Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Guava Trees, Snickers, Cheese Bread and more...
A Shirt.
A trend among learners here is to write on their uniform shirts. Here is what one learner scribbled on the front pocket of her nice white shirt:
Name: Lindah
Grade: Grade 7
School: Lusese Combined
Subject: Shirt
A Tree.
I planted two Guava trees in my yard, which was a feat in itself. I spent the better part of two weekends gathering sticks in the bush and creating a fence around each tree to keep out dogs. I am proud of my work. I am fond of working with the Earth. Planting things. Watering. Watching things grow. My garden is not turning out as I had hoped. It has lots of weeds sprouting and little else, which is why I put the trees in. I plan on getting flowers to plant around the trees.
A Moment.
The American Presidential Election was a big deal for the people of my village. I have always known the world watched American politics closely, but this was the first time I have seen it firsthand. I was touched by the reaction of my coworkers and my learners after Obama won. I was hugged. Learners cheered. It seemed to touch something in them. They felt a connection because of Obama’s roots in Africa. They felt it could be good for Africa. And regardless of ones political leanings, one can’t argue it was a significant moment in time and even those living in a tiny village in Africa with nothing but a cell tower can sense the importance of the moment. I am sure all of you can too.
A Birthday.
On my birthday, I ate a snickers bar that my village mate brought back for me from her trip to Botswana. My learners made me spectacular cards and I got lots of love from back home and from my NamFam (Namibian Family). Overall, it was a nice way to start pushing 40. Yeah, you read right. I am pushing 40.
A Sorta Thanksgiving
My Thanksgiving might not have included turkey and mac-n-cheese but it did have lots of thanks. I ate some fresh cheese bread from a grocery store in my shopping town and thought about how much I am thankful for in my life. hApPy ThAnKsGiViNg!!
A Farewell.
The last three weeks of school consisted of no teaching. The learners were writing exams and I was busy marking the exams. Today was the final day for kids. And now it is time for a break from Lusese. I am headed to Opuwo, which is in the Kunene Region of Namibia (northwest corner) at the end of next week. It is home to Ed, my boyfriend for the past few months. He is a fellow Peace Corps volunteer who works with the Namibia Red Cross. He is originally from Wisconsin, which means he talks funny and likes to hunt. I am going to be at his site for two weeks and then we are traveling to Cape Town for Christmas and New Years. We have a wine tour planned for Christmas Eve and we are diving with Great White Sharks on New Years Day. Stay tuned for pictures and stories from our trip. And if you don’t hear from us, it means we are shark food.
A trend among learners here is to write on their uniform shirts. Here is what one learner scribbled on the front pocket of her nice white shirt:
Name: Lindah
Grade: Grade 7
School: Lusese Combined
Subject: Shirt
A Tree.
I planted two Guava trees in my yard, which was a feat in itself. I spent the better part of two weekends gathering sticks in the bush and creating a fence around each tree to keep out dogs. I am proud of my work. I am fond of working with the Earth. Planting things. Watering. Watching things grow. My garden is not turning out as I had hoped. It has lots of weeds sprouting and little else, which is why I put the trees in. I plan on getting flowers to plant around the trees.
A Moment.
The American Presidential Election was a big deal for the people of my village. I have always known the world watched American politics closely, but this was the first time I have seen it firsthand. I was touched by the reaction of my coworkers and my learners after Obama won. I was hugged. Learners cheered. It seemed to touch something in them. They felt a connection because of Obama’s roots in Africa. They felt it could be good for Africa. And regardless of ones political leanings, one can’t argue it was a significant moment in time and even those living in a tiny village in Africa with nothing but a cell tower can sense the importance of the moment. I am sure all of you can too.
A Birthday.
On my birthday, I ate a snickers bar that my village mate brought back for me from her trip to Botswana. My learners made me spectacular cards and I got lots of love from back home and from my NamFam (Namibian Family). Overall, it was a nice way to start pushing 40. Yeah, you read right. I am pushing 40.
A Sorta Thanksgiving
My Thanksgiving might not have included turkey and mac-n-cheese but it did have lots of thanks. I ate some fresh cheese bread from a grocery store in my shopping town and thought about how much I am thankful for in my life. hApPy ThAnKsGiViNg!!
A Farewell.
