Hump Day

Hello from Gondolikethwa school today!

I’m currently in the principal’s office, and this time not because I misbehaved :).   My computer is having some technical difficulties, so this will have to do for now.  But I wanted to fill you all in on how I am doing, since these last few days and this next week are going to be a whirlwind! 

Yesterday was the first day of school for the week, and it was amazing to me how good it felt to see my kids.  I think we all missed each other quite a bit.  But we had a lot of fun finding ways to act out their weekend adventures, and then ended the day with some “dance groups” where I learned a few new things about my students, haha!  (wow, are they flexible!)  

But then today was another fantastic day.  The morning was a little rocky, but then after we got started on a project it went better.  We are learning about the seasons and weather this week, so they each made “season signs” to hold up when I ask them questions about the seasons.  They were quite creative, and I was able to use some colorful popsicle sticks from a package from my mom and grandma to give them handles.  They were so pumped, it was great.  Now they are stuck all over the classroom with poster puddy.  Then after break I busted out a new toy; sidewalk chalk!  We went over to an area that has good cement and is fairly large chunk, right at the bottom of the principal’s office and the library.  All the kids paired up, were given a piece of chalk, and they sat on the wall as I demonstrated.  I took Cecilia, my cooperating teacher, who was not all that willing until the kids cheered her on, and had her lay on the ground.  I traced her, which they hadn’t seen before and the kids were all laughing and screaming, naturally making me laugh as well.  She was a little frustrated with how weird her head looked… I kind of made it a little too small for her body, J.  But then she had the chance to get back at me and trace me.  So all 40 kids spread around and traced each other, writing their names and drawing clothes on their people as well.  Up in the corner or the area I wrote in big letters “GOD made me SPECIAL” and then drew a couple stars.  It was so sweet looking.  Then Cecilia ran away… I didn’t know where she was going.  In about 10 minutes, she was back with 6 different paints.  Yep, I am now forever painted on the cement at this school.  And so are all my students, and Cecilia, and the words.  It was so much fun.  The paint will wear away in a year or two, but its going to be a great place for kids to come and learn body parts, play games, and just have some extra color around.  So fun! 

But now I have to wrap things up and get ready to head out to the bus.  My one-eyed bus driver will be ready to pick me up!  What a great guy :).  And no, he does not have an eye patch, Eric.  

Haha, the financial coordinator here who has the office right next to where I am just busted out some classical music for about 30 seconds on her computer.  Again, I laughed.  Not sure why I laugh so much, I guess everything is so surreal to me that it just keeps me smiling.  I try and remember every day that yes, I actually am in Africa!  It’s becoming easy to forget since I have adjusted now.   Seeing a cow next to me, being chased by stray dogs, stopping for a donkey or goat in the road, kicking trash around, seeing all dark faces, hearing crazy languages, and eating with my hands don’t seem like anything out of the ordinary anymore.  As much as I love that, I don’t want to forget each and every thing I experience.   I’m sure the memories will all come pouring back when I get back to the culture of the US.  Be in touch soon!