tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79190743989921211892024-03-20T06:17:16.176-07:00Jamie's Nam Bam Adventures! Peace Corps NamibiaHello! Being a part of Peace Corps has been my dream for over 10 years already and the time has finally come! I am serving in Namibia Africa from 2015-2017. For my two years of service I will be in the beautiful Kavango (West) Region as a Junior Secondary Education English Teacher for grades 9 and 10. I will also be teaching Arts to various grades, along with "Secondary Projects".
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-18582073579738941772017-07-11T14:05:00.001-07:002017-07-11T14:05:46.306-07:00A truly golden moment<br />
One popularly known secondary project Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) hosts is Camp GLOW (Girls and Guys Leading our World). This is a special camp hosted once a year in the capital Windhoek, where approximately 35 learners across the nation are selected to attended. Globally, girl's rights and education is being recognized as a critical area of need and concern. Awareness to such topics are being talked about across many age groups, with a lust for change wanted by several across any gender identity. Let Girls Learn (as commonly known) was the stepping stone to the creation of many such programs and camps in Peace Corps programs around the world. Here in Namibia, we have GLOW. In this 1 week camp aids the learners in developing positive leadership skills and gaining confidence to be advocates in their community for gender equality. I would like to state that I am not one of the volunteers involved in GLOW, but last year I did have 2 learners selected to go, and they loved it would be an understatement. They came back from camp glowing. This year all volunteers were again granted the opportunity to nominate 2 learners to potentially be selected.<br />
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Well, this year one of my grade 10 learners got selected to attend camp!<br />
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"NJ" is a very special learner to me. This kid works so hard! He's always one of the very last learners to leave school because he's always pushing himself to study hard. He is such an optimistic guy. Some may consider his position rough, but he considers himself blessed. NJ just has a pure joy for life. He's mature beyond his years always looking out for his brother. And some how between all his hard work and paternal nature he still makes time to be your typical 10th grader playing soccer and feeding a new love for jig saw puzzles and Harry Potter. He has definitely given me a new perspective on life.<br />
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I was so happy when I recieved the email notifying me he had been selected that I jumped up from my chair in the Peace Corps office and instantly printed a copy of the email and list to show NJ. I couldn't wait to tell him! The following day when NJ walked by me sitting under my favorite tree I told him I had something for him to read. He first read over the part informing us that only 1 of the 2 learners had been selected before even looking at the list of selected names.<br />
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"Madam, I don't understand so only one of us can go?" NJ asked<br />
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"Yes, NJ it will only be one of you"<br />
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With a slightly concerned he looked at the first page again, then back at me and asked "Well, which one of us will go?" So I told him he would have to look at the list on the next page to find out.<br />
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<br />
He looks at the list for a moment.<br />
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"Ms.Tena, thats my name!!"<br />
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Honestly, this has been one of my absolute favorite moments in all of service. He really deserves this opportunity and is completely ecstatic. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-49474892863609880832017-06-27T03:18:00.001-07:002017-06-27T09:51:41.685-07:00100 days<br />
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As my service has started winding
down to its final handful of months I set a countdown in my phone of (more or
less) the remaining time. Where once the idea of leaving for 27 months was
intimidating, I am now down to basically the last 100 days. This brings on a
lot of emotions! It’s almost like leaving for service all over again knowing
I’m about to leave for some strange country again, with no exact idea of what’s
going to happen when I get there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This realization has brought a few
things to surface, some of those being the things I didn’t do. I started off
service documenting everything. I blogged, I attempted keeping a journal, I
took pictures all the time of every little thing I could… and then I stopped. As
can obviously be seen where I blogged weekly, well its now been 6 months since
the last post. I still take photos, but not nearly as often as I use to. This
has been for various reasons, in part to being busy, in part to becoming
comfortable with my environment and honestly just taking it for granted, and in
part because I had fallen into a funk. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I want to make it very clear that I
am beyond thankful for the experience. Looking back at every good, bad, and
in-between I am glad it has happened. If I knew everything about service that I
do now, I would still do it all over again. The slogan that this is “the
hardest job you’ll ever love” is perfect. Late in last year I started little by
little falling into a depression. I felt like things with service weren’t going
quite as I had envisioned, and between that an a few other things, I felt like
I was becoming jaded. I was losing hope in the agency, bitter towards my some
of the aspects of my host country, and just disappointed in myself/service. I
don’t feel like a public blog is where those kind of issues need to be vented
out. However, as I do realize it is something that does hit volunteers.
Multiple volunteers (one of which I considered my closer friends over the first
year of service) have decided to ET over not being happy with service, and
that’s okay! Late in January I found myself questioning if I could make it
through the final 10 months. A friend who was in the same interpreting program
as me posted a blog about a similar struggle he was experienncung through his Peace Corps service in Europe, and that really hit home for me.<o:p></o:p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was one of the most honest and raw things I had read in a long time, and helped me not only cope, but not feel so alone. I for one am thankful for his posting. <a href="https://danielcloward.wordpress.com/2017/02/01/leaving-early-leaving-on-time/">To view Daniel's blog post click here!</a></span></div>
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I told myself a million times, if
you throw in the towel its okay. If you stay, that's also okay. Neither option would
make me any less of a person. Staying didn't necessarily mean I succeeded, and going home didn't mean I failed. I believe sometimes doing what you need for
yourself is one the hardest things you’ll ever do, yet one of the most
invaluable decisions you’ll make. I kept a bit quiet about what was going on
except to a small circle. When I would talk to them I got various perspectives
and pieces of advice, but one piece in particular stood out to me. It came from
a good friend I’ve known since high school who completed her own Peace Corps
service not long ago in the Pacific Islands. Though she was in completely
different parts of the world, it felt like some parts of service were
interchangeable, so I asked if she ever considered ET-ing (Early Termination).
I was a bit relieved to hear I wasn’t alone in my feelings. She suggested that
I get a calendar and at the end of the day when I “X” out the day, ask myself
“Can I do this for one more day” if the and answer was yes then handle just that one day, and when I do, be proud of my decision. If I can't handle even one more day, then nothing wrong with that either, just still be proud in my decision... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then wash, rinse,
repeat as needed. So, I did. Every time I questioned myself or was curious to
which was the “better option” for myself, I would ask, can I stay one more day?<o:p></o:p></div>
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In some ways off the bat I felt
like this had a bit of a tone setting in itself, “can I?” Psh! People are
capable of phenomenal things when they really want it. I hate it every time I'm told I "can't" do something, then I'm like watch me! And here I was with my the
job I dreamed of having for half my life, something many people would love to have,
and here I was questioning “can I”? I had exactly what I wanted, all while living in an absolutely beautiful country, and yet I was struggling to simply be happy. Well, some days I “could” better than
others; now, looking back at my calendar, and see all those X’s it makes me a
bit sad, but more so happy and appreciative for telling myself that I "can” for one more day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Service really needs to just be
taken a day at a time. I had so many plans, I was going to get the library up
and running, I was going get the feeding area rebuilt so that the program can
be utilized, I was going to start a fit club and get toilets installed at the
school and I joined every “extra” committee I could. Those things that I
thought were such a big deal didn’t happen, and I was very disappointed in
myself for not doing anything monumental with my time. I felt like I let others
down too. Service has it own hardships, this type self sabotaging pressure
benefits no one. What I did do though, were the exact reasons why I would tell
myself “I can for do this for one more day”. I love my learners!! They have
become a central part of my world. I look forward to girls club and boys club.
I may not have started a library, but I have a Harry Potter book club with the
kiddos, and now they get mad at me when I’m “too slow” to make copies of more
pages of the book. Some of my learners are writing poems in English, just
because they like too! Maybe these aspects are not the “biggest” contribution
ever, but these are the parts of service that mean the world to me! Looking at
all the chaos and darker days I realized I accomplished more than I gave myself
credit for. Even in days I was so if-y, countless good moments happened as well
that I only recently recognizing. For that, my newest promise to myself is to
not take a single one of these last hundred or so days for granted! Starting
with doing those little things I told myself I would do in the beginning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Self-care is so important in
service! Be nice to yourself! Pack coloring books and little knick-knacks that
make you feel good. When it comes to what are must brings, its all those little
things that just bring a smile to your face. You won’t regret it, trust me! Know
your own limits, its okay to have them. And have a good support system. I
consider myself so blessed for the support system and those who have been there
for me. I didn’t get through this alone, and knowing that adds depth to service
in itself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“I may have to do this myself, but
I don’t have to do this alone”</i> –Mary Louise Romero<o:p></o:p></div>
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I do need to do this myself, but I definitely didn't do it alone. I couldn't have gotten through it alone. Service can get hard, and that’s
okay!! Some days are better than others; but isn’t it the same for everyone, in
every job, all around the world? It’s impossible to save the world, or even a
village on your own. It was a bit silly to even think so. This doesn’t leave the service time in vain by any means
or anyone a “bad” volunteer. Service (as life) brings a whirlwind of self-discovery.
