C: Hey Julie, what’s the name of the cockroach bomb and what does the bottle look like?
J: Hey Catherine! It’s great to hear from you. Yeah it’s Doom fogger in a red can.
C: Thanks. So how’s it down your way?
J: Uhm…how many days/weeks/months do we have left? Things are moving along. How are you?
C: Ha ha, I’m with you. I’m reading ‘Three Cups of Tea’ about building schools in Pakistan- the guy has so much passion. I used to be described as a passionate person. Where did it all go?? I haven’t started counting days until COS (close of service) but I’ve been dreaming about the trip (^_^).
J: Oh good! I’ve heard it’s a good book. Yeah, that whole idealistic change the world crap pretty much has been beaten out of me.
C: Yeah, this place’ll beat a lotta things outta ya. Hang in there, it’s more than ½ way over!
J: Yay! Lekker slap and enjoy tomorrow.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Na ru ho do...I see!
February 11, 2009
I was hanging out with my host mom at the finish line of the track. As we waited for our events to begin we chatted. She turns to me and asks, “In your country, is it common for a husband to take a girlfriend?”
C: “Uhm, no. People cheat on their spouses but it’s not a cultural norm- not something to be expected. If you did it, you’d be trying to hide it. It’s something to be ashamed of, breaking your marriage vows.”
HM: “That woman over there in the red shirt is the girlfriend of Mrs. Jackson’s husband. They have two kids together and one of them is here in the 1st grade.”
C: “No way!” I said as I turned to look and saw that all the girlfriend and wife and the small group of spectators were all chatting together.
HM: “Yes, men here will openly take a girlfriend. I blame the men. A woman would never approach a man and try to start a relationship with him. He always approaches her. And if he tells her to it is okay to call him, then she will. If he tells her not to call because he is with his wife, then she won’t. If the wife acts jealous then people talk badly about her and say that she should be ashamed of herself.”
C: “Seriously? If this was America and the wife and girlfriend would not be hanging out together. There would be a fight. People’s friends would not accept the girlfriend. The man would not openly flaunt this.”
HM: “In America if the wife acts jealous then maybe it means that she loves her man. Here she must just live with the situation.”
Aaaaaaah, now I see. That’s one of the main reasons these women are so wary of outside females. Their husbands may very well be attracted and pursue these new ladies with little respect for their wives. They are circling the wagons, and won’t let me in. But what they don’t know is, I have absolutely no interest in any of their men. I won’t even expand on that, I’ll just say that I have no desire to stay in Namibia and will not be getting into a romantic relationship with anyone. No exceptions.
I was hanging out with my host mom at the finish line of the track. As we waited for our events to begin we chatted. She turns to me and asks, “In your country, is it common for a husband to take a girlfriend?”
C: “Uhm, no. People cheat on their spouses but it’s not a cultural norm- not something to be expected. If you did it, you’d be trying to hide it. It’s something to be ashamed of, breaking your marriage vows.”
HM: “That woman over there in the red shirt is the girlfriend of Mrs. Jackson’s husband. They have two kids together and one of them is here in the 1st grade.”
C: “No way!” I said as I turned to look and saw that all the girlfriend and wife and the small group of spectators were all chatting together.
HM: “Yes, men here will openly take a girlfriend. I blame the men. A woman would never approach a man and try to start a relationship with him. He always approaches her. And if he tells her to it is okay to call him, then she will. If he tells her not to call because he is with his wife, then she won’t. If the wife acts jealous then people talk badly about her and say that she should be ashamed of herself.”
C: “Seriously? If this was America and the wife and girlfriend would not be hanging out together. There would be a fight. People’s friends would not accept the girlfriend. The man would not openly flaunt this.”
HM: “In America if the wife acts jealous then maybe it means that she loves her man. Here she must just live with the situation.”
Aaaaaaah, now I see. That’s one of the main reasons these women are so wary of outside females. Their husbands may very well be attracted and pursue these new ladies with little respect for their wives. They are circling the wagons, and won’t let me in. But what they don’t know is, I have absolutely no interest in any of their men. I won’t even expand on that, I’ll just say that I have no desire to stay in Namibia and will not be getting into a romantic relationship with anyone. No exceptions.
