Living The Good Life

We fly out of Guayaquil in a few hours. I have revisited the time-honored tradition of my youth this past week. You know the one--it is always practiced on birthdays and at Christmas, the being too excited to sleep tradition. Oh mercy...I hope I at least sleep on the plane. Thank goodness for Tylenol Simply Sleep. We have had a great last week of school, finals went well for all and I was able to even squeeze in a field trip to Cerro Blanco with the middle school. The kids were able to participate in the entire process of planting seeds, from sifting for the seeds to actually planting them. It was great, and the first time many of the kids have done actual physical labor. Today was the last day and it was filled with Christmas Craziness. I have to say--you have got to love the 6th grade for their huge generosity in giving their teachers chocolate. Fantastic. I did have to put the majority of the chocolate in the freezer (curse you ants!!) but maybe that will ensure that I won't eat...

Man oh man, it has been a crazy week on the Richert Ranch. School has entered the "Crazy Christmas Craze," Dave and I are trying to prepare for our big trip to the states (only 7 more days!!), and we have been running non-stop since Thanksgiving. Whew...I just need a minute. Here is what has filled up our past week: *School!! High school exams are next week and I am giving my first final exam ever. I have no idea what I am doing, but I'm slogging through. The good news is I know that I can't break the seniors and no matter what, we will all survive (please, oh please, let me survive this next week). *Our school hosted a Christmas party for the three local orphanages this last week. There were 75-80 kids from the ages two to sixteen who came for the festivities. The NHS, helmed by their advisor extraordinaire, provided games, cotton candy, popcorn, dinner, and gifts for each kid. It was an amazing thing to be a part of and help out with. JHS and I, as their trusty advi...