Chicken, Ostrich, Kudu, Zebra, and Crocodile served with some corn fritters and salad were the dishes we ate in pairs. Honestly, I wasn't too hesitant to try any of the game, as we already had oryx, eland and springbok, all of which were phenomenal! The chicken was the 'normal' meat, however the chicken here is so much better than back home! I am not exactly sure why, but we guess it is just a freshness factor and less preservatives. The ostrich was definitely one of my favorites. It was super flavorful, and almost melted in your mouth. I am not sure what to relate the flavor of ostrich to, but it was delicious. The Kudu was also delicious, and reminded me a lot of the Eland steak we had had. The Zebra had a similar thickness as elk meat, but was also super flavorful. It was a little tough, at least I thought so, but was still great. As for the crocodile, I am not the biggest fish eater, but I liked it. It definitely had a fishy texture, but had a whole different flavor. It was definitely not what I expected, but it was still great. Bri and I also split crepes for dessert, which made the meal complete.
I must say, that as much as I get very hungry waiting for my food after ordering, I enjoy the length of meals here in Namibia. There is no rush and meals are a time for conversation and enjoyment. Emmy and Edwin joined us for our meal and it was great to spend time with them again. We are hoping to meet up with them again before we go. I also might have the opportunity to help tutor their daughter, Dolly, a few times before leaving. We shall see how it all pans out, but overall it was great just chatting with them again.
The meal also provided a great wait time for us to take scenario pictures (2 of which can be seen below). We would choose a scenario such as, "you are sleeping and you look down and a GIANT spider is on you", and you get the picture of MJ, Bri, Jill and I below. It definitely was great for laughs and some funny pictures.
As the next day was to be Katee's last day, we asked if we could figure out a way to spend more time with her before their departure. That being said, and with a little help from Edwin, we got approval for a half day of teaching the following day (aka today). Therefore, we returned home from our meal to do some quick planning before getting some shut eye.
It was very sad this morning as we entered our taxi realizing it was the last morning we would receive our, "So long, farewell", song and dance from Paula. Jan would accompany in some singing, but had never danced. This had been our send off every morning to student teaching since the first day of school, and we all realized how much we were going to miss it. Jan joined in this time by jumping out from behind Paula during the 'cukoo' part of the song, which definitely made it a morning to remember. All in all, I feel very blessed to have had Jan and Paula with us as long as we did, and their morning routine and presence will definitely be missed.
It was then school time. All of us had had a great day yesterday, so we were nervous that today would be horrible. However, this was not the case. I entered the school grounds with my name being hollered by many of the learners who were there early and being tackled with hugs. Although this was the norm, it was not usually from my older learners as it was this morning. This definitely put my day on the 'good track', and from here it just got better.
After devotions, I headed to my math classroom. It was then I broke up my only big fight for the day, a new record I must say, between two of my 5D learners. Immediately after me breaking it up, we sat on the curb and began to talk. They both began to tear up, which was not something I expected. After all of the fights I had broken up in the past, this was the first one that I felt like they really felt remorseful for their actions. As we began to discuss what the problem was and what they should have done instead, the truth came out about the tears--they were afraid I wouldn't "learn them" anymore (yes...that is exactly what they said...'learn them'). I told them both I did not at all approve of their actions, and that I was very disappointed in their decision to begin hitting each other, but that did not make me not want to be their teacher. I still loved them both and this fight didn't change that. I then got two huge hugs, several apologies with the 'miss' title, then they scurried back to line. Apparently my teacher talks had not fallen on deaf ears and they do actually care.
After homeroom for 5 minutes, my 5D class entered for math like they never had before--quickly and quietly! WOW! I was blown away. After greeting them all, I praised them for the amazing entrance into my classroom. Their faces were beaming. I then introduced 'Top Secret' points to them. Since we no longer were in groups since this was a new classroom, I decided to make this class just do whole class points. They seemed excited about this and quickly set a 100 point goal. I also game them homework incentive--certificates. I brought with me TONS of certificates and stickers which are now for homework. Every time they bring their homework back completed, they get a sticker on their certificate. On my last day, they get to take these home to show their parents what a great learner they have been. They were ecstatic and actually wanted homework that evening...who would have thought?!
I had given this group a test the day before, and, to be honest with you, they didn't do so well. They knew the information, but I think that they just tensed up, or ran out of time, or I don't know, but it was not good at all. Even though the syllabus said to go on, and I was already behind it compared to the student teacher with 5A, I opted to finish out the week by going over the test together and having them correct their own tests. Their homework is to finish correcting their wrong problems and bring them back tomorrow. I also am giving them the opportunity to retake the test during break. I told them it was not required, but that if they wanted to prove to me they knew the information, and I KNEW they did, that they should come in and retake the test. We shall see if they actually do tomorrow.
English with my 6A learners were next, and I must say I was pretty excited to start our project--books! English in Namibia is integrated with environment. Although there is an English book to pull information out from, it jumps all over and is just a lot of questions to be answered in their books. Even though I think this is useful sometimes, I am only here for 3 more weeks and I wanted to do something fun that they would love and remember. That being said, I took the environment theme and ran with it! We had made bubble maps of what Environment was on Monday, a bubble map on School on Tuesday, and added to it and discussed what the 4 parts of a full sentence were on Wednesday, all of which led me to today--introducing our book project.
