Watakula? Hawatakula? Napenda Africa!

Mambo!

Jacky is playing Celine Dion in the internet cafe right now, just in case you were wondering.

What a week it has been. Africa has been teaching me so much more than I could have anticipated. One of the hardest challenges this week was in the classroom. My teacher was not at school on Wednesday or Thursday because she was elected to proctor exams in the Standard 7 classes at Mbaruku, one of the primary schools in Bagamoyo. However, I didn't not find out about her absence until I arrived at school on Wednesday. I had lessons prepared for English and Math, but she had not left me with any plan for Swahili lessons or a schedule for the day. It was a "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" type of day, for sure. Unfortunately, I was in a lose lose situation: I didn't have enough planned for the day and the kids did not want to listen to me. I left at the end of the day so disappointed in myself for not being able to effectively use my time or engage the kids. It was definitely a huge let-down and something I did not expect, since I thought I had been trained well to be able to lead a class.

My teacher wasn't there today, either, but thankfully I knew ahead of time and could prepare better. However, the kids behaved worse today and would not listen to me. The difficult part of the situation is that they really only respond to getting hit, whether by hand or by stick, which I will not do. One of the kids even came up to me and motioned for me to hit a kid who was not listening. It's such a hard situation because yelling (in Swahili or in English) does not work, giving time-outs do not work, telling them to be silent or else does not work, taking away fun things does not work. The only time they did listen and pay attention was when another teacher would stop in the room because they know the other teachers may hit them if they do not listen. The students in my class are smart and motivated, but they don't respond well to basic discipline. It was very difficult to be patient and not get frustrated with them. However, we ended on a good note and they seemed very attentive and excited to draw faces and people at the end of the day.

I thought it would be a lot easier to lead the class by myself this week because it had been going so well thusfar. However, the language barrier for kids at this age is so great that it makes it nearly impossible for me to effectively explain new concepts. Knowing only three or so key phrases for keeping the peace in the classroom is difficult, too, because they get tired of hearing "acha kelele" and "kaa chini" every two minutes. I am greatly looking forward to being back with my teacher on Monday!

Speaking of the end of the week, I'm very excited for this upcoming weekend because we're going on a safari! The six of us (Emily, Melica, Jiyoung, Jill, Kara, and me) are leaving at 8am tomorrow for Mikumi National Park. We've been told we'll see a lot of elephants, zebras, giraffes, impalas, baboons, warthogs, wildebeasts, and maybe even a lion. I am SO excited and can't wait to share pictures when I get back!

Africa truly still is great, despite the challenges it may present. Please do not be dismayed by this post!

PS -
Shoutout to all Chacos owners: I officially have my first Chacos tan. Could not love these sandals more.
Jenny: I hope Honors and Awards is fun tomorrow and I can't wait to see all your band awards - congrats!
Dad: will let you know how cool the stars are out in the bush this weekend. Orion is still tilted on his head. And I know I didn't bring back any monkeys from Jozani, but I might have to bring back an elephant from Mikumi...do you think that'd fit on the plane?
Kiely: thank you so much for all your encouraging comments! I can't wait to come back and share stories and pictures with you! Still waiting to see Tuma and give him your letter, but I'll make sure he gets it before I leave.