end of June
Because I stayed up late helping Mack with his project and feeding him and puttering around on my own, I didn’t go to bed anywhere near midnight. And when I awoke, my right shoulder and my knees hurt so much I was disinclined to arise and go to work rebuilding the chapel in Baguio Gold. I hadn’t told anyone that I’d be there, anyway. So tomorrow I should begin working there (if they permit me).
I horsed-around with the kids in Baguio Gold, skateboarded, carried Rose on my shoulders and neck (ouch), carried her on one shoulder, carried another little girl on my shoulders, swung the girls around in circles, carried Rose on my back, flung Rose up in the air and so on. I wonder how I’ll feel tomorrow.
I had walked down to Baguio Gold Elementary School to meet the new principal and volunteer to tutor students in grades four, five and six. I can help the students who fall behind their classmates in English, mathematics, science, health and physical education. I could guide students who’re ahead of their classmates with advanced studies. I can’t help with music, Filipino heritage and singing, but I could be useful. I don’t know how well fourth- and fifth graders would understand my English. Perhaps I should focus only on the sixth-graders.
Rose’s brother Andy visited from Aurora Hill this afternoon, primarily to get his student record signed by one of his previous teachers so that he can provide it to the administrators of his current school, Doña Aurora High School in Lopez Jaena. Nick said that he would ensure that Andy receives the shirt and anything else that “Nana” in Florida had sent.
I didn’t see the bike locked with the cable in front of the shack, and wondered if Pat was riding it. When Andy arrived, he asked about it. He probably wanted to ride it, not knowing that the both plastic pedals have been broken off. Nick said that the bike is stowed in the CR (comfort room) to keep it safe from thieves. I didn’t get the chance to ask why. They had been securing it outdoors with a MasterLock brand cable and lock that I’d bought. Were the front wheel and the seat and post at risk for theft?
I was fortunate, after skateboarding and guiding the youths in practicing English phrases, to get a jeepney ride uphill. My ankles and knees already hurt, so I’m glad that I didn’t have to hike a mile up the steep grade to Monterrazas Village. Nick and Rose came with me to the house, and I gave to them rice, bread, seasoning packets, soy sauce, etcetera to take back to home. †