Sometimes the best approach is just to handle it a day at time. However, Some loving
friends and family (along with care packages with comfort yummies) sure do help
as well. You're always told about the relationships you'll build during service (and you will), but what's also great is how much deeper the roots of previous relationships can grow as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-26732222390593222892016-11-13T10:00:00.000-08:002016-11-13T10:00:00.146-08:00Sunday Funday Pictures are back! 13-November-2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
BIG NEWS I forgot to tell you. 2 of my learners applied to Camp GLOW (Girls and Guys Leading Our World) a special camp held by Peace Corps Volunteer in many serving countries. The attended the week long camp in August and absolutely LOVED it!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOc3XoNV_kLAsxcRutqt8Xn7kt2-lN_2mCONzeiGqZhCc7toXyM5xT2IT51R4rTbjWppgxRu1wSjHnXrvI-50Ki4V7MlYsg6OBNImQhz_wqOgbzYhyphenhyphen2QbYtKD8Sj9jtnP4ZbNSWHBOTg/s1600/IMG_8675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOc3XoNV_kLAsxcRutqt8Xn7kt2-lN_2mCONzeiGqZhCc7toXyM5xT2IT51R4rTbjWppgxRu1wSjHnXrvI-50Ki4V7MlYsg6OBNImQhz_wqOgbzYhyphenhyphen2QbYtKD8Sj9jtnP4ZbNSWHBOTg/s320/IMG_8675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ51mMMcrzAu-IzVjPM0LSCncXqr4E83ydk28joZYV-CjhquN4dIoNGbB9xq9L4xaSc9ejjg0Eqvh4DPgamKP0kepJ7v8Gqh01-ne_WQ_Yfe87fU93Db93573lpnOU6HofaCdzD8pxQxo/s1600/IMG_8676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ51mMMcrzAu-IzVjPM0LSCncXqr4E83ydk28joZYV-CjhquN4dIoNGbB9xq9L4xaSc9ejjg0Eqvh4DPgamKP0kepJ7v8Gqh01-ne_WQ_Yfe87fU93Db93573lpnOU6HofaCdzD8pxQxo/s320/IMG_8676.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every blue moon volunteers get to escape to the coast to get fancy and find fun crystals, stones, feathers and shells. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZiK-YvhLAZQgF1xh24Xs29tNjdK5tBwSwMsKl4-m8FZL5dxtCqQLbwoZIS6M1vamgrFBnLbKU7vuEXXGHQtCx4n315xhSnpcROSmb0tdGaFAq5WA1ja7F_weZ4LsxnbvYNEFSeg1BPM/s1600/IMG_8982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZiK-YvhLAZQgF1xh24Xs29tNjdK5tBwSwMsKl4-m8FZL5dxtCqQLbwoZIS6M1vamgrFBnLbKU7vuEXXGHQtCx4n315xhSnpcROSmb0tdGaFAq5WA1ja7F_weZ4LsxnbvYNEFSeg1BPM/s320/IMG_8982.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">(Another PCV taught me how to make dream catchers!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyyxKjTBzK2krffmojQ9WVRx4AzjWPAB615hXYp8Q3x1WjZS9SuvZyLZDYozxFqthjOWdZdxlwon_TVWBBgaV2qcsW2EKyzfX1_wTnPzjxOGRUx5RfhjsGsEiw50UI9SAkc1hS18lc5c/s1600/IMG_9050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyyxKjTBzK2krffmojQ9WVRx4AzjWPAB615hXYp8Q3x1WjZS9SuvZyLZDYozxFqthjOWdZdxlwon_TVWBBgaV2qcsW2EKyzfX1_wTnPzjxOGRUx5RfhjsGsEiw50UI9SAkc1hS18lc5c/s320/IMG_9050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My latest collage. Reflection time/Down time is always good for the corazon. </div>
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While I was on Med Evac an old friend gave me a new tattoo. Now I have learners drawing their own tatts as well. he he he :)</div>
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Broke into the hot cheetos stash!!!! OH YEAH!!!! </div>
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I just want to throw it out there that I'm almost out;</div>
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Christmas is soon, </div>
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<u>and </u></div>
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for the most part I was a good girl this year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYoMMoa0CJT3bbpTRFbpcYNNIMu7KBCQ15v-onm0HLes6xM7ZqlFNODqAp2obZVQdtJqrdB0dNzNdwrXiLzBl28jgxaJjExx4t2Ao10fPtM1d0jLcE4I1kTt2uhrpyUUONfatb4EiCF8/s1600/IMG_9112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYoMMoa0CJT3bbpTRFbpcYNNIMu7KBCQ15v-onm0HLes6xM7ZqlFNODqAp2obZVQdtJqrdB0dNzNdwrXiLzBl28jgxaJjExx4t2Ao10fPtM1d0jLcE4I1kTt2uhrpyUUONfatb4EiCF8/s320/IMG_9112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My host niece is such a little cutie. Its never too soon to introduce them to books. </div>
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This girl is 2, and already smart as can be. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-22965072448854862462016-11-12T20:51:00.000-08:002016-11-13T02:04:24.397-08:00The Goals of Peace Corps: The Bright SideThe past couple weeks have been rather, emotional, for me (as for many).<br />
Don't worry; this is nothing political.<br />
<br />
Lets just skip the past week in general shall we?<br />
<br />
Peace Corps has <a href="https://www.peacecorps.gov/about/">3 main goals,</a> I'd like to highlight goals 2 and 3.<br />
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<u>Goal 3: To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.</u><br />
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Two weekends ago I received word that a good friend of mine back home had an accident and was in the ICU on life support. Monday morning (my time) I woke to news of his passing. Now if you've read <a href="http://jmepcvnamibia42.blogspot.com/2016/01/my-story-reason.html">My Story: The Reason</a> you know, death is quite the heavy load for me. However, as The Lion King taught us, it's part of the circle of life. So for today I ask of you. whoever it is you pray to, say a little something for Gary Davenport. That guy, he was just a genuine soul and one heck of a jokester.<br />
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However, I did have a rather sweet moment. Later in the day I was sitting under the trees trying to cope, when one of the grade 2 learners came up to me. She noticed I was crying and asked what's wrong. So, I told her "a friend of mine from home died and my heart is broken." She looked at me for a moment, got up and said "Tani wiza" (I'm coming [back]). A couple minutes later she returned with a bag of ice and put it near my chest while she told me about the time she once broke a bone and so her grandma had her put ice on it. I melted. It was a reminder of just how pure and kind people can be. With that moment alone not only did this adorable girl with the sweetest jack-o-latern smile make me feel better, but she inspired me. It was the simplest moment of kindness, and yet I don't think she realizes how much that one moment impacted me. How in that moment, I needed something like that.<br />
<br />
So, if there is one thing I want people to absolutely know about my host country Namibia (Speaking specifically of the Kavango region): For the majority, the locals are very kind. They're curious. They're welcoming and yes, doing an entire greeting is mandatory every time you simply see each other. Overall, there is a astonishing sense of community community.<br />
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Rest In Peace Gary Davenport</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
September 17, 1988</div>
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October 30, 2016</div>
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<u>Goal 2: To help promote a better understanding of Americans on part of the peoples served.</u><br />
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Let me tell you, being a teacher has some perks. The school year is coming to an end in just a couple weeks and I can guarantee you, the grade 8 and 9 learners learned 2 very important lessons!<br />
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1. Chicago is the best city in the whole entire world! Yes, that is indeed a fact.<br />
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2. In fact, to go along with that, the Chicago Cubs are the World Series Champions.<br />
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Time difference can really affect the news you wake up to, so when I woke up to find messages awaiting in all caps say " WE ARE THE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS", that set a tone for the day. My classes did have an exam scheduled, but being that I'm the teacher, I hold the power to decide to postpone the exam to teach a very valuable lesson to these children. I told them a story about how over 100 years ago a horrible horrible curse was placed on a great team known as the Chicago Cubs. Despite all of the Cubs great efforts the curse could not be broke, until now!! This great triumph was to show everyone not to give up on their dreams and it was basically a holiday, so exams were canceled because we had to all learn a very important song, and dance.<br />
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Seriously, this is a video you have to watch! <a href="https://youtu.be/XniiB8PCLyo">Ms. Tena's very important World Series Champions, The Chicago Cubs Lesson</a> ( https://youtu.be/XniiB8PCLyo )<br />
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A gofundme has been set up for the family of Gary. If you would like to donate visit <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/for-the-gary-davenport-family">Gary Davenport's Memorial Gofundme page</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-18820598777458547322016-11-07T06:43:00.001-08:002016-11-07T06:55:39.804-08:00"Ms. Tena, you discriminate"If you saw my blog post <a href="http://jmepcvnamibia42.blogspot.com/2016/06/days-for-girls-kits-distribution-in.html">Days for Girls</a> , then you already know about the Days for Girls kits that were supplied to every single Orphan and Vulnerable Child (OVC) girl who is known to have started her cycle, and all girls club members have also received a kit.<br />
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Well right around that same time, a group known as OYO came to do a performance at my school. LET ME TELL YOU, they were a really cool group. Its a local performance company who has invested their amazing dance skills to teach via dance and music about topics such as teen pregnancies, STI's, drinking, issues pressing too many. Their performance was super cool!! Along with teaching via dance performances they offer a 2 week after school class that learners can sign up for to learn more in depth information about these issues. Basically every single learner in grades 7-9 were involved. Well in these after school classes the learners learned to word "discriminate".<br />
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Well one day after school a couple of the boys came up to me and said "Ms.Tena, you discriminate against us." Confident in their remark.<br />
