I have now completed my second week of teaching - and am loving it as much as ever! I wonder why I have always fought being a teacher. Probably because my aunt is a teacher and I didn't want to be a "copy-cat." However, now I know it is part of me! I love watching the guys discover the truth for themselves! I just show them the door! It is a real blessing to be part of their lives and help them "connect the dots!"
I went out on my own for the first time yesterday and besides getting dehydrated and sunburned, I did good! I wanted to try and see if all of my swahili lessons were paying off. I greeted everyone as I walked down the road. I bought a pair of shoes at a local store. I even went to eat at a local restaurant. I had my first "Kuku" here in Beni (chicken). Everything here is served with rice and "pili pili" (hot sauce). It tasted wonderful and I paid a lot for it - but it was worth it. The owner's daughter came in to sit with me because she spoke english. Her boyfriend is from Hungary and she had learned english from him. She told me that all of the people in town are grateful for me coming and are excited about what UCBC is doing! I then walked back to the house and worked on my dissertation for the rest of the afternoon.
Life is much simpler here in DRC - and I believe I am starting to get used to it. It so hard sometimes to "be" instead of "do." I am continuing to learn patience and even submission. WOW - that was hard to admit! When all you have time to do is sit and reflect, it can't help but change you. The other issue in my life that is strongly coming up is my femininity. I stand out here a lot because I don't like to wear dresses. I am obviously a girl. However, I usually don't like to flaunt it. Everyone here lets me know that they recognize I am one. I have to get used to that idea again. Honestly, in some ways I feel like I'm back in high school again. People are constantly trying to marry me off to their friends and family. I am extremely flattered after so many years of feeling exceptionally gender-neutral. Unfortunately, it brings up a lot of old feelings that I don't want to face, being a single person. Once again - growing in patience and submission!
The thing that is most obvious about UCBC is that everyone wants to be here! Everyone is glad to be here! Everyone is excited to be here! I am no exception to that rule! I eagerly anticipate all the changes in myself - not just the language acquisition!
I went out on my own for the first time yesterday and besides getting dehydrated and sunburned, I did good! I wanted to try and see if all of my swahili lessons were paying off. I greeted everyone as I walked down the road. I bought a pair of shoes at a local store. I even went to eat at a local restaurant. I had my first "Kuku" here in Beni (chicken). Everything here is served with rice and "pili pili" (hot sauce). It tasted wonderful and I paid a lot for it - but it was worth it. The owner's daughter came in to sit with me because she spoke english. Her boyfriend is from Hungary and she had learned english from him. She told me that all of the people in town are grateful for me coming and are excited about what UCBC is doing! I then walked back to the house and worked on my dissertation for the rest of the afternoon.
Life is much simpler here in DRC - and I believe I am starting to get used to it. It so hard sometimes to "be" instead of "do." I am continuing to learn patience and even submission. WOW - that was hard to admit! When all you have time to do is sit and reflect, it can't help but change you. The other issue in my life that is strongly coming up is my femininity. I stand out here a lot because I don't like to wear dresses. I am obviously a girl. However, I usually don't like to flaunt it. Everyone here lets me know that they recognize I am one. I have to get used to that idea again. Honestly, in some ways I feel like I'm back in high school again. People are constantly trying to marry me off to their friends and family. I am extremely flattered after so many years of feeling exceptionally gender-neutral. Unfortunately, it brings up a lot of old feelings that I don't want to face, being a single person. Once again - growing in patience and submission!
The thing that is most obvious about UCBC is that everyone wants to be here! Everyone is glad to be here! Everyone is excited to be here! I am no exception to that rule! I eagerly anticipate all the changes in myself - not just the language acquisition!
April - Sounds like things are going well there. I'm so happy you have this blog; the pictures and accompanying stories of your life now are great! I especially liked the post about the impact simplifying life can have...that really resonates with me and it's so true! What's important/urgent/must-do/must-have really changes in this space, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteTake care and keep posting!