Success

The past two days, I have grown immensely more confident in the classroom.  The most influential reasons are two wonderful women whom I have grown to think of as mothers.  All day, they make me feel wanted and appreciated, even when all I am doing are goofy things to put a smile on the kids’ faces.

Yesterday, due to seasonal allergies, I had a stuffy nose during class.  While I was sniffling and consistently blowing my nose, one of the teachers, Ms. Mariam, became very concerned.  “Are you sick?” she asked.  At the time, I did not comprehend what she said because of her thick accent.  I asked her what she said.  “You are sick with flu.  Go home my dear,” she said.  I assured her I was not sick, and we continued to grade notebooks together.  Even thinking about it a day later, I still am not sure why this comment warmed my heart so much.

After school yesterday, I was privileged enough to go on a home visit.  The home belonged to a student in Class IV named Benard.  Although most causes for home visits are poor living conditions or little money, this reason was different.  Benard has a wonderful story.  When he was young, his father died and his mother was unable to care for him.  This lack of care was the reason he was brought to live with his aunt.  While he was living with his aunt, Benard did many small tasks for money.  All of the money he earned went to his aunt.  He, of course, went to school, but it was the public school in his village.  This school had very poor education, especially compared to LOAMO.

While Benard was working one day, a man named Richard noticed his strong work ethic and poor schooling.  He thought that Benard should have the same opportunity to learn as some of the other kids with more money.  With that idea in mind, and the permission of Benard’s mother and aunt, Richard took him and continued to raise him as his own.

Richard and his wife have two other sons, who have now graduated secondary school.  At one time there are usually ten to fifteen people living in their household.  Every morning Benard wakes up early to milk the cows.  He cooks every meal in the house and does a lot of the cleaning.

As we were talking to Richard about Benard’s life he said, “Success is not based on what you gain, but what you give.”  This quote inspires me so much because a lot of Benard’s story is what people have given him without the expectation of receiving anything.

Benard started the rigorous schooling at LOAMO in Class III, which is the equivalent to about fifth grade in the United States.  With very little prior education, he is now at the top of Class IV and the best at math.  Every night, after he cleans, he studies hard.  I wish I could be more like him.  Benard has gone through so much, and whenever I see him he is smiling.  That’s what continues to amaze me about the LOAMO staff and students.  They always seem to have a smile on their face.  Although I know the attitudes of the people I meet here are starting to rub off on me, I wish there was more of this, not only in the world in general, but especially in America.  People here are consistently putting others before themselves.  At home people are selfish, and it disgusts me to see the difference from here to the United States.  I know I will bring home a better attitude, I just hope I can influence others.

Today was by far the best day at the school.  I was so happy the entire day, and I, too, always had a smile on my face.  I was always making weird faces towards the kids and goofing off just enough to keep smiles on their faces.

Every Friday afternoon, the entire school plays sports. Today, many CGA students, LOAMO staff, and the older LOAMO students played a game of football together.  During this time, the rest of the school gets to know each other better.  My favorite part of the day was when I taught many students the Macarena and a line dance that I learned from friends back home.  As they all failed and succeeded in learning the dances together, we all grew closer.  A girl in Class IV, named Fanta, finally was able to do the line dance, and her face lit up like a Christmas tree.  I have never been so happy to know that I was the cause of a smile that large.  You can’t help but smile at the school.  I know that I have succeeded so far in the short time I have been there, 

Ohana

Within the few days we have been working in the school I have already begun to feel like part of the LOAMO family.  At the school the second day, things were going even better than the first.   We got to the school, and the children were even more welcoming than they were the first day.  “Hello Teacher Evan,” they said as they hugged me.  It warmed my heart to know in one day they managed to remember my name when I was struggling to remember even a few of theirs.

Both the second and third day, I continued helping in the Kinder classroom.  Throughout the day, I talked more with the kids and got a little bit more comfortable with the staff.   With Miss Gutmann’s encouragement I stood up and had the confidence to teach in the class.

In the classroom, I was having a rough day and was not giving all my effort.  As an added responsibility, due to the lack of effort, I was asked to pick up all of the trash in the field behind the school.  In the beginning I walked slowly and without a purpose, dreading what was in store for me for the next hour and a half.  When I was reminded that I had only forty five minutes to finish the task, I began to pick up my pace.  When the preparatory class came outside for their afternoon break, they insisted on helping me pick up the trash.  This really inspired me, because I know that people back home would not have so automatically offered to help.  It also really touched my heart because I could tell pulling the trash off the fence took every ounce of strength in their body and they were still so willing to help.  I know even people in my family or close friends would be hesitant to put so much work into a job, I was instructed on doing.

Throughout the day, I had shed a few tears because I knew I let not only the organization down but also myself.  At the end of the day my eyes were still puffy from the tears.  Many of the kids in classes’ three to six wanted to make sure I was alright.  I told them I was fine and that I would gladly see them tomorrow.  Each of them gave me a hug and patted me on the back.  Their smile warmed my soul and I knew this was a place that, no matter what, there would be people to welcome me.

