See this guy? He is a sapo-frog-that can make a ton of noise all by himself! He chirped all night last night. I mean REALLY loud! I went out this morning to try to find him and there he was, right in the gutter by the door. He was pretty amazing though, if I just moved in the slightest, he would disappear into the tunnel that went under the porch. Ugly, huh? He had cute eyes and a very long tongue. They told me they like to come where the lights are at night because the insects come too. Makes sense. He is not here tonight, gracias de dios!
I think I am getting the hang of my days. I discover every year that what makes me happy is some kind of a schedule. Sounds like a teacher, doesn’t it? Well, so be it. I have made myself a little bit of one. I get up when I wake up. That is really a nice part of this summer! Fix myself some breakfast, because I have missed the one for the students. So far I just cut up a piece of fruit and have a cup of tea. Then, I sit on the porch and watch stuff and pretend to study for about two hours. I really am learning a lot and much quicker than I thought I could. Lunch is between 11:30-12:30. Usually rice and beans and something else. Today was something that was kind of pink and mushy so I decided to skip the “meat” and just ate the rice and beans. The beans are lentils of some kind BUT they have not been yellow yet! Actually, not too bad! Then I go to Cassita uno to begin tutoring. I really like the kids because they are between 5 and about 8. Today I even helped with science, writing, and reading in spanish! They actually understood what I was saying. They can be pretty stubborn but they don’t know me yet! I can sit right there with them for as long as it takes. I stay there until just about 3:00. Then off to cassitas 4 and 6. In these cassitas are six students that have scholarships to bilingual schools with lots of English. It is nice to help them. The scholarships are provided by a church and there are nine in all. The directors select the students that they think will put in the extra work that it will take. In each of the cassitas there are boys that have pretty low IQs as well and they have a teacher that comes to work with small groups of those kids to help them catch up, if it is possible. This work ends around 5:00. Dinner is between 5 and 6. Tutoring for the older boys starts again around 7:00 and goes to 8 or 9 depending on how much homework they have. Then, I have been walking around to try to get some exercise. I have to stay on the grounds so I go round and round. Not so interesting but at least it isn’t so hot! Then???? Study of course. I try to get in another hour somewhere in the day. I am watching a little bit of TV now and then and I am proud to say I can actually read some of the words before they change them! I like to have English TV on so I know what I am reading.
I have made a new friend!
His name is PeeWee. That was the name of my childhood doggie! He sits right beside me on the porch while I study. He runs after all the cars and greets everyone. The school has two other dogs that just run free as well. Pee Wee is pretty funny because he only uses three of his legs when he runs. One of the other volunteers told me that there was another dog at the school who actually only had three legs and that dog had taken on PeeWee when he was only a puppy and Pee Wee just started copying! Pretty cute story.
These are termite hills that are just behind my building. They aren’t as big as the ones in Africa, but I am glad they aren’t in my yard! They are everywhere, especially under trees or near plants that give shade.
This is the school’s garden. It is the rainy season here, winter, so they haven’t planted much. These are all cucumbers. In the summer, they plant more. I do believe that the world lives on rice and cucumbers! At least that is what I seem to get fed no matter where I am in the world!
These are plants near my building as well and run by the school. The students are given the opportunity to work with agriculture if they would like. The trees are guava trees. The bags are placed over the fruit to protect them from bugs and birds. The other plant has little peppers on it. They really don’t use them here at the school as far as I can tell.
I found out today what the funny odor in the air is-pigs! Puerca! The school uses them for food. They are pretty funny to watch. They make a ton of noise when ever anyone approaches and they start running around and pushing each other. I saw a guy with a rifle tonight so we might have some pork tomorrow. We also have cows here. On Saturday, they are going to take me on a horse to see them. The pond where they drink is full of crocodiles. I hope I get to see one of those.
This is one of those plants that we buy at Wal-Mart and pay $5.99 for it and it is only 7 inches tall! This one, however, is about 10 feet tall! They are everywhere. Beautiful plants line the sidewalks at the school. Too bad we can only have these inside and with a lot of love!
These are two of my favorite pictures for today. The one of the pig is pretty funny. He was the only one that did not run when I came to take pictures. I hope he isn’t the one that got shot! The other is a mushroom that I just saw on my walk. I thought it looked more like a piece of art!
Until later!
Hi Debbie,
Sounds as if you are having a great experience. Great to learn that you like the food a lot better than in India last summer. Tell us more about the student’s home life if you know anything about it.
I enjoyed all the pictures around the school. It is really quite beautifu.l Now I need you to remember about your personal safety at all times especially when you are flaging down a bus or ride anywhere. Remember that we dearly love you so take care of yourself. Much love, Moml
Thank you Grandma!!! Listen to your mother! =) Love you!