Mumana Basics School and Movie Night

Soooo today was one of the most interesting experiences of my life. But before I go into that...last night I found a piece of paper on my bed from Collins (the one who follows me around all the time) and it said, I love (I think he drew a picture of my blonde hair on the paper next to love). It was so sweet to find that note. After I got home from school today he ran up to me and said "I missed you so much and hugged me for a long time." There has been about 5 times that I have quietly cried when I am around him, because of his past and his future. I love all of the kids, but Collins is attached to me...which makes me attached to him. Here is a picture of him...

So today I taught the boys again this morning we have almost gone through the first phonics book. They are doing very well, but it is sometimes frustrating. i's are hard for them, and b's, d's, and e's. They get them all mixed up, but we just have to keep on going over those words. OK we just saw a HUGE spider. Anyways, they are doing good and have the best attitude and work ethic than anyone I have ever taught.

For the life-changing experience... I went to the Mumana Basics School today with Merrium. Teachers...you will find this experience very interesting. So Duane took us to school and we were the only car that pulled up- period. Teachers do not even drive to school. I first had to go talk to the headmaster before observing classes, but he was not there. So they told me to wait until the students had settled in class. I was talking to the secretary for a while in the one room office and she explained a few things about the school. Everyone was very nice and said welcome to Zambia. The school has about 2000 students in the entire school grades pre-k- 9th grade. If they do not pass a test in the 9th grade, then they have to continue to take it until they pass. Most of the kids in 9th grade are age 18-21. IF they pass the test then they can go onto high school. The teacher that I talked to said it is really sad because a lot of students take years to pass it. All of the students wear uniforms, and the secretary said it comes in handy because when kids get hit by cars, then they know what school they go to. I thought that was a weird statement, but she said it happened this morning. I saw the staff room, it was pretty much the same as ours but with one computer for everyone to share and one copy machine (used only for tests). The teachers normally have 70 kids in each class- 72! It was unbelievable, they were packed in like sardines (corny phrase, but that's all I got). The teacher have no supplies. All they have is a chalkboard and the kids have spirals. The smart kids with potential come to school in the mornings and the struggling kids come in the afternoon and stay until 6:30 p.m.

Sister Elizabeth Mutale, a teacher who tutors kids on Saturdays without pay, was so kind and took me around to every class to introduce me to the students. Once again, kids were yelling Muzunga- I think that's the word. I even saw students looking in windows to see me. I said to the class "I am just a silly muzunga"- they thought that was hilarious. One more thing I like about Africa- they laugh at everything I say. They are joyous people, even in the last period of the day, the kids are not complaining, they are always smiling, even without breaks all day long. The were extremely respectful. I could not believe the amount of respect they gave teachers. The teachers would life their hand up and all of the kids would get quiet right away. If they answered a question they would stand up and answer. If they were ever disrespectful (the teachers said that they rarely are) they are assigned chores around the school or they have to sit on their knees facing the class with their hands up. The floors are concrete- I like that rule:) I told the teachers about some of my experiences and they were shocked. It is just so different here. Grades 8-12 they have to pay to go to school. I walked from class to class introducing myself and asked if they had any questions about America...here were some of the responses:

Can you be my teacher, How is the economy, Obama?, Do boys to laundry and help cook, do boys and girls have relationships?, How much does a girl cost to marry in America, and what does America look like. Every time I walked out they would all start laughing and talking, but they were somewhat shy when I was in there. When I entered a classroom this is what happened:

Fellow teachers.... I have forever been changed with the amount of respect I saw from these kids. I have also been changed because I have realized how EASY we have it. They teach from 6:00-6:30, they walk to school, they teach 5 different classes with 72 kids in each, they do not have computers, they inhale chalk every day all day, they do not sit down, they have closets as offices, they do all grading by hand, they do not have textbooks (only old ones that were donated decades ago), they have NO extra teaching materials, they cannot make copies, they write entire tests on the board for the class every day, they do not have the internet to come up with fun activities, and they show lots of love. Something that Sister Elizabeth Mutale said that really put things into prospective was about religion in schools. Zambia is a Christian nation and they students in every school have bible classes. A student asked me if I teach a bible class. I told them that we cannot talk about God in our schools in America, and they were all confused. Sister Mutale then stated "It is our job class to bring Christ back to America. They helped bring Christ to us, and now it is our turn to bring it to them." That really changed my perspective on things. America thinks we can change everything and everyone, but we really need to change ourselves before we lose Christianity.

