First Weeks of Teaching + Site visit

So as you know, I did orientation and began teacher boot camp.  Things went well for the most part.  I had a few good lessons and some that I will tweek in the future.  Before I tell you specifics about my two weeks of practice in the Ugandan classrooms, I want to share a few facts with you about the education system here in Uganda.

Fun facts

-    About half the population is under the age of 15

-  Students transition to all English classes in P4

-  Corporal punishment is banned yet still practiced in the country

When I had a good day, man, did I have a good day.  I would laugh with the kids and make sure participation was to the max.  Unfortunately, that was not always the case.

On my first incident, I was giving instructions for a workstation session on writing.  One kid in particular was not paying attention and headed for the door.  In my head I was thinking that this kid was just so bored by my lesson that he was trying to escape my dull chatter.  I stopped him in his tracks and inquired as to where he was going and to which he responded with the simple word “outside”.  I asked him to sit down and to be patient since his group would be outside the next day.  Thinking the problem was solved I went back to teaching until I noticed the same boy with his head down.  I spotted him crying and as I got closer I noticed the puddle under his feet.  I was MORTIFIED.  I was the reason this kid wet his pants in front of his classmates.  I quickly turned it into a lesson on respect so there wouldn’t be any laughing.  He finished his business in the latrines outside and then came back in to the classroom.  If he had the guts to come back in, then I must not have traumatized him too much.

The next day I was determined to not have a kid piss his pants on my watch.  During my observation of a colleague’s lesson, I spotted my second incident.  Two tables ahead of me, I spotted a boy with his head ducked under the desk and there is smoke coming from his mouth.  *Smack my forehead* A 5^th grader was smoking in the back of the room in the middle of a lesson!  I attempted to get my colleague’s attention but the message was not clear and instead he called the kid up as a volunteer for a read-aloud.  This kid thought he could be slick by helping the teacher at the front of the class.  Um, I don’t think so!  After class I pulled him aside to chat.

 Before I said anything, the kid starts begging me for forgiveness.  “Please, teacher, have mercy on me.  Please forgive me.”  Do those words sound like those of an innocent child??? Clearly this kid was guilty of something.  His friends were starting to encircle us so I had to pull him behind the building.  