Week Three Begins

Construction continues on the third floor of the new Classroom Building at RVA.  This building will house the Arts Dept., Graphic Arts, and several classrooms and offices.  Most importantly the building will have a bathroom which will be much closer than the existing one in Kiambogo.

This is a picture of the support structure for the third floor which is under construction.  Notice the wooden scaffolding.  Not exactly OSHA approved.  But this is the type of construction work used throughout Kenya whether the building is large or small.

This week begins my third here on campus.  Classes are going well and the students are great.  Currently, the Current World Issues classes are giving oral reports about 7 Middle Eastern Terror Groups.  The presentations are proving to be very interesting.  The ModHistory students are busy with their chapter on Developing Countries which also is quite current.

Last week Friday, the Friday nite Titchie Skating Party was held.  This occurs once a quarter and is located on Titchie Court which is right up behind our back door.  Oh, and did I mention that there is LOUD skating music being played also?   We didn't mind a bit.  The music always had a good beat and the Titchie kids (kindergarten thru 6th grade) had a blast.  The fun fest began at 5:00 pm. and lasted until the final skate at 8:00 pm.  Supper of hot dogs and all the fixins' was offered and for those who got too pooped to continue skating, there was a movie available to watch.  The picture shows the Titchie principal, Peter Wilson (from Scotland), participating much to the enjoyment of a number of Titchie boys.

  

RVA is a close school community.  Consequently, everyone pretty much knows everyone else.  And because of that closeness there is a feeling of family.  Therefore, when there is a party such as the Titchie Skating Party a lot of staff are involved and that even includes the school Superintendent.  Here Tim Hall, the Superintendent of RVA, engages with some Titchie boys on the skating court.  There are no administrators in Ivory Towers at RVA.  And that's what helps make RVA the great school it is.  One organization ranks RVA the second best boarding school in Africa right behind a college level boarding school.

Hard to believe that in 2 and 1/2 weeks final exams will start.  Wednesday of this week starts my 10 day countdown.  There will be only 10 more contact days with my students, not counting the exam day and the 1/2 day of classes on July 15 during which I will see my students for the last time.  Leaving day is July 16 and Graduation is July 17.  Third term VAC. begins July 18.  Time sure flies when one is having fun!!

The weather here is somewhat cold.  Louise and I have been wearing our fleeces pretty much everyday all day.  Rain has not really been a problem.  Most of the time the rain has come at nite and the few times during the day have been of short duration and we were inside at the time.  Nites are cold, but there is an electric blanket on our bed which we have been using.  When we see our first electric bill we may stop using it, but until then ...

RVA Varsity boys played their 1/4 final Rugby game yesterday.  But, unfortunately, even home field advantage was not enough and they lost 20-10 to a tough team from Strathmore.  This means that RVA is done for this season.  However, for the sports lovers at the school there is still the World Cup of soccer going on.  Jeff is in charge of recording the games for later viewing by staff and students at decent hours, so he is kept quite busy keeping the game and recording times all straight.  The US plays Portugal tonite.  If the US wins, they move into the knockout round.  GO USA!!!

Will write more again later as time permits.  Enjoy the summer weather while we snuggle by the fire.