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The first thought that came to my mind was shoot, theres still so much about the culture I'm learning, I did something to offend someone; but like a duck even will my feet going wild beneath the surface, I kept my game face on and asked what they meant. They explained that it wasn't fair that the girls get special gifts and the boys don't. I tried to explain to them the kits would never be something they would use, they were something the girls really needed but not the boys. Thats when in the typical teenage fashion they argued that boys have stuff they need that the girls don't. So I asked for an example, and nothing. I told them to think about it, and then I would see what I could do.<br />
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A couple days later they came to me and explained they need ties so that they can go to job interviews one day. As much as I wanted to argue a clothing item like a tie isn't just a "boy's need", I was more so impressed that they thought of something they may actually need one day and a valid reason for it. Not to mention this was in English, their second/third languages. So I accepted.<br />
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Well while I was back in the good old USA for my surgery I told my mom the story and she then took it upon herself to tell the story to some of her co-workers and do a tie drive. With in 48hrs till I left back to complete my service in Namibia, they collected over 30 ties! I was really hoping for 17, enough for each of my boys club members and they passed that with flying colors. It took me a couple weeks to get back into my groove in Kasote but then we finally had a very special boys club meeting where each boy was able to tell me 1 thing he learned during boys club in exchange for a tie. Of coarse they were able to start wearing then whenever they wanted. They were so excited! I wish you all could have seen them walking into school the next day in their ties like the were the coolest thing to ever walk Kasote School ground. I must admit, they looked rather dapper.<br />
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I owe a major major thank you to my dad, my mom and her co-workers for donating the ties. The boys rock their ties most days of the week. Yeah it may be simply a tie, but it has definitely added some confidence into the boys steps.<br />
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If you are interested in OYO coming to your school in Namibia, they are awesome and you won't regret it. An easy way to contact them is via their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OYOtrust/">OYO's facebook link</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-69942842246696545462016-07-25T10:43:00.001-07:002016-07-25T10:48:53.957-07:00Funday Photos!It may not be Sunday, but any day is a great day to share pictures, wouldn't you say?<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRisZlEALmmYnf9g83htlBbURCgeVA5RWSsx2GwRA0-LiMQXiqmMFBL2oMKbNxAZ8ESw2zj0sSPeIQKhTnxeH4_OBBAP1D4-IqAvefCNwnEAK_et65WkigaAaIXoB20s35GY4QlEWn3o/s640/blogger-image--1433979228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRisZlEALmmYnf9g83htlBbURCgeVA5RWSsx2GwRA0-LiMQXiqmMFBL2oMKbNxAZ8ESw2zj0sSPeIQKhTnxeH4_OBBAP1D4-IqAvefCNwnEAK_et65WkigaAaIXoB20s35GY4QlEWn3o/s640/blogger-image--1433979228.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The amount of cuteness the puppies bring to my homestead is to much to handle. They just makes me melt!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In Namibia many Learners who live in the village struggle with getting to town in order to get vaccinations. The Ministry of Health doesn't let that get in the way of getting Learners the medical attention they need to help them remain healthy. Since the families can't always get to the clinic, the Ministry brings the clinics to the school and gives every single learner their vaccination. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxD06eCc8D0Ya0QrM5ZW8jHdITrFR6qdKCUVJs7zewv7gy5KHITmZrkcw17vMDLYINk_5eOdYN-IZqAHrOegcX3K6lMpPPuuteF6BGmxu3-8U8efXkphyDAdeeI8UzgQx4asbFuBDmPpw/s640/blogger-image-1240143340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxD06eCc8D0Ya0QrM5ZW8jHdITrFR6qdKCUVJs7zewv7gy5KHITmZrkcw17vMDLYINk_5eOdYN-IZqAHrOegcX3K6lMpPPuuteF6BGmxu3-8U8efXkphyDAdeeI8UzgQx4asbFuBDmPpw/s640/blogger-image-1240143340.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-SHGCa6O7xj31Qbaib65KODkR11CizEYk9t6zIM6lbZLI1zir0hlEQ78Ne41p_DHDq1PAF14EJi7u2UwlgJkVwK1DoMsNOI4r-M06kKEWvSXtL8klr6CqylYFqNDzTDvZSz3xZrsxwk/s640/blogger-image-1847246291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-SHGCa6O7xj31Qbaib65KODkR11CizEYk9t6zIM6lbZLI1zir0hlEQ78Ne41p_DHDq1PAF14EJi7u2UwlgJkVwK1DoMsNOI4r-M06kKEWvSXtL8klr6CqylYFqNDzTDvZSz3xZrsxwk/s640/blogger-image-1847246291.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm twice their age, and equally as scared of getting vaccinations! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk0ArZvSg5AAMREL62oiu4oXpTLYgtnvivQibid28srWOKalNcMLxzl-CIrIPpLN8vrDOAdVkMWiqO0pHBTEFEm6FwDcJKRxCUomcWazy2lgmrKIpkCU84B6MEgmjfHMdnTLCBYZaxhQ/s640/blogger-image-1394480278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk0ArZvSg5AAMREL62oiu4oXpTLYgtnvivQibid28srWOKalNcMLxzl-CIrIPpLN8vrDOAdVkMWiqO0pHBTEFEm6FwDcJKRxCUomcWazy2lgmrKIpkCU84B6MEgmjfHMdnTLCBYZaxhQ/s640/blogger-image-1394480278.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The official cultural dance competition was this past weekend. Unfortunately I was at resource volunteer training and couldn't make it. The great new is that their hard work payed off and the team proudly brought home THIRD PLACE!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Way to go!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>*disclaimer: permission has be asked and granted by any person(s) photos published. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-15593148982652390902016-07-16T04:54:00.000-07:002016-07-25T10:49:23.704-07:00Is that a mirror in your pants?: Namibian pick up lines<br>
How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice! BADA BING! *mic drop*<br>
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So do I have your attention now? Let's be honest cheesey pick up lines are funny, in any country. I loved the different lines people came up with in the United State, around South America, and Namibia is no different. So just in case you find yourself in Namibia and need a few great lines in your pocket these are a few myself and a few volunteers have encounteered. <br>
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* Meets you for the very first time "I love you! We must marry."<br>
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* You're so fat and pale<br>
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* Has anyone ever told you that you have breast like a chicken?<br>
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* You're hair is so beautiful, its like rice and mayonaise <br>
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* Have you ever tasted?<br>
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* Is it true all Americans look like Kim Kardasian? <br>
- Do I look like Kim Kardasian to you?<br>
No you look like Martha Stewart!<br>
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* Come swim in the river, but if you dont take off all your clothes the crocodilles will eat you. <br>
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* Have you ever seen a Namibian snake?<br>
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* God told me we should be together.<div><br></div><div>* You're more beautiful than a Savannah sunset </div><div><br></div><div>* Do you know how fast a cheetah is? </div><div> -umm no </div><div> Neither do I, but not fast enough to catch my heart like you did</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Got more? Or do you have catchy American pick up lines to share with locals? Send them my way</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-64929087579070624052016-07-14T02:48:00.001-07:002016-07-23T11:15:27.084-07:00The Hafa legacy lives on!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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In one of my earlier blogs you may have learned about Hafa, the dog my host brother got me after saying part of what makes me miss being home is having pets. Hafa (which means happy in Rukwangali) sure lived up to his name. He was happy as can be and had more energy then any dog I've ever known. He reminded me more of a spastic cartoon squirrel than he did a dog. Unfortunately, I live right next to a highway, and we lost Hafa just over a month ago.<br />
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*Hafa when he was a puppy and I first got him</div>
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I was really heartbroken over the loss of Hafa. He drove me nuts, but he was my spastic little squirrel. When people asked if I was going to get another dog I would say no, I'm too scared of another one getting hit by a car. </div>
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A couple weeks after Hafa's passing I realized the girl dog on are homestead (her name is Nunu, meaning small) was looking a bit on the preggos side. And sure enough, she was. Last week after attending a media meeting I come home to find in a hidden area of my homestead Nunu and 6 precious little puppies. Nunu never leaves the homestead and Masini (the male dog, masini meaning milk) is very light colored, like when you add too much creamer to coffee (hence the name I have him). Yet, a lot of the puppies look like this </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBr6kpre7AtJ-hlWFP6gWDOf4JLBlkWJTI4R4ZJ5gtSAljz7x7J57iWN792Jcil4kXFfEOn3p3TuNnzCP3HFo750qY-jF5zaEPMrwsDsmbjLGqXD4q-kV5ORYMGgQbhtxANoPXSyd3Zs/s640/blogger-image-930366262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBr6kpre7AtJ-hlWFP6gWDOf4JLBlkWJTI4R4ZJ5gtSAljz7x7J57iWN792Jcil4kXFfEOn3p3TuNnzCP3HFo750qY-jF5zaEPMrwsDsmbjLGqXD4q-kV5ORYMGgQbhtxANoPXSyd3Zs/s400/blogger-image-930366262.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Notice any resemblance? </div>
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Hafa make be up in doggy heaven, but I think he left a little something behind. I said no more dogs, but visiting these little cuties everyday is causing me to quickly fall in love!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-53794813860166077762016-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:002016-06-28T08:00:14.473-07:00Love, HIV<div style="text-align: center;">