They have Home Economics (the only elective offered) at their school, which was very neat to see! They had one stove and one sewing machine for kids to learn on. She thought my Ready, Set, Teach class was very interesting. The entire time I felt like a brat for all of the things that our school has, and yet I hear complaining all the time. Which got me thinking.... All of the books and textbooks and materials that teachers get rid of each year can be used for the better. I talked to the headmaster about how they are funded and he said by grants, but they are usually shut down. He says they are so low on teaching materials. I got the address of the school and we are totally going to do a service project and get them materials...If you are a student of mine start thinking of ways to get books donated and money for the shipping. I also talked to him about a pen pal program and he said that would be great, so I am very excited! It will benefit both sides.

That is pretty much the jist of it...I am sorry it is sooo long! I saw so many other things and I will post pictures later, but for now I must go to bed.

p.s. We saw a BIG spider tonight. I did not look over this tonight- sorry for any confusion.

The Gun is Shot... and I might come home with Pootsie Fly Bites

Hey there,

Thanks again for all of the comments, every comment encourages me. It is emotionally draining, so they do help! This will be a shorter post- It was a somewhat normal day.

So I am a very hard sleeper, I think all of my past roommates hate me for that quality, but it is a blessing in Africa. Every night the Security Dogs bark at everything, it always makes me laugh because they are right by our windows. Around Duane's house is a security gate (concrete blocks that are very high). There are bright lights all around too. Other homes have concrete blocks with pieces of glass sticking up. Speaking of security...haha... Duane just went outside and shot the gun about 4 times yelling with his most intimidating voice, "Come on out here, Come on!" We could not stop laughing because he came back just smiling and humming with his shotgun by his side. I will never forget that, and I don't think the people at the gate will either. Yes Dad, Duane is keeping me safe:)

Mornings are so busy around here, everyone is up and moving early. Julia gets here and comes into my room, loudly, and starts to cook breakfast for everyone (eggs and toast). Then the girls get up, loudly, and start on their daily chores. BUT my hard sleeping skills are coming in handy! After we finished breakfast I helped the boys with English again. Then we played some basketball. So the day was sort of uneventful, until about a few hours ago. We went into town to get the kids pizza, and saw a man get hit by a bike and just kept on riding. We came home to drop off the pizza and then we went back into town to eat out (we sort of all just needed a break). Parts of Zambia are very nice, the restaurant we ate at is across from the movie theater. It was nice to just be together and have normal conversations. We then came back and Duane asked if we needed more towels (we have been using the same towels for the past 3 days and hanging them to dry). Well when we said that his mouth dropped and he said huh oh. He then went on to tell us that wet towels or clothes that are left out usually get Pootsie Flies on them. Pootsie flies cause small boils on your skin and then you have to pop them to let out a worm- AWESOME! It takes 2 weeks to know if you have one, so I guess I will see in two weeks. Boy do I love adventure! I can stop thinking about worms in my body, I don't get it. Then after I was itchy enough we find ants all over the kitchen (which is pretty common everywhere, so no big deal), then Niles finds a Brown Recluse Spider in his room. Not to mention I have a few bites on me- Just gotta pray it's not malaria. Haha. It's really hard not to be paranoid. I just have to have faith and trust God's will.

Wow...that's all I have to say tonight. Tomorrow I am going to school with Merrium (SO excited)! She normally walks an hour to school, but we will take a car tomorrow. I should have many stories tomorrow.

Sandals made out of Tires...WHAT?!?

Hello people who are interested...

