A Day of Many Firsts

A Day of Many Firsts!

Aug. 23: We started out the day by taking the recycling into GRRWA. The boys helped Jim unload the cardboard and plastics. We found out that recycling is very similar in Egypt and Nigeria. We also were able to drop off our dead stove, so Jim explained that process as well.

Since they were in town, Jim took the boys to see the Mighty Mississippi. We will have the corresponding geography lesson another day, when we visit the fort and traverse the world's largest swingspan bridge.

A few days ago I asked the boys what their goals were for their stay here in the States. Jermaya was adamant about wanting to do service hours. (As part of the requirement for IRIS, the students are to do 2 service hours per month.) He was very excited about doing service, and the goal he set for himself was 100 service hours while here in the States. He will earn an award from the State Department if he does manage to achieve this. Alex decided that he, too, wanted to try for this award. So, Jim got the boys signed up for Key Club and today we started out the day with a trip into Fort Madison to attend the Riverview Games. The boys first participated in an attempt at setting the world record for the largest human chain hula hoop pass. Very cool, even if we didn't make it! Then, Jermaya timed the children running the obstacle course, and Alex repaired the course as needed. Yay! 2 hours down, 98 to go!

After lunch the boys all helped me do the weeding while Jim mowed the lawn. Jermaya actually enjoyed himself and was very proud of the huge clump of grass in his picture. Alex is used to weeding, as he does it all the time at home, especially during the holidays. It was pretty funny, because we thought he said "holy days" at first, and we all looked at each other like what in the world??? Jameson, as you can see by his picture, would rather be doing just about anything!

Then, we went swimming and boating on our lake. It was the first time paddle boating for the boys, and they had a lot of fun! 

The boys do not know how to swim, and are currently taking swimming lessons in gym class (thank you, FMHS!). Here, Jermaya is trying to teach Alex how to float. He was a very patient instructor! Jermaya was also an expert floater!

After we all got showered up, Alex began the preparation of his typical Nigerian meal: stew! We had fresh tomatoes and onions from the garden, and added some jalepenos.

Step 1- Slicing the veggies before putting them in the blender.

Step 2- bringing the sauce to a boil.

Last Step- serve and enjoy over rice!

Nigerian Stew 6 large tomatoes                           1 medium onion 1 hot pepper                                  5 T oil 3/4 t curry                                    1 t Lawry’s 2 t sugar Slice or chop all ingredients and put in blender. Bring to a boil and boil until thickened and pasty (about an hour). Add oil & stir. Add spices. Serve on rice with steak and salad.

We topped our day off with four more ice bucket challenges and watching "The Phantom of the Opera".