The last three weeks of school consisted of no teaching. The learners were writing exams and I was busy marking the exams. Today was the final day for kids. And now it is time for a break from Lusese. I am headed to Opuwo, which is in the Kunene Region of Namibia (northwest corner) at the end of next week. It is home to Ed, my boyfriend for the past few months. He is a fellow Peace Corps volunteer who works with the Namibia Red Cross. He is originally from Wisconsin, which means he talks funny and likes to hunt. I am going to be at his site for two weeks and then we are traveling to Cape Town for Christmas and New Years. We have a wine tour planned for Christmas Eve and we are diving with Great White Sharks on New Years Day. Stay tuned for pictures and stories from our trip. And if you don’t hear from us, it means we are shark food.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Be Here Now.
October 31st marks one year in Africa. One year. I tried to think of something deep and meaningful to write. Something that illuminates the perspective I have attained; something to inspire America to go out and join the Peace Corps. However, all I can say is I am equally happy it has been a year as I am sad I only have a year remaining. So, I move forward knowing I am in the midst of a grand experience that will come to and end before I know it, which is even more of a reason for me to live in the present.
Random observations:
I saw a small girl wearing a bra as her top. The bra was countless sizes too big and was actually draped off one shoulder. Fascinating fashion choice.
I have been riding bikes more than running in recent weeks because my foot is sending me messages that tell me to stop pounding her on the ground repeatedly. It’s an understandable request and I am forced to listen because the pain is excruciating.
A young lady was hoisting a large bag of maize on her head and Ashley, my fellow volunteer in Lusese, was standing next to me admiring the tone and definition of the girl’s arms. In that instant Ashley decided, “I need to start carrying more things on my head.”
World Teacher Day
The month of October opened with a much-appreciated day off thanks to the celebration of World Teacher Day. I participated in a march to the town hall in Katima where there were speakers and cultural dancing and a live band. It was the ultimate party. My principal was instrumental in organizing this event. I got to accompany him earlier in the week to the flood plains to buy cattle to feed to all the teachers. The cow was slaughtered not far from my home. I watched learners cut and clean the cow then chuck it in to the back of a bakkie. This did not make me want to stop eating dead cow. Just made me glad I was not a cow, or at least not this particular cow. Apologies to my vegetarian friends.
Traditional Dance Lesson
Each Wednesday during afternoon studies the grade eight participates in a class taught by local elders. It’s a traditional dance class. The women perform dances passed through generations. Many of my coworkers here are not familiar with these dances, but recognize the need to keep their traditional culture alive. I witnessed this class and was touched by the energy and rich history that was palpable as the women shared their knowledge with the younger generation. And, of course, they included me at the end of the session. I attempted to perform a dance. It was embarrassing. However, we all know that a surefire way to completely experience another culture is to never be afraid to act like a fool. And that is precisely what I did.
Arbor Day
Lusese Combined School got numerous trees to plant for Arbor Day free of charge from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. I happen to be standing under a tree on this day when a tremendous spider crawled up my leg and rested on my skirt until I was informed of its presence. My reaction? I batted it off like it was a fly. Quite a departure from how I might have reacted to a spider that size 12 months ago. I am very proud of my behavior. However, the lesson I learned this Arbor Day was to never stand under that dreadful spider tree ever again.
World Food Day
Lusese Combined School, which is where I teach, was picked to host the Region’s celebration of World Food Day. Oddly enough, I had little to eat or drink on this day. I did, however, organize a play with some learners about the right and wrong ways to burn a field. A mundane topic for sure, but crucial for this area and the kids embraced it and made it quite humorous and informative. They performed in English and Silozi for an esteemed crowed including the Governor of the Caprivi Region, a local tribal king and NBC (Namibian television). There were also many cultural dance groups performing. I have started to get a real taste of the traditional culture here. The one that existed before Christianity became the mainstay in Namibia, the one that was born here and is the true essence of Caprivian culture to me. It is something you must experience. Speaking of unique experiences, I did have to get down on my knees when the King arrived and departed the celebration. Interesting.
Random observations:
I saw a small girl wearing a bra as her top. The bra was countless sizes too big and was actually draped off one shoulder. Fascinating fashion choice.
I have been riding bikes more than running in recent weeks because my foot is sending me messages that tell me to stop pounding her on the ground repeatedly. It’s an understandable request and I am forced to listen because the pain is excruciating.
A young lady was hoisting a large bag of maize on her head and Ashley, my fellow volunteer in Lusese, was standing next to me admiring the tone and definition of the girl’s arms. In that instant Ashley decided, “I need to start carrying more things on my head.”