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Written by: M. Rama</div>
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I am the name you hear</div>
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The one you loved to get</div>
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The one you hate to have</div>
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"Trust me"</div>
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You don't know me</div>
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My name is HIV</div>
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I come to destroy people</div>
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I enter in the blood</div>
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and destroy you</div>
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You cant hear me when I enter your body</div>
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You feel it as it happens</div>
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Yet you can't sense me at all</div>
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I cause death</div>
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To young and old</div>
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Please protect yourself from me</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-70373115102840095802016-06-26T07:17:00.000-07:002016-06-26T07:17:00.675-07:00Camp YEAH! / Sunday Funday pics rolled into oneIn a previous blog <a href="http://jmepcvnamibia42.blogspot.com/2016/05/life-in-day-of-camp.html">Life in a day of camp</a> I briefly touched on one of my Secondary Projects, Camp YEAH! (Youth Exploring and Achieving in Health). As promised I want to give you more insight on what exactly Camp YEAH! is all about.<br />
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To give a brief history and background Camp YEAH! began just a few years ago by 3 volunteers aiming to reach out and teach youth specifically here in the Kavango Region. Though the region has recently be divided into Kavango East and Kavango West, we still aim to cover the Kavango as a whole. In past years volunteers from the Zambezi Region (just east of the Kavango) were involved and this year was the first time Wambo Land (or O-Land) had some representation. In Namibia [as a whole] there are very high rates of HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancies, particularly in the Kavango Region.<br />
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Camp is held twice a year, once during the first week of the May holiday of school. Schools in Namibia close for about a month from the last week in April, to the end of May. This gives us the opportunity to facilitate a week long camp for learners. Each Peace Corps Volunteer active in YEAH! was able to bring 2-4 learners to the camp. During this week long camp we primarily focus on teachings about HIV/AIDS. We however also learned about pregnancies, other STIs, gender roles, stereotypes, and about what our bodies are doing in general. The learners also get a chance to ask us "secret questions" about our own experiences. We did everything from acting out scenarios to interactive groups about the specifics on HIV/AIDS and other STIs to learning how to put on and take off a condom properly to how we can reference the Bible to help us with our attitudes toward HIV/AIDS and those effected by it. In Namibia the Christian religion plays a VERY strong role in the culture so its something valued on high by many of the locals. We even had an interactive obstacle coarse to simulate the concept of risky behaviors. Coming up in October will be a three day weekend camp with a focus on teen pregnancy which I must admit I'm very excited for.<br />
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One of my favorite parts of Camp YEAH! is the learning doesn't stop once camp comes to an end. All PCV involved in YEAH! are also required to hold health clubs at their schools. At first I only held a Girl's Club, and then the boy learners called me out for "discrimination" against male learners because they wanted to have a club too. This made me laugh, but also happy that they are actually learning their vocabulary words so I now also run a Boy's club with similar material. Initially I thought it would be awkward to have a female teacher running the club of all boys but so far its off to a good start. The 4 learners I brought to camp are my Club Leaders and LOVE to help teach activities we did at camp. It brings a little smile to my heart to see them with their Camp YEAH! shirts on at school telling their friends about this and that from camp. Over a month later its still something they rave about. Sometimes its the simplest things that make you go, ok maybe I'm not going to save the world by being in Peace Corps, but to see the excitement in learners voice as they share this knowledge with their peers, now that means the world to me!<br />
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When I use to work with Deaf students in the USA I would have them put their hands on their head like Bix is doing above to get them to stop talking and pay attention. One day at school I did that again with out even realizing it. Its actually the best strategy to get my kiddos here to quiet down in pay attention because they all mimic it back. It made me giggle to see my learners then doing it when they need the floor. </div>
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TALENT SHOW NIGHT!!!!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkyCAs7dTQj8Nddbz9Cl2Yerd1trQZqLOx9s6_vvCc3XS3KHWp-3GxcT7nUFM8jnQ9cTXsqZOAc8-Kd-8L4jrB2qSh8EoxyZDf7B12bxPD9uAiwhoF1OF-ludK5YewOpoJNr_z7JHl4w/s1600/IMG_2452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkyCAs7dTQj8Nddbz9Cl2Yerd1trQZqLOx9s6_vvCc3XS3KHWp-3GxcT7nUFM8jnQ9cTXsqZOAc8-Kd-8L4jrB2qSh8EoxyZDf7B12bxPD9uAiwhoF1OF-ludK5YewOpoJNr_z7JHl4w/s320/IMG_2452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We made some awesome Tie-Dye shirts! </div>
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One thing we learned about were gender roles and gender is viewed in the culture. Gender roles in Namibia are MUCH different from those in the U.S.A. The learners then had to act out short drama as the gender opposite of their own. Some of the boys wanted to dress like Memes, the girls rushed to wear bucket hats. It was an interesting experience to see how the learners viewed the opposite gender and lead to some great conversation as to "well why did you...." "why do we think.... about gender x".</div>
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Eddie and I both Representing Sweet Home Chicago </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-23133730356765768502016-06-23T07:30:00.000-07:002016-06-23T07:30:24.448-07:00Education <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Education</span></div>
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Written by: L.H Pretty (Grade 9)</div>
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Education</div>
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The key to success</div>
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Education is the weapon to change the world</div>
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Education</div>
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The key to open the golden door</div>
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Guys, time is running out on us</div>
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It flies weather we focus on our studies or not</div>
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Boyfriends, girlfriends night clubs</div>
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the all equal fun...</div>
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for how long?</div>
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We have the confidence</div>
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We will make it</div>
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Let us be cool teenagers</div>
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Let us learn and change</div>
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Let us study</div>
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Teach us to become the best we can</div>
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Boy and girls</div>
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Remember education comes first</div>
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Lets make our books our lovers</div>
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Love wasn't meant for us teens</div>
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Lets take our books on dates</div>
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Read, and in the end you won't feel blue</div>
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Because it's too late to cry once school is threw</div>
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Study Study </div>
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In the end we should delight our elders</div>
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Its never to late </div>
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When you focus on the bright side</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-67323424703757115222016-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:002016-06-21T08:00:22.198-07:00"Love"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Love"</span></div>
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Written by: Eddie "Wiz Kid" (Grade 9)</div>
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"Love" is my name</div>
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HIV is my salary </div>
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I kick teenagers out of their minds</div>
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Hurt, I am on their mind</div>
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Sex is never limited</div>
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"Love" is unlimited</div>
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Pregnancy is unheated</div>
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HIV is hurting us</div>
