School Begins!

The first couple of weeks of school have been chaotic, but that's to be expected. So far, I've had classes merge and my schedule change a couple of times. It looks like I'll have a couple of classes with about 70 kids in them, but so far, I've had no real discipline problems and my kids seem to be enthusiastic about learning. Hopefully, this continues because it makes my job easier. I love my colleagues; they're really nice and helpful. They love having conversations about life in the United States. Today, using "Franglais," we discussed the differences between Republicans and Democrats and the recent state of the stock market.

It seems I've got a bit of bad news: what I thought was a problem with batteries has now turned into a possible problem with my camera. It turns on for a couple of seconds and then shuts off. So I regret to inform you that I won't be posting photos of my house any time soon. I wasn't very happy, but I'm sure that's not the worst that can happen. Maybe I'll get someone to bring one when they come to visit me.

Last weekend, I went to visit my host family since it's been 3 weeks since I saw them. I'd missed them more than I thought, and I actually felt like I was visiting family. What seemed like a strange, foreign home in the beginning now seems strangely comfortable and familiar to me. My house at post is still pretty empty since the carpenter keeps putting off working on my furniture. Work ethic is definitely NOT what I was used to in the states. I see that every day. "Mais, c'est ne pas grave." I suppose one adapts.

I still continue to make my own meals and enjoy the comforts of some-what familiar cuisine, like stew! Yeah dad, I made my own roux! How about that? It came out pretty good, too. I'm also getting used to life in the village, like where to find certain things and who does what. There's about 10,000 residents in my village, and I'm pretty sure everyone here knows where the new white girl lives. At least, that's what it feels like. I keep hearing people yell, "Mekat" at me. That's "white girl" in the local dialect (Medumba) or so I thought. I actually learned today that the word means, "outsider who brings civilization." Skin color isn't a factor. I'm trying to learn some Medumba phrases, but it isn't easy to speak. And I'm still struggling with French. One thing at a time, right?

Well, that's it for now. Later, no? OH, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! Love you!