After the rain...sun

Friday was the last day of school with early dismissal, and the administration actually scheduled a faculty meeting. There might have been a mutiny because of that but they fed everyone quite well, and thus the near-tragedy was averted. Teachers are actually at school today and tomorrow cleaning up, meeting, and organizing for next year.

Friday night's block party was a lot of fun and most of the neighbors turned out for lots of grilled food, drinks, and snacks. It was one of those lovely summer evenings where a sweater is never needed and the stars are brilliant.

Saturday on the other hand was incredibly hot. In fact, too hot to do much of anything. We soaked our feet in cold water, took cold showers, and went for an internet session just to take advantage of the a/c. Russ helped Helen find a Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the bush for her party last night. It kind of looked like a big tumbleweed but she decorated it with white lights and tinsel. We went over to Game City mall for ice cream and more a/c, then over to Rob's flat for a drumming session. Then we took another cold shower before going to bed.

Sunday, in stark contrast, was a lazy, misty day, with temperatures in the 60's (a drop of over 60 degrees from the day before). It started off overcast when we went to church. They specifically prayed for rain and the next thing we knew it started to sprinkle. A sprinkle turned into a steady rain and then into a downpour. We bought lunch at the market and settled in for a short nap, movie, and lounging around. It was awesome to do absolutely nothing of any productive merit.

Last night, Helen had a group of people over for a carol sing, mince pies, and mulled wine. It was lovely and since it was raining, we were inside with candles. Something I remember from our Christmases in Africa before - the cities will essentially empty out, everyone back to their home village. It will really go into effect this next week. Some of the churches shut down completely because there is no one there. That always struck me as very strange since Christmas is maybe the only day some people go to church.

We woke up to more rain, but in a desert country that can't go on forever. We are already starting to see the sun come out this morning but the temperature is thankfully still on the cool side. Patches of grass are developing in our yard, but it is not exactly what I would call a lawn yet.

We are still living the amptly named Police song in terms of our status here (how is that for code?) Hoping to leave for Tuli Block at the end of this week and Zimbabwe next week but really taking things one day at a time.