Happy 4th!

Hello all! Happy 4th of July! It doesn't feel like the 4th around here. It does not feel summery as it is winter here (It's pretty chilly here), and there is no celebration of America's Independence! Yes, I have been hearing cheering, horns, and yelling over the past few weeks, but that has been for the world cup. I have never been so "involved" in sports as I have been this week... we are so sad that Ghana lost yesterday. It was a tragic loss....

This past week has been exciting and very tiring as well. I have been observing in the classrooms of New Adventure school. I have a 30 minute walk with an escort to and from the school every day. The children are in school from 8:20-4 every day. I started out the week with the intentions of just observing all week. There was a little mix-up as one head man thought I was observing all week, and the head teacher thought I should pick a class. Things worked out all right, and I was not too stressed. I ended up choosing the 3rd grade, and the teacher I will be working with for right now is very helpful and kind. I have learned a lot from her.
She asked if I would want to teach the Bible lesson on Friday. I thought that would be a nice way to ease into teaching, so I said yes. On Friday morning, she was called out to go to a meeting form 9:30-2pm. I was nervous as she asked if I would mind teaching while she was gone....!!!! It ended well as she came back around 11. The meeting had been postponed since there weren't many people in attendance. YAY! God worked that out nicely. I may end up teaching more grades, but for now, I am with the 3rd grade.

Housing on the compound is great. THere are other missionary families and a couple single people around my age on the compound. Right now, I have a whole house to myself. I had 3 other roommates for almost a week, and they have finished their ministries and gone home. It is a little lonely in this big house by myself, but the people on the compound have been so kind. I have had meals with them and had game nights. I am blessed to be surrounded by such great people! I will be getting 2 more housemates around the 29th of August. I can't wait!

Sorry this is so long, I will try to keep my notes shorter. I just want to show you a few pictures of what I did this weekend. I went to an elephant orphanage and giraffe center....so here they are :D Thanks for praying for me! I appreciate it so much!!









THese elephants have been orphaned because of poachers. Every night, someone sleeps in the stall with the elephants. They raise them and release them in the wild. The elephant's human contact is limited so they don't become dependent on them.



Yes, I am kissing a giraffe. HAHA. It's not as gross as one would expect. I only put the food between my lips. Other people put it on their tongues for the giraffe. If it's between the lips, it's not too bad :D You should try it sometime!!