Profe in the DR 29

Profe in the DR 29

11-17-11

Saturday the soccer team had their first game of the new league against Batey Cuchilla.  They lost 1-0 even though they were a much stronger team with more experience.  For some reason or other they just didn’t have their heads in the game.  I suppose it was just as well.  After the game we had to wait an hour and a half for our ride home.  The people in Batey Cuchilla might have been less agreeable to us waiting around had they lost the game.

Saturday night it rained hard, filling the batey up with mud and puddles.   Sunday the soccer field was too muddy to play or work on, so they decided to work on the field on Tuesday. 

I spent some time Sunday and Tuesday loading a few children’s educational games into the computers.  Its difficult finding good programs in Spanish.  Wednesday, Aiden an IT volunteer came over and checked up on all the computers, fixing a few things and making sure they are all running well.

We have been having problems with young children while we are trying to play chess at night.  They are running around the outside of the refugio, yelling, throwing rocks, turning the lights off on us, and trying to bother us as much as possible.  No one ever watches over their children here and they all just run wild, doing whatever they please.  Like I said before, they remind me of a bad scene from Lord of the Flies.

Monday a general strike was called.  I don’t know if it ever actually took place.  They very seldom do.  However, most people stayed home anyway, some out of fear of a strike, others because it was a good excuse for not going to work.  (Strikes can be very violent affairs, usually ending in several deaths.)

My two Sala de tareas (tutoring class) are going well.  All or the kids are already showing progress in math.  All other projects are going well too. 

11-24-11

            Happy Thanksgiving.  Not quite the same when you’re away from family. 

Last Saturday the soccer team had their second game.  The kids played very well, staying in their positions, and passing the ball.  They won 7-0.  Three of the younger players all scored goals.   

            Sunday I headed to the capital for meetings Monday through Wednesday.  Today I am planning to head back to my site.  I have a lot of things to get done.