September 18, 2008
I was talking to my host mom about my spending the weekend in town. It is the one weekend in the month when I get to hang out with my friends. I told her it is for my mental health. “Are you going to the doctor,” she asked. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!
Monday, September 22, 2008
September 12, 2008
SMS conversation between me and Bri:
B: I just read a New Era article that said Namibia thinks it should try to export it’s meat and omaere (sour milk)…um right.
Me: LOL…meat, “milk” and cow hats
B: But it’s their culture so we shouldn’t mock.
Me: Seriously, Hereroism is going to sweep the globe!
B: Via donkey cart baby.
SMS conversation between me and Bri:
B: I just read a New Era article that said Namibia thinks it should try to export it’s meat and omaere (sour milk)…um right.
Me: LOL…meat, “milk” and cow hats
B: But it’s their culture so we shouldn’t mock.
Me: Seriously, Hereroism is going to sweep the globe!
B: Via donkey cart baby.
September 9, 2008
I was in the kitchen making a lovely salad, including avocado. My host mom comes in and sees what I’m having. “You like all the stuff that nobody likes”, she said. LOL! All I could think was “look who’s talking”.
Just yesterday there were bloody cow parts sitting on the kitchen counter- liver and lungs and all manner of intestinal things. They were put into a pot and stewed in their own blood which blackened as it cooked. The smell was stomach turning. Then I had a thought- I wonder if the things that smell good to me actually smell nasty to them.
I was in the kitchen making a lovely salad, including avocado. My host mom comes in and sees what I’m having. “You like all the stuff that nobody likes”, she said. LOL! All I could think was “look who’s talking”.
Just yesterday there were bloody cow parts sitting on the kitchen counter- liver and lungs and all manner of intestinal things. They were put into a pot and stewed in their own blood which blackened as it cooked. The smell was stomach turning. Then I had a thought- I wonder if the things that smell good to me actually smell nasty to them.
September 7, 2008
Have I really only been back in the village for a week? It feels longer than that…it’s just the abstractness of time here I suppose. This will be the first real week of school and I’m ready. Education is a (slow) process. Hopefully we’ll have some fun and the kids will do well. This is term 3! I feel amazed to have made it this far and overjoyed to be so close to the ½ way mark. Every day is one step closer to Mozambique. I can’t wait to lounge on a beach and swim in tropical waters while eating fresh fruit and seafood. Every day is one step closer to home. I can’t express have wonderful it will be to see my family and spend my next birthday at home.
Have I really only been back in the village for a week? It feels longer than that…it’s just the abstractness of time here I suppose. This will be the first real week of school and I’m ready. Education is a (slow) process. Hopefully we’ll have some fun and the kids will do well. This is term 3! I feel amazed to have made it this far and overjoyed to be so close to the ½ way mark. Every day is one step closer to Mozambique. I can’t wait to lounge on a beach and swim in tropical waters while eating fresh fruit and seafood. Every day is one step closer to home. I can’t express have wonderful it will be to see my family and spend my next birthday at home.
August 21, 2008
We went into the cutest little Italian bakery today- Pane Fresca. It was so so so so good! The croissants were freshly made and stuffed with chocolate. The cappuccino was excellent. I also had a sandwich on ciabatta with gorgonzola- oh how I love stinky cheese. Amazing. What I wouldn’t give to have one of these in Gobabis- not in my village because then my wallet would be skinny and my tummy would be fat. If I ever come back to Swakop, this will be my first stop.
We went into the cutest little Italian bakery today- Pane Fresca. It was so so so so good! The croissants were freshly made and stuffed with chocolate. The cappuccino was excellent. I also had a sandwich on ciabatta with gorgonzola- oh how I love stinky cheese. Amazing. What I wouldn’t give to have one of these in Gobabis- not in my village because then my wallet would be skinny and my tummy would be fat. If I ever come back to Swakop, this will be my first stop.
