That's right week 7 has taken off. Midterms start on Wednesday for my secondary students tomorrow for the primary students. The past few weeks have been challenging. Along with not having a lab, it has been difficult to get through to my students. It seems like every time I have a break through, I hit another brick wall.
Yesterday was a rough day. . . . Not because it was Valentine's day -- Valentine's day always seemed lame to me, even when I was dating someone that day. It was because I didn't want to start another week. It was a good weekend. I went to the beach with Jon and Mary. We swam and just relaxed for a few hours. I think hanging out with other volunteers is making my adjustment to Kilifi harder. I really miss my friends and family. I often think of the things I could be doing with my dad. The past few years, I have wanted to take him deep sea fishing. I really want to do more things like that with him. I think of my friends often as well. Night time is a lonely time in the Peace Corps, at least for me anyways. This is usually the time I think about friends and family.
Also, the challenges I am facing at school seem almost impossible to overcome on my own. Because I'm teaching deaf students, I need more time to find teaching methods that will keep them interested and awake. Time is hard to come by when you are teaching four different subjects. I feel that, in this setting, I am only qualified to teach math, since this is my background. Chemistry, while an exiting and fun subject, is not at all my expertise. I am, however, trying to stay productive and positive. I am looking toward the future of this program. I want to see more volunteers pumped into deaf secondary school. My training was lacking. There has never been volunteers in secondary school for the deaf, so it is understandable that the training would be lacking in areas. I hope to bring up some issues during our in-service training (IST) in Nairobi. I want my work here to be as efficient as possible. I have a lot of ideas for the programs, and I truly believe I can help this program by working on future training sessions and resources for future volunteers.
Well, I need to get off line. Again send those letters!
Until next time. . .
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Hi Beau. Well, you have proven our point about your life. You are sooooo social!! I'm sure you do get lonesome especially at night but you will have the best memories that you will be sharing for the rest of your life. Think about the difference you are making in someone's life. It probably is very hard since they've not had a secondary program for the deaf. You have so much to offer these kids. I know you are doing your very best!
ReplyDeleteIt is snowing in CO today. We got about 4 inches last night and will have it all through the weekend. Sometimes I think that warm African weather wouldn't be too bad. If we could both share a little of the weather we have with each other, we could both be happier.
You take care. Enjoy your weekend. Is each program scheduled for 10 weeks at a time? Do you get the same kids the next 10 weeks or brand new ones? What happens to the ones you have now? Guess what - math or chemistry is my expertise!!
Love you,
Aunt B.