I can't believe it has been nearly a week since my last entry. We are gradually settling into our flat. We've been out several times trying to find some cheap storage units in order to unpack--the armoire isn't enough for the 2 of us. And the kitchen cabinet was already full w/ basics--pots, pans, eating & cooking utensils--but no place for food. We are almost functional now. The things that are still on our wish-list are not essential to life. Jim went into town now to see if he can flesh out some of my wants. He needed a break!
School is absolutely the greatest challenge either of us have ever faced. We both believe that we have become more patient in our "mature" years, so it is a very good thing that we did not try doing this when we were young! 1st day of school we were able to get our class assignments: English grades 6 & 8 and grade 6 Social Studies for me. Jim has English grade 5 (the class from hell) & grade 7 and Religion & Moral Education grades 8,9,10. The RME is non-promotional & he only has each grade 1/week. He starts out w/ 1 of the classes teaching about several different religions (Jehovah's Witnesses, Islam, and some we have never heard of). there are 8 40-minute classes/day, so we are supposed to be there from 7:45 to 3:00. Since we live on the grounds, we've been leaving early & hope to continue with that. Learners do not have their exer cise books yet (blank notebooks in which they do all of their work--given by the school or Dept of Ed). I have a few textbooks from which to choose for each class--but they are primarily for my own use; there are no more than 14 of the same text for for any of my classes (40 learners per class). A few of them have paper on which to write & I am thankful that they all have pens or pencils, but even when I give them paper, they have no system for saving them. So, I have been giving them some instruction, but it's mostly to keep them busy. They love to talk!!!! but I have classes that are somewhat reasonable & they will listen if it is interesting enough. Poor Jim is pulling his hair out! I told him that is payback for all the times he drove his teachers crazy.
I need to carry chalk with me if I want to use the board--I never know if there will be any in the classroom. There is nothing in grade 6 & 8 classroom except desks & chairs (although not enough for every learner), a teacher desk & chair. Same for Jim's classes--except in one of his, there is no teacher desk. I must remember to carry a rag w/ me--board erasers seem to be a rare commodity.
I need to sign off. I have to prepare a class contract for my grade 8 learners to sign regarding behavior. Grade 6 signed theirs today--one girl didn't want to sign as she didn't want to have to follow the "rules". I told her she didn't have to sign, but that we would need to have a serious conversation about it. She signed.
Oh, no church yet, but our neighbor is from the Phillipines & some of her friends have invited us to a nearby town for Sat. dinner, overnight (if we want) & Mass Sun. am. Mass is available in that town on the 1st Sunday of the month, the Eucharist on the 2nd Sunday, & what is probably a prayer service led by lay people the other 2 Sundays. I selfishly hope they are said in English--that is hard enough to understand. We call it "Namlish".
As I said, I need to sign off.
Please continue your prayers for us!
Jim & Sharon
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
We've arrived!
Last evening we arrived at our site. We were greeted by one of the members of the executive board & our neighbor, a young woman from the Philipines who teaches here. We are located on the grounds of the school. Our flat has exceeded our expectations. It is very spacious. We have running cold water (although late yesterday we had none & thought maybe they shut it off during certain hours, but there was a break in the main). We have electricity, although very few outlets. The ‘frig & gas stove/oven are small, but appear new, same w/ microwave. To our surprise, there was a box w/ wash machine waiting for us. It is a dual-tub: wash on one side & spin on the other. Still have to hang clothes outside, but I am very excited to have this convenience. And we were told that the is an air-conditioner on its way!!! Can you believe it?? We came here to experience the life of the poor African & we will be living like royalty! But I am okay with it…there are enough other challenges. There is a coffee table & futon which has its middle leg missing, so Jim fixed it w/ bricks that were laying around the yard. We don‘t have our shower bag set up yet--the back yard needs mowing & we were warned about the snakes, so Jim wasn‘t excited about going out there last night. We have a small armoire which does not hold all of our clothes. There are no shelves or cabinets, the microwave is now sitting on the table. This weekend we hope to go the next town where there is a Target-like store and settle in--still have unpacked baggage sitting around & can’t find things.