August 20, 2008
Mario is a character! If you’re ever in Swakop call him for a good time. He was our paragliding instructor today.
First he gave us this huge spiel about how we might not even get off the ground today and after he’d made us uncertain if we wanted to do it anymore, he tells us that our chances for flying are good. Uhm, okay.
We drove out to the dunes in his VW mini-bus and set up our camp right across from the ocean. The gliders are huge and nylon and heavy. BriAnne and I took turns carrying one up the dune. Then you lay it out, take the reigns in your hands, run forward and kind of jump into the wind, which lifts you up and up and before you know it you are 40 meters off the ground and kicking your legs in the air. It was so awesome. Mario is down below yelling directions at you, after about a minute you land on the sand. I sat down with the glider still open behind me. Unfortunately the wind picked up and dragged me on my back across the bottom of the dune. Mario had to come and get me so I didn’t get blown away.
He said our flying was good- we’re naturals, but I bet he says that to all the girls. Actually, I could really get into this paragliding thing.
Mario is a character! If you’re ever in Swakop call him for a good time. He was our paragliding instructor today.
First he gave us this huge spiel about how we might not even get off the ground today and after he’d made us uncertain if we wanted to do it anymore, he tells us that our chances for flying are good. Uhm, okay.
We drove out to the dunes in his VW mini-bus and set up our camp right across from the ocean. The gliders are huge and nylon and heavy. BriAnne and I took turns carrying one up the dune. Then you lay it out, take the reigns in your hands, run forward and kind of jump into the wind, which lifts you up and up and before you know it you are 40 meters off the ground and kicking your legs in the air. It was so awesome. Mario is down below yelling directions at you, after about a minute you land on the sand. I sat down with the glider still open behind me. Unfortunately the wind picked up and dragged me on my back across the bottom of the dune. Mario had to come and get me so I didn’t get blown away.
He said our flying was good- we’re naturals, but I bet he says that to all the girls. Actually, I could really get into this paragliding thing.
August 19, 2008
We’re finally in Swakopmund! It is so nice to be on the coast and see some actual water. It’s a popular vacation spot in Namibia- Brangelina had their baby here, I’m not really sure why. It’s an interesting place. The architecture seems to be very German yet brightly colored. You’ve got desert and ocean right next to each other. It’s Namibian good.
We’re finally in Swakopmund! It is so nice to be on the coast and see some actual water. It’s a popular vacation spot in Namibia- Brangelina had their baby here, I’m not really sure why. It’s an interesting place. The architecture seems to be very German yet brightly colored. You’ve got desert and ocean right next to each other. It’s Namibian good.
Oh The Leaners
August 5, 2008
An SMS conversation between myself and a PCV we will call “L”.
L: So…told a learner to get the f&%k out of my classroom this evening. I hate how they waltz in like they own the place and I’m not even there. I need a break.
Me: Oh man! Lol…break is coming sweetheart. I’m still under the weather after PC med- big surprise- so I just do my duty then camp out in my flat. They are children- they want attention and a reaction. Dunno if it’s better to give it so they know you care or remain cool so they learn that’s not the way?
L: Yeah my problem is that my flat is not a haven- no where I can go. I’m going to talk to PC. At least the kid was Grade 8, he’s probably 15. That’s always my question- how to deal with them? My mom recommended thinking about your reaction beforehand so you’re ready. But I don’t even know what I want my reaction to be!
Me: You gotta have some where to go. Wow, an 8th grade who’s only 15?
L: Actually I checked my register. He’s 14. I hardly believe it because his marks and attitude are so bad.
Me: Attitude’s bad because his marks are bad?
L: Or vice versa. He’s actually good natured just likes to be funny. Then again my smartest Grade 8 is 17.
Me: 17, they’ve had a chance to absorb it all. Best mark in Grade 6 is a kid who failed it last year.
An SMS conversation between myself and a PCV we will call “L”.
L: So…told a learner to get the f&%k out of my classroom this evening. I hate how they waltz in like they own the place and I’m not even there. I need a break.
