tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84372220746432212382024-03-13T20:12:27.448-07:00I Don't Know Where I'm Going, But I'll Tell You When I Get There.Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-61663147656742183362014-06-02T09:08:00.000-07:002014-06-02T09:08:08.939-07:00Winter
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During summer everything is alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rain allows long-forgotten seedlings to
flourish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The typical yellowed landscape
makes way to an almost Irish greenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before you eyes the changes awaken new life in every living thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The animals become livelier; the people
happier.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a while all is good and awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But like all good things, it recedes with the
same mystery as its arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The days
gradually become shorter, until one day it appears to sleep as much as the
inhabitants.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The lushness, like the sun, fades to its dry, brittle
self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New growth becomes sparse, and the
wildlife leaner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hardships begin to
arise, and with it the redder emotions of the human species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aggression, frustration and anger are the
meals of the season.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With shorter days comes the distancing of the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its departure carries with it the heat, the
passion, and the joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is during these
times that people show their strength to persevere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is when we survive.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is the winters, not the summers, which allow for real
growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Organisms use no thought or
gumption when the living’s easy, when all components of survival are in easy
reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winter, on the other hand, is
what separates the hardy from the frail.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is that ability to survive the cold, the dry, the lonely,
which makes our roots stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
can soften those reds, and allow ourselves to survive the winter, that we truly
become our strongest.</span></div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-5454379737650330052014-03-03T03:44:00.001-08:002014-03-09T06:36:01.202-07:00Crash
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
When you first join the Peace Corps, and they sit you down
Day 1 in a foreign country, they warn you that your emotions will be like a
roller coaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be days when
you’re up, and days when you’re down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And some days both, several times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Personally, I don’t like that analogy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roller coasters will make you scream, laugh,
or puke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they’re fun, especially the
frightening parts.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
No, emotions in a foreign land are more like the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are always present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times they may be so gentle and quiet you
forget that they’re there at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There are days when that gentle lull crashes so beautifully
and peacefully that you drift away to a content and pleasant place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can lay there and float to dreamland, as
if on a cloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The white noise is easily
forgotten, but its constant soft presence unconsciously calms and soothes. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Like the ocean, the tides of emotion are bound to
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s slow, sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t notice the change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It creeps up on you, inch by inch, becoming
more powerful and noticeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
lullaby from before gradually becomes louder and louder until the crescendo
rocks your very bones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times like
this, being in the ocean of emotion is very tremulous.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The waves are gigantic, slowly pulling you out into the
abyss of the deep unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more you
fight to get to the safety of the shore, the greater the pull of the undertow
becomes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wave after wave, you are sucked
under, unable to breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your chest
lights on fire and panic sets in as your body is thrown in all directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have no control over yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as soon as you are able to emerge to take
a breath and gain your bearings, another one descends upon your head. The only
way to get back is to let those waves, those immense emotions, drag you where
they will until they spit you out, crashing you into the sand.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Scrambling away from them, you find a safe distance and then
collapse like a rag doll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your muscles
are like jello.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you wanted to
move, both your body and mind are so exhausted you wouldn’t be able to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You lay there for a while, catching your
breath and mentally checking that you’re still whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bumps and scrapes, over time, will fade
and be forgotten.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
You fear the ocean for a while, with its ability to drown
you into nothingness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You swear that you
will stay away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can hear the interaction of the water and
the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You try not to look, but
eventually you unconsciously return to the shore and sit, watching.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The tide begins to recede.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The waves shrink and the pull has disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You debate for a while, then call yourself a
chicken for giving up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, up you get
and slowly you begin your journey back to the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You slowly make you way back in, ankle to
knee to waist, until you laugh as you realize that there’s nothing to
fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You decide to dive in whole
heartedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You laugh as the waves raise
you up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You become more confident in
your ability to master them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When waves
arrive that are too large to go over, you expertly dive under until they have
passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your friends join you in times
like these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Competitions begin and enjoyment
is felt all around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Like these waves, though, this time of excitement, of
supreme joy, disappears until you are back to the quiet lullaby, the gentle
rocking.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
You know that the cycle must continue, that the fear and
pain and inability to breathe will return, but at that moment every muscle in
your body has released a sigh and relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sun is warm, your towel is dry, and you lay down to come peacefully
down from your emotional high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you
try to read a book for a while, or even to write one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything you see is beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You listen to the laughter of children
testing the waters of their own ocean, and you smile slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your eyes close and you let the sounds flood
you until you have drifted. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And just before your consciousness fades for a while, you
think to yourself, ‘I will overcome everything when it arrives, but for now, it
is time to be calm.’</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-34076873346671407222014-02-16T08:25:00.001-08:002014-02-16T08:25:07.760-08:00Missing
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It has been over a year and a half now since I began my
journey of self-discovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have cried
and survived and thrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been
tired and inspired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have finally
begun to dream of being home again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
exhausted so often, that I dream of the things I always took for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss the ease of buying food as I please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss being clean (though while I am luckier
than most volunteers in the world in that I have running water and a shower, it’s
sometimes very hard to convince myself that jumping into a freezing downpour is
worth it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I miss putting time and effort into my physical
appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to care about
cosmetics at 6 in the morning when it’s still dark and I can barely see my face
because there’s no lighting in my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I miss men with dirty minds keeping their dirty thoughts to
themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss sitting inside a car,
wearing a seatbelt, while traveling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss
having a plethora of opportunities to be with my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss washing machines and clothes that are
more than pretend clean.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Despite that fact that many of my conversations now center
around my dreams of first world wonders, I know that I am and always will be
absolutely in love with Namibia.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I love the mezmorizing shades and contours of the clouds which
meander across the sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the
subtle change of the landscape as precious rain falls, transforming the barren bush
land into a lush feeding ground for life-giving herds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I adore the fact that in Africa we share, regardless
of how meager that sharing may be.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I love the scree’s and cha-churs of a thousand avians
migrating across the mighty expanse of wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never forget the barely perceivable munch
of masticating worms as newly green trees slowly return to being bare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rays of concentrated light breaking
through the clouds, highlighting the beauty of the world, will always warm my
heart. My olfactory senses being bombarded by the smell of newly fallen rain
and animals and LIFE will always make me smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I am awestruck by the sheer expanse of inspiration at every
turn of the head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The unidentifiable
shades of an African sunset will always keep me guessing for words no tongue or
pen or lens have ever accurately conveyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My heart skips a beat at the fiery tips of Thornwood trees as said
sunset crashes into the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
the rejoicing of voices young and old as the sky turns slate and thunder shakes
their bones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I love the fact that at
many times laughter and smiles are far better forms of communication than nouns
and verbs.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
As my time here begins to speed up, I know that these little
things will become so much more important than the comforts of home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I will love those comforts, but
while I may be back in America in less than a year, my heart will always be in
Namibia.</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-11026046360438726912014-02-14T05:44:00.000-08:002014-02-14T05:44:45.483-08:00Instead
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It’s difficult sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Caring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I didn’t care, I’d
sleep like a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d be able to dream
sweet dreams and finish a book every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I didn’t care, I’d be free to explore the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d be free to relax and enjoy life’s little
pleasures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d be at the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d buy new clothes and wear them at fancy
restaurants.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If I didn’t care.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Instead, I find myself constantly worrying if I’m doing
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My nights are plagued with
doubts and fears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I doing the right
things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I going to be able to
help?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My books are visited intermittently,
whenever a minute or two can be spared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
even then I am distracted, or inspired, and have to drop it.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Instead, I travel halfway across the world to stay put.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My explorations are of the imagination
instead of the landscape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think of the
beach as I take sandy steps to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waves
of worry crash around me, their thunder deafening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sit here, 100 kilometers from purchases and
sigh-inducing meals.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Instead, I buy sweets for Valentine’s Day, and don’t eat a
single one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My shopping cart overflows
with pens and tape and art supplies, stickers, crafts and glue.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Instead, I see all of the positive changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see learning and friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learn about who they are and who I am.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Instead, I am living the true dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am changing, growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because</i> I care.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Caring is the most stressful, frustrating, hair-pulling, and
rewarding emotion.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And I rock it like a neon fanny pack!</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-12222370167593969422014-02-08T09:25:00.003-08:002014-02-08T09:25:23.680-08:00ListenAll I can see is the black of my eyelids.. I lay in bed, sleep not far away. Out my open windows I hear the rustle of leaves sweeping the sand. The soft chatter of my neighbors is unintelligible both from the distance as well as the rolling sounds of an unknown language. Gates screech and clink, bidding adeu to the day. In the distance a bird squawks, once again challenging you to identify its species.<br />
<br />
An old car complains as its owner attempts to waken it from its slumber. The jingle of reigns from a donkey carts mingles with the coughing pickup. Ting, ting, ting. The rain dances lightly on the tin roof, promising new growth on the morn. Goats cry to each other, wishing all a good night. And there it is, the sound of youth, returning from rest, welcoming the new year with eagerness and exhilaration.<br />
<br />
I am home. A singular sigh escapes. Muscles relax and I drift away to the symphony of home.Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-25605795246062739072013-11-19T04:02:00.002-08:002013-11-19T04:02:22.361-08:00Things that Concern Me*Learners think alcohol abuse will destroy their lungs<br />
*Advice learners give to parents: Parents should beat their kids so they don't do bad things<br />
*How empty the fridge is getting<br />
*That my allergies have finally kicked in<br />
*How my dog has decided to act like a puppy again and jump all over me<br />
*How my dog can't play fetch (waste of a perfectly good tennis ball)<br />
*How many confiscated sticks I have in the corner of my classroom<br />
*How some of those sticks are actually wire or medal rods<br />
