First Days of School

Well a few days of school and I am exhausted!

The school was not at all what I expected. It is basically a classroom the size of a smaller than average bedroom that is attached to Anthony and Fiona’s house with the second class room being located in covered area where one would pack a car. Despite this the school does their best with the limited resources they have. 

The kids call me Miss Elle which I think is so cool (I know kind of lame, but I like it). Lauren is the head teacher with Anthony and she is such a young and spunky person who is so great with the kids but also just really good about hanging out with Bella, Emily and I. Also the kids at the school are all so equally cute I can’t possibly pick a favorite. In the morning there are young kids that come from 9:00 – 12:00 and then in the afternoon from 2:00 – 4:00 older kids come, it’s all based on what level the kids are at so the ages range in each group. 

There are only a few weeks left of school, but the expectations are high for my involvement in the school. This week I will be teaching Zumba and Math I am so excited for it and spend most of my nights choreographing the dances for Zumba in my room. 

Even though it is sad that the regular school is ending I am so excited for the camp! Anthony and Fiona talked about how some of the camp counselors become Rock Stars to the kids. Needless to say I have been thinking hard about how I can pave the way to riches and fame (mostly just fame (in the small town hero kind of way)) for the summer! I think I have an advantage being here before all the summer volunteers and the planning has commenced!

My routine has become more normal the meals have become better, but still hit and miss. I am now sleeping through the night despite knowing there is a lizard in my room (ugh). I may have been over dramatic about the condition of my house, now that I getting to know the town I see that it could have been way worse. I attached (if it worked) a picture of my house, but keep in mind my room is separate from the rest of the house and used to be rented out as a separate apartment. 

This weekend we are celebrated Bella’s Birthday on the 5th, she is turned 19 that spring chicken. We went to the beach and Lauren's husband cooked for us on the beach.

Maria, Nellie, Emily and Raul on a adventure hike.

There was so much sun, rum, food and people. It was a really beautiful beach (like all beaches are here).  We are also celebrating Nellie’s Birthday on Friday because his is on the 7^th (so it will be just like home where I would usually have my two best friend’s birthdays this week). There is talk of sleeping on the beach Friday night for Nellie's birthday.

It has been and will be a fun and busy week and a half here. This week I am hoping to really connect with each of the kids and obtain rock star status at school. I hope to learn more about the town and familiarize myself with the people and the places around me. Also I would like to Skype someone this week, any volunteers?

Peace and love!