Arriving Mohale’s Hoek

We arrived to our house in Mohale’s Hoek during one of the many torrential rainstorms here. Under the thunder and lightning we ran with all our bags and suitcases, while our drivers/helpers were having a nap in the front seat of the combi (minibus type car). Great, big house, and all fine after Me Lineo, our Lesotho-Wales Link representative, talked our landlady out of having her sister living in our garage!

Our neighborhood is very welcoming. Colleagues, neighbors and pupils are all looking out for us and we are not often left alone in the house… or when we go shopping. We’ve got many new friends, especially round dinner time, but people are also very good at sharing and are opening their homes for us any time.

A few days ago we had the Chief himself coming to meet us. Very comic, as he’d obviously had a good few drinks before coming and didn’t make too much senseJ.
The first day in town we were taken straight to the District Administrators office (picture a scene from “The Last King of Scotland”), as well as the police station and a meeting in the District Education Office. All to the benefit of our safety! And safe we feel, especially after receiving 4 emergency numbers to the police, in case we can’t get through on one of them…

The first week in school has been painfully slow, as the teachers don’t do their planning before the children arrive. This meaning the children are left to themselves a lot of the time. I’ve spent the week observing different classes, trying to learn the teacher’s names (with little luck so far… Me Moroahae, Me Matumelo, Me Mararararhaholololol… you get the idea…)

A little action satisfaction Thursday morning, as the Honorable Minister of Education herself decides to pay our school a visit. Teachers and pupils clean franticly, only to hear a few hours later that she will not come until the next day!?!! TIA (this is Africa).

Tomorrow I will start teaching. English in Standard 1 and Art in all classes. I am excited to see how the children will react to me, as so far they giggle shyly and don’t dear looking me in the eyes.

Until next time. Sala hantle! Go well.