*How some of those sticks are teacher's<br />
*How my learners are failing English<br />
*How my learners think that 2 x 2 = 22 (seriously)<br />
*That half my holiday plans consist of preparing for the next school year<br />
*The amount of girls that have dropped out due to pregnancy<br />
*That I'm gaining weight<br />
*My lack of nail polish options<br />
*How my Chaco tan isn't as awesome as I want it to be<br />
*How the new 'eco-friendly' coffee I bought tastes too eco-friendly (read: dirt)<br />
*The fact that I drink the coffee anyways<br />
*How one of my friends is being treated at her school<br />
*The lack of rain and the consequence to farmers in Namibia<br />
*My lack of interest in learning the local language<br />
*The fact that the increasing temperature forces me to keep the windows upon at night, allowing all the kinds of creepy crawlies (spiders, scorpions, snakes, pretty much all animals whose name begins with s-) to enter my room<br />
*That my mosquito net is not thoroughly tucked into my bed and said creepy crawlies will attack me while I am sleeping<br />
*That the failure of my kids finally shows my failure as their teacher<br />
*That the learners aren't stressed over final exams<br />
*How much the learners sleep<br />
*How I've watched all media on my computer and have to start re-watching everything<br />
*That my school is expected to start using an online program to store data (learner info, timetable, conduct forms, etc) yet the Ministry of Education still hasn't gotten us internet<br />
*What's going to happen to my dog while I'm gone for the month<br />
*That I have too much free time to write lists like theseChristina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-38487101034375446652013-11-10T11:31:00.000-08:002013-11-10T11:31:23.899-08:00Lots to Update Hey all,<br />
<br />
So I seem to have forgotten to update what's going on in my life. Not much besides school has happened since my sister visited in May. During the August holiday I helped the new volunteers for a bit, then relaxed at a lake (yes there are lakes in Namibia!) for a few days.<br />
<br />
To bring you up to speed on the goings on at school, I'll provide you with a few random poems I wrote as well as some amazing pictures of amazing kids at our recent cultural festival.<br />
<br />
<u>40 Minutes</u><br />
<br />
Good Morning<br />
Morning Miss<br />
Chat Talk Chat<br />
Sleep Draw Hit<br />
Silence Now!<br />
Giggle, Glare<br />
Blah Blah Blah<br />
Rip and Tear<br />
Silence Please<br />
Stare and Sleep<br />
Blah Blah Blah<br />
counting sheep<br />
Where's you pen?<br />
Stolen Miss<br />
And this was when?<br />
cough and shift<br />
I don't care<br />
Blah Blah Blah<br />
learners sing<br />
ring ring ring<br />
sit and sigh<br />
Thank God! Goodbye!<br />
<br />
<u>Frustrations</u><br />
<u></u><br />
I tell them when it's due<br />
They tell it back to me<br />
I write it on the board<br />
So all my kids can see<br />
<br />
I then repeat the due date<br />
I give them time in class<br />
They tell me yes yes yes<br />
They understand enmass<br />
<br />
The date it's due comes round<br />
I ask for finished work<br />
'Aye Miss! You did not say!"<br />
Frustration starts to lurk<br />
<br />
Extensions are then given<br />
So marks can be put in<br />
I tell them seven more times <br />
They nod with happy grins<br />
<br />
The time again arrives<br />
When late work must be given<br />
"Aye Miss! You did not say!"<br />
They played instead, were livin'<br />
<br />
A third and final date is said<br />
Loud and clear for all<br />
The time, it comes, they say 'aye'<br />
I have reached my wall<br />
<br />
Nor more missus nice girl<br />
No more happy teacher<br />
"In my class and get to work!"<br />
I've become a life skills preacher<br />
<br />
And still they look me in the eye<br />
They say it won't be done<br />
"Give me zeros. I don't care.<br />
While we all have some fun."<br />
<br />
What to do, oh what to do<br />
A teacher's big ordeal<br />
Force them in to finish work<br />
or fail while my stress heals<br />
<br />
But as a teacher, teaching<br />
And trying to do well<br />
I sit and stress and worry<br />
Though success? I cannot tell<br />
<br />
Am I helping all my kids?<br />
Am I helping them enough?<br />
This job of mine I always love <br />
Though almost all is tough<br />
<br />
I hope and pray they see it<br />
How much I want their success<br />
But getting them to understand<br />
Is the beginning of my test<br />
<br />
<br />
And some fun pictures from the cultural festival we had last weekend. Here's a little background. Every year the Erongo region picks a school to host this festival. Learners of all ages create something (song, dance, drama) to describe their culture in the form of a competition. My school was blessed to host it this year. Early Saturday morning tents went up and kids got dressed in their traditional garbs. I borrowed a friend's Herero dress and shocked everyone in attendance by wearing it for part of the day. The kids were sooo excited! I've never been so respected by them. Maybe I should wear one everyday! I wasn't even allowed to carry the camera case! On the other hand it's incredibly hot and during this summer weather I don't know how people wear it all day, every day!<br />
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Me and all of my fabulous kids!</div>
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This little one isn't sure whether she likes me or if I frighten her.</div>
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My housemate and adopted mother in her traditional Nama dress. I love this woman!!!</div>
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Reenactment of a traditional Herero wedding</div>
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Boys acting like little men doing their Herero marching</div>
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Items used at a Herero wedding</div>
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Some of my special learners.</div>
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My favorite running buddies!</div>
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Sorry I don't have explanations for all of the pictures. I really only know about my own Herero culture. They are all still beautiful though!Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-1864182584882164752013-06-15T12:21:00.001-07:002013-06-19T05:24:48.244-07:00Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba….I’m Lovin’ It!<br />
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Term 2 has begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Classes are in full swing, and so am I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every time I step into that classroom<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I reaffirm my belief that teaching is my destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t matter how horrible a day I’m
having, or how the learners make me want to pull my hair out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still absolutely loooove teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids, though misguided and crazy at times,
are fantastic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are truly good
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I think I’ve been too emotional about teaching, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll admit, I’ve cried several times in front
of the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s devastating to see
such potential being wasted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell my
kids several times a week that they all have the potential to pass school and
be successful in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I fully
believe it as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is that
they don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve had so many teachers
that don’t show them respect, that I felt that showing them that I cared so much
about them that I’d cry about it would help them see they were worth it (and
no, I wasn’t faking the tears to manipulate them, they came naturally).</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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But maybe I’ve been too emotional with them and not parent-y
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every Friday night I show a
movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use this as a way to give the
kids something to do (instead of sneaking around doing naughty teenager-y
things) and also as a fundraiser for the library. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prefects and I decide how to use the money
to help the library be a relevant and beautiful place for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Previously I bought some books when I was in
the capital, but due to an amazing donation from a school my mother works at,
reading books will soon not be a problem!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But that story is for a whole different update.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned for the arrival of 600
books!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Back to the Friday night movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my prefects, while we were talking
about various things, asked if I would listen to some advice of his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be a hypocrite if I asked them to
listen to my advice without listening to theirs as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me that I cried too much, and that I needed
to be more firm with the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
gave too much trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I replied that I
gave my trust on purpose because I wanted these kids, many of whom have never
had the trust of an adult, to see that someone believed them to be good
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His response was that they
talked about me in the hostel, and about how I would leave all my things out
for them to take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several of my things have gone missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me sad, but then again, I should
have also tried not to assume these teenagers were perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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So, from now on, I am going to be the tough, yet caring,
teacher, who shows the kids that she loves them by being firm and strict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more tears from me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, all my supplies will stay locked away so
as not to taunt my kids into taking them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though I still believe it’s only a select few that would steal from me.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
I don’t care how many times I need to reevaluate my teaching
methodologies, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that it
will take me years, no, decades, to perfect it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will change how I approach kids both as people and learners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that I will cry sometimes (now in the
safety of my home, not the classroom) because of things that happen at
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I also know that I will love
every second I am with those kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing will every change my mind about how I
feel about teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
If I walk away with only learning one thing during my Peace
Corps service, it’s this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a
teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not my career, it is who
I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And every day I teach is a day
that I love my life.<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
So thanks, Mom, for suggesting that while I was lost in
college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best advice I’ve ever received.<br />
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Here are some photos of me with my kids. God I love them!!!!<br />
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Me and my boys!</div>
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Trying to look tough but failing miserably!!! I'm more confused than anything.</div>
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Gotta do the Namibian pose with my girls!</div>
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Another thing I love is my housemate. She is 63 years old, and a (almost) retired Namibian teacher. She has been teaching for over 30 years, and has been a principal as well. Now she's at my school, helping out with our life skills classes and counseling. I am so thankful to live with her. She is a godsend. Without her I am sure I would have been lost during my first few months in the country. </div>
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Every evening we sit down and just talk. Most of it is teacher talk. You know the kind, where all teachers ever seem to talk about is school, what happened that day, and how to be better. She has so much knowledge and patience. Had she been anyone else, she probably would have been fed up with me and my constant questions. But no, she is amazing! We can talk about anything. There is nothing too taboo to talk with her about. And she's not afraid to tell me when I'm doing something wrong. I wish more people would do that! It'd help me adjust so much faster. </div>
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I thank every higher being I can think of that I live in the same house as her. If I could, I'd adopt her! Or get her to adopt me! Somehow we'd be stuck together for the rest of our lives!</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-24899444816000266242013-06-15T12:01:00.000-07:002013-06-19T05:53:52.570-07:00There's No Place Like Home<br />
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The month of May was devoted to travel, like all of my
school breaks seem to be these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no option of staying in the village, because one, I’d be by
myself, and two, I’d be stuck for a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That doesn’t sound fun or safe!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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I left the first instance I could after the kids left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the week with another volunteer and
her visiting family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, this woman is
absolutely amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is in her 60’s,
and has dreamed of being in the Peace Corps since she heard it on TV as a
child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, life gets in the way
of plans, so she waited until she was retired to join.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her name is Ruth, and I hope to one day be
just like her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, we are very similar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They call me Baby Ruth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s a huge compliment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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So, when she invited me on her family vacation, I jumped at
the chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was worried that I would
be intruding a bit, but found myself welcomed warmly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her family is just as amazing as she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no wonder, they were raised by her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the week visiting various
places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the trip seemed to be in
the car, which was fine because I was able to get to know her children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully the three teenaged grandsons were
sitting in the back, so we didn’t have to hear (or smell) them!</div>
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I am so thankful that they were so open and friendly with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I especially enjoyed hanging out
with her grandkids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were so funny
and fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did use some of my time with
them as ‘babysitting’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that
sometimes the adults would want some adult time without the bickering or energy
of teenagers, so when I noticed that happening I would pull them aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t a chore at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As seen by my resume, I love hanging out with
kids!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one reason I became a teacher
after all!</div>
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A week of relaxation followed this, in which I did
absolutely nothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d sit at a friends house (she was gone for
most of it), watch TV or movies on my laptop, and nothing else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I would read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed being able to zone out and not be
constantly travelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also was able
to update my movie collection a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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My sister Michelle arrived in Windhoek on May 5<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had informed her that we would be hiking
for half of the trip, with the potential of camping as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She agreed to this, most likely because she
