Pop-up talent show

Dave has arrived!  He has joined Dad and I and has jumped in full force.  He has been particularly busy working on our water situation and the fish pond.  We are installing some new gutters and tanks as we are still in the assessment stage of our new home and don't know exactly how many water tanks we need to sustain us.  This is obviously very rain dependent, but we want to be able to store enough in dry times that we can make it through. 

Dad and Dave doing some gutter work (on a ladder that used to be a tree in the front yard :0)

 The fish pond had a rough start last year because of a unusual and severe drought that made us have to harvest early.  We still do not know if this is a sustainable source of food and will be a source of income for the house yet, but we're gearing up for attempt number 2.  George, our friend and fish pond consultant is working with us again and we have high hopes.

The kids were constantly fascinated with Baba's ability to draw funny cartoons

I found out yesterday that Naomi gave a recitation at school in front of the whole class, much to my shock and amazement since she has become quite a shy flower this year.  I asked her if she'd give it to us at home as well, and she covered her face, giggled and ran away-but eventually agreed.   She and Millie have officially left the little girl confident-indifferent stage and reached the teen girl era where they are giggly and self conscious of everything.  Some things are just universal, it appears.   Jacky has been working with them to recite bible verses to teach them to be able to speak and have confidence.  God bless you Jacky.

We were all sitting in the living room when I asked Naomi if she was ready.  She ducked back into the girls rooms, and came out a few minutes later with a fresh skirt and shirt on :)  I pretended with were on a stage and introduced her to the audience, which brought giggles from the other kiddos.  She got up, after a bit of coaxing and gave us an impressively long reading from the book of Isaiah.  They all clapped and cheered her.  To my surprise, Millie then got up on her own accord and gave us a verse of her own.  Also memorized perfectly.  When I got up to thank our performers for speaking,  Daniel slowly raised his hand, so as the MC, I welcomed him to the stage.  He got up and gave us a rap he had written.  It was adorable.  Then, quite unexpected, Joshua stood up and gave a moving speech in the form of a letter to Dave, Dad and I about family and the branches that makes it up.  He talked about how we are the roots and how they are leaves that are growing and thriving from our nourishment.  He encouraged the other kids to work hard, reach for their dreams, and never forget how lucky they are.  Oh.....lump in the throat.   That was a precious moment.  A tough act to follow, but Selah managed it with an adorable song she presented after introducing herself to the audience :).  Arnold then graced us with a goofy song about an old banjo.  And then in a great show of nerves of steel, Naomi jumped up and sang a song without being begged :)  Arnold sang again, Millie and Naomi sang together,  Jacky recited a verse, Daniel showed us his hip-hop moves.  It turned into a full on Jemo House talent show.  It was a surprising impromptu night that I will treasure always.  

Millie-my grown up girl-playing in a handball tournament

Jessie