Warm and Fuzzy Village Life
February 10, 2009
C: Is Herero land the warm and fuzzy village you imagined? Do you feel welcomed, greeted, and integrated?
Kate: What deep and intense questions…for me, living in a very small village of 200, I feel welcomed and accepted. To be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect besides loads of meat and drinking.
C: Yeah? Me, Bri, and Leah have some moments of welcome or friendliness but the majority are not that way. Women are unsure what to make of a single woman with no kids- because that’s where most of them are at. Greeting, if not returned with a similar greeting is a) not replied to just stared at, b) grunted at, c) or returned with English (though if I greeted in English they’d tell me I need to learn Otjiherero). Not feeling like this place is open.
K: I am not sure if it’s because I am living in such a small close knit village…it’s mostly women who are elders, who don’t speak English, and never go outside. There are a few women that snicker and who I feel don’t like me.
C: I guess I feel like more women don’t like me than do but the ones who do are great.
K: Just got the rest of your message…and I agree with the language thing…they expect us to be fluent and know everything and if we don’t then they grunt us off…I hate the grunting! It’s rude and inconsiderate. This is more so from the women I feel but it can go both ways.
C: Oh the grunting works my nerves! It is so rude to me…and discourages me from speaking at all.
K: Oh me too…it’s like I am trying here and you come at me with a grunt…I don’t think so. Ugh!
C: Is Herero land the warm and fuzzy village you imagined? Do you feel welcomed, greeted, and integrated?
Kate: What deep and intense questions…for me, living in a very small village of 200, I feel welcomed and accepted. To be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect besides loads of meat and drinking.
C: Yeah? Me, Bri, and Leah have some moments of welcome or friendliness but the majority are not that way. Women are unsure what to make of a single woman with no kids- because that’s where most of them are at. Greeting, if not returned with a similar greeting is a) not replied to just stared at, b) grunted at, c) or returned with English (though if I greeted in English they’d tell me I need to learn Otjiherero). Not feeling like this place is open.
K: I am not sure if it’s because I am living in such a small close knit village…it’s mostly women who are elders, who don’t speak English, and never go outside. There are a few women that snicker and who I feel don’t like me.
C: I guess I feel like more women don’t like me than do but the ones who do are great.
K: Just got the rest of your message…and I agree with the language thing…they expect us to be fluent and know everything and if we don’t then they grunt us off…I hate the grunting! It’s rude and inconsiderate. This is more so from the women I feel but it can go both ways.
C: Oh the grunting works my nerves! It is so rude to me…and discourages me from speaking at all.
K: Oh me too…it’s like I am trying here and you come at me with a grunt…I don’t think so. Ugh!
Feeling Some Kinda Way
February 9, 2009
I got called “white” or “Boer” by one of the 5th graders. Another child in class reported it to me, which means it was a disrespectful thing. I had to ask the secretary what the word meant. She said I should send him to the principal. I did. Pretty sure he got a couple of whacks on the hand with a stick and was told to apologize. He came back all teary-eyed.
I reminded him of his name, Tjipumba, and that that is what I call him. He is allowed to call me Ms. Randle and nothing else. I thought of the sweets I had given him just this morning and how I let him borrow the soccer ball. Then I felt like a parent. You are trying to care for your kid and they act like this. Children are still learning how to reciprocate caring behavior and they act out with little forethought or consideration for others when they don’t get their way.
The strangest past was that I didn’t know how I felt. I still don’t.
I got called “white” or “Boer” by one of the 5th graders. Another child in class reported it to me, which means it was a disrespectful thing. I had to ask the secretary what the word meant. She said I should send him to the principal. I did. Pretty sure he got a couple of whacks on the hand with a stick and was told to apologize. He came back all teary-eyed.
I reminded him of his name, Tjipumba, and that that is what I call him. He is allowed to call me Ms. Randle and nothing else. I thought of the sweets I had given him just this morning and how I let him borrow the soccer ball. Then I felt like a parent. You are trying to care for your kid and they act like this. Children are still learning how to reciprocate caring behavior and they act out with little forethought or consideration for others when they don’t get their way.
The strangest past was that I didn’t know how I felt. I still don’t.