World Teacher Day
The month of October opened with a much-appreciated day off thanks to the celebration of World Teacher Day. I participated in a march to the town hall in Katima where there were speakers and cultural dancing and a live band. It was the ultimate party. My principal was instrumental in organizing this event. I got to accompany him earlier in the week to the flood plains to buy cattle to feed to all the teachers. The cow was slaughtered not far from my home. I watched learners cut and clean the cow then chuck it in to the back of a bakkie. This did not make me want to stop eating dead cow. Just made me glad I was not a cow, or at least not this particular cow. Apologies to my vegetarian friends.
Traditional Dance Lesson
Each Wednesday during afternoon studies the grade eight participates in a class taught by local elders. It’s a traditional dance class. The women perform dances passed through generations. Many of my coworkers here are not familiar with these dances, but recognize the need to keep their traditional culture alive. I witnessed this class and was touched by the energy and rich history that was palpable as the women shared their knowledge with the younger generation. And, of course, they included me at the end of the session. I attempted to perform a dance. It was embarrassing. However, we all know that a surefire way to completely experience another culture is to never be afraid to act like a fool. And that is precisely what I did.
Arbor Day
Lusese Combined School got numerous trees to plant for Arbor Day free of charge from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. I happen to be standing under a tree on this day when a tremendous spider crawled up my leg and rested on my skirt until I was informed of its presence. My reaction? I batted it off like it was a fly. Quite a departure from how I might have reacted to a spider that size 12 months ago. I am very proud of my behavior. However, the lesson I learned this Arbor Day was to never stand under that dreadful spider tree ever again.
World Food Day
Lusese Combined School, which is where I teach, was picked to host the Region’s celebration of World Food Day. Oddly enough, I had little to eat or drink on this day. I did, however, organize a play with some learners about the right and wrong ways to burn a field. A mundane topic for sure, but crucial for this area and the kids embraced it and made it quite humorous and informative. They performed in English and Silozi for an esteemed crowed including the Governor of the Caprivi Region, a local tribal king and NBC (Namibian television). There were also many cultural dance groups performing. I have started to get a real taste of the traditional culture here. The one that existed before Christianity became the mainstay in Namibia, the one that was born here and is the true essence of Caprivian culture to me. It is something you must experience. Speaking of unique experiences, I did have to get down on my knees when the King arrived and departed the celebration. Interesting.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Video...
I want to thank Warren for how quickly he put this up. The video below respresents the way my learners wanted to thank all of you for sending packages filled with goodies for them...and for me. I will make another video later featuring yours truly, but dont expect it to inlcude any singing or dancing. All the best to all of you.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
She is dreadfully hot but endlessly thankful.
The Thanks!
I was experiencing a bad day a few weeks ago. I have written about bad days before on this Blog and this particular day was ripe with frustration, impatience and, yes, even some tears. I happen to be in my shopping town on this abysmal afternoon, which was both a curse and a blessing. A curse because there are ten times the people there as are in my village. Translation? That many more Namibians got to witness a Peace Corps Volunteer meltdown. A blessing? I checked my mail. On this day, I got packages from Peggy and Sandy. Amazing packages filled with the best a hungry, smelly, needy Peace Corps Volunteer could hope for. The overwhelming kindness was a reminder how much it means to me to receive help from home. A package from home has come to be a metaphorical umbilical cord, power line, blood vessel or simple breath of oxygen. I swear those brown boxes are filled with life. It reminds me I can do this work here because people back home are supporting me. You are the reason I can remain and can have a positive impact. Whether you send school supplies or personal gifts it all keeps me going. Ni itumezi. Na itumela. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. I just recently sent Warren a video of the learners showing their appreciation for all the supplies. As soon as it arrives in Colorado and he figures out how to upload it to my Blog you will be able to see it. I will keep you notified.
The Garden
I have planted a garden with the seeds sent to me from home. Again, the seeds were another blessing from various packages. I have been watering it faithfully and have started to see growth. Stand by to see if I successfully maintain a garden. I hope to eat an actual salad before Christmas.
The Fire Pit
I made a fire pit. I burn trash in it now, which is a common occurrence here. I plan to make it in to a place to cook meat outside. Yummy.
The Heat
It’s back. There is no easing in to the oppressive heat of summer. Someone simply flipped a switch and I started to sweat. It’s obnoxious. Insufferable. Foul. Vile. You get the picture.
