April 8, 2009
That’s all I can say- there was a condom debacle. I can’t tell you what happened. One day it will be funny when I say ‘the kid ate the banana’. But today I felt defeated. As Grade 7 stood there in silence, I stood there with my head down thinking, ‘You need more help than I can give you.’ Every one of the kids is a special needs leaner. Each of them needs their hand held more often than I can hold it. I feel ill-equipped.
For the moment, I don't even want to talk about it anymore.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
It's A Dance Off
April 7, 2009
A teacher was working on his car and blasting music in the yard after study. We went outside to listen. Then more children came. And more...every grade and age. An impromptu dance contest- I love it.
A teacher was working on his car and blasting music in the yard after study. We went outside to listen. Then more children came. And more...every grade and age. An impromptu dance contest- I love it.
Well Paint Me Orange and Give Me Sour Milk
I do so little to please my mother (she my host mom, how did she guilt me in to this?)I decided that I must do this.
She got a "traditional" Hereo dress and put me in it. 5 petticoats! And a cow hat on top.
There are pictures. She is going to print one and send it to the States with me as a gift to my family.
(Picture will be posted when I get to America!!! Soon)
She got a "traditional" Hereo dress and put me in it. 5 petticoats! And a cow hat on top.
There are pictures. She is going to print one and send it to the States with me as a gift to my family.
(Picture will be posted when I get to America!!! Soon)
April 1, 2009
As I stood with the school’s secretary and waited for the learners to line up after break, I couldn’t help but remark that ‘I hate this place and I look forward to the day it is no longer my life’.
She replied, ‘You have only 8 months then you will go. What about us? I want to leave this place too.’
‘You can come with me to America.’
‘Oh I want to. I would just tell my husband that I am leaving.’
We laughed. Of course she wouldn’t do that.
‘I know Hereros are my people but they are not nice.’
It continues to be confirmed that it is not just me. It’s not just foreigners either. I love this woman, she made my day. Somebody buy this woman a ticket! (I'm a volunteer and have no money.)
As I stood with the school’s secretary and waited for the learners to line up after break, I couldn’t help but remark that ‘I hate this place and I look forward to the day it is no longer my life’.
She replied, ‘You have only 8 months then you will go. What about us? I want to leave this place too.’
‘You can come with me to America.’
‘Oh I want to. I would just tell my husband that I am leaving.’
We laughed. Of course she wouldn’t do that.
‘I know Hereros are my people but they are not nice.’
It continues to be confirmed that it is not just me. It’s not just foreigners either. I love this woman, she made my day. Somebody buy this woman a ticket! (I'm a volunteer and have no money.)
Is That Traditional?
March 30, 2009
Today is Monday. The Principal was absent from school. He bought a new car last weekend and had to have a ‘traditional car-welcoming’ ceremony. And he had to have it on a school day. Sounds like a personal affair to me.
At sunrise a sheep was slaughtered, the entrails were removed and sprinkled over the car. The grandfather lit the “holy fire” which connects them to their ancestors. To the holy fire the grandfather spoke words of safety and prosperity over the son and his car. Then they ate the sheep and had tea. Everything is sealed by the eating of meat.
I could see from the other teacher's face that this was serious business so I tried not to laugh. Are they for real?
Today is Monday. The Principal was absent from school. He bought a new car last weekend and had to have a ‘traditional car-welcoming’ ceremony. And he had to have it on a school day. Sounds like a personal affair to me.
At sunrise a sheep was slaughtered, the entrails were removed and sprinkled over the car. The grandfather lit the “holy fire” which connects them to their ancestors. To the holy fire the grandfather spoke words of safety and prosperity over the son and his car. Then they ate the sheep and had tea. Everything is sealed by the eating of meat.
I could see from the other teacher's face that this was serious business so I tried not to laugh. Are they for real?
Ready For A New Life
March 30, 2009
C: I am so ready for this not to be my life anymore. These’ll probably be 2 of the longest weeks until town EVER.
B: Word. Today itself feels like an eternity.
2 things today: 1) that Walton’s pencil sharpener really does rock! 2) one of my grade 6 had donkey meat in her backpack.
C: LOL! Only in Nam. Thanks for the laugh. Speaking of donkeys, there’s a possibility of a ride this weekend…and more laughs. Glad the sharpener’s working out.
B: Too funny. I’ll bring my camera in that case. I never thought I’d utter the words ‘it’s okay to have donkey meat in your backpack. You just can’t eat it in class’!
C: That may be the funniest thing…wait I should read your other funniest text to give myself a little laughter…that is quite a sentence to utter. TIML…but only for 8 more months.
B: Life is never dull here. Yes, it’s almost April, my friend! And yet The End still feels far.
C: You’d think village life would be dull- that’s why we brought all the books and dvds, not knowing we’d cling to them to feel normal. It is practically April and while the end seems far, God speed us to the break!
B: Oh man, it’s so true about the books and dvds. Town then holiday. Town then holiday.
C: Shoot, as soon as we get to town for the 4 day weekend (and Jack…Bauer, not Daniels) it’ll be exams and then slide right into much needed and deserved vacay.