Gotta Gotta Get to Otjimanangombe
February 8, 2009
9pm
B: Uhm am still at Post 10, thanks to Katjaimo and your transport driver not going all the way to Post 8 tonight. Am at side of road now. Supposedly a transport from Windhoek may come at like 1am. ARRGGGH
C: Yeah it’s the bus we took out that time. It’d be awesome to see you. You could aim for the bus but if you miss it that’s fine. We’ll just go through another week and hope our heads don’t explode from all we need to say to someone who understands…English ;)
B: Ok, will wait a bit more out here and if no ride then I’ll aim for the bus.
C: Ok honey, be careful…don’t get run over by any meandering cows. TIML %) (This Is My Life)
2AM
B: It’s 2am and no bus…I think it’s a bust for tonight. I may try to hike in the AM. Sleep well.
She did hike in the morning and got a great ride with someone who would also take her back on Sunday. I know it sounds like a lot to go through to see a friend but imagine only getting to decompress with the people who support and understand you about twice a month.
B: Hey deary, made it back in 30 minutes! It was SO GREAT to see you! Thank you so much for the great meals, and especially sharing your rice and mango. At least I am some how recharged for this week. Oh and dude did offer to take us to and from town anytime, for whatever that’s worth. Have a good night and hope you have a great week :)
C: Wow! A good ride makes a world of difference. I’m sure this offer of rides is the beginning of your courtship and I’m going to encourage it as need arises. Oh of course, I share everything with you. It was wonderful to see you too. I also feel refreshed and ready to make the most of this week. See you again soon.
9pm
B: Uhm am still at Post 10, thanks to Katjaimo and your transport driver not going all the way to Post 8 tonight. Am at side of road now. Supposedly a transport from Windhoek may come at like 1am. ARRGGGH
C: Yeah it’s the bus we took out that time. It’d be awesome to see you. You could aim for the bus but if you miss it that’s fine. We’ll just go through another week and hope our heads don’t explode from all we need to say to someone who understands…English ;)
B: Ok, will wait a bit more out here and if no ride then I’ll aim for the bus.
C: Ok honey, be careful…don’t get run over by any meandering cows. TIML %) (This Is My Life)
2AM
B: It’s 2am and no bus…I think it’s a bust for tonight. I may try to hike in the AM. Sleep well.
She did hike in the morning and got a great ride with someone who would also take her back on Sunday. I know it sounds like a lot to go through to see a friend but imagine only getting to decompress with the people who support and understand you about twice a month.
B: Hey deary, made it back in 30 minutes! It was SO GREAT to see you! Thank you so much for the great meals, and especially sharing your rice and mango. At least I am some how recharged for this week. Oh and dude did offer to take us to and from town anytime, for whatever that’s worth. Have a good night and hope you have a great week :)
C: Wow! A good ride makes a world of difference. I’m sure this offer of rides is the beginning of your courtship and I’m going to encourage it as need arises. Oh of course, I share everything with you. It was wonderful to see you too. I also feel refreshed and ready to make the most of this week. See you again soon.
Celebrate The Small Successes
February 4, 2009
I’m so proud of Grade 6! They are such an awesome class. So last week we started Natural Science with the male reproductive organs (1st topic in the book actually) and they had a test on it. The next day I put the names of the the 3 highest scorers on the bulletin board and they got stickers. They loved the recognition.
On Monday we began with the female reproductive organs. Next we made some flashcards to help them study. When we took the test so you want to know how many perfect scores there were?? Nine! This is up from 1 the last week. I praised them and told them how proud I am. Their little faces were beaming. I also said, “Now I know that you can do it and you know that you can do it. I expect you to keep it up.”
I’m so proud of Grade 6! They are such an awesome class. So last week we started Natural Science with the male reproductive organs (1st topic in the book actually) and they had a test on it. The next day I put the names of the the 3 highest scorers on the bulletin board and they got stickers. They loved the recognition.
On Monday we began with the female reproductive organs. Next we made some flashcards to help them study. When we took the test so you want to know how many perfect scores there were?? Nine! This is up from 1 the last week. I praised them and told them how proud I am. Their little faces were beaming. I also said, “Now I know that you can do it and you know that you can do it. I expect you to keep it up.”