had absolutely no concept of what that really entailed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right out of the airport doors we caught our
first hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was incredibly easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t even have to flag anyone down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were walking down the road by the parking
lot when a man pulled over offering us a ride to the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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(Now, don’t freak out about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens quite a lot that people will pull
over when they see volunteers travelling with heavy bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know that we are hiking and are kind
enough to give us rides.)</div>
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Our driver was very nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Very, truly, extremely racist, but very nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even stopped for a drink with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he noticed Michelle was a bit
uncomfortable (either because we were having a drink with a stranger, or his
racism, or that fact that he was a strange man), he made sure to let us know
that he had a girlfriend that he loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Welcome to Namibia, Michelle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
started off with a bang.</div>
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Let me fast forward the rest of the trip due to the length
of this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I keep going on like I
have been, this will soon become a novel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spent the night in Windhoek, where she was introduced to wild game
meat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(yummy Oryx!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hiked to Tsumeb to get our rental car for
Etosha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once there, we were surprised
(pleasantly for me, and horribly for Michelle), that there had been a mix up
and they only had a stick shift available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, Michelle had a 5 minute lesson on how to drive stick and we were off
for 2 days in Etosha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
saw pretty much everything except for lions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was sad, but partly due to our inability to sit for hours in the
middle of the night waiting for them at the watering hole!<br />
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Within minutes of entering the park, this is what we are greeted with.</div>
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The entrance to the park from a tower.</div>
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These antelope get awfully boring after say, about 1000 of them! But they are still gorgeous.</div>
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Gotta love baby season!</div>
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Elephants are still definitely my favorite animals. Ever!</div>
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My sister Michelle and I after a day of driving through the park. I was so happy to be able to share this experience with her!</div>
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More happy elephants at the water hole. This is the same hole we could watch at night (had we not been sleeping)</div>
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We drove back, dropped of our car, and hiked to Rundu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The back of a closed </span>baki (truck) and lori (big rig) later
we were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning we went
to get a hike to Katima.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A few hours later, </span>frustrated and close to tears (in Michelle’s case), we finally got a combie ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived in Katima, and had an amazing evening relaxing.</div>
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After getting our visas, we went to the nearest town for a
bus to Livingstone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately we had
no Zambian Qwatchas, so we exchanged with some really shady people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bus was also not going to leave for half
the day, and we were not willing to walk around the shady town with our things,
so we paid for a taxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 200 km drive
took us over 3 hours due to the potholes in the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By potholes, I mean they would be small lakes
if ever filled with water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car
would swerve from side to side to avoid them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All this did was made me appreciate the infrastructure of Namibia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they’ve done something right, it’s road
maintenance.</div>
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Three days in Livingstone was definitely not enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hang out with other volunteers, went
canoeing followed by a game drive and evening cruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We danced and went to see Victoria
Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we were there, Michelle and
I signed up for the package deal of extreme sports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First we zip lined across the gorge of the
Zambezi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next we bungee jumped (which
was freaking awesome by the way!), followed by a giant swing, which we did
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever since then, I’ve decided
that I should quit any real job I ever get and become an extreme sports
junkie!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s addicting.<br />
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It takes a village to free a bus from a ditch.</div>
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Hanging out with the adorable local kids. Laughter was the only language we shared.</div>
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The cutest little girl I've ever seen!</div>
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The Zambizi seen from our game drive. No hippos here, unfortunately.</div>
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So many babies! I love it! Inside the Victoria Falls Park.</div>
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Michelle and I on our way down to the bottom of the falls.</div>
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We didn't get a picture of us bungee jumping, so I had to make do with this one (artist rendering courtesy of me!)</div>
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A tiny portion of the falls. Unfortunately most of the time it was covered in mist and not camera ready.</div>
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What I like to call the splash zone. Walk across the bridge and you've taken a shower.</div>
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We hiked back to Namibia, where we spent the next two nights
in a tree house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup, you heard me, a
tree house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to this out of the
way camp where they have camping and tree houses along the Okavango River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our house happened to be at the end, with no
one next to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We relaxed during this
time, falling asleep to the sounds of hippos and elephants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night, while walking back from the main
area, I swore we were going to be eaten by a hippo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could hear them so close to us, but it was
so dark we couldn’t see anything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,
being idiots that we are, we only had my phone as a flashlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully I’m assuming they were still in
the water, which was maybe 20 feet from us.</div>
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The view. Amazing, right?</div>
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Sorry it's blurry. I had to take a night shot. This was the main hangout area.</div>
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We then got a hike by another car<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After two hours we stopped at back in Rundu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fate
that brought us to our next hike, a mother and her daughter, returning from
Livingstone as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This woman was
reluctant to give us a lift, but , most likely out of pity, did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We soon got to talking and I learned that she
did skills training in the field of Agriculture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to another town right before dark (she was very uncomfortable driving at night, as was I in hiking at night), and
stopped at a guest house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only had
one room left, which was a family suite with two rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shared and continued our journeys
separately the next morning.</div>
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Once back in Windhoek we rented another car for our voyage
to Sossusvlei.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We began later than I
hoped, and the journey took longer than I had anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor Michelle felt a bit uncomfortable on the windy roads, so we made sure to take the curves slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also made sure to watch out for animals (thankfully we were alert and slow, because some springbok walked in front of us).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived, searched for our campsite, and set up camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early the next morning
we drove to Deadvlei, where we attempted to climb the tallest dune there, Big
Daddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wind was strong, the journey
was tough, and I was about done with it half way up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We (or maybe I) decided that we’d had enough
so we had fun and ran down it instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After some steak and a beer, we went to bed and drove the long journey
to Okahandja.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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The amazing mountains we passed to get to the dunes.</div>
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Enjoying the view. Or taking a needed rest after about a quarter of the trek. Dunes are tiring!!!</div>
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Michelle being patient with me while I caught my breath.</div>
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Centering myself after the climb.</div>
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Michelle was so excited to find a candy bar with the name of her favorite movie on it!</div>
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Not much happened in Okahandja, and then we drove to my
village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Michelle drove, I could see
the wheels turning in her head about how in God’s name she was going to get
back all by herself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promised her that
I would give her great directions and she wouldn’t get lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think she believed me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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My village was quiet, as there were no learners there
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I showed her around, and she was
able to see what my real life is like here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was pretty slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent some
time preparing for my lessons, and we made some bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we ate it while watching TV and
movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see a pattern?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch a lot of media here during my free
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The first day of class was devoted to the kids being able to
ask Michelle questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it
would be great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought they would ask
tons of questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought they’d jump
at the chance to ask her anything they wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What did I get?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids were so boring!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t want to ask her anything!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t help that our of the 250 kids we
have at this school only maybe 80 were there that day, and most of those were
the grade 10’s that I don’t have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
all in all, those three days we quite boring but she was able to get a real
understanding of what life is truly like here at my school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early in the morning of the second school day
she (with thankfully a girl needing a ride all the way to the city) drove to
the airport, and began her 30-something hour journey back home. </div>
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If I learned anything from my holiday, it’s that I love the
comfort of home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sister being here
reminded me how much I love my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had seemed as if nothing had changed in the 10 months since I had
seen her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had gone back to the way we
were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have changed much since then, but nothing in
a way that would change our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was sad when we parted, but also realized, to my relief, that her
being here did not make me want to quit and jump on a plane home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still quite happy here, and though I do
miss my family, I know that I can and will be successful in Namibia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She showed me that I can be both a homebody
who loves her family and an independent world travelling individual.<br />
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Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-73101287569480891772013-04-13T00:26:00.001-07:002013-06-19T05:11:52.422-07:00They're Baaaack!<br />
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Exams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All kids must
take them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no getting out of it
(unless you happen to not show up, in which case you probably deserve to
fail!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three times a year, the learners
in Namibia scramble frantically, looking over half-written notes and reading through
long-forgotten textbooks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The days of
exams are pleasantly quiet ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Screaming, laughing and sports have ceased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The library is full of silent studiers and
study time is actually used properly.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Here’s how exams work here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like I stated previously, there are three exam periods per year: April,
August and November (or October if you are in Grade 10).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each school is given a two week
timetable<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to administer these exams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in America, you may be wondering why so
much time is needed to test these kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Namibians have a plethora of subjects to write: English, Home Languages
(in the case of my school, Afrikaans and Otjiherero), History, Geography, Math,
Entrepreneurship, Life Science, Physical Science and Agriculture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9 subjects!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That doesn’t even include what we call non-promotional subjects, which
they don’t write (Basic Informaiton Science, Religious and Moral Education,
Life Skills, PE, and Art). </div>
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So, 9 subject to write exams on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, so now two weeks makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some subjects have more than one test!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not completely positive about the other subjects but for English
there are 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One on reading, one on writing, and one on
listening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe home languages have
4!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine you’re a Namibian
learner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t you dread these exams
as much as my learners do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are too
many exams and not enough time, so we’ve had to give some of them outside the
