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| Opwuo to Cape Town 2008 |
Monday, January 5, 2009
A Holiday Photo Essay
Instead of boring you with paragraph after paragraph, I have handpicked the finest photo representations of my holiday. I limited my descriptions to just a few short sentences. I do hope your holiday was all you wanted it to be and then some. Happy 2009 America! I hope the year is fantastic and I hope to see you before its over. Just click on the picture below to go to my photo essay.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
More Pictures...
Me and Ed...
My garden...
Elephant footprint...
Baby Elephant footprint...
Elephant Shit Storm...
Mulotu (another wild animal)...
Mi Casa (or "The White House" as my principal calls it)...
My garden...
Elephant footprint...
Baby Elephant footprint...
Elephant Shit Storm...
Mulotu (another wild animal)...
Mi Casa (or "The White House" as my principal calls it)...
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.
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