No, This Isn’t A Joke But It’s Hilarious
February 1, 2009
B: I know it’s not free yet but I really have to say that so far today: (1) I found a plastic shopping bag in the toilet and (2) 1 of the 4 kids who stays here walked in on me in the shower just now. Why was she able to do this? Because they took the lock off the bathroom door- that the Ministry of Works just put on btw- and so now we use a brick to shut the door and a hand towel in the now exposed lock hole. Granted the kid has Downs Syndrome and doesn’t know any better, but still.
AND since we’re on the topic of me b%tching, I’d like to add that they CUT the burglar bars off the bathroom window and now use it as an underwear drying rack. AND I’ve seen this lady’s boobs about a gazillion times so far. AND I can often hear them SAWing up meat in the kitchen. WTF to all of this. Aye. Anyway how was your day? You can reply when it’s free.
C: LOL! That is so unbelievable that it’s hilarious. You’re not b$tching, those are legit oddities, grievances, and annoyances. Was there any talk about taking the lock off for the kid’s safety? Probably not. You just came home to find the door all jacked up. Burglar bars are PC policy, besides who the eff does that?? Security measure or clothes rack? Buy some hangers lady. It’s all so ridic. Sorry honey.
B: Craziness I say. This is why it’s best to stay in my room.
P.S. By the time we get to town this month I will have spent 5 weeks/weekends in Epukiro….too many. I hope I make it!
C: The more I think about it the funnier it gets. That’s not even her house, and she just came in and ripped out the lock and tore apart the burglar bars. And it’s been about a week right? So if you’ve seen her boobs a gazillion times already that means she spends like 90% of the time topless.
B: Yes, that’s correct.
B: I know it’s not free yet but I really have to say that so far today: (1) I found a plastic shopping bag in the toilet and (2) 1 of the 4 kids who stays here walked in on me in the shower just now. Why was she able to do this? Because they took the lock off the bathroom door- that the Ministry of Works just put on btw- and so now we use a brick to shut the door and a hand towel in the now exposed lock hole. Granted the kid has Downs Syndrome and doesn’t know any better, but still.
AND since we’re on the topic of me b%tching, I’d like to add that they CUT the burglar bars off the bathroom window and now use it as an underwear drying rack. AND I’ve seen this lady’s boobs about a gazillion times so far. AND I can often hear them SAWing up meat in the kitchen. WTF to all of this. Aye. Anyway how was your day? You can reply when it’s free.
C: LOL! That is so unbelievable that it’s hilarious. You’re not b$tching, those are legit oddities, grievances, and annoyances. Was there any talk about taking the lock off for the kid’s safety? Probably not. You just came home to find the door all jacked up. Burglar bars are PC policy, besides who the eff does that?? Security measure or clothes rack? Buy some hangers lady. It’s all so ridic. Sorry honey.
B: Craziness I say. This is why it’s best to stay in my room.
P.S. By the time we get to town this month I will have spent 5 weeks/weekends in Epukiro….too many. I hope I make it!
C: The more I think about it the funnier it gets. That’s not even her house, and she just came in and ripped out the lock and tore apart the burglar bars. And it’s been about a week right? So if you’ve seen her boobs a gazillion times already that means she spends like 90% of the time topless.
B: Yes, that’s correct.
January 30, 2009
C: Hey honey, it’s the weekend! How was school? What’s going on in Okovimburu?
B: Hey hey yay weekend. The learners all went home for the weekend so it’s nice and quiet. A pretty good week, mucho busy though. But we still have power…maybe they forgot to unplug us before they left for the weekend? Who knows. This place is a mystery. How are things there? How was the first week back? The learners already fluent in English?
C: Yep, I whipped ‘em into shape. Now they’re reading Orwell and Shakespeare- what I was reading in 7th grade. My work here is done, see ya ;). Week was good. I’m getting organized, learning names, and talking about how babies are made! Glad you’ll have a quiet weekend and I hope you don’t get unplugged.
B: Oh that’s hilarious, Shakespeare. Ya. Oooh I forgot you are teaching science! baby talk= awesome. Hey it’s almost February, we are cruising right along :)
B: Hey hey yay weekend. The learners all went home for the weekend so it’s nice and quiet. A pretty good week, mucho busy though. But we still have power…maybe they forgot to unplug us before they left for the weekend? Who knows. This place is a mystery. How are things there? How was the first week back? The learners already fluent in English?
