Thursday, June 24, 2010

Back to School

As if the food situation wasn’t interesting enough we were introduced to Ethiopian food at the restaurant around the corner from the house. We met the high school students from the states that won the Invisible Children Schools for Schools challenge. We mingled and listened to the creative ways that they raised money for the organization...And I watched as everyone ate very runny foods with their hands...That sight set me back just a few more days from any chance of me trying something new. We got back home and realized that there had been a white ant invasion. The “white ants” were larger than regular ants with large white wings...They were ruthless and we ran around boxing them to the floor and shutting all the windows. We then shut off the lights and watched them outside as they looked like sheets of rain. Danielle informed us that the guard was collecting them in his bucket because they are “good” deep fried. Yum...No, I disagree with the new house quote that, “anything is good deep fried”.

Today was the first real day of school. I had to be there at 9:00 a.m. to meet Elizabeth in the staff room. I walked to the boda corner to catch my first alone-alone boda ride at 8:30. Again, my ride was long but scenic and beautiful. Upon arrival to the school I was warmly welcomed by all of the other teachers, literally, “You are very welcome”, kindest hello ever. Elizabeth came in and gave me 3 versions of an English book and 1 teacher’s manual to go over while she lectured her first class. The books are dilapidated and there are too few copies for all of the students. I still enjoyed thumbing through and found it interesting to study sections much like in the states, “work with a partner, read and respond, and listen and say”. After the first class Elizabeth brought me a bottled water and a roll of toilet paper (you can NEVER drink the water unless bottled and pit latrines RARELY have t.p. available), so this was a very kind gift. I was also happy to see that she was wearing the necklace that I made for her. She brought her giant map of the states to see “where I came from” and I was able to point out Hammond where I teach. The staff room filled as it was time for tea and donuts(kind of).

She took me to her next class where I introduced myself to a room of giggling boys. They range in age from around 11 to 25. After I was done speaking she asked if they knew what I had said....An uproar of laughter...I still need to practice slowing down my speech. I was elated to know that upon Elizabeth’s reference to the Chicago Bulls there were multiple students who referenced their Chicago Bulls t-shirts and knowledge of Michael Jordan...Priceless. She gave a lecture about the library, telling students how to check out books and also what the purpose was. I was so impressed to see them all taking notes as she spoke; she purposely writes small amounts on the board so they have to listen well.

After lunch I met the art teacher and discussed being able to paint my own fabric...They say I look creative. Another highlight of the day came when Geoffrey (Amber’s team teacher), tried a piece of chewing gum...I was in sheer amazement when he seemed so surprised that it just “kept chewing”. It was a long full day and definitely reminded me that I was in Uganda as my head started “wagging” and there was no coffee to be had. I was excited to have our first roundtable meeting after school with Catherine, our coordinator, to discuss KOBS (Knowledge Of Behavior and Self) program that we will be discussing at our teaching conference. I will have the chance to interview some students regarding conflict, self esteem, and friendship building...

I learned that some of these students have never seen a munu (except during the war when food was passed out)...This is what I’m here for...

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