A month has gone by!

Wow can't believe I have been here for a month already!
Things are going well, I am continuing my intensive language lessons and am picking it up reasonable quickly!
In fact last night I got into a taxi and said "Maayong Gabii" (good evening) and he spoke back in Cebuano asking how many years have I been in Cebu!
Work has been good, the teachers have been very responsive and excited to have me! Asking for my advice on children with multiple disabilities. I am in the process of making some weighted 'lap' calmers for some of the children. I meet one lady aged 27 years old, blind and deaf in one ear - she lives in an orphange and studying to be a teacher. Remarkable one lady, who started teaching me some cebuano! She has a shadow teacher that helps her get around and had a great conversation with her - this teacher is setting up a preschool for the poorer communities. The plan is to teach the children intensively for the next 6 months so they can be ready to start the school year next year. She is having difficulty catering for a child with mild autism and has asked to assist. As I am available on Fridays I have offered to assist for a couple of hours on the Friday. I have also been asked to assist a mother who has two children with Autism. I yet to meet the children but am so excited to offer assistance anyway I can!
I am finding the level of finance support very frustrating and currently searching for ways of applying for funding for the center, however as the center is based within the grounds of a university I have a few blockages in the way and have to gain their permission before making any changes especially when it comes to infrastructure! And the center is in a huge need to change or fix some of their facilities!
Watch out further, as I start to brainstorm and think of ideas on building resources - I'm hoping friends and family back home might be able to assist or provide ideas on where I can go! If you do have any ideas please email me at zbatten1@gmail.com
As for my social life, things have started to become a little busy & fun!
Went island hoping yesterday, was good fun! Enjoyed snorkelling, sun baking, swimming and of course seeing some of the islands within the Philippines! There wasn't to much sea life, saw a couple of small fishes and a blue star fish! Loads of crabs! Can't wait to do more of this on my weekends!
I have been lucky to have a few volunteers come over to Cebu to visit and have enjoyed their company!
Anyway hope you are all well!
Miss you all,
Love Zoe

Our driver for the day.

The toilet on the boat!

Some of the locals!

Sunset over Mactan island