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Hi. It's Tuesday now, i think! Thanks again for the messages, keep them coming, they make a difference.
Firstly, hope you managed to get the extra photos. Why don't you store it as a favourite if you haven't already done so. Will update some more when i can. It takes a long time to upload, however. Saturdays are better when i haven't got to rush back for a class.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_longwell/
(There should be an underscore between phil and longwell)
Im a bit worried at the moment. We've just had an email from HQ saying that some of the kids might have to come and live with us in our compound. Something to do with government regulations about boys and girls not sleeping in close proximity. Only just got this so really dont know how this is going to affect things. All they would apparently do is sleep and wash here. But the compound is our home and there is already a child protection policy which prevents children coming into our houses... so this is already concerning me. We have just enough space at the moment for 6 volunteers, plus we have discussed at length the issue of one volunteer wanting to come back and stay - which we basically decided was not appropriate. Although our group has differences of opinion we have at least managed to talk things through. My own view was that only current vols should live here... but now there seems to be this wider issue of kids sleeping here then it throws it all up in the air anyway.
Anyway, will post more on Saturday, hopefully when more is known. The boss of VA is coming out in a week, so his timing couldnt be better for dealing with some of the issues going on here.
Teaching wise, i have now switched to teaching a 7 year old math(s) in the morning and a class of ten standard 3s (ages 8-9?) in the afternoon. We did some geography yesterday, but it was enough just keeping control of them for an hour. I took all their names, drew myself a little seating plan and then they proceeded to all switch seats just to confuse me. Ha!
Poor Jenny fell ill last night - throwing up everything she had. We think she will be OK, it doesnt seem to be a fever or anything more serious, just a stomach upset. There are 2 schools of thought - you cannot completely immune yourself and a little dirt or tap water is better for you than none. Your body is then more able to deal with a greater quantity should it arise (by accident or otherwise). So, we don't know what caused it. I continue to take care, and so far I have stayed healthy. Although I did pick up a couple of football related foot injuries on Sunday, after Church (yes - ive been twice now). It's still a draining experience at times, but I am hanging in there.
More teaching materials would be good but i realise the large expense of sending them. Need lots of ideas of what to teach them - serious or fun - Kirsty, Emma, Debbie - its over to you..........
Love Phil
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