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My raise keeps increasing</div>
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You are decreasing</div>
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Just keep freezing</div>
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Feeling blue</div>
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HIV, sing for us</div>
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Pregnancy dancing for us</div>
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Music causing heat</div>
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Easy for us to meet</div>
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Death for sex</div>
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Abstain for health</div>
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"Love" for the making</div>
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When you reduce "love" for sex</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-74357952018060491452016-06-21T07:02:00.000-07:002016-06-21T07:40:22.679-07:00I feel the need to brag for a momentBy far my favorite part of service is my learners. I've grown to really care about them. Sure, some days they make me want to scream, but over all they hold a really special place in my heart. I feel like part of what gives me some of the deepest insight on life in Namibia is via my learners. I would say I have a pretty close relationship with most of them. Between Girls Club, Boys Club, being a school counselor, teaching them and having them teach me, there is a level of trust between us. My learners keep these journals and a lot of it is basically to practice and be exposed to writing in English. These journals have opened my eyes to a lot. I'm always amazed to see what wanders threw their minds. Especially when their only prompt is "write about something you feel effecting your life", "write about the first thing on your mind", "write about anything". However, part of the learner's grades (as required by the Namibian Ministry of Education) is that they must do a short writing. This term I decided to make their short writing assignment writing a poem. So over the past weekend, after spending last week learning about different types of figurative language their assignment was to write me a poem about anything. Only rule, it must have figurative speech incorporated in some way at least once. As usual, some of them really blew my mind. My friends and family I talk to back home know I love to brag about my learners. I've grown up around English my whole life and even still I understand English is a hard language!! I've learned second, third and even fourth languages and, come on, learning a language in general is hard. To see some of the things these kids experience and can then in turn retell in a language outside their mother tongue amazes me. So over the next couple weeks I would like to highlight some of the work of my learners. Please note that each learner was asked first before I publish anything. They also got to choose their "display name". They are really excited actually! I do encourage any comments or compliments or constructive criticism people would like to offer my learners' works, I will happily deliver the feedback.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-58351640601248626682016-06-13T12:43:00.001-07:002016-06-21T07:37:21.916-07:00Sunday Funday Pictures!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It's that time of year where the Learners start preparing for their "Culture Competitions" in the Kavango. Learners collaborate traditional dancing, songs, and dramas together into a skit where they will compete with other schools. </div>
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These are a couple of the traditional drums typically played by boy students. </div>
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Since the Culture Competitions are a big deal in the area, and the drums can be heard through out the village, it attracts people to come watch their practices.</div>
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Little Miss Mariah here is one of my grade 8 English Learners, and one of our Culture Team's secret weapon. This girl can dance!!</div>
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Back to school! Term 2 of school has been back and at it for about 2 weeks. Winter is also upon us so people are layering up.</div>
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If you even (slightly) know me, you know I have a serious hot Cheetos addiction! Luckily my friends rock my socks and send me happiness in a box! If you haven't tried hot Cheetos with marshmallow cream, go try it, now! Lol trust me, it's great!</div>
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Flashback!!!</div>
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One of the local bands here Kolesa and my host sister invited a couple friends and I to their End of Year party last December. And recently sent me some of the photos they took. </div>
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They are a GREAT band, I'm hoping to upload some of their music soon!</div>
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(Isn't my host sister so pretty? I'm couldn't ever ask for a better host sister!) </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-3094791333401256472016-06-11T06:10:00.001-07:002016-06-11T06:10:02.143-07:00Days for Girls Kits Distribution in Kasote Namibia<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ADvfcTkHD_o" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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When this Peace Corps journey first began, in the days of Pre-Service Training, one of our activities included making a bubble chart of what makes us who we are. We drew one bubble in the middle with our names, with other bubbles attached to it with different parts of our identity. For exam, the things that I thought made me who I was were things like being Hispanic, an interpreter, a fit girl, a runner, outdoorsy, and a few different things. Not a single bubble said female. If I were to remake that chart now, a female would probably be one of my largest bubbles.<br /><br />
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Sometimes here it seems like being a female gives you odds stacked against you. Girls are way more likely to drop out of school over the boys, for various reasons. When I first arrived to site and was trying to gauge what exactly I would take on as Secondary Projects a Girls Club was quickly one of the first projects to come to mind. Since then, Girl's Club has turned out to be one of my favorite parts of service!! One day, the LifeSkills teacher, Mrs.Muronga pulled me aside to tell me about a serious problem we have in Kasote. There is literally no where in the village for girls to get sanitary pads. Some families can afford to go to town to buy these items, but majority can not. Several girls reported using rolled up tissue, mattress cushion, and traditional leaves as "homemade" pads. Not the most sanitary option, which would sometimes lead to infections. She asked me if I had any ideas of anything we can do about this. After doing some research I found this great program, Days For Girls. They had worked with other Peace Corps Volunteers in Namibia supplying kits of reusable, sanitary, effective cloth pads. The tricky part was funding them, and getting them to Namibia. Santa Fe Community Yoga and Personal Trainer Fred Martinez covered the fee for the pads, along with some of the shipping fees. Some wonderful individuals also helped ship these amazing kits for the girls. Please check out this amazing video of Kasote's need for the kits, and the distribution. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-25188627283239118332016-05-22T08:33:00.000-07:002016-05-22T08:33:01.280-07:00Zambia Trip<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ojp4glWZoI" width="480"></iframe><br />
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To continue on with the May holiday adventures after Erindi
Game Park my friend and I returned to the Kavango region and stayed in my
village for a bit so that I can show her that village life style. I’m glad she
got to experience it, but there was one MAJOR perk she got to enjoy which NEVER
happens, we had Taco Tuesday!!! As a
birthday gift my family sent my friend Bea with some corn tortillas for me ;) a
few friends were over so to kick off my Namixcan BirthMay celebrations we had
margaritas and tacos!! It was awesome!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a few days in the village a group of fellow
volunteers, Bea, and myself decided to jump some boarders and venture off to
Zambia, just east of Namibia. This time we were riding in style and used
Intercape Bus. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was 3,792,735 times better than
Kumbis. Kumbis really do make me nervous. Also, Intercape offered an overnight
bus which was a nice option so that we could just sleep for the 11 hour ride and
arrive in the morning so the adventures could begin right away. Early in the
morning we saw some wild elephants and giraffes on the side of the road. This
made me kind of giggle to my friend. Back home the animals I saw the most often
were cattle and horses. Now I rarely see horses but giraffes and baboons are
pretty regular thing; when I return to the states it’s going to be funny to see
horses again. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Back to the fun stuff though, Zambia!! Zambia was awesome.
We stayed in a pretty touristy area, Livingston so I didn’t get to see too much
of the country by any means, but what I did see, I loved. We were there about 3
and half days and got to do lots of fun stuff. The first day was a bit more
relaxed and we basically just walked around Livingston which was a cute town.
People seemed friendly and it had a nice safe feel to it. The second day was
action packed. We got to go see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Victoria Falls. If you are not familiar with it Victoria Falls is the largest
waterfall in the world and it is absolutely beautiful!! It costed $20USD and
was completely worth it. There are many walking trails on top and on the bottom
of the falls. There’s also a bridge about mid level of the falls directly in
front of them where you can walk and get soaked. The mist from the falls is so
strong it creates a rainforest and garden of rainbows, it was surreal to see.