normal timeframe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My listening test, for
example, I have to give during normal class time.</div>
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Wait, wait, wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Normal class time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your kids have
to take 2 weeks worth of exams and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">still</i>
go to class?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first 2 hours of every school day are
devoted to exams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think, the kids have 5
periods of class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How and what are the
teachers supposed to present in class when the kids are preoccupied with
exams?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worse is when the learners have
already taken their exam, so why pay attention?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily for English, I can use this time to allow the kids to finish
writing and editing their letters to their American pen pals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Exams are usually a time where teachers can finally
relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more lesson planning or active
teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s less work to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just make sure that marks are complete for
the term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not so in my case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can imagine marking 3 exams (at 120
learners each)., none of them are multiple choice, and Paper 2 has 2 essays. 240
essays to read, in pretty poor English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Side note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve become pretty
dang good at deciphering their attempts at writing in English!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attribute this skill to my time ‘reading’
kindergarten work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this marking
must be done during those 2 weeks of exams (if I want to leave for holiday on
time).</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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But wait again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
job’s not over yet..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I’ve finished
my marking I must give it to another teacher to moderate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that she goes over the marks I
gave to make sure they are correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lo
and behold I have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i> work to
do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to moderate her work as well!</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I’m afraid that by the time the holiday comes around I’ll be
half brain-dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t you mark
while you’re invigilating (supervising) their kids during their exams, you
ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, dear reader, I can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Technically I am not allowed to do anything
but stare at the kids (though I have to admit that I wrote this post while
invigilating!).</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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So, if you don’t hear from me in 2
weeks, know that either my head has exploded, or that I am curled up in bed
crying from the stress (or eating cookie dough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both are valid reactions to stress!)</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-79764009386295636432013-04-10T06:43:00.002-07:002013-06-19T05:09:07.029-07:00Dear America<br />
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<span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">P/Bag 1234<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Omaruru<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Namibia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Dear America<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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First of all I will like to greet you on this most
wonderfull day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping that you are
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please you must tell me if you are fine or
not fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you remember that time we
used to send e-mails instead of writing friendly letters in school?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those waves were gigantic!</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I am writing this letter to tell you about the pen pal
program I am doing with my learners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are all having a letter from a learner in California, the place to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teacher there and I we decided
to scan and e-mail the letters instead of sending them in the mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me I thought it will be faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not what is happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The letters they were coming right before
exams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am using any free time I am
having with them to write back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The learners
thye are being very excited to write, but it is giving me a headache for trying
to edit them so the American learners can actually understand them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me I am thinking it is worth my time so my
learners can see different cultures around the world and be getting better at
English.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Please give me the number of your brother/sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will like to have a America
boy/girlfrinend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My number is 081@#%$^%#@.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your favourite colour?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must meet there at California for two
weeks.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Your friend</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Christina</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-21349026808462880372013-03-03T07:47:00.000-08:002013-06-19T05:07:59.584-07:00I need, like, 5 more hours every day!<br />
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God I’m tired. </div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I said that
all the time back home, before I had ever had a real job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that was nothing!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get to work around 6am, do some last minute
preparations, and then go to our daily staff meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is followed by classes and marking all
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>School usually ends around 1pm to
1:40pm, depending on the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From 2pm
to 5pm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in the library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days I’m free after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wednesday’s I watch the grade 10’s study from
7 -9pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other days I’m either
teaching computer classes or going on my evening run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall, I rarely have any time to just sit
and relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weekends aren’t even my
own!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually have to mark 120 essays
during that time. </div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Despite my lack of time, I’ve decided to make myself even
more busy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During 2 of those library
hour, every day, my library prefects will take over so that I can have
afternoon remedial classes with about 60 of my Grade 8’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And boy do they need it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now understand why teaching is the second
most stressful job!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s never
done!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But despite that, I want to do
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to give everything I have
to these kids.</div>
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So my days are completely full, yet there always seems to be
more to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll randomly find out that
I’ve been put in charge of something without my knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or that there’s an important meeting in 2
days that I have to leave school for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
many things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My principal, bless her
heart, warned me that I would burn myself out and that she was worried I was
doing too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've been asked to extend
my computer classes.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I can tell that I’ve got to keep more aware, though, despite
my constant state of fatigue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
gotten a bit angry at my classes for not behaving nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted, I think any teacher would be angry
about that, but I should still try to understand<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that my teaching method is different (aka I
don’t have a stick in my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to
preface that with the fact that my teachers don’t use it on the kids, but
it’s still there as a threat).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
need to watch the things I say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
talking to my kids about they need to solve their problems differently instead
of beating each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>American learners
don’t do that (ha!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as that
came out of my mouth, I felt horrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And thankfully a kid called me on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She turned to me and said, “But Miss, we’re not American learners.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they’re not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Overall, despite my inability to keep my eyes open past 9pm,
I’m having the time of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
my village, my school, my community and especially my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t trade it for the world (or even a
Starbucks!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess that’s why Peace
Corps motto is, “The hardest job you’ll ever love.” </div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-63159308577090986702013-01-14T06:49:00.000-08:002013-06-19T05:05:50.390-07:00Planes, Trains, and Broken Bakis<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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After travelling around the country, I was more than ready to return back to my village home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living out of a suitcase was not easy at all, especially when things randomly became missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been living in the city for about a week, doing nothing but planning for the school year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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After texting my principal repeatedly about transport back home, I came to the conclusion that it would be up to me to figure out how to get a backpack, suitcase, bags of food, and a dog the 100 km.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thankful that there was another volunteer living in my shopping town, so I was able to relax the night before attempting the journey.</div>
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At around noon, I attempted to cart all of my things the 2 km to the hike spot. Within ten steps I was stopped by some church-going youth, who insisted on helping me find a taxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sure that not only were they incredibly nice people, but that they probably felt a bit sorry for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After thanking them profusely, I was driven to the hike spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within half an hour, a baki had come to drive me and a few others to the nearest village 60 km away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there I would wait some more to find another hike.</div>
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Now, the back of a baki is what we in America would call the bed of a truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is covered, so I didn’t need to worry about sunburns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I had Eddie, my new dog, I wanted to get in last, so that I could get out quickly if something happened with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was still very nervous, but cautiously exploring his surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More and more people seemed to appear out of thin air as the baki was loaded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular car had a trailer, so we didn’t have to attempt to sit with all of our things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nine adults, three youth, one baby and a dog later, we were on our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Eddie was sitting on my lap for two reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One was that I could hold him if he freaked out (which he did), and also because there was no other room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within minutes my feet were falling asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was used to being squished, though, so this was no big deal for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attempted conversation, but like most baki rides, silence falls pretty quickly.</div>
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Everything was going well until the road became gravel (which took, say, one minute).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as that happened, I felt warmth all along my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Eddie had decided that he was so frightened he’d let me know by peeing on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much I could do about it though.</div>
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Every few bumps he would try to wriggle out of my grasp, which became tighter and tighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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All of a sudden, about twenty minutes later, dust was flying through the cracks in the window, covering all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eddie, not liking this one bit, decided to pee once more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My almost dry pants were now soaking, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dust was the result of the rusty metal of the trailer bending, leaving the trailer itself dragging on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The baki pulled over after the Herero women in the back started banging on the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a while for them to move all of the luggage to the roof of the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things could not go on top, such as blankets and grocery bags of food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, they ended up in our sardine can of a baki.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fine with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when the two jugs of petrol were shoved in as well, I was a bit angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, since I was nearest the back door, they had to be placed right next to me and my freaked out dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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We continued our journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time the baki went over a bump, Eddie would freak out and the roof of the cover would bend close to our heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just waiting for the moment it decided to break and drop all of our heavy things on our heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully it didn’t. