The Senior class is attending reentry this week end and into Monday. It is a 3 day ordeal that helps them with the transition issues they will face. TCKs (Third Culture Kids) will face unique challenges that most people will not "see." These kids are from a "blue" country, they live and grow up for part or all of their childhood in a "yellow" country. When they are in the "blue" country, they don't feel "blue," and when they are in the "yellow" country they are perceived as "blue." The person inside is confused and just really wants to be green! This is the way it was described in a video that was presented this morning. My kids are "transitional TCKs." They will be transitioning back to their home country. They will look the same as the others, and others will expect them to act the same as they were (if they knew them before) or to understand all that goes on in American Culture (we have no idea what some of the popular TV shows are). They are changed, as we are, from living here. They may not be able to define it, but their experiences are so different from their peers and it will be difficult for them to relate those experiences. Not sure how that will all play out for each of them as we head home in July, but we will just keep the lines of communication open and trust that God and His love for us will help us find ways to overcome the difficult parts of the transition.
As the weather is starting to warm up back in the US (a
little here and there anyway) the rains have descended upon us here in
Kijabe. It was only 11 months ago that
these rains came very heavy and culminated in landslides throughout our
area. We are praying that we do not have
a repeat of those events. They say that this wet season could be a very wet season! At the same
time we are hoping that as the snow melts from record snow falls back home that
you don't experience localized flooding and other high water problems. Come on Spring!!
We were able to see the finishing of Esther's home this week. This is a lady who many people back home helped by contributing towards her schooling (culinary school). She is still looking for a job but has high hopes. She is also considering more school but it is so expensive! Her current home (a mud hut) is falling apart due to the branches that are the supporting structure being eaten by termites for years. She and her father started their new home about 7 years ago. When he had a heart attack 5 years ago, they have to stop work on it. Through God's grace we were able to get her a roof, doors and windows. They are excited and looking forward to moving in:
The RVA project that Jullie is involved with (Arts
Center) is now moving well. After having
to pull down and completely redo the framework for the "upper ground
floor" (we would have called it the first floor) they got it cast a couple
weeks ago. Last week all the columns
were cast and now the contractor is making the "shuttering" for the
first floor beams. This shuttering is
the framework for the soffit (or bottom side) of the beams which will support
the casting of this next phase. This
will go up one more story from where you see it now. We were choosing the stone profiles for the
exterior walls this week. We have come
to an agreement and like the "bush" cut (or rough cut) for the lower
floor and from there we will have a smoother finish. The lower bush cut will be a dark stone and
the upper a lighter color. It should
look very grounded!
The Bethany Kids Children's Centre (I didn't misspell center)
is also doing well. The contractor has
really picked up speed in building the exterior walls, installing windows,
interior window partitions and doors.
Additionally, the roof structure is making good progress and hopefully
the actual roofing will commence by the end of next week (21 Mar). Jim took a group on a tour this morning. Although a bit muddy, they were excited to see the progress!
If you look at the last two pictures, you will notice something different. As they put in plumbing and electrical wiring what they have to do is chip out the wall and install it then cover it up with plaster. This is hard for us who like to plan! Jim has a hard time with putting in a wall then chipping it up and redoing it. This happens all the time! And it is not just for piping and wiring, they do this when they make mistakes. It is frustrating for a personality like Jim!
The boys had band concerts last night. I was not feeling well so I didn't get a chance to go, but Jim went and said it was amazing! Timothy plays a mean french horn and Trevor plays the trumpet beautifully!
Hope you all have a great week. We are waiting on college letters to come towards the end of this month. We just heard from MIT (3/14 at 6:28 EST - can you see the math analogy in this?) and the answer was no. We are sad, but have to see it as how God is leading Trevor.
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
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