Wednesday, October 10, 2012

October 10, Hello Rain!

It is pouring outside, so I believe this is the start of the rainy season!

The rain is very loud on my tin roof, so it sounds like a serious storm has arrived, but really there is still sun in the distance. It is making me homesick for my couch, movies, and little lads popcorn. Not that I could eat that anyway right now, but I am still missing it.

I taught two forms in the same class today. Forms one and two are sharing a classroom.  They have moved Forms 1-3 into a different building so they will not disturb the Form Four kids taking their final NECTA exams. The NECTA is the big set of tests (on each subject) that determines whether or not the students will move on with their schooling. Most fail or get division four, which means they qualify for certain trades but cannot complete A-level education. (You must complete A-level to qualify for University.) The test is taken very seriously. A teacher from a different school invigilates the exam, and a police officer, the mkuu, and another official sit outside the room. They also make the quality of lunch better as far as I can tell. Students were getting chapati and plantain soup rather then a small helping of rice and beans. Siwema and Osi were also helping the cook make food, in addition to two other girls, I assume to help move things along and impress the Ministry. Feasting for a week! Well, not me, but I did make some delicious spinach. Hope it stays down!

I hear thunder!

Anyway, Siwema asked to eat at my house and I said no. Those girls always want food, candy, gifts etc. I sat in the staff room this morning but no other staff came in. I think I may read and nap this afternoon. My body is demanding serious low key living and so is the weather.

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