Monkeys in the Schoolyard!

I started school this week!

On Monday I went to Logos Christian School, which is a Private Christian school that was started by Nairobi Chapel. They're pretty independent at this point, though. I'm in Ms. Elizabeth's grade 2 class of 20 7 and 8 year olds. They're awesome.

I wake every morning at 5:40 (I know, crazy. It's summer!) to catch the school bus by 6:40. We get to school by 8am, when school starts. Class all day, then we get out at 3:20. I'm usually home by 5 (again with the long school bus ride). I'm hoping to start taking public transport in the afternoons, but Mama Kate hasn't shown me how to get back from there yet, and that's part of the city I don't know. It is, however, right next to the State House where the President lives! I'm actually about 2 blocks from the equivalent of Penn. Ave! Today we were stuck on the bus an extra 30 minutes because everyone had to clear the road so he could drive past!

I've taught some (mostly English and Math. Seriously. Math.) and yesterday Ms. Elizabeth was feeling sick, so I got the class for the end of the day. Eek! But they're all so well behaved it wasn't a big problem. Also, as of yesterday afternoon, I know all of their names (yes, even Nyaboke and Kwambata!). (also, check out my facebook album for pictures of all of them!) I've been able to fall into a bit of a routine with the school already, which has been nice as well. Time with them is already flying!

The kids are also teaching me some Kiswahili, which is going as slowly as children teaching someone who doesn't learn languages easily is expected to go. But I'm learning!

I also got to talk with Ms. Clara, the principal, today for over an hour about schools and Kenya and the education system.

I get to stay here for another week, then I'll move to a public school in the slum of Kawangware for 2 weeks. My last 3 1/2 weeks I will decide what I want to do-- I'll probably spend one more week with Kawangware and my last 2.5 weeks with Logos again... but we'll see!

We also finally have running water for the first time since before I got here. Apparently a main water line to the city burst and there's been no water to most of the city for almost 2 weeks... and life went on.

I expect to have internet on Wednesdays, and either Fridays or Saturdays (I probably won't do both.) Don't hold your breath for me, but you might see me around in the morning for you (it's evening for me). But the sun is setting and I should get home for dinner! (I'm crossing my fingers for Chapatti!)