Went to school this a.m. Met the staff & sat around waiting for someone to tell us what to do. One teacher brought us a proposal of subjects that included ART--we both said there was no way we could do that. Ended up w/ each of us teaching 15-40min class/week. Jim has Grade 5 & 7 English, and Grades 8, 9, 10 RME ( religion & morals education). He is also on the Sports committee. I have Grade 6 & 8 English + Grade 6 Social Studies & I am on the Organization committee (no, I have no idea what that is.) Classes run from 8:00 to 1:50, but we have to stay ‘til 3. Some learners stay for extra study hall & we will have to supervise that periodically. There is no lunch time, but there is a 30 min. break mid-morning & in the afternoon when some of the learners leave for the day.
Our principal drove us around town--it is full of shebeens (bars) and bottle stores (mostly liquor). We had gotten a cel phone, but it wasn’t working (we failed to load the minutes onto it). Got that straightened out at the cel phone store, then went to the bank to open an account. We’ve been running around w/ all the cash we brought-p--needed an original statement from principal that we are indeed working & at what rate. We want to give them our money & they want proof that we have income!! Jim has left to get the letter from Principal & hopefully get a ride back in to the bank.
To back up...Mass was such a thrill...it was in German! When we arrived, we found the posted songs in an English book, but then they changed the message board & they passed out these foreign worship aides. It is wonderful that we still knew what was going on, but had our hearts set on English. Nuns we talked to there said that there is a Catholic church in Ondangwa--I don't think so. Another hurdle to jump.
Our trip here was interesting. We witnessed the rather sudden change from metropolitan Windhoek to more of the norm. The homesteads are what you picture when you think of Africa: large sticks pushed into the ground for a fence around the complex. One main structure w/ several round thatched places, either open, enclosed w/ sticks, or maybe mud walls. We only saw poverty. I think all of the wealth is in the few cities.
This is more than enough.
Not sure what you may want to know, but if you have questions please ask.
Love to you all.
J & S
Went to school this a.m. Met the staff & sat around waiting for someone to tell us what to do. One teacher brought us a proposal of subjects that included ART--we both said there was no way we could do that. Ended up w/ each of us teaching 15-40min class/week. Jim has Grade 5 & 7 English, and Grades 8, 9, 10 RME ( religion & morals education). He is also on the Sports committee. I have Grade 6 & 8 English + Grade 6 Social Studies & I am on the Organization committee (no, I have no idea what that is.) Classes run from 8:00 to 1:50, but we have to stay ‘til 3. Some learners stay for extra study hall & we will have to supervise that periodically. There is no lunch time, but there is a 30 min. break mid-morning & in the afternoon when some of the learners leave for the day.
Our principal drove us around town--it is full of shebeens (bars) and bottle stores (mostly liquor). We had gotten a cel phone, but it wasn’t working (we failed to load the minutes onto it). Got that straightened out at the cel phone store, then went to the bank to open an account. We’ve been running around w/ all the cash we brought-p--needed an original statement from principal that we are indeed working & at what rate. We want to give them our money & they want proof that we have income!! Jim has left to get the letter from Principal & hopefully get a ride back in to the bank.
To back up...Mass was such a thrill...it was in German! When we arrived, we found the posted songs in an English book, but then they changed the message board & they passed out these foreign worship aides. It is wonderful that we still knew what was going on, but had our hearts set on English. Nuns we talked to there said that there is a Catholic church in Ondangwa--I don't think so. Another hurdle to jump.
Our trip here was interesting. We witnessed the rather sudden change from metropolitan Windhoek to more of the norm. The homesteads are what you picture when you think of Africa: large sticks pushed into the ground for a fence around the complex. One main structure w/ several round thatched places, either open, enclosed w/ sticks, or maybe mud walls. We only saw poverty. I think all of the wealth is in the few cities.
This is more than enough.
Not sure what you may want to know, but if you have questions please ask.
Love to you all.
