Here and There

After much consideration we have decided to travel to Kenya for the upcoming meeting. We received our exit/re-entry visas quickly... and while we were hoping to get "multiple" exit/re-entry visas (saving us $$ later on), it apparently just wasn't possible at this time. We'll be heading out in mid-February for a week in the Nairobi area. We're excited to meet with friends and see another type of African culture.

Soccer: The NVA crocs push on despite some set-backs... The Under 11 girls tied their last game and will try again against the same team this next week. We unfortunately lost our fabulous goalie and are frantically trying to train up someone! The Under 11 boys put up a valiant fight this past week, but couldn't hold on, losing 0-1. They have 3 more tries to turn things around. On a positive note- a player's mother went to the local suuq to track down some matching shorts and socks, transforming our little ragamuffins into a genuine futbol censacao! (soccer sensation!)

In general though, we are re-ajusting well, and everything looks a bit sunnier after our break. Our plans for the summer and fall are still uncertain, wavering between studying language in another country to continuing to teach at NVA to heading out East... We'll keep you all posted!

Photos: Once a week I head over to our pre-school to read stories to our 4-6 year olds; a few speak english and as I read they yell out words they understand... "fishy!"... "lion!"... The Under 11 boys last soccer match- check out those classy uniforms!

It is time??

This month we have to answer if we will stay teaching at the school for one more year or not. We talked to one of the school leaders that has been here for almost 12 years now and he gave us total freedom to decide if we would stay or not.." no pressure, I want you guys to stay!!" he says. he gave us totally freedom to choose what we want to do at the school like, only coach; only nurse; only teach.... what ever we choose we need to be committed!!
We understand his point o view and the desire in keeping us. Now we are here to learn the language and move East sometime. This year was great to learn the culture from a "child like" point o view at the school. We learned a little bit of language and the adaptation was easier with something to do (it is so boring here!!)
But, to move East we are not so sue yet. We are not speaking Arabic yet. We can go to the Market, ask questions and have a little conversation, but nothing that we could chat and talk with the locals for a long time.
The leader of the school suggested to stay here one more year and focus only in language. He suggested that we would have something to take our minds of the "verbs" once in while but focus in the language full time. He has been many times at the target town and he knows how hard over there could be for us.
Our hearts are to go there now, but our fear is to wear out and comeback as a looser... Stay here another year and focus only in language seems more prudent for the future... do few trips there like once a month to pray and see would be great.
He suggested too TESOL school (teaching Language as Second language) that can be well use in the town. We are looking for classes on line. He suggested an intensive class in Egypt. The curriculum that the Arabic Schools here are using now are to so efficient, even for his team, he is a little disappointed with it. We just don't know about that one yet.... we are praying!

Please, pray with us!!!

Football, NVA style

School is clipping along with updated schedules and more classes to teach. Just this week we realized we only have 13 more weeks with these students and with NVA before heading out to other endeavors. We try to remind ourselves of this when the kids become unruly, disobedient or just down right irritating... patience, compassion and purpose!

Football Update: The football (soccer) season is in full swing, Eddy coaching the Under 11 Boys and Jess the Under 11 girls. The girls are holding their own with one loss (our first time goalie did a "woops" and kicked the ball into our own goal) and one tie. This is basically a huge success for us as we practice on a small rented field 1-2x/week and our opponents have their own pitches to play on to their hearts content! The boys are having a bit more trouble with an injured star player and 2 losses. We're hoping for strong comebacks for both teams and eagerly await our upcoming games- Go Crocs!

Kenya Plans: We have tentative plans to travel to Kenya in February for a meeting regarding our purpose. Our team (of sorts) here has expressed great interest in our attendence, almost begging us to come. While we are eager to have the opportunity to go, we dread the exit/re-entry visa hassles and cringe when considering the finances needed to leave this place... ouch! But we know that he is beyond faithful and has been/is an abundant provider. We'll keep you posted!

Football Quotes of the Week: There is no end to the interesting comments from onlookers and parents, reminding us that we are not in our home cultures... Here are a few teasers...
After practice one day: "The girls should stick with basketball; Soccer is a man's sport."
From a student, not allowed to play: "My father says I'm getting too dark."
From a student, not allowed to play: "My mom says my legs are not going to be feminine when I grow up."
From a mother of a boy player, commenting about our shared jerseys: "The jerseys should be for the boys, and the girls can wear something else."