As a class, we reviewed the bubble map that we made on our school and what it meant being called a pre-write. We then looked at a few sentences we had made from the bubble map and made sure that we understood what a full sentence consisted of. That all being said, we then began to brainstorm what there was on a book--cover, title page, pages, about the author, back cover with a summary. I then explained to them that they would be making a book on their school environment. We first had to make 'rough drafts' by creating sentences about our school, with the assistance of our bubble maps, but that then they would actually make a book. I am going to be taking each of their pictures so that they can have their picture with an 'about the author' blurb in the back, and they will also summarize their book for the back cover. As I continued to call them all 'authors', they were getting more and more excited to begin. That, combined with the same certificate incentive, they opted to have 24 full sentences as their homework. Although that was not my plan, I let them begin and take on the load of writing a rough draft for their books in an evening.
7B was my next class, and as the head of department is the teacher, I was expecting to observe again. However, she never showed up. Not only that, but this class never has a classroom, they have to find one at the start of each period. After 5 minutes of searching for a room, we finally found one. However, by now they were pretty restless and not too excited to have to go inside and lose their freedom. That being said, I had a couple incidents of hitting, several students yelling and pointing at each other, and a whole lot of craziness as they fought for various seats.
As they were in grade 7, I was definitely not tolerating this. After a mini teacher-talk, I opted to focus my on-the-spot-lesson on each of them as individuals. I discussed goal setting with them; what it was and what it looked like for school and in life. They then had time to write their own goals down in their books. After several minutes of silence and focus on their part, we discussed why it was important to set goals. Many of the learners had some great answers as to it helping with them in their future and to succeed. They then chose one of their goals to share with the people around them. Before doing so, however, we had a great talk about behavior expectations and appropriate responses to hearing their peers' goals. The conversations around the room were fabulous, followed by a few brave learners wanting to share with the whole class. Although this was probably not in the syllabi as a needed activity, it ended up being a great way for me to get to know each of them and for them to start respecting each other. The conversations of having similar goals was great to hear as they were exiting for break.
My teaching day had now concluded and I was engulfed in repeating waves of hugs and chants of "Miss Jessica!" as I left the school grounds. Then off we went to downtown Windhoek for some last minute shopping with Katee. After getting some pretty good deals, and me now only having one gift left to get, we sat down for some lunch at Mugg and Beans. We then ran into Paul and Shirley again, and once again had a great chat with them before heading back to the taxi.
We then made a quick pit stop by the orphanage for Katee to say her farewell to the kiddos before us all fulfilling Katee's last wish of laying out by the pool with her...I know, life is real hard. We soaked up some rays, had some great conversation and a lot of laughs as we talked about the great adventures we have had here. Jan and I also concluded our cribbage tournament, with the final score of 9-7...me taking the win. Not going to lie, I was pretty stoked. :)
Jan and Paula had connected with Sandy Rudd, a director at the Namibian theatre, which led our group to being invited to the final dress rehearsal of a new 'play' that was being released Friday night. However, the rehearsal began at 6pm, and Jan, Paula and Katee left at 6:30pm. That being said, we said early farewells before taking a taxi to the 'play'. I do not think it has really hit me yet that they are gone. The realization of Katee being gone has begun to hit me as usually she is in our room watching the OC and hanging out with Janelle. However, Jan and Paula's absence I know will hit me tomorrow when I don't see their two smiling, dancing and singing faces outside our taxi window. Paula repeatedly told us that we would adjust to their absence and be just fine. And although I know she is right, it is still going to be weird without the 3 of them around.
Now, as for this 'play'. As you may have noticed, I have been putting play in quotes for a reason...it was NOT a play. In reality it was a Poetic Theatre. Lize was a singer and was releasing her new album--Fairy Circle Love. To release her album, she had combined with some local college-aged poets to create this great show. Lize would sing a song on her album, then would do some background vocals as a poet read their poem. It was great! Not only that, but there was live music the whole time. The 'final dress rehearsal' really just seemed like the first ever rehearsal to us, as they were deciding on lighting, not even at the actual stage, and were deciding upon transitions and music throughout the entire show. Sandy, the director whom had invited us, was a HOOT! She reminded me so much of the drama teacher from High School Musical, and it made my day! She would randomly cut people off and just said whatever she thought right then and there.We had a great time!
Tomorrow is our first Friday of teaching, and probably our last as we will have weekend plans after this. However, I am excited to teach tomorrow and cannot wait to see all my kids again. It seems like ages ago that the learners were incapable of putting their heads on their desks, but in actuality it was just a few days ago. Although I know that there are still going to be some rough days, I am clinging to the hope that the worst is over and the best is yet to come.
Spider Scenario!
Don't remember what this one was...but their faces are priceless!
Cheesing it.
Our delicious meal
The "play"...aka poetric theatre
Lize and Sandy
Thank you for your fabulous posts, you have painted an amazing picture of your time there. I find myslef cheering and feeling your joy, frustration and even some of the pain. Miss your smiley face and will eating a giant maple bar in your honor this weekend at our first bake sale.
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You know it’s only 50 miles from Grand River to Canton, but it took me 67 years to travel that distance.
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