Quick Update

-Tarantula found in bedroom. Neighbor killed it with a machete. PCV suddenly motivated to put up her mosquito net.

-PCV went swiming in the Cottica River (despite presece of eels, piranha and, as local legend has it, man-eating manatees). Danger averted. Swim was fabulous.

-Tree frog jumps out of toilet seconds before PCV sits down to do business. Adrenaline rushing. Bathroom time less relaxing.

-Neighbors deliver food (bami, watermelon, cake, homemade ginger beer) to PCVs. All are satisfied.

-Only 32 of the 108 middle schoolers in Moengo that sat the exam to pass onto high school passed. Nation -wide only 50% passed. PCV is frustrated that either A) students are not prepared; B) the text was too difficult; C) continuous assessment is not a concept used to guage scholarly progress in Suriname; D) parents are not motivated to encourage their children's progress in school; E) teachers cannot motivate the students; or F) a combination of two or more of the above. It's very disheartening.

-Village generator is broken, meaning nightly 4 hours of electricity is no more.

-Hair was removed from cornrows, cut, washed and brushed. :)

Thanks to all those who have generously contributed to the "my friend/relative lives in the jungle food, letters and other assorted goodies from America" supply. I will be in the city in September to pick up letters/packages and can't tell you how excited and grateful I am!  For those who have recently inquired, an updated list of things that would be greatly appreciated is below. Sorry for the belated reply.

-AAA batteries
-Candles (for reading at night)
-Unsalted nuts (almonds, pecans...anything other than peanuts)
-Dried fruit
-Chocolate chips
-A stick of deoderant (Ban or Secret prefered)
-Hair conditioner
-Lara bars or any other granola-type-bar thingies
-Pens
-Magazines
-Books

I'll post pictures and a more detailed account of the goings on in Suriname when I'm in the Capital in mid-September. Stay tuned!