Greetings from Gumbo! This week, I have officially become an English teacher in the secondary school (essentially high school)! It is quite different here than in America. The students are very eager to learn as secondary school is seen as such a privilege in South Sudan and completition of secondary school puts you way ahead from an educational standpoint. To give you an idea, we have over 400 young people in the primary school (K-8), and there are 28 students in the secondary school. However, it is the first year the secondary school is open so the numbers will hopefully grow over time as we continue to establish ourselves in the community. The students are a wide range of ages, anywhere from 15-30. So far this year, they have learned about misspelled words, antonyms, and abstract nouns.
One of the most difficult things thus far, especially in the classroom, has been the language barrier. While everyone speaks English, I was told by the class that I need to speak "African English, as my American English is too difficult to understand." I have difficulties understanding them as well and we usually laugh it off when our accents get in the way of strong communication. It makes it very difficult to explain concepts and definitions, as I use a synonym to explain the definition of one word, only to find out they don't know the definition of the synonym! It has been a while since I have not broken down the English language this much in a long time and it is another reminder how much I take for granted!
The first week as a teacher has taught me so much, much more than I have taught them! I have been reflecting on the language barrier and difficulties in getting my point and message across to them. I try a variety of things- analogies, pictures, I slow down my speech, but nothing seems to work. The problem isn't because they aren't listening (at least most of the time they are listening) or because I am doing a bad job of explaining the meaning behind my message. It is because they don't know, me, my "American English", my style of teaching, or my personality. However, in time, we will get used to each other and our ways and it will create open and effective communication between us to foster a greater learning environment!
This leads to my reflection for the week- does God feel the same way I do as a teacher sometimes? Does he get frustrated when he tries and tries to tell us of so many marvelous things in so many ways, but I am not listening? Or do I not get the message because I do not truly KNOW Him and His ways. This has led me to really "open my eyes to see, and open my ears to listen" this past week and look for God everywhere, because He is everywhere. I have also been reading the Bible a lot more this week (which is definitely a weak point in my faith) to try to get to Jesus and His ways more. I am reminded of a catchphrase from an old MTV show- "You may think you know, but you have no idea. This is the true life of..." This is the true life with my relationship with God.
To close, this week has brought even more unique learning opportunities outside the classroom! I have started to learn how to drive a motorcycle, I have picked up guitar again after some time away, and even learned how to properly eat with my hands (there are rules)! I must say it was one of the most interesting and interactive meals ever! We also attended a concert put on by the pre-schoolers, which was an hour of smiling from ear to ear. It is amazing how the innocence and joy of a child can make such a big difference in a day and a life.
May God bless you all!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Weekend of Travel
I can't believe I have been here for over a week! I have been talking with the other SLM's a lot this week about how it feels like we have been here for months- that is mainly due to the hospitality of the Salesians and neighboring community! It has been great to receive so many warm welcomes, refreshing smiles, and open arms everywhere we go. Things have been progressing very nicely as I am getting more and more into the rhythm of life in South Sudan. I have continued learning Arabic and started doing some accounting work in the planning and development office. And of course, there are plenty of kids to play basketball and soccer with every night! I start teaching English in the secondary school tomorrow and am so excited!
This weekend has been one of many travels! On Saturday, we went to a nearby village of Mobi to get a closer view of the Nile River (there are some pictures in the pictures section). It is such a quaint little village that has beautiful views of the Nile and a very mild climate due to the tall trees towering above. We walked around and allowed the scenery to soak in, played a game with the young people, and headed back to our home in Gumbo. Later that morning, we introduced a few lucky children to American football. We passed the ball around to each other, and worked on counting in both Arabic and English as we successfully passed and caught each one. It was amazing to see them progess as they were initially hesitant to play with this odd shaped ball but by the end of it they were pros! In the afternoon, we headed into town drop off our Spanish friends at the airport and get the groceries for the week. It was great to be able to see more of the town and how everything worked together. The cars are always so close together, there are no street signs or lights, and people are crossing in front of and between cars all the time. You have to watch out for the goats and dogs that suddenly decide they want to cross the street!
