The countdown has begun, and I’m extremely bitter that I didn’t plan a longer trip. The work here is beyond gratifying. Teaching at the high school that past week has opened my eyes to how desperate this country is to have native-English speakers. Many of the “English” teachers are inept to teach English because they have such a limited capability themselves. As a result, the students merely copy down sentences from the board into their workbooks not understanding much of what they’re writing. In only a week, we’ve had so many teaching moments. Students are able to finally practice their speaking, listening, and writing skills in small groups. A normal classroom of 40 students is divided among three teachers. It’s an ideal situation for English learners. I only hope that the high school teaching will be able to continue once I’ve left. We’re hoping that more volunteers will be coming in soon so that our work can continue.
My motorbike skills have greatly increased thanks to my daily travels to the school. In addition, David is enjoying getting to borrow it to run trivial errands (getting water, picking up other volunteers, getting gas). This past weekend we headed inland a bit to go white water rafting. The river where we went has been dammed so that once all the rafts are in the water, they open the damn to create better speed. Luckily, no one fell out but there was quite a bit of slipping, sliding, and swearing! (I, of course, took no such part in the latter part of that!)
We finished off Saturday with a barbeque at our favorite restaurant, Everyday, and sat around living up a relaxing weekend. One of our local friends, Gap, played the guitar and sang for about three hours for us. Once his lungs had given out, David and I decided to take over for him. I wish we had videotaped David playing guitar and both of us singing our hearts out. It was a true Partridge moment. Once again, it’s so amazing to see who my little brother has turned into. He’s actually quite funny!
Once we get back, it looks like we’re doing a family road trip up to Utah to visit the family. I’m curious to see if David and I will finally start fighting once we’re around our whole family. Hopefully not. This does mean, however, that Utah girlfriends need to start preparing for a Jungle Invasion!!!
Love to you all,
Jesicah
P.S. I need to officially announce the engagement of my best friend, Debbie Sachs, to her true love, Andy Erickson!!! I am so happy for the two of them and can’t wait for the big day of joy!!!! I love you!
Jesicah Rolapp
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