Monday, September 22, 2008
Here’s what you have missed since my last blog entry.
• Part 2 of our trip to Tanzania – it was great and worth writing about, but extremely time consuming and seemingly a waste of time given the great writer who accompanied me on the trip. You can read Lindsey’s account on her blog: www.fromnamibia.blogspot.com
• The second term of school – pretty uneventful. Lindsey’s AIDS club hosted a talent show at her school. It was winter, meaning it was cold at night and in the mornings. I think it almost froze in the south. Here, are lows were in the single digits (Celsius). We each took 8 learners to EWA, a gender and leadership conference in Rundu put on by the area PC volunteers. In the classroom, the grade 8’s continued to test my nerves – “refusing” to “learn” fractions and general apathy. The grade 9’s continued to impress me with their work ethic.
• August vacation – we spent a week in Swakopmund at a house ON(!) the beach, shopping, eating great food, watching the Olympics and forgetting that we were in Africa. Then we went on a 4 day hike at Waterburg Plateau. We were expecting to see a lot of animals, especially rhinos, but only saw a few (and no rhinos). However, the scenery and company were great, so no complaints. The Dark Knight.
• PC Conference in Windhoek – our completion of service conference. PC put us up in a plush lodge and we got all the details on going home. This was also the last time that we’ll probably see a lot of the volunteers that are not in the Kavango Region.
• PC releases us Dec 3 after a week long check out in Windhoek. We chose to cash in our plane tickets and spend some time traveling before returning to our beloved country. We’re going to go on a tour through Mozambiue, next see Kruger Game Park in South Africa, then rent a car and leisurely drive down the coast to Cape Town. We’ll arrive home January 19. Part of us really wanted to come straight home as soon as we finished, but we thought me might later regret not taking advantage of the great travel opportunities.
Now we are about to start the fourth week of the third and final term. Aside from lesson plans and grading, my thoughts have been focus on two things: leaving and the election.
The PC conference destroyed any remaining delusions volunteers may have had about not facing the reality of our impending departure. It’s really hard to believe that it’s (almost) time to go. It still feels like we just arrived. At the beginning, two years seemed like such a long time that it didn’t feel that much different than ten years, or permanently. It crept up slowly, but now its here. I am sad to leave the people I’ve become close to: volunteers, locals and learners. There are also many cultural aspects that I will miss, and surely others that I can’t even comprehend now. I think about when I was home last Christmas and was missing Namibia. This time when I go home there will be no return. I have made a list of things I want to do before going home and have done a pretty good job of doing them. The only remaining big one is hosting another goat braii, which will be in two weeks. But don’t get me wrong, I am itching to be back in America. Lindsey asked me the other day about the thing I was looking forward to the most. It was a difficult question, but I answered that it was just feeling a part of it all. Of my family, friends, culture, country. I have dreams almost every night about being in America – similar to the dreams I had when I first arrived here – and I wake up not knowing where in the world I am (literally, lol).
Now that we are accessing the internet almost daily, I am following the election as best I can. I was also able to see a replay of Palin’s speech at the Republican convention while in Windhoek, and stayed up for McCain’s speech only to fall asleep half way through at about 4am. After being fairly confident in the American people to elect Obama, I have become worried after this “Palin bump.” In a certain aspect, its interesting to see what the GOP will come up with next, they are no doubt very cunning and clever (good “politicking” I guess). Who would have thought that they would have tried to steal the ideal of change, much less to have been successful doing so. It’s like regardless of a statements accuracy or truth, if you keep saying it over and over again people will believe it (i.e. Palin’s against pork barreling; McCain and Palin will reform Washington; off-shore drilling would lower gas prices, much less solve the American oil addiction; or that global warming was not caused by humans).
But on the other hand, the Republican’s spin (dare I say “propaganda”?) is scary; this is a serious matter, the country’s well being is at stake. To be clear, I’m not angry at the faithful Republican supporters, I know they have their reasons (thought of obviously I don’t agree), I just can’t get over and how people can be swayed so easily by repetitive talking or an inexperienced, good-looking, simple- and smooth-talking woman. Can anyone (anyone?) really believe that now, all of the sudden, Republicans support women? That’s why the choice of Palin is so sleazy. Why does it seem like no one sees that?