B: ;)
C: I am so ready for this not to be my life anymore. These’ll probably be 2 of the longest weeks until town EVER.
B: Word. Today itself feels like an eternity.
2 things today: 1) that Walton’s pencil sharpener really does rock! 2) one of my grade 6 had donkey meat in her backpack.
C: LOL! Only in Nam. Thanks for the laugh. Speaking of donkeys, there’s a possibility of a ride this weekend…and more laughs. Glad the sharpener’s working out.
B: Too funny. I’ll bring my camera in that case. I never thought I’d utter the words ‘it’s okay to have donkey meat in your backpack. You just can’t eat it in class’!
C: That may be the funniest thing…wait I should read your other funniest text to give myself a little laughter…that is quite a sentence to utter. TIML…but only for 8 more months.
B: Life is never dull here. Yes, it’s almost April, my friend! And yet The End still feels far.
C: You’d think village life would be dull- that’s why we brought all the books and dvds, not knowing we’d cling to them to feel normal. It is practically April and while the end seems far, God speed us to the break!
B: Oh man, it’s so true about the books and dvds. Town then holiday. Town then holiday.
C: Shoot, as soon as we get to town for the 4 day weekend (and Jack…Bauer, not Daniels) it’ll be exams and then slide right into much needed and deserved vacay.
B: ;)
Done
March 29, 2009
B: Hellooo, how was the weekend? At what point does it become a problem that my most frequent thought is ‘I hate me life’? :)
C: Hi, hi, weekend was relaxing. Reading ‘Shakespeare Secret’ again. I realized I have a brown thumb- my garden is a bust! Hey you are not having murderous thoughts about the kids so that’s good. Uhm beyond that I think it’s time to change location…and probably careers. Let’s go now now.
B: End of text missing but glad you had a good weekend. I’m sorry about your garden, it’s the Nam soil I’m sure.
C: I’ll re-send. Oh I wish it was the Nam soil, it is usually Nam’s fault but I did kill the basil…a hearty plant according to Amanda.
B: Just got the rest of your text. Lol, let’s go!
C: Let’s go to… Tanzania. We can work on one of those farms and hang out with my friend’s family.
B: Sold!
B: Hellooo, how was the weekend? At what point does it become a problem that my most frequent thought is ‘I hate me life’? :)
C: Hi, hi, weekend was relaxing. Reading ‘Shakespeare Secret’ again. I realized I have a brown thumb- my garden is a bust! Hey you are not having murderous thoughts about the kids so that’s good. Uhm beyond that I think it’s time to change location…and probably careers. Let’s go now now.
B: End of text missing but glad you had a good weekend. I’m sorry about your garden, it’s the Nam soil I’m sure.
C: I’ll re-send. Oh I wish it was the Nam soil, it is usually Nam’s fault but I did kill the basil…a hearty plant according to Amanda.
B: Just got the rest of your text. Lol, let’s go!
C: Let’s go to… Tanzania. We can work on one of those farms and hang out with my friend’s family.
B: Sold!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Post of Love
March 13, 2009
To: Miss Randle
Good morning. I want to say thanks for the shoes you gave me for my happy birthday. I am proud and happy of you. Because you are a good teacher. Next week I will buy for you nice things. Thanks for teaching me.
From: Ngunondjamo
To: Miss Randle
Good morning. I want to say thanks for the shoes you gave me for my happy birthday. I am proud and happy of you. Because you are a good teacher. Next week I will buy for you nice things. Thanks for teaching me.
From: Ngunondjamo
Puffing Away
March 12, 2009
Me: Today in Life Skills grade 6 we talked about ‘I’m ashamed when…’ and one of them said, ‘I’m ashamed when I puff.’ LOL! The entire class cracked up- it was great. You are the first one who told me about puffing. Lol.
Grace: Ahahahaha. That’s awesome! I think the word ‘puffing’ may be the funniest word ever.
*puffing= farting
Me: Today in Life Skills grade 6 we talked about ‘I’m ashamed when…’ and one of them said, ‘I’m ashamed when I puff.’ LOL! The entire class cracked up- it was great. You are the first one who told me about puffing. Lol.
Grace: Ahahahaha. That’s awesome! I think the word ‘puffing’ may be the funniest word ever.
*puffing= farting
Not Me
March 8, 2009
I just found out I’m supposed to be on the Educative Tour Committee. Excuse me? Who? What when were…I’m so flabbergasted I can’t even put question marks! I vehemently protest my appointment to this project. Yall just keep trying to make me do things I don’t want to do. Let someone volunteer (cuz I already am). Assign someone who believes in this project, cuz it aint me babe no no no it aint me babe it aint me you’re lookin for, babe.
I’m not opposed to the tour, I just don’t want to be a part of it. I’ve heard too many horror stories from other volunteers. They need to do their own fundraising within Nam and have Namibian teachers working on it so it doesn’t start and end with a PCV, like it does at most schools.
Besides, I’ve got a full plate with reading groups, netball courts, ISP, and other things. Thank you but I’d rather not.
