I've always had this ambition to travel to Central America and so the last year we deliberated as a "group" over this plan. As a group it would be perfect, there's something for everyone and its a budget place so it wouldn't be too expensive?! Right? Wrong...
Lest we came to January and were searching flights...well I was. And a deal struck me. £469 return to Guatemala City. STA travel. You won't get it cheaper than that.
I was on the phone to Andy in an instant. He didn't have the money, but wanted to go.
In the end, I booked these flights and he would pay me back - it would be the two of us (for the time being). We later learned that some friends of his from school were also going around the same time, and had booked flights a couple of weeks later, only to pay £150 more. Funny things airlines.
I did all the planning, I was the one with the basic Spanish...I had a sneaky suspicion that Andy was kinda coming for the ride - he hardly seemed to care about this holiday and was getting anxious when certain things were left unbooked. I was trying to explain that you can't tick every box when travelling, but he comes from an unadventourous family and so that goes in one ear and out the other.
The weeks running up to Central America and the itenary seemed finalised, but a few triggers all went off at once. There were four brutal murders in Guatemala city, there was a double volcanic eruption and tropical storms in Guatemala (Ecuador was the second eruption) and Andy misread the Guatemalan embassy thinking his passport required 6 months already on his passport..something I'd never heard of in my life.
It was slightly bemusing why all these were happening at once, was it another sign that I shouldn't go; afterall the closure of Tegus airport would have prevented me from travelling there before. Did someone not want me to go? I was really worried.
Needless to say on June 14th 2010 we set off on this new journey...
Monday, 6 September 2010
Goodbyes
04/09/09
So that evening passed unbearably slow.
Did I mention WAITING for our luggage? Well lost in translation the luggage LEFT Ndola at 12! Oh sweet African time...it arrived around 5pm with Catherine. She has been fabulous, organising the truck and the free lift to the airport.
We waited ages here too...I think the anticipation with going home finally was making the waiting so unbearable.
We finally boarded the plane for Nairobi - no delays, although a mystery stop in Lilongwe! We waited here for 45 minutes and this was the point where everyone fell asleep, exhausted.
We arrived in Nairobi airport to the breaking news that it was Michael Jackson's funeral. The King died well before we left for Zambia!!! What on earth have they been doing these past weeks? The media suddenly jerked me back into the real world. It was strange to be sitting in an airport lounge surrounded by luxuries. Sure Nairobi is no Heathrow, but it has TV, lights, running water and of course the hot chocolate from Java Cafe.
...
I'm home, I feel very strange and when the adult choir arrived for the party I was not really in the mood to show them the works.
I really miss the kids. Every morning I feel like I'm about to wake up for something special. I'm about to board a bus and be stared at all through Mapalo. Children will run after the bus until they can run no more, until the bus leaves their sight.
So that evening passed unbearably slow.
Did I mention WAITING for our luggage? Well lost in translation the luggage LEFT Ndola at 12! Oh sweet African time...it arrived around 5pm with Catherine. She has been fabulous, organising the truck and the free lift to the airport.
We waited ages here too...I think the anticipation with going home finally was making the waiting so unbearable.
We finally boarded the plane for Nairobi - no delays, although a mystery stop in Lilongwe! We waited here for 45 minutes and this was the point where everyone fell asleep, exhausted.
We arrived in Nairobi airport to the breaking news that it was Michael Jackson's funeral. The King died well before we left for Zambia!!! What on earth have they been doing these past weeks? The media suddenly jerked me back into the real world. It was strange to be sitting in an airport lounge surrounded by luxuries. Sure Nairobi is no Heathrow, but it has TV, lights, running water and of course the hot chocolate from Java Cafe.
...
I'm home, I feel very strange and when the adult choir arrived for the party I was not really in the mood to show them the works.
I really miss the kids. Every morning I feel like I'm about to wake up for something special. I'm about to board a bus and be stared at all through Mapalo. Children will run after the bus until they can run no more, until the bus leaves their sight.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
The one where everyone got sick
01/09/09
So the river water kicked in...half the group got ill with some severe stomach upset on our last proper day in Zambia. I'm paranoid that I'll get it, but I only swigged some of that water. Maybe I won't.
Rain. 50 days of endless sunshine. It has been fantastic, but I can't deny that I am longing for rain the moment that I step off the plane at Heathrow. And if England obliges I know exactly what my facebook status will be...hehe.
02/09/09
What a horrendous day. The stomach bug everyone else had developed the day before, I developed (surprise surprise)...not as bad but I still felt pretty shit. I had no sleep and depressingly this was the day we had our epic 15 journey home...though it could take up to 19 hours.
I barely had enough energy to feel a fond fairwell to Lake
Tanganyka and Nkupi Lodge...the scenery was stunning but I was focussing on other matters.
When we boarded the bus it was 11am, but in typical African fashion we were delayed by 45minutes. It had also warmed up quite considerably and the street vendors had all caught on that there were Muzungus on the bus. They tried to overcram the bus with 5 people sitting on one seat...honestly Lusaka really isn't that exciting. I figured that the said families were not going as far as Lusaka...only the next villages. It should be said that the early part of the journey was very stop start. No wonder it took Kakoli 19 hours. I was beginning to think ours would be even longer.
The bus smelt of vomit and was reminiscent of a school minibus. As we made headway it had started to cool down as the windows were wide open. This was pretty pleasant, as I was feeling ill.
We reached Kasama at 4pm and waited for a ridiculous 45minutes.
It was starting to get chilly and I desperately hoped that the people around me would close their windows...they didn't and I watched the sunset and felt sad...my final sunset.
The night took forever, it was freezing and I could not sleep. I longed for Lusaka.
We suddenly reached Kabwe (the stop before) and I
could not believe how much time we'd made up...only 140km till Lusaka, although this seemed to take forever.
Finally at 5am we arrived in Lusaka. It took a little time to get our bags and with the general harrassment from the Zambian men, we finally got into our taxis. At least the taxi drivers knew where Salvation Army was!
Salvation Army was NOT prepared for our early arrival. The rooms were locked and thank God for security guards, else we'd have not been able to get into the place. It felt safe camping out on Salvi's grass, although absolutely freezing.
I actually fell asleep on the grass and before I had realised, it became light quickly. I also noticed how quickly that hour had passed. I slept comfortably in the bed until 10am and spent the rest of the daytime in Lusaka.
...
We are sleeping and doing nothing. I felt energetic for a moment when I woke up and was going to join the others in a rendez-vous with Pastor Pete and Bernard at Manderhill. I since thought better of it (stupid stomach) and played the African waiting game, for Catherine's van at 3pm.
So the river water kicked in...half the group got ill with some severe stomach upset on our last proper day in Zambia. I'm paranoid that I'll get it, but I only swigged some of that water. Maybe I won't.
Rain. 50 days of endless sunshine. It has been fantastic, but I can't deny that I am longing for rain the moment that I step off the plane at Heathrow. And if England obliges I know exactly what my facebook status will be...hehe.
02/09/09
What a horrendous day. The stomach bug everyone else had developed the day before, I developed (surprise surprise)...not as bad but I still felt pretty shit. I had no sleep and depressingly this was the day we had our epic 15 journey home...though it could take up to 19 hours.
I barely had enough energy to feel a fond fairwell to Lake
Tanganyka and Nkupi Lodge...the scenery was stunning but I was focussing on other matters.When we boarded the bus it was 11am, but in typical African fashion we were delayed by 45minutes. It had also warmed up quite considerably and the street vendors had all caught on that there were Muzungus on the bus. They tried to overcram the bus with 5 people sitting on one seat...honestly Lusaka really isn't that exciting. I figured that the said families were not going as far as Lusaka...only the next villages. It should be said that the early part of the journey was very stop start. No wonder it took Kakoli 19 hours. I was beginning to think ours would be even longer.
The bus smelt of vomit and was reminiscent of a school minibus. As we made headway it had started to cool down as the windows were wide open. This was pretty pleasant, as I was feeling ill.
We reached Kasama at 4pm and waited for a ridiculous 45minutes.