Photos: I took my camera to our football match only to discover the dreaded flashing battery sign on the screen- Mushkila! So here are a few photos from our flat... Flowers are more readily available now with the cooler temps- this one is on the windowsill in front of my stove... Our new chairs! Friends sold us these to replace our rather uncomfortable metal ones, $20 for both and we had them recovered for $8-- the fabric is cheerful and brightens up our rather plain little flat! Mashallah comfy charis!

Upon Our Arrival...

We had to throw in the obligatory "Dust/Dirt" picture... We were away from the flat, windows securely closed, for a month and yet, somehow, the desert creeps in. It's an ongoing battle which is never won, just constantly kept at bay. People here joke about how the sands are trying to reclaim the territory the city took over, and I'm beginning to believe them! It has become habitual for us, when picking up a book or a note pad off the counter, to first wipe it down or brush it off, our hands then covered with the fine, brown desert grit. Our most astounding bit of culture shock when we first arrived back in the states- No dust/dirt!!! The counter tops and tables? Clean! And the next day, with the windows open... still clean! We routinely wiped our hands across surfaces in amazement...

Photos: Our windowsill in the flat; a carved crocodile (the tail in the photo) lounges in the dust; before the finger swipe test... And after... Yikes!

What a great day it was!!!

Looking at our wedding pictures today I got some good memories back from that day more than 2 years ago. WHAT A FUN DAY!!!
God ha blessed us so much here on the Land of Sand. The daily insecurity, the uncertain political future and the hope of making difference here makes me look to our God more and more! My wife has been the one that is on my side everyday and makes me look to the favor that I found in the Lord. Even with so much oppression here, she still wants to finish the job... Sometimes I wonder how can she do it?? Got married to a crazy guy like me and still loves me... She is amazing!! Praise God for this woman of faith that He gave me!!

About here:
The school started on last Sun and we are with our jobs with a "full throttle". Soccer season, classes Library upside down and the kids tired from the holidays.... Our Principal came with few more classes for me to teach and to go to another part of our school to teach the nursery kids. Unfortunately I had to say no. We are here to focus in the language and culture. We haven't done that as much as we want so far. I explained that we are here for the tribe and not for the school. I should be a soccer coach and Jess the nurse, but they needed a PE teacher and a librarian... so we jumped in. Such a blessing and so time consuming... We need to focus in what God called us. He was kind to us and totally understood what I was saying.

Today before the girls U14 soccer practice I went to one of the players and ask her if she was coming to the practice and she told me that she was no coming to play in the team anymore. I ask her "why?"
- My dad says that I'm getting to dark from the Sun, so I can't play anymore - she answer.
Unbelievable!!!

We had our first games with the U11 boys and girls yesterday and we lost both. Girls 2x1 (our goal keeper put the ball in hers own goal) and Boys 3x1. Fun to watch them playing and running. Both teams seems like that will improve after few more practices (we had only two).

Time is going fast here, 14 more weeks and school is over... we are just praying for when to move East... pray with us!!

Cover Me... I'm Goin' In!

"Three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops... Imagine where you will be and it will be so... Hold the Line! Stay with me! If you find yourself alone riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled, for you are in Alesium (sp) and you're already dead!
What we do in life, echoes in eternity." --- Maximus/Gladiator

And we're off again! We've wrapped up our few weeks here, back in the states, and are awaiting our flights back to the frontlines in the land of sand. We wanted to take this time to thank our family and friends for all your support, encouragement and love. And while this quote is a bit colored and dramatic, it's still basically true. Let he who began a good work in and through all of us bring it to completion!

Back-Tracking: World's Best Parents

In a nut shell: We decided to take a mini-break for the Holiday Season, leaving our African life for a month to R&R with some supporter friends in FL. We asked Jess' parents to come out to join us for a week; we'd meet somewhere and be able to reconnect for a few days. We decided on Orlando... and my parents tried as best they could to get there. We were blessed throughout the process, as Jess' dad got a free trip, mom had miles to get rid of and dad had connections for free lodging- a beautiful Townhome!

We had a fabulous time together! It's rare that one gets to spend time with their family and really connect- and that's what happened. Disney provided plenty of entertainment and activities and turned out to be the perfect back drop for a mini-reunion. It seemed to go by far too fast, but we so greatly enjoyed seeing them.

We're back in FL now after our 2 week venture to DC, VA, and NC... it was a fun, sight-seeing trip with the Carvalho family. Blessings seemed to follow us wherever we went... Our hotel in DC was a block from the Capital and cost $45 a night... We asked about the breakfast buffet- it was $20 a person; We said thank you, but no thank you- so they gave it to us for free... And our car rental- free upgrade! We can only praise God for the blessings that he has poured out over us!We have a week left before heading back to Africa... We have been loaned a phone and will be making many much-needed phone calls to all our family and friends... thanks for your patience!!


