The big news from last weekend was Bryce’s birthday party. He was finally able to have his waterslide! We combined with Ben, whose birthday is actually tomorrow. The boys had 3 friends join them to spend the night at Ben’s house. There is a separate cottage on their property, so they ate out there (chicken with no utensils! Bryce avoided that, as he’s still a vegetarian! but there were other finger foods to keep him happy.) Then the 5 of them slept out there . . who knows how late they stayed up!
The next morning they came to our house, where they got to play on the waterslide for about an hour before their guests began to arrive. There were about 20 boys who came. Bryce loved the cake (Star Wars, of course!) We had BINGO (WAMPA,) a “pinata” (just a plastic bag filled with candy and hung from a tree,) decorated cupcakes, played “Capture the Flag” and then, of course, swimming and the waterslide. We actually had sunshine and power!!!! We had no power on Mon., Tues., Wed. morning and Friday, so I was a little worried about it, but it came through! The party was lots of fun and left Amanda, Gus (Amanda’s husband) and me exhausted.
Last week HIS was host to 5 countries’ basketball teams for an annual tournament called ISSEA (International Schools of South and East Africa.) There were teams from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda, as well at Zimbabwe. It was the first time in 9 years it was hosted here. The last time it was Zim’s turn, they chose a different location as there was very little food available and it was a real hardship. The kids and I watched our fill of basketball games. It was very fun.
We are doing fine. I still have no job, but the time when we will know for sure is approaching – probably the beginning to end of April. All of us are starting to realize that our time here is limited and we are all feeling sad about leaving as well as excited to come home. Comments like, “I can’t believe we won’t see _______ in a few months” are becoming common at our house. I really wish all of you could have come to visit – it really is an adventure and a beautiful country with such wonderful animals and places to visit. The people are so warm and friendly and the weather beats anyplace I’ve ever seen!
Hope you are all doing well. We miss you and look forward to seeing you all again.
Tags: basketball, birthday, home, party, ryce, vegetarian
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Hi Terry,
Happy Birthday to Bryce. I do wish that my wife and I could travel to Africa and see the sights. We have been busy taking care of life here in Eugene. You are right, the time is going by rather fast. I have nothing but positive thoughts that you will be able to find a job when you get back to the states. Take care, Terry and Lori
Eugene, Oregon -
I can’t think of a better birthday than what Bryce had! What a special memory that birthday will be. Glad he had so many friends to share it with.
Did you make the cupcakes and/or Star Wars cake? I can’t imagine how difficult that must be never knowing when you’ll have power to bake them.
What a beautiful day! Thanks for sharing. -
Sounds like he had a wonderful birthday!
We had a pink eye case at school this last week. The usual pink eye medication didn’t work and they had to pull out the big guns to clear it up. I thought of Mary and it does make you wonder if there is a potent strain of pink eye going around!
We’re still thinking about you, and praying for you, and excited to see you all soon!
Leana
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Happy Birthday Bryce and Hello Cumpston Family!
It sounds like Bryce had the perfect Birthday, weather and all, not to mention the waterslide AND a Star Wars cake!
Sending prayers and positive thoughts for a job to become available at home sooner then later so you can rest the mind. Keep believing that it will happen soon Terry. Keep looking to see what is being made possible that you might overlook if you had an answer already.
I can well imagine the beauty of where you are with landscape and animals belonging to God’s wonderful kingdom of glory untouched by mankind to make it their own. Enjoy every precious moment you have left there. I have no doubt you will be returning for a visit just to recapture the beauty again.
Enjoy the weather and the hydro being on and best wishes to the family.
I hope Shadow continues to be a little better and that Mary is fully recovered and staying that way from her Pink Eye.
Laura
Brougham, Ontario, Canada -
I’m so glad you had power for the big day! Wonderful that Bryce’s last birthday in Zim will be one that he’ll always remember! Cross all-digits for positive thoughts re job–can’t wait to have you home! XO Erin
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