Looking back on my actions I feel very remorseful and know that in the next week and a half that we are at the school I will give more than my all to ensure I do as much as I can for the kids.

The third day at the school I strived to do as much as I could in the classroom.  I was able to teach the first lesson, math.  Then I graded papers and got to know the teachers a little better.   Ms. Mariom offered me a biscuit and I felt very bad taking it from her.  She said, “My dear I love you too much for you not to eat it.” She smiled at me and I felt as though she was a second mother to me.  Whenever I was the only member of CGA in the classroom she would sit with me and we would talk.  Although they had all of the lessons planned out, I was still able to stand up and teach.

At the end of the day, during break, the preparatory teachers along with Kinder teachers sat in the sun as Tate and I played with the kids.  I went over to them at the very end and offered to clean their chalk board.  Ms. Susy told me I was doing too much work for them and told me to sit down and take a break.  I told her I would be sure to take a break when I got back to the guest house and went to clean the board.

Ohana means family; family means nobody gets left behind.  In all of my life I have never known this more than within the past few days at the school.

Peace and Love

There is no way to explain all of the feelings and emotions that go through my mind in the matter of one day. 

                Although the plane rides and layovers were not very fun, arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport was unbelievable.  Right before we landed, we could see the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Seeing people from all around the world with different accents and speaking different languages crowd onto one side of the plane just to stand and admire just to see the tip of this mountain was incredible.  When we touched ground in Tanzania you understand, it is not just what I expected to see in Africa.  It is lush and full of trees and life.  The people and culture you admire just from inside of the car are overwhelming.  The colors in their clothes and how their houses are built are one hundred times better than what you could see in any movie. 

                On Saturday and Sunday we did amazing things.  On Saturday we met Rasta John.  He is so happy and funny and just an exceptional person.  He took us to two museums, a market and to exchange our money.  Every time he saw someone on the street he knew, he would smile and say “Peace and Love.”  On Sunday we got the pleasure of going to Cradle of Love.  Cradle of Love is an orphanage for children under the age of three.  They ran to us as soon as they woke up from their naps.  I had one kid who clung to me the entire time.  He loved to be held, as did all of the children because they were scared they wouldn’t be held again.  The best part of Cradle of Love was when I swung with him on my lap and he would hum a tune.

                Nobody is ever excited to wake up at six in the morning, though last night I couldn’t wait to get up.  We got to the school and as the kids trickled in they all had smiles on their faces.  In the assembly before school starts, you hear the national anthem of Tanzania, and hear all of the children pray.  Then they rhythmically march to their classrooms.

                In Kinder, there are two teachers, Susie and Mariam.  Both are slightly intimidating and very loud, but they are both so kind.  Both are very tough on the kids but it is to help them learn.  All of the kids in Kinder were quiet at first but gradually grew more comfortable as I got to know them better.  Glory Joan and Rehema were two girls who sat in the seat in front of me.  Each chance they got, they would turn around and play with my notebook on my desk. 

 Throughout each break in the day, they played with me.  One of their favorite games was “Chase you.”  They would ask one of the volunteers of CGA to run and they would all try to catch you.  When I got caught the younger kids who were straggling behind would grab on as well and walk behind me.  At times ten kids would be either holding my hands or grabbing my jacket.  The smiles spread to everyone’s faces.  It filled me with joy to see the smiles on every one’s faces as we all came closer.

 At lunch, I got the privilege of tasting their phenomenal food.  During the lunch break I met two wonderful girls.  I did not catch their names but they were each 10.  They reminded me of my sister in a way of loving to talk.  They seemed very interested to know about me and where our group came from. 

Everywhere we went we were completely welcomed.  The place I felt most welcomed was when Miss Susie asked me to take the kids and play during the break before school ended.  With Ms. Gutmann’s help we taught them leapfrog.  They continued to play the way they did at lunch after leapfrog and at one point many kids were pulling on my hair and playing with it.  Gitte, Tate and I were out with the kids and they took turns swarming each of us.  “Go get teacher Gitte,” I would say and they would run to Gitte.

At the end of the day, coming home really made me think.  The people going on trips with CGA are incredibly lucky and will remember them for the rest of our lives.  I can’t wait to share more stories with people at home.

Slavery vs. The Holocaust

Although slavery in America ended in the late 1800's and the Holocaust came to an end in 1945 slavery in Africa continues today.

There are many form of slavery throughout Africa. Some forms include:
Chattel- Where the slave is property of the owner, therefore it can be sold or traded at any time.
Domestic- Slaves work primarily in the household.
Pawnship- Slaves are used as collateral when taking out a loan or paying debt.
Military- Military slaves train to fight in the military and are treated like lower quality soldiers.
Slaves for sacrifice- these slaves are not around today but they used to be used to fulfill prophecies.