Photos: Us and my parents go crazy at the Disney Store... Our favorite ride- Toy Story shooting game- being attacked by Evil Lord ???... Visiting Norway in Epcot- Vikings at their best... It's tough to be a bug- what good-sports my parents are!... My Mom and I... While geocaching in FL- saw this 'coon taking cover up a palm tree... Car trouble- good thing we renewed our insurance for this rental (ours is the SUV)!!!

East Coast Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We've been traveling around the East Coast these past few weeks and the internet coverage has been spotty at best... sorry for the delay in updates! We arrived in Florida about 2 weeks ago and headed north to Orlando to spend some time with Jess' parents, who flew out for the week. Our time with them was truly precious- and made us both wish we could have more time with our families...Probably the one thing we truly struggle with when overseas.

Afterward, we reunited with our host family, some supproter friends (the Carvalho family) and headed up to Washington DC by train... We spent a couple days there, freezing, walking the Mall, touring the sites and museums, then headed south to Virginia. We stopped there for a couple days to take in Historic Williamsburg and Jamestown- quite educational and entertaining (how did those pioneers do it? Strong people). And now, here we are, in a quaint little cabin in North Carolina, finally stopping for a week to truly rest. We have been so grateful to the Carvalho's for inviting us into their family vacation- a cheaper option than flying to Brazil or Hawaii.

We'll be heading back down to Florida after the beginning of the year... with one week left before heading back to the Land of Sand. There's a lot of preparing, packing and errands to get done before we leave... Doctors appointments, eye exams, taxes... But this time here in the states has been SO refreshing and renewing. While we aren't necessarily eager to run back to life in Africa, we are, in a sense, ready to get back to "work". Much love to all our family and friends, who we miss terribly and wish we could be with... Blessings and joy to you in the new year!

Photos: (Pictures of time with Jess' parents are in the other computer, to be uploaded later) Us in Washington DC, Union Station (I called myself "Babushka"... it was ridiculously cold)... Walking the Mall with the Carvalho's... Historic Williamsburg, Virginia... The Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee...

Leaving On A Jet Plane...

Eddy and I haven't been able to sleep the past few nights- not necessarily out of excitement. It's a strange process this "culture adaptation" and we're not quick to think that re-entering our "home" culture will be a cake walk. While we haven't been here that long, we've been here long enough to become at least partially adapted to a third-world, developing, corrupt, relationship-based, HOT climate culture. Our thoughts and emotions vary depending on the day, hour or minute and whether we're having a "good" day or a "bad" one. And of course, the reality/question that looms in our near future, how will it be when we come back?

Exhaustion seems to have taken over our lives, permeating every aspect- to the point that some students make encouraging comments, like: "Are you sleepy or something...? Cause your eyes look really tired...". (Gotta love the innocent honesty...) We have to remind ourselves that while we have developed a routine for daily living, we are still attempting to live and adapt in a culture completely opposite of our own. This takes time, effort, energy- just living--- Let alone being teachers and examples to people here!

So we frequently try to remind ourselves to relax, take our time and give ourselves grace. We are eager to have a break and look forward to being "free" to relax and be ourselves for a few weeks. We will be checking our email frequently and will be posting updates throughout our time. Thanks to all for your support and encouragement these past 7 months!

Photos: Eddy and a peddler in one of the largest outdoor markets (suuq) bartering for some souvenirs-it was ridiculously crowded due to the upcoming Eid holiday... A morning glory vine we planted on our lanai... Dogs are EVERYWHERE- neglected, and occasionally vicious and territorial...

Our Anniversary!

November 26, 2006... One of the most joyful days of our lives! We tied the knot in Carlsbad, CA, in the presence of family and friends... a beautiful service and a fabulous reception... we only wish the festivities could have gone on for hours, days, forever!

We've had our ups and downs, even in just two years; That's to be expected with a cross-cultural marriage, when we moved 21 times in our first 12 months! But, we have adapted and softened, and grown to cherish each other even more than on that romantic day in 2006. So, in a way, the "festivities" have continued on... and will!

Thank you to all our family and friends that have supported and encouraged us during these past 2 years. We eagerly look forward to the years ahead and all that God has in store for us!

