Connections

Connections are good.  While my social circle here, aside from the learners, has remained somewhat small, I am extremely grateful for the connections I have made.  Though sometimes I worry that the attraction between us is so great that I’ll be somewhat devastated when I have to leave this place.

Didn’t think about that.

I don’t know why I didn’t really think about all of this before I left.  The past couple days I’ve been thinking of what life could be like when I return home.  Sure I’ve thought about what I’ll be doing school and work-wise.  But I didn’t really think about my social circles.   Just assuming that I’d be welcomed back by the same people who waved goodbye, not really taking into consideration the fact that 2 years is a long time and I’m not the only one who will be different when I return.

Don’t Worry. Things are Looking Up

From February 9th

While I’m still certain I’ve made the right choice in coming here, the previous two weeks left me exhausted, homesick, lonely, burnt, disappointed, and ready to pack my bags and go home. Ok. Maybe that’s a little dramatic.  But I did have a few minor breakdowns.

 

I think it all started when Manga’s grandmother passed away.  She left for a week to attend the burial in another village and I felt entirely alone.  I can’t say I’ve really branched out to many people in my village.  I’ve sort of nestled myself in my family here and have gotten quite comfortable.  Manga was gone. So was her husband Eddy. And everyone else who is usually around to visit them.  I was left with only the company of two children, who are normally fed by Manga.  I wasn’t sure where they were eating, and sometimes they’d tell me they didn’t eat.  So I was constantly worried about them.  And running low on food. Also, the company of children can be exhausting.  Adult interaction is necessary. Especially when you’re teaching children all day.  Near the end of this week I started getting sick.  Stomach issues that I had been lucky enough to avoid until then.  Not to mention the entire week I had no control over my classes.  I was miserable.

Manga returned. Not entirely excited to see me, for she was still mourning the loss of her grandmother.  Of course I understood, but given that I was in a bit of a selfish state of mind I was still hurt by this.  I proceeded to get even more sick.  Missing days of school. During this stretch I felt like I was drowning in mindless paperwork required at school and learning that my principal has somewhat different views on gender norms than I do.  We got in a heated debate and I was entirely offended.

My physical ailments did not stop there.  Some wasps decided to make their homes on the thatch of my roof.  To get rid of them here, they throw boiling water on their nests.  I boiled some water.  Positioned myself in what I thought was a good way to throw said water. Aimed. And turned my wrist in an awkward way.  The boiling water completely missed the nest, instead burning my wrist to the point of infected open wounds a few days later. (No worries it’s healing quite nicely now.)

Other issues involving the school and athletics arose. No one tells me details about things going on here so I always feel a bit lost when it comes to after school activities.  Some learners were set to go to Ikumwe to compete in track and field last Saturday.  Friday night they were apparently supposed to sleep at school. Supervised of course.  The sports teacher left to go secure transport and buy food.  He didn’t return.  The learners went the whole evening without eating.  When he returned in the morning he was late. He didn’t bring food.  We went to Ikumwe and the sports teacher left to buy food (why he didn’t do this already I don’t know). He didn’t return until the end of the day.  As we were leaving.  The learners went for so long without food and all we could buy them were fat cakes and juice powder. We were almost certain he wasn’t even going to come and we’d be without transport.  He showed up. Dropped us off at school, and left again.

Luckily that run of unfortunate events came to an end.  Recently classes have been much better.  My physical health has improved and with it, my mental health.  So, yes.  I’m still glad I came, but things aren’t always peachy.