Last weekend

I can't believe I have been here nine months. It has gone quickly, but last September seems ages ago.

We survived sports and fun day. We started the day with each class performing a dance to music from different cartoon films. My class danced to Under the sea from Little Mermaid. Here they are dressed in blue with their fishy headresses.

Everyone was here except Ivan who left for the states a month ago. Then we had sports activities around the playground. We can't do conventional races because we don't have a field. After that the children joined their parents for lunch. There was a fantastic BBQ and lots to eat, though staff didn't get long to grab something as we had to set up activities for the afternoon similar to a summer fete. The parents loved it. Staff were shattered!! I was in bed and asleep by 8 that night!!

Friday saw me head into the city for a graduation. At church the charity Russian Orphans Opportunity Fund  works with young people who are actual orphans or been in institutional care to complete their education. One young man was so excited to receive his first reading book  that he couldn't wait to show Fr Simon. Many received books as prizes for their hard work. We were entertained with a brilliant production of Cinderella by former students. Didn't understand a word, but the acting was superb. The King was fantastic. Sadly I left my camera at home. Finally this years graduates received their diplomas. They have reached the standard of most state educated young people and some will go on to University.

Yesterday we had the BIS staff do. I missed the Christmas one as Peter was leaving that day. A lovely spread and lots to eat and drink. A few photos to put names to faces. 

Andy and Nadine with Alan from school 2 behind - all leaving at the end of the week.

Tracey, Ken (glasses, school 4) Vanessa (I stayed with) and Charles (school 2)

A quiet evening in. It has been too hot and humid to do much, but tomorrow should be a little cooler - 25 instead of 32.

Today I said good bye to church. Dan leaves at the end of the month having graduated on Friday and Liz was heading home this afternoon. I took a walk along the river from where we started the fun run two weeks ago. Though hot there was plenty of shade. I finished walking through Gorky Park - I managed to avoid paying and then home.

General duties next Saturday before catching the 9.20pm flight home.