In Africa slave trading greatly changed population throughout the continent. Although the slave trading has been studied, it is not know how many slaves are traded annually or even how many slaves have been traded.

Although slave trade and the holocaust seem like very different things but overall they have some major similarities. Both effected the economy throughout the world. Also both abused many people and took advantages of their god given rights. In both people were transported against their will. Finally the segregation and separation were caused by race religion and beliefs.

Both the holocaust and African slave trade were terrible events in our worlds history but they are not something we can change.

The Maasai

Happy Easter everyone!
We've been asked to research the Maasai Tribe of Kenya and Tanzania. I found this very interesting in that I hope to meet some of the people from this tribe. From what I've seen on the internet they seem like very interesting people. They where bright colors and have an interesting culture.
The people of the community often times get their ears pierced and stretch their earlobes. More women get their ears pierced than men. All sorts of materials are used to pierce and stretch ears.
Their are many other cultures within this tribe. Many young men train to be soldiers.
If I could ask a woman in the Maasai tribe anything I would ask about their life and what they do on a regular day. Maasai women are often under appreciated. I personally love attention and expect so much for everything I do. Although I am not proud of this I think it makes me work harder and I wonder how these women feel about how they are treated.
Being asked to research this tribe not only intrigued me but also made me think of how different so many cultures are from our own.

Inspiration

Inspiration
: something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create
: a force or influence that inspires someone
: a person, place, experience, etc., that makes someone want to do or create something
Three people who inspire me are Kerri Walsh Jennings, Mary Witt, and my mom Holli Snyder.  None of them are completely the same but they all have something to do with each other: Children and Passion.  I chose Kerri Walsh because she is an amazing volleyball player.  I love the game, especially beach.  Kerri Walsh idolized Misty May Treanor and then won Olympic Gold as her partner.  Also, she has two kids and is married to another volleyball player.  In a way it seems so stressful to not only have to raise two young children but to have to balance working out, training and doing summer camps as a job as well. To me Mary Witt is inspiring because she lost her leg to a battle in cancer and still manages to coach soccer, ski and enjoy life.  Mary Witt has children of her own and that is one of the reasons she is so involved in the community. But despite everything she has gone through she still manages I be so happy anytime you see her. For example, yesterday, at physical therapy, she had tape on her wrist.  I asked her what had happened and she said the sometimes her wrist just hurt.  Then she said “I can afford to lose my leg, but my hands are part of my job and what I love to do.”
My mom is another inspiration in my life. In 2010 my mom fought a hard battle with Breast Cancer. She recovered very well and thanks to the Shaw Regional Cancer center is continuing to feel better every day. She works everyday, deals with irritating people, and some how manages to raise a crazy volleyball player going half way around the world and a second daughter who's struggling with the things growing up entails.

Roar. If I could be an animal I would most definitely be a tiger. To me tigers are graceful, and beautiful. To any person they are fierce and strong. That's what I want to be. Strong yet beautiful. Fierce but Graceful. And anyone can admit an animal that can rip it's own food to pieces is probably one of the coolest things ever!!

Tears, Fears, and Changes

Letting someone into your life is difficult.  But even so knowing that you might not ever see them again once you get close to them is terrifying.  People I know who I have gone on previous trips with CGA said when they had to leave, the tears came streaming down their face.  And when they talk about the memories and the time they had there, they still tear up.  They fell in love with the kids and I am scared to do that. To me the most difficult part of this experience is letting the people of Tanzania into my heart.  I don’t want to lose them, and most people on going on this journey are just as scared as me to open up our hearts.  So although it seems scary to lose my new friendships, I think it's just going to be extremely difficult.  And it's hard for me to cry so that's even harder.

 

On, a brighter note, my biggest fear is the food and new cultures.  I am used to eating cereal for breakfast and don’t have a huge variety of food that I like.  Although I can’t wait to try the food, I also am scared I won’t like it.  I’m not a big fruit and tea person and those are large parts of their diets.  So I guess my taste buds will have to deal with the new menu options.  I am also afraid of seeing people without much of a house or even a bed and some blankets.  That's one of the reasons I can't wait for this trip, to see the smiles when we help improve the children's ways of living.

I think after this trip I will be more thankful for what I have.  I wake up in the morning and I get out of my bed like its nothing, when for them it would be everything.  For some of the kids without parents they would love to have someone who bugs them about what they did at school and why they got a low grade on a test.  I am so used to having my nagging parents and my bed that I don’t realize some people don’t have that.  I believe when I get home I will stop taking things for granted and start being thankful for everything that I have. 

I know that this trip will change my life for the better.  And as I am learning Swahili and working towards my fundraising goals, I am also finally understanding how lucky I am to have what I have, and also how scared I am to change my diet for two weeks.  I hope everyone has a fantastic new year, I know I will!