Tough Transitions

Saying goodbye to America was tough as usual. This time, it was particularly difficult as we knew we were coming back to Madagascar in the middle of the summer…by far, the most challenging and miserable time to be here. Days are hot and exhausting – and nights are just as awful. Unfortunately, we came home to one of the worst water cuts in our ten years on the field. For weeks, the water was cut all day, with a short burst of water from about 2-4 AM. So, while we were sweating in a 100 degree heat we also had to haul water for bucket baths, washing dishes, laundry, and flushing toilets. Fun times. The internet took nearly a month to set up again and the electricity in our house was terrible. We spent most nights juggling electrical devices balancing the electrical load…this lamp can be on, but no tv, on with the coffee pot, off with refrigerator, looks like flashlights tonight. Fun times.

In the midst of surviving the transition back, we also had to return to homeschooling. Fortunately, the teachers at the boy’s school in the U.S. did a great job helping me prepare materials to finish out the school year. We jumped right in and got off to a great start (after the customary first few days of drama and tears, of course).