Well for the first time in ages I’m actually writing this in real time. No school visits today so just pottering around the office looking at lots of resources from previous volunteers-some really good stuff. I’ve also just translated my introduction letter into English. The heads are really keen that anything I give them is written in both languages, so strong is the push on English at the mo.

Was so excited today, I received my first two packages from the UK-both from my mum, loads of lovely things including a pashmina, a top and smellies, can’t wait to try everything! She posted a third shortly after these, so chocolate is on its way too - I can hardly contain my excitement! I really am grateful for all the attention I’m getting from back home, it’s quite surprising but completely appreciated. Of course, I expect it from family but it’s lovely to hear from friends and am loving the fact that they’re also doing this whole blog thing and have been for ages (you know who you are :0). It’s amazing what a bit of distance reveals. Sending Messages is now much easier - I treated myself to a new simcard yesterday from the rival mobile phone company so Jason is now receiving my texts, hoorah!

It’s actually been quite busy in the office today. No appointments, people just pop in. There are the very formal hand shakes and introductions then for the majority, I find out they’re either in the wrong place or asking for money to cover school fees. Primary education is free but for secondary you pay. I have to very politely let them know that I’m here as a volunteer, working on capacity building and as such have no money to give. Even if I did I would have to decide that one person deserved it more than another and how could I do that? Of course, it’s not great to have to say this to someone and if I was in their position I’d try everything too but there really are just too many people in need…I guess I’m trying to justify my position here which is tricky at the moment because as I keep repeating it’s so sllllllllllllllllllllllooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

But there have been some welcome visitors to the office today. The first was Evariste, a lovely bloke who apparently has worked with VSO and previous volunteers and wants to do some more now he’s finished his diploma. He’s just what me and Amy need for the project, he’s really enthusiastic and is aware of the methodology training already so hopefully, he’ll come to the teacher training weekend which is not too far away now. Andy also made an appearance today. He shares my office but is rarely here, I think he got put off early by Innocent’s lack of input, so works from home quite a lot. I’m trying to persuade him that the office is really a fun place to be now and have successfully bribed him with dinner tonight (I owe him!)… I’m not sure he’s convinced.

But before all that I have my kinyarwanda lesson with Anne-Marie’s brother Moosa. I’m not sure how it will go. I have got loads of lesson plans from the In-country training we had and am hoping to go through those. Of course, Anne-Marie could do much the same but VSO have a budget for language training so I may as well make sure it gets spent and someone else benefits.