2018Tonga

  Finally teaching the year 7 boys, they are referred as International Form 1.  We have a purpose built new classroom with some of the mod cons. The two huge wall mounted fans are great and the tiled floor a real bonus. The boys are lovely (17 so far) and from a real mix of backgrounds; born and raised in Wyoming USA, Auckland NZ and  one of 12 kids, one of 6 girls and just he the only boy, one of 7 boys etc etc. Quite interesting. They are currently doing the Myself and Me unit  (thanks Newington) and writing an autobiography so will be interesting reading. Really delightful boys some rather quiet and reserved, others quite outgoing and all very polite and well behaved.

School is actually about to start. The boys are all here in situ but classes actually commence Wednesday. The boys return early to settle and it is their responsibility to establish the facilities, resources for the term.  They are currently on full clean up mode. Unfortunately they weren't here when the sheep escaped on Sunday and decided to visit and demolish my flowers. Tonight we have an introductory evening with the parents and boys of the new year 1 (year 7 in Australia) International class. That's our responsibility. First visit to 'Tonga' Bunnings, pic to follow. Meals are ok we are getting stacks of deliveries of fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, eggs etc, had duck egg scrambled eggs for dinner, we'd been out and had a big lunch.

Sunday January 28th Woke to a windy hot day and sat through church (all in Tongan). Now availing ourselves of the only reliable internet in the school main building. Living on campus has many benefits. Fresh milk delivery, unbelievable amount of fresh fruit and a seas of smiling faces always happy to help.

 Woke this morning after a heavy rain storm last night, the cows were still grazing on our front garden. Lucky it is green and growing while you watch it. Despite the humidity and constant 30 degree days, there is a constant sea breeze and the evenings are lovely, can't comment on the early mornings as we are rising at around 7-7:30am. Eating lots of fruit and vegetables; bananas, papaya, watermelon, avocado, tomatoes, capsicum, root vegetables. Local sausages are terrific and the chicken, beef and sea food palatable.

We are here, sort of settled and easing in to the school year, no teaching until Wednesday January 31st. I have added some pics.... shots of our view from our cottage early Tuesday morning and our mode of transport, inside pics will be added

Add caption A nearly empty wardrobe, lots of spare hangers Spare room is full of possibilities to take or leave These bags are full and ready to go Still 17 days til Tonga departure, BUT a side trip to Thailand on 9th January.