After receiving two mail-in ballots for local elections after the election date I, was getting nervous my vote wouldn’t be counted. However, PC has arranged for us to get write in ballots which will then be shipped back in plenty of time. We should be getting them any day now… I am so anxious for the election. I am predicting absolute exuberance or extreme anger and disappointment. Sarah, Lindsey and I are planning to stay up (or maybe wake up early) and watch the returns live, which should start coming in when the polls close at 3am Nam time.
I am going to try and write more often from here on out. We’ll see.
• Part 2 of our trip to Tanzania – it was great and worth writing about, but extremely time consuming and seemingly a waste of time given the great writer who accompanied me on the trip. You can read Lindsey’s account on her blog: www.fromnamibia.blogspot.com
• The second term of school – pretty uneventful. Lindsey’s AIDS club hosted a talent show at her school. It was winter, meaning it was cold at night and in the mornings. I think it almost froze in the south. Here, are lows were in the single digits (Celsius). We each took 8 learners to EWA, a gender and leadership conference in Rundu put on by the area PC volunteers. In the classroom, the grade 8’s continued to test my nerves – “refusing” to “learn” fractions and general apathy. The grade 9’s continued to impress me with their work ethic.
• August vacation – we spent a week in Swakopmund at a house ON(!) the beach, shopping, eating great food, watching the Olympics and forgetting that we were in Africa. Then we went on a 4 day hike at Waterburg Plateau. We were expecting to see a lot of animals, especially rhinos, but only saw a few (and no rhinos). However, the scenery and company were great, so no complaints. The Dark Knight.
• PC Conference in Windhoek – our completion of service conference. PC put us up in a plush lodge and we got all the details on going home. This was also the last time that we’ll probably see a lot of the volunteers that are not in the Kavango Region.
• PC releases us Dec 3 after a week long check out in Windhoek. We chose to cash in our plane tickets and spend some time traveling before returning to our beloved country. We’re going to go on a tour through Mozambiue, next see Kruger Game Park in South Africa, then rent a car and leisurely drive down the coast to Cape Town. We’ll arrive home January 19. Part of us really wanted to come straight home as soon as we finished, but we thought me might later regret not taking advantage of the great travel opportunities.
Now we are about to start the fourth week of the third and final term. Aside from lesson plans and grading, my thoughts have been focus on two things: leaving and the election.
The PC conference destroyed any remaining delusions volunteers may have had about not facing the reality of our impending departure. It’s really hard to believe that it’s (almost) time to go. It still feels like we just arrived. At the beginning, two years seemed like such a long time that it didn’t feel that much different than ten years, or permanently. It crept up slowly, but now its here. I am sad to leave the people I’ve become close to: volunteers, locals and learners. There are also many cultural aspects that I will miss, and surely others that I can’t even comprehend now. I think about when I was home last Christmas and was missing Namibia. This time when I go home there will be no return. I have made a list of things I want to do before going home and have done a pretty good job of doing them. The only remaining big one is hosting another goat braii, which will be in two weeks. But don’t get me wrong, I am itching to be back in America. Lindsey asked me the other day about the thing I was looking forward to the most. It was a difficult question, but I answered that it was just feeling a part of it all. Of my family, friends, culture, country. I have dreams almost every night about being in America – similar to the dreams I had when I first arrived here – and I wake up not knowing where in the world I am (literally, lol).
Now that we are accessing the internet almost daily, I am following the election as best I can. I was also able to see a replay of Palin’s speech at the Republican convention while in Windhoek, and stayed up for McCain’s speech only to fall asleep half way through at about 4am. After being fairly confident in the American people to elect Obama, I have become worried after this “Palin bump.” In a certain aspect, its interesting to see what the GOP will come up with next, they are no doubt very cunning and clever (good “politicking” I guess). Who would have thought that they would have tried to steal the ideal of change, much less to have been successful doing so. It’s like regardless of a statements accuracy or truth, if you keep saying it over and over again people will believe it (i.e. Palin’s against pork barreling; McCain and Palin will reform Washington; off-shore drilling would lower gas prices, much less solve the American oil addiction; or that global warming was not caused by humans).
But on the other hand, the Republican’s spin (dare I say “propaganda”?) is scary; this is a serious matter, the country’s well being is at stake. To be clear, I’m not angry at the faithful Republican supporters, I know they have their reasons (thought of obviously I don’t agree), I just can’t get over and how people can be swayed so easily by repetitive talking or an inexperienced, good-looking, simple- and smooth-talking woman. Can anyone (anyone?) really believe that now, all of the sudden, Republicans support women? That’s why the choice of Palin is so sleazy. Why does it seem like no one sees that?
