Saturday, March 04, 2006

Teaching is tough...

Hi all! Sorry I haven't uploaded any pictures lately...the site is not letting me and I don't know why yet. Anyhow, I've been busy with classes...finally. Teaching is tough though. I'm stressed with my 3 classes and I just found out I will be teaching the other 2 classes of 8th grade. Ahhhh! Maybe I'll manage my time better..always seem to when I am super super busy. I just gave the first test. The students did well, although if they studied they should have done perfectly because I told them EXACTLY what would be on test. I'm still having a problem with the noise..may use a whistle as Niabi has suggested. The only thing is I don't want it to be disruptive for other professors. Also still having major problems with attendance...as all my classes are in afternoon now and the students leave early. The main reason is they are hungry. They don't have money for snacks and only the students who live at the school get lunch. Pastor Lee is collecting a list of students who can't bring food to school. It is sad, but what do I do??? They constantly ask me to teach early but it's so inconsistent and confusing for me to have it different every day. The other teachers do it..and say it's more important to teach as many students as possible..than to stick to the schedule. But, doesn't that set a bad example? Still trying to figure that out.

Other than that..we have mid service training coming up next month. Need to compile answers to a huge list of questions for the Peace Corps..about community, teachers, teacher training, classes etc etc. I am in Maputo today visiting Steph and Rita. They came down for the weekend. It's really windy and rainy right now...such a nice break to the heat. Huluka is getting fat..as am I. Too many cookies, too much bread, potatoes etc. It's just so hard keeping tons of vegetables good without a fridge. I always have tomatoes, onions, garlic..but no greens to speak of. Plus I live so far from the market where I can get the greens. To go every day by chapa takes a huge chunk of the day, because as I've said before, the transportation is difficult here. Anhow, need to go meet my friends. I hope you all are well. I miss you!