This has been a busy week as classes wrap up for the term. I was preparing my last few PPTs (power points) for my junior high and primary school classes, finishing this Friday’s PPT for Grades 1 and 2 at the primary school, writing the written test for the elementary ed class s as they finish Book 4 of Let’s Go and figuring out what my junior high students will do for their closure to their class. Also preparing and signing certificates of study completion for all 18 students.

This is the first time the Center has ever handed out special certificates.

Khamxay and Santi worked diligently on creating these with English on the front, Laos translation on the back. It took almost a week for us to correct, check, print and make sure no mistakes were made. Tonight, the students will receive them in class.

Pictures from My Home

It was quite the party atmosphere last Friday afternoon.

I remember I left you with a cliffhanger concerning the electricity and water, which had gone out on me that early morning around 8 a.m.

Did it return or not?
It did, as soon as I walked in the door at 3 p.m. with my entourage right behind me. Whew!

Was that God’s little joke on me, one who always brags of being hostest with the mostest?  One does wonder.

As you can see, our 3-hour time together was one full of fun, great conversations and plenty of goodies to enjoy.

Highlights for me were receiving my written housewarming blessings from everyone, which  were immediately posted on my sitting room wall.  So many lovely prayers and sentiments given.  It really touched my heart.

Game table was another great gathering place for everyone. Thamnong brought her son, who enjoyed the Japanese kendama. This is a wooden toy game demanding skill (and practice) in getting the wooden ball to balance into one of 3 grooves, including spearing the ball on a spike. Amazingly enough, Thamnong became our expert on this one. Her son quickly followed under her guidance.

My absolute favorite was the stacking chairs game. I couldn’t help but try my hand once again at this one. Khamxay, Thamnong and her son followed.

Closing Off our Time together

Our time together ended in a circle, where we shared our gratitude for fellowship and the daily support we give one another. How very, very fortunate I am to live and work among such lovely people. It was the best day I have spent here so far and I’m guessing there will be more of these to follow.

Next big event, aside from welcoming more overseas newcomers to the Center’s family? My 60th!! The staff has already informed me that I must absolutely have a huge celebration once again in my home.

My feeling about that?
Absolutely yes!

Have a great weekend, everyone. I know I will as the term has finally ended. My last teaching duty fell early this morning at the primary school with Grades 1 and 2, and I am SO ready for a weekend of no lesson planning, no Google searching for language worksheets and hand-outs, and no PPTs to put together, fretting and fussing over pictures, sequencing and English text inclusions.

Yes, here in Laos for Teacher Connie, it’s celebration time!