Easter in Nairobi...

In lieu of spending time with our wonderful families back in Ontario, we spent Easter weekend celebrating with the Spilsburys and Prabhus on Sunday, and with Margaret's family on Monday. For Margaret's grandkids, we prepared eggs (Prince Street style) dyed naturally with flower petals and onion skins. The egg hunt has left one lone egg out in the yard (even Cora cannot remember where she hid it). We had a lovely Easter meal together.

Finishing the Football Pitch

Brian was back from his travels in time to help co-ordinate the final stages of a new football pitch at the Grace Harvest School in the Kangemi slum here in Nairobi. Students from the "Under Construction" club were ready to set up goals and the fence. We even Anthony Kimani from FC Leopards on hand to help cut the ribbon and official open the new field.

 ps - check out this homemade toy that I saw a little boy playing with. It's amazing!

The Oxford Vibe

Brian recently had the opportunity to meet other geographers at a workshop at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He stayed and worked in The Queen's College, which traces its history to 1341. A few excursions to the local hostelries could be expected, including a visit to The Eagle and Child where CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien once met to discuss their literary pursuits. Meeting up with the Tam family, some really wonderful friends from Canada, was also a highlight.

Celebrating IB Visual Art: 2 Years of Hard Work...

Last night, the IB Visual Arts students opened their 2014 exhibition. This is always a highlight in the year and the creative talents of these students always amazes me. This year, it was a special treat to see Cora's work on display. She has produced some incredible pieces and has already sold some. Of course, we have dibs on a few of our favourites, too.    :)

Cora's Senior Prom!

At the end of March, Cora celebrated a milestone in her senior year: the prom! She had so much fun getting ready with Lydia and Adele, and going off to the prom with Kavan. What a beautiful young woman - we are very proud of her.

Frankfurters in Frankfurt...

At the end of March, I went to Frankfurt, Germany, for a 3-day IB training course. The course itself was really good and informative, and in the evenings (and one afternoon), it was delightful to wander around Frankfurt. Of special note was the Schofferhofer wheat beer, sauerkraut and sausages, the downtown shopping district, traditional apple wine at Gemaltes Haus, the Romer (a re-built section of downtown to show what that part of the city looked like before WWII), and the old Opera House. Ahh… Europe…

Service Learning throughout Africa...

For 2 days in March, 13 service learning educators came together in Nairobi to put together a vision for service learning throughout the continent. I was so lucky to be involved in these meetings, and to work with AISA (Association of International Schools in Africa) as the new Service Learning Co-ordinator. What an amazing 2 days. It's wonderful to work with passionate, energetic and committed educators.