I'm back and sorry for the long delay since my last missive, but I'm slightly worried that I may be boring you all as everything here is slowly becoming the norm for me. It's surprising how quickly the shocking becomes mundane and probably not good on my part.

So, back to life here.New Hope remains as chaotic, hectic and all consuming as ever.At the moment my main concern is getting the books up to date.At present I'm working on August and using a new accounts software package that is a learning curve for me.Getting there slowly but surely and once we are back on track I will get the financial side of things running more smoothly hopefully.This should also facilitate the whole accounts issue being far less stressful and more manageable on a daily basis.I hate backlogs……………..no-one knowswhat a receipt written 4 months ago in Khmer is actually for!

Christmas seems to be passing us by here.No carols, annoying TV adverts, crowded shops, card writing and posting late (as always), parties, cold weather and only a few trees in Western places.All good as far as I'm concerned.Next week I may try and do something festive with the kids and get them making santas, snowflakes, Christmas trees and angels in class.We aren't actually supposed to teach the younger ones about other religions though, so I will have to skip the Jesus story.

We had a fun packed few days last week treating all the kids with head lice shampoo treatment.What fun that was!First things first - get my hair tied up and out of harms way, which is no mean feat as it grows so fast in this heat.Secondly - remember not to touch it at any time, even though the sweat is running down your face and hairline and you desperately want to push it back.Thirdly - try not to look too horrified when inspecting their hair and especially the abundance of lice in the comb afterwards.I'm sure they will all be infested again soon, but at least they may get temporary relief from the constant itching and scratching.

Two days ago I did another hospital trip, but this time for the birth of a baby.Srey Nien, the mother, has no family and asked for someone to go with her.All good until we arrived at the hospital and I was point blank refused entry, despite explaining the lack of family and that I work for an NGO.Oh well, not sure I fancied it much anyway.So back to New Hope I went to find a local who was prepared to do the whole birthing thing with her.Zanna (girl) was born safe and healthy and pictures will follow.

Quiz tonight and I may be in line for a bit of a row with someone………………I'll keep you posted.