Joy.

Its been too long since my last post! Life here continues to be full of joy.  Its rainy season, and I'm loving the change in weather. It (almost) feels like a season change... although I still have only worn my down jacket twice: once in the high elevation cold of Musanze, late at night (in the northern part of the country), and second driving a moto through the rain.  I think I actually felt cold last week after being out in the rain, and it was a very welcome feeling!  Here are some recent pictures:

Lionel and Prince swinging in the moonlight at New Hope Homes. Doesn't Lionel (with the hat) look super suave?  

This is quite the close-up of Ariane.  I love this picture because it totally captures how she and I interact.  She likes to sneak up on me, flash a huge smile, and run away, all in a matter of a few seconds.  Somehow I caught her still for a few seconds to capture her beautiful eyes.

I will not eat them Sam I am, I will not eat green eggs and ham!  We celebrated Dr. Seuss day in 2nd grade a few months back.  What is not pictured is my green foot.  There was a small incident with food coloring...

Here are some future videographers checking out some pretty sweet equipment.  (At New Hope Homes.)

For "favorite book character day" I dressed up as Pippi Longstocking. Anyone else remember when she strapped big, old sponges on her feet to mop the kitchen floor?  I always admired her ingenuity.

For those of you who don't know, I've committed to another year here in Rwanda.  I will continue to teach 2nd grade at KICS (Kigali International Community School).  I am coming home for June and July, and then returning here to Kigali in early August.  I'm feeling really good about this decision.  I love that I get to live so close to the kids at New Hope and am able to be a constant presence in their life.  My work here at KICS has been an incredible blessing.  Second grade and I make a good match.  I just love teaching second graders.  

Love and peace to you all,

Abby