Click on the link to the right to view the latest Isabella pictures, some recent gardening pictures, and scenes from our most recent Thursday tea.
To explain the tea a bit more, every Thursday afternoon, Jessie and I invite (by randomly drawing names) 4 girls over for "tea" at the Chynoweth's house. The girls are always fascinated by us and our house and normally aren't allowed over (since they kept coming to the windows, in particular our bedroom window at all hours of the day and night), so this provides them the chance to come over and hang out. It is particularly fun, because with a small group of guests, the girls all have a chance to play with the baby and normally only the few oldest girls are allowed to hold her. Most importantly, Jessie and I get the chance to know them on a more individual basis. And that is one of the greatest needs here, individual attention. Because of the relatively low staff to student ration, the girls tend to be viewed and treated as a group almost all of the time. So any chance we have to interact on a one-on-one basis, give them individual attention, and make them feel special and unique is a very special opportunity.
With all that in mind, we pick the girls' names on Sunday and they spend the whole week looking forward to Thursday when they finally come over. We try and do something different with each group to keep them on their toes and guessing about what they will get to do. We have taken pictures and made cards, baked various things, made tea, chai, hot chocolate, apple cider, and played various games. We have a bunch of good ideas, but not enough for all 12 weeks, so if you can think of cool activities that we could do, please feel free to email us with them. As you can imagine, as soon as they leave they are promptly interrogated by their peers who are itching with excitement and curiosity to know what they got to do or eat or make.
2 comments:
I'm glad you all are doing well. Isabella is so cute! Jessie, you're looking fabulous too my dear. I think it's awesome that you guys are having the girls over for tea. I'm sure they're loving that time they get to spend with you. And it sounds like they're getting to do some cool things - making s'mores and banana bread and drinking tea.
I'm trying to think of some other ideas. For neat craft ideas, you might want to look at familyfun.go.com. There are a bunch organized according to age group and some might not require many supplies. Depending upon their age, do you think they might enjoy being read to? Or, if you have access to a piano, would they like listening to some music?
Also, your garden looks great!
Could you please email me your email address too when you get a chance. I don't think I have it. (No rush..)
I love you all!
Hi guys! Its good to read what you've been up to since I was there a week ago!! It was wonderful to meet all of you and to swap stories of life living and working in Colombia. The pics are a lot of fun too!! Keep up the great work!!
Jim, how did interpreting for the conference go this week? Thought about you, Elizabeth, and Pastor Luis all week!! Hopefully it went smoothly for you all! :)
Talk to you soon!
Suzanne
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