Coral Pink Sands

Powerful times as I reflect on the present as compared to the near past. I woke up today with full awareness of the significance of the date. I didn’t interact with so many today yet upon first meeting some Namibians and hearing my country of origin they share their views on 9-11. The scene in my classroom at UHS when first watching the news will always remain a potent flashbulb memory. Other memories from UHS have been revived as we just finished our “Teacher of the Year” celebration for the Mariental District schools of the Hardap Region. 32 schools were asked to select a “Teacher of the Year” for their school by means of a faculty vote. 26 schools responded after much prompting and reminders from the TRC staff. Although this exercise is an annual event in the U.S. and sometime viewed with little enthusiasm, this even was a historical one. It was amazing to see everyone from the MBESC regional office pull together to decorate the hall “African Style”. Mrs. Greeff (school counsellor) brought ½ her garden I think! Things were so stressful that last day that my Americanism came busting out. We were warned that Americans we have a strong internal locus of control and want to control our environment and situation so, when schools were faxing in information for the programme the day of, I stated losing it. Luckily, my colleagues and friends with stronger external locus of control kept me calm and all was finished in time. Yes, we finished copying the programmes with 5 minutes till start time. The hall looked great, people were dressed to a tee, school cultural groups were a glow and all went well. Since this is not such a novel idea in the states it was no until we were into the event and I heard my manger speaking of this being a dream come true that she’s wanted to do this for year, than the significance really hit me. Then speaker after speaker mentioned how this as a historical even in Namibia, the first ever celebration of this nature. Next thing I knew NBC (National broadcasting) was there we didn’t even invite them! After the speeches, performances and many thanks ewer given one teacher came up to me glowing since “Not only is she the Teacher of the Year for her school but also the first ever and no one else will ever be able to say that”. Many others expressed how they truly hope this will become an annual ever and not a one time and that it really is motivational and a positive spin on such a tough profession. I know this type of ceremony works for all people, thanks to UHS and Penny Parrish, I’ll never forget the day Penny handed me a plaque in Dr. Brumbaugh’s class recognizing me or when a bunch of balloons and a camera entered my classroom giving me claim to Newbie of the Year…it’s a confidence builder for sure and is part of the reason I can do what I am able to now, here.
Than you again and again to the Russell family (my blood) for coming through as always and supporting the crazy middle child unconditionally. As always couldn’t have done it with out you all! The theme of the event surrounded this quote
“A child is not an empty vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.
He who wants to light that fire must Glow himself”

Everyone latched on to it and also seemed quite pleased with their engraved lighters not only to display but for what else ….braaing of course! Days like these remind me I really am in the Peace Corps!