Me: Oh man! Lol…break is coming sweetheart. I’m still under the weather after PC med- big surprise- so I just do my duty then camp out in my flat. They are children- they want attention and a reaction. Dunno if it’s better to give it so they know you care or remain cool so they learn that’s not the way?
L: Yeah my problem is that my flat is not a haven- no where I can go. I’m going to talk to PC. At least the kid was Grade 8, he’s probably 15. That’s always my question- how to deal with them? My mom recommended thinking about your reaction beforehand so you’re ready. But I don’t even know what I want my reaction to be!
Me: You gotta have some where to go. Wow, an 8th grade who’s only 15?
L: Actually I checked my register. He’s 14. I hardly believe it because his marks and attitude are so bad.
Me: Attitude’s bad because his marks are bad?
L: Or vice versa. He’s actually good natured just likes to be funny. Then again my smartest Grade 8 is 17.
Me: 17, they’ve had a chance to absorb it all. Best mark in Grade 6 is a kid who failed it last year.
August 4, 2008
After a week of luxury (2 movies, ate in restaurants, internet and hot showers) it’s time to go back to the village. Transportation is always a major ordeal and you have to brace yourself for it. It’s good having a partner for this because I can easily talk myself out of it. It’s not the being in the village, it’s the getting there that I dread.
This time we have a plan: go to the grocery store, then pick up our packages down the street at the post office. From there we’ll take a taxi to the transport depot (called the hike point) and leave our things with the Venture (boxy SUV kind of vehicle) and go to the other grocery store. We’ll drop that stuff off and finally go have lunch before coming back for the long wait.
It worked! Praise God it didn’t seem as bad as usual. We also got to sit in the middle seat instead of the back seat (trust me, it’s bad) and with only 3 people instead of 4 (and not 2 huge people so that I still got squished). But this old dude has insisted that I put on my seat belt- a shocker here but I can dig it and I’m adamant about it in The States. Now he keeps checking my seat belt at every stop. Mind you I haven’t moved an inch. Is he drunk? Or does he just want to talk to us and doesn’t know what else to say?
Alright I’m home in one piece! From waiting to leave until getting here it’s only been 6 hours. What a glorious day…no, seriously.
After a week of luxury (2 movies, ate in restaurants, internet and hot showers) it’s time to go back to the village. Transportation is always a major ordeal and you have to brace yourself for it. It’s good having a partner for this because I can easily talk myself out of it. It’s not the being in the village, it’s the getting there that I dread.
This time we have a plan: go to the grocery store, then pick up our packages down the street at the post office. From there we’ll take a taxi to the transport depot (called the hike point) and leave our things with the Venture (boxy SUV kind of vehicle) and go to the other grocery store. We’ll drop that stuff off and finally go have lunch before coming back for the long wait.
It worked! Praise God it didn’t seem as bad as usual. We also got to sit in the middle seat instead of the back seat (trust me, it’s bad) and with only 3 people instead of 4 (and not 2 huge people so that I still got squished). But this old dude has insisted that I put on my seat belt- a shocker here but I can dig it and I’m adamant about it in The States. Now he keeps checking my seat belt at every stop. Mind you I haven’t moved an inch. Is he drunk? Or does he just want to talk to us and doesn’t know what else to say?
Alright I’m home in one piece! From waiting to leave until getting here it’s only been 6 hours. What a glorious day…no, seriously.
Batman
July 31, 2008
I saw “Dark Knight”- in Namibia! I was so amazed and excited it was playing while I was in the capital. Christian Bale was cute as ever, though I still hate his Batman voice. Heath Ledger portrayed a sick and twisted Joker very well…I can see how it all went down hill for him.
I saw “Dark Knight”- in Namibia! I was so amazed and excited it was playing while I was in the capital. Christian Bale was cute as ever, though I still hate his Batman voice. Heath Ledger portrayed a sick and twisted Joker very well…I can see how it all went down hill for him.
