We left Dhaka to travel to Bhola via the MAAF seaplane - a real treat compared to the overnight river launch - and were greeted by a boat full of Bhola's Children:All of the children were well and happy and soon had us involved in lessons and then a daily music session:We had picnics on the land in Valumia - here's everyone:And the it was Eid, and Ali in his traditional outfit cooked sweets for everyone:... before we all went for a trip to the local children's park:More news next time....Anne x

We have our visas, our tickets and a lot of nappies - so we're off to Bhola!  Technology is notoriously poor over there so the news will wait til our return.Cross fingers for a safe and baby-friendly trip!

It's great news that ABBW is one of three finalists in the non-fiction category of the 2012 EPICeBook awards.  Thanks to LL-Publications for putting it forward.Watch this space - though don't hold your breath!  I can't say I've ever won anything before, even a goldfish at the fair (which is probably a good thing now, it being politically incorrect to dip the poor things into plastic bags etc etc) but it's nice to see the book up there!

So, this time last year I was planning the baby and the book launch.  What a difference a few months makes...Simon's American birthday party is being held today in Virginia (at 40 degrees C!) with lots of love from all friends and family xxx(And yes, I've even got a tiny bit more of the novel written in the last couple of weeks...)

Life for the children in Bhola is different to what we see in the UK - that goes without saying - but the intention is always to balance work and play.  On days off from lessons and, for the older students, training in the sewing and carpentry rooms, the children all help with cooking, cleaning, building, and laundry.  And they are often tasks we as adults would find challenging (not to mention worries about safety) but the day will end with a picnic or a trip to the river, sweets or a much-loved Hindi film:Help with construction...Then there is the gardening and work in the fields...But always time to play...And as the sun sets over the river...... to take a well earned rest