After receiving two mail-in ballots for local elections after the election date I, was getting nervous my vote wouldn’t be counted. However, PC has arranged for us to get write in ballots which will then be shipped back in plenty of time. We should be getting them any day now… I am so anxious for the election. I am predicting absolute exuberance or extreme anger and disappointment. Sarah, Lindsey and I are planning to stay up (or maybe wake up early) and watch the returns live, which should start coming in when the polls close at 3am Nam time.
I am going to try and write more often from here on out. We’ll see.
Comments:
<< Home
I think it is SO lame how you Americans think you can come to Africa and expect to be worshipped or expect to live the kind of lives you live back in your country.
I mean, get real, Africa is a whole different culture,we had our own 'evolution' until you people came along and confused it all for us and now we are caught in the middle. Second of all, does anybody force you to come to Africa? No. So quit complaining, and ALWAYS portraying Africa in a bad light, how come you never write about the good parts, or show pictures of the clean parts of towns? or of nice houses?
And about those grade 8 kids not wanting to learn math, did you ever stop to think that they probably don't understand your accent?
QUIT WHINING!! And start showing the other side of Africa, the good one, no the sad stories we are all tired of reading
I mean, get real, Africa is a whole different culture,we had our own 'evolution' until you people came along and confused it all for us and now we are caught in the middle. Second of all, does anybody force you to come to Africa? No. So quit complaining, and ALWAYS portraying Africa in a bad light, how come you never write about the good parts, or show pictures of the clean parts of towns? or of nice houses?
And about those grade 8 kids not wanting to learn math, did you ever stop to think that they probably don't understand your accent?
QUIT WHINING!! And start showing the other side of Africa, the good one, no the sad stories we are all tired of reading
# posted by 
: 8:55 AM
: 8:55 AM
Here we go again. I found your first comment to be confusing and troubling, but this one is offensive. Some of the things you wrote may be true about some Americans, but everything you think about me is wrong. I did not (and do not) expect to be worshiped for volunteering in Africa. In fact, there have been a few occasions where I have been, and it’s made me feel very uncomfortable. I never thought I would live the kind of life I lived back in my own country here, but the life I do live here resembles that life much more than I ever could have imagined.
I am very passionate about teaching, and consider my biggest strength my ability to gauge what my learners understand. To answer your question, did I ever stop to think that they don’t understand my accent? Of course, and as a result I’ve learned to speak more slowly and clearly. (I have also developed an accent and changed my working vocabulary.) More importantly, I stop several times a day to think about whether my learners understand the content of what I am saying, and I don’t proceed until I feel that most do.
What you wrote about Africa being portrayed in a bad light is true (though I didn’t see myself as perpetuating that problem). If I had met you in Nkuu, we probably would have had a pretty interesting conversation about this matter just like I have with many other Africans. That is, if you could have overcome your bitterness enough to speak to me. If we would have had that conversation I would have told you that most Americans know nothing about Africa, and I was no exception to that before. I would have told you some of the very funny and completely false things people would tell me when I was preparing to leave America. I would have told you about the things that surprised me about Namibia – the beauty, the friendliness, the strong sense of family, the current technology, the wealth (of some), and the happiness. I would have told you that one of the goals of my organization is to share the culture of Africa with Americans, and I would have told you how I was reporting the “whole” story. I would have asked you what you think you know about my country, and I would have pointed out the false rumors you have heard about my home. I would have asked you what you thought “the real Africa” is, then I would have told you my belief, that “the real Africa” is so much more than a good side and a bad side. It’s so diverse that one person can’t know what the real Africa is, but instead everyone has their own experience. Africa is poor, rich, healthy, sick, dangerous, safe, horrible, amazing, hopeful, hopeless, beautiful AND disgusting. Africa is what you experience, and that’s all it can be. We would have agreed and disagreed and some things would have been Lost in Translation, but we would have been sharing our cultural views in an intelligent and friendly way.
But we will never meet. I’m sorry if you got the impression I was whining. I do have trouble expressing myself, but I was not whining. I was complaining, and the way I understand it, the two have different meanings. I treat my blog as a way to share part of my experience with my family and friends, both positively and negatively. So, Anonymous, if you continue to read my blog, you can expect to hear at least a few more stories you won’t like. However, I also plan to write about the good things too, like the lesson I gave in my Grade 8 class on Friday (see today’s post).
