We've enjoyed the teaching so far and have had some good, encouraging feedback. Rachel's settled into teaching violin and viola pretty well, and was chuffed to have the most gifted student in the school saying 'it's nice to have a viola teacher here' the other day... I had to burst his bubble and explain I'm really a cellist but it's nice to know I don't seem like a complete fraud. Dan's enjoying teaching maths, and had a drum and juggling student performing in assembly the other day to demonstrate what achievements persevering can bring. It was nice to see how much they've learnt even in 3 weeks of lessons.
Other than that we've enjoyed getting to know the staff better and the students too - names are beginning to stick in our heads now, and we feel that between us we know the majority of students at the school, thanks to the variety of responsibilities we have. We've been warned, however, that all the girls return after 1/2 term with their hair a different length and braided completely differently, so it's going to be pretty much back to square one with name learning... joyful joyful!
This weekend the students' parents have been here camping on the school site (a very funny sight as there's so many tents in one area of the grounds it looks like the circus has come to school)... but it's been nice getting to know families. There are informal consultations, chapel services that the children are involved in, and there's also a lot of really good food. It's so nice to have a variety after eating beef stew over and over again. Sadly though, as soon as they left we were served 'sweet and sour chips', an intriguing dish concocted from the weekend's left-overs...
This week we're excited about getting our work permits (I know it's a little late but they have this annoying rule that you can't get them until you're in the country). These clarify that we're Kenyan residents, meaning we'll get much cheaper access to national parks and hotels, which is exciting, and we're hoping to celebrate by going to see lions next week!
Some people have been asking how the boys' Bible study is going - we've been having a great time with the 15 year 6 boys. The first week we were literally in the dark as we had a power cut here, but the boys are good fun and look forward to it - it's their one chance to go to a teacher's house so they're often very excited and hyper. We're looking forward to getting into it more as we study who God is, why Jesus came, and look at their identity as a child of God.
We're also looking forward to leading the music at an all age church service half an hour away next weekend. Most of the churches are in Kiswahili so one of the guys at school wanted to serve the white English speaking Kenyan community here through a church service twice a term at a farm down the road.
Well anyway, I think that's enough for now. As we say, we love hearing about what you've all been u[ to so don't hesitate to send an email, facebook message or even snail mail :)
Sending lots of love,
D and R
Hello!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, it sounds like you're having an amazing time! I wish I had some 'staff' at my house, especially a gardener! Your house sounds lovely, the school sounds great, and it sounds like you're both really happy and enjoying your new lives together :-)
Well it's turned pretty nasty here today. We've had some fabulous weather over the last few weeks, it was 30 degrees two weeks ago! I'm sure it's like that all the time where you are though! Anyway, it's very windy now and the heating has had to go on, though only for half an hour till it warmed up and then we shut the doors to the living room to keep it warm.
Paul and I have been decorating our hallway. Work is going well for both of us. I've had loads of new pupils start since September at all of my schools and I've got some really talented kids. Paul's school are having a bit of trouble as two of the teachers there have been suspended for writing about pupils on facebook.
I'm going on a trip to Northampton next weekend with the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra. We're playing one of Malcolm Arnold's symphonies at the Malcolm Arnold Festival. Should be fun, but it's an early start - the bus leaves at 6.45am, on a Sunday morning of all days!
Right, I will love you and leave you both. So so glad you've settled in and are having a great time. Looking forward to the next installment,
Love from Lisa xx