I finally have the oportunity to sit down and send a message about what is going on here. I had to work yesterday, Sunday, as they decided that this Teacher Training Session would start on Sunday, the one day off everyone gets. It is a little strange, but I guess that is how things go.

 

We ended the last session on Friday. It was an emotional farewell, and I couldn't help but think about how I was going to be required to be the lead teacher for the following session. I am not sure how it is going to go as my part is a 2 hour conversational section. I am not sure how I am going to get them to talk for 2 hours, but I guess I will think of something. Yesterday I had them tell me about their families. One guy told us that he had two sons. I was unable to understand this, so, after everyone was done, I asked him about it.

 

There is a policy of only one child in effect, how did he manage to have two and not get fined. I wish I hadn't asked. It turns out that one of his sons had a heart problem that would need surgery to correct. He asked his employers for a loan, but they told him that he should just have another son because if he proceeded with the operation, he could loose both his son and the money. I am not sure if the one son is still alive he was not clear on this, but I felt pretty bad about asking after that.

 

The last day of the previous section I had to teach by myself, unexpectedly. The teachers all said I did a good job and that they liked my teaching style. I was greatful for that. When I went back to the office for the afternoon, I was expected to do the whole months lesson plans for this next session. I couldn't do it. I just got up and left. While I was sitting outside in the not so fresh air, this little boy came up to me and started begging for money it was heartbreaking. I was not quite sure what to do, but the way I was feeling, I just sat there.  He did finally go away. I can't help but wonder if they are really that bad off, or if there is something else going on.

 

I went into the office on Saturday, which we were told was going to be our day off in exchange for SUnday, and worked on the lesson plans. I didn't quite get them all finished, but I did most of them. Saying that I should end as I still have to finish them. The people are going to get really mad at me if I don't.

 

Jason 'Star' Rice

 

PS: I should be back in the States the 15th of September, though I am not sure where I am going to be ending up. I have to wait and see where the plane decides to take me.