The Ballot.
I want to thank Warren for tracking down any possible way for me to get my ballot. It was his enthusiasm that reminded me I had an obligation to make my voice heard. Even from another Continent. I was finally able to vote with a write-in absentee ballot. The act of choosing my American President from my sweaty chair in the sauna that is my office was, well, so cool. I felt a sense of pride and connectedness to America that I never had before. I liked that feeling. And I remind all those who read this to vote.
The latest greatest line from a learner…
Question from me: Define the term Chicken Pox?
Answer from learner: A type of food.
The Gamecocks
What is wrong with them? I dont expect a response. We are all busy people and don't have the time to list every problem faced by the University of South Carolina Football Team.
I was experiencing a bad day a few weeks ago. I have written about bad days before on this Blog and this particular day was ripe with frustration, impatience and, yes, even some tears. I happen to be in my shopping town on this abysmal afternoon, which was both a curse and a blessing. A curse because there are ten times the people there as are in my village. Translation? That many more Namibians got to witness a Peace Corps Volunteer meltdown. A blessing? I checked my mail. On this day, I got packages from Peggy and Sandy. Amazing packages filled with the best a hungry, smelly, needy Peace Corps Volunteer could hope for. The overwhelming kindness was a reminder how much it means to me to receive help from home. A package from home has come to be a metaphorical umbilical cord, power line, blood vessel or simple breath of oxygen. I swear those brown boxes are filled with life. It reminds me I can do this work here because people back home are supporting me. You are the reason I can remain and can have a positive impact. Whether you send school supplies or personal gifts it all keeps me going. Ni itumezi. Na itumela. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. I just recently sent Warren a video of the learners showing their appreciation for all the supplies. As soon as it arrives in Colorado and he figures out how to upload it to my Blog you will be able to see it. I will keep you notified.
The Garden
I have planted a garden with the seeds sent to me from home. Again, the seeds were another blessing from various packages. I have been watering it faithfully and have started to see growth. Stand by to see if I successfully maintain a garden. I hope to eat an actual salad before Christmas.
The Fire Pit
I made a fire pit. I burn trash in it now, which is a common occurrence here. I plan to make it in to a place to cook meat outside. Yummy.
The Heat
It’s back. There is no easing in to the oppressive heat of summer. Someone simply flipped a switch and I started to sweat. It’s obnoxious. Insufferable. Foul. Vile. You get the picture.
The Ballot.
I want to thank Warren for tracking down any possible way for me to get my ballot. It was his enthusiasm that reminded me I had an obligation to make my voice heard. Even from another Continent. I was finally able to vote with a write-in absentee ballot. The act of choosing my American President from my sweaty chair in the sauna that is my office was, well, so cool. I felt a sense of pride and connectedness to America that I never had before. I liked that feeling. And I remind all those who read this to vote.
The latest greatest line from a learner…
Question from me: Define the term Chicken Pox?
Answer from learner: A type of food.
The Gamecocks
What is wrong with them? I dont expect a response. We are all busy people and don't have the time to list every problem faced by the University of South Carolina Football Team.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Is stealing always wrong?
Toilet paper, markers, puppies, pens, pencils, erasures, glue, magazines, matches, books, chapstick, candles, batteries, scissors, shampoo, stickers, camera, ipod speaker. This is a short list of some stuff that has been stolen from me in the past month and a half. It started innocently enough with people going through my trash. Stealing whatever they found of interest. Then it developed to crawling through the window of the library. And in the past two weeks it has morphed into going in my hut. I am not sure what to do about the incessant stealing but it has brought up some interesting issues for me. One point of view is these kids are poor and stealing a pencil or even my camera is simply a way to provide for themselves or their families, a type of Robin Hood, perhaps. Another point of view is that stealing, no matter the circumstance, is wrong and if we don’t make a stand now these kids will grow up learning to take things rather than learning to work for what they need. I am not sure where I fall with this but I am bummed it is happening. Not as much for the loss of material things but for the loss of trust and respect. Oh well. I am sure this issue will work itself out. In the meantime, I am not going to give up. The final term has begun and I am committed to do my best despite the stealing. Best wishes to all my teacher friends who have gone back to work. Have a great school year! My roller coaster ride continues. Hopefully with more ups than downs.
Happy Belated Birthday Mom!
Happy Belated Birthday Mom!
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