First week in Klemtu

Hello on a rainy Friday afternoon in Klemtu. Hard to believe, but I have already been here for one week, so I thought I would give you a little bit of insight into what I do on a daily basis. I met one of the teacher’s at the Kitasoo Community School in Klemtu on Sunday night at church, and asked her if she could use any volunteers in her classroom. She answered with a resounding “yes!” and I told her I was excited to start on Monday. So every morning around 9:30 I walk a short distance up the hill to school and help out with the primary class, which consists of grades kindergarten, first, and second. I have really enjoyed working with this age group, and am very thankful for the time I had substitute teaching in Carmel as it has helped me adjust easily to working at the school. I talked to the principal and he wants me to stay with the primary class for two weeks, and then he would like to move me around to the other classes so I get to know all of the kids. At noon, everyone goes home for lunch with their families, and so I also go home ,eat lunch, and get some things done before meeting Tiffany at the youth center at 2:00. We spend an hour getting set up and ready for the kids to come at 3, and then we hang out there until about 4:30. Most of the kids that come are teenagers, although some are as young as third grade. They play games on the computer, we play cards (so far the kids have beaten me soundly in every card game), and help with their homework if they have questions. We then have a break for dinner and then come back from 7-10. So far in the evenings we have watched movies or played cards. The center is open every day except for Monday and Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday it is open until midnight. The big event on the weekend is Rock Band, which Tiff owns and brings in from her house. I haven’t experience it yet, but the kids have asked about it every day so I can imagine it is a big hit. I’m looking forward to showing off my vocal prowess.
Although it is raining today, the past two days were absolutely gorgeous…sunny and around 60 degrees. I went for a run on Wednesday and Thursday, which was a great way to explore the island. It is such a beautiful place. I took my camera with me on yesterday’s run and will be sure to post those pictures. I haven’t started a soccer game yet and asked Tiff the best way to get the word out. She said to make a sign-up sheet and post it to see how many people are interested, and then the day that I schedule the match to make an announcement on the VHF. I mentioned the VHF on my video tour, but just to remind everyone it is my walkie-talkie that keeps me in the loop on the happenings of Klemtu. I keep it on while I’m at the house and love hearing what people say on it. Bingo is very big here and so the majority of the chatter consists of people selling Bingo packs, and the prizes being raffled off are usually really cool. The other night the winner received an autographed Daniel Sedin jersey (he is one of the Canucks best players). Tiff’s friend, Melody, also told me that there may be some kids interested in jogging with me, so next time I go for a jog I may get on the VHF and ask who wants to join.
The last thing worth noting from the week was my first time making Tonya Brown’s famous meatloaf. I told Tiff that I would love to cook meatloaf to share with her family, and last night was the big night. I made meatloaf, corn, and mashed potatoes and brought it over to Tiff’s house in time for the Canucks game. They loved the meatloaf and I was very proud that I didn’t burn it. It was quite good if I do say so myself! Looking forward to the next time I get to cook one of Tonya’s delicious meals.
Have a great weekend everyone and Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mom’s out there, especially to my wonderful Mama T!