The Glisten

I have discovered that I have this constant glisten about me. While some of you may find me to be angelic…I don’t think that’s what it’s from. The glisten is from to constant application of bug spray mixed with sweat> I apply every morning to exposed skin as well as to whatever clothing I’ll be wearing that day. And then I work with my children all day which is tiring even if we aren’t trying to accomplish anything. So I constantly glisten.

So I’ve now been in Kinshasa for a few weeks…I think at least. I’m getting used to my life, food, daily schedule and just becoming accustomed to Kinshasa in general (the power going out several times in an evening or having no running water all day…the usual stuff).

I know all of the names of the children I live with as well as their respective personalities and voices. During the weekdays we are doing a program of English lessons, typing and computer skills, sports or just going for a “promenade” as the kids call it. I think they are enjoying it but any teachers with good fun things to do or just any ideas of games would be very welcome. This weekend we went to the convent next door that houses orphans, people with physical and mental handicaps, along with people dealing with AIDS. It is all women and children. It was hard a first but as I got used to what was going on I decided that when my kids go back to school I will probably try to volunteer and work some at the convent.

This past Sunday I went to Mass with my kids and it happened to be at the same convent with the same people we had spent time with on Saturday. I think this coming Sunday I will be going to a different, much longer Mass with Jackie, the mother of the children. I do still hope to go to the International church I wrote about awhile ago. I met many Americans there and even babysat for some last night and had my first hot shower in weeks! It was fantastic! Their house is going to be my safe haven.

I took some video of my kids doing different things in the past few weeks but I have been having trouble getting them online. I am trying to send one to my parents right now but I haven’t even been able to upload a picture for you guys so I don’t know if that will happen. But anyone who is interested can talk to my parents about seeing the videos.

Everyone just returned from Kijiji yesterday but they are all out with Pakisa so I will see them all for dinner tonight and am going to bunk with the girls – Jill, Gail, Lainie, and Hannah this evening. Gail already rubbed it in earlier that they get to go home in a few days but that I will still be here…thanks Gail. But honestly I’m doing ok and am excited about all the things I will get to do and see in the next few months.

Thanks for all of your prayer and support you send my way!
Sorry I couldn’t do the pictures I had planned on maybe I’ll master that at some point in the next 6 months and get you some pictures of my great kids!!

Love to all