It was starting to get chilly and I desperately hoped that the people around me would close their windows...they didn't and I watched the sunset and felt sad...my final sunset.
The night took forever, it was freezing and I could not sleep. I longed for Lusaka.
We suddenly reached Kabwe (the stop before) and I
could not believe how much time we'd made up...only 140km till Lusaka, although this seemed to take forever.Finally at 5am we arrived in Lusaka. It took a little time to get our bags and with the general harrassment from the Zambian men, we finally got into our taxis. At least the taxi drivers knew where Salvation Army was!
Salvation Army was NOT prepared for our early arrival. The rooms were locked and thank God for security guards, else we'd have not been able to get into the place. It felt safe camping out on Salvi's grass, although absolutely freezing.
I actually fell asleep on the grass and before I had realised, it became light quickly. I also noticed how quickly that hour had passed. I slept comfortably in the bed until 10am and spent the rest of the daytime in Lusaka.
...
We are sleeping and doing nothing. I felt energetic for a moment when I woke up and was going to join the others in a rendez-vous with Pastor Pete and Bernard at Manderhill. I since thought better of it (stupid stomach) and played the African waiting game, for Catherine's van at 3pm.
The day of water
31/08/09
The day began early...a 6am start, with breakfast at 6.30 and an apparent departure with Jackson at 6.45. Jackson did not materialise until an ho
ur later, by which time we were regretting waking up so early and contemplating the heat that was apparent at this young hour.
We took a boat across the beautiful lake (Tanganyka). Having watched Natalie fall on the rocks, we were very cautious on climbing in. The boat journey was amazing with a cool breeze catching us every so often. Seeing the islands and the mainland in the early sun and watching the fisherman out on the lake was so pictoresque. We made it to shore, with a slight detour on the way as
the guides quizzed others for the best route to Kalambo Falls. We became dubious as to whether Jackson knew where he was going, especially as it was now 10am and very warm.
On the shore we were greeted by kids as is the norm all over Africa. As everyone wiped the sand from their shoes, we were eager to get going on the said "40 minute, slightly challenging hike". The beginning was challenging but manageable in the heat, fairly flat and step like. Then we began climbing. The climbing seemed to go on and on for ever. Scrambling up rocks that were clearly unsafe...what got me was the lack of waterfall in sight (at least with Wli we could see the waterfall) and the depressing fact that the locals were managing a balancing act whilst running up this assault course. How?!
We never lost hope as we believed that the end was over the top of the hill.
We still had miles to go. At this point I felt severley dehydtraed and we'd started walking in broad sunlight.
The episode in the sun continued for ages and I was running out of water...we then encountered another fairly steep climb, before more flat sunshine. Yet still no sign of the waterfall.
A while back we bumped into some other "Musungus" who indicated to us that we still had an hours worth of walking. So much for the 40mins...
We finally reached the waterfall at 12.30 and it was completely worth the walk. The falls were stunning. I braved the cold water and somehow clambered into the freezing water. I was not amused that the sharp rocks grazed my knee in the shallow waters, but significantly it w
as the border between Zambia and Tanzania...I've swum to Tanzania and back. Ha!
We began the epic journey back...the bit I was dreading. We took a short cut, but this didn't manage to avoid a treachorous clamber down the rocks. This was a petrifying encounter, especially as unlike Wli I had no guide to grab hold of. Ruth helped me down most of the way, although walking involved sliding on my ass!
I should also add that we drank some of the river water out of desperation as we'd run out of the pure water, so all of us were dreading cholera, bilhazia and typhoid.
The boat journey home never seemed so welcoming. The cool breeze, the occasional spray. But we quickly became aware of the ever decreasing amount of sunlight, which we'd enjoyed taking pictures of. Aided by the fact that we seemed to be running out of petrol...we were starting to get worried. Halfway across the lake, the boat did decide to break down and the sun had set in
the sky. Jackson suddenly produced these oars and attempted to row home. Quite how, I know not and it kept seeming like we were moving nowhere. We kept asking if we should phone ashore for help...land anywhere? but the guts kept paddling and we were moving somewhere, slowly.
Finally we reached dry land. I'm so thankful to the Lord for keeping us safe.
The day began early...a 6am start, with breakfast at 6.30 and an apparent departure with Jackson at 6.45. Jackson did not materialise until an ho
ur later, by which time we were regretting waking up so early and contemplating the heat that was apparent at this young hour.We took a boat across the beautiful lake (Tanganyka). Having watched Natalie fall on the rocks, we were very cautious on climbing in. The boat journey was amazing with a cool breeze catching us every so often. Seeing the islands and the mainland in the early sun and watching the fisherman out on the lake was so pictoresque. We made it to shore, with a slight detour on the way as
the guides quizzed others for the best route to Kalambo Falls. We became dubious as to whether Jackson knew where he was going, especially as it was now 10am and very warm.On the shore we were greeted by kids as is the norm all over Africa. As everyone wiped the sand from their shoes, we were eager to get going on the said "40 minute, slightly challenging hike". The beginning was challenging but manageable in the heat, fairly flat and step like. Then we began climbing. The climbing seemed to go on and on for ever. Scrambling up rocks that were clearly unsafe...what got me was the lack of waterfall in sight (at least with Wli we could see the waterfall) and the depressing fact that the locals were managing a balancing act whilst running up this assault course. How?!
We never lost hope as we believed that the end was over the top of the hill.
We still had miles to go. At this point I felt severley dehydtraed and we'd started walking in broad sunlight.
The episode in the sun continued for ages and I was running out of water...we then encountered another fairly steep climb, before more flat sunshine. Yet still no sign of the waterfall.
A while back we bumped into some other "Musungus" who indicated to us that we still had an hours worth of walking. So much for the 40mins...
We finally reached the waterfall at 12.30 and it was completely worth the walk. The falls were stunning. I braved the cold water and somehow clambered into the freezing water. I was not amused that the sharp rocks grazed my knee in the shallow waters, but significantly it w
as the border between Zambia and Tanzania...I've swum to Tanzania and back. Ha!We began the epic journey back...the bit I was dreading. We took a short cut, but this didn't manage to avoid a treachorous clamber down the rocks. This was a petrifying encounter, especially as unlike Wli I had no guide to grab hold of. Ruth helped me down most of the way, although walking involved sliding on my ass!
I should also add that we drank some of the river water out of desperation as we'd run out of the pure water, so all of us were dreading cholera, bilhazia and typhoid.
The boat journey home never seemed so welcoming. The cool breeze, the occasional spray. But we quickly became aware of the ever decreasing amount of sunlight, which we'd enjoyed taking pictures of. Aided by the fact that we seemed to be running out of petrol...we were starting to get worried. Halfway across the lake, the boat did decide to break down and the sun had set in
the sky. Jackson suddenly produced these oars and attempted to row home. Quite how, I know not and it kept seeming like we were moving nowhere. We kept asking if we should phone ashore for help...land anywhere? but the guts kept paddling and we were moving somewhere, slowly.Finally we reached dry land. I'm so thankful to the Lord for keeping us safe.
Bus Journeys
29/08/2009
Nothing much of interest happened. We spent the whole day waiting for the bus and making sure we had enough food, snacks, water etc. for the journey. We deliberated over whether we had left anything and over what time the bus would actually appear! (sweet African times!)
The bus journey was uncomfortable, sweaty and cold at the same time with Africans opening their windows all the time. The aisle was clearly not designed for the well-fed African hip and evertime we stopped for petrol or a toilet break, the movement passed my seat was highly irritating.
The journey began with "God TV" and a DVD of excessive music at a horrendous volume. The singing was appalling and even with my ipod at full volume I could still hear it. Thank God Claire asked for it to be turned down about two hours into the journey, though as we discussed we so should have done it earlier.
Although I couldn't sleep, the journey went surprisingly quick and on arrival in Mpulungu, two hours ahead of schedule, I was fully expecting to be still sitting on the bus for at least 5 more hours...
The town was warm already at 7am, a massive difference from Ndola, which had a slight chill at that time in the morning. We deliberated over getting taxis then decided that the lodge was definitely walking distance. Fortunately some locals showed us where to go...
