A Day of Relaxation and Exploration

     Today was a lovely, relaxing day that once again got us more acquainted with the lovely city of Windhoek. The morning started out as we had phenomenal omlettes (probably one of the best I have ever had) and coffee before embarking on our mission for the day: a scavanger hunt. Our professor, Paula, has bronchitis and needed to rest. As she would not have done so on her own accord, it was forced upon her by her colleagues creating for us today our own adventure that they created. Between both Jan (our othe professor) and Paula, they created for us some of the main sites to see in Windhoek. They handed us a map and a list of 5 places, each with one or two questions that we had to discover about each place.

Looking down on the first floor of the Craft Center

     After using our map skills to determine where we were and where to find a tourist information booth to locate our next locations, we wandered down Independence street, the main street in Windhoek, and got some great help. We then were off to the Museum, Art gallery, theatre, and mall. At each location we were able to see various aspects of the Namibian culture, and learned more about the city as we traveled through it.

  

Outside the National Theatre of Namibia

The Church in the middle of downtown Windhoek

     Once back home, we all snagged some lunch in our rooms, applied some sunblock and went out to chill as a group by the pool. It has been a gorgeous day today and it was great bonding with each other as we all small chatted and soaked up some rays. We continuously made sure each other wasn't turning red.

     We will be continuing our day with a class discussion session, followed by us girls going down to a local, budget friendly diner for dinner. I feel very blessed to be with such a great, fun group of women. Although we have not even been here a week, we all have seemed to settle in and are comfortable here.

All of the girls overlooking Windhoek

What a team :)



A little park fun with the crew (missing Kari)



     I am so excited to experience the adventures we have planned ahead of us, and to meet and begin my journey in the education system of Namibia. Yesterday during our discussion session, we discussed that although Namibian education is 'free', each school has fees to attend it. Because of this, if the school fees are not paid for the year prior, attendance is not allowed the next year. This inhibits some of the children to not go to school and get an education. This breaks my heart, and at the same time inspires all the more to give my students here my all.

     Paula also mentioned that we need to embrace the chance to go all in when we teach; for here, if we try something and end up falling on our faces, we can get back up and try again without any huge ripple effects. As much as failing is not something I ever look forward to (and, lets face it, no one likes failing), I am going all in. The great thing is that although one of my lessons or activities or days may be a failure, by giving it my all no matter what there is going to be at least one that is a success. Ultimately my goal is to give my kids my all, for I know that the kids were learn at least something from me, and I will learn a whole lot from them.

Possible future students

Some of the future teachers