Happy Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day, we asked our friend who is a teacher by day and DJ by night to come to KEMPS to play music for the students.  We had no idea how serious his DJ business is.  He brought giant speakers, laser lights, and music that the students loved.  It was a fantastic way to spend Valentine's Day for us and for them.  It was a great night!

Tree Cutting

They cut down a tree recently on campus.  I'm not sure if they did it because they had to cut it down or if it was because they needed the wood.  They do all the cooking for the students in wood burning stoves.  Which is, let's be honest, pretty amazing.  When they finished chopping the wood, they rang a bell.  When the bell rings, the students know it is either time to work or time to eat.  In this case, it was time to carry the wood behind the kitchen so it was ready for cooking.

Watch Them Run!

One of my favorite hobbies in Memphis over the last few years was running.  After being here a few months, I decided I wanted to find a way to run here with students.  The Standard VII girls were all for it! My parents' church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Warrenville, Illinois, was kind enough to donate all of the running gear you see here.  The girls are so incredibly grateful! 

Today we starting running.  The girls all ran one mile and we wrote down their times so we can see how they progress over the coming months.  Our goal is to build up to running a 5k.  I've been talking to some folks in town about possibly putting together a formal 5k as a fundraiser for the school.  I'd love to see the girls cross the finish line of a real race with these fantastic shirts!