The other exciting point was bungee jumping!! Yes bungee jumping!!!! Ahh it was
so scary yet a blast all at once. A bridge a bit down from the falls offers a
thing called the Big Air package, this included bungee jumping, the bungee
swing (which was similar to bungee jumping with out as much air time and you
fall feet first rather than head first), and zip lining. Check out the
following blog to see the video of the bungee swing and bungee jumping. Man,
that was a rush. I think bungee jumping was even scarier than sky diving!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next day we purchased a package from the hostel we
stayed at (JollyBoys backpackers) which started our day with a 2 hour canoe
ride where we got to see a few elephants, followed by elephant interaction
where we got to feed and hang out with the elephants. You even get to sit with
them and tell them about how pretty they are. Well you don’t have to tell them
that but theyre beautiful so I wanted to. After the interaction we went on a
small safari drive followed by lunch. After lunch we were able to relax for bit
before going on a sunset cruise where dinner was provided. On the boat we met a
super sweet pair of parents who were in Zambia because their son just completed
his 27 month service with Peace Corps and was now marrying someone he met
during service. Those Peace Corps love
stories get me every time! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Over all the trip (though brief) was one of a life time. I
had great company and an amazing time. Tons of pictures were taken so I decided
to collaborate them all into this fun little video. (Told you I’d make up for
the missed Sunday Funday pictures.) So for your Sunday Funday there are tons of
pictures between then three blog posts!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-84806346073067816412016-05-22T08:32:00.000-07:002016-05-22T08:32:05.540-07:00Bungee Jumping/Bungee swing at Victoria Falls<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m5uCzJlmjGI" width="480"></iframe><br />
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When walking to the bridge a man selling bracelets asked if we were jumping and we said yes, his response "There is life after bungee-ing"<br />
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If you are considering taking the big jump at Victoria Falls and Zambia, do it!! I'll be honest, it was scary as can be, but thrilling in a very fun way!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-55968840338362081802016-05-22T08:21:00.001-07:002016-05-22T08:21:33.776-07:00Erindi Game Park Namibia, Africa<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tjmE8UCDYxE" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">One of the [many] perks of being a volunteer teacher in<br />
Namibia means we get to have the month of May off. Now add in the fact that<br />
you’re volunteering in a foreign country and it equals holiday spent exploring<br />
new lands of not only your host country but also its surrounding countries!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over holiday (as you may know) one of my best friends in the<br />
world came to see the beauty that Namibia and Zambia have to offer. We had a<br />
blast and I thought I would share the adventures we had together. I’m going to<br />
break this into two posts because each one deserves its own posting. (Sorry for<br />
those of you who are subscribed to my blog and are now getting multiple emails<br />
of postings in a short time span, but it does make me feel uber loved that you<br />
follow my blog so thank you mucho!) Next time you find yourself in Namibia, if<br />
you’re a volunteer in country or visiting a volunteer I HIGHLY recommend doing<br />
both these activities because they were super fun! The two main things we did<br />
was camp at Erindi Game Park and went to Livingstone Zambia to see one of the<br />
Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls. For this story though we are focusing on<br />
Erindi Game Park.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Our trip started at the spectacular Erindi Game Park for a<br />
weekend camping trip. The most “popular” tourist game park to see in Namibia<br />
typically is Etosha. I have not had the chance to go to Etosha yet, but from<br />
asking other volunteers and locals which game park they enjoyed most I was told<br />
Erindi multiple times and can see why! We decided to rent a SUV so that we can<br />
do the Self-Guided Game drive which was $300NAD for the whole car (not even a<br />
per person fee) for each day that you want to do the drive. To transfer that to<br />
American currency that’s under $25! Tell me you wouldn’t jump on the<br />
opportunity if you could. The park is HUGE! Over 100km of driving roads see a<br />
vast variety of game, and there was plenty to see. We decided to do the<br />
Self-Drive one day, and guided tours on another to experience both. We drove<br />
all day and say only half the park! Between the Self-Drive, and Guided Tour we<br />
saw giraffes, kudu, springbok, eland, wildebeest, zebras, crocodiles, baboons,<br />
hippos, elephants, hippos, wild cats, hyenas, and even rhinos and lions!!!!<br />
There are tons of birds and other<br />
animals I know I’m forgetting. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We stayed at the Camp Elephant camp sites which came with a<br />
park space, bricked fire pit, grassed areas big enough to fit at least 2 large<br />
tents comfortably, a fridge, a bath room and a shower with water temp control!!<br />
It was like fancy camping. A short walk from the campsites is a water hole that<br />
is very active with the park’s game. The first morning we were there we made<br />
some coffee and went to enjoy the morning delight at the watering hole. It was<br />
amazing to be sipping on coffee and see zebras come trotting from the vision<br />
line for a drink while the wildebeest play, only to be surprised by the quiet<br />
steps of an elephant coming to bathe and get his own morning drink. Another<br />
part that was super cool was waking up in the middle of the night once and<br />
hearing the lions! It was both terrifying and exciting! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was very pleased every things we did at Erindi! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-29133517188530622232016-05-20T07:18:00.001-07:002016-05-20T07:19:43.201-07:00Airports have feelings too<div class="MsoNormal">
As you may have seen in a previous blog, the month of May is
when schools go on holiday (vacation) and I had a friend visiting from the
states. That’s the reason for my radio silence, I’m sorry. I even forgot about
the Sunday Funday Pictures! Well now I’m back and I pinkie promise I will have
an awesome Sunday Funday this upcoming week to make up for it, but for now a story on how Peace Corps has once again manged to shift me perception of things. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I would call myself well traveled. I’ve been to and through
many airports; I have been picked up and picked up others, but (as many things do through Peace Corps service) how I now look at airports has changed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Upon arriving to the airport I saw a couple of my fellow
volunteers also picking up friends and family. All of us with smiles, and I
believe we were all even showered! The airport in Windhoek isn’t very big and a
group of shuttle drivers had already begun standing next to the rails near the
arrivals exit. I had been anticipating my friend’s arrival for weeks and with
less than an hour till she walked through those gates, I was getting anxious.
The other volunteers and I chatted about our plans and stops we were making
with our guest, but the one consistent thing was “needing” the visit. Like I’ve said before, volunteering can be
tough, but sometimes it’s the simplest joys that can move mountains for
volunteers. None of us had seen these visitors and almost a year (or more) so some time
with familiar faces from home, now that’s something so great I’m not even sure
how to express it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally the doors to the gate began opening, and we all
pretty much jumped with each person walking out hoping it was our visitor. My
friend came out first, but only to ask some questions about a suitcase of
donated Days for Girls kits she brought and then had to return back to customs.
(**check bottom for side note about bringing donations through the
airport) Then another volunteer’s
parents came in. The smile on her face
just as she opened her arms to wrap around her family, is probably one of the
biggest smiles I have ever seen someone do.
The other volunteer literally squealed as her friend came through. The
airport was a place happier than Disney World as we all parted our separated
ways to enjoy our holiday. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sadly, all holidays must come to an end and I found myself
back at an airport but this time to say bye. This encounter much different than
before. We had a great holiday, I even
tried convincing my friend to just extend her vacation for, oh you know 18
months, but she has adult-ing to do and cats to feed so that wasn’t exactly a realistic option. And so, as can be expected she got her departing ticket and
made her way through security and to her plane. I made it only a handful steps before I started crying. This time I noticed a couple other teary eyed people. A
place so euphoric before was now coated with tears, and not the happy
kind. Coincidentally, an arrival flight
had arrived and the smiles of loved one coming in for this reason or that were
filling the room. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Prior to this I knew the airport came with happy and sad
feelings. I think this is the first time though that I stopped and watched it
happen to people trafficking through. The highs extremely high, and the lows
very low. Then there’s always the ones just passing through handling business
of some sorts. After my friend left I did just sit there and watch the airport
unfold. Airports, big and small, are typically so fast paced and always in
motion, I never realized how many impacting moments in time happen constantly.
Makes me wonder if the airport staff recognizes this too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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*** If you are visiting someone/getting a visitor and a donation is being brought you must have a letter from the person/company proving the donated good stating where the donation is going. On top of that the airport is going to charge you a nice fee, even when you try explaining its a donation for a volunteer teacher to give to the school their volunteering at, just to warn you. I thought her bringing them rather than shipping them would have been cheaper, but shipping probably would have been the better route. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-8890132477700218002016-05-04T08:06:00.000-07:002016-05-04T08:06:13.941-07:00What you can do with $1.00USD to help celebrate your birthday<div class="MsoNormal">
I have an awesome finding for what you can do with $1.00USD!<o:p></o:p></div>
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6-May: My birthday and 9 months of service. I could have had
a kid by now! Weird!! I’m starting to become convinced that Peace Corps has
this weird time morphing machine that warps your gage of time. I swear some
days seem to never end, and then I take a short nap and suddenly it’s the end
of another month! If you’ve been following my blog you already know, but the
school year here starts in January and ends in the beginning of December. One
perk of teaching is VACATION! In honor of my birthday all public schools shut
down for vacation!! JUST KIDDING!! Schools really do close pretty much the
entire month of May, but not in honor of my birthday, its winter break. Term one is known to be the longest term for
how many days are included at numeric value, but if you ask me that flew by!!!
