Back to school...

Us at Maracas beach Friday evening after school

Sorry for not updating our news for a while, but here is the latest from Trini...

Ruth had a visit to the hospital with an acute case of 'jokey,jokey' elbow ( that how all the Dr's and nurses refered to it, who were called from across the hospital to have a laugh/look). Symptoms: a rather impressive swelling of the elbow that takes over the whole arm. The local Dr in Chaguanas immediately referred Ruth to the Hospital ( private of course). After 2 hours, X rays and a blood test, and a swipe of the credit card she was allowed home with a prescription for lots of pills. The swelling has gone down but there is still 'something' in there, that may need removing... I wanted to photograph the elbow for our blog but Ruth thought it a bit in sensitive.

David has a smart new bike. I have borrowed on long term loan a mountain bike so that I can get out and explore some of the back lanes and tracks. The added bonus is I can now beat the traffic around Chaguanas and not have to slow down for the endless speed bumps.

Iona and Zoe are back into the school routine and seem to be enjoying all the hard work and tests they have to do. They get 2 or 3 different subjects for homework each night! They have to carry with them all their text books and writing books each day, most children arrive pulling small suitcases on wheels. Iona has 12 different books for writing in. Despite not knowing whether they should be writing in their English composition, spelling, grammar or handwriting books they are doing really well.

Our vehicle has been in the garage for 3 days this week, cars!! Apparently the engine that is in it is not the original (I suppose that is a good thing) , but the electronics hadn't been connected up properly, hence the problems we were experiencing when driving. I am glad to report things are much better for the moment and it only cost us $2000 TT. (divide by 10)

Other news, work is getting busier, David starts on a 10 week HIV awareness course next week, as a facilitator, not participant. It is an excellent course that works with teenagers and their parents together to see how families can help to reduce the risks of teenagers contracting HIV, which is on the increase. It is being run by the Anglican church supported by the governments family planning association.

To finish, we are still visiting the beach when ever we can and exploring this beautiful island. Sun still shining every day!