I just found out I’m supposed to be on the Educative Tour Committee. Excuse me? Who? What when were…I’m so flabbergasted I can’t even put question marks! I vehemently protest my appointment to this project. Yall just keep trying to make me do things I don’t want to do. Let someone volunteer (cuz I already am). Assign someone who believes in this project, cuz it aint me babe no no no it aint me babe it aint me you’re lookin for, babe.
I’m not opposed to the tour, I just don’t want to be a part of it. I’ve heard too many horror stories from other volunteers. They need to do their own fundraising within Nam and have Namibian teachers working on it so it doesn’t start and end with a PCV, like it does at most schools.
Besides, I’ve got a full plate with reading groups, netball courts, ISP, and other things. Thank you but I’d rather not.
Who's In Charge?
March 6, 2009
The Ministry of Education monitors the schools, the principals, and the teachers in their region. They make sure things are running smoothly and that everyone is doing their job. Guess who works at the Min of Edu? The people who couldn’t do their job. The failed teachers and principals go to work in the Min of Edu and monitor the schools of our region. Those who couldn’t principal now make sure the principals are up to par. Make sense? Just like everything else in this place.
The Ministry of Education monitors the schools, the principals, and the teachers in their region. They make sure things are running smoothly and that everyone is doing their job. Guess who works at the Min of Edu? The people who couldn’t do their job. The failed teachers and principals go to work in the Min of Edu and monitor the schools of our region. Those who couldn’t principal now make sure the principals are up to par. Make sense? Just like everything else in this place.
The Usual Unknown Feelings
March 5, 2009
Me: Hey honey, you going to Windhooek this weekend? Thea left some stuff in my PC box, if it’s not too much will you grab it for me? Thank you.
AM: Hi. How are you? Yeah I’ll grab the stuffs and try not to run away from here :)
Me: Oh as long as you don’t run away without me :)
I’m good and not so good and trying to work through my issues (of which there are enough). How are you?
AM: Even me Miss. Seem to be struggling but feel like less struggle than last month…good then who knows then bed then alright then rocky. I don’t know anymore :)
Me: Oh you know I don’t know…up and down and all around %-)
AM: Yep and all the time. Permanently %-) hahahahahahaha
Me: Shallow pool of insanity ;-)
AM: Hahahahaaa…someone please tell me I’m going to have or least feel like I have more control over my life when this is all over?!
Me: Yes, you’ll have the illusion of control but once you’ve been in the matrix…
AM: But I thought this was going to make me stronger and now I feel it’s having a reverse affect. Sorry…heavy stuff %-)
Me: Hah stuff is heavy for me right now too. I thought this would build the character of Christ, which it may…when I stop feeling like a jerk. It’s all topsy turvy at the moment :-P
AM: Hehe I don’t know, we’ll see I guess. I’m trying so hard to stay positive. Or something like that. Hmmmm. Breather and remind myself that I’m not lost. And pray too
Me: Learning to find balance in this crazy life and coming out (somewhat) sane on the other side will make us stronger. Until that glorious day we can breather deeply, pray often, and try to focus on the good things and bring ourselves back to a place of thankfulness when we realize we’ve drifted into the darkness. I’m thankful that you’re my friend
AM: You’re so right, with everything. And I am so thankful for you too. That sms is a keeper. This place makes me struggle with everything. Even being a good friend %-)
Me: Hey honey, you going to Windhooek this weekend? Thea left some stuff in my PC box, if it’s not too much will you grab it for me? Thank you.
AM: Hi. How are you? Yeah I’ll grab the stuffs and try not to run away from here :)
Me: Oh as long as you don’t run away without me :)
I’m good and not so good and trying to work through my issues (of which there are enough). How are you?
AM: Even me Miss. Seem to be struggling but feel like less struggle than last month…good then who knows then bed then alright then rocky. I don’t know anymore :)
Me: Oh you know I don’t know…up and down and all around %-)
AM: Yep and all the time. Permanently %-) hahahahahahaha
Me: Shallow pool of insanity ;-)
AM: Hahahahaaa…someone please tell me I’m going to have or least feel like I have more control over my life when this is all over?!
Me: Yes, you’ll have the illusion of control but once you’ve been in the matrix…
AM: But I thought this was going to make me stronger and now I feel it’s having a reverse affect. Sorry…heavy stuff %-)
Me: Hah stuff is heavy for me right now too. I thought this would build the character of Christ, which it may…when I stop feeling like a jerk. It’s all topsy turvy at the moment :-P
AM: Hehe I don’t know, we’ll see I guess. I’m trying so hard to stay positive. Or something like that. Hmmmm. Breather and remind myself that I’m not lost. And pray too
Me: Learning to find balance in this crazy life and coming out (somewhat) sane on the other side will make us stronger. Until that glorious day we can breather deeply, pray often, and try to focus on the good things and bring ourselves back to a place of thankfulness when we realize we’ve drifted into the darkness. I’m thankful that you’re my friend
AM: You’re so right, with everything. And I am so thankful for you too. That sms is a keeper. This place makes me struggle with everything. Even being a good friend %-)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
February 19, 2009
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.
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.
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 :)
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