ISM Happenings: Mwanza Swim Competition and the International Festival

Last weekend the kids and I got on a plane with 16 other swim teammates and headed to Mwanza (on the shores of Lake Victoria) for a swim meet.  A new destination for us and Anderson’s first big swim meet.  We had so much fun even though we dealt with rain, very long days, and very little sleep. All kids ended up getting new personal best times (PBs) in almost every race, and ISM ended up 3rd out of 14 teams!  Not too shabby considering we had to leave the meet early on Sunday to catch our plane and missed the point heavy relays.

Traveling with friends is fun 

The pouring rain was not quite as much fun

Me and my girl

T and Coach Spike very happy after
she smashed her PB in the 100M Freestyle

And then the sun came out!

T looking fierce in breast

Ash going strong

Still smiling after being here for over 12 hours already

So proud of all of these girls

Then on Friday ISM had it's annual International Festival.  It started with a parade that had the kids grouped by home country.  Was amazing to see each of the 36 countries that we have represented at ISM.  Anderson's class did a little performance that represented a snapshot of some of them (they talked about what food, building, and holiday their countries are known for).  One of the many things that I love about this place!

(They were pretty cute doing their line dance, too)

And Ashlyn's Exhibition Group took the opportunity to set up a table to STOP discrimination.  They sold bracelets and necklaces that they had made to raise money for a school for children with HIV. They also had people put their fingerprint on a sign saying that they pledge to STOP discrimination. 

Ashlyn, Rehema, and Salima

(Yes, Ashlyn did a wardrobe change after the parade)

Overall a very busy couple of weeks with no signs of it slowing down anytime soon.