I’ve basically spent the past two weeks glued to my red pen. No one better show
me a red pen in the month of May or I may throw that pen at them lol. I am
super excited because one of the most awesomest people in my life is coming to
visit for my birthday!! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
Bea has been apart of my life since what feels like forever and is coming in to
take on Namibia with me! We are going to Erindi Game Park, hiking across the
country back to my site then venturing up to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven
Natural Wonders of the World. Bea will almost get to see Namibia from the South
to the Okavango, across the Caprivi and into Zambia ( a neighboring country).
She is even bringing corn tortillas to make tacos AND Hot Cheetos. Now if
that’s not birthday love then I don’t know what is!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So this edition of what can you do with $1.00, well right
now ratio is about $14.97NAD to $1.00USD. To get me from my village to the hike
point to the capital Windhoek is $10.00. I may even be able to squeeze in a
water bottle for the ride. Now the hike to Windhoek is a whole other story, but
its enough to grab a taxi to begin some birthday adventures!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-61614418847302417302016-05-03T17:03:00.001-07:002016-05-05T02:21:59.283-07:00Life in a day of camp.... condoms and bibles and HIV, OH MY!In a previous article I told you a bit about "Secondary Projects" which are exactly what it sounds like. Secondary Projects are the other things you do outside of the main reasons/role you were hired to do, mine being teaching English.<br />
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Well, as you know one if my "Secondary Projects" is Camp YEAH! (Which you will know more about in a blog very soon.) However, I just have to share this story now now!</div>
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Today was day 4 of camp: we've spent the past few days teaching about HIV/AIDS, safe sex, STIs, Teen Pregnancies, stereotypes, Healthy relationship... You know, that fun stuff. So let me tell you about this very day!</div>
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Woke up, started the day in a dining hall full of Namibian teens eating breakfast. After having way too much coffee and hot chocolate we began the activities for the day.</div>
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First activity: teaching the Learners how to put on male condoms. </div>
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Second activity: <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Use Tupac and Justin Beiber to explain how we can use the Bible as guidance, specifically with HIV related topics.</span></div>
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We needed to get the work done before moving onto the TALENT SHOW!!!!<br />
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And so my day ended by being in a WWE skit as Lady Loca</div>
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Signature move: The Chola Choke-Out </div>
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That's alllll bad nuh </div>
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(If you're from NM you'll get it ;) </div>
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And so that my blogging community, is how one may spend their day in the life as a PCV hosting a camp for learners.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-56488639762663184372016-04-27T07:45:00.000-07:002016-05-05T02:59:11.194-07:00Legends from the Kavango: Things to be aware of when crossing the river in a canoe <br />
For many residents of the Kavango regions (East and West) life is lived along the Okavango River. The miles upon miles of river bring plenty of (the most delicious) fish you could hope to catch, memes doing their laundry, kids spashing and flipping into the river, people around every curve enjoying a nice, and several watos (canoes in English) coasting through the waters. <br />
The watos are not only useful for travel, fishing, and having fun; their beautiful hand carvings decorate the river quite nicely. However, according the legend, there can be danger riding in a wato depending on what you were up to the night before. <br />
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Also enjoying the gifts of the river are many hippos. What you may not know about the hippos are they have extra senses that can recognize if you were sleeping with someone other than your spouce the night befor. If you've been behaving the hippos will let you ride along the river in the canoe in peace. Unfortunately, if you have been a bit scandalous the hippos will provide you with your karma. Somehow the hippos are aware of what your life is like between the sheets and if you're unfaithful, and try crossing the river in a canoe a hippo will come out of no where and attack you!! If you are willing to admit the adultery to the people your with though, you can break off a piece of bamboo to place in the front of the wato. That piece of bamboo will then keep you safe from the vengeful hippos as you travel in the waters.<br />
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So next time you plan on getting in a wato to enjoy a ride, make sure you're practicing honesty... or it just may be the last thing you do before the hippos make you pay!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-21063049151874075642016-04-25T08:04:00.001-07:002016-04-25T08:04:46.526-07:00Sunday Funday 24-April Kids say the darnest thingsSo with term one coming to an end, countless amounts of paper have been marked (graded). Sometimes the marking seems never ending, and sometimes it's super funny, or just sweet. Check out some of the fun stuff I came across this semester:<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1d-DR7Y91TFS_8-2ydaUw1hmfhi20xCkuEfjT7RZ8CH6Z8AF96FoIctSN7OWVG_jKktkyph_Hqmv1_UQxRdggzwsFgb1d9qsE6TDnL-qiRHOfVIgkFCz888SwC-yoThQ3y0bhP4ISWE/s640/blogger-image-1396558742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1d-DR7Y91TFS_8-2ydaUw1hmfhi20xCkuEfjT7RZ8CH6Z8AF96FoIctSN7OWVG_jKktkyph_Hqmv1_UQxRdggzwsFgb1d9qsE6TDnL-qiRHOfVIgkFCz888SwC-yoThQ3y0bhP4ISWE/s640/blogger-image-1396558742.jpg"></a></div><div> Question: give the antonym of the word "happy".</div><div>Answer: hungry </div><div><br></div><div><br></div> Well, I mean she has a point....</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44gDn934aW2qYbdQLq6Zeu37GVBUmNeETSHWBx5iFuoVtbbLexGoHoYzwiFyhwd7EU0FBQIohZahOSWR8aTcheIPbOZn4QoL_0E11VW34ge_VT7qRBgiHtwcREDdA7mae7R1naIIHA3Q/s640/blogger-image--2106523624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44gDn934aW2qYbdQLq6Zeu37GVBUmNeETSHWBx5iFuoVtbbLexGoHoYzwiFyhwd7EU0FBQIohZahOSWR8aTcheIPbOZn4QoL_0E11VW34ge_VT7qRBgiHtwcREDdA7mae7R1naIIHA3Q/s640/blogger-image--2106523624.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpiQ1V8Vs1F8HGpYeXzKCGh_qetPdilGm-DeD3orl6AzlMXfHDJ68OL1T-VDgVVWmoDteN7THNvFHmWjGhXiaANlTa6tzS0dqChBVFERSGXRd6N7z-gZBaSVEVxMU7eqBgkgp1AZOJzQ/s640/blogger-image--1061089529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpiQ1V8Vs1F8HGpYeXzKCGh_qetPdilGm-DeD3orl6AzlMXfHDJ68OL1T-VDgVVWmoDteN7THNvFHmWjGhXiaANlTa6tzS0dqChBVFERSGXRd6N7z-gZBaSVEVxMU7eqBgkgp1AZOJzQ/s640/blogger-image--1061089529.jpg"></a></div>Sex: a human </div><div>What is the nationality of Mrs. Calment?</div><div>A human </div><div><br></div><div>Ha ha ha this kid is kinda onto something. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfa2AAXZADJvHbp_dQ4b8AIF7akL38rDlrGXKibT6OALShCv7B_eKa9F8R4ry9IXF2CJY-Q8Y32QfoYjdSxR8pR-WNZKYKHNeU4CMnsS_aZiLjj-d2K-8WqzHZct4XlTTdZnT6Wino1Y/s640/blogger-image--1820046350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfa2AAXZADJvHbp_dQ4b8AIF7akL38rDlrGXKibT6OALShCv7B_eKa9F8R4ry9IXF2CJY-Q8Y32QfoYjdSxR8pR-WNZKYKHNeU4CMnsS_aZiLjj-d2K-8WqzHZct4XlTTdZnT6Wino1Y/s640/blogger-image--1820046350.jpg"></a></div>We watched The Lion King as a listening activity with fill in the blank from the scene with adult Simba and Rafiki befor Simba returns to pride rock. </div><div><br></div><div>Rafiki said to Simba "Yes, the past can *hurt*, but the way I see it you can either run from it, or *die* from it. Ahhh see! You learned!"</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Hmmmm.... Talk about the past haunting you! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRMjytGokEk693OVn1FmSeugvQnHNH4IX_87U5Tx4etJeDsQGQtXRKeI0I-r3hhC4iM6yscHFZWJyEwTKZIMHCdmPtdBO6LLxNR_0MVAlb8PdHe7m3yE3ID57R4ZHWTnq8_gLI17TIMQ/s640/blogger-image--126743605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRMjytGokEk693OVn1FmSeugvQnHNH4IX_87U5Tx4etJeDsQGQtXRKeI0I-r3hhC4iM6yscHFZWJyEwTKZIMHCdmPtdBO6LLxNR_0MVAlb8PdHe7m3yE3ID57R4ZHWTnq8_gLI17TIMQ/s640/blogger-image--126743605.jpg"></a></div>He he he being a teacher is like being President. I guess this could mean Ms.Tena for President? ;) </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQCmeCAInQnxELgRz6TJmasapwf-QrtriHEpQtiILAdnEZaYz-cImcHAuGa4x6gIHm4AV0UzS1Ae3bxpaFJQC1BroYOK3473SkCR0JxMcbJYmdtllm8xHi2ow3oQvAR1G0KKlxn9ybzA/s640/blogger-image--821996882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQCmeCAInQnxELgRz6TJmasapwf-QrtriHEpQtiILAdnEZaYz-cImcHAuGa4x6gIHm4AV0UzS1Ae3bxpaFJQC1BroYOK3473SkCR0JxMcbJYmdtllm8xHi2ow3oQvAR1G0KKlxn9ybzA/s640/blogger-image--821996882.