The CCS middle school has had a terrific first manth. Anrahyah and Charlie have a big group - 21 students - with lots of energy and ability to make a big splash this year. The first month has been spent getting to know each other and getting new programs off the ground. Added to our program this year are daily fareign language and instrumental music. Half of the class is taking Espanol (Spanish) and the other half is learning Русский язык (Russian Language)! Twice a week we are joined by Galina Hayes of Crestone(formerly a music te- acher at the Renaissance School in Omsk, Siberia) for lessons in piano, guitar, dance, drums and voice. Sche is also helping with our Russian. Our first event in the new space will be an overnight astronomy class. We have the best skies in the world, so we plan to be flexible with our time to take advantage of it. Middle schoolers off to a great start!

"Great to have such support!"

"Great to have such support!"

We are running these kids too hard to give them time to blog yet, but that will change soon. It has been wonderful for Charlie and I to have the help of so many adults on this trip. We have toured several museums today by small groups. Each adult has 2-4 children with them and has taken on the task of getting the miles in and around the National Mall where the Smithsonian museums are located. It is a beautiful place, and has been a healing experience for me to experience such goodness about our country in a time of dissention and disillusionment. (In addition, my skin is loving this moist sea-level climate!! ;-))

We will get kid posts tomorrow, thanks for reading and your anticipated comments to support the children. And thanks for all your financial support which has made this trip a reality!

love, Anrahyah