Superlatives

Strangest thing I've done this week:
Pretended to be a chicken for a video some guys are making for our Friday Fun Night (read: talent show). They refused to reveal the plot beyond my minute part, so I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product (which, I think, will be a 24 knock-off). I'm hoping that it's kind to chickens.

Coldest I've been this week:
We took the students to a private school in Machakos today to visit classrooms and go swimming in their huge pool. The sun was out (and being near the equator, it's quite warm), but that water was brutal. After all, it's winter here! It took me nearly an hour to work up the courage to get in; then I enjoyed a refreshing (brief) five-minute swim.

Most interesting question I've heard in a sixth grade classroom:
"Who can tell me what female circumcision is?"
I was sitting with two of our ABO students in a room full of sixth graders. Their teacher was attempting to display their knowledge of Kenyan history. A discussion of reasons tribes resisted colonization led to the topic of female circumcision. As soon as the teacher asked this question, she met my eye, and I nearly burst out laughing. When none of the students was willing to describe this practice (ugh!), the teacher must have decided she was in over her depth. Instead of explaining, she simply said, "It's really bad. Even I am against it. Female circumcision is bad, right?"
"Yes." The students answered in perfect chorus.
"But male circumcision, is that bad?" Boy, she was determined.
"No." Again, they answered in unison.
"That's right. Male circumcision is good, but female circumcision is bad." And with this statement, she abruptly headed for safer ground.

Most insultingly honest thing a child has ever said to me (ever!):
If you really want to know, ask me. I decided against posting it where anyone in the whole world could use it against me.

Cutest animal I've seen inside:
The gecko above my door last night. I love the way they can run sideways along the wall.

Scariest animal I haven't seen inside:
The three mosquitoes which managed to bite me. Hoping that I don't regret not taking malaria medication...

And now, some educational African superlatives (just to prove that I've been paying attention during our morning lessons):
Largest African country: Sudan
Most populated African country: Nigeria
African animal which kills the most humans each year: hippopotamus
Least populated African country: Namibia (second in the world to Mongolia)
Fastest animal on two legs (in the world): ostrich
Fastest animal on four legs: cheetah
Tallest animal: giraffe
Animal with the largest mouth (in the world): hippo