Derby Days

I can't NOT put up some pictures of Pinewood Derby, only the biggest event of the TERM . . . all of my students made cars, which is a big deal since this is the first year they are old enough to enter a car of their very own. This also means they had the first 'heat,' at 8:50 on a Saturday morning . . . but well worth it. (Doughnuts for sale again!) I was so impressed with their hard work and especially with my dorm kids who don't have the privilege of working with a parent on their car. It is just another example of the great community here, all the dorm parents and volunteers who spent hours at the wood shop helping my wee babes . . .

You can see our track is quite sophisticated, complete with electronic sensors that rank the cars and a video camera for live feed of the finish line . . .

The above picture gives you a feel of the speed and excitement, something akin to the Indy 500, I imagine. The picture also provides a glimpse of a personal highlight - the guy sitting in the corner is our school counselor and RVA celebrity - he won the CNN Hero award last spring. But he climbed a few notches in my book when he DJ'd the event all day long. Everything from Taylor Swift to Toto and air drums to go with it. This is the type of crazy people we attract out here in Africa . . .

And just in case you're wondering . . .

It's Election Day, and little fanfare as of yet around here . . . although my students enjoyed a long discussion about elections and made some interesting connections to the crisis here in January. It puts it into perspective knowing that regardless of who wins, there will be no rioting on Wednesday morning. Americans will still have access to food, gas, and ATMs. I'll be joining the 5am crew at the student center to watch the results roll in. And yes, I voted absentee. Just doing my part!

And . . . I ran today! Although I don't think it could be termed a "run" in any way. More like a "lope." Graceful as a gazelle, I am. But even though it was short and unsatisfying and my ankle was wrapped halfway up my calf by Nurse Amanda (thanks!), I am not suffering any unsual pain and I think I'm on the road to recovery! Whew.