The Whine of Procrastination?

I was hoping that this blog would be spectacular, as it has been sloshing around in my brain for a month, but alas, as it percolates out of my fingers, I fear age has not improved the overall quality. So here it is, more stale cola than fine wine, a month of blogging that has been hanging over my head like a flock of vultures. Speaking of vultures, as an English major, I have spent a lot of time analyzing literature, trying to find recurring symbols, themes, metaphors, etc. These literary devices are intentionally used by the author to create meaning, mood, etc. Vultures, like ravens, are often used in literature to symbolize death or foreboding. So how am I supposed to feel on my way to class, when I look into the sky and see the buzzards circling, sometimes as many as 20. I am getting self conscious about my teaching. Do my lesson plans stink that much, or am I getting just a little hypersensitive?

Vulture picture courtesy of George Stewart

Life has been a lot like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disneyland. It is like we are in a slightly uncomfortable car, we have a steering wheel that doesn't actually work, and each erratic turn brings a new, exciting, or slightly terrifying sensation. Right as you are adjusting to the new scene, another improbable turn, and another new experience. Really the only difference between our life in Brasil and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is that the ride lasts several minutes before bursting into the sunlight, where as ours keeps going on and on. We are enjoying most of the ride, although there are those moments, like the Disneyland ride, that are a little bit like hell. Yet always, always Jesus is ever close.

Several weeks ago, George and I took a trip to the Ver-o-Peso, a famous fish market in Belem. We marvelled at the powerful smells, amazing tropical fish, and the intense activity. Of course, we bought only the essentials: a soccer ball, a kilo of shrimp, hot peppers, and fireworks. Here are a few images from our excursion.

The last several weeks have been full to the brim. The graduates are all graduated, the finals are over, most textbooks are accounted for, and we are all ready for a break. My first "year" of teaching was such a blur...feels like about six weeks. We also celebrated AVA's 50th anniversary last week. Many alumni and former teachers flew in, and it was great to hear about their experiences here. The whole class of 1971 showed up, and as our director said, "We want to thank him for being here." This school has quite a legacy, and we are excited about being a part of the Lord's work here.

Pomp and Circumstance

Jill's interactive place mat design for the Senior Banquet

Teachers Past and Present

Hopefully it will be less than a month before you hear from us again! We will defy the heat, the weather, and technical difficulties (such as mangoes falling on the WiFi repeater) to write to you again--soon!