We got to Nkupi lodge expecting the worst as Kakoli had told us that it was basic. However on arrival I completely fell in love with the place. The huts were reminiscent of those weekends away in Ghana. Little huts in pleasant, tranquil grounds. Its so peaceful.
We set out around 10am in a hunt for lunch and water and discovered how basic the village is. The hunt for water in the not quite midday sun was incredibly stressful as we could not find any anywhere.
There is definitely not much to do around here, so much for packing clubbing stuff!!!
Nothing much of interest happened. We spent the whole day waiting for the bus and making sure we had enough food, snacks, water etc. for the journey. We deliberated over whether we had left anything and over what time the bus would actually appear! (sweet African times!)
The bus journey was uncomfortable, sweaty and cold at the same time with Africans opening their windows all the time. The aisle was clearly not designed for the well-fed African hip and evertime we stopped for petrol or a toilet break, the movement passed my seat was highly irritating.
The journey began with "God TV" and a DVD of excessive music at a horrendous volume. The singing was appalling and even with my ipod at full volume I could still hear it. Thank God Claire asked for it to be turned down about two hours into the journey, though as we discussed we so should have done it earlier.
Although I couldn't sleep, the journey went surprisingly quick and on arrival in Mpulungu, two hours ahead of schedule, I was fully expecting to be still sitting on the bus for at least 5 more hours...
The town was warm already at 7am, a massive difference from Ndola, which had a slight chill at that time in the morning. We deliberated over getting taxis then decided that the lodge was definitely walking distance. Fortunately some locals showed us where to go...
We got to Nkupi lodge expecting the worst as Kakoli had told us that it was basic. However on arrival I completely fell in love with the place. The huts were reminiscent of those weekends away in Ghana. Little huts in pleasant, tranquil grounds. Its so peaceful.
We set out around 10am in a hunt for lunch and water and discovered how basic the village is. The hunt for water in the not quite midday sun was incredibly stressful as we could not find any anywhere.
There is definitely not much to do around here, so much for packing clubbing stuff!!!
Saturday, 24 July 2010
The Last Day
27/08/09
Today was my lasy day with the kids and this morning was incredibly special.
We made musical instruments and offered painting and drawing till mid-morning. The irony was that the children involved the instrument making ended up being the messiest of the lot covering the bodies from head to toe with stickers!!!
The teachers sat us all down to thank us for our work and devotion to the project and we received certificates with marks for our teaching. We presented the school with the remaining gifts - the junk we didn't want in our suitcases! Then the party begun.
We had pass the parcel, musical bumps and statues. Awesome fun and the kids were brilliant at it all.
We fed them with fritters, although as usual there was not enough to go round.
Suddenly it was lunch and a case of mass photo taking of every single child before we left.
I realised how little time was left, and felt really emotional especially as Dereck appeared and started singing "Shut the Door". Saying goodbye then seemed so difficult.
Claire and I walked through Mapalo surrounded by our class and picking up more along the way, definitely the Pied Piper of Mapalo. Cries of "Masungu, how are you?!" I'm fine, how are you?!"
I'm sad, I shall never hear those words uttered again :(
The afternoon passed slowly, watching too many aggressive teachers beating small starving children. Giving out food is always an impossible task (I should highlight that Bre
ad of Life were having a big party for all the schools). No wonder they often drop aid from the air!!!The party would have been so much better on the field at St Pauls.
I had a lot of fun playing with the Bread of Life children and organising mass games of Duck, Goose. Also got to cuddle cute kids. First and Last days, woooo!
Suddenly the bus arrived and we were really saying goodbye. Of all my kids, my slightly blank girl, Virginia started crying first and all the others
laughed at her. Royce and Jacklin started crying and I'm so touched to have made such an impact on their lives.
Last Week :(
26/08/09
This was a jam-packed week full of exciting activities and parties for the kids.
I had some amazing lessons planned for the kids, including an English crossword, wordsearches, and my best lesson; The daily routing, where they had to fill in the blanks and draw pictures. They are still rubbish at maths! Oh well, so am I.
They all took part in something called the Mapalo Challenge, which was a quiz between the best students in each schools - we came second! I was so proud of our kids :)
One of the tasks I've been asked to do is nominate some kids for child sponsorship. Its been a really really tough decision and I've still got no idea. I wish I could nominate all of them. Its the hardest thing in the world to do.
This was a jam-packed week full of exciting activities and parties for the kids.
I had some amazing lessons planned for the kids, including an English crossword, wordsearches, and my best lesson; The daily routing, where they had to fill in the blanks and draw pictures. They are still rubbish at maths! Oh well, so am I.
They all took part in something called the Mapalo Challenge, which was a quiz between the best students in each schools - we came second! I was so proud of our kids :)
One of the tasks I've been asked to do is nominate some kids for child sponsorship. Its been a really really tough decision and I've still got no idea. I wish I could nominate all of them. Its the hardest thing in the world to do.
"Mapalo's Got Talent"
22/08/09
I just realised I never wrote about the Talent Show.
It was highly entertaining and the teachers and obviously the kids enjoyed themselves so much.
Initially the kids were reluctant to submit themselves to enter, but from a few acts, we had multiple entries of singing, dancing, soccer, acting and poetry.
The dancing was ace (though a bit sexual given the age of the girls).
The teachers had plenty of fun, particularly with the number cards, giving each act a random mark! I'm not sure they got the idea of there being a winning act!
Ooooh! David's offer from Leeds is official.
Today was spent visiting the Copperbelt museum as Ndola is in the province of the Copperbelt so this museum is devoted to the history and culture of this area and particularly the mining aspects. I spent a huge amount of time (and finances!) in the shop and finally found a present for Andy, I'm paranoid that they don't break. aaaah.
I can't believe we're heading into our last week of school next week :(
I just realised I never wrote about the Talent Show.
It was highly entertaining and the teachers and obviously the kids enjoyed themselves so much.
Initially the kids were reluctant to submit themselves to enter, but from a few acts, we had multiple entries of singing, dancing, soccer, acting and poetry.
The dancing was ace (though a bit sexual given the age of the girls).
The teachers had plenty of fun, particularly with the number cards, giving each act a random mark! I'm not sure they got the idea of there being a winning act!
Ooooh! David's offer from Leeds is official.
Today was spent visiting the Copperbelt museum as Ndola is in the province of the Copperbelt so this museum is devoted to the history and culture of this area and particularly the mining aspects. I spent a huge amount of time (and finances!) in the shop and finally found a present for Andy, I'm paranoid that they don't break. aaaah.
I can't believe we're heading into our last week of school next week :(
Results
20/08/09
It has been such a rollercoaster of a day.
It took me an age to get through to my brother and when I did I found him disappointed and moody, mostly with himself for not getting the grades he needed and feeling like he'd let everone down. Mum would be disappointed, Granny would be disappointed etc.
I told him to phone up Leeds telling them how much he still wanted to go there. Apparently loads of people had missed the grades this year and if he was willing to change from deferred to this current year they'd take him.
I'm so pleased for him and so excited that he gets to start uni. I'd love to be in his position all over again. Results day is so exciting when it goes right :)
It has been such a rollercoaster of a day.
It took me an age to get through to my brother and when I did I found him disappointed and moody, mostly with himself for not getting the grades he needed and feeling like he'd let everone down. Mum would be disappointed, Granny would be disappointed etc.
I told him to phone up Leeds telling them how much he still wanted to go there. Apparently loads of people had missed the grades this year and if he was willing to change from deferred to this current year they'd take him.
I'm so pleased for him and so excited that he gets to start uni. I'd love to be in his position all over again. Results day is so exciting when it goes right :)
Progress
15/08/09
What a day! I must start by acknowledging the achievements of Shadrack. This young girl was the bane of my life at the start of teaching as her writing was all over the page and whilst she would try and copy of the other pupils, even that wouldn't make sense as she would only write in Bemba, despite my efforts to write "NO BEMBA" in BOLD LETTERS for them all to see.
