Erin, Casey, and myself were warned that it gets really hot here during the months of January, February, and March (aka South American Summer). Let's take into account several factors here. Number one, Peru, being like the rest of the world outside the United States, does not believe in air conditioning. No place does except the United States. Spain, Ukraine, Hungary, and France, no where! Second, it is VERY humid down here. Third, Erin and Casey are from Atlanta. So far they say this is nothing compared to how miserable it gets there.
Granted temperatures have been in the 70's, with the maximum I've seen so far in the 80's. But throw some humidity in there, and it can get kind of sticky. Course, Mari and Gabi tell me the best is yet to come in February and March. After living in the midwest for 12 years, we have not quite reached yet what I consider "miserable" status yet. Erin has an air conditioner in her place and a two dehumidifiers that she says she has to empty morning and evening.
I, in the meantime, have been working a little and trying to squeeze in as many playdates as possible with Erin until school starts. We as staff start on February 16th, but the kids won't be coming to school till March 1st. Hopefully by that point I'll have some clue what I am doing.
Erin and I usually get together during the day. Once school starts, I'm sure we'll switch to evenings. Casey is usually gone overnight one or two days a week and Erin is usually open to visitors then. Still, I'm trying to get as many daytime activities done with her while I can.
This week we are meeting with a co-worker of mine, Victoria from Washington State. The tutoring company we work for, there are 8 teachers, and only Victoria and myself are from the US. Others come from Britian, Australia, Canada, and other places.
Summer is actually a busy time for teachers and tutors. All the students are out and they all want classes. I gave up on taking Spanish classes at the language institute. There were so many days when something was happening in the morning I knew I would need to skip class and I won't be able to attend it once school starts anyway. I started taking private lessons from a teacher someone recommended and plan to keep doing that. I like my teacher, and I feel sometimes private lessons are more efficient than group ones.
Teaching wise, through the company I work for, I usually do about 5-6 hours a week. I also have some private lessons that I do also. My sister-in-laws mission companion, Tania, had a friend from law school who wanted their sons to learn english. It pays well, but it's with a 5 year old and a 3 year old. Sometimes their attention span is such you can only do so much. I basically go over and play with them, speaking only english to them and trying to throw in several words in hopes something sticks. Actually the 5 year old does take it very well and is open to learning. I just hope after I start school and have to start working with younger kids that I'll pick up some better techniques. Right now, I can honestly say I have no idea what I am doing. Oh well, the boys like me and we have fun, so I guess that's the important part.
They finally found something for me to do in the barrio also. They want me to be the Primary Pianist. Actually, they asked me back in December, but I pointed out to the Bishop that Primary doesn't have a piano. They kept talking about a "portable organ" they have. I think they must mean a keyboard. I absolutely HATE playing on those things. If it's an organ, well, I don't know how to play one of those either.
I suggested to the Primary President and bishopric that they just switch room assignments around where Primary meets in the room where the piano is at. See, Sacrament meeting is one room, then afterwards there's a bunch of dividers they pull out to make smaller classrooms. One of them being the pulpit area where Sacrament meeting is. There's only one piano in the entire building and I am advocating to use that because I am a piano snob. So they announced it in Sacrament meeting, and everything is set up to go except for one thing............we need a chorister. Talented as I am, I can't do both. So once that is taken care of, I might actually be doing some playing.
Meanwhile Erin and Casey got recruited to Young Men's and Young Women's. The only reason I knew about this, is I happened to be at the building practicing the piano the night they were meeting with a member of the bishopric, and got hauled in to translate. Casey is Young Men's secretary and they wanted Erin to be a Young Women's "Camp Specialist." I asked if Erin was doing this in addition to teaching the English Sunday School, and the counselor in the bishopric said it was meant to be her "fun" calling.
Erin was Girls Camp Director before she left Atlanta. I clarified this camp is just for the Young Women from our barrio (a grand total of 8). This is what I don't get though. They want Erin to start coming to Young Women's on Sundays, attend meetings, and so forth to get to know the girls. Here's the thing, the camp is not till November! Eleven months away people! Personally I think the YW president is jealous and wants to be her BFF (Okay, so I'm not sure of that). Though I am hoping that in a smaller setting, Erin will be able to learn more Spanish.
They also finally got the First Counselor in the bishopric position replaced. Let me explain here. The last First Counselor in the bishopric passed away my second Sunday here in Lima. It has been three months since they got a new one. I'm not sure if part of it is there are slim pickings for leadership in those type of positions. Remember the wedding I went to in October? It is the husband, Edwin. I am sure he will do a good job.
So my little world has it's own happenings as it always does.
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