Octopi and Thatch-Roofed Huts...

Well I just got back from a weekend camping trip to an outer island, and figured that now was a good time to say hello to everyone again and let you all know what's been going on out here. This last week has been probably the roughest one so far. My kids seemed intent on trying my patience to the max, and it seemed like everything I taught was just boring them to death (not to mention me as well). There are a few boys who are consistently up and out of their chairs, talking to their neighbors, and generally being rambunctious and disruptive in my class (and this isn't counting the other 7th grade class next door! they were just as bad!). I really had to lay into them on tuesday and wednesday, and had a lot of names up on the chalkboard. I don't know if it was just them being testy, or because I was sick that made it bad, but each day I would just pray that the hands of the clock would hurry up so I could leave my classroom and just go lay down. I've had a bad cold, but luckily it's passing. I would have liked to have stayed home from school, but it's not like we have an abundance of substitute teachers here, so I took some ibuprofen and kept going. I played soccer a couple of times in the evenings, and that probably didn't help me get my strength back, but it was fun. I like playing with the locals here--they're nice, and we all get some fun exercise in. Helps relieve tension and stress.

We had a wonderfully relaxing time this weekend. I have never been so excited to pack my things and get away. We didn't go too far--just out to this little island called Black Coral that this couple owns, and people pay to stay at. It is so neat though! They have 6 little thatch-roofed huts situated on the outsides of the little island, directly over the water! You can sleep on the floor, or in some, hang your hammock from the corners and sleep on it. They have little windows that open to let the breeze in off the ocean, and in the evenings the lady who lives there brings these old kerosene lanterns around and sets them on the tables out front of the huts to give you light. There are two main buildings that they live in and use, and then the 6 huts, a little volleyball net, and a bunch of plastic chairs to sit in.

The water was beautiful--there is a channel that runs right between Black Coral and another little island that isn't occupied right next to it. There were tons of fish--I saw a couple of sharks and eels. Brad, Andrew, and April went out really far and actually saw two big manta rays! Brad thinks their wing span was about 7 feet or so! I went looking for shells with Kristen, and we saw two octopi, lots of sea stars, feather stars, sea urchins, and even a tiny little Lion Fish! We found lots of beautiful Cowery shells, and got a little burnt, but had a wonderful time.

I got to read my Bible and snooze in my hammock Sabbath afternoon, then go swimming for a while, and do the same thing all over on Sunday. It rained a bit, but it wasn't bad because we had all the little huts. Would have been a pain on Ant, so I'm glad it chose this weekend instead of the last one. The sunsets were amazing, and when we finally had to pack our stuff back into the boats this afternoon I was very sad to be leaving. It's hard to believe that this place is so far away and I might never get to see it again after this year. If I could take a weekend camping trip to these islands any time I wanted I'd be the happiest person alive. There is just no match for the beauty and relaxation.

Well I think I'm ready for another week...but I'm sort of dreading it in a way too. Friday was the best day for me this last week. I taught my kids a song from camp called "Milk", which they loved, and at the end of the day when I came back from the class next door my kids were sitting silently at their immaculate desks in a spotless classroom! The other teacher, Andrew, had had them clean up and get ready for me to come back! It was just what I needed, and I left in a much better mood than any other day that week. I'm going to try to talk to Mr. Benjamin and ask his opinion about some different teaching methods, and just start all over with this new week. Work hard and pray harder...that's all I can do. I miss NOT being in charge! I remember being a sassy student at times back in grade school...and now I sort of feel bad! Poor teachers. This is why I always told myself I'd never be a teacher.

Anyway, I'm hoping to attach some pictures of our weekend for you all to see--maybe by tomorrow, since those who took digital pictures are missing at the moment. Take care, please keep the prayers coming!

In His Service,

Lindsey

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