School Daze

We have completed our org's 6 week field orientation which consisted of working with an Asian-Pacific language helper and going on different cultural excursions, taking pictures and learning the different vocabulary words that surfaced through these experiences and pictures. This was good practice for us for later on when we go into a tribe. Although there is an Asian-Pacific language school here in S, there will not be a tribal language school. When we go into a tribe we will be learning the language (which will not be written down) by the method we have been using these past couple of months. We've really enjoyed it and learned a lot. So yesterday, July 6, we started IMLAC which is a formal school with class rooms and everything:) There are 9 four-week units. Dylan actually did so well in the orientation phase that he was able to "test" into the second unit. I am starting at the very beginning- a very good place to start:) We have class from 8-12 every day and then go home to review what we have learned and to complete our homework assignments - one being 'go out and meet 15 new people, ask them their name, where they come from, how many children they have and where they live' (in the language, of course:).

Not just Dylan and I started school yesterday, Raquel is also going to preschool. It's taught in English but she is the only English speaking child in her class. It's really for Asian-Pacific kids to learn English, so we're hoping that she'll pick up some of their language from them. She goes every day from 10-12 and so far seems to be enjoying it. They have a really nice facility with lots of fun things for the kids to do.



All ready for the much anticipated first day of school!

following the leader to snack time!

and, of course, her favorite part was being outside and PLAYING

(maybe she's related to Dylan:)