Today we witnessed a miracle in her education, she started to write in English, compiling some form of sentences together. I felt a sense of pride in her achievements as I had been able to pass on something to someone so deprived of an education. Incidentally, the task had been to write a story, just to highlight the gap in her knowledge!
The understanding from all the class is questionable, as displayed in my science lesson on excretion, as none of the class could answer the questions correctly, a problem that is based on the fact that their whole curriculum is taught in English, and they have the ability of kids far younger than themselves, yet they are accessing materials designed for their own age. There are so many changes that need to be made! We complain in the UK about our education systems, yet you look at theirs and you realise the uphill struggle that they face.
The afternoon was incredible. We put on a Sports Day, hosting a "Potato and Spoon Race", a sprint, and an obstacle course, which definitely involved extreme creativity. It was a lot of fun and we were able to hand out prizes to the winners! All the kids enjoyed themselves immensely, as did the teachers :)
What a day! I must start by acknowledging the achievements of Shadrack. This young girl was the bane of my life at the start of teaching as her writing was all over the page and whilst she would try and copy of the other pupils, even that wouldn't make sense as she would only write in Bemba, despite my efforts to write "NO BEMBA" in BOLD LETTERS for them all to see.
Today we witnessed a miracle in her education, she started to write in English, compiling some form of sentences together. I felt a sense of pride in her achievements as I had been able to pass on something to someone so deprived of an education. Incidentally, the task had been to write a story, just to highlight the gap in her knowledge!
The understanding from all the class is questionable, as displayed in my science lesson on excretion, as none of the class could answer the questions correctly, a problem that is based on the fact that their whole curriculum is taught in English, and they have the ability of kids far younger than themselves, yet they are accessing materials designed for their own age. There are so many changes that need to be made! We complain in the UK about our education systems, yet you look at theirs and you realise the uphill struggle that they face.
The afternoon was incredible. We put on a Sports Day, hosting a "Potato and Spoon Race", a sprint, and an obstacle course, which definitely involved extreme creativity. It was a lot of fun and we were able to hand out prizes to the winners! All the kids enjoyed themselves immensely, as did the teachers :)
"RIP Grandpa"
11/08/09
It is really hot today and yet I still have the snivels.
I can't believe today is over already.
I'm writing on my Grandpa's anniversary. I wonder what he'd say if he could see me now; if he could see my mum now, with her gone to Tanzania. Would he be proud? Fearful? He always loved travelling. I remember being devastated that he never got to see David's photos of South Africa, he'd have loved to see them :(
I always remember taking such an interest in his photo slides of mum and Rose when they were young, and even some of their holidays around Europe.
I hate the expression "lost someone". I think that there is the potential to find them again and with death one knows that is not the case. When you "lose someone" you think, well "how careless of you", never mind, they'll turn up. But in death this doesn't happen, does it?
Oh yes, I believe and pray that my Grandpa is safe with God in heaven and that I'll find him when I reach there, but we are talking now. You are losing a loved one who you can' t replace.
I miss the complete family. Christmas used to be normal. We went to Granny and Grandpa's house on Boxing Day. We opened presents on Boxing Day. There was no fuss about who was where on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, the whole family were united.
This coming year David may not even be home for Christmas. :( I hate change so much. I couldn't bare to leave the junior choir and leaving NCO was impossible.
God bless you Grandpa, RIP.
It is really hot today and yet I still have the snivels.
I can't believe today is over already.
I'm writing on my Grandpa's anniversary. I wonder what he'd say if he could see me now; if he could see my mum now, with her gone to Tanzania. Would he be proud? Fearful? He always loved travelling. I remember being devastated that he never got to see David's photos of South Africa, he'd have loved to see them :(
I always remember taking such an interest in his photo slides of mum and Rose when they were young, and even some of their holidays around Europe.
I hate the expression "lost someone". I think that there is the potential to find them again and with death one knows that is not the case. When you "lose someone" you think, well "how careless of you", never mind, they'll turn up. But in death this doesn't happen, does it?
Oh yes, I believe and pray that my Grandpa is safe with God in heaven and that I'll find him when I reach there, but we are talking now. You are losing a loved one who you can' t replace.
I miss the complete family. Christmas used to be normal. We went to Granny and Grandpa's house on Boxing Day. We opened presents on Boxing Day. There was no fuss about who was where on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, the whole family were united.
This coming year David may not even be home for Christmas. :( I hate change so much. I couldn't bare to leave the junior choir and leaving NCO was impossible.
God bless you Grandpa, RIP.
Thursday, 3 June 2010
An Assortment of Creativity
We've got an interschool football tournament, but have no idea what is involved, how many kids, what time...etc! I've no idea if I will be teaching my Grade 5s today or not.
Sadly St Paul's lost in the 1st round. We played really well in the first half and should have won the match convincingly, but for a couple of dodgy offside decisions.
The match ended in a draw and was decided on the craziest ever penalty shootout I have ever seen. All sorts of penalties were retaken and some serious cheating insued with staff used for penalties from the Bread of Life school.
So we lost on penalties.
However the kids were adorable, it was however gutting that we were unable to feed the 5000 with food supplies or water. We could have only satisfied a few and disappointed so many. Watching the kids plead for food was upsetting, but it has become part of a daily routine to hear "madame I'm hungry!"
11/08
I visited the market - the number of flies was disgusting. It smelt awful too. I have bought some really nice material. Its so hard to find things to buy here. In Ghana, Accra wason the doorstep with street vendors everywhere. I miss Osu and Pig Farm.
This afternoon was AWESOME! I was really dreading it, but it turned out fine. Having waited AGES for the kids to return from lunch, we organised painting for many of the children (which was messy!) which they absolutely loved. Little Dereck joined in with his friends and have never seen him so happy.
I haven't devoted much time to Dereck, but he is the politest, warmest, friendliest, but often saddest child of his age. He's so adorable.
He tends to wander around aimlessly from school to school singing tunelessly!
We first befriended him when he sat down beside us on a bench at break. He was playing with some friends, when he really wacked his head. He tried hard not to cry, but since then he's been our pal.
The kids who weren't involved in painting played football - I got roped into this "madame, you WILL play!!!". I could hardly say no. It was lethal, I barely lasted 10 minutes, but the kids played all afternoon, with the game growing to definitely more than 11 players!!!
Sadly St Paul's lost in the 1st round. We played really well in the first half and should have won the match convincingly, but for a couple of dodgy offside decisions.
The match ended in a draw and was decided on the craziest ever penalty shootout I have ever seen. All sorts of penalties were retaken and some serious cheating insued with staff used for penalties from the Bread of Life school.
So we lost on penalties.
However the kids were adorable, it was however gutting that we were unable to feed the 5000 with food supplies or water. We could have only satisfied a few and disappointed so many. Watching the kids plead for food was upsetting, but it has become part of a daily routine to hear "madame I'm hungry!"
11/08
I visited the market - the number of flies was disgusting. It smelt awful too. I have bought some really nice material. Its so hard to find things to buy here. In Ghana, Accra wason the doorstep with street vendors everywhere. I miss Osu and Pig Farm.
This afternoon was AWESOME! I was really dreading it, but it turned out fine. Having waited AGES for the kids to return from lunch, we organised painting for many of the children (which was messy!) which they absolutely loved. Little Dereck joined in with his friends and have never seen him so happy.
I haven't devoted much time to Dereck, but he is the politest, warmest, friendliest, but often saddest child of his age. He's so adorable.
He tends to wander around aimlessly from school to school singing tunelessly!
We first befriended him when he sat down beside us on a bench at break. He was playing with some friends, when he really wacked his head. He tried hard not to cry, but since then he's been our pal.
The kids who weren't involved in painting played football - I got roped into this "madame, you WILL play!!!". I could hardly say no. It was lethal, I barely lasted 10 minutes, but the kids played all afternoon, with the game growing to definitely more than 11 players!!!
Oh RATS!
August! Its finally heating up and I definitely sense a tan developing, although my nose is disgustingly burnt.
The other night, I TOTM caused me to be in the house on my own and I heard a shuffling outside our room. Suddenly I was extremely aware of the presence of a RAT scurrying about the place. Not only have they been causing fear about the entire house, but also some of our food has become unusable due to rat droppings etc. Yuck!
