4 Wheel Driving Away!

Hi everyone,
It's been awhile since I last blogged, so there's quite a bit to catch up on! Firstly, Shane and I had the privilege of doing a 4WD course because once we hit Addis we will need to drive one if we ever go outside the city! So we had a 3 hour night class talking about central diffs, low and high range and cross axle difflocks (are you impressed with  my lingo yet???) We then spent a whole Saturday out practicing at a national park. Shane and I each had a car and we drove up hill, and down dale, through muddy bog holes, reversed down slopes I wouldn't even walk down, and had a great time! I was nervous a few times, and it wasn't until I got home around 6 I realised I had been tense all day and every muscle in my body was aching! I spent the next day in bed relaxing after concentrating all day I was worn out but it was worth it!

It looks unimpressive but this was a HUGE mud hole I drove through!

 Unfortunately when we got home and tried to show the pictures of the mud we drove through there was a slight problem. Couldn't find the camera!! 3 weeks later it is officially lost -gone- never to be seen again! We originally bought a bright red one so we wouldn't lose it....oops!
The boys the next weekend both had basketball grand finals to play in. Oli's team lost by 3 with the last 2pts on the siren. It was close and exciting, or should I say frustrating!! Oli did get MVP trophy after the game, which made him feel happier. Toms game was a whitewash and not in his teams favour! The opposition had only 4 on the court -even more depressing!They were all Aboriginals and so impressive!! A runner up trophy eased the pain for the boys, and a junk food break up afterwards made them forget it all!

Go Saints U10 and U12's

Last weekend we went with our fellow MITs to St Kilda for the day. Caught the compulsory tram there, saw Luna Park (which looks really dodgy) walked the boardwalk and ate icecream. It was great to see the beach (I've missed it after nearly 4 months) but West Beach is so much better. In fact any beach in SA is better and prettier! Not that I'm biased!

A picnic at St Kilda, with fellow misso friends

Finally, we've both been busy writing a final assignment to help us next year. Mine is about the difficulties living amongst poverty. 26% of Ethiopians live on less than $1 while 68% on less than $2. Their staple foods have risen by 80% this last year, and not including the famine in the south - they estimate 15 million Ethiopians are starving. Depressing statistics hey!
So now we only have 3 weeks left here. Next Thursday we have our final interviews with the federal staff, and if that gets the green light we are good to go!! We've heard there is an 8 wk language course beginning June 4 that we would love to do. It means leaving at the end of May which is very exciting. So stay tuned for more details!
Love Naomi and the gang