obsession.

It's official. I am obsessed. I absolutely love my learners. Of course I loved them last year. But there's something different these days and I can't figure out what it is. Maybe I'm more comfortable in my home. Maybe their names aren't so hard to pronounce anymore (sorry Uetuarera and Uatiraije...I'll forever struggle with your names). Maybe it's just on the days when all of my classes behave (which is today). Maybe it's my new habit of drinking coffee in the afternoon. They are amazing enough for me to stand outside of the hall while they leave to go to bed just so I can wish them a goodnight. And enough for me to feel sad that they had to go to bed.

Who knows. But there's something about them. Like Rikuvera, moved here from Windhoek and his English is EXCELLENT. He is clever and always eager to show me his answers to be sure they are correct. Ikuaterua Novengi. She always has the trendiest clothes and accessories. And for a while I was thinking damn, what do her parents do?! Turns out she is part San (a group that has been highly discriminated against), lost her mother, and along with her sisters has been taken under the wing of someone with the last name Novengi while her real father works on a farm in the village of Otumborombonga. So her support is coming from Novengi, her father, and money from the government because she is considered both an OVC (orphans and vulnerable children) and San. Kaesekama is the sweetest girl. Not the most clever. But doesn't do terrible either. But she tries the hardest by far. Tjipekapora. New. Very smart. Shy in class but loves to ask me for sudoku puzzles and oh so polite. These kids are awesome. Tjindu and Kandjeo. Twins. They struggle with reading and writing but Tjindu can never seem to close his mouth. Sylvia. Can't read or speak much English but puts in a genuine effort. And despite the likelihood that she will fail again this year, she does know more words than last year and I've seen her actually read a couple (BIG improvement), which is very exciting. Riuisee. Tiny and cute. Amazing. The list goes on.

love love love.