We called to her on Thursday, July 3. I had trouble getting through on the pre-paid international card, therefore I dialed direct from our landline. When you call, they ask you to call back in 5 minutes so they can get her. It was around 11:00 p.m. their time. When I called back, the lodge receptionist said she was sleeping and to call back tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. their time which would be 12 noon our time.
I then immediately called verizon to see how much the 2-3 minutes cost me. (Tom was tapping his foot a lot while I was dialing). Anyway, it was $3.91 per minute. I asked about an international plan and they put me on a $4.00 per month and .50 cents per minute. (Tom's blood pressure went back to almost normal after that.)
So, on to what you've all been waiting for!!!
We called the next day and she was right near the phone. She sounded "amazing"....she's rubbing off. So clear as though she was right in the room. We were so glad to talk with her and hear of her updated "verbal blog".
She and Lexi have a class of 70 students each day. They travel about 30 minutes each day and arrive at school at 9:30 p.m. The children are so happy each day to see them. They are teaching games, math and some science. (Please read Lexi's blog updated by her mom too for the lessons they teach daily.)
Once they return from school, they walk into town, shop, eat and socialize. She has found the food of choice have been chips (potatoes like fries), vegetables and curried chicken. So far she has not gotten ill from the food or water as she drinks bottled. She and others selected fabric from the fabric shop and had outfits made. They were to pick them up this week. She promised to bring me some material to have a skirt made. Other things purchased have been some pottery which she had mailed home. I have been checking her VISA to assure charges haven't been compromised.
Once they are back from town, always before dark @5:30, she orders her dinner. It takes a while for preparation, but is very good. I think she's eating a lot of chicken and vegetables. Her evening consists of watching some television in the commons room with the others and doing lesson plans for the next day. There's 5 television stations available in english which consists of english speaking, various older american movies and a soccer channel. Each american teacher works closely with the African teacher and I imagine they have had to re-group while planning with the language difference and customs. Lexi and she have standard 6th grade, in which they able to communicate better because they are middle school age.
After planning, she is tired and retreats for bed at 9:00 p.m. The evenings are chilly in the 50's. She said they have lots of blankets to keep warm. Daily, and part of their wake up call, includes monkeys from the mountain trees making a scratching noise on the roof of their room. It seems their room is in the back of Annie's Lodge and closest to the mountains.
They are hiking in the mountains today, Saturday, July 5. It's about 45 minutes to a waterfall. Monday is their Independence Day and it's a school holiday. No fireworks though. My guess is they will sleep in and go to town for their daily shopping and exercise.
She feels very safe and find the people of Malawi helpful and friendly. She is very intrigued with all she sees. She can't believe her wonderful experience will end in two weeks.
She is hopeful the internet will be up soon, and she and others will be able to update you all very soon. Comments and questions are welcomed. She wants to thank everyone for thinking of her and was so pleased her friends and family friends are reading her blog and can't wait for the updates; and, a hello to everyone.
Sincerely,
Brenda Patrick
1 comment:
Thank's Brenda for your very detailed update about Krista's blog. You can tell by your penchant for detail that Krista is a "chip off the ole block":)
I'm sure talking with her was a highlight for you and Tom - maybe it helped lower his blood pressure too!
Your Sis, Diana
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