Hanging On By A Thread
July 23, 2008
“Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name in the land that is plentiful, where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name”
Wow, a place with water in the riverbeds. Nice.
“Blessed be your name when I’m found in the desert place. Though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be your name…”
I am definitely in the desert place. This is the wilderness indeed.
“Blessed be your name when the sun’s shining down on me, when the world’s all as it should be, blessed be your name.”
Namibia does have about 300 sunny days a year. I do like that. Though there’s no shade- not a cloud in the sky and no tree to rest under.
“Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering, when there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your name.”
(Bitter laugh) Oh the road is actually named suffering. This is the most painful offering I think I’ve ever given.
“Every blessing you pour out I’ll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in Lord still I will say blessed be the name of the Lord blessed be your glorious name.”
Through the tiny joys Lord you have encouraged me, for that Lord, I praise you. Still this life feels so heavy, Lord I know the only reason it hasn’t fallen on me is that it’s your strength that is carrying it. Blessed be your name.
“Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name in the land that is plentiful, where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name”
Wow, a place with water in the riverbeds. Nice.
“Blessed be your name when I’m found in the desert place. Though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be your name…”
I am definitely in the desert place. This is the wilderness indeed.
“Blessed be your name when the sun’s shining down on me, when the world’s all as it should be, blessed be your name.”
Namibia does have about 300 sunny days a year. I do like that. Though there’s no shade- not a cloud in the sky and no tree to rest under.
“Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering, when there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your name.”
(Bitter laugh) Oh the road is actually named suffering. This is the most painful offering I think I’ve ever given.
“Every blessing you pour out I’ll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in Lord still I will say blessed be the name of the Lord blessed be your glorious name.”
Through the tiny joys Lord you have encouraged me, for that Lord, I praise you. Still this life feels so heavy, Lord I know the only reason it hasn’t fallen on me is that it’s your strength that is carrying it. Blessed be your name.
No Man's Land
July 12, 2008
I live on the equivalent of a Native American reservation (actually my friend said her grandmother doesn’t like to be called that so we settled on The 1st People Who Lived in the Land That’s Now America But Whose Land Was Stolen By White People).
The Herero people were massacred and driven from the desirable land. As restitution later people were given plots out here…in the desert. But really, Namibia was one of the last African countries to be colonized- even the Europeans didn’t want it.
So I’m in the No Man’s Land of No Man’s Land.
I live on the equivalent of a Native American reservation (actually my friend said her grandmother doesn’t like to be called that so we settled on The 1st People Who Lived in the Land That’s Now America But Whose Land Was Stolen By White People).
The Herero people were massacred and driven from the desirable land. As restitution later people were given plots out here…in the desert. But really, Namibia was one of the last African countries to be colonized- even the Europeans didn’t want it.
So I’m in the No Man’s Land of No Man’s Land.
You Talk Too Much
July 1, 2008
Three boys in Grade 6 can’t seem to keep their mouths shut- they need so much attention. During afternoon study today I asked them to try to be quiet for 5 minutes…they couldn’t do it, after that though they were pretty quiet. Suddenly they asked why they should be quiet anyway. “Do you want to know what the Bible says about people who talk too much?” Yeah they said. “The Bible says that people who talk too much talk…ovipuropuro (nonsense).” The whole room erupted in laughter. I didn’t even know I was going to say it- the Otjiherero just fell out of my mouth.
Three boys in Grade 6 can’t seem to keep their mouths shut- they need so much attention. During afternoon study today I asked them to try to be quiet for 5 minutes…they couldn’t do it, after that though they were pretty quiet. Suddenly they asked why they should be quiet anyway. “Do you want to know what the Bible says about people who talk too much?” Yeah they said. “The Bible says that people who talk too much talk…ovipuropuro (nonsense).” The whole room erupted in laughter. I didn’t even know I was going to say it- the Otjiherero just fell out of my mouth.
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