J & S
Saturday, January 16, 2010
More ramblings
We just came back from our 1st independent shopping trip. In anticipation of arriving at our new home Monday, we bought what we think is a week's groceries of non-perishables. We may have some really weird meals--just another challenge. It helps that they have milk in cartons that need no refrigeration 'til they are opened. And, like everywhere else in the world, they don't refrigerate their eggs. Only iffy item is marg. & cheese, but they can be in 'frig here 'til we get our ride Mon. am.
The founder of our school was in Windhoek a couple of days ago & stopped by our orientation site to meet us. He's an adorable old man & was most welcoming. He is happy to have older teachers, as we are less likely to be as wild as the young ones. He is adamant that for his country to develop, the children must learn. I believe he has high expecations for us.
The place we are staying at is called "Backpackers United". Don't know if there is such a thing in States, but these places are very nice. There are dorm rooms as well as private (which we have). The kitchen is equipped w/ basics & each person/group just has to provide own food & can cook & have a respite from camping. Of course, there are hot showers & toilets. Our room is supplied w/ sheets & 1 towel & bathroom--it would be comparable to a budget motel. There is a pool & a thatched open-air pavilion where we have our classes.
Last evening our Direcror's husband (native Namibian) brought in 3 African drums & taught us how to use them. Jim had a wonderful time. He was very cool about it--just followed the instructions as if he had never played one before (which, truthfully, he hadn't), but then after awhile he cut loose, and he was great!! If you don't know, he played drums in school & I think some in the Army for awhile.
So, we came to realize that when we told that we didn't need to bring alot of stuff, they really meant it. The mall we went to has MANY American brands & I can't think of anything that we would have wanted that we couldn't have found. The grocery store was a little different from ours--very little selection of produce, which we were told, but again, now I know they meant it.
3 varieties of apples, oranges, 2 kinds of potatoes, cabbage, didn't see regular iceberg lettuce, 1 clump of cauliflour, onions, no broccoli, few carrots...
Taxi's are easy to get--they argue over customers, & it's very cheap. $1/person to go anywhere within the city. Tomorrow we will take one to the Catholic Cathederal. Anxious for that! Haven't had that luxury for 3 weeks.
We'd love to hear from any of you: ggmcnam@gmail.com if you want to send us a personal note. We do ask that you not forward stuff. We just want to hear from YOU.
Love to you all.
J & S
The founder of our school was in Windhoek a couple of days ago & stopped by our orientation site to meet us. He's an adorable old man & was most welcoming. He is happy to have older teachers, as we are less likely to be as wild as the young ones. He is adamant that for his country to develop, the children must learn. I believe he has high expecations for us.
The place we are staying at is called "Backpackers United". Don't know if there is such a thing in States, but these places are very nice. There are dorm rooms as well as private (which we have). The kitchen is equipped w/ basics & each person/group just has to provide own food & can cook & have a respite from camping. Of course, there are hot showers & toilets. Our room is supplied w/ sheets & 1 towel & bathroom--it would be comparable to a budget motel. There is a pool & a thatched open-air pavilion where we have our classes.
Last evening our Direcror's husband (native Namibian) brought in 3 African drums & taught us how to use them. Jim had a wonderful time. He was very cool about it--just followed the instructions as if he had never played one before (which, truthfully, he hadn't), but then after awhile he cut loose, and he was great!! If you don't know, he played drums in school & I think some in the Army for awhile.
So, we came to realize that when we told that we didn't need to bring alot of stuff, they really meant it. The mall we went to has MANY American brands & I can't think of anything that we would have wanted that we couldn't have found. The grocery store was a little different from ours--very little selection of produce, which we were told, but again, now I know they meant it.
3 varieties of apples, oranges, 2 kinds of potatoes, cabbage, didn't see regular iceberg lettuce, 1 clump of cauliflour, onions, no broccoli, few carrots...
Taxi's are easy to get--they argue over customers, & it's very cheap. $1/person to go anywhere within the city. Tomorrow we will take one to the Catholic Cathederal. Anxious for that! Haven't had that luxury for 3 weeks.
