Today is August 5. Last week was the second week of our English teaching practicum. The PC asked us to sequence our lessons so that they built on each other and so that the children had ample opportunity for revision. Some of the problems we faced: We had children ranging in English ability of zero (we got her to drawer pictures and other class members labeled them) to university level (we got them to translate); different children showed up every day (we guess the looking at funny Americans wore off after one day); and the weather was in the 90's. Actually we managed pretty well and feel we can manage anything with a good group of fellow workers, lots of humor, and plenty of ice cream. Georgian children are natural actors and all of ours were eager to try out the games we suggested - charades, drawing, simon says, hangman, singing, etc. They even let Gill sing! I am staying here. Georgians have a special type of three part harmony - a copy of their singing was actually put in tube launched into space. So if they appreciate my singing - what's wrong with all my friends and family?

To celebrate the end of English teaching practicum, friends came to Kareli from Gori (remember Gori, Stalin's birthplace) and we all cooked "American" food in one of our family's summer kitchen. It was a fun experience. We managed a pretty good spaghetti bolognese and we had an awesome Thai cabbage salad. I made cucumber and yoghurt which I love when the weather is hot and Bob made a hazel and peanut praline, which looked wierd but was a big success. Gill had her first lesson in making Khatchapuri and got covered in flour. The family grows its own wheat, grinds its own flour, makes its own cheese and yoghurt, and grows all its own vegetables. They were a little mad at us for buying from the market when their foods is "upro gargia" (better), but we wanted to buy for them as they have all been so generous. We got to feed the pigs and milk a cow. Gill was not too successful with Khatchapuri and needs several more lessons to become adept, but the dough felt great. We were all impressed at what wonderful food they manage to produce with so little equipment. Nana, the host mother, also makes wonderful james and fruit juices.

We have to run now or we are going to miss our last bus home to Kareli. We have to be home by seven.

Much love to all. We would love to hear from you.