I thought it was high time for a blog entry. A lot has changed in the last few weeks. For one thing, I’m a lot happier here, and feeling more like a member of the community. We finished quarter 1 at school (which is crazy to think about) and are swiftly moving into quarter 2. I am starting to teach some valuable skills to the little whippersnappers, which is making me happy. In science, I’m teaching grade 4 about the moon, grade 3 about insects and life cycles (we’re contrasting insects/humans) and I’m pumped for grade 7’s upcoming exploration in plants and environmental science. Almost every day Daniel asks me when we will plant our tomato seeds. Of course, planting tomato seeds entails me somehow carrying a huge bag of soil across the reef (not to mention a pot!) so, understandably, I’m waiting for very low tide… In English, I’m getting better at assigning readings at the students’ levels and this is good. Also, I now have a voice at the end of the day! Apparently being a drill sergeant pays off after a while. I still have a lot of problems, and I’m still very exhausted, but I’m feeling better about teaching on the whole. This is not to say that it’s easy, or that I’m even very good yet, but I am better—so that’s something.
My new favorite thing to do in my spare time is jambo out the opposite way from Majuro as far as I can go at low tide, and then walk/swim back. It’s amazing how good it feels to get away and have a little alone time once in a while. It’s a lot cleaner down there and it feels refreshing and invigorating. It’s also a good source of exercise—because exercising on Ejit is an adventure, to say the least. I tried jogging on the field for the second time today and was bitten by a dog. I have a new respect for leash laws and for my dog Panda, because she doesn’t bite people. (Not to worry, I cleaned it thoroughly and I plan to beat the crap out of that dog if he messes with me again.) I noticed a man walking out there today with a large, scary stick, and thought “Why didn’t I think of that?” Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.
Great news—I’m going home for Christmas! I leave December 14 and I am so incredibly excited. My sister will be home too so I really just can’t wait.
In the near future I am excited at the prospect of throwing a Halloween party for the kids here on Ejit and for the upcoming Ejit Christmas concert, which apparently Paul and I are responsible for planning. There's a lot coming up!
Missing friends and family back home,
Annie
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