I never thought people would find my ramblings interesting...but I have received many sweet comments that have persuaded me to try to write every night. Today was a good day. It's really hard for me to put all of the things that I observe down in a few paragraphs, but I am hitting the highlights. This week there are many people coming in and out of the house. They are in the process of building a church building on Duane's property, so many of the men are coming over everyday this week and put it together real fast for the revival that will happen this weekend. They are expecting about 500 or more visitors (all of the women will be sleeping in the living room of the house), and they will cook using the outside kitchen (looks like a hut). Today men from another village brought hay and wood (4 hours away) on a tractor. If you saw these roads you would not believe me...on a tractor, crazy.

They are also building a bathhouse for the women (literally a bucket and a sponge- and a hole for a toilet). Everything takes so long to build and make- every time we cook a meal, it takes hours. Every time we want water it takes days to filter it. If you go into town it takes a whole day to barter with people and drive on the crowded roads. This guy who stays here and helps with the chickens, Cryer, he actually made his sandals out of tires and nails- It took him a day!

Today I started to teach the kids English. It was a memory that I will never forget. It seriously makes me want to teach kids in another country. Sorry current students, but these kids just light up when they learn something new. They never complain...never, they just do what I tell them with a smile. The boys stayed home today from school to learn from April and I. All of the donations: spirals, pencils, pencil sharpeners, markers, map pencils, stickers, flashcards, books (thanks Janet and Jenny), have been amazing! All who gave should feel very special...I wish I could take a picture of their faces when I give things to them. I have given those supplies to 4 different families, the orphans, and the Cook Julia. Side note about Julie... she is so cool- guys you would want to marry her if you met her. She has a pretty smile, and she is very smart. She told me she wants to be a teacher, but what is sad is that not all Zambia kids have the chance to go to college, they are picked. So instead she went to Housekeeping school. I asked her a ton of questions about their culture, dating (which they do not really do), AIDS (I know it's taboo, but I really wanted to see what they think about it, and if people know about it- which they are learning more about it she said). One thing that she did say that really upset me was that some older men with AIDS think that they can get rid of the AIDS if they have sex with a virgin. Sorry if I offended anyone by saying that, but I just want you all to know how it is here.

Continuing about the English Lesson... We sat at the table for a while and went over flash cards then we played a game about Noah and the Ark by using AWESOME felt animals that Brandi, Krista, and Marissa helped me make- the kids loved it! We also played a few other games to get them to read and laugh. I brought my hooked on phonics set from when I was little and it was so helpful! The kids were getting so into it, and their confidence was really building the entire time. I was so happy with them, and just the experience to really make a difference as a teacher. They did not want to stop so we went through about 20 pages, which is lot of phonics! I gave them a break and they did not want it- the joys of teaching kids who want to learn. They also told me what their teachers do to them if they act up in class (but they said no one does)- So just want current students I have some discipline tricks up my sleeve:)

After the lesson we helped Julia prepare lunch for 22 people- very hard with little resources! We made chicken, cabbage, french fries (no not in a bag), we had to cut up a million potatoes, rice, salad, and toast. It took us about 2 hours in the kitchen.

We also helped with supper- we made BLT sandwiches, and popcorn for dessert...which we ate around the campfire tonight will trying to learn new songs in their language. Then Collins (who just spent an hour playing with my hair) and Joseph (who wants to be a preacher), stood up in front of us to show how they mock Duane and his translator. It was the cutest thing ever. Joseph has it down- he had scriptures and mannerisms just like Duane.

Well these long nights and early mornings are getting harder for me to handle... Thanks for reading! Love you Mom, Dad, Cassie, Grant, Lexi, Austin, and Candice...get skype I need to talk to yall and introduce you to the family! For others my skype name is lanawilson8585. I am only on around 3:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. (your time).

Thanks ALISHA for putting up some pictures... we are tag teaming on pictures(it takes too long for me to do it).

Oh and a Bat flew at me tonight... a real bat.

Photos!

Quick update! Here are some photos from the first day:

Day 2- Being A Mom, Holding a Baby on my Back, and loving the Singing!

