Wednesday, October 8th

This is day three with the children and if I don't die it will be a miracle. The word 'hygiene' is definitely not in their vocabulary. They do not wash their hands before snack, after they use
the bathroom, or anytime. Toilet paper is used only for number 2 and there is not a tissue in sight despite the fact that 50% have runny noses. Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful summer day, but this morning it rained like hell and apparently parents do not send their kids to preschool in the rain so there were only 12 kids, whereas yesterday there were about 30 kids. I taught them 'Duck, Duck, Goose" and "Simon Says"... my contribution to South African education. There is a definite communication gap. They can say letters, numbers and sing songs in English, but they speak a mixture of languages. The teacher is really laid back, no schedule, no problem. The aide in the classroom is even more laid back. She told me she lost her husband to AIDS in June and would like to find a nice American husband. I don't think so...
I went into the closet today to get some blocks and she was wrapped in a blanket and sleeping on the floor. The teacher, who is really very nice, keeps the children in line by wielding a green plastic ruler and hitting them on the hand if they misbehave. This stuff wouldn't fly in the USA. There is a small playground outside consisting of some climbing equipment and the big thing to do is to roll old tires around.
Naptime is a half dozen mattress pads sprawled on the floor with 5 children lying perpendicular
on each, most of whom fell asleep for a good part of an hour.
The children are definitely getting use to me and try to cuddle next to me or get me to pick them up. As cute as they are I don't pick them up as to keep my distance from the mucus dripping from their noses.
I am meeting lots of people. There are several people here from Switzerland that have been more than nice. I am definitely a fan of the Swiss. The girl that is volunteering in the other preschool (creche as they call it) is from Sweden and also great.
Meals are served in the lodge and you sit at picnic tables. Breakfast is whatever you want... cereal, eggs, pancakes, fruit. Dinner is served promptly at 7PM. Last night was a Tbone steak, baked potatoe and salad. Tonight curry chicken, rice and salad. The food is pretty good especially since I don't have to cook it!
I'll try to publish some pictures, but my time on the internet is limited.