Ok, another update. It seems like time is flying. The kids are all back in school now except the 3 smallest ones who are too young to go still. They do preschool at Mercy. We have started an English program at Mercy in the afternoons. I teach 4 days a week and another person teaches 1 day per week. The children are in groups so they get English class either 1 or 2 days per week. We would also like to start computer class but we don’t yet have any curriculum to teach them. The kids seem to enjoy the English class. It’s got games and songs so it’s more fun than work.
I also still do much of the administration and grant writing. I do have help with the grants now though which is good because this is something that I have never done before coming here. I also have been in charge of keeping the volunteers in work. Our volunteer coordinator is in the USA right now so I have been taking over some of her duties temporarily. It is wonderful to have volunteers but sometimes it’s difficult to keep them all busy. I know at Mercy, we are all volunteers technically, but I’m referring to the ones who come for a short time.
I decided finally that I needed some transportation while here in Pattaya. I bought a motorcycle and have spent the past 2 weeks learning how to drive it. I am getting fairly good at it now although I don’t usually go over 35km/h. I don’t yet have my licence so I can only practice right around Mercy. I have to go get my licence shortly. I’m just not sure I am able to do the test yet. You have to drive back and forth between pylons (not very far apart) and then drive on a skinny wall for 20 ft. If your foot touches the ground at all, you fail.
I would love to come back to Canada for a visit this summer but as of yet I don’t have the finances to do so. I would have to find work for 6 weeks while I was there just to cover my ticket. If anyone knows of a place that would hire for only 6 weeks, please let me know.
Sharon