I'm recollecting on my week at St Pauls and what I have achieved so far.
I'm still in awe of Josephine. My lesson on "my name is Kat, I live in London!", she repeated to Claire later that day. Not only this, but she was able to ask Claire where she came from. She is so bright. At least there is a little hope for some of the kids.
06/8
It is so hot today. I promised myself that I would not complain about the heat and I am trying not to. We are 7km from the Congo and theres barely a breeze; this is equatorial sun, in Zambian winter! I shall not complain, because I know full well that on returning to England the icy wind and Mancunian rain will be penetrating my body once more. And I will be moaning about rain, endless rain, neverending rain.
It doesn't rain here.
The sweetest thing just happened. I received a handwritten letter from one of my friends. I'll try and scan it in!
The other night, I TOTM caused me to be in the house on my own and I heard a shuffling outside our room. Suddenly I was extremely aware of the presence of a RAT scurrying about the place. Not only have they been causing fear about the entire house, but also some of our food has become unusable due to rat droppings etc. Yuck!
I'm recollecting on my week at St Pauls and what I have achieved so far.
I'm still in awe of Josephine. My lesson on "my name is Kat, I live in London!", she repeated to Claire later that day. Not only this, but she was able to ask Claire where she came from. She is so bright. At least there is a little hope for some of the kids.
06/8
It is so hot today. I promised myself that I would not complain about the heat and I am trying not to. We are 7km from the Congo and theres barely a breeze; this is equatorial sun, in Zambian winter! I shall not complain, because I know full well that on returning to England the icy wind and Mancunian rain will be penetrating my body once more. And I will be moaning about rain, endless rain, neverending rain.
It doesn't rain here.
The sweetest thing just happened. I received a handwritten letter from one of my friends. I'll try and scan it in!
Early frustrations
From Livingstone we returned for a night in Lusaka's Salvation Army before beginning a long journey to Ndola. The frustrations between the group were already beginning to tell as a division was becoming fairly obvious. It was fair to say that all of us couldn't WAIT to get stuck in on the projects.
When we arrived, the boarding house was a complete surprise. Whilst the showers were horrendous, the entire place was lovely and clean and a wonderful environment to spend 2 months. I'd expected a lot less.
The next day was spent visiting the complex which we'd be volunteering with. There were several projects all very different and at different stages of development. Nearly all of the kids live on the complex (the odd exceptions live in Ndola and have to set off around 5am in order to make school ontime).
28/7
I'm exhausted despite it being 7.30pm. I get up so early for the kids that I'm already drooping by 10am! I don't know how they do it.
I'm finding the project hardwork. I can't teach my own material, des[ite my methods being far simpler.
29/7
I'm feeling really low today and am missing Andy a lot. I shouldn't have read his email. Its really hard not being able to text anyone out here.
I also miss my mum; I wonder how she is getting on in Tanga and whether she is finding the English as tough going.
I felt really priveleged to be given a tour of the slums and an opportunity to see how and where the teachers lived; alongside all their family. The smell was appalling, but there was such a lovely community atmosphere.
My first few days at school have been an incredible challenge. Their English is appalling and I feel like I'm such a boring teacher. There is so much that I want to do with them, so many games which I want to play, but I can't because I have to stick to the textbook. Grrrrrh.
When we arrived, the boarding house was a complete surprise. Whilst the showers were horrendous, the entire place was lovely and clean and a wonderful environment to spend 2 months. I'd expected a lot less.
The next day was spent visiting the complex which we'd be volunteering with. There were several projects all very different and at different stages of development. Nearly all of the kids live on the complex (the odd exceptions live in Ndola and have to set off around 5am in order to make school ontime).
28/7
I'm exhausted despite it being 7.30pm. I get up so early for the kids that I'm already drooping by 10am! I don't know how they do it.
I'm finding the project hardwork. I can't teach my own material, des[ite my methods being far simpler.
29/7
I'm feeling really low today and am missing Andy a lot. I shouldn't have read his email. Its really hard not being able to text anyone out here.
I also miss my mum; I wonder how she is getting on in Tanga and whether she is finding the English as tough going.
I felt really priveleged to be given a tour of the slums and an opportunity to see how and where the teachers lived; alongside all their family. The smell was appalling, but there was such a lovely community atmosphere.
My first few days at school have been an incredible challenge. Their English is appalling and I feel like I'm such a boring teacher. There is so much that I want to do with them, so many games which I want to play, but I can't because I have to stick to the textbook. Grrrrrh.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
3-2-1-BUNGEEEEEE!
Up incredibly early today. Reallt excited at the prospect of going on Safari. We boarded an open truck and hit the road around 7am, with the icy wind catching our faces. Fortunately we had blanket ponchos to cover our faces and nice cuppa awaiting us in "Mosi-y-tuna!" Absolute legends.
Apparently, the prospect of seeing ANY animals was 50/50 and so conversation turned to the anim
al faeces that was littering the pathway. We saw elephant tracks, but sadly no elephants.But we did see giraffes, zebra, impala, monkeys, babboons, wildebeast and a phenomenal tree that as soon as an elephant comes across it it sends out signals through its roots as a defense mechanism to protect others of its kind from being floored from the elephants.
Arrived back at Jollyboys and was very nervous for the afternoons' activities...bungeeee.
We first had to cross the Zam/Zim border, which proved easier than anticipated. After a ridiculously long wait we took the (short) long walk to the bridge and before I knew it I was getting harnessed up for my jump. Having had second, third and fourth thoughts about the jump, there was NO GOING BACK.
Suddenly I was sitting on the platform - freaking out. The jump was so HIGH. Why on earth was I doing this?
5-4-3-2-1.....BUNGEEEEE! And I was flying, head first. The sensation felt weird...I was flying.
The worst part was walking up the bridge again, legs shaking like jelly from the adrenaline.
YEEEEEEH, I did a bungee jump. yeeeeh!
In the evening we went for an African meal at an African restaurant with some awesome entertainment. What a day!
Livingstone
Had a rough nights
sleep as it was really cold again. Two blankets are really not adequate. I wish it would hurry up and warm up. I'd rather be sweaty and have to drink litres of water and be using up my washing stuff than shivering all the time. I bought far too many vest tops!
The sun is hot at the moment, and I will tan, but the strong winter wind keeps sending chills all over my body. I bet England is warmer!
We went to Victoria Falls today - I don't know how el
se to describe them, except WOW! Got completely soaked and would have been drenched if it weren't for the ponchos. The falls are enormous and are really loud. From the bridge we
were able to stand really quite close and although I didn't snap the postcard picture with the rainbow got some gorgous shots. We also saw monkeys!
In the evening we had a drumming workshop, which was loads of fun, despite the few drunken girls who DID NOT PAY (AND STOLE KAKOLI'S TWIX BAR) The downside was learning that the drums cost $100...grrh, I will br
ing a drum home with me. watch this space.
sleep as it was really cold again. Two blankets are really not adequate. I wish it would hurry up and warm up. I'd rather be sweaty and have to drink litres of water and be using up my washing stuff than shivering all the time. I bought far too many vest tops!The sun is hot at the moment, and I will tan, but the strong winter wind keeps sending chills all over my body. I bet England is warmer!
We went to Victoria Falls today - I don't know how el
se to describe them, except WOW! Got completely soaked and would have been drenched if it weren't for the ponchos. The falls are enormous and are really loud. From the bridge we
were able to stand really quite close and although I didn't snap the postcard picture with the rainbow got some gorgous shots. We also saw monkeys!In the evening we had a drumming workshop, which was loads of fun, despite the few drunken girls who DID NOT PAY (AND STOLE KAKOLI'S TWIX BAR) The downside was learning that the drums cost $100...grrh, I will br
ing a drum home with me. watch this space.
Terminal
The 18th was a highly eventful day with plenty to write about. We spent the night in Nairobi airport cafe trying to get comfortable on seats that aren't comfy to sit on for a long duration. The airport was FREEZING, and sleeping in a fleece wasn't even warm enough (THIS IS AFRICA!). Equally the high volumed, monotonous voice of the "American plastic surgery = perfection and Hollywood's secrets", was not the entertainment to send one off to sleep.
