Jan 26, 2007: Prepping for the School Retreat Olympics

Good Day All,

It is amazing how fast time goes by here. It seems like just yesterday we were having Christmas dinner in the North. Second Semester is twice as busy as the first from what we have been told. We are plugging along fine now that the health fairy has had a visit or 2. Our school retreat is coming up next month and we are busy planning for that. This year grades 9-12 go to a place called the Rock Farm about three hours south of the city. It is a resort of some type and the high schoolers (about 80) and most of the staff go for 4 days of guest speakers, worship time and fun. It is quite an event. We start at 7:30 and quit around 10 pm every day. There are events all day with plenty of free time for the kids to splash in the pool or play soccer. They are placed in 1 of 8 small groups for bible studies and other lessons. I am on a committee to organize and officiate the Olympic Games. Day 3 afternoon is for the Games and each team is 2 small groups together. We have a 4-way tug-o-war, and a cheering competition in store plus a few individual games like the coconut put, limbo, Frisbee golf, waterballoon volleyball and canned food eating. We also have a few elective type classes like orienteering, mock trial and an Art class. Betsy is teaching an American Sign Language class as well. She is also on the Night Games committee. She is working with a group of kids planning these games. So far they are planning on having a talent no talent night, a board game night as well as a large capture the flag with a twist game. It will be a lot of fun but a lot of work.

The girls basketball team is on a roll. They have been improving steadily and are playing very well going into the playoffs next week. We scheduled a game this past Wed against the Yaoundé city champs FUSTEL. They are in the other league for big city high schools. I was very impressed with our ball movement and shooting. We ended up winning by 16 and every girl scored and had at least 1 rebound. It was the most fun I have ever had coaching. This is a very special group of girls and I will be sad to see the season come to an end.

‘til next time. GOD Bless and take care.

Brian & Betsy