Would you like an escort?

I have not done a good job of keeping my blog updated. There has been a lot that has happened. Well I guess not that much, just watching a lot of world cup soccer. The longer there is between the harder it is to include what I missed.

The sequence of things might be a little out of order since I am aiming for summation. I got a cat about 3 weeks ago. My fellow volunteer that teaches at the secondary school next door told me that a teacher at the school has a contact that wants to give away 2 cats. I was interested in a cat for several reasons.

For one, it would be nice company.

Second, several weeks back I had a visitor in my kitchen. I heard a rustling in the kitchen. Below the sink I keep a plastic bag (Kenyan’s call it a paper bag--don’t know why) for my trash. I noticed that my trash bag was moving, but I did not want to open it up and see what was inside. I had a strong suspicion it was a rat. I grabbed the bag forcefully at the top and went to my room to get my flashlight then headed to the trashpin to through out the “trash.” When the bag landed, I saw the rat scurrying along with the help of my flashlight.

Third, it would help kill/chase away rats.

Last week the house father of one of the boys dorms and the head prefect (pupil boss for the kids) came to my house at night to tell me that there was a rat problem in their dorm. They then preceded to tell me that they wanted to use my cat. I am not sure how this works but I thought the cat should be bigger than the rat. My cat (chui--sounds like chewey--means leopard in Swahili) is only 7 weeks old and 7 inches long. I let them use them use Chui overnight. Early in the morning they bring Chui back with the news that the rat was caught. I did not see the rat, but I still find it hard to believe.

Would you like an escort? My prompt response while at a restaurant having only chai was a resounding NO!! I looked at my friend who was sitting next to me with a strange look, wondering why the waitress was wanting to get me an escort. I had mixed feelings. She then asked again, I replied no thank you. I was not sure what I should have said or should have acted. My friend and I were wondering why she wanted to give us a prostitute. Several days had passed and I was talking with some fellow teachers about various topics. I mentioned about my recent trip to the local hotely for lunch. I then preceded to tell them what the waitress told me and how I was really perturbed. Both of the gentlemen laughed and then I knew something was up. They said that if you just order chai with nothing else the waitress will ask if you want something else to go with your chai. This is referred to as an escort. Only then did it all make sense.

On the teaching front; I love teaching math; ksl is getting better; social studies is quite a struggle; life skills, teaching body change to class 4 and 5 is still a challenge; Physical fitness test in P.E. is enjoyable. I am open for suggestions on teaching puberty to grade 4 and 5. They like looking at pictures, but teaching the material is hard. I am not sure which material to teach. I have a manual from Peace Corps that I am following, but so far class participation is low.

For Maths I have made a “Math :) Chart.” This is a poster I put in the back of the class with all of the kids names. Everytime a pupil does very well on their homework I will draw a smiley face on their paper. Subsequently I will give them a sticker that I have also drawn a smiley face on for them to place on the chart. Also on the chart is multiplication smiley talley for their weekly test. This Friday is x5. For the next two weeks we will be reviewing x2 and x3 then x4 and x5.

Recently I went through a spell (to some degree I am still there) where life here is very hard and wrestling with various things.

I struggle with being alone even though I am surrounded by so many people.

I get frustrated with the religion conversation in the staff room and around town. My comfort of the Bible belt is no longer present. The testing of what I truly believe is challenged every day. The banter is constant; but I feel like I have nothing to say. Is what I know really right?

Where do I fit in?

My mango and banana cobbler is outstanding!

There is only 2 weeks left of class then a week of exams. The school is closing early because we as a school are boarding some schools for the national dance festival which is happening at a nearby high school.

I have been thinking about starting two clubs: bible club and health club. A good friend gave me a bible chronological story cloth that I could easily use to teach and act out bible stories. CRE (Christian Religious Education) is an examinable subject. I feel like the students would benefit greatly by reviewing and acting.

The other idea is a health club. This would be very beneficial in discussing hiv/aids. Sex among primary school kids happens more than I think it does. Not only in my part of the country but throughout Kenya. Even though it is a good idea, explaining this to the deaf kids is such a struggle. I will try and get another teacher on board which might make it easier.

This past weekend a few volunteers including myself went to Kisumu to celebrate the 40th birthday of a fellow volunteer. Our time including taking a boat trip on Lake Victoria to see hippos, eating fresh perch from the lake and relaxing. We ate lakeside. What was interesting about the fish is that you get to pick from the fish they have displayed that you want them to cook.