What?!? Two weeks no school?!?

One thing I was sad to leave behind in Michigan was the possibility of a “snow day.” I knew there was no way we’d be getting snow days in Nicaragua, although I had heard that occasionally in the rainy season a bridge that we have to cross to get to school is covered with water making it impossible for the kids in our neighborhood to get to school.  I never anticipated getting an “earthquake week,” but after a recent series of earthquakes along the same fault line that caused the devastation of Managua and its people in 1972, the president, Daniel Ortega, has issued a decree cancelling all schools in Managua the second  week in a row. 

Now, don’t get too excited—I did, and then my bubble of excitement was quickly burst by a new announcement.  Because NCA (Nicaragua Christian Academy) is a school that is accredited in the US (which is uniquely awesome!), they have to fulfill the same number of required school days that schools in the US do.  BUT, because the school is in Nicaragua and snow days are non-existent, there are no days built-in for cancelling school.  So, the solution to this dilemma is that the teachers have been preparing work packets and online assignments for students to do at home. Essentially, I have been homeschooling the kids for 2 weeks while Andrew “works” at an empty school. 

I have quickly developed an appreciation for parents who homeschool for real—it is a lot of work, especially with multiple children and little ones at home.  Our kids have been

working hard and have had a great attitude for the most part (much better than their mother’s!).  Our neighborhood has made this endeavor a community effort—the kids do PE together (see video and pictures below) and this morning we divided up in to age groups and had 4 different classes in 4 different locations around our neighborhood.  As with everything, our community has made this challenge much more bearable. 

~Video produced by our wonderful neighbor, Cara Boersema!

As much as we are enjoying these “earthquake weeks,” we are really hoping that the kids and Andrew will be able to return to school as normal next week.  Please pray for the country of Nicaragua and it’s leaders as they make important decisions that affect the lives of many.  Please also pray for the administration and board of NCA as they are figuring out the best way to deal with this unforeseen challenge.