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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More knocking on the window ensued as soon as some of the women noticed one of the bags falling off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Car stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bags repositioned and tied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our journey continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This happened maybe three times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still had many km to go when Eddie decided to show me some more ‘love’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this time I had resigned myself to the fact that I was covered in dog pee and that there was nothing I could do about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just held him tight and hoped that no one would notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The petrol container by my knee wasn’t able to properly seal, ensuring that my leg was soaked in the flammable liquid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this time Eddie had calmed down, most likely from the fumes exuding from the leak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was covered in four different types of liquid by the time we reached the next hike point: my own sweat, Eddie’s urine and saliva (that dog <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">drips </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the stuff!) and petrol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I got out, and to my relief, no one could tell that my jeans were soaking wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fed up and tired by that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down and started reading one of my books while Eddie explored around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Not long after, another baki showed up to take us the rest of the journey home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike the last ride, the driver of this car was incredibly nice and let Eddie and me sit in the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eddie laid down on the floor and was content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two gentlemen I sat with worked at a nearby farm and were willing to drive us back to my village (at a price, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully this price happened to be whatever I could pay to help with petrol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have just wrung out my pants!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I decided to talk to them in as much Otjiherero as I could during the half an hour journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seemed very excited that I wanted to practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every once in a while one of the men would point to an animal outside and ask what it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually it was a cow (ongombe)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or a goat (ongombo).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He once tried to test me by saying ozongombe ovengi, to which I responded, ‘many cows’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Our conversation lulled as the school came into sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked them and brought Eddie and myself to our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, with probably a hundred pounds of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stuff</i> with me, I had finally returned home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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By the way, I have never been so thankful for a shower as I was at that point!</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-27778757777004640472013-01-08T07:14:00.000-08:002013-06-19T05:02:04.500-07:00Comin' Back to KansasWell, my vacation has finally come to an end. I have spent the last weeks travelling around the southern part of the country, seeing the sights and meeting new people. There have been ups and downs along the way, but it was an incredible journey so far. I can't wait to continue it in May!<br />
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After leaving Swakopmund, some friends and I rented a car and drove tedious hours through desolate (though beautiful) land to arrive at our camp sight in the Naukluft Mountains. Now, when I say mountains, I don't mean those beautiful ones full of trees and lakes. No, these mountains are comprised of rocks. We camped there for three nights. It was amazing to see the stars with absolutely no lights to pollute the skies. During the day it was incredibly hot, and due to the lack of trees, we had no respite from the sun's rays. So, we snuck into the lodge part of the resort and relaxed in the shade there. Thankfully there was no one else there, so the owners were content with our presence there. He did seem confused that we would be content camping without electricity or hot water. We had flashlights, so we were fine on the light aspect, and the heat during the day heated the pipes so that our afternoon showers were pleasantly warm. <br />
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Lovin' the cheap tent. Good thing it didn't rain!</div>
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One of the plethora of amazing sunsets in the country.</div>
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Feeling like Indiana Jones with the bumpy road. Almost wish I were in Disneyland.</div>
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Deadvlei</div>
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While we were enjoying our desert camping experience, we took a day trip to Sossusvlei, which has some of the most amazing red dunes! We arrived at the entrance to the park around 6:30 in the morning, and drove the 65 km to the dunes. From there, we trekked our way up some of the largest dunes in the world. The path was difficult and tiring, but thankfully the sun hadn't turned the sand hot yet. At the bottom of the dune was a pan full of dead trees. A pan is a lake bed, who's salt stays on the surface. This gives the ground a whitish look to it, which amplified the beauty of the landscape. While the going was tough, I would definitely go back and climb more of those magnificant piles of sand!<br />
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From Sossusvlei, we travelled to yet another coastal town. (I'm not sure if you have come to the understanding of the intensity of the heat during summer, but the coast is definitely the place to be during December!) Luderitz is a southern town with a huge German influence. Upon arrival, I felt as if I had been transported to a small coastal town somewhere in Europe, not southern Africa. I spent almost two weeks there, which gave me plenty of time to relax. <br />
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I was afraid that Christmas away from my family would be difficult, but with so many friends surrounding me, it was amazing. There were no Christmas trees to be found, so we made due and took a palm frond and decorated it with plastic bag ornaments and popcorn chains. A cardboard star completed the picture. We had a white elephant gift exchange from the local China Shop. I received colored pens (which I was stoked about) and a bar of chocolate. <br />
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We also made our own Namibian versions of Christmas songs!</div>
<br />
<br />
We went rock diving (ok, it was only about a meter above the water, but still fun) many times, into the frigid water. Let me tell you, the Atlantic Ocean in southern Africa is some of the coldest water I have ever been in! I thought the Pacific was cold in California, but this took the cake. It didn't matter though, because it was something to swim in, which is rare in this country. After swimming for many days, we received a rather large wake-up call. All of a sudden multiple red blobs could be seen around us. Those jellyfish were reasonably easy to avoid, but the small clear ones were not. Thankfully I was not stung, though one of my friends was. From then on, we stayed in one of the coves.<br />
<br />
Finally, things had to come to an end, as they always do. I had decided to join a committee with the Peace Corps, and the meeting for it was a day after I was supposed to be back at my site. So, I floated around volunteers houses for a few days, until the meeting. I am now currently staying at one of the flats the Peace Corps has for volunteers, waiting until I can go to the meeting.<br />
<br />
I will also be purchasing a Christmas present to myself while I am here. As both protection and companionship, I will be adopting a dog from the SPCA. While I know that having a dog is a huge responsibility, I also know that I will be incredibly happy with it. I'm just not quite sure how hitchhiking with a dog (and all of my things) will be. We'll see!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-72754981730171917582012-12-14T00:05:00.001-08:002013-06-19T04:58:39.878-07:00Geronimo!The holidays have arrived. The school year ends early December, and all of us volunteers have the next month to travel. Some of us are spending some time at our sites, while others will be hiking constantly. For me, I'll be in the later group. My village clears out when school breaks happen. If I wanted to stay, I'd have the cows and goats to talk to. It'll be nice to be able to see the country, though.<br />
<br />
We've already started our Namibian adventures. Last week we spent time at a conference center for Reconnect. There we talked about what had happened over the last few months at our sites. We had some sessions about serious issues like white privilege and funded projects. There was one on libraries in the country and getting books for our schools. The person in charge was a previous volunteer who decided to come back to the country after service. He assured me that while they usually don't like books from out of country, I was fine because they are getting checked before they are sent. <br />
<br />
Spending the week in the big city was a nice change to being in such a small village. This week we have been chillin' on the beach. On Wednesday some of us decided to go skydiving. It was one of the most amazing things I've done. After about a 30 second instruction pre-jump, Sara and I loaded into the tiny plane with our jump buddies.<br />
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Roughin' it Peace Corps style!</div>
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Poor girl had slept on a desk the night before. Don't ask my why!</div>
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We got to spend the next half hour flying over Swakopmund and the dunes. The weather was perfect. The guy I was connected to thought it would be a great idea to pretend to push me out a few times. Our plane didn't have a door, so the possibility of falling out was a real one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was the first to jump out. I didn't have time to think as my legs were dangling over the edge of the plane. Next thing I knew I was falling in the air. I don't remember much of the free fall, but the view was amazing after the chute was pulled. He let me take charge of guiding the parachute for a while, which was amazing. We spun in circles and dived. By the time we landed I was ready to go again. We tried to see if we could go again for free, but unfortunately they had almost gone bankrupt from giving jumps to people.<br />
<br />
Now the week is almost over. Tomorrow a few of us head to go camping. We decided to rent a car which will make getting there soo much easier. We'll camp for a few days in the Naucluft mountains, with a day trip to Soussusvlei. Google it and see the pictures. It's absolutely beautiful. We will go to Luderitz, another seaside town, for Christmas, then back up to Windhoek for me to get my Christmas dog. <br />
<br />
<br />Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-2811823229782880252012-11-27T09:54:00.002-08:002013-06-19T04:56:00.832-07:00Stereotypes<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It saddens me how quickly I have come to accept stereotypes
in the country as fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since stepping
foot off the plane in Namibia, I have been constantly told that many of the men
in the country are players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will
try to sleep with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have many
girlfriends, and cheat on the ones they do have. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was told to me constantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit, they did it for my safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted all of us female volunteers to be
prepared for the onslaught of attention we would receive from the men.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We would get approached on the streets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strangers would come up and ask to marry
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Introduce us to their friends as
their girlfriends or wives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was easy
to believe the stereotypes;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it happened
so often to me and my friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned
early on to never go out at night without a male friend around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just wasn’t safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My host mom even thought it was funny
when<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a strange man started being very
forward with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me that his car
was across the street and he had a house in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know him.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So, after months of hearing these stereotypes, and even
worse, seeing them and experiencing them with my own eyes, I started to
believe that all men were pigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was at
a wedding, which was an affair that lasted all weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had met this amazing family: a girl my age,
her longtime boyfriend, son, father, and mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had spent the weekend with them, and had
been thrilled and awed to hear about how the parents had been together for
almost twenty years and were planning a giant anniversary party around
Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me happy to see an
honest man willing to love one woman.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I had exchanged numbers with the daughter, excited to make a
local friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next night I received
a text from the father, asking if we could get to know each other better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My happiness was shattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This man wasn’t what I had hoped he had
been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was just like all the rest.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So, I started to believe that every man I saw was a cheater
willing to sleep with anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That they
left their wives and children to move to ‘greener pastures’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until I was hiking back to my home one
afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting in the back of
a baki (truck), when this family joined me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a father, mother, and their two young children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all looked nice, so it seemed they had
spent the afternoon in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father
sat down, and his children climbed in his lap to take a nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the next hour, he was making sure the sun
wasn’t on them and that they were comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was so concerned about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
would stroke his daughters hair absentmindedly as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I realized then that I had given in to the stereotypes of
the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had believed upon first
sight that this man was like the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But spending an hour with him, watching him interact with his children
made me realize that not all men were like I had been told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all of them were like I had seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me both ashamed of myself and ecstatic
that there were exceptions to the stereotype.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I can’t wait to see what other horrible stereotypes are
false as well! </div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-61219766449966686652012-11-04T06:56:00.003-08:002013-06-19T04:54:12.272-07:00Letters for the Library<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After
spending so much time getting the library in working order, I came to the
realization that getting donations is going to be a bit more difficult than I
had hoped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the books ready to
go, but the funding to send it over is being elusive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are more than happy to help when they
get some sort of recognition, like a tax break, but without that they are much
more wary about giving their hard-earned money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot blame them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had
written a letter, which I gave to my mother to forward on to potential
donors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this letter I wrote about how
the books we have at this school are ridiculously old, and above the reading
level of the learners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the good
books have already been read by them, and they either don’t read or read the
same book over and over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I included
pictures showing the potential of our fantastic library space, and how sad it
is that the shelves are all but empty.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of our
teachers has been gone for the last week and a half, and I have taken advantage
of his now teacher-less class to practice various teaching methods and
lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It occurred to me that many of
these learners have no motivation to do any work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are about 8 different assignments which
are graded, and it is those which constitute their overall grade for the
class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything else is done purely as
practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make their assignment more
real, along with helping out the school, I informed the kids that I was working
on getting more books for the library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
told them that I had written a letter, but it would be much better if their
wrote to the potential donors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
very excited.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">English,
especially writing it, is especially difficult for these kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, they do write, but their grammar,
punctuation, spelling, and creative thinking are lacking tremendously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been brought up in a learning
environment where no one speaks English natively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their home language is the language of
instruction until Grade 5, at which point they are expected to be able to learn
in a foreign language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately
many of their teachers are not qualified to teach English, and often feel
uncomfortable., Which often results in their returning to their home tongue.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, by the
time they get to secondary school, they have the ability level of someone much
younger than they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A solution that
the kids, the teachers, the ministry, and everyone in any education field
agrees to is that if the kids develop a culture of reading, they will be able
to unintentionally absorb grammar, punctuation, and spelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will be able to see different writing
styles, genres, and, I hope, a passion for reading and writing.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I
informed the kids that they would all be writing a letter explaining why they
need good books to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left it open
for their ideas and creativity, and told them that the top 10 letters would be
typed up and e-mailed to America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
never seen such devotion to their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made sure to stress that I would not be looking at grammar, or
anything but the message they put.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
came up with good, but obvious answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It will help our spelling and grammar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But some kids were very surprising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was unable to reduce the list to 10, so with the potential winners I
went to my fellow teachers and asked them to help me choose learners who are
struggling behaviorally and academically, but could use some success.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to
say, it worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far we have only
spent one afternoon painstakingly typing one letter, one word at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But boy do they work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their spelling, and grammar, and punctuation
are atrocious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But isn’t that the
point?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are children aged 15 to
20!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Supposedly they have been learning
and speaking English since they were 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But their writing still resembles that of an American 8 year old!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that their message will come through
much better than mine, because really, the books aren’t for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are for these unfortunate kids who live
an hour and a half drive from the nearest shop, with absolutely no way to get
reading material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they do not improve
their English, they will be the ones who can’t find jobs, not me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As an avid
reader myself, I would be perfectly happy reading the books in the
library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the ones written in the
1920’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am a proficient reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would make sense to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To these kids, it's daunting and
gibberish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, here I am, hoping that
there are people in the world who are more interested in helping children
succeed in the world than to get a tax write-off.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is one
of the kid’s letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has spent hours
trying to type it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dare you to read it
and not feel your heart strings pull. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dear
madam,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First
of all I want to say good after noon or morning at the library. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have to tell you the problems about the library book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to read and understanding what is going in
the book so that I can take and read those thing that is inside the book
please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have to talk about myself how I can take this book to read them in the library
because the teacher they not allow us to go and read the book in the library so
that we can read good story <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At
the school also we need good book to read easily for myself only<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>me I like to read story book and magazine also about the HIV and AIDS to
know what<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we going allow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to do when we can doing sex<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you cannot get HIV and AID in the school or
on my w ay<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>if I thing about the school
book here . I thing I am in the school where I am teaching every day until
school out .I like to pray to god so I can be good reading in the school except
in the class only because I like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
try<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my spelling word to write<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>again<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>in the same so that I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Can
writ easily and I can become reading learner in the class .so that I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>want to tell you about the book that is here
in the library now the teacher or secratery now give us to read it is ok but
just bring us at the library or give us book to read that was my good news for
all teacher and secretary and myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sincerely<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With
many thanks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Theodor
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My poor library! No wonder the kids don't read. They can't!</div>
</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-41835816564095721642012-10-24T15:48:00.002-07:002013-06-19T04:50:22.036-07:00Knock, Knock, Nobody's Home<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, I think I updated the blog a few days too early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My boring old life here in the village isn’t
so boring anymore! </div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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This morning my house got broken into and all my money and
some electronics were stolen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yay for
me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sad part is that I didn’t take
the broken lock as a sign of a burglary until hours later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Upon entering my house during break time I noticed that some
of my things had been moved on my trunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Freaked out, I checked and saw that all of my expensive things were
still here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, of course that meant I
was crazy and nothing was stolen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hours
later I come home from a computer class to hear that one of my neighbors saw
one of the learners leave the yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
upon closer inspection of my things, I noticed that all of my money (both
Namibian and American) was gone, as well as my iPod, speakers, and a memory
stick.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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As you do when you are robbed, we called the police, and I
was able to spend the next few hours freaking out about the security of my home
as well as my missing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door
to the house wouldn’t lock, and it was getting late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could honestly care less about the
money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes it was a lot of money, but I
have enough to survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I didn’t
feel safe in my own home.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Thankfully the learner who my neighbor saw wasn’t the
sharpest tool in the shed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had only
gone a few kilometers away in the hours it had been since he had broken in and we
had reported it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The police quickly
caught him, and in an act of even greater stupidity he had (almost) all of my
things on his person.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Que scene where I spent the next few hours of filling out a
statement with the police, and trying to fix the door. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Door problem solved temporarily and
ridiculously long statement finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately I will probably have to court to give my statement and
testify against the kid.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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The saddest part is that this was a learner at my
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a repeater in Grade 10,
and had finished his exams 2 days prior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He left to go home, like all of the other Grade 10s, but decided to stay
a few extra days for some ‘extra-curricular activities’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me so sad that kids are doing these
things, especially to their own teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It really shows how few opportunities these kids think they have in
life.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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If there’s one good thing that came out of this, is that the
Peace Corps understands the limitations of my village and what we can fix so
that this does not happen again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
looking forward to seeing the improvements and now I am extra positive that
getting a dog is a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he is
sitting at my door, people are much less likely to try to break in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was tempted to have a moat built around the
house, and fill it with hippos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I’m
too lazy to dig that trench and don’t think it’d be a good detention for the
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, the hippos would probably
not get along very well with the dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Too bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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It seems that as soon as I say life is boring here,
something comes along to spice up my life a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that next time instead of someone
robbing me, it’s something really cool like winning the lottery or seeing all
my kids get A’s on their essays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One can
wish!</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-85890430598789356922012-10-21T08:13:00.003-07:002013-06-19T04:48:07.451-07:00My Life So Far<br />
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Well,</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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It’s been a while since I’ve written anything on here, and I
wanted to update you on what’s been going on in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Not much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve spent
the last month in my village, and I am slowly trying to figure everything out
and get to know everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite being
such a small community, it’s been a bit difficult to actually get close to
anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we are all on amicable terms,
but it seems that as soon as the school day is over, everyone retreats to their
own homes and we see each other again the next school day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This itself is not a bad thing, but it does
make getting close relationships all the harder.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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I have been able to work more at the school, which is
extremely nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my mom has always
told me, ‘Keep the secretary on your good side and things will always be
easier.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve taken this to heart, even
though it’s not a task by any means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
secretary is a fabulously lovely woman!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is very intelligent and incredibly kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is always there to make jokes, chat, and
help me whenever I need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have also
been slowly been learning more about my colleagues, as well as letting them
know about me.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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This is the real point of what we call ‘Phase 2’ of Peace
Corps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the 2 months before the
new school year, where I have the opportunity to integrate without the stresses
of being a full time teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been
lucky to be able to practice my teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve applied my current teaching methodologies to Namibia in hopes that
it applies here, and so far so good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was very worried that everything I learned about teaching wouldn’t be
applicable here, but thankfully it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s been nice to be able to see if my tricks and skills with the little
ones would apply to secondary students and they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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These kids are both very young and very old at the same
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love stickers and positive
reinforcement to an extent that American teenagers would scoff at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s surprising that things I’ve done with my
Kindergarteners work with 18 year olds!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the same time, though, these kids are having sex with each other,
getting pregnant and who knows what else, and going to the next village to get
drunk on weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They think it’s fun
to turn the power to the teachers’ housing out at night, and generally do
stupid obnoxious things.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Thankfully those are only the 5%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And generally the Grade 10s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spoke with my principal about what I will
be teaching next year, and we have tentatively agreed that I will do all of
Grade 8 and 9 English, as well as BIS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(basic information science).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BIS
generally means how to use books properly as well as use research tools such as
dictionaries, indexes, and the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We don’t have the internet at the moment, but I’ve made it my goal to
get it at the school before I leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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So, weekdays are usually pretty fulfilling here, but
weekends are different altogether.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
there is no school, the days can drag on forever and there isn’t much to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to start making more of an
effort to establish relationships with the teachers so that we can get together
on these boring days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully
everything takes longer to do, such as laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must do it all by hand, so every Saturday I
at least have something to do for an hour or two.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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I’ve also taken up running again, which is a great stress
