating. Then we headed for Brackenhurst Conference and Retreat Centre where we took in sessions about leaving well and preparing for the big change ahead. Most of the seniors are planning to attend college in the United States. For many, this means returning to a country in which they’ve only spent a few odd years during furloughs. For some, like our many Korean and Kenyan students, this means entering a country and culture of which they’ve never been a part. I thought the sessions were practical and helpful. Much of the advice was also relevant to the situation of re-entry I will be facing soon. We enjoyed lovely weather for the weekend, and many “bonding times” naturally developed out of the small group discussions and free time throughout the workshop.





As a class, we also celebrated our last Senior Store ever!
At the end of Term Two, we gladly passed the torch on to the Class of ’09. Although I have some good memories of spending time with the kids during our 10 stores, I will not miss those 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning wake-ups and the donut orders people hollering at us to make more maple walnut or get the chocolate sprinkles out faster. I am more than happy that I will be able to enjoy the last three stores of the year as a paying customer only. Our profits from Senior Store will pay for the senior class trip to Mombasa for midterm next term. So I think all our efforts will be worthwhile in the end.

We are now all on vacation for a little while. The rains have begun, so I have been spending more time indoors and in front of a cozy fire. Rain is always a good excuse to relax…break out a good book or a movie, curl up on the floor cushions or just go to bed early. I have already done a complete inventory of my house, dividing all my belongings into “keep”, “give away”, and “try to sell”. I have several other “leaving” lists to make and tasks to complete as well, so I should not lack for things to keep me busy this vacation. It’s strange to realize that this will be my last vacation in Kenya…possibly forever. I hope I will make the most of it.