Hi everyone..!

Today was another dorm outing..we set out for "Snowdon", named after the British mountain, which I was proud to say I'd actually climbed! However, we landed on the trail of the neighbouring hill, since we didn't really know where we were going whilst in the jungle! It was really good fun..I'm glad I have some adventurous genes in me to appreciate the parts where you have to crawl on the floor or scramble up the rocks..At one point we had to go over this very high bridge with slabs missing..but if the kids can do it at 8 or 9 I think I should be able to cope! (If I hadn't had my dad leading me on escapades like this over the years, where would I be now?!) Apparently last year at this spot they saw a bear with some baby cubs..there was no repeat performance unfortuantely, but at least we were safe. Looks like I got landed with the exciting dorm anyway, as next weekend we are sleeping out in a shed next to the school carrot field! Both of my dormparents are Indian so it's strange telling them what England is like..I was trying to descibe the Lake District to them today. My dorm kids are also from different places like Nigiria and Korea..they always have so many quiestions..I'm learning more what brave and special kids they are..most of them very outgoing for there age and quite friendly and caring..Today at points where I lost my balance, I had Melody behind me saying "Come on Miss Samantha, you can do it!" So it feels really great to be a part of this dorm "family" where God really seems to be close. It's been over 3 weeks I've been here now..I'm starting to feel the fist pangs of homesickness, but nothing too bad yet. It's good to stay busy and as involved as possible because I know that is the best way to get as much out of my time here as possible. Coming up I have book week, which I'll be very involved in..The theme ot this is "War and Peace" and the I.G's will soon be going on our first long weekend away, probably to Mysore..Hope you're all keping well and happy..lots and lots of love, Sam xxxxxxxx