Today, a group of pre-novices, sisters, and volunteers went with a priest to celebrate mass in Mogili, a village about an hour and 15 minutes away. On the journey there, we passed some monkeys, lots of people bathing in small creeks as we crossed the bridge, and a sign that read "de-mining in process...please be patient". Many reminders to be thankful and count my blessings. Before we left, we were told that it is a "hanging church that has natural A/C!" It turned out to be a large shade tree in the middle of the village! The altar we used was essentially a coffee table and all of the people brought their own plastic lawn chairs. The "child care center" was two blankets laid down on the dirt, one made of cloth and the other one was made of straw. They rang the bell- a small, blown up part of an old bomb they struck with a hammer to signal the beginning of mass. All of the music was sang a cappella. There was no huge gathering space. No organ or other musical instruments. No stained glass windows, large crucifixes, or elaborate fountains. No walls surrounding us. It was just a group of people (and goats and chickens that joined in the celebration!) that were overjoyed to be able to come together as a community once a week (this is the only time of the week a priest is present) to pray, give praise and worship to the God they love and adore so much, and celebrate in the most Holy Eucharist. It didn't matter what songs were played. It didn't matter what the priest said for the homily. It didn't matter who was or who wasn't there. All that mattered was the community came together to celebrate the Eucharist. It was such a blessing and absolutely beautiful to see and be a part of the love and joy that was in everyone present.
I pray that God continues to bless each and everyone of you and you find joy and happiness.
This weekend has been one of many travels! On Saturday, we went to a nearby village of Mobi to get a closer view of the Nile River (there are some pictures in the pictures section). It is such a quaint little village that has beautiful views of the Nile and a very mild climate due to the tall trees towering above. We walked around and allowed the scenery to soak in, played a game with the young people, and headed back to our home in Gumbo. Later that morning, we introduced a few lucky children to American football. We passed the ball around to each other, and worked on counting in both Arabic and English as we successfully passed and caught each one. It was amazing to see them progess as they were initially hesitant to play with this odd shaped ball but by the end of it they were pros! In the afternoon, we headed into town drop off our Spanish friends at the airport and get the groceries for the week. It was great to be able to see more of the town and how everything worked together. The cars are always so close together, there are no street signs or lights, and people are crossing in front of and between cars all the time. You have to watch out for the goats and dogs that suddenly decide they want to cross the street!
Today, a group of pre-novices, sisters, and volunteers went with a priest to celebrate mass in Mogili, a village about an hour and 15 minutes away. On the journey there, we passed some monkeys, lots of people bathing in small creeks as we crossed the bridge, and a sign that read "de-mining in process...please be patient". Many reminders to be thankful and count my blessings. Before we left, we were told that it is a "hanging church that has natural A/C!" It turned out to be a large shade tree in the middle of the village! The altar we used was essentially a coffee table and all of the people brought their own plastic lawn chairs. The "child care center" was two blankets laid down on the dirt, one made of cloth and the other one was made of straw. They rang the bell- a small, blown up part of an old bomb they struck with a hammer to signal the beginning of mass. All of the music was sang a cappella. There was no huge gathering space. No organ or other musical instruments. No stained glass windows, large crucifixes, or elaborate fountains. No walls surrounding us. It was just a group of people (and goats and chickens that joined in the celebration!) that were overjoyed to be able to come together as a community once a week (this is the only time of the week a priest is present) to pray, give praise and worship to the God they love and adore so much, and celebrate in the most Holy Eucharist. It didn't matter what songs were played. It didn't matter what the priest said for the homily. It didn't matter who was or who wasn't there. All that mattered was the community came together to celebrate the Eucharist. It was such a blessing and absolutely beautiful to see and be a part of the love and joy that was in everyone present.
I pray that God continues to bless each and everyone of you and you find joy and happiness.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
New Beginnings!
Hello from Gumbo-Juba! This past Saturday night, I left my parent's house in Chatham, IL and started the journey to South Sudan. After spending over 17 hours on a plane, over 13 hours in airports, one delay in our luggage (they put it on the second flight from Addis Ababa to Juba, we were on the first), 15 minutes in a car, I finally arrived to my mission site! It was such a moment of joy to finally be at my destination after so many months of preparation.
The first couple of days has been filled with so many wonderful and glorious things, as well as so many reminders about life. As we drove from the airport in Juba to our site, we had motorcycles passing us on both sides of the car...reminder...I'm not in America and things are very different! All of the power is from a solar powered generator, so lights are very rarely used during the day and sparingly at night. If we have a few cloudy days in a row, we will go without any lights or power at all. My mosquito net (I like to look at it like I am sleeping in a fort EVERY NIGHT!) was also a big change for me.
The days so far have been pretty relaxed, as they are giving us time to adjust to the community, culture, and time zone (we are 8 hours ahead from CST). Yesterday, it was very exciting to start Arabic class! We will take a class for about an hour everyday for a while to get used to the language. When the group is in class,I feel like Adam Sandler in Billy Madison, constantly saying "slow down!" While English is widely spoken around the mission site, it is not the native language and most of the younger children do not speak any English at all. It is a big change to use the language side of my brain and the young people laugh at us when we mispronounce words, but they appreciate the effort we are putting into it kindly correct us.
