Getting Settled into the New School Year

It is hard to think I have been teaching for three weeks already. The time has flown by. I know I usually flood my newsletters, blog and facebook with zillions of pictures and yet, I have barely had time to take and post any pictures at all so far. But, trust me, the pictures are coming!!! It may take a little while but I will eventually post some pictures.

My students are wonderful and I have been enjoying every minute with them. I've been busy with all of the beginning of the school year work, but it is good. I know I am exactly where God wants me to be. There is no doubt about that!

I've met a few other teachers and went to a Kickboxing class with them the other day! I had a blast punching and kicking my stress away! It felt good to exercise again. It feels like my teaching work has swept away my time lately to the point that I don't have much time for anything else....but I am starting to realize I need to exercise in order to keep my sanity.

I have been going through all different emotions since I landed back on West African soil. I think it was tough this time around because I didn't have much time to process the cultural shift. I had no choice but to hit the ground running. I often find myself thinking about "home" in Colorado...I am not sure what that means but it is how I have been feeling. Perhaps it is because I know I have to move again soon and I don't feel quite settled back in Ouaga yet.

Well, I have housing only until the end of October here in Ouaga and then I have to move. I have been looking but haven't found a house to move into yet. Please keep me in your prayers and pray that I would find a house to live in that is close to the school I teach at. I am starting up dance classes for the missionary kids in October too and it would be great if I could find a house with a big porch or some area that I can teach dance classes in. It looks like I am going to have MANY more Missionary kids in my dance classes this year than last year so I am hoping I can find a house with a good location and a big enough space to teach dance. That would be the most ideal situation.

I want to thank everyone for your prayers and support. I am truly thankful for everyone who is standing by my side as I serve in West Africa. I am humbled to see the partnerships, friendships and people God has brought in my life the past two years, so we can fulfill His plan in West Africa.

Greetings from Burkina Faso again!

Hello,

I arrived to Burkina Faso this past Friday. In two days, I set up my classroom and got it ready for 21 students! The first day of school was this past Monday.

First week of teaching is going well. It has been a busy week for sure! I am still dealing with jet lag...haven't slept more than 3-4 hours at night...Please pray that I will get back into a somewhat normal sleeping pattern soon so I can continue to be the best teacher I can be for my students. I am surprised I have made it this far with such little sleep the past 5 nights.

It feels great to be back in Burkina Faso. I have already paid many visits to missionary children, missionary friends and Burkinabe friends. I told many of you stories of my friend Pauline (she had sewn the tutus for the dancers)...I was able to "catch up" with her and spend some time with her in her shop. I look forward to visiting the orphanage soon too.

I will be in touch soon.

Blessings,

Rebecca Oryniak

Ten Days Left in Ouaga

In ten days, I will be boarding the plane and headed to the U.S. for the summer. The plan from there is that I will be headed to Mali in August. It is difficult to think after 9-10 months of serving in Ouaga, it is time for me to leave. Yet, I know that I made a difference in many lives this past year.

I am truly thankful for all of my friends, family and partners who have been by my side every step of the way. I would not have been able to impact the lives of so many children here, if it wasn't for the support of so many back home who was right along side of me.

On really tough days (because yes...some days were really tough between the hot temperatures and long distance from home, sickness, etc), I had thought of throwing in the towel and calling it quits; Yet, then I'd get an email from a partner or a package from a friend and God would give me the gentle reminder that I am not alone. I am humbled at the level of support I had this past year. So many people came along side of me and prayed with me about lots of different people and topics. Thank you! So many people sent care packages in the mail with food and spices and little things that made a huge difference. Thank you! The dance studio I taught at, Kinetic Arts Dance Studio sent a large donation of dance shoes for the girls. Thank you! So many friends and family sent emails consistently checking in with me or just sharing with me what was going on in their life. Thank you! I enjoyed staying connected with you in the emails. I can really go on and on and on...but I think you get the point. I am truly thankful for each and every one of you. You really have made a difference in many different people's lives here in West Africa. And of course, you made a difference in my life too. I would not have been able to serve this year, if it wasn't for you, your support, your prayers, your encouragement, your inspiration and your love.

Okay....I just have to say thank you again... this time in a video. Check it out!

Music and Dancing in a Village

I have been to my share of music festivals all over the United States. From being to Phish festivals to working at Red Rocks Amphitheater for three summers, I have seen many different types of music and dancing celebrations. So, when I heard about this one, I couldn't turn it down! People from all different villages came together to sing and dance and worship God! They also performed songs and dances that tell stories of the past of their culture and village. They all sang songs in different languages. I think there was a total of 5 different languages being spoken and sung at the festival.The sun was beaming, the air was hot but that didn't stop these musicians from performing. It was a really nice to step a little deeper into their culture. Oh and yes, I did step into the circle and danced with them as well for a few songs.

News From The Classroom

Check out our video to find out the latest news:

Additional notes: Thank you to Ciara for video taping for us. Also, the girls have all memorized their lines, what to say and the memory verses. There was no teleprompter used. Hope you enjoyed it!

Marbles, Swimming Pools, Waterfalls and Hippos....

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit Bobo and spend some time with a friend of mine. After five hours on a bus while it was over 100 degrees, we made it to Bobo. The bus ride was hot and the bus stop is quite the experience as well. People surrounded us as soon as we got off the bus trying to sell us everything and anything from bananas, to chicken, to eggs, bread, tissues and more! Therefore, we were happy once we arrived to our destination!

While in Bobo, we learned a new game that is played with marbles. The children of the town of Bobo taught us how to play. It was fun to learn a little more about what life is like for a child living in West Africa.

After that, we headed off to Banfora on another bus ride (luckily this ride was only about an hour). Banfora is my favorite place in Burkina Faso. It is absolutely beautiful there. There are tons of trees and the ground is green and filled with plant life. We took a boat ride to see hippos. It was amazing to see the hippos living in the wild. We had to stay a far distance away from them but we were still able to watch them come up to the surface and then go under the water and then return to the surface again. Two hippos were fighting and they were leaping out of the water towards each other. It was quite remarkable to watch! They also would slap their tails on the water to warn the other hippo to stay away.

We had the opportunity to visit some waterfalls. After taking a few minutes to build enough courage, I finally jumped off the cliff into the water. It was fun! Our last stop in Banfora were the domes. It reminded me a little of red rocks and Colorado Monument Park because of all the rock formations. I remember when I drove across country, I visited a place that looked similiar as well. I can't remember the exact name or location but I think it was near South Dakota. The domes in Banfora were real fun to climb and hike on. I enjoyed it greatly!

Poetry Tea Time

After teaching a unit on Poetry, my 2nd and 3rd grade students shared their favorite poems with others during our "Poetry Tea Time". We invited the other class and all of the families to join us. It was really a great time for them to celebrate and share their learning with their families and friends. Even the family members brought poems to share as well. It was a great opportunity for the girls!