We'd love to hear from any of you: ggmcnam@gmail.com if you want to send us a personal note. We do ask that you not forward stuff. We just want to hear from YOU.
Love to you all.
J & S
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Disclaimer
Please note: anything that we post on this Blog solely reflects ourown personal impressions. They do not reflect those of WorldTeach nor anyone affiliated with WT.
Jim & Sharon
Jim & Sharon
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Alive & well in Namibia
This is our first time checking out this Blog thing. It was fun reading the previous postings.
First impression of N from plane was "very flat & no recognizable farms". However, there are hills all around. It is the rainy season now, so things are green. When in Africa last year, everything was brown & this is a nice change.
Spent an over-night w/ a host family: 55 year old instructor at the local Arts College who had lost his wife a year ago, leaving him w/ 5 children (16 - 4 mos). He was a freedom fighter in N's struggle against Apartheid & for Independence. In exile for 15 years. Traveled around the world performing w/ a music/drama group to spread Africa's story. He lives in the area of Windhoek (N capital where we are now) where the blacks were pushed when the whites took over. A very large area of corrugated "homes"--like in the pictures you often see, only this was live! The house our host had was better--although very minimal. He took us to his church where he leads the music & preaches, along w/ others. They were very welcoming.
We went to a restaurant last night that served a traditional N dinner. We sat on logs at a very low table. Had chicken cooked over a fire, cooked spinach, "porridge", and tripe. No plates, no serving utensils, no silverware. And, we are not supposed to use our left hand--my right hand was dripping w/ grease (or something). An interesting experience. We played a game where one person danced in the center of the circle of people while the circle clapped & chanted. The dancer then would dance up to someone of opposite sex & point them out with a pelvic thrust & then that person would dance. Only our group was involved with this & it was funny.
Went to Etosha Park (game reserve) & watched a hyena feed on the carcass of a giraffe. Wasn't much left, so he tore off a piece of hide & trotted off. Saw wildebeeste for the 1st time. Also a huge salt pan.
Went to a small town last week to practice teach at a regional school, which was very nice. The learners responded to flyers advertising a Holiday School. It gave us an opportunity to try different approaches.
We are having sessions covering topics involving teaching, culture, a little language (we are the only 2 who are trying to pick up common phrases in Oshidonga. The other volunteers have other languages to learn).
Windhoek is a very westernized city. For the most part we are eating "normal" food, have modern facilities, the water is fine. It gets a little warm, but not bad. When we arrive at our school Monday (18th) we may have a totally different story. It's time to say "good-night". We will try to maintain this with a degree of regularity. Love to all. We are very grateful for your support in this effort--pray for us as we pray for you.
Jim & Sharon
First impression of N from plane was "very flat & no recognizable farms". However, there are hills all around. It is the rainy season now, so things are green. When in Africa last year, everything was brown & this is a nice change.
Spent an over-night w/ a host family: 55 year old instructor at the local Arts College who had lost his wife a year ago, leaving him w/ 5 children (16 - 4 mos). He was a freedom fighter in N's struggle against Apartheid & for Independence. In exile for 15 years. Traveled around the world performing w/ a music/drama group to spread Africa's story. He lives in the area of Windhoek (N capital where we are now) where the blacks were pushed when the whites took over. A very large area of corrugated "homes"--like in the pictures you often see, only this was live! The house our host had was better--although very minimal. He took us to his church where he leads the music & preaches, along w/ others. They were very welcoming.
We went to a restaurant last night that served a traditional N dinner. We sat on logs at a very low table. Had chicken cooked over a fire, cooked spinach, "porridge", and tripe. No plates, no serving utensils, no silverware. And, we are not supposed to use our left hand--my right hand was dripping w/ grease (or something). An interesting experience. We played a game where one person danced in the center of the circle of people while the circle clapped & chanted. The dancer then would dance up to someone of opposite sex & point them out with a pelvic thrust & then that person would dance. Only our group was involved with this & it was funny.
