Hot Season with a vengence...

Hello love ones.

Just a very short hello here from Lesley. We are doing well and hope the rest of you are well also.

Hot season has arrived here, without much to speak of for a cool season, so it sure is going to be interesting. Regular highs are hitting 37 already, and that's in the shade at the heat of the day. In the sun, at the peak of the afternoon, I tell ya, this whole country just literally bakes! Thankful that we do not have to work out in the direct sun, as many, many do. Monday at school, we ended up losing power, which not only means no occassional air con, but also no computers and NO FANS! That's the worst part. Anyways, Tuesday was OK, but often we're still losing it frequently at the late part of the day when it's hottest, and people are using alot of energy. You can pray for us and our school, as the kids are hot and it's hard to be energetic in those circumstances. Also, we are expecting (have ordered) a transformer which is going to bring more power into the school, but the ETA for that is end of March.

However, it's heating up now. Thanks for the swimming pool that can cool us down after school, or just head home to a long shower, sit in front of a fan, and maybe pump the air con for a few minutes. Whatever it takes to cool off.

Last weekend, Dean and I were priviledged to attend a marriage enrichment weekend (actually one overnight) through ICA church. 8 or so couples attended, and it was a really nice getaway, where we had a rare chance to refocus on the things that are important. We watched a Christian film called "Fireproof" which is about a couple whose marriage was failing, and the sessions revolved around the issues that arose. It was just the right thing for us, not too heavy, we got to go with some other friends we know, and just enjoyed a bit of a change. Very positive, and the kids were well cared for, S & M sleeping over at our friends the Friedbergs, and Julia had a birthday party sleepoever.

Today is Thursday for us, and here's the plan for the weekend: Dean and I are going to Singapore, a seat sale we booked months ago, that is arriving this weekend. We're leaving Friday and will be back monday. VERY excited, as times away are very much appreciated. We're planning for a teacher friend Miss Erin to spend the weekend with the girls, but she's gone home sick today (very sick) so we may have to change plans at the last minute, but we hope she will just be better soon.We'll leave right after school Friday.

Then, Tuesday and Wed we have no school. This is perfect timing, as we will be hosting the MEI Missions team on Tuesday. We're going to hang out with their ministry at a khmer school in PP, and then tour them at our school, and have supper. This is such a big deal for us, as we always look forward to them coming! Yay! They are spending the rest of their time with Joel in Poipet so big hello's will be passed on to him.

Wed, the girls have a morning soccer practice for their game the next day, and otherwise, we'll just regroup and get ready for the 2 day week! It sure is nice to have a bit of a break.

We've got another couple weeks ahead. I'm preparing for some concerts at the end of April, Dean is busy with Dan hiring for next year, and again, we keep dealing with the day in and day out of the considerations of working in this country. The girls are really well, running and playing soccer (in this heat--yikes!) Maya has been doing alot of testing for the next upcoming report card, and she is really doing a good job at reading. It's so much fun to see her moving ahead and learning like she is.

We enjoyed as much of the olympics as South East Asia could offer us. Dean can download specific events off the internet, so just last night (I know, a few days late, but who really cares?) a bunch of us sat around and watched the gold medal hockey game. (Yes, even me!--It was very entertaining!!!!) Half of us canadians, have americans (or half married to americans!) It was fun. Just the day before, the two of us watched the opening ceremonies that Dean downloaded, and it was awesome! Can't wait to see the closing. We will soon, I hope.
Thanks to so many of you that sent links, updates and information in e-mail.

Finally, Happy 85th Birthday to my Grandma, Gladys Papson. My mom sent me pictures of her and their celebrations. They were just so lovely--she's such a beautiful woman, still and always. We all wish her the best.

Love to all, and would always love to hear a word via e-mail. Take care and God Bless!