Photos: We went to an Ethiopian restaurant to celebrate- the food was a bit hot, but the atmosphere was great! We had a bit of fun trying to take a photo of ourselves... Eddy started it- surprised?? : )

The "Four Bridges" Half Marathon

As we said in our last update- we completed the long-trained-for 13.1 miles on Saturday... whew! While we never dreamed of starting a running regime prior to our arrival, once here, it proved to be one activity that was "normal" for us. It helped us to stay fit in a rather sedentary life-style, calmed our stress and bonded us closer together. We plan on continuing with the running and are shooting for a full marathon later next year... Insha Allah! ** Which would mean training in the spring/summer- the "hot" season here... um... so we'll see how that goes!

Pictures: The pre-race photo: Chelsie, Mike, Eddy and Jess around 6:15 am at Mike's House, the start of our race... Heading off into the dark... After water stop #1, back at Mike's house, 6 miles into it... Arriving & departing water stop #2 along the Nile at mile 9... Crossing the "finish line", made out of toilet paper courtesy of Mike's wife, Suzanne... The team post-race, feeling and looking good! : )

NVA Sports and A Nile Adventure

Basketball season is almost over... Lucky for our U11 girls team, the powers-that-be scheduled another game for them this weekend, bringing them up to a 3-game season- wow! They're beyond excited... The U11 boys will also finish up this weekend with a final round-robin tournament. It's been a fun season and we have all learned a lot!
In the meantime, Eddy quickly formed a soccer team for a U11 pre-season tournament. Armed with one 30 min practice, the NVA crocs came in fighting, with their new Brazilian coach and took home 2nd place out of 7 teams! It was their first time making into the finals... Yay Crocs!

Soccer try-outs will be this week... at some point... It looks like Eddy and I will be the coaches for the U11 teams. The season starts right after Christmas break and as soon as Jess figures out how to coach a sport she last officially played when she was seven.

We were invited by some friends for a speed boat trip up the Nile to a sand bar for a picnic... we jumped at the opportunity! It was a wonderfully relaxing time of snacking, reading, napping and swimming.

Jess' News: I just finished a seminar on Health and Development... It focused mainly on redefining relief and development, the pros and cons of each, when they should be implemented and how to implement a self-sustaining development plan into a community. Should be helpful for the future... Eddy will get my notes as he was handling all our school committments!

Visas: We are in the process of getting exit/re-entry visas for our trip in early December. We realize how much we take for granted just being able to get on a plane when we want to go somewhere. Here, for foreigners and nationals alike, you must have permission from the government to leave... and it always takes longer and requires more effort than originally anticipated. Insha Allah, we will have them tomorrow!

Half-Marathon: We did it!! Exhausted from having to get up before the crack of dawn to keep up with the training, we opted to complete our run before the official race date (in December sometime...). We managed to convice two of our friends (Mike and Chelsie) to run too, creating a nice, safe foursome jogging through the streets and over the bridges of this bustling city. It was actually quite enjoyable- save for Eddy's nagging knee pain and Jess' side stitch lasting the final 3 miles. Mike's wife, Suzanne met us along the route with water- at mile 6 and 9, and fashioned a finish line out of toilet paper! We celebrated our finish with a brunch and a LONG nap. And best yet- we feel pretty good today!
Photos: Us... The U11 girls team... Me strongly encouraging the girls at Half-time... The U11 boys soccer team... Eddy consoling the boys after their one loss... Picnic on the Nile... Nile life...

Fall Festival Festivities

Well it was a huge success! Fortunate to have a warmer autumn night, we would guess some 250 people crammed onto the NVA school campus for games, bake sales, pictures, t-shirts and so much more... Eddy and Jeff took on the "Soak the Teacher" Booth with charisma and good cheer, leading the events in popularity, by far. The onlookers never seemed to tire of watching 30 gallons of water gush down on the guys anxiously waiting below. I perused the crowd taking snap shots, greeting families and entertaining the masses with my lil' ukulele. It was a pleasant night, spending time with kids and their families.

Basketball: Under 11 girls play tomorrow! Photos and videos to be posted- you must take part in the hilarity and chaos!

Visa/Taxes: In order to leave the country, we are in the process of deciphering/declaring our taxes for our non-income gaining year...so we can pay taxes on what we should have earned... Does that seem odd to anyone else?Half-Marathon: We tackled our 10 mile run on Friday- a huge success! After some fairly miserable runs the week leading up to it, we were wary. But with our intentional slow pace came smooth sailing all the way through... right up until we stopped and had to hobble in on our lactic acid filled limbs... Note to selves: drink water on the run.

Soccer: Eddy will be taking a Under 11 team to a tournament this next week. It's pre-season just for the fun of it. We'll have to start try-outs this next week or so...

Photos: Pretty self-explanatory... : )