Dear Abby

This week is going very well. Last week I only had to teach 4 classes, so I was afraid that it might be difficult to get back to teaching 16 again. It has not been bad at all. In fact I am happy to have some task to do.... last week I was a little bored with all that time on my hands. I am also a bit lighter in spirit because I recieved a new report about my being "strict." Nigel asked one of my students if she thought I was strict. She said, "No, just beautiful." So there you have it. I am no longer strict, just beautiful! Ha! I thought that was cute. It's the hair, I tell ya. One of the guys told me I should change my hair color becuase it sticks out too much and I get the most stares. I must be the only blonde for a thousand miles.

The week is almost over, and I am not getting too sick of my lesson yet. It is actually going very well. I am doing a "Dear Abby" scenario where the students read one of 8 little "Dear Abby" letters I made up; and they give their advice about what to do about some problem. For example:
Dear Abby, I am moving away to another city and will miss my friends very much. I am very shy so it is difficult for me to make new friends. How can I make new friends in this new city? From George

The kids come up with some really good stuff. I underestemated their knowledge...it's getting them to open their mouths and use what they know that's the hard part. The beginning of the week was harder, and so with each class I tweak the lesson. I have it now where I know it is going to work. But those poor students who are always on monday will always be my guinne pigs!

This Friday I am in charge of "English corner." The other English teachers think it's a joke and will not attend, but I think it is a good oportunity to get to know the kids better and I want to take advantage of it. Besides, what else do I have to do? English corner is like free talk. I will be more free to play games and hang out with the kids. I think it will be a good time.

This evening after classes, Brenda and I took Martin the new teacher to Normal University. (Normal because it is supposedly just a normal university.) Martin is a lifegaurd in the States and craves the water. So we went to use the olympic size pool there. Just getting there was an adventure. Brenda and I had never been there either. But we got on the right bus and found some people who could speak English and helped us get there. As Martin swam, two sweet Chinese girls who attend the university gave us a tour of the campus. Its huge and beautiful. They were so sweet, I hope I see them again. Martin said it was an aweful experience swimming there. Very unclean. We will try another place.

I teach at 745 tomorrow morning so its time to go. Know that every email I get is gold. Thank you for keeping in touch with me. I read them like a starving child. I love to hear from ya'll. Missing you so much.