Half-way Point

We have just finished our first semester at Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center. Time flies when you're having fun. Life has not been without excitement. We had political troubles early on to the extent that we were on alert to be ready to leave, and some staff did leave, though most have now returned. More of this is anticipated with the coming referendum on the new constitution late in January.

As anyone knows who is involved with school, life is in the fast lane for both teacher and student. I ended up being the sophomore class sponsor (how did that happen?) and so was involved in this semester's fundraiser: a very successful Christmas party for the junior and senior high. Next semester I'll be teaching a new course, one of my favorites (I have a lot of favorites): Constructing the Universe, a course in geometric construction according to the universal archetypes. Super cool.

Lydia has been busy learning how to manage friends and schoolwork! A pleasant surprise has been the number of Korean friends we have met. There are quite a few Korean missionaries here as well as children of immigrants. We just attended a dance recital of sorts in which two of Lydia's Korean gentlemen friends were demonstrating their break-dancing skill. Impressive.

Ray has the never-ending project in his job as Facilities Manager. Predictions are for a dry year, so we may have a much needed reprieve from the flooding. Remedies on this scale are a slow process indeed. However, he was able to get the failed septic system re-built. Hurray! Everyone hails him as a hero! But alas, we just got news that there was a huge electrical fire in the ceiling lights in the main office. Sounds familiar. We still have the scars of the two fires in our house - waiting on the painters. The never-ending story.

Which reminds me, early on we moved from the lovely Quinta to a humble but serviceable house in Barrio Alas de Paz (Wings of Peace). Closer in, more secure, and better for the dog. Though the roads are really bad whenever it rains.

Over Christmas we attended our missions conference at a nice resort outside of town. The SAM folks have been wonderful; they welcomed us as one of the family from the start.

I haven't had much time for photography, so the offering is scant. Hope to improve in that area (New Year's resolution?) A few pictures of the first day of school, our new house, a trip with some friends, and conference. http://picasaweb.google.com/raemmans

Also a link to the school's website: http://scclc.org/