9.14.2004
After a really stressful start on Monday for the Window of Hope, Tuesday faired much better. I learn through experience at least! Little did I know unless specified, catering didn’t automatically include tea cups, saucers, spoons etc. Thanks to the TRC my girls ran to the rescue and WE survived. Wonderful experience today facilitation very important discussions surrounding the topic of sex, sexuality and how do we give lifesaving information without encouraging sex at the same time. Just such difficult topics when the knowledge must be passed on with life-saving potential and at the same time it’s to children 10-14 and many of these topics and practices break cultural norms on so many levels. Will admit I found myself fin a somewhat uncomfortable position as I gave a brief background on the views of sexuality from a western vs. African traditional perspective. I suppose what was hardest about this moment was the obvious divide between myself and everyone else in the room. After living here for close to one year I’ve adapted in many ways and enjoy being part of this group. Times like today are reminders that I am an outsider and always will be. The potential good in that is hopefully at these moments everyone else in the room can see across tribal/cultural barriers and unify as Namibians and not so much as the sub-groups.
Lighter note:
1. The topic of “wet dreams” and women linked up in some question…glad to have my AP Psych coursework to draw from and talk about dreams and correlations to arousal states!
2. Uh, sorry Sylvia there were 24 lunches 3 minutes ago on that table and only 21 of us…hummm?
3. Can joke about dreams but singing is a serious matter…we’ve had someone directing adapted versions of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and if you’re Happy and You Know It? People are talented and not messing around with this art form.
After long, long days working with adults nothing is better than stopping on the walk home to play with a few kids and watch their eyes light up and hearts lift because you took the time to stop for 5 minutes and show them you care. Time is definitely slower here and it’s great to see how much you can appreciate “the little things” when you bother too. Sunsets here are like no other as well as the positive hearts and souls of these people
Lighter note:
1. The topic of “wet dreams” and women linked up in some question…glad to have my AP Psych coursework to draw from and talk about dreams and correlations to arousal states!
2. Uh, sorry Sylvia there were 24 lunches 3 minutes ago on that table and only 21 of us…hummm?
3. Can joke about dreams but singing is a serious matter…we’ve had someone directing adapted versions of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and if you’re Happy and You Know It? People are talented and not messing around with this art form.
After long, long days working with adults nothing is better than stopping on the walk home to play with a few kids and watch their eyes light up and hearts lift because you took the time to stop for 5 minutes and show them you care. Time is definitely slower here and it’s great to see how much you can appreciate “the little things” when you bother too. Sunsets here are like no other as well as the positive hearts and souls of these people
5 Comments:
That time you give is certainly important. I am also reminded of that on a daily basis in my class full of 7 children with mental disabilities. Perhaps of all the children I've met, taught, or known, these 7 have bigger personalities than all of those before. I am filled with excitement because I now know this is exactly where I belong. My days are so fun, Shan...and the milestones reached by my kids are celebrated each time, in that moment...no matter how small. It's like a continuous proud feeling...throughout the whole day...to see the constant accomplishments and strides! These kids have reminded me to see those "worth celebrating" moments in every person around me...if I just take the time. wow! I can't believe that its been almost a year since you've gone over there!! Time does fly. Anyways, I have to do a cultral diversity speech in my class, probably in about a month from now and I was thinking about trying to do it on the culture over there, but I would need your help. I know you're a very busy person, and you don't always have access to a computer. Let me know if you would be interested =) Take care!! Hey Leigha would be happy to help you out on this project, very cool idea. Email me more details and shall see if I we can make it work!
Shan
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