Hi... from Collins and I. He is sitting right by me, which I love. Today at church we were sitting by each other and I wrote down my name... He got the paper back and wrote I love Lana (they know some English, but we will work on it more). I heard the story today about their family situation and why they are orphans- the things you see and hear here are so sad and life-changing.

This morning when I woke up the girls came and me and said "What's for breakfast?" So I guess I am sort of a fill-in Mom these next few weeks- which is a great feeling. We scrambled eggs, and cooked some toast- It turned out good- Everyone helps out so much! Then all 14 of us fit in a pick up truck to go to church. The roads are CRAZY bumpy- In America we would use them as off-roading fun. Soooo bumpy (car sick bumpy). People were all in the streets. Like I said before everyone walks...and this morning everyone was walking to church. As we passed people yelled "Muzungu!" That means white person- haha that will be hard to get used to- we are celebrities. Once we pulled up the parking lot was empty...because we are the only ones who drive to church. They were singing as we pulled up, and we shook everyones hand. The men sit on one side and the girls sit on the other. The building was pretty nice (it was half inside/half outside). The communion had a peice of cloth covering it with stones holding down the cloth. The singing was really awesome- they have great voices, and great songs. Duane did a awesome job preaching...he is very gifted and the people love and respect him. Every prayer means so much more from them, because of their hard life experiences. The end of church was my favorite because they made all of the visitors- US- and they lined us up and everyone shook our hands while singing a church hymn. I sort of wish we did something like that- It might be weird to people though. It was really cute- all of the kids were running up to me wanting me to take a picture of them.

We all came home and ate Tuna sandwiches, then Duane discussed the story about how he took in the orphans...which was precious- I was crying...It made me want to adopt that much more. Especially these kids. But Duane said that both their parents died and they were street kids.... THAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING- kids live in the streets here. I am crying just thinking about it now- Collin is sitting close to me just needing some love. All I want to do is hug them, and I do because they love it.

Then we went back to church on the horrible road and it was great again. After church I came up to one of the sisters who has a baby and asked her how they carry their kids in a piece of fabric (all the women do)- so she showed me how by putting her baby on my back and wrapping the fabric around- It is really comfortable, they were laughing at my reactions. Then we came home and taught them a few games (kick ball, capture the flag, the blob), we all had a lot of fun. I discoved again how out of shape I am:) Then the girls and I cooked dinner again. All the food here is sort of bland and iffy...but I am just going to deal with it. We also played phase 10 and this memory game with the kids- they catch on fast! The days are full of family time- all we do is hang out and talk- no tv, just family time- Love it! Everything that i recieved from students and people have been so helpful- their faces just light up when I give them stuff. I bought a magnetic alphabet letter set for the refrigerator and everytime I look in the kitchen they are spelling words- which is a teachers dream! The appreciation and yearning to learn is something that I wish everyone would have more of in America. The boys are going to stay home tomorrow and I will help them to read a little better- Some of our words are very hard to teach...I brought my hooked on phonics, and so hopefully they will get hooked! Look at me- It worked- ha.

Oh we saw a Sunday Market where people make stuff to sell- it was AMAZING- I cannot wait to get some stuff there, everything looked so unique (I think I might go a little crazy)! Well... Collins and I say Goodnight! I miss you all.

Thank You for your Prayers- I arrived Safe and Sound.

These past 3 days have been the longest days of my life... my time is all mixed up- But it is all worth it. One of the orphans who I am sharing a room with, my new friend Merriam, just asked if I wanted a friend to sleep with, so I looked over to see her handing me her teddy bear. That pretty much sums up how precious all of these people are.

Flying into Zambia we sat the most beautiful bright orange sunrise and we landed about 6:10 a.m. We got to walk off the plane like in the movies. It is just how I pictured it- the crooked trees, the orange bright sun, people walking down the streets with baskets on their heads. Right when we arrived Duane had someone meet us so he could get us through customs fast- with no problems, which was a good idea. I have always loved being the oddball in a group- well I am definitely the oddball in Zambia! Many people just stare, kind of awkward at first...but now I am used to it. As we went into the parking lot many people helped us with our bags...but what i did not know is that they would all fight for a tip and not leave until Duane gave them one- I really began to feel out of place and slightly scared at that point. The culture here is just so different and most people expect us to give them money. Once we started driving I was just fascinated with looking out the window and trying not to be freaked out since we were on the wrong side of the road about to hit all of the thousands of people walking.

