Fun times at MIRACLE this week – Cobby came back, so it was just like old times as him, Georgina and I sat around and talked instead of me doing work :) But I figure I might as well soak it in because soon they will be in classes!

Nearly died twice in one day however. First was in our dear little house. I had come home during the lunch break to check on Laura who wasn’t feeling well. Relaxed on the couch for a bit, sucking on a piece of hard candy that had come in a package from Mum. Must have begun dozing off because the next thing I know, I’m choking on the candy. Had a brief flash of “Oh my god, this is it. Do I swallow or try to gag it out?” Well I couldn’t get it out so I swallowed and it got caught in my throat. But with some water it eventually continued its path. And what did Laura do during all of this gagging? She kept reading in her room lol. Next time, do check on me dearie.

After that traumatic experience, we returned to MIRACLE and sat on a bench with Cobby, Georgina and Glory for a while so Laura could get to know them. As we went our separate ways, my second near-death experience occurred. Cobby went to kiss my hand (imitating Georgina, who had done it a moment earlier). I swatted him away. Keep in mind, I was sitting on the far side of the bench. He leapt up. And down my side of the bench goes! I’m about 3 inches away from face-planting into a pile of rocks, but in my eternal gracefulness, I somehow pull out of the swan dive just in time and stagger away. Whew.

We decided to leave campus after all of that. Didn’t want to tempt the “comes in threes” saying. Stopped at Chaminade on the way home because Jim and Robyn (yay!) were there with a group that was putting on a play about HIV/AIDS prevention. Tried to watch, but it was in vernacular and even our translator Banda couldn’t get it, so we ended up sitting outside waiting for a chance to talk to Jim and Robyn afterwards. Laura got her first traumatic experience with teenage Chaminade boys. One kind student came up and informed her that a crowd had gathered strategically to look up her skirt. Legs closed and down darling!

Also had a fun time as Banda brought over a bike one afternoon. It was like we were kids again as Laura and I attempted to ride. I say “attempted” because with the deep sand here, it’s a whole new experience. Had a blast pushing the bike so Banda could be a bike taxi for Laura. Laughed hysterically as Laura crashed the bike and Banda went running towards her screaming “Medical Help! Medical Help!” She was perfectly fine, no worries, and now has a great memory to smile about :)

Unfortunately I have been a bit hobbled lately. A few days ago I hurt my back (although I honestly have no idea how). It has become increasingly more painful and culminated last night with spasms that came with the slightest movements and shot pain all the way down my legs. Had a fun moment as Laura put on an Icy Hot patch and tried to do a massage… inadvertently in front of our open window so anyone walking past probably thought something scandalous was going on. But really nothing worked and I could barely move – spent the whole afternoon and evening prone on the couch, holding back tears. Didn’t want to come to work this morning but only did because I have to teach. Will likely go home immediately afterwards as even sitting in a chair is extremely painful. For now, I look like a 100 year old lady as I shuffle around all hunched over. When I told Madame Principal that I was having this problem, she replied without missing a beat, “When was the last time you laid with a man?” I of course busted out in embarrassed laughter, but it turns out she was completely serious. She proceeded to tell me that that was the grand solution to my problem. And that I should go out and hire someone (a little offended at the implications there lol). Dorcas of course chimed in with her own advice, telling me to take one of the male teachers and use the sick student bed in the Social Office. Yesterday, Madame Principal tried to convince Laura and I to go out and get pregnant. I told her we’d name the baby after her: Wanangwa Youngpeter. When did MIRACLE staff become so scandalous?!?!