Thu 25 Nov

A lovely turn-up this week was a book of poetry, which I received in the post from a Canadian, childhood friend. It felt a little odd reading of ice-melt rivers, jagged granite, arched alders and the songbirds of spring, but I could relate to sleeping by the camp fire and admiring a heavenly canopy of stars. It is much appreciated and will providing refreshing material for a few lessons

We also had a new volunteer join us this week. A pleasant New Zealander called Amy, early 20s, tall, blond. She seemed quite sorted, like this is something she really wants to do.

However, I got home from a full day of teaching on Thursday to be told I had just missed her. Evidently, she had forgotten something and had popped back to New Zealand. Maybe we will see her again, but I doubt it.

Fri 26 Nov

Amy's bed must have been still warm when I gathered we have been joined by fellow volunteer Tom. He has been out here for a few months already – just moving lodgings. He is in his early twenties, and comes from Kingston on Thames.