October 26th 10:35 pm (UTC +1:00)

Not a whole lot interesting today. I went to town to get some things
for the Asher’s some crackers and three of these Thermos things they
have here that are amazing at keeping hot water hot and cold water
cold. I got to haggle on my own for the first time today. The lady
wanted 32000 for them but I told her that was too much, that I could
find them elsewhere for 25000, which she didn’t go for, but she was
willing to go 28500 for each one since I was buying 3 of them. I was
so proud that I managed to haggle her down and didn’t just give in,
but I proceeded to wreck that pride when I got to the house. I was
trying to take one out for use, the other two were for Tom to take
home to their daughter, I dropped it on the ground and found out just
how fragile the glass flask inside of it is, it shattered into a
million pieces, luckily contained inside the Thermos. I thought for
sure Karen would be mad at me but she just told me to relax, accidents
happen. And proceeded to tell me a story about one of her bigger
accidents which made me feel a lot better. Class is going ok, but the
kids are just not getting much. I’m trying to not get bitter at them
but today was bad, I had taught them something today and was just
trying to review it with them before the end of class and it was like
none of them had listened a bit. They couldn’t answer a single
question I asked. Inside I was just seething thinking “I gave up 8
months with my family and friends for this?”. I know that I shouldn’t
feel that way, I just hate feeling like I’m wasting effort and
accomplishing nothing which is what it feels like now. Since Karen
decided I don’t need to teach the literature class on Monday I think
that will be when I have my bible study. I don’t know when I’ll start
though, I’ll keep you up to date on that. I went on a walk this
afternoon after classes with Rebecca to get her a sim card for her
phone and some units so she can make calls. Then I showed her Kamakwie
1, 2 and 3. Then we returned to the house for dinner. I had my biology
WASSCE prep class with some of the kids tonight, that at least went
pretty good and I’m feeling better about my presence here not being
futile. Anyway, I think I’m just frustrated because I had an idea
about what I could do and how fast I could go since they need to know
so much for the WASSCE but I have to let that go. The best laid plans
as they say… In reality I’m doing really well, just trying to figure
out how to best deal with and teach these kids. Anyway, that’s about
all I have for today. For some reason I can’t get to facebook or
anything else but my email right now, so if you want to write me or
comment about one of my blog posts please write me at
RyanBrooksInAfrica@gmail.com.
Blessings from Africa
Ryan Brooks