Where does the time go?

Sua sdey everyone. Sok sabaay dtay?

4 weeks have already passed since my last update. After a week of orientation and preparation, the kids started 3 weeks ago. Things are going well. It is very busy and the "To Do" list keeps growing and growing but it's all good. I am teaching grade 8 math (intro to algebra!), grade 9 science (atoms, cells and waves), and Diploma (grades 11 and 12) chemistry. Since it is all IB, it has been a very steep learning curve but my colleagues have been really helpful.

The students are about 25% Khmer, 25% Korean, and the rest from all over. They are all really nice kids. I haven't had any classroom management things to deal with yet - other than a bit of chit-chatting.

I am running a recreational swimming club on Thursday nights and planning a Week Without Walls trip for February (grades 6-10 leave school for a week for some EOTC.) I am trying to get something going with an ecotourism group in Koh Kong province, South West of Phnom Penh, to do some mountain biking, trekking, camping, and volunteering in the Chi Phat village. Also, I'm joining a house building group that is going to build houses for needy families in nearby villages. That will be in January but we need to start fundraising now.

On top of all that, I'm going to Kota Kinabulu, Malaysia for 4 days next month for training, Bangkok the weekend after that, then Laos in October/November. Oh, and I think I volunteered myself to do something at a friend's wedding here in December.

As I mentioned, my colleague are all really great. (I am realizing how much I use that word...oh well, could be worse.) Most are married with children but still manage to go out once in a while. We have a regular group of guys that golf every other Friday afternoon. We have a "Thursday Night Curriculum" group that meets at a local bar for happy hour drinks. And we have another group that goes out most Fridays for after school drinks. Needless to say, Mr. Liver has never been happier.

I'm also really enjoying Phnom Penh. There is no shortage of bars, cafes or restaurants to spend an afternoon or night in. I have been getting around.

Anyway, I'm off to meet some friends at nearby place for dinner. Take care.