Challenging Heights

Hello everyone! Today was our second day of actually teaching at Challenging Heights. It was decent, except for the fact that my teacher doesn't really do much teaching - which means I don't have an opportunity to help her much. My main duty is helping correct homework and the practice exercises that the children do in class. That's what the majority of school time is spent on - the kids copy notes from the board, do exercises, then copy their homework into their books to do when they get home. Honestly, I was a little relieved at first - I'm not comfortable with public speaking, which is one reason why I don't like teaching! - but I will admit that it gets boring, sitting there for hours occasionally correcting a students' work. Today I helped type up some exam questions, and I believe that we will be able to do that the rest of the week.

Beth and I are the only ones here in Winneba right now - the rest of the group traveled to Lake Volta this morning. I had no strong feelings about going, so I decided to stay here. All the traveling takes a toll on me, so I thought it would be better to stay settled in Winneba. The days here are relaxing - we work in the morning, and have the afternoon and evening to ourselves. I go to bed around 9, and have been waking up naturally around 6. And showering outside? I have grown to LOVE it! It's much cooler (temperature-wise), and the scenery (palm trees!) can't be beat.

I'm becoming more comfortable with the village in general. I feel safe walking by myself (in broad daylight!), and our hostel really helps me feel like this is 'home' for the next two weeks (the owner, Emmanuel, showed us how to cook red-red last night, and boy was it delicious!!) Such a wonderful place to spend our final time in Ghana!

The attention from the kids at the school is a little overwhelming. They all like to touch my arms and hold my hands - multiple kids at once! They'll pull me in every direction. At first it was flattering, but now it's getting to be too much. I know that I'm special to them, but I feel like the attention is unwarranted. I guess I don't like feeling like a celebrity.

Well, my time at the internet cafe is almost up. I will give you more updates later! Take care!