Village People

I know from the title of the post that you’ll now be humming “THE SONG” through the rest of the reading. Sorry. Not sorry. :)

Tonight marks the third and final session of the teacher training workshop that John and I have been teaching in a Nubian village just across the river (The Nile, that is). It’s been a good group. We’ve averaged 12-15 women who are teachers and moms interested in building foundations for reading among young children. To put it in their words, “How to Teach A, B, Cs.”

We are holding the workshop inside the village elementary school. The room we’re using has a side that is open to the elements. We knew that we would be teaching in a variety of locations and environments so when we purchased our projector we tried to think through all the scenarios. Will it be bright enough to show up in daylight? Is it small enough to transport? Does the bulb cost a fortune to replace? One question we DIDN’T think to ask is, “If the temp is 110º what will happen to the projector?” Well, the answer is that as soon as you turn it on it will flash “overheating.” No joke. Now we’re trying to think of a way to keep it cool while not electrocuting ourselves…We’ll keep you posted. Any of you engineering types that have a quick answer…send it. Help a sister out!

Twinkies, water  and juice boxes for us on a silver tray!

The first session only 2 women were present when we arrived. Once we were there and they actually believed we were coming, one got on her cellphone and began calling the others. Soon they arrived and we were able to start reasonably on time. The second session we arrived and the group was already there sitting on the benches waiting for us. (That brings joy to ANY teacher’s heart!)

This last session is really a 2-parter. Tonight we will finish up the concepts we have to present followed by a variety of learning activities where we will all participate together. Then on Thursday they’ve invited us back for the End of School Year Village Party. All the families from the village will be there to celebrate. It’s quite an honor and one we’ll gladly attend.

I’ve even been invited to the engagement party of one of the teachers, but that doesn’t happen until October. However, she made me promise that I’d come. They are a fun group and when I visit with them during breaks they tell me about their lives, their families. We even joked together as they asked if I had any sons they could meet. 

It’s a privilege to be included and we take every opportunity seriously. Open doors come and go. We want to make the most of the time while we have it. Speaking of… we are currently talking with some Desert Sands* headmasters who have agreed to come to our location for a training conference. Please pray with us that all the details and logistics would come together. This is a first step in testing the waters for our return to Desert Sands. So we seize the moments we have now with those the Lord puts in our path here and also continue to walk in faith believing for those in Desert Sands.

Sing with me, "It's fun to teach all the A---B---C---Ds!" (To the tune of "YMCA", of course!)

*Send me your email if you would like to hear more about Desert Sands...

Our local friend helping us with translation...
Educational terms are difficult in any language!