Testing, Training, and Thanksgiving!

      Man was last week packed to the brim! I will try to fill everyone in WITHOUT writing for hours straight.

George popping away

     To start, we finished our end of term tests. Here in Zambia they go to school all year round, so these tests are comparable to our finals right before summer starts. Needless to say, my class was ready to be done! I would just like to insert a little brag here, again about how splendid my students are. While putting their final grades in their booklets, I was noticing a common thread. Many of my students had raised their grades (well, specifically their English grades) by like 8-9 points. I thought this was a huge achievement for them and could not have been prouder. It is odd; a passing grade here is only about a 50 percent. It is kind of difficult to really praise a student when they only received like a 62 on their final exam, but when only three months ago they were bringing in grades of around 54 I’d say they pretty much rocked it! To celebrate, Stacey’s class and mine raised money to throw a big final party on Thursday. The party basically consisted of dancing and eating, two of my favorite things, so of course I just loved it. Teacher Judy ran a little dance competition with the kids, and lastly Stacey, Judy, and myself were pulled up to compete. The results of that contest were never actually announced, but since I busted out the worm I think it’s fairly safe to say we all know who the winner was. ;) We bought biscuits, sweets, juice, and made a HEAPING ton of popcorn for them all. One of my favorites, George, was put in charge of popping the popcorn, and I am fairly confident more popcorn ended up in his mouth than the bowl, but since after everyone was served seconds we still had leftovers, I would say it is ok. Hehe.

     Then Thursday, or course, was Thanksgiving! Obviously, seeing as Thanksgiving is an American holiday, they don’t celebrate it here in Zambia, and so bright and early Thursday morning Stacey and I packed up our lunch box with some peanut butter and jellies and headed off to school to meet with parents about their kids. Thankfully, we weaseled our way into only a half-day, and so by around two we were with our dear friend Kristin baking away. I am going to try to keep this short and just say how blessed I realized I was this Thanksgiving. Marci and Bill, two missionaries from the States, graciously opened their house this year to many displaced Americans, a few Canadians, and even a New Zealander! Marci even found a Turkey here in Ndola that was shipped all the way from the good ole’ U.S. of A. We ate, played some games, ate some more, and fellowshipped all night long. It still didn’t compare to being home with the fam, but it was pretty great non-the less. I realized this Thanksgiving what an amazing family I have been blessed with, and how grateful I am for modern technology and the chance to talk with home.  I love you guys.

     Finally it was the weekend. However, this past weekend was not one of relaxation as Stacey, Kristin (from Alabama), Kristi (from Canada), and myself were running a teacher’s training. It was the first of what is hoped to be many, and for a first run I would say we did pretty darn well. Teachers from our own nonprofits, as well as some outside visitors, were invited to learn about time management, lesson planning, resources, active learning, and multiple learning styles. I won’t lie, I was pretty nervous. Teaching in front of students, no prob bob, I have that nailed. Teaching teachers on the other hand, that gave me some serious anxiety. However, our biggest complaint was that we served the teachers N’shima and beans instead of Nshima and Chicken so I we did pretty good for ourselves. Way to be ZamTeach!

     Well I think that’s it for the time. Our friend Kristin is shipping out to the States this Saturday. I pray for safe travels for her, that she will be able to fully soak up her time at home, and a quick return back. Hehe.

Loves to y’all

Sara Anne