This week has been our first week of teaching. I think my favorite week so far. At the moment Bethany and I are teaching together, we are going to gradually split the classes as we get more confident. Our first class on Monday was the older Kids, it was extremely stressful and tiring but it went ok, we didn't really know their abilities so had to think on our feet a little when they worked through out lesson plan quicker than expected. We repeat each of the older children's lessons, and the second group seemed less able than the first group, I think this was due to chance. The lessons with the older children became less and less stressful through out the week as we settled in, I enjoy them allot. There does seem to be quite a range of abilities however within the groups so Bethany and I are going to try and split the group with in the classroom soon.
The pre-school group that we teach however are a nightmare. Our first lesson was hilariously terrible, it resembled a scene from cheaper by the dozen (a comedy film about parents that can't handle their twelve children). We had completely misjudged their abilities and concentration span. We changed tactics for the next lessons and made coloring in worksheets and slipped in English vocab whilst they were coloring in, this was much more effective. It was really nice by the end of the week watching the children so eager to get our praise.
The floods here have been so bad that the annual water festival, a bigger Cambodian version of Henley Regatta, that happens mid November has been cancelled. The government has said that the money will go to the flood relief effort (there is an election at the end of the year), many are sceptically however of how much of the money will got to the relief effort. We will however still have a three day national holiday, during which we are planning on doing some traveling.
I'm not sure whether i am getting used to the food or it is getting more tasty, but I am enjoying meal times more and more. I feel less rude now not eating the meat as it has become clear it is not their cooking it is the meat, and they are giving us more vegetables which is very nice. Whenever we are given food such as egg or fried rice, we tell them in our best Khmer how much we enjoyed it so I think this may be helping too.
I went for a run yesterday as it was cool and a little bit rainy. I felt like Paula Radcliffe running the marathon. Everyone I passed either stared, stood up, waved or laughed, one man even ran next to me for a bit. They found it very strange seeing someone out running for the sake of getting some exercise, even the Mas (caregivers) thought it was funny. One of the amused moto drivers gave me a free lift across a flooded patch of road though which was kind. I have also been playing some volleyball with the two older boys, which I enjoy allot.
We have been given the task of organizing a fun day in celebration of International HIV/AIDS day on December the first (I think). It is going to include all the Magna children and staff, and all the children and parents on the Magna program at the Hospital. So that will be fun but take allot of thinking and ideas. If anyone has any good ideas they would be greatly appreciated, we are doing a mixture of educational (HIV, nutrition, hygiene etc) and fun activities, games and things.
Beth has been quite ill for the past few days feeling sick, headachey and had a temperature, if shes not feeling better on Monday were going to talk to a Magna doctor just so were sure its not Malaria. Better safe than sorry.
Love to all
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