Postcard From Ngoenga - April 06

So every day I thank my stars that I am still here and that I have some wonderful friends supporting me. The therapeutic work grows and much of my work is training teachers and giving them tools for their kit for when I leave. We are making colourful mobiles for the multi disabled kids’ classrooms which are all fairly austere and need some cheering up, so the more able kids are creating some beautiful art.

And of course there’s the music! They all sing all the time, so teaching them new songs and dances is rapid and I forget sometimes that these kids are supposed to have learning difficulties.

We all sang and danced for Losar celebrations, which is the Tibetan New Year and made Kupsay together, which is fried bread shapes. With some encouragement, one of the teachers has started a garden group so some of your money will be buying garden tools and a wheelbarrow.

I have also purchased art and sewing equipment. Tomorrow I will be sorting out with the Director what else is needed...so much, especially for the children with more profound needs off whom we spend hours fanning flies.

I am happy here and loving my work and settling into a rhythm of rising with the monks at 6am and sleeping at 10pm. All the teachers and foster parents are making my time here a happy one and we are managing to communicate with much more than words...so much laughing and joking and larking around!

Here it was raining (much needed) but now sun and more sun! I sit here in the ‘Buddha Communication Shack’ with wee monks playing cricket outside and the smell of samosas cooking. Hot sweet tea in hand I bid you all Tashi Delek and much love.

Claire Hewitt