and boredom reliever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea how
far I go, but I try to increase my time every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been really nice to have a goal (be able
to go an hour easy for now, and a half marathon in a year).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the kids and spouses have noticed
what I am doing, and after getting over the shock of the ‘that crazy running
white chick’ have either joined me or asked if they can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more the merrier I say!</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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I know that once I get my own class, I’ll have plenty to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m already trying to establish
weekend classes for the community in various computer skills, from basic to
editing and creating electronic grading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’ll both keep me busy and help improve the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really want to have at least one teacher
helping me though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I do everything
myself, the project won’t be sustainable once I leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so easy to just say I’ll do it, but
that’s really not the reason I’m here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want the community to be able to help itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Oh, in new news, I’ve officially decided to get a dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been debating it for the last few
months, considering I live in such a remote place and dogs are horribly
mistreated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I leave for my
vacations (which I need to do considering there’s really no one here for a
month), what would happen to the dog?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wouldn’t be able to take it with me for such a long time, and I couldn’t leave
it by itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, after talking to a
community member that I trust, he said that he would love to watch the dog for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think he knows how to do
that to my standards, but I trust that if I showed him what to do, he’d be able
to make sure it was looked after. </div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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I’ll be getting him or her from the SPCA in Windhoek on my
way back to site after Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’ll
be a great gift to myself, and will help me not be so bored and lonely on
weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had many offers of
puppies from people who know I want a dog, but I think getting an adult dog is
a smarter idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I want to make
sure it has all the shots and is fixed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Preparing for it is going to be fun as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to make a dog house out of old desk
frames and tarp material, and any time I go to town I’ll pick up a little bit
that I need, like food and a leash and other stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll post a picture when I get him or her!</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Other than that, not much has happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just practicing my teaching and preparing for
next year, which is difficult with the lack of resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fact which may help me to get the
internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’d be so much easier to
create effective lessons with resources found on the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see how that goes!</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-44238398291221459192012-09-30T20:30:00.001-07:002013-06-19T04:44:03.433-07:00Happy Aniversary!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The staff of my school was invited to the 70’s anniversary
of one of the local primary schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
week before the event, my principal asked if I would like to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course my response was a resounding
“Absolutely!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I said this not
because I wanted to get out of my village (I’ve only been here for a week, not
even close to long enough to get cabin fever), but because I want to get as
much cultural emersion as possible.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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So, two days before the event, my principal informed the
staff that she was going to be gone all weekend to attend a wedding of a family
member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily the teacher who I live with was also
interested in going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday morning
arrived and we crammed into the school baki (truck) and made our way the 25 km
to the primary school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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The event, which started at 9am, began around 11:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were representatives from most of the
local schools, as well as past learners from the school itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were treated to many forms of
entertainment, ranging from local youth performing oviritje (Herero music)
accompanied by music, learners dancing different traditional dances, as well as
dancing from the random Herero women who just got the urge while the music was
playing.<br />
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53LOS-foHjw/UbrsP0dgsRI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/rObt2esO664/s1600/DSCN5591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53LOS-foHjw/UbrsP0dgsRI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/rObt2esO664/s320/DSCN5591.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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The focus of the event was not only on the achievement of
teaching youth for 70 years, but it was also a fundraiser to build a hostel
(dorm) for the learners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this
school is not quite as far away from civilization as mine, it still is quite
far (over 60 km from the nearest town).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This prevents many learners from being able to make the commute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To help their numbers grow, the faculty
decided to turn two of their classrooms into unofficial hostels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem with this is that not only do the
children need to cram together, but the bathrooms are very far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At night they must use a bucket because it is
dangerous to be out after dark (snakes and scorpions, and, they range from 6 to
13).</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I was very impressed to see how the school decided to host a
fundraising event to raise the money for their hostel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All too often organizations become reliant of
foreign aide to solve all their problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These organizations have legitimate concerns, such as needing a hostel,
or fixing the roof, or providing sports equipment/fields for the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But instead of trying to get the money in
country, they put their hand out and wait for the money to come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately I have not seen any of that
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This school worked very hard to
get donations, from other schools, the ministry, various organizations, and the
local community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They planned the event,
had a VIP dinner (which I was invited to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Delicious food!), a raffle for a sheep (which I should have bought a
ticket for), and they sold t-shirts (which I did buy!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It is effort like this which makes me think that I will be
able to make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not just
in this country to teach English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
here to be a catalyst for change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
schools need and want help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just
don’t know how to get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I can be
there, listening to their needs and concerns, I can plant the seed for them to
be able to solve their own problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They need to be reliant on themselves so that they can pull themselves
out of the hole they are in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing this will
also allow them to have pride and feel successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal is that when I leave, I will have no
credit for any of those seeds I planted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want them to say, “Wow, I am so glad Mr. Muhau started that boy’s
club” or “Ms. Murangi sure worked hard to make the computer lab run smoothly”. </div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-60579069829698177212012-09-30T19:55:00.000-07:002012-09-30T19:55:31.244-07:00Ode the the Internet<br />
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Ode to the Internet</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Woa is me, the one who must wake up in the middle of the
night to use the internet.</div>
Why must you be affordable between the hours of shut eye and
rooster’s crow?<br />
The obscene beeping in my ear does not help your cause, but
what can a poor girl do?<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
So I wake, and I walk, and I plug in my communication to the
world beyond the cows.<br />
My eyes have yet to focus, yet I am already knee deep in
e-mails.<br />
As I come to my favorite part, I hold in my groan in
consideration of my neighbors.<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Why are you so slow, Internet?!<br />
Page Cannot Be Displayed is not something I want to see so
early.<br />
All I want is to see the world through 11 inch eyes.<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
But you continue to lumber, just as if you were the cattle
outside my house.<br />
You let me see, but keep those pages I want just out of
reach<br />
Page Cannot Be Displayed<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
I have done so much in my short life here<br />
And all I want to do is share it with the world<br />
But what do I see?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Error.<br />
Page Cannot Be Displayed<br />
And that infernal, evil rotating circle<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Round and round with nowhere to go<br />
It sits on my screen, letting me know that patience is not
my greatest asset<br />
Well I’m sorry, Internet, but I only get one hour of your
time!<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
But I must think logically, which is hard for a sleep-addled
mind.<br />
I live so far from civilization<br />
No ATMs, or grocery stores, or coffee shops<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
No paved roads, or cars, or anything of the like.<br />
No, what I have are cows, and chickens, and screaming
children.<br />
Donkeys and horses, and slow internet.<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
I must think logically, or else <br />
So be content with waiting, for patience is a virtue.<br />
While I cannot upload a photo, I do have thousands of words.<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Words which can paint pictures much more brilliant than that
of my point and shoot.<br />
Words which leap from my brain to the page any time of my
choosing<br />
Not just the middle of no time<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
So I will be content, and happy,<br />
And write my pictures, until…<br />
Page Cannot Be Displayed.Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-23887708925994620922012-09-21T19:20:00.000-07:002013-06-14T03:07:45.774-07:00It's official!<br />
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Well, it’s official.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p>As of around 10am yesterday morning I am now a card carrying
Peace Corps Volunteer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the
morning packing all the little things, and saying goodbye to my new
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then all made our way over to
the training center, and gave our oath the both America and Namibia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently as federal employees we had to
give that awesome ‘foreign and domestic’ oath you always hear on TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was kind of cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p>There were a whole bunch of speeches, both by the embassy,
the Ministry, and selected trainees (pardon me, volunteers).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a really nice event.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKDtH_VfbpE/UbrqhVW9vQI/AAAAAAAAAJs/YpD_EEKwquE/s1600/DSCN5535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKDtH_VfbpE/UbrqhVW9vQI/AAAAAAAAAJs/YpD_EEKwquE/s320/DSCN5535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My Namibian family at my goodbye party the night before. The woman in pink is my mother, Alma.</div>
<br />
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Looking snazzy before becoming official volunteers!</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Not long after, I hopped on a combie (Namlish for van) with
all my things, and made my way to my new village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No more training every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
more seeing the wonderful faces of my new friends every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just me in my new (and awesome) house,
surrounded by teachers and learners, ready to take the world on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or at least start observing the
teachers/learners and tutoring for the next few months.<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
I’m so glad that my principal is amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the opportunity to sit and talk
yesterday, and she seems really open to letting me get my feet wet before I
start teaching my own class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first,
while we were talking about the next 10 weeks of my life, she said that I would
be taking over 2 periods every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
be expected to have lesson plans and be on my own teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should have seen my face!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She obviously did, because she started
laughing and told me she was joking!<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Now,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the next 2
and a half months, I am going to learn as much as I can about my new community,
while hopefully gaining more experience in my Otjiherero and, if I’m ambitious
enough, some Afrikaans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be seeing
how my learners learn, and trying to figure out the best way to teach
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll also start working on the
computers, as well as showing some of the teachers how to be more efficient
with their marking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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They say that Phase 2 (which is the next 10 weeks) is the
slowest of my service. I hope to prevent as much boredom as I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is why I’m up at 4 in the morning,
utilizing the free internet time, to upload my blogs and download as much as I
can!</div>
Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-86570510291250219232012-09-21T19:17:00.002-07:002013-06-19T04:38:12.072-07:00American Cultural Day<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Early Saturday morning, a few of us trainees walked from our
homes in the location (a word for the more run-down suburbs of towns where
black Namibians were forced to live in during the era of apartheid) to the
training center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had been planning
for almost two weeks, and the day had finally arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would be showing our new Namibian families
our American culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had been so
privileged to experience the many different cultures of Namibians a month
prior, and it was our turn to sing and dance and cook foods from our land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just like the incredible diversity the Namibians have, we
wanted to show our families the wonderful diversity that America is so known
for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately most non-Americans
only know us from the television shows they see on TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a day for us to not only show them
that we are so much more than the Amazing Race and Barack Obama, but also how
we as a culture have embraced the cultures of so many other countries.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We began the day slowly, like all events in Namibia do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having a better understanding of ‘Africa
