International Day at ISM

This weekend was ISM’s annual “International Day” where many of the different countries represented at the school get a chance to set up a booth and show off something about their culture.  The Asian tent had homemade noodles and chili sauce and dumplings (yum), the Israelis has falafel and pitas and tahini (yum, yum), and we had hot dogs and marshmallows.  I must say that Joey did a great job organizing and coming up with a project idea.  Since she’s Native American (maiden name Journeycake…can you believe she gave up that name for Banks??), she set up a craft table where kids could make their own headdresses with paper, art and even feathers (our chickens were none to happy about the attempt to pluck them).  Then she had a campfire set up to roast hotdogs and marshmallows.  The school made tepees based on one play tent that she already owned.  There were also bow and arrows to practice with (which was fun until we caught some kids shooting them at other kids on the basketball court behind us).  Based on the number of headdresses and sticky fingers I saw around campus, I’d say the entire idea was a huge success (Thank you, Joey!).

 

There was a lot to do around campus.  Lots of great food, cultural shows, and  even horse back riding. 

 

Ashlyn, Tierney, and Ellesmere ready for the day.

 

Tierney.  Henna on her hand from the Indian tent and in her birthday outfit from Mama Jackie.

 

Maasai and Indian Dances

Maasai women

Maasai Jumping

And a festival in Arusha wouldn’t be complete without Khan’s Indian Barbeque

 

It wasn’t until the festival started winding down that the real ‘adult’ festivities began.  I think many of us did our part to support ISM by making frequent trips to the bar.  Unfortunately Matt was still very sick and took 2/3 of the kids home early.  But, luckily that meant that I was able to stay a little later and play, too. 

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The countdown has started for my climb of Mt. Meru.  I’m going to climb it with 3 other women next weekend (March 18).  It’s planned as a 3 day/2 night trek.  I’m a little nervous because it’s supposed to be a harder climb than Kilimanjaro:  It’s shorter and much (!) steeper – luckily there shouldn’t be the altitude issues as there is on Kilimanjaro.  Since I stare at it out our front door every day, I feel it’s a mountain that I should at least attempt to conquer.