Competition Day

Today at school was competition day. The first part of the day some of the students gave speeches that were judged (I got to be a judge for 10th grade), and the rest of the day they participated in sports. I'm very glad they had a chance to get out and run off some of their energy. They get kind of restless in the classroom. For example, I was with fourth graders yesterday and was writing something on the board. I look over and one boy, Dennis, is literally doing a handstand in the front of the classroom. Definitely too much energy. So like I said, I think today was good for them.

I thought I'd share a few videos that I took. It was definitely an entertaining day.

The younger students kept getting up on the mic, saying around one sentence, then pausing. Everyone would start clapping even though the kid was nowhere near done. Since he/she was nervous and couldn't remember any more and since the other students were applauding, the speaker would say, "Thank you," and leave the stage. At least they left encouraged even if it didn't go as planned.

The smaller kids played little games while the older ones had races.

The girls' races had something to do with threading a needle before they could run. That's why they don't all leave at the same time because some took longer with the needle.

I'm amazed that they run with bare feet.

One of my favorite moments of this trip happened today. I was talking with a few teachers. We were just standing there while the students were playing games. They asked me if I wanted to sit down. They are always very concerned if I stand up very long. I told them no, I was fine. One of them went and grabbed a chair for me. Sometimes it doesn't really matter if I say no. :) So I sat down. A couple little girls who were not participating in the games pulled up chairs beside me. In a few minutes I looked around and there was a group of precious girls completely encircling me. It was just a sweet moment.