Good Friday

 

It's still been raining, very unusual for this time of year and not welcome for many in Blantyre. The money and resources raised have all been given now and so we hope that has been enough to at least get people back on their feet. But still the tragedy of it all is clear. The death toll increasing as more bodies are discovered in mud. And it is of course a useful reminder of the fragility of life and just how lucky we are to have each other. 

Saturday was full on busy, I made a dessert for the evening I was going to, went into school to do the last of my year 11 catch up sessions, none of them turned up on time and the yr 13 were nearly an hour late. I was not happy. At least all I had to do was walk from my home which took less than 5 minutes. And I got a lot of work done on policy updates. (I quite like it when it is simple stuff). I did the usual getting a wash on while we have power and BigA made us a slap up fry vegetarian fry up. Checked on the sorbet, not working, then did a bit in the garden, went to a theatre festival and then an evening with my group of ladies who play poker for our first attempt as a night where we all bought a dish. Mine still hadn't frozen. Everyone else did a fantastic job and the food was delicious. 

I also tried to find some time to reflect a bit on what I want when we get back, there are lots of jobs being advertised but I still felt that it just doesn't feel right. I had a little chat with BIgA and we agreed we can probably afford for me to not have to have a job straight away. No new carpets for a while but we've lived with none for 6 years! I've reached out to a few people and although there isn't a clear plan I do feel like a weight has been lifted. I haven't turned off any notifications from job websites but I am not going to apply for anything unless it really looks like a dream job. Most likely I'll do something as an interim but I'm happy with that. There is still plenty of time to get that all sorted. I reached out to a few people I know in education and consultancy and got some good advice and some sense that there will be a lot of interim jobs around. I am having to ignore the nagging doubt but life really is too short to be anxious about then unknown if you can and too short to take a job when you don't want to. I'm aware how lucky I am that I have this luxury. 

The school week started with the long anticipated and, not particularly wanted, visit from the previous Headteacher and some of the students from his school in the UK. A was annoyed it meant they were asked to perform songs from the show again. She had hoped she could put all that as a happy memory but she did brilliantly. As it's Easter break for a lot of the people in the UK we've had visits from other folks, one chap who I have kept in touch with. More for my own connections than any real friendship but he's nice enough. The visits  have brought back some strange memories and issues for many staff. I hope if I ever return it is to happy and welcoming staff. This certainly hasn't been like that. It was a short week as we finished just after 11 on Thursday. I am going to miss the short ends to the terms. It is all so close to being over now. 

WIth the end of term came the rewards and award, A getting half colours for drama, special mention for music and top effort and House points. I got the sad news that my aunty Ros had died just after the assembly and was naturally so sad that I hadn't gotten the chance to see her again, I had hoped I would in July. I felt quite down that afternoon, BIgA got a takeaway and we watched a bit of TV. 

BigA had also set about booking something for us to do and so today we will set off on our last longish trip in Malawi. 

Today we leave and head to Bua River Lodge which is in Nkhotakhota Wildlife Reserve  and then on Monday we'll head to Mayoka Village (Nkhata Bay) to get a boat to Likoma, stay at Mango Drift for a few nights then back to main land and Ngala Beach Lodge before heading back via our favourite Italian in Balaka, to have lunch at Art Cafe and then home. That still gives A plenty of revision time and me the time to get the bulk of my next NPQH unit done. I'm hoping to finish as much as possible in the holiday.