August 26th 2005

            6B is my favorite class, so I was really disappointed today when very few of them had done the homework that I had asked them to bring to school.  They could tell I was really upset.  Every one of the 55 students was dead quiet – I didn’t have to raise my voice.  My body language was something they hadn’t seen before (just leaning back against the chalkboard and obviously looking upset), and it made a big difference.  I just really lost my energy and was sad that they weren’t learning and doing the work.  I tried to explain this to them and I think they understood (some of it at least).  Afterwards I realized that I shouldn’t let the whole period go to waste because of one thing (remembering what Andre had said to me) so I decided to move onto the next lesson and tried to find some energy to teach.  Trisha could tell I was upset and she came up to me and told me not to be (upset) but I told her that the problem was that the students weren’t listening and responding to what I had said by doing their homework and if everyone had done their homework like I had asked, I wouldn’t have gotten upset.  They enjoyed the activity and were laughing by the end of the period but when I assigned homework for them to do, they knew that I was serious about doing it.  Everyone ended up turning it in. 

            Notes from visiting the traditional medicine man – who learned the skills from the Japanese and additional Swedish volunteers.  They have begun experimentation with AIDS/HIV+ patients and are getting “very good results”

The Neme tree treats 40 different diseases

            The first use the seeds, then leaves, stem, flowers, extract the oil from the seeds and then cake the leftovers from the seeds

            It is medicine against:

                        Diabetes, asthma, common cold, unpure blood and cancer of all kids

                        Additionally, PMS, tonsillitis, pimples, erectile disfunction

The honey that comes from docile bees that don’t sting

            For chest problems, intro-uteran problems, sore throats

Honey from the standard bees

            Treats less than other honey

Big bees also give wax – which is used to line the beehives so that other bees are attracted

            And additionally, to make candles and for batik production

The cream against skin problems

            For sores that wont go away, rashes, ringworm, dandruff

            Makes skin less oily

Joint meds

            For ear infections, painful teeth, bleeding gums

Additionally, there is meds for fungal infections, bruises

            Oil for medications, also for engines (like kerosene), soap

Avocado oil used for food, meds

I decided to buy this medicine that is supposed to cure skin problems.  It is from the Neme tree (surprise surprise) and comes in a powder-like form.  You are supposed to mix 2 heaping tablespoons of it with 4 tablespoons of honey and ½ a liter of water and take 3 tablespoons of the mixtures two times a day.  I thought I might as well try it…why not?