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the start of class everyday we have a warm up. On this day the prompt was "Tell me something that makes you feel good"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The thing that makes me feel good is when ms Tena she teaches like I am eating chicken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> .... I'm gonna take that as a compliment. Chicken is good. Lol</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In a counsling group I was once apart if we did "visual journaling" and it's activity that really stuck to me. It's really relaxing to just throw on some music, clip away and break out the glue. I must admit this is something I really enjoy doing! Sunday morning collaging :) This was what I did this weekend </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA_tdaWhxOZnpRM69n9tuxzKYvs1AgImMR8Dwcj3RDR100e6NZ6PPYTm7YHiNX9jNal-r1x0zyqLBwHR8KXKXJeJIsEiMiD9o5c07sbBefEQgliHck2-4O5sd2UhiLuT96lGckvvTDPA/s640/blogger-image-277900773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheA_tdaWhxOZnpRM69n9tuxzKYvs1AgImMR8Dwcj3RDR100e6NZ6PPYTm7YHiNX9jNal-r1x0zyqLBwHR8KXKXJeJIsEiMiD9o5c07sbBefEQgliHck2-4O5sd2UhiLuT96lGckvvTDPA/s640/blogger-image-277900773.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>These were the other two I made since being here</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIS_ms0iueekIOg_W14SGWlRz5daXUeFErLA1Hgi8EoC25GaVQ7RqsBi19rEa0PJUpKv2rYmP4EyAsCiegWr5uo-LEa-m6i2ypcrJ8vxwe6S6k3USsJnTZU3p8KGPdr4MTt_f6PEv7dg/s640/blogger-image-2102158725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIS_ms0iueekIOg_W14SGWlRz5daXUeFErLA1Hgi8EoC25GaVQ7RqsBi19rEa0PJUpKv2rYmP4EyAsCiegWr5uo-LEa-m6i2ypcrJ8vxwe6S6k3USsJnTZU3p8KGPdr4MTt_f6PEv7dg/s640/blogger-image-2102158725.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0l42fu2r0tTtgT8RlNDCQ3DsYlGRqwY4Ko6aVknJjD0tD_gVyV7AYbAvn9xJTyMC26PEXlkRrxUn1Y_gvgr8A3AisMokZriBIqlwNGtRzC8FwSMP7LArDDzongpVb5kFFnC7psP3OsOw/s640/blogger-image--1241099857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0l42fu2r0tTtgT8RlNDCQ3DsYlGRqwY4Ko6aVknJjD0tD_gVyV7AYbAvn9xJTyMC26PEXlkRrxUn1Y_gvgr8A3AisMokZriBIqlwNGtRzC8FwSMP7LArDDzongpVb5kFFnC7psP3OsOw/s640/blogger-image--1241099857.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-59409766890680316892016-04-20T08:00:00.000-07:002016-05-05T03:00:43.036-07:00Just taking a moment to brag about Girl's Club<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Being
a Peace Corps Volunteer requests not only that we work on our primary project
(mine being education/teaching) but also taking on secondary projects.
Secondary projects vary from volunteer to volunteer. Some volunteers choose to
plant a community garden, some like to run workshops for health, teen
pregnancy, fitness, languages, etc. Some join Peace Corps clubs such as Girls
Leading Our World (GLOW) or YEAH! (Youth Exlopring and Achieving in Health),
and the list can go on and on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One
of my secondary projects is in relation of being a member of YEAH! (a lot more
infor about YEAH! To come *wink
wink*). One part of being a YEAH! member
is also establishing clubs in your host community/school. I have started a
Girl’s Club at my school and am hoping to get a Boy’s Club up and running soon.
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A typical Girl’s Club meeting is
held every Wednesday from about 2:30pm till 4:00pm. We start club by “Sharing
sweets” meaning we each say something nice about ourself, and something nice
about the member sitting to our right. I typically also try to bring some sort
of sweet treat to spoil ourselves. After that each club has a theme such as
safe sex practices, mental health moral boosters, heathy diet choices, exercise
ideas, decision making, and all that fun stuff. We also try to have different
conversations about how we can respond to common situations we face in day to
day life. E.g. should I have sex or shoud I wait? If I do have sex should I use
a condom/make my partner use a condom? What if my partner says no to condom
use? Teen pregnancies and HIV/AIDS rates are very high, especially in the
Kavango region so it’s a topic in need of discussion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A couple weeks ago (in big thanks to my good
friend Josie sending art supplies) we made intension bracelets. With each color
of bead we setting an intention/promise we were making to ourselves. The
bracelets serve as a visual reminder of things we are promising to ourselves.
For example, red represents that I’ll use a condom everytime I have sex, yellow
means I’m not going to be friends with people who make me feel bad about
myself, and so forth. Each color means somethng different to each person. My
hopes are that if the learners make these promises to themselves, that
hopefully it will be something they keep. The bracelet serving as a reminder. We
had a blast making them. And it made me thrilled to see [almost all] the girls wearing the braceletts everyday
since. Not to mention boys asking when I’ll start Boy’s Club because they want
some too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes being a Peace Corps
Volunteer can be frustrating as can be, but at times like this, it makes every
difficult day worth it! These moments, are what happiness means. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The day we made the bracelets :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLenuRtKFiqhMvjeHyinVDbGAIeO7fneecQVXlOgxDj5f5dipGrFaGWNOF2sW4nePlOCOTbCGyABR6_GjGNlN-ceR4M6lolL-imPZahLuFgyN4U_oUzJLDUdRzwy6XFYz1JVyw-3-slQ/s1600/IMG_7875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLenuRtKFiqhMvjeHyinVDbGAIeO7fneecQVXlOgxDj5f5dipGrFaGWNOF2sW4nePlOCOTbCGyABR6_GjGNlN-ceR4M6lolL-imPZahLuFgyN4U_oUzJLDUdRzwy6XFYz1JVyw-3-slQ/s320/IMG_7875.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Two week later we began exams, you can see the first two girls still wearing their bracelets</div>
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If you would like to sponsor/make a donation for Girl's Club (via sweets, school supplies or art supplies) feel free to send them to me at:</div>
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Jamie Torres</div>
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Peace Corps Volunteer 42</div>
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PO Box 114</div>
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Rundu Namibia 9000</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919074398992121189.post-44240674982293652002016-04-17T07:13:00.000-07:002016-04-17T07:13:17.006-07:00Sunday Fun-day Pictures 17-April-2016<br />
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So if you read my last post, I had a bit of a rough couple weeks. This past Thursday I woke up a bit on the wrong side of the bed so I instantly popped in my headphones for the walk to school. The moment I arrived to school I'm greeted with a crowed of grade 0 (kindergarten) learners adorable as can be just wanting to say hi and give high 5's. That's all it took to turn my frown upside down and bring my day to a brighter start. I mean look at them. How can you not smile back at these cuties?<br />
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FLASHBACK!!!!!!</div>
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Some of you may have seen in my post a few months ago that my host family surprised me with a puppy. At the time of the post I thought Hafa was a girl. Turns out Hafa is a boy. He's healthy, happy, and has an unending amount of puppy energy. I would compare his to one of those spastic cartoon squirrels. We're working on breaking his jumping and food stealing habit. He's a very faithful walking buddy. He drives me nuts, but I do love him never the less</div>
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With exams = marking alllllllllllllllll day. Sometimes learners say some funny things though</div>
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Question: Write down a word that has the opposite meaning of the word threaten?</div>
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Answer: Rhinoceroses </div>
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Question: Find a word in the text that has more or less the same meaning as "a set of laws about something"</div>
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Answer: Fewer people on earth</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13655927687734630565noreply@blogger.com0