I was attacked by dogs ..

Guys, I got into a tussle with dogs and lost. I 100% do not recommend.

I will be returning home next year with a lovely set of battle scars. Mom, prepare the shea butter!

Last week, I was on my way to my school’s Grade 7 celebration when four of my neighbors’ dogs chased me down. By the grace of God, only one of them bit me. And judging by how deep the bite was, I’m even more grateful that only its top two teeth connected.

I ran clean out of my shoes (Crocs do NOT work, even in sports mode), dropped my keys and chargers, and ran for my life. My learners came sprinting toward me, throwing stones at the dogs to save my life.

And I do mean save my life.

I had to be rushed to Maseru, the capital, for treatment and post-exposure rabies shots. I was there for four days.

When I returned home, the story of the attack was relayed to me through the eyes of bystanders, and what I heard took me by surprise.

The people watching genuinely thought I was about to be killed. Their words, loosely translated, were, “If she wasn’t so fast, that would’ve ended very badly.”

The dogs were not stopping.

Immediately after the attack, I was trying to manage my shock, fight back tears, suppress my embarrassment, and stave off the anger I felt brewing toward my neighbors.

Unbeknownst to me, my learners, the very children who had sprinted to save me, were crying because of how frightened they had been.

At the time, I was so embarrassed. The thought of people watching me get chased down, bitten, and then break down in tears was a little too much for me. Especially because, in my mind, I was walking away with only one bite.

So, to return home and hear people describe what they witnessed as God’s protection was startling.

To realize that people genuinely feared for my life makes me feel things I still cannot quite verbalize.

I think I was so focused on how embarrassed I felt that I hadn’t fully processed just how much danger I had been in.

Nevertheless, thank you, God, for always protecting me and keeping me safe. Even in moments when I don’t fully understand the magnitude of that protection.

And to my kiddos who sprinted to save my life, and all the other learners who were so angry, frightened, and upset on my behalf: what a pure love.

I cannot imagine leaving such sweet souls in a year. ❤️