Went to Etosha Park (game reserve) & watched a hyena feed on the carcass of a giraffe. Wasn't much left, so he tore off a piece of hide & trotted off. Saw wildebeeste for the 1st time. Also a huge salt pan.
Went to a small town last week to practice teach at a regional school, which was very nice. The learners responded to flyers advertising a Holiday School. It gave us an opportunity to try different approaches.
We are having sessions covering topics involving teaching, culture, a little language (we are the only 2 who are trying to pick up common phrases in Oshidonga. The other volunteers have other languages to learn).
Windhoek is a very westernized city. For the most part we are eating "normal" food, have modern facilities, the water is fine. It gets a little warm, but not bad. When we arrive at our school Monday (18th) we may have a totally different story. It's time to say "good-night". We will try to maintain this with a degree of regularity. Love to all. We are very grateful for your support in this effort--pray for us as we pray for you.
Jim & Sharon
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Counting the days
Figured I'd post a little something. I know we're all anxiously awaiting an update from the padres themselves, but you'll have to settle for me for now.
If memory serves correctly, they should be done with their training/orientation and on to their final destination in a week. Given that they have already established an internet connection, hopefully it shouldn't be but a couple days following that move and transition that we should hear something new.
Hope this finds everyone well.
If memory serves correctly, they should be done with their training/orientation and on to their final destination in a week. Given that they have already established an internet connection, hopefully it shouldn't be but a couple days following that move and transition that we should hear something new.
Hope this finds everyone well.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Houston, we think there may be life out there
And it appears we are correct. 1 week in, and we got a very short email from Sharon. They've got a lot on their plate at the moment, with getting lesson plans together, learning culture, etc. So, we'll wait patiently for the next update.
For now though, it sounds like they've already got a mound of experiences and stories to share and more importantly it sounds like they are doing well.
For now though, it sounds like they've already got a mound of experiences and stories to share and more importantly it sounds like they are doing well.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Chomping at the bit
Maureen sent an email to the Field Director asking about J&S (and when we might hear from them), and received this response...
Hi Maureen,
It's nice to hear from you!
Jim and Sharon and doing so great! We've had a busy week and on Monday we head off to a new location for a week of practice teaching and further orientation training sessions. Tonight your parents are doing a "home stay" and are spending the night at the home of a lecturer from Windhoek's College of the Arts. I anticipate that they will have an interesting experience. I'm back with them tomorrow.
They have purchased a 3G internet device to plug into their laptop but needed to take it into the shop this morning to make some adjustments. I imagine that once they get some down time they will take a moment to log on and catch up on email. During our free time this morning your father took care of the computer issue while your mother packed for our journey on Monday.
We have a really fantastic group of volunteers and Jim and Sharon are delightful parts of it. We're lucky to have your mother's sensitivity and thoughtfulness and your father's easy laugh and jokes. All of the volunteers and I have all only been together since Tuesday but it's beginning to feel like a family of sorts.
I wish you all the best. Please feel free to check in at any time.
Take care,
Jocie
Hi Maureen,
It's nice to hear from you!
Jim and Sharon and doing so great! We've had a busy week and on Monday we head off to a new location for a week of practice teaching and further orientation training sessions. Tonight your parents are doing a "home stay" and are spending the night at the home of a lecturer from Windhoek's College of the Arts. I anticipate that they will have an interesting experience. I'm back with them tomorrow.
They have purchased a 3G internet device to plug into their laptop but needed to take it into the shop this morning to make some adjustments. I imagine that once they get some down time they will take a moment to log on and catch up on email. During our free time this morning your father took care of the computer issue while your mother packed for our journey on Monday.
We have a really fantastic group of volunteers and Jim and Sharon are delightful parts of it. We're lucky to have your mother's sensitivity and thoughtfulness and your father's easy laugh and jokes. All of the volunteers and I have all only been together since Tuesday but it's beginning to feel like a family of sorts.
I wish you all the best. Please feel free to check in at any time.
Take care,
Jocie
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