Literacy

I’ve been hearing lots of stories about problems with literacy here.  We were told that a lot of young people are worried about coming to church because they can’t read and are worried they may have to read out loud.  Apparently some years ago the Government took reading off the curriculum but have recently put it back on as they have realised that a lot of kids are leaving school without basic literacy skills. 

When I offered my help in one of the local schools the head immediately asked me to help with phonics and reading as she had heard that in England we are good at teaching those things.  She has asked me to work with a group of 26 year 6s and 24 year 4s who still can’t read.  I feel privileged to help with that but sad that so many of them are still struggling at that age. 

I have asked for help from some of my colleagues back in the UK with emailing me resources and hope that some of them do send me some stuff to help me out!! 

Home alone

The past two days I have been home alone while Mark has been at ministerial session of conference.  I got pretty bored and lonely  - back in England when Mark was away I used to get in my car, go shopping, visit friends, watch TV, bake and all sorts of activities but I was trapped here with nothing to do and no-one to talk to so had in-growing speech by the end of each day!! 

Mark managed to get his ‘journaling’ done but was disheartened and frustrated to be told he had to do another hour and a half of journaling straight after his first session.  Now he has pages of notes which I am going to help him type up on Monday ready for conference on Tuesday.  A seemingly pointless waste of time serving no useful purpose. 

Last night I got an overpriced taxi (£16 when the bus only costs 60p!) into Georgetown to meet Mark at another minister’s trial service – got a bit bored especially in the 52 minute sermon which I thought would never end!   When we got back to Mahaica we tried out a mobile chicken van selling food similar to KFC – got some fried chicken, fries and coke for a healthy supper for about £5!   That made up for the taxi rip off!! 

Day off

Today we finally have a day off together and are about to head off to the hotel for lunch again!  Woop!  I was very excited to receive a copy of Sainsbury’s magazine through the post from my friend in England – I am bringing it with me to the hotel to read by the pool!  She is going to send me it every month – hooray!  I so love getting post as it links me with people back home and means so much.  We also received some DVDs from another friend this week so finally have something to watch tonight!  Hooray!