Invigilation - African Style

You have to love the way things are done here. When I heard that students took their final year examinations seriously, I believed them. What I didn’t bargain for was how seriously the  authorities took the exams. I couldn't resist this little snapshot of some  invigilators. Cheaters BEWARE. (Yes that is a gun under that beret!!)

PS For those people worried that any students with a mobile phone might be shot - don't worry. These men are employed to ensure that there isn't any trouble from outside the compound.

Something you don’t see every day (By Mikey)

Here is some thing that you don’t see every day - a play ground full of African children. This is usually the place where we play lots and lots of games. David and I get really sweaty and hot but we play fun games which are really fun. We usually play a game called chaco ball which is basically chasing friends around with a ball which is really fun.

I'm my own worst enemy,,,

Last week I embarked on my first session doing some Bible study with the high school girls here.  It was quite ironic that the session was all about self worth and I was going into it thinking I am not good enough to do this… there must be someone better or more equipped, a more dynamic communicator that should do this!  However many times in life I have seen that when I feel I have nothing left to give I should try to give that little bit more… my experience has been that at those times God surprises me in a new way.  So despite the challenges of the week, the fears, the worries and my inadequacies I stepped out to do what I was meant to do.  A good friend here said to me the people you are teaching don’t know how you are feeling and nobody was born a preacher.  This was just what I needed to hear!

It was an honour to share that hour with the high school girls.  Our issues with self-worth cross any cultural barriers, girls here wrestle with questions about their worth and value just the same as girls back home. 

I shared how my self image and worth changed when I started to see myself through God’s eyes.  As I was saying it I was reminded of how this needs to be an on-going process.  I was grateful to those girls for reminding me of a lesson I need to keep learning.

PS I nearly didn't publish this blog wondering if it is good enough!  Time to learn that lesson again...