Sirubari, Lamjung

Today I learned exactly how inflexible I am. I've always had issues with flexibility but I didn't think I was bad as I am until trying to squat-sit for 3 hours... My back is killing me, my hips are sore, I need to stretch stat. It's just unusual positioning for us I suppose! At least I've accepted my limitations and can laugh with the locals ;)

Today before school was corn husking.. The corn was from last season's harvest and has been sitting in storage so is dried out. It will be used to feed the Buffalo and make some flour and popcorn as well. Between grandma and I it took about an hour to get down to the cobs. Then after school we proceeded to take all the kernels off the cobs. That took 3 of us almost an hour and a half! Next step is to brig it to the mill but I think that'll have to wait until tomorrow as it's dark now. Like I said, I've really started to appreciate how much work goes into processing the food we eat on a daily basis.. In a way it's therapeutic to do it all yourself though I can't imagine ever having the time at home with our busy lifestyles. Especially when I decide to go back to school and work... Won't that be fun. ;) Another useful tool that they use here is... Not a clue of the name, but you can see it in the picture. It's a curved blade that you hold between your feet to cut things instead of using a knife. It is so much easier and works so well! Except of course that I can't see anyone at home using it in that manner. But, definitely works better than knives, in fact I don't think I've even seen a knife in their kitchen now that I think about it, I'll have to look at dinner.

School today was a bit more productive and back to a normal routine it seems. I can't be certain, but it seems as though there are more classes than there are teachers. The teachers were in a staff meeting for the majority of the morning so I was off with Class 4&5 going over some English (and a few math) things. When there isn't a teacher for a blocked out lesson students self teach themselves from workbooks. Which personally I would have loved at school, but some of the students of course take advantage and just copy their classmates homework. Remind you of your own school days? It's challenging teaching the younger kids English I will say that! At the beginning there were some communication issues but I think I've figured out their level now and we had smiles going by the end of the class because they were mostly understanding the material. I was also able to put my computer skills to good use again today! And I was told that I need to stay longer so I can continue to help, felt like quite a compliment considering I don't think I really did all that much :)

One of the highlights of today was finding a spot at the school that was private and also had a great data signal! Typically, I only get E for internet and it takes a good minute to load a simple Google search. And about 5-10 minutes for these posts to upload. But now I know the sweet spot so maybe I'll be able to call home more often! I talked to Mom for a bit and it was great to hear a familiar voice and to have a conversation in fluent English <3 Because of the time change it was about 9:00pm for her, if anyone else is ever available at that time let me know ;) Over WhatsApp or Messenger! Actually I think I can call regular numbers too using Hangouts.. I'll look into itRead more