I am very passionate about teaching, and consider my biggest strength my ability to gauge what my learners understand. To answer your question, did I ever stop to think that they don’t understand my accent? Of course, and as a result I’ve learned to speak more slowly and clearly. (I have also developed an accent and changed my working vocabulary.) More importantly, I stop several times a day to think about whether my learners understand the content of what I am saying, and I don’t proceed until I feel that most do.
What you wrote about Africa being portrayed in a bad light is true (though I didn’t see myself as perpetuating that problem). If I had met you in Nkuu, we probably would have had a pretty interesting conversation about this matter just like I have with many other Africans. That is, if you could have overcome your bitterness enough to speak to me. If we would have had that conversation I would have told you that most Americans know nothing about Africa, and I was no exception to that before. I would have told you some of the very funny and completely false things people would tell me when I was preparing to leave America. I would have told you about the things that surprised me about Namibia – the beauty, the friendliness, the strong sense of family, the current technology, the wealth (of some), and the happiness. I would have told you that one of the goals of my organization is to share the culture of Africa with Americans, and I would have told you how I was reporting the “whole” story. I would have asked you what you think you know about my country, and I would have pointed out the false rumors you have heard about my home. I would have asked you what you thought “the real Africa” is, then I would have told you my belief, that “the real Africa” is so much more than a good side and a bad side. It’s so diverse that one person can’t know what the real Africa is, but instead everyone has their own experience. Africa is poor, rich, healthy, sick, dangerous, safe, horrible, amazing, hopeful, hopeless, beautiful AND disgusting. Africa is what you experience, and that’s all it can be. We would have agreed and disagreed and some things would have been Lost in Translation, but we would have been sharing our cultural views in an intelligent and friendly way.
But we will never meet. I’m sorry if you got the impression I was whining. I do have trouble expressing myself, but I was not whining. I was complaining, and the way I understand it, the two have different meanings. I treat my blog as a way to share part of my experience with my family and friends, both positively and negatively. So, Anonymous, if you continue to read my blog, you can expect to hear at least a few more stories you won’t like. However, I also plan to write about the good things too, like the lesson I gave in my Grade 8 class on Friday (see today’s post).
scott, what i want to say to you and those like you can not be written. I don't think anyone begged you to come to Africa, and yes you are a whiner. Did you say Africans ca not smile? puh-leeeeeeeeeeeez!!! Africans smile from their hearts. I wish your hosts could see this blog and how ungrateful you are! As you must have seen, we are a genuinly happy people despite our problems. What is wrong with you people? you're too materialistic!! Get a life and leave our mother land!!
# posted by : 5:48 PM
: 5:48 PM
Anonymous,
I'm glad to see you are a repeat reader. Let me clarify, Africans CAN smile. I just noticed that they have awkward "smiles" when posing for a picture. It is just something funny between cultures.
I'm sad to see that you have been unable to engage in an intelligent discourse about culture, race or my experience in Namibia, so I am going to censor your future comments.
I'm glad to see you are a repeat reader. Let me clarify, Africans CAN smile. I just noticed that they have awkward "smiles" when posing for a picture. It is just something funny between cultures.
I'm sad to see that you have been unable to engage in an intelligent discourse about culture, race or my experience in Namibia, so I am going to censor your future comments.
It's too bad that you don't realize the effect you're having on the perceptions of the other people who read my blog. I'm sure there are people from all over the world, but most of them are Americans. You are perpetuating the incorrect unhappy, bitter, angry lifestyle stereotype of Africans that you have been accusing me of doing.
(Fellow American, most Africans I've met are NOT like this, though he is not the only one. Please do not form your opinion's of ALL African's based on this quack)
What I meant by saying I would censor your comments was that I will read them before allwoing them to be posted on this blog. I would be happy to hear from you (you could even give your email adress, OR A NAME!) and I will post the comments, but only if you intend on being civil. I am not going to let you hijak this blog. If you're looking for a fight, maybe its best you correspond with Lindsey.
But I do hope to hear from you again.
Post a Comment
(Fellow American, most Africans I've met are NOT like this, though he is not the only one. Please do not form your opinion's of ALL African's based on this quack)
What I meant by saying I would censor your comments was that I will read them before allwoing them to be posted on this blog. I would be happy to hear from you (you could even give your email adress, OR A NAME!) and I will post the comments, but only if you intend on being civil. I am not going to let you hijak this blog. If you're looking for a fight, maybe its best you correspond with Lindsey.
But I do hope to hear from you again.
<< Home
