The morning feels steamy and slightly heavy. I can tell as I take my morning walk that, unless rain comes, it will be hot today. Last week it rained and the days were delightfully cool. This week it's been warm again.
Unlocking the door after my walk, I take off my shoes and grab my lunch box to quick pack it before heading to the shower. Emily and Ariana chat as they fry up their morning egg or dish out yogurt.
I carry two containers of bars to school with me this morning. Tonight is parent teacher meeting and we usually serve refreshments. I'm the first teacher to school this morning, which is usual. I drop my things on my desk, then open the windows to the hot tropical sun.
"Good morning Miss Krista."
"Morning Omari. Ya good?"
"Yes miss."
I make a few notes in my lesson planner before I'm interrupted by calls from excited students.
"Miss. A centipede!"
I grab the cutlass, known as a machete in the States, and advance carefully. This guy is big. About 3 inches long. And his tail can deal a fierce sting. But he seems already injured so it's not hard to finish him off with a few blows from the cutlass. KK kicks him outside.
The teachers gather for chapel before the school day starts. I'm surprised to hear thunder roll. The kids downstairs scream at the noise.
Just before the bell rings for students to enter classrooms, it begins raining. A torrential downpour. Windows slam shut. Puddles quickly form. Water even pops through slats in the windows. The rain brings a welcomed rush of cool air.
Children gather in the chapel for singing before class. It's hard to hear over the pounding of the rain, but thankfully the students are singing enthusiastically this morning, unlike some mornings.
Thankfully before chapel is over the rain has passed. At least for now. I set my students studying for a quiz, then grab my pen and paper to take lunch orders. I go to each class, checking to see if anyone needs lunch. Today hotdogs and pizza are available. I call Ms Nikki with the lunch order, then return to my classroom.
It rains sporadically through the morning. Windows open and shut as the weather changes. Thunder rolls occasionally in the distance.
At break time the students play table games inside after eating their snacks. Some buy snack from the snack shop. I hurriedly eat my snack while collecting change. "How much for this, miss?" "$1.50." Coins jingle and snacks crunch.
Selina and Teja drag Aprel over to me. "Miss, tell her to stop thinking she will fail her tests." I lecture Aprel, part in fun, yet part in seriousness.
Break over, kids gather back into classrooms to continue their work.
Lunch time rolls around. Miss Nikki is late today. I stand by the road, money in hand, waiting for her. When she appears she's hurrying, carrying an umbrella. I walk up to meet her.
Back at school lunches are handed out, gobbled down, and kids run outside excitedly for break. Since its so wet basketball is banned. The older students play foursquare instead.
We roll through the afternoon. Story time, Social Studies, and Science. Coral reefs. Kidneys. Chinese Christians. And at the end of the day, quick notes to leave in the desk for parents. Chores are done. Desks straightened. Bags gathered. No homework today. KK grins cheerfully behind face shield. We pray, then dismiss. The clamour of children is my companion for the next 15 minutes as other classes dismiss and children wait for rides. It gradually grows quieter.
I write up a lesson plan, write down the next days activities on the chalkboard, and make last minute preparations for the evening meeting.
Grabbing my stuff, I head up to the house. Celina stops by asking to use the phone. I run over to the pastor's house quick before starting supper. Jenn said she would have some eggs for us to buy, I need to borrow some puzzles from them, and pick some lime and cilantro for tomorrow's supper.
Back at home I shower and start a load of wash, glad we have water this week, then pull out supper ingredients. Emily is a little late for supper tonight, 7 students, an article to write, and chapel to plan, taking their toll. But she comes in time to quick grab some food and get ready for the evening.
As I grab my keys to lock up before heading back down to school for our Parent Teacher meeting, I hear the drone of a plane overhead. I'm glad. Six months ago the airport was shut down tight. The noise is welcome music to my ears.
The meeting was well attended, though most parents are late. I chat with the parents of my students, highlighting good as well as bad points. Overall the meeting goes well.
The three of us girls walk back up the dark road to our house. Ariana and I bang around in the kitchen, packing lunches for tomorrow while Emily works on her chapel.
It was a good day. Not without its struggles and hard times. But God is good. And I can trust that He'll be good tomorrow. It will be different then today, but He remains the same. And I'm thankful.
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