End of year homeschool retreat

What a pleasure it has been to be part of the homeschool group through Bingham Academy (SIM mission school in Addis).  This group consists of down country missionary families from a variety of mission agencies.  It is also open to missionary families that homeschool in Addis Ababa.  There are planned events throughout the school year though we have only been able to take in a couple of these events.

The homeschool retreat that was held this May was an event that we really wanted to attend for several reasons.  It is a wonderful time to connect with other missionaries that we have a lot in common with through homeschooling and lifestyle.  It is also valuable to our children who are able to form deeper friendships with other missionary kids.   It is also a special time for us moms to talk about the challenges we have faced homeschooling, encourage each other, pray together and share resources.

This year we were able to have our homeschool retreat at a very special location 2 hours outside of Addis near the town of Koka.  A family from South Africa recently joined the homeschool group and are managers of a greenhouse business.   They were able to host us for the weekend by providing several cabin/apartments and places to tent. 
I was quite happy to stay in a cabin with the kids but Rolf was keen to camp so the first night he camped with Joel and the second night with Ariana.  The weather was beautiful, there was grass to enjoy (a luxury we don't have in most parts of Ethiopia), a swimming pool, pond for fishing and horseback riding.  The older kids were able to join the adults for a tour of the greenhouse.  (Sorry no pictures because I didn't take the tour though I would have enjoyed it.)

One of the highlights for our kids was the talent show!  Our children had prepared for this event and Kalia bravely (and for the first time) presented a poem called:  The Moon while our family presented the Dinosaur Chant and a Gumuz song together.  Sonia was enthralled by many of the performances.  She stood gaping at the 9 year old girl playing the violin but the presenter didn't miss a note.

We knew most of the families from the homeschool orientation week that was held last August but there were several new families as well.  Friday evening, we all enjoyed a very special treat brought from the US.  SMORES!!!  The kids roasted marshmallows which were then placed between 2 graham crackers with a piece of chocolate.  None of these ingredients are available in Ethiopia so it is a real treat.   The Aussies, Kiwis and Europeans enjoyed them for the first time.

Saturday morning the kids were divided into groups and enjoyed sports, crafts, story time and other activities.  Several Bingham teachers came to help this weekend and the dads also participated.  The moms had several sessions during this time.

In the afternoon there was free time and the kids loved swimming even though the pool wasn't heated.  (Okay so Sonia was terrified of the cold water but by the second day she was quite happy in the water.)

Sunday afternoon came much too soon and I think next year it will be a 3 day retreat!  We are looking forward to it already.