25 My Last Full Day in My First African Country (11112009)

By now, I feel comfortable walking around and I am really enjoying my time here. I went to the school again with my friend who works there with plans to help out, if help was needed. We minibused there and upon arrival, learned that they were fully staffed for the day. So, I didn’t have to teach like last time, but I did get to teach. :) I went to shadow my friend’s classes for the day and after the first two classes, she had me teach the last two. In between, we went out to get a snack from a street stand and a baguette.

The classes I taught were for the older kids, who meet at a campus across the street from the younger kids campus that I taught at last week. Since the kids are older, they don’t have a teacher’s assistant. So, I had to be much more strict. One time, my friend took one student out in the hall and I had the rest of the class on my own. I was very stern and asked them why they were even attending school if they all thought it was appropriate to talk throughout the entire class. I told them that if they were there to learn that talking the entire time does not allow anyone to listen. And how do you learn? By listening to the teacher. I asked that they get their act together (except I didn’t use words like “get your act together” because I have learned many cliche statements we make in English make no sense here). And, I asked that they begin today by listening to my friend and helping everyone learn rather than come to class each day to waste time. It was quite a mess. It got better and after the class, three girls came and thanked me for what I said to the class. :) I was so concerned when they wanted to talk to me, though, because I thought they were going to be upset that I came in for just one day and raised my voice, getting very serious with them! Thank goodness that was not the case!

After school, we met another teacher, Graham, and went to lunch with him at the Downtown Cafe and Restaurant. We had pizza and it was great. :) I love pizza.

Our next stop was Jupiter Hotel... the only place I know of in all of Addis with free internet! We took advantage of it while sitting in their lounge and each bought a macchiato to say thanks for the free time online.

Tonight, I had another first. I got a taxi and rode it by myself. I like slowly being able to do things on my own here and this was one of those times. Trey picked me up at my house and took me to my friend’s house for my last dinner with her and time of processing all I’d seen, heard and experienced. And, I am sure you are not surprised... I had much to say after listening all week. :) Trey came back and took me home after it got late. Back at my house for the week, I got to say my goodbyes to my new friends and lie down for one last night here.

Ciao to my first African country and... Karibu, Kenya!

Laura