Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Before coming to Mozambique, I often heard from people how much I was going to change. I was going to "come back a different person." I didn't like hearing it. I liked who I was so why would I want to come back different? The idea of leaving my home for a foreign place and knowing that I was going to "change" was incredibly unnerving. It seemed that only crazy people would volunteer to be the outsider everywhere they went, battle cockroaches and rats, shower outside with a bucket and cup and...relieve...oneself into a pit that your dog insists on digging up every week. Why would a person choose this way of life? Why would a person choose to change, not knowing what that change would entail? I questioned my decision before my departure. When I finally got on the plane headed to Philadelphia it was mostly out of sheer stubbornness. I could never have anticipated, no one could, what I was flying myself into. I have had my ups and downs, as have all volunteers, but I cannot deny how much I have truly changed. The most surprising part is the ways I have changed.
I was an anti-America American. I was so judgmental of the U.S. government, our President (at the time) and how all Americans seemed to take what they had for granted. I had always thought that I knew just how lucky I was to grow up in America. I was aware of my good fortune at being able to go to college, to have a nice home, to have parents who were always there for me, no matter how often I screwed up. I knew all that. Rather, I thought I did. My appreciation for these things has grown ten-fold, and I also know that there is so much more that I hadn't even realized I was so fortunate to have.
The education system in the United States is great. Elementary through high school, kids have the chance for a free education, books provided that encourage active learning and free thinking. There are teachers that bring their classroom worries home with them because they care about their students. Who spend hours outside of the classroom, during their free time, to plan lessons, grade homework and think of new and creative ways to teach. I know this first hand from living with Gail. I took 16 years of education for granted, never recognizing- never thinking- that this was not how it was everywhere in the world. Those opportunities are not offered to everyone. And while I find it odd that moving to another country is what made me patriotic, I hope that I never forget how truly lucky we are. I don't want to take that for granted again.
About 2 months ago, the director of my school (like the principal) told me that there was a problem with one of the students in the class that I am director of. She said that "number 34" (students are mostly referred to by number) did not know how to write. I had noticed that Joana wasn't doing well on her English test, but I assumed that it was the English language that was confusing her. When I talked to her about her ability to write she admitted that she had never known how to write or read. I asked her if her parents could give her lessons in the afternoon so that she could learn and thus pass 8th grade, but she lives with her aunt who also does not know how to read or write. I offered to give her writing lessons after school. It took us a while to get a consistent schedule going, but we're now doing lessons 3 times a week. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure how to teach someone to read or write in Portuguese, but hopefully after 2 years she can make some progress.
I've gotten my journalism group going as well! I've got a core group of students that are very dedicated and talented. One student in particular, Ernao, is taking the group very seriously. He's always encouraging the other kids, telling them "don't try, do." I've given him the "editor" position. They've written about 6 articles, are doing interviews and are practicing their writing skills. We're going to produce the newspaper the first week of 3rd trimester. I'm asking around for students that are interested in displaying their art, too.
Things are going well here in Mozambique. I'm approaching the end of my second trimester of teaching. Next week are the trimester finals, followed by grading and then I get a week vacation! Third trimester, rumor has it, is going to be a weird time for teaching. Presidential elections are happening at the end of October here and I guess school kind of gets put on hold during that time. Mozambique is definitely still a democracy in progress, but at least it's working towards it! Three weeks ago the governor of Inhambane province came to my school to visit. A week after that the bishop of the Catholic church of Mozambique came. I've also met the first lady of Mozambique...it's all very exciting.
The dog that was left to me, Lucy, gave birth to 7 puppies about a month ago. They are incredibly adorable and a lot of fun to have around. I currently have 9 dogs in my yard...but once they get older I'll be able to give them away.
As always, I hope all is well back home. I miss you very much and can't wait to see you all in December!
PS. Sorry for no pictures! I'll try to upload some next time :)