Also, this morning it was very nice to get to know more of my daily schedule and duties I will be performing throughout the week. The majority of my time will be spent in the planning and development office doing various administrative tasks. I will also be teaching 3 English classes at the secondary school (it is similiar to a high school) and one Commerce class. In the evenings, I will be spending time at the youth centre playing either soccer, volleyball, basketball, (no tennis), or learning native songs and dances- as there is always music and dancing going on! We also have daily mass and prayer.
The culture in South Sudan has provided so many lessons about life so far. The people are the most joy-filled people I have ever come in contact with and they are grateful for every moment God has given them on this beautiful Earth- and it shows in so many ways. While playing soccer on the dirt field with no nets in the goal, some of the kids are wearing shoes, some are wearing sandals, most have no shoes at all. Sometimes the ball is regulation size with air in it, sometimes it is a smaller ball, and sometimes the ball is completely flat. However, none of that matters to them at all. They are surrounded by their friends and smiling ear to ear the entire time. Every moment is an opportunity to share joy...and they do. Everywhere you look, there is always laughter and joy. Nothing matters besides being in the moment and enjoying that moment.
They are also a faith-filled people. In fact, in Arabic, when asked "How are you?", a common response is "I'm great, thanks be to God." ( in arabic class, we are only speaking and not writing any arabic so I cannot write any for you...sorry!). Again, they are so grateful for everything God has given them. When a fellow SLM and I were walking with a group of young people earlier today, they spontaneously yelled out "God is good....All the time! All the time...God is good!" An hour later, we joined over 300 people in the community to pray the rosary together as one. What an unbelievable moment that was to hear "Hail Mary" being echoed throughout the village- and in 4 different languages/dialects!
Theme so far- learn, enjoy, and be grateful for each and every moment of each and every day because "God is good...All the time! All the time...God is Good!"
The first couple of days has been filled with so many wonderful and glorious things, as well as so many reminders about life. As we drove from the airport in Juba to our site, we had motorcycles passing us on both sides of the car...reminder...I'm not in America and things are very different! All of the power is from a solar powered generator, so lights are very rarely used during the day and sparingly at night. If we have a few cloudy days in a row, we will go without any lights or power at all. My mosquito net (I like to look at it like I am sleeping in a fort EVERY NIGHT!) was also a big change for me.
The days so far have been pretty relaxed, as they are giving us time to adjust to the community, culture, and time zone (we are 8 hours ahead from CST). Yesterday, it was very exciting to start Arabic class! We will take a class for about an hour everyday for a while to get used to the language. When the group is in class,I feel like Adam Sandler in Billy Madison, constantly saying "slow down!" While English is widely spoken around the mission site, it is not the native language and most of the younger children do not speak any English at all. It is a big change to use the language side of my brain and the young people laugh at us when we mispronounce words, but they appreciate the effort we are putting into it kindly correct us.
Also, this morning it was very nice to get to know more of my daily schedule and duties I will be performing throughout the week. The majority of my time will be spent in the planning and development office doing various administrative tasks. I will also be teaching 3 English classes at the secondary school (it is similiar to a high school) and one Commerce class. In the evenings, I will be spending time at the youth centre playing either soccer, volleyball, basketball, (no tennis), or learning native songs and dances- as there is always music and dancing going on! We also have daily mass and prayer.
The culture in South Sudan has provided so many lessons about life so far. The people are the most joy-filled people I have ever come in contact with and they are grateful for every moment God has given them on this beautiful Earth- and it shows in so many ways. While playing soccer on the dirt field with no nets in the goal, some of the kids are wearing shoes, some are wearing sandals, most have no shoes at all. Sometimes the ball is regulation size with air in it, sometimes it is a smaller ball, and sometimes the ball is completely flat. However, none of that matters to them at all. They are surrounded by their friends and smiling ear to ear the entire time. Every moment is an opportunity to share joy...and they do. Everywhere you look, there is always laughter and joy. Nothing matters besides being in the moment and enjoying that moment.
They are also a faith-filled people. In fact, in Arabic, when asked "How are you?", a common response is "I'm great, thanks be to God." ( in arabic class, we are only speaking and not writing any arabic so I cannot write any for you...sorry!). Again, they are so grateful for everything God has given them. When a fellow SLM and I were walking with a group of young people earlier today, they spontaneously yelled out "God is good....All the time! All the time...God is good!" An hour later, we joined over 300 people in the community to pray the rosary together as one. What an unbelievable moment that was to hear "Hail Mary" being echoed throughout the village- and in 4 different languages/dialects!
Theme so far- learn, enjoy, and be grateful for each and every moment of each and every day because "God is good...All the time! All the time...God is Good!"
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