Dentistry!

Tuesday nights I am on duty alone since the dorm parents have the day off. Generally the evening goes off hitch-free and I have all children safely in bed by 10:30. This Tuesday was to bring new adventures. As I walked into the little boy's room at 9:00 to send them to bed, I found Nat's hand on the door handle, tying string to it. On the other end of the string Zeb and Joshua are attempting to tie a string to Zeb's latest loose tooth. John is patiently sitting on the bed with a camera awaiting the action.

Now, as a responsible adult it is my job to find the happy balance in this situation. Is it best to stop the madness before something is damaged? (in this case, Zeb's face) or should I let boys be boys and have a fantastic memory for the rest of their lives. I, being the conservative, cautious, careful assistant, made this decision as I sat on my bed and asked John if the camera was set to video...it was.

They nearly had the string tied when Dorm Mom Janice entered and exclaimed at the stupidity of this situation and proclaimed that a tooth that is still bleeding is not ready to come out! I think Zeb's fortitude began to weaken at this point. I naturally shifted sides in the battle, since the boss was there, and retrieved a scissors. The next five minutes were spent with me attempting to snip the string out of Zeb's face and return the situation to normal. All were in bed by 9:30 and all teeth were present and accounted for. Adventure denied!

This kid is going to kill me. Good thing his dad is a doctor.

Since I've Been in Africa

Since moving to Africa, I have

-received communion served from an old desk drawer.

-stood next to a wall on a street so that a camel with a load of hay can take up the entire road and pass by.

-avoided human poo as I went for a scenic nature walk on the river dike.

-turned down too many marriage proposals to count.

-received a Zarma name.

-walked home from church with a herd of cattle.

-watched people jet ski/water ski on the nastiest river I've ever seen.

-eaten roasted grasshoppers.

-caught a hedgehog.

-checked my bathroom for snakes...often.

-heard some amazing poetry escape the lips of English language learners.

-realized I need to work harder at my relationship with Christ!

-fallen asleep listening to rats and lizard scurry through the attic.

-avoided donkey carts while driving.

-watched myself start to think like a mom...which kinda weirds me out!

-made a wonderful African friend.

-walked within 15 ft of a giraffe.

-been trusted with a glimpse into the hearts and minds of 19 MK's who journal for me in every class.

-wanted to adopt every kid who lives in the local orphanage.

-played softball while a tortoise walks across home-plate.

-most importantly, I've learned to learn to pray.

Best Worst Excuse of the Day

"Where is Zeb? He knows it's time for bed." - me
"He's in the shower." - Josh, Zeb's friendly roommate
"Well he's late then. Guess he'll be going to bed a half hour early tomorrow." - me
"Oh, he told me to tell you that he got stuck in his pants and that's why he's late." - Josh

Whatever, Zeb.

Oh the Drama!

Ever feel like you may have overcommitted yourself but have yet to experience the weight of the overcommitment? Well, that's me. Drama class started today...which was super fun by the way. However, It is added to my responsibilities to the dorm and to my one English class. Everyone keeps telling the dorm parents, "Oh, Cindy's doing drama? I guess you won't have a dorm assistant this semester."

This is the last thing that I want to be true. I desire so much to do a good job in the dorm. After all, it's the best job I've ever had. But I also see the needs of the school and how I can fit into those needs and want to do that too.

I keep thinking if I just work a bit harder, get up a little earlier, go to bed a bit later, pray a touch more...that everything will be ok. I'm beginning to see some glaring flaws in this theory. Perhaps I'm so set on doing everything that nothing is getting done in a way that is glorifying to God.
Nevertheless, I am committed.

Hang on, folks! We're off and running!

Quote of the Day

To be stated by a junior while doing dishes and after singing a dorm-wide rendition of "Do a Deer".

"Hey! Can I go to my room and get my stereo so we can rock out to Veggie Tales and Disney and stuff like that?"

I love my MK's.

What a great life!