Diary - Friday, Jan 12, 2007 

Goodness, the weeks have slipped by here and it is a bit hard to comprehend that we are almost half way through January. We sure hope you all had a fun holiday season and that this New Year is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

Well, things here in the “Jam” are continuing to move right along with the usual full plate of activities and projects on the go.

We are happy to announce that Ed and Wanda Walker from Victoria, BC arrived safe and sound about 10 days ago now. They seem to be settling into our routines here with ease, although, and I did warn them, they succumbed to a particularly nasty episode of TR (Terminal Relaxation) shortly after their arrival. The first two photos (below) were taken when the symptoms were at their most intense phase. I guess we have to feel a bit sorry for them but then again they did have prior knowledge that this could happen.:-)

Ed is helping to teach computer classes and Wanda is teaching first aid as well as helping Pat out with the regular wound care projects we seem to get everyday.

Pat has started classes in the clinic once again and we are presently offering ESL, computer skills, first aid and French. We are getting some help from Jessie and Camille, two students who are doing their Gap experience here in Jambiani. They are very bright, enthusiastic and positive and I’m sure will add some great energy to the total educational environment as we gear up to begin full time courses in September.

The third and fourth pictures are of Ed in the computer “lab” keeping an eye on things and some of the ESL students outside.

The construction of the school is continuing and as well, we have started the construction of a “utility” out building that will house the laundry, water pumps and tanks and generator as well as provide extra storage space.

Other than this, we don’t have too much “new” news to report to you. We are all well and are keeping on track with the day to day responsibilities and work that we have created for ourselves here. I’m still enjoying my time in the clinic and we continue to have a steady flow of patients coming to see us for all sorts of difficulties. It’s all good!!

Hoping you are all well and happy and we will be back with more information as it becomes available.

Take good care and lots of love to you all wherever you may be.
Alastair and Pat and the HABS Team.