Having had around 2 hours sleep, we expectantly crowded round gate 3 for the plane to Lusaka, only to find that there was a fault with the plane.
A two hour delay and NO information whatsoever.
Finally around 11 we were airbourne.
Arrival in Lusaka took its toll. Not only was the Youth Hostel actually the Salvation Army, because they'd managed not to book their original choice in time! But also, it was FREEZING. I knew it was winter, but I never anticipated how cold it would be.
The rooms were tiny, with one bathroom between 10 girls and an icy shower. There were cockroaches everywhere. I think had it been a bit warmer, I'd have thought "sod this, I'm in Africa"...instead I felt that we'd taken a detour to Romania.
---
Next day, after a lengthy delay in waiting for the bus (John had forgotten to book it - MEN!), we embarked on a 7 hour roadtrip to Livingstone, for our bonding week (although I think getting cosy in Nairobi should not be undervalued).
The route was exciting, seeing people and the conditions en route. Welcome to Africa.
Had to take a massive detour over a proper African road (as opposed to the Japanese renovated areas). Bit hard on the ass, but the red sahara sand had me singing "This is the Great Southland" to myself.
Arrived in Livingstone's Jollyboys Hostel, by early evening. The place seemed like Paradise compared to Salvation Army. The staff were really friendly and there was a swimming pool, although with the wintry conditions you'd have to be mad! Had a lovely evening socialising with everyone.
Having had around 2 hours sleep, we expectantly crowded round gate 3 for the plane to Lusaka, only to find that there was a fault with the plane.
A two hour delay and NO information whatsoever.
Finally around 11 we were airbourne.
Arrival in Lusaka took its toll. Not only was the Youth Hostel actually the Salvation Army, because they'd managed not to book their original choice in time! But also, it was FREEZING. I knew it was winter, but I never anticipated how cold it would be.
The rooms were tiny, with one bathroom between 10 girls and an icy shower. There were cockroaches everywhere. I think had it been a bit warmer, I'd have thought "sod this, I'm in Africa"...instead I felt that we'd taken a detour to Romania.
---
Next day, after a lengthy delay in waiting for the bus (John had forgotten to book it - MEN!), we embarked on a 7 hour roadtrip to Livingstone, for our bonding week (although I think getting cosy in Nairobi should not be undervalued).
The route was exciting, seeing people and the conditions en route. Welcome to Africa.
Had to take a massive detour over a proper African road (as opposed to the Japanese renovated areas). Bit hard on the ass, but the red sahara sand had me singing "This is the Great Southland" to myself.
Arrived in Livingstone's Jollyboys Hostel, by early evening. The place seemed like Paradise compared to Salvation Army. The staff were really friendly and there was a swimming pool, although with the wintry conditions you'd have to be mad! Had a lovely evening socialising with everyone.
Zambia begins
...on the plane embarking on my second Gap expedition.
If Ghana was "life changing", phenomenal, amazing, tear-jerking, then Zambia is sure gonna be crammed full of the same - if not more.
I feel less well-prepared for this...am CONVINCED I forgot mozzie-spray even though I packed everything. Bit of a bugger.
I know nothing about my project or really anywhere I'm staying. I feel very in the dark actually. Thankfully I'm flying out with people just as unknowledgable as I and I don't have the worry of "will I, won't I?" be met at the airport this time. If 20 students are abandoned at Lusaka aiport, there'll be a bit of a problem.
Anyway that's like another 24 hours away, I have to survive Nairobi aiport overnight first, I really will feel like Tom Hanks in Terminal.
OOOOH, there's a chance that we'll fly over "Kili" tomorrow! How exciting?! Wish I had a window seat :(
I miss Andy already. I cried on the phone to him and I cried when I left my mum. I think when you've seen less of people you love, you really treasure them more. I hope my mum has a really awesome time in Tanzania.
If Ghana was "life changing", phenomenal, amazing, tear-jerking, then Zambia is sure gonna be crammed full of the same - if not more.
I feel less well-prepared for this...am CONVINCED I forgot mozzie-spray even though I packed everything. Bit of a bugger.
I know nothing about my project or really anywhere I'm staying. I feel very in the dark actually. Thankfully I'm flying out with people just as unknowledgable as I and I don't have the worry of "will I, won't I?" be met at the airport this time. If 20 students are abandoned at Lusaka aiport, there'll be a bit of a problem.
Anyway that's like another 24 hours away, I have to survive Nairobi aiport overnight first, I really will feel like Tom Hanks in Terminal.
OOOOH, there's a chance that we'll fly over "Kili" tomorrow! How exciting?! Wish I had a window seat :(
I miss Andy already. I cried on the phone to him and I cried when I left my mum. I think when you've seen less of people you love, you really treasure them more. I hope my mum has a really awesome time in Tanzania.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Liberation
I'm free!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't think the feeling has sunk in yet. Having nothing to do? What is this feeling?
Yes exams are over, the D-word is not to be mentioned. I'm at a loss of what to do with myself.
I'm free, I'm free, I'm free. YAAAY!
I don't think the feeling has sunk in yet. Having nothing to do? What is this feeling?
Yes exams are over, the D-word is not to be mentioned. I'm at a loss of what to do with myself.
I'm free, I'm free, I'm free. YAAAY!
Friday, 21 May 2010
Procrastination and Randomness
The title of this blog is a good summary of my life at the moment.
Not getting on with the tasks in hand and finding things which are far more exciting to do.
I was inspired by a good friend, Kate, to continue with my blog and share the stories with my friends of my life, travels and general encounters.
So, I revisited my diary entries from Ghana October-December 2007 (goodness that seems so long ago!!!) and have uploaded these to fill the chronological gap that is my blog thus far.
In the Summer 2009 I visited Zambia on a similar volunteering encounter. Although as the blogs reflect, the experiences were so very different. I promise, that before I disappear off THIS Summer, I will get the Zambia experience up here!!!
I'm meant to be revising for my exam entitled "Music, Culture and Politics"...oooh dear. Not much of that going on today. I kinda got distracted by the article I was reading on gender and feminism in Schumann's song cycles. I have felt through this entire course unit that authors make far fetching statements to judge extramusical ideas; especially when it has come to the likes of Wagner and his so-called anti-semitic motives in the Ring.
But to regard Song cycles as a gendered motive on the basis that the female is purely removed from any other ideology of the era, so therefore can either only be defined in a promiscuous way or in the stereotypical maternal, domesticated form is a ridiculous argument.
And I have to potentially write an essay on the above (horror!)
(maybe I should go back and revise).
On the randomness front. Little things please little minds. I bought Andy some silly putty the other day as he was putting some putty onto my door, and I remarked...ooooh "silly putty". And he was like "waaat". Clearly never had the stuff as a kid then.
He's been occupied with the gooey stuff for ages now - how old? 21. Bleeeesss.
x
Not getting on with the tasks in hand and finding things which are far more exciting to do.
I was inspired by a good friend, Kate, to continue with my blog and share the stories with my friends of my life, travels and general encounters.
So, I revisited my diary entries from Ghana October-December 2007 (goodness that seems so long ago!!!) and have uploaded these to fill the chronological gap that is my blog thus far.
In the Summer 2009 I visited Zambia on a similar volunteering encounter. Although as the blogs reflect, the experiences were so very different. I promise, that before I disappear off THIS Summer, I will get the Zambia experience up here!!!
I'm meant to be revising for my exam entitled "Music, Culture and Politics"...oooh dear. Not much of that going on today. I kinda got distracted by the article I was reading on gender and feminism in Schumann's song cycles. I have felt through this entire course unit that authors make far fetching statements to judge extramusical ideas; especially when it has come to the likes of Wagner and his so-called anti-semitic motives in the Ring.
But to regard Song cycles as a gendered motive on the basis that the female is purely removed from any other ideology of the era, so therefore can either only be defined in a promiscuous way or in the stereotypical maternal, domesticated form is a ridiculous argument.
And I have to potentially write an essay on the above (horror!)