Time’, this did not bother us like it would have two months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly, family and friends trickled in, and
we showed them some dances we know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, we began with the Macarena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
tried to get some of our friends to join, but they were much more content
watching us make fools out of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
was fine, because we were having a lot of fun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a few speeches from our trainers, it was our
turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our language groups had written
and practiced speeches in our new languages, thanking our families for all of
the wonderful kindness and patience they had shown us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These people, who do not have a lot to begin
with, were willing to take us into their homes and treat us like family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To many of them, everything we did was
completely foreign and confusing, much the same way their actions were with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we slowly had a beautiful
cultural exchange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our speeches
acknowledged their kindness and thanked them profusely for their love and
friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is a video of my speech in Otjiherero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must warn you, that while I did write the
speech, it was done in English and translated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore, I probably only understood half of what I was saying and just
memorized the pronunciation of the other half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still, I don’t think I did half bad for only 2 months of language
training and 3 days of practicing the speech!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
(Well, apparently there's not going to be any videos from me. The internet here is so slow that it won't let me upload them. I will hopefully figure out how and put them up as soon as possible.)</div>
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Finally, the most important part of the day arrived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those of us that had been in charge (myself, Laurel, Sam, and Lindsay)
had spent the last week buying food and supplies during our lunch breaks and
after sessions for the different groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had people making Mexican food (tacos!) Italian (pizza, spagetti and
garlic bread) Southern (mac and cheese, which I ate 2 serving of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This shouldn’t surprise anyone.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Desserts (pies, cookies, and cake) Jewish
(latkas, for the new year), Cape Verdian (a wonderful bean soup from the two
who transferred from there), American (chili and cornbread) Asian ( curry, and other dishes I can't name)
and Breakfast (french toast and scrambled eggs).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I was unable to try everything, I
could tell that everyone was really enjoying the food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice to not only show our thanks for
the families taking us in as their own, but also show them what we find
‘normal’ food back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also
really nice for us to be able to eat ‘normal’ foods!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While preparing for this day was incredibly long and
stressful, I was so happy that I had chosen to be part of the committee working
on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the least I could do for
everything that has been done for us over the last 2 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was also an unofficial goodbye party for
all of us and our families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In less than
a week we will all be gone from Okahandja, living in our new homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, though, that I will always have a
family to turn to in Okahandja.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
that I will be able to visit them, and them me, many times over the next 2
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we have not always seen eye
to eye (which is normal for 2 completely different cultures with no knowledge
of the other), we have learned and grown so much!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will miss seeing them every day, and I hope
that this event showed them how much I care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How much we all care about our new families.</div>
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<br />Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-7919199483221307072012-09-05T03:18:00.001-07:002013-06-19T04:35:30.333-07:00Heroes Day<br />
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On August 26<sup>th</sup>, Namibia celebrates Heroes
Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This day commemorates the heroes
and heroines who fought against German and South African oppression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of those who fought and lost their lives
were Hereros, the tribe who’s language I am learning and will be living with
for the next two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Unfortunately, there was controversy around that time, and
the celebration and commemoration was cancelled for that weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are three different groups of Hereros:
the Green Flags, Red Flags, and White Flags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Okahandja is the town of the Red Flags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Red Flags and Green Flags have been arguing about the placement of
their holy fire, and the local police cancelled the event to prevent fighting.</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Thankfully things were resolved, and the events were able to
take place the next weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am lucky
enough to be living in the same town where the events are, so it was easy for
me to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of Saturday consisted of dancing and
partying (not really the commemoration, but those Hereros sure love to
party!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I missed that day because,
truthfully, I wasn’t really comfortable being surrounded by a whole bunch of
drunk guys who always hit on you.)</div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Side note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Many</span>
Namibian men will hit on you every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For some reason it’s what they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It puts us volunteers in a very sticky situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greeting people is very important in Namibian
culture, and to ignore someone who has greeted you is considered very
rude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, as Americans, we stick out
like sore thumbs! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which means we get
lots of attention from people we don’t want talking to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should we say hi and have the possibility of
them thinking we are attracted to them, or do we ignore them and offend
them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still trying to figure that
one out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But the attention is not intended to be rude. It is just their way of telling us that we are special and they would like to know us. I know this in my head but it still will take some time to not automatically assume the worst.</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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I decided it was safer to not be around the celebration and
risk getting potentially scary attention from really, really drunk guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, I walked through there at 9 in the
morning and there were already some pretty drunk people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Sunday morning was a different
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every Herero that was in town,
and many who had come from out of town, processed from the Herero field to a
local grave site, where one of the Red Flag leaders was buried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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The tribal leaders were in the front, followed by many of
the men, starting with the older ones and ending with the very young boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the men folk had gone, the women,
dressed in their traditional dress, followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was beautiful and sombering to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We walked for about an hour, when we arrived at the grave site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tribal elders knelt down and prayed for
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so thankful to have the
opportunity to see this very special Herero event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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Apparently the White Flag Hereros are based in my shopping
town, Omaruru.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to be able to
attend some of their events as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
will be interesting to see how similar and different they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
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<br />
Herero chief blessing someone by spitting on them (still don't know how this is a blessing, and when I was asked to join the line, I respectfully declined!)<br />
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Young Hereros practicing their marching. They were sooo cute!</div>
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The different Herero flags. The red one is for Okahandja, which this event was in.</div>
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<br />
Herero women marching to the grave site. They were probably bummed that they all went to the same store to get their outfits!<br />
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<br />
Herero men marching. The older ones were in the front, and the younger you were, the further back you were.<br />
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<br />
Herero chief.<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
Everyone listening to a blessing given by one of the chief to the grave of one of the old hero chiefs.Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437222074643221238.post-90605451764092524862012-08-28T05:32:00.001-07:002013-06-19T04:32:10.846-07:00Site Visit!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So, I spent the last week travelling to both my future home,
as well as my shopping town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an
inconvenient time to visit a school, considering all of the learners were gone
for school holiday, and most of the teachers were stressed about finishing the
marking of their exams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
unfortunate that I was unable to really see what my school will be like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came to my village with a very negative
view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been travelling on a gravel
road for the last hour and a half, only passing through two tiny villages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was realizing that it would take me that
long any time I wished to purchase anything, from groceries to clothes, to
chocolate!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I did not fully appreciate how amazing my site is until
after I got back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My school is situated
90 kilometers from the town of Omaruru.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The village consists of the school and a few houses scattered
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no store, no shebeen
(haphazardly constructed drinking establishment, usually made of scraps of
metal and anything else that can be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is definitely not legal, but is usually the place to go for most
people), no nothing.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p> </div>
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Which really bummed me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How was I supposed to live without anything!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have to plan a month in advance, when
I got the opportunity to go to town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t want to say that I did not enjoy any of my visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The school itself is in amazing
condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were able to fix all the
damage a few years ago, which is a point of pride for my principal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. Mbai came to my school, Otjiperongo
Junior Secondary School, five years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In those five years, she has increased both the learner’s scores, and
also renovated the buildings and tightened ship, so to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I will have my own classroom, which I am taking over from a
past volunteer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having your own
classroom is not always a possibility in Namibian schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schools are usually too small, and do not
have enough resources (classrooms, books, desks) for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My school actually has too much space, and
they are looking to invite more learners in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I will be teaching English to Grades 8 through 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would like me to also teach Basic
Information Science, which is a lot like library skills, or PE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure which one I would prefer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will also be taking over the library, which
is very exciting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first goal is to
get more books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are fortunate to
actually have a library, which consists of multiple rooms and the option to
expand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one thing that I always
wanted to work on while here was a library, and now I get that chance!</div>
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My house is also amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s funny how much my opinion of the quality of things has
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first came to the
country, I was struck by how run down everything looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, now I see a different way of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course this country is not as wealthy as
America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like, at the house I am staying
at during training, I am spoiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
my own room, with walls and windows that prevent bugs from getting in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is running water and electricity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My house in Otjiperongo is also like
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have a living room, full
kitchen, bathroom with a shower (no more bucket baths, even though there is no
hot water), and 2 bedrooms!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be
sharing the house with another teacher until December, when she will leave and
it will be all for myself.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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One of my favorite things about the site is that there are
cows, everywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess you would call
them free range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meaning they can
meander pretty much anywhere they want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No fences for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they want
to walk right by my house, they can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Same goes for the goats. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
sitting on my porch (yup, I have one of those as well!), and spent a good two
hours just watching the animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The silence will take some getting used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the quiet, but it is very quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted, I was there when there were no kids
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure that in a few months I
will be complaining about how loud it always is!</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I guess the phrase I am using right now about my site is
‘cautiously optimistic’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so
beautiful and serene there, but I am afraid I may go a bit stir crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m going to make the best of it, any way it turns out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Here are some pictures of my life for the next two years.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Christina O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774097023637693070noreply@blogger.com0