C: Yep, I whipped ‘em into shape. Now they’re reading Orwell and Shakespeare- what I was reading in 7th grade. My work here is done, see ya ;). Week was good. I’m getting organized, learning names, and talking about how babies are made! Glad you’ll have a quiet weekend and I hope you don’t get unplugged.
B: Oh that’s hilarious, Shakespeare. Ya. Oooh I forgot you are teaching science! baby talk= awesome. Hey it’s almost February, we are cruising right along :)
Just Another Day
January 26, 2009
Bri: How’s the day?
C: Day was fine. Just saw the timetable. Turns out Mon/Tues are busy days :). I still managed to do little to nothing! Not stressed at all, want to get caught up though. Oh that teacher, just on maternity leave- blurg. Got Burt’s Bees coconut on my feet though- yummy!
B: Oh yuck, too bad her leave is only temp. Oh well. At least you’ll have soft feet. Big parent meeting tomorrow- should be awesome :)
C: Ooooooh have fun with the folks! They never make me go to those things. Got power? Agua?
B: Yea, Friday is the big day (that they’ll cut off the village’s power and water supply for non-payment). Aye.
C: Aaaack, that ish is crazy. I’m praying for ya honey.
B: Thanks, I need it. I mean where will I go to the bathroom…can I go in the bush with so many people and snakes…err
C: Get a bucket and toss it? Or rebuild one of those old outhouses and have a real PC experience. Who needs a flush toilet? Except maybe when you have a running stomach.
B: Indeed, I’d have to lay off the sour milk then (a staple in our communities), :)
C: That sucks since it’s your fave ;)
Bri: How’s the day?
C: Day was fine. Just saw the timetable. Turns out Mon/Tues are busy days :). I still managed to do little to nothing! Not stressed at all, want to get caught up though. Oh that teacher, just on maternity leave- blurg. Got Burt’s Bees coconut on my feet though- yummy!
B: Oh yuck, too bad her leave is only temp. Oh well. At least you’ll have soft feet. Big parent meeting tomorrow- should be awesome :)
C: Ooooooh have fun with the folks! They never make me go to those things. Got power? Agua?
B: Yea, Friday is the big day (that they’ll cut off the village’s power and water supply for non-payment). Aye.
C: Aaaack, that ish is crazy. I’m praying for ya honey.
B: Thanks, I need it. I mean where will I go to the bathroom…can I go in the bush with so many people and snakes…err
C: Get a bucket and toss it? Or rebuild one of those old outhouses and have a real PC experience. Who needs a flush toilet? Except maybe when you have a running stomach.
B: Indeed, I’d have to lay off the sour milk then (a staple in our communities), :)
C: That sucks since it’s your fave ;)
A Little Help From My Friends
When NamLife and rural schools get me down, my PCV buds always come through with love…
AM: U have a very difficult job and as long as you’re doing your best you can’t ask any more of yourself. You’re teaching them a lot more than is in the syllabus. Seriously!
GB: I’m totally a Catherine cheerleader. Especially if my uniform could be purple. :)
Thea: Prepping mentally for another year takes lots of encouragement and assurance. We can do this Catherine! Sleep well friend. Tomorrow is still the weekend. Another day to rest and store up energy for the week ahead.
AM: Sounds like you’re in good spirits! Everyone has high numbers in grade 5. System sets it up that way with their whole fail/transfer rubbish. But we’re still smiling . It’s a good challenge. You’ll rock it out!
AM: U have a very difficult job and as long as you’re doing your best you can’t ask any more of yourself. You’re teaching them a lot more than is in the syllabus. Seriously!
GB: I’m totally a Catherine cheerleader. Especially if my uniform could be purple. :)
Thea: Prepping mentally for another year takes lots of encouragement and assurance. We can do this Catherine! Sleep well friend. Tomorrow is still the weekend. Another day to rest and store up energy for the week ahead.
AM: Sounds like you’re in good spirits! Everyone has high numbers in grade 5. System sets it up that way with their whole fail/transfer rubbish. But we’re still smiling . It’s a good challenge. You’ll rock it out!
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