We arrived at Duane's house- the house we are staying- around 8:00 a.m. and we all felt like it was 3:00 in the afternoon because we all went and ate hamburgers at this nice place. Right as we drive up to the house, we wait at the security gate and the cutest boy ever opens the gate smiling and waving, Joseph. The whole family comes out to greet us, kissing us on each cheek. Right away I felt at home. Duane and Laurie have 6 orphan kids living with them-Merriam, Taypai, Pearsyon, Layton, Collins, and Joseph. They also have a cook named Julia- who is so beautiful and sweet. All of these kids made me feel more at ease. We sang together, ate dinner together...and guess who got made fun of- day one- yep, me. I thought they said that they bathe their chickens everyday- and they thought that was the funniest thing.

They absolutely LOVED the children's books! They were the most fascinated by the children's bibles. They took turns reading to me. They also loved the soccer balls and jersey's that a student of mine donated. They were playing "futbol" all day long. They house is very nice, but I must say it is very cold (it is their winter), and the security dogs WILL NOT STOP BARKING. I have my mosquito net around me like a princess.

We went to the grocery store today which was interesting. Pretty much the same as in America, but way less selection, and the meats look weird- I will not be eating much this trip. Little things are very different about Lusaka: everyone walks, people run into you, people stare, many people have little booths on the side of the roads to sell vegetables, or a barber shop, nail shop, or bar, people drive on opposite sides of the road and cars, the money system is CRAZY- I spent about 30,000 dollars on a burger (every US dollar is 5,000 Zambian dollars), the sun is very bright- I got sunburned from being out there for 10 minutes this morning, but the people are amazing and helpful and kind.

When I woke up from a nap Collins came up to me and hugged me saying, "How was your nap? Did you sleep well?" He randomly comes up to me and holds my hand. The girls are so cute at how they watch my mannerisms and help me with everything- they take good care of each other.

I could say so many other things, but I will not...that was most of the day. Sorry if it is scattered and random- but that is me. Night! Excited about church in the morning!

Sleeping Pills, Airports, and LOTS of Boy's in Capri Pants!

Moni Moni (Hi) I am practicing my greetings...

So right now I am in the London Airport. I feel a bit trapped because I cannot go out of the airport to actually see London- because of the HUGE Security lines....but I bought a magnet for Mom.... so that's good enough for me, ha. I think I saw Orlando Bloom just a few minutes ago- maybe. Our flight to London got delayed yesterday by 3 hours so we have done a lotttt of sitting. I was very excited at first about the plane ride and the trip- this is what I looked like then-

Well this is what I feel like now- after the 8 hour overnight flight (with 2 hours of sleep face)

Here is Wes and April.... they find the tile floors comfortable while we wait 5 more hours.

British Airways is a very comfortable airline, BUT who can really get a good nights sleep sitting straight up? I have a hand- falling- asleep problem lately...and it was falling asleep right and left last night. I promise my future posts will not be this lame, I am just very sleepy, a bit delirious, and very bored. Oh I saw the cute tiny UK cars, and all of our flight attendants spoke british like, which meant I had to talk like that- of course. It is really cool to see all of the different nationalities here in London. I have never seen so many awful outfits, but they probably think that about American's. Numerous (thousands) of boys have sported the man capri's- which makes me giggle and uncomfortable at the same time. All the guys have a Jude Law look- so that's a plus. Ok well enough of that- the time zones are really getting to me right now, and I am going to try to nap. We are half-way there! 8 more hours to fly, then bedtime.

One more thing...all of my suitcases did not weigh over the amount, which is a miracle with all of the books and workshop resources! Cheerio (Bye)...Or hi, I am trying to be all British.

Tired Lana