It’s HOT! I don’t know exactly how hot because I haven’t seen a thermometer lately but I’m guessing around 120-140 range in the past couple days. I know I’ve been a terrible blogger lately (and by lately I mean for the past four months or more) and I know that this is pretty much the same opening line I’ve been using in all those terrible blog posts I’m now referring to as terrible. Since I’m writing this on Microsoft word I haven’t really got a clue what I’ve already written about so I’m just gonna dive right in. Maggie’s stitches from getting fixed last month in Nouakchott have healed up fine and she’s back to keeping me up all night by barking at the feral cats who live in the cinderblocks in my yard. The GMC opening was a dud but that’s okay because we never have to do one again and we’ve also finally got the damn thing running (with a brief intermission so that the presidential guard could stay in the GMC for his visit and make us remove everything and then filthy the place up so that the mayor made us lose another week of classes while he got the place cleaned, but I’m not bitter…) In any case, we’re now in session five days per week thankfully doing computer classes for both adults and girls, as well as English club for adults and one other random session a week for the girls (health, English, math, etc) We’re also thinking of opening it up for study hours during exam week. Undecided.
Now on to the why. As in “Why am I finally writing a blog post even though I’ve been slacking off on that front for months?” The answer is simple oh faithful readers, I’m bored. I’m in Mbout alone for a week without my dear sitemate or anyone else who speaks English and the limiting factor this has on my conversations means that I’ve found another outlet. You.
Yesterday I taught computer classes for four hours with a couple potential mentors from town. One is the Hakim’s (regional governor) secretary and the other is the local Condition Feminine representative. The Hakim’s secretary sat at one computer with a girl and helped her individually whereas the other, Haye, took a cue from me and walked around trying to offer help where needed but not being too hands on. Interesting. If there’s a mentor’s conferende this summer I think I’d advocate taking the CF lady and maybe as a chaperone to the Girls’ conference in
Also to keep me busy I’ve been trying to concoct a recipe for an African opaque beer (made from millet and sorghum) from
Well I’m off to do a bit of prep work for the classes this evening, maybe I’ll write again soon.
7 comments:
Hi, John. I always enjoy your updates. I thought I should write with the news I imagine you've been anxiously awaiting...the Red Sox are off to a bit of a slow start - 5 and 6 - but they won their last 2 games with some strong offense, so no need to worry. Youkalis (the chant from the stands is a low, guttural "Yoooooooook") has been on a tear, but Big Pappi is struggling. Other than that, life in Boston is good. Looking forward to breakfast in the Paris airport in early August.
Warmly,
Judy
I must correct my typo quickly before Emily sees it and calls me a bad fan - it is, of course, Big Papi, NOT Pappi.
Judy
ps Top of the 6th, Sox up 2 to 0. OK. That's it. I promise no more baseball
I'm glad to see that my mom is helping me with John's baseball education. He'll come around, I mean what else does he have to do for the next year and a half?? :)
Gosh a nice long blog! You should be left alone more often and maybe you'd be in touch! :D
It was great to talk to you twice on Saturday. VEISHEA just wasn't the same without you. Elli slept through most of it, including the parade!
Glad you are learning baseball from Emily and Judy. But, I must say...Go WHITE Sox! :P
Have fun with the GMC. I bet it's good to be busy. Talk to you soon!
Love,
Mom
It was really good to hear from you and catch up on life in MBout. Now about baseball, we do not root for the White Sox we root for the Cubs. I even want the Red Sox to beat the White Sox :)
Take care and keep those blogs coming. God bless you.
Love,
Gram
HI, John,
I don't really follow baseball as closely as my family members (well, 2 of them to be exact - you know who they are), but I think I am correct in saying we have had a pretty good week and had even won something like 6 in a row. Emily and I had the pleasure of seeing a game last spring before she left - my first in many,many years! Great fun and I am sure you will love Fenway Park!
Hope you are now having fun in Selibaby!
Best,
Carol
Here is all the baseball education you will ever need -- forget the Sox (regardless of the color) or the Cubbies -- seriously, the only thing that was ever worthwhile about major league baseball was Bernie Brewer. He was the Milwaukee Brewer's mascot back in the day, a big fella in lederhosen with a big moustache. After a home run, he would slide down a long twisty slide and plunge himself into a huge beer mug in celebration. He was retired about 15 years ago, and there has been no real reason to watch baseball since.
I am happy to hear that you are finally earning your pay -- sounds like an interesting conglomeration of activities and even more interesting challenges! I am sure you will persevere and overcome, just as you always have...
Love you lots. Even miss you occasionally.
POPS
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