A Bunch of Burts

We knew before coming that it would be hot here, hotter than our Washington sensiblities would like. We have so wonderfully adapted in this area, glory be to God!

Ema wore long pants for most of cold season (70’s and 80’s) and Greg and I wake up and thank the Lord for the coolness of the mornings during this humid rainy season, when the temps are only in the low 80’s. When we come home for furlough, don’t be insulted if we don’t take our coats off when we visit you. It won’t be that we will be eager to leave, just cold.

But no matter how acclimated one becomes, hot days are still hot days. Sometimes I wonder, is today really that hot , or am I just particularly sensitive to the heat today?
I have come up with a handy list anyone can use to determine a truly hot day.

#1. You are on your second shower of the day, and it is only 9 am.

#2. The towel you used for your first shower is already dry when you need it for your second one.

#3. You can wash your dinner dishes in warm water, even if you have no water heater!

this is the actual temperature of our tap water that night

#4. This temperature water feels refreshing to you as you shower before bed.

#5. As you are making cookies, you have to keep the cookie dough in the fridge, because it is melting!

#6. The gum you forgot to put in the fridge is also melting.

#7. Even your national neighbors are sweaty and complaining about the heat.

#8 You cannot wait to get to school and sit in the airconditioned classroom.

#9. When you sit on your motorcycle after a 2-hour class, you get a mild burn from the seat.

#10. You know it is hot when not even Zachary is very hungry and will just eat an apple and crackers for dinner!

I know there of lots of others who live in hot climates, can you add to my list? Love to hear your “ways to know it is a hot day”:)

As Grace International School drew to a close this year, one of the last big events was a swim meet. Leah and Zachary were part of the swim meet this quarter and this would be their first ever swim meet. One of the wonderful blessings of Grace School is the large pool, which on hot humid days is a true gift from God to us. We are very grateful for it!

The day started off with clear skies and very hot, but by the time the swim meet happened, some lovely clouds and a bit of breeze blew in. Much nicer for us spectators to not have the sun beating down on us!

Zach warming up. He is the one with the black goggles

There are two swim meets each year, first quarter and last quarter. This one is not as competitive as the first quarter meet, with mostly team events in the form of relays. This was a great way for our kids to get their feet wet (ha ha) in this sport. They learned so much just in a couple months of proper swim technique and increasing thier stamina.

Leah waiting for the meet to start

We were not sure what to expect at this meet, and had prepared the kids ahead of time, that this being thier first meet and all, let’s just concentrate on doing our best and not worrying about getting a medal.

They wowed us! We were both so impressed at how they swam! Leah won 4 second place medals, one first place and one third place. Zach’s age group recieved ribbons instead of medals, and he won 2 second places and 1 first place.

Leah’s first race was a breast stroke relay. The pool is 37 meters across, so it is a good distance.

That is Zach just hitting the water in his breast stroke relay

One of the races Leah was in was a kickboard race. The swimmers had to hold the kickboard and only use thier legs. She finished her leg of the relay first! After she got out of the pool she told me, a bit breathlessly, “my legs have never moved so fast before!” I believe it, she was cruising!

Good job Leah and Zach, you worked hard at practice and swam hard at the meet, we are proud of you!