Practice,practice

 Friday will be a national holiday of traditional food, dance and celebration.  I have been practicing  our dance with Yves, Alice and Jennipher. I also am attempting  a few lines in Kerawandan. Old students are returning from exams.  I was thrilled to see Passy and tomorrow  Joseph will come. 

joy

speeches today

great speech about a meaningful  life

The kids asked me about the biggest differences from USA and here . First I said honestly that I wash clothes in a machine and dishes in a machine. It is not lost one how priveledged we are . Then I talked about the level of respect t here that is non existent I. My classroom , that shocked them.  My time is closing in but I hope to be back next year 

Dinner out with staff

Some photos from last night. The older gentleman is pretty famous.  He is an international food eating champ,! Eating 15lbs of rice in 30 minutes. 

Morning dance and rehearsal

Today I walked to the center to hear great rhythmic  music  and see Cyprian dancing ,joined in and so did  Simon, Fabio also were dancing, I have no photos. But had fun.  I bought some snacks for the team which were once again  gobbled up. Yves had me practice with Alice and jenipher for our dance . I'm trying but cant do the head moves like them lol. I began writing  letters to,the kids , yes this is my final week.  I could easily stay longer since I settled  into a routine . Hey its raining!  First time since I've been here. I have once again made so many memorable  connections and strengthened old ones. I expect to see some more  of my former students once national exams are over .I have Photo PC  little girl who was also wearing a button down Jean dress.  So cute

Umuganda

 Umuganda is a national holiday on last Saturday of each month for mandatory nationwide community service  from 8 in morning until 11 in morning, participating is required by law, failure to participate can result in a fine . The streets were quiet. No cars or motorcycles until 11 am

Last night we all went to see Caitlyn dance at ubumuntu  

Late night for me.  Getting ready for my trek down the hill

Dance like no one is watching

Great classes today in was with the younger kids and worked Lomg side their teacher Jenipher. We did reading strategies and new vocabulary and finally played simon says and zip zap zoop.  I am still surprised  that they did not know how to play. A student from two years ago Keteri was there and helped.  The kids loved it and stickers are a huge hit. The student from yesterday home visit did not come today, but Giselle did. She danced with Yves and they looked great . Lots of dancing going on.  Today we showed the older group the social dilemma since the topic of social media  came up . I am hoping to have a girls group tomorrow just fo give a safe place to voice their ideas and thoughts. 

This. girl's night out

Interesting day!

Today students continued their speeches , and we discussed cell phone addiction and social media. It has reared its ugly head here.  Some Some  students  admitting  their addiction. many only have flip phones so the issue it mute for them

I went on a home visit with Yves.

Giselle

night ou with the boys

MY photos on display 

lunch

home visit

It was not far.   It was the. best home I have seen seen on a home visit the boy has not been to mindleaps for 5 months . The house was his grandmother and he goes there to eat but sleeps at his dad which Yves said was a terrible place.  Apparently  the boy has been doing odd jobs to save for shoes but he wasn't wearing any 

y.  Yves talked to him and hopefully  he will return to classes. Then Giselle came for a visit it was so nice to see her and for her to meet up with people she knows at the center. Then I took Oliver, raymond,julius,eric and emmy out for a nice dinner. It was sunset and beautiful. We had some laughs and had. A good meal too. I. Ust comment on how respectful and kind they are raymond a d julius are excellent  teachers too. I mentioned  that they have such a great team. Everyone treated equally including our cook and maintenance work er Fabio.  

Meeting friends

State exams going on for next few weeks.  Many of the students are busy taking them