(maybe I should go back and revise).
On the randomness front. Little things please little minds. I bought Andy some silly putty the other day as he was putting some putty onto my door, and I remarked...ooooh "silly putty". And he was like "waaat". Clearly never had the stuff as a kid then.
He's been occupied with the gooey stuff for ages now - how old? 21. Bleeeesss.
x
Osu, Osu
So I have been working with the 2-5 year olds for nearly two weeks. It is an exceedingly rewarding experience.
I mentioned before about Fofo, who couldn't write his name - this boy struggles in all aspects of education; however when I introduced the art materials (which I shall explain in a minute) he really enjoyed this task.
He bursts into tears every time he is given a piece of work, because he cannot do it...I try very patiently to explain in about a million ways - it seems like he has some sort of learning difficulty.
About the art - the children had been learning about time; so in art I suggested making clocks; whatever type clock they wanted. My attempt was of a Christmas tree. We had all sorts of clocks (and used the pipe cleaners for the hands). Some of the girls made more than one - it is very clear which are the bright students; and sadly this seems to correspond with those that are not orphans. (the school also takes pupils from the local area).
The art highlighted for me exactly which were the orphans - even though I knew this already. All the orphans drew families of people in addition to their clocks. You don't need an art therapist to analyse that.
Teaching at the school has been good for my maths (haha) - ok, that was a joke, the kids have also been learning basic addition; and the foam shapes have been an excellent resource. However mathematicians may like to note that NONE of the kids understood the concept of zero.
Fridays are an opportunity for FREEPLAY, the children play in the play area all morning. This gives the teachers timeout, and means I am doing overtime! What I mean here is the teachers are lazy - they sit in the shade while the kids fight over the swings, prod each other, and everyone is in tears. None of the orphans understand the concept of sharing, so I am running around trying to break up petty fights, whilst stop the boys from pushing the girls off the swings.
There is a serious lack of common sense used in the orphanage. For example the children are given a half hour "assembly" where they "sing" a combination of traditional songs and hymns (some which vaguely sound familiar). But it gets worse - they are made to recite Bible quotes, with children picked on to recite them. If a child gets it wrong, then they are publicly humiliated with the "shame" song. Basically the Ghanaians version of booing. They also have a very cool way of applauding a child, but that's not the point. I don't know all my psalms off by heart, and I certainly wouldn't have at age 5. Many of the children end up in floods of tears, and that's not just from being beaten for talking, or not keeping still.
Wednesday's are even worse, because the children are kept for an hour doing this.
And what is the average concentration span for a child of 2-5? like 8 minutes..."you're talking?" of course they are talking! what do you expect!
The best line was when they were practicing "away in a manger" the teacher kept singing "I work in a manger", but criticisng the children for saying/singing it wrong. I was so tempted to argue back and say that she too was saying it completely wrong...!
With tomorrow my last day at the orphanage, I shall be devastated to leave the kids. I have grown very attached to them, and every day they ask "aunti Kat, will you come tomorrow?" It makes me feel guilty to know that I go back to my life of luxury, and their lives will continue as usual. I am glad that I have been able to give them the one single thing they crave for this past month, but I wish I could have given more.
xxx
The most beautiful kids
I am now going to bring you up to running speed on the Orphanage.
Having spent two weeks there already, it seems appropriate to comment.
I should add that I havent spent two WHOLE weeks there, as last week I had a stomach infection, meaning I was throwing up, and lots out the other end too...think I caught this off the kids, as there had been a few of them who'd been off their food. One especially - she also had a temperature, and just wouldn't touch any food at all.
We'd been trying to persuade the "aunties" to take her to see a Dr. As one of the sad things is that out of all the 0-2 yr olds, they only know for definite with 2 of them that they are HIV +. Many more could be, which means the slightest infection/illness could be awful.
But what is really sad is that taking a child to the doctor is expensive, same as seeking any sort of medical help, as you have to pay for everything.
I'd hate to be in the Aunties position - as they have probably had to go through a lot of emotion, seeing children come and go, in both ways. But they are very ill educated in how to deal with the children considering what they have been from.
For example, when one case of abandonment saw a child found in a house alone eating his faeces to survive - it is no wonder that many of the children are exceedingly possessive, break into unconsolable tantrums.
However, the aunties way of dealing with this is roughly throwing a child into a cot, even beating them to tell them their act is immoral.
There are so many children that just need love. If I could adopt then I would. My two weeks has been spent cuddling babies, and feeding them at lunchtime. Its a wonderful feeling to know that you can give a child something that they long for. Its heartbreaking to know that you can't give it to them permanently.
I am now going to the 2-5yr olds, where most of my time is going to be spent playing, and helping teach basics to them (i.e. ABC, and 123) as they learn to read...it was fantastic to day...and I even got to teach them the "marching song" Siyahamba!
The class I was with were learning to write their names, with neat handwriting, and some of them were really struggling. So I introduced dotted writing, where they join the dots. It was fantastic to see this boy, who just had been fretting so much, smile at being able to produce this neat work!
They are keen on story telling - "aunti Kat, can you tell us a story" so am gonna bring in the Mister Men books tomoz!
xxx
A chillax weekend
Arrrrgh...tried writing a post and it somehow deleted itself. I know I am a little incompetant with computers, but that is taking the piss!
K, I have been rather neglecting of this diary...apologies.
Lack of finance (I.E. Credit card cut off for no apparent reason - thank you so much) means carefulness with money. anyway Dad's wired me money so am good now.
Let's bring you up to date
Two weekends ago - I went to what is known as the Best Beach in the whole of West Africa. Quite how they measure that, I know not, but Busua Beach resort was certainly exceedingly clean, quiet and picturesque.
We stayed in a quite appropriately named "Alaska" hotel. As my friend pointed out - its so disappointing when hotels boast of a sea view.
Our hotel/mudhuts were practically sitting ON THE BEACH. What's more it was pretty much our own private beach...completely undistracted by determined vendors.
We'd left on the Friday afternoon, leaving the ENTIRE saturday to catch those rays.
also on the Saturday, we hired jet skis - which was awesome!
Now did I almost forget to mention an island in our view. Well, Becky and Nicolas seemed keen to swim to this - which having asked the locals advise, they both went out to do. Took them about an hour or so...
Bradt Guide's view - completely unrecommended. If the shark infested waters aren't enough to put you off, let the rip currents, or the jelly fish or SEA URCHINS dissuade you.
Not them.
Should I add, Becky only got attacked minorly by sea urchins, and in her foot (the hospital couldn't get them out, so she still has these things in there, causing her no grief whatsoever!)
For tourists...DO NOT SWIM TO BECKOLAS.
Parties - Around and Aboot
Firstly I apologise for the lack of fotos. There are plenty, just on my camera, and I'm struggling uploading, because the connection is slow, and Dagney's away, and she has the best memory card, uploader thingy. majiggy
Anyway...so onto this weekend.
I was rather tempted to devote this post to my weekend's travels. But I need to mention Friday night, which saw the TPA end of month party, postponed a week, because it coincided slightly with Halloween. After Becky's pleading, there was a Halloween theme, and every attendee, was meant to dress up. There was to be a prize for the best dressed - Becky, clearly desperate to either be the best dressed, or win this prize, set about coming up with an idea for the costume.
So we emerged with pumpkins as the most practical. Papermache pumpkins - over our clothes of course...but how to make them. We needed some pretty enormous ball size thing to papermache.
In Maxmart, we found what we were looking for; BEACHBALLS. So from last Tuesday, we searched for old newspaper, flour, and of course water, to make the mixture. Once this had dried, we covered the balls in PVA (so universal, even Ghana sells). By Thursday, we were painting in Orange, green and black. We even had hats!
It was a fabulous costume, and as we walked receiving EVEN MORE HARRASSMENT THAN USUAL, we anticipated a great reception.
Disappointingly; Accra let us down, with only Nickee and Elaine dressing up, and the word not spreading round the other regions. Still the pumpkins became a source of entertainment for the evening, particularly as a DANCING AID! And the Halloween theme, was still there - shades of Volunteers attempting to eat apples on string, without using there hands "its all about your technique guys!"
and typical Ghanaian style, waiting 2 hours for food to arrive.
All in all, a great night.
More Ghanaian Love
I'm really tempted to dwell on the weather, as I know that Britain is suffering a particularly nasty cold snap right now. Well Ghana, has turned from tropical and breezy, "chill-o't", to rather uncomfortable sweaty nights. Daytime, lush. Gorgeous, sun, my tan is getting buff. We spent SunDAY at Shangri-la, which just like La Palm, is a really nice hotel/swimming pool, with great Western Grub. Particularly Lebanese style food. (finally know what that involves, and BOY do I love it). Hommous...NOT Tesco value...proper stuff. K so Shangri-la also does Chinese, as you'd expect by the name ;)
This place is full of Chinese tbh. Can't figure it rele.
It's quite amusing that I'm writing about sun, when I was teaching O come all ye faithful WITH DESCANT to the kiddies today. AND Silent Night. I was slightly tempted to go for White Christmas, even Let it Snow! haha.
Tomoz is my last day at Mount Mary's.
I am really really REALLY gonna miss them. Especially the spontaneous bursts of "Jubilate!" or "We are marching..." they really do love those two...
I mentioned to the classes I had today, that I would be going, and they were in floods of tears. I think their only comfort was that they could write to me, and vice versa, as I am leaving my addy with the head. But with paper being an expensive material, and very hard to come by, I think it was fairly conclusive that they would never see me again. I know how that feels. I felt exactly the same when I got attached to friends older than me, who cared for me.
There are a few a boy and girl aged 13, and another girl aged 14 who really want penpals. If anyone knows of anyone who would be committed to doing this, and who is this age, or near enough; let me know. It's really good for your English (and their writing is exceedingly legible). as you have to think when reading the grammar! and it improves your own.
So now onwards, to the Orphanage. I can't believe I have been here a month, time has gone so quickly
Last weekend I went to a Charity fundraiser, raising money for the flooding up North. Headlining was John Legend, and Luciano. It was AMAZING!
So were the remaining reggae acts...and if I didn't feel I'd ticked the African music box, I'm going to see some more tonight, though quite what style it is, I haven't figured yet!
God bless
xxx
Ghana and school stuff
Kk, I have been very bad about updating this site. I do apologise...but there are costs involved.
Where do I start first? Well, the school is still delightful. We had this Monday off, as did a large part of Ghana, due to it being a Muslim holiday? Quite how that equates to a Roman Catholic school getting a day off, I'm not sure, but anyway, everyone headed for Labadi beach to improve their tans. Golly it was packed.
I am so glad that I have got the placement at the school. I have since learnt that Mrs Ezan the head, is the founder of it, and everything she does, she does for the benefit of the kids. I recently marked an essay (which Mrs E. explained that came from a choice of 4 set by the Ghanian Government on last yrs exam paper...or summit like that). The question was write a letter of complaint to the PTA, about the three bad things that teachers in your school do...a rather sneaky way of finding out what her teachers were up to.
I had my concerns - teachers tho I had never seen them use them, always had canes to hand - I wondered what would be the outcome should a child name a teacher in person.
However Mrs E. explained that she was pleased by the outcome of these essays, as children tell the truth. She has since confiscated all canes from the teachers, as the overwhelming bad thing done by teachers, involved the unneccessary caning (which is banned anyway).
I'm glad I get marking to do as well. The older kids are very creative - a story I was marking the other day was entitled "I woke up and realised it was all a dream"...creations involved ending up in forests, renditions of Jack and the Beanstalk, children even wanting to end up in the White House meeting George Bush (surely that was a nightmare???!)...but some were very touching, where children described their birthdays, having a cake, and food to share with all their friends and family, and music. Something we take for granted.
It's interesting how I pull them up on their grammar; my own has improved in doing this. Sometimes I have to think about one or two words they use. One word caused a certain amound of amusement, as a child had written about behaviour, and "comporting" themselves. I pondered over this, and not recognising the word "comport" thought about a suitable replacement, thus concluding "conduct" to be the better word. I have since learnt comport IS word, but English being English has several synonyms, many which we don't necessarily use daily. I also have a few chuckles over the old-fashioned phrases that get thrown in. I got "fit as a fiddle" the other day, amongst others. I can't mark them as wrong, only highlight them with an exclamation mark!!!
More Ghana
I realise all of this is well chronologically out of date, but thought I might as well update it at some point!
Hey, I'm here - didn't get a chance to log in yesterday...but whoah! Akwaaba, which means welcome to Ghana.
Tis hot hot hot. feelin' hot hot hot. Am drinkin tons of water to compensate, and am only on me first full day. maaan!
Am staying with some lovely people, a Bristolian, and an American, and there are some more volunteers living nearby. will be meeting up with a lot more tonight for some quizzy thing.
Shoulda sed this was gonna be a brief post - as this is a check-in the internet caf' as part of my induction...
anywayz, will catch up soon.
much luv xxx
so today was my first proper day in the school.
I went yesterday, but that was just as an observation, so I could meet the kids e.g. them come up, climb over me etc etc. I sat in on one of the other volunteers lessons, Dagney - she's also staying with me, which is dead convenient; went round as an assistant in that lesson. One of the tasks in the lesson was to write an "essay" on a job they wanted to do - think these kids were about 8/9...one little girl wrote about wanting to be a nurse, because she likes caring, and because she cares for her brother and sister at home.
The school is in Achimota, which is a poor area, we have to drive through a residential area to get there, and you really get a feel for the horrendous conditions the other half survive in.
A little girl came up to me today and asked if I could take her home with me - of course they don't understand that it isn't practical, but she meant it when she said it.
So today I took my first lessons - and the head teacher had previously asked me what my strengths were; I obviously said music, (particularly after Dagney had said she was teaching English Comprehension, and I thought ewwww, no!), the head seemed very excited by this prospect. I should add, that the head is the sister of Mrs Cudjoe, whose house I am staying in. Hence Mrs Ezan (head) picks us up for school etc.
Anyway, I am teaching music to all (or so it seems) and pretty much singing. I might teach them ABOUT music next week, but haven't exactly got a timetable - and they all seem so keen to sing.
Today they learnt the English to Siyahamba (We are marching in the light of God) - and this was sung in Assembly, with drums, in two parts!
We also learnt Jubilate, and some manage Open our eyes Lord - though I'd saved this primarily for the younger ones
The lessons did seem to go quickly - and though the 3/4 yr olds were very reminscent of my JCs! I eventually got somewhere, particulary when referring to steps and the voice. It helped that some of them could sing.
The kids are very kind - in every class, one will carry my bag, one will make sure the board is clean, that I have chalk - if I cannot get quiet in the class, someone will ensure that there is for me! Very different from England from what mum tells me!
Anywayz that's enough for one day
xxx
The First post
The day before I leave...infact as I type, a few hours before I leave - packing almost done, goodbyes almost said. This feels a little surreal
And yes, I've had my last warm, shower - at least for 2 months!!!
I'm feeling a mixture of feelings...excitement, because this is an adventure, and a continuation of the journey that God has planned for me. I'm so happy to be able to follow this path, and in doing so give so much to those in need.
But, its such a different adventure, and one I'm taking alone...and there are many fears along the way; what if my bag doesn't make it? what if I forget my passport? MALARIA!
And finding my way around London proved enough of a challenge, with my incompetant map reading skills (as Hester discovered haha)! An unknown city? What have I let myself in for?
I know that God will be with me every step of the way, carrying me when the times are hard; even if I see I GI-NORMOUS wasp (as Hugh was kind enough to let on, that they are HUGE in Africa...arrrrgh...and I thought the ones in St Augustine's were bad enough...)
With that terrifying thought put to bed, I too will get my beauty sleep, knowing only too well I am accepting the mad chaos of Heathrow, and inefficency of Frankfurt (WHY OH WHY did I opt to transfer?), at the unearthly time of errrm 5.15!!!
"My precious child, I will never leave you, never ever, through your times of trouble, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then I carried you."
Love you all guys! xxx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
