Sunday, September 25, 2011

well that was strange

Sometimes I forget I live in West Africa. I teach in English- or at least I speak English. My meals consist of food Ed or I cook, so are fairly American style. And my social circle is the missionary community- which is a culture all it’s own!
However, every once in a while a set of mini events will happen that reminds me- yes, indeed, I do live in Mali. Things don’t work the same way. And everything is a process.
Yesterday was the beginning of 24 hours of what I will call “strange events in my normal life.”
Monday- 5:24 pm
Ed and I ventured to the local supermarket to pick up a few supplies for dinner. We go to this supermarket at least 3 times a week, since it is just around the corner. We entered, were greeted as usual and then we picked up a basket… nothing too out of the ordinary so far. A Malian lady walks up and reaches for our basket. Thinking she said “give the lady the basket first” Ed hands her the basket and we reach down for a second one. She holds out her hand again and, although it is a bit odd that she wanted TWO baskets to shop, we hand her it as well.
Somehow it dawns on us, that no- she is not shopping- rather she wants to be OUR personal shopping helper. Well, that’s odd and uncomfortable, but since our language skills are close to nothing, we allow it. For the next 10 minutes we wander around the store grabbing things like honey, yogurt, and rice, turning around and placing it in one of the two baskets the lady is carrying for us. Talk about awkward.
After we mentally reviewed our list, we headed to the register where she proceeded to place all the items on the counter for us. I grab some change from my purse to tip her, but she takes off to put the baskets (remember there were two- not necessary) away before I can hand it to her. Strange.
Monday- 5:43pm
After we leave the grocery store we walk across the street to buy fruit (usually grocery stores don’t carry produce). While speaking with the fruit lady in my broken Bambara we suddenly hear a horn blast up the road. Wondering what it was, everyone- Me, the fruit lady, Ed, the random people sitting around- turn our heads in the direction of the sound. Coming down the road is a police on a moto followed by three cars with tinted windows. We all watch as they pass by- but no one seems to know who it was. Maybe the president? Maybe a rock star?  I don’t think we will ever really know.
Monday 5:51pm
Ed and I continue back to the house after our shopping trip, and are greeted by a Malian on the side of the road. He points to Ed and calls out his name, then starts making a drumming motion. We smile and try to figure out what he is meaning. A few seconds later it dawns on us that it must be someone we once played drums with last spring. He recognized our whiteness, so we wanted to reciprocate the greeting. Ed reaches forward to give him a hand shake. As he walks forward the guy points to his bag where there is a black carved elephant sticking out. AH- we were onto his trick and since we didn’t want the monstrosity, we say “no thanks” and keep walking. Only in Mali do people remember you and immediately try to sell you something.
Tuesday-6:48am
We walk halfway to school every morning, then take a “van-bus-sotrama” the rest of the way. This morning as we rounded the final corner of our walk- which takes us through the gas station that sells ice cream at one of the pumps- we come upon 50 people sitting on the sides of the driveway with suitcases in hand. That’s strange. Usually there is nobody around this time in the morning beside people selling phone credit or fruit. We walk through the group and to the right we notice a man with a clip board looking very official. Our best guess? We happened upon a make-shift bus stop. To where are they going, I have no idea. But next time I need to head out of the city I will be sure to go to the nearest gas station and wait. And maybe get some ice cream.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Africa moves in

We have been in school a week now and classroom routines are just starting to be formed. I have been able to remember 90% of the students names (of the whole school, mind you) and new students are adjusting. Being back for a second year is easier. I can focus on school things and am not also trying to learn how to get places, where to buy groceries, and how to say “I want bread” (all the Mali-culture stuff).
That being said, there are many changes as well. Our school has enrolled may new families- in fact there are as many new students as there are returning. Also, the majority of our new student population come from African countries, so the flavor of the school has changed.
I love having new students, but the challenge for both Ed and I is that many of our new students do not already speak English. We are literally having to start at “ground zero” with the English language- and although that is typical for an international school, it does bring a challenge to our teaching.
Please be in prayer as we lesson plan and teach that we can guide our students through the language barrier with ease.
Now for the fun stuff- PICTURES! Here are some snip-its of the first day of school.
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Ed’s class made “self portriats”
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Checking out book from the library is lots of fun!
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My “fish” themed classroom door. Welcome to Third and Fourth grade!
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Ed was able to bring a projector to use for teaching.
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In a class versus class battle of pictionary- the fifth and sixth graders were  (barely) victorious!
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A quick circle game finished off the day!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Turmoil to tranquility

The last few weeks have been in one word: crazy!

Wedding

First, there is this whole “getting married” thing. No, seriously, it was a blast, but the two month engagement led to some fast decisions and stressful moments. That being said, it was a beautiful day and fun to celebrate with everyone. I am eager to get all the pictures in the next month or so…

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Honeymoon

Well, only Ed and Sarah would plan their honeymoon DURING their honeymoon. That’s not completely true. We had a plan: Cancun. However the post office’s “guaranteed overnight” turned into 6 days shipping so Ed’s passport did not arrive in Oregon before we had planned on leaving. Scratching that we researched several ideas: Houston, Disneyland, and settled on a road/camping trip to Idaho and Montana.

Even though plans changed, we still had a great time and even traveled from the ocean to the continental divide back to the ocean in the 10 days of our honeymoon.

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Glacier national Park is SUPER pretty!

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Returning

To add some stress, we decided our return flight to Mali would be through hurricane affected area… New Jersey. Actually we had no choice. But we serve a gracious God and he allowed the hurricane to pass through two days before us so that we didn’t get stranded. Thank you!

Also, on the way back we stopped in Barcelona for 6 hours. I was EXTREMELY jet lagged,  but managed to visit the national art museum with my eyes open at least half the time. We also ventured around a mall and enjoyed our last few hours in the first world.DSC_0808

The art museum is in a castle!

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Ed did just fine with the jet lag…

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On the other hand, I was a wreck!

Landed

Our arrival to Mali was smooth as could be. The flight was less than half full, so everyone was able to have a row to themselves. I laid down and slept the flight away.. missing all drink services.

Getting back to the apartment was an awesome surprise. Many of our friends decided to paint and set up our house for us as a wedding blessing. It was so nice to come home to a made bed, breakfast food and a clean house.

Back in action

We headed into the school to check in and start setting up. Both our classrooms have been painted, and there are new tables being finished! I was able to see my class list and have an all girl class of up to 8 students. I have a good feeling about this group. They seem extra special with “Grace” “Faith” and “Hope”. I am not sure were “Tacko” fits in, but it should be fun!

Tomorrow is the work day and set up. School is gearing up. Plans are being made. And I am eager to get back to my not-so-crazy routine. Bring it on!

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Moving back means laundry, right? Oh, Bamako sun… I am glad you are here!