Lessons at the Parsonage

To the concerned public back home, I would like to use this post to report that the Learning Leaders course continues successfully and safely thanks to the generosity of one Lutheran pastor of Jabu's acquaintance, who lent us the use of his church without a second thought. 'If it's for education, I don't mind at all.' He didn't even wait to clear it officially with his committee.

 The parsonage stands quite a way back from the main road, about a mile from Mnyakanya school. The grounds contain the pastor's house, the small church and an interesting outdoor toilet, as well as dozens of chickens and goats. Inside the church is spartan in its simplicity: a large wooden cross, an altar and several long wooden benches serving as pews. No desks, no blackboard - Mnyakanya is well-resouced in comparison, but to the stranded Learning Leaders it is a haven.
 Here we have finally managed to establish a core of seven reliable Learning Leaders, who come every day clutching their new packs of felt-tip pens. Today I watched with pride as, under timed conditions, they memorised a shopping-list of 26 items and a to-do list of 10. They have covered three core memory systems and we're moving on the Major System tomorrow.
 In our frequent breaks, we also have a chance to relax together. I bring my violin along every day and let those who are interested have a 'noodle' on it. Yesterday, Jabu brought me a stick of sugar-cane to try. Sugar-cane is the dominant crop in this area of KwaZulu Natal, and people gnawing at raw sticks of the stuff is a daily sight. They look a bit mad, but the truth is that that stuff is tasty. You peel off the bark outside and then tear off a chunk from the middle with your teeth (tricky with braces). Then chew, and lo! sweet sugary juice pours forth.
 So don't worry about me - I'm having a great time. :o)