This is my (Deborah) first post. Up to now, Pruette has done all of the posting, which is why everything sounds so eloquent. He writes as if he is writing a book or speaking to many in a very beautiful way. I write as if you and I were sitting down chatting over coffee or tea and one of Marisa's scones.

I thought that I would share some of our day to day life as we are starting to get settled in to life here and somewhat of a schedule. The kids began school this week and are really enjoying it, which is a huge prayer answered! They are making friends and fitting in very well. All of the teachers and students have to speak English during the school day so I know that helps for them to feel included. They both take a French and Malagasy language class each week which they really like.

My house helper , Helena, is here now. Here, it is considered inappropriate not to use your money to help make jobs for people and better their way of life. People who live elsewhere have more income then they do here so it is expected that we help them. Since we live here at the AIM offices, they already have a day and a night guard. They also have a small washing machine since there is a guest house in back. That is very nice since the norm here is to wash clothes by hand. Most homes here do not even have running water, so you see people carrying their bucket with water that they have purchased from the side of a road. All clothes get hung to dry though. That part reminds me of when I was growing up.

I began the program I am working with at AMI yesterday. We have about 50 children and teens come to us in a four hour period. It is exhausting to try to get that many students taught piano and theory (some also take guitar) in that amount of time. We are looking at restructuring the schedule for next semester perhaps. One of the instructors gave me a ride home yesterday. It took us almost an hour to get home riding though because of traffic. It is hard for me to see so many vehicles in a third world country- I was not expecting that! AMI had a teacher unable to return this year and have asked me to teach their piano majors in private lessons. Not sure if scheduling will match up. Matt, pack your bag- you are needed!!

Pruette has been riding to school with friends, taking the bus, and walking. Tuesday, he waited for the bus for about 45 minutes but every one was full as it is still considered holiday season here until regular school begins next month. He finally decided to walk to AMI. An hour and half later, he arrived in time to teach lessons. At times we miss the conveniences that we probably take for granted in the States... transportation, water to drink right out of the tap, drying machines, ease of ATM machines with no big fees, brown sugar (hint, hint), sometimes food (especially meat) of good quality, running out to a restaurant when you don't feel like cooking. These probably sound silly and we don't miss them much, only at times. It is a good lesson for us to be thankful for what we have and that we really don't need as much as we think we do.

Helena is finishing up and I will have another language lesson with her in a bit. The language is hard but most people are patient and try to help. Mostly I think they laugh at me a lot. That's okay, I am sure a white girl with a southern accent trying to speak Malagasy sounds quite funny. I am learning numbers and money and how to ask how much something is. I will get my nerve up soon to try my language in the market place. Right now, we are getting most items at shop rite- a local grocery store.

I will wrap it up for now. After reading through what I have written, I think my part of the blog should be called "blah blah blog" if this wasn't already taken by a friend of mine. Sorry for the rambling. We covet every prayer and each email of encouragement we receive. We feel truly blessed by the love of such good friends and family.