Feeling a bit like a character in a Somerset Maugham novel...we arrived in Kakamega 2 days after leaving home and were taken to the Guest House in town with the cursory "you will only be here for a very short time, just until your house is ready"...we (Shanon and I) each have a cozy single and after 4 nights we are still there with no actual time to be transferred! We are in close contact with all the guest house staff, from the restaurant workers to the reception staff, to the owner. They are more than welcoming and if we stay all summer, it is OK with them! We have explored our metropolis Kakagemga and I have a warm place in my heart for the Yako store....has it all. You have to love a store that sells a fabulous hairdryer for $17. But the BIG box store is breathing down Yako's neck: Nakumatt.....it has the big reputation as well and hear it even sports the first movie theatre in this town of 100,000....yahoo! It is our first Sunday and we went to the Salvation Army service, a mere 4 hours of enthusiastic worship....it was a trip.
Tomorrow we go to our school, Kakamega Township Primary School: 900 students with 40 in each class, and looks to have very few amenities and here an amenity is chalk, never mind paper. We were introduced to the entire staff and eye'd suspiciously.....be sure to pray for me.....I am in over my head in the teaching dept but will figure it out sooner or later. Will let you know how I do....
Thanks for your notes and good wishes and keep me posted as it is a real boon to hear from home!
Back home we're praying for you constantly. With that and the FULL service you got at church, you're bound to be able to walk on water. We have full faith that you're more than able to handle whatever they throw at you. Your newness to the profession will only enhance it with your fresh and creative eyes. Hope the "big box" doesn't homogenize the joy of shopping!
ReplyDeleteLet's add chalk to our monthly envelopes - of course, praying for the unbreakable kind. Four hours of sittting is impressive, Rox, but then so are you.
ReplyDeleteHow about an introductory lesson where the kids interview and present each other in English even with few words. Compile a list of possible questions and a word bank in English for them in advance???Hang on, girl. Of course, all hinges on their readiness. When I taught that UCLA class for Korean visitors, I posted interesting photos around the room for them to describe with descriptive words on post its. However, you probably have no access to any materials. Let's brainstorm, teach!
Love,
Susanna
Hi, Rox,
ReplyDeleteHow great to get a glimpse of your life there! When we were in Sunnyvale our church was partners with a church in Kinchasa, Dem. Rep. of the Congo, and we saw videos of the spirited(!) services lasting at LEAST 3 hrs! 'Surely made us seem dull...'Know you'll be a terrific teacher and look forward to your updates. All our best! Viv & Mike
R,
ReplyDeleteHappy that you made it there. Four hours in church? The nuns did not prepare us for that. You were Council President during consolidation in PV.....you can do anything! You've got tons of prayers going on from here.
XOX,
Hanner
So good to hear from you. 4 hrs. in church? I can barely get thru one w/out twitching. Appears that you are in a town/city with some diversions to offer you. Eager to hear about the school and your students. Your family and friends have complete faith in your abilities. Count me among them.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a lot of rain and huge surf and lovely sunsets. I've never blogged before. This is fun! Love, Pam
I may be your only friend who doesn't attend church. I am glad you made it and have what sounds like nice accommodations.its freezing in the northeast 11d with high winds. I hope you are comfortable and not too hot. xxoo Michele
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I'm so happy I finally had a minute to check out "the" blog. I hope you get this--I guess I'll see next time I read comments. Do we register the Guest House as 2, 3, 4, or 5 star? Sounds good. Miss you terribly! Morning coffee won't be the same until 2011. I'll think of you this Sunday and hope you're not in for another 4 hours. XO Marilyn
ReplyDeleteLove to hear the news and so glad all is well with all the conveniences of home...or at least a hairdryer!! We think and talk about you constantly here in New York!! Sending you much love and waiting eagerly for the next installment...xxxxxx
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