sunrise over Otjiperongo, Sunday, January 29
I’ve been back at site for three weeks now. It’s strange how much changes from one lifestyle to the other. Now, the advertisements I see online implore me to “Become an American—get a green card” and remind me, “Do not miss your chance to live and work in the USA” as it shows a Statue of Liberty holding up a STOP sign.
Now, I have to stop and think before I say a catchphrase like “The buck stops here.” I was in a meeting with my principal and wanted to use the term “benchmark,” too, but didn’t know if it would translate.
What a difference from one place to the next. You’ll recall the passport official in the U.S. airport, who refused to say “hello” back to anyone who greeted him. Compare that to the passport official in the S.A. airport, who asked me how long I’d be staying and offered me the keys to his place.
Coming back felt like a fuzzy, bad dream in some ways. I hated being confronted with all those old worries related to food, transportation, and safety. Big worries—basic parts of life. …You know how, when someone you love dies, there is that occasional morning where you wake up and forget for a moment–but then you remember? It was a little like that.
But, I am coming to believe that with God we can have hope. And there are many blessings to be grateful for about my return here. We now have a big antennae for better cell phone reception. I have screens on a couple windows and no mosquitoes. Chatting and joking with fellow teachers has become easier and easier. This year I get to teach mostly just 9th and 10th graders, which means we have lively classes with quick conversation (as the kids are, after all, about 19 years old). Our school received even more new equipment, like a giant copy machine that I adore. Best of all, I’ve done this before. So I’m not as scared about discipline problems and I somehow have gotten more respect.
As always, your comments on these entries help me carry on. I’ll keep you posted in the new year!
reuniting with my gal pals
And there is that great big smile that always brings joy and hop.
Keep at it dear Sister – in – Chirst. you are leaving a life print in Africa.
well I mean HOPE of course. with al little hop here and there…. peace b
Lucky. Lucky. Lucky. A beautiful sunrise, keys to a strange man’s house, window screens, a copy machine, AND a cell phone antenna! A few small things that add up to some pretty great blessings. Woo-hoo!
Yes, and you also have a better situation with the bugs that were so prevalent in the past. What a great blessing!
So I found out the other day that my uncle will be in Namibia doing consulting or something for drivers license stuff for the next month. Small world! Also, we just finished week 2 of the legislature here in SLC. Fun times. Hope everything is well over there.
Hi Sarah. Thanks for the beautiful blog entry for the New Year and the lovely thoughts to go with the lovely picture. I’m still one of your biggest fans, and I always look forward to your posts.
Sarah – Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! What a beautiful smile to go along with your thoughts and observations. We all continue to learn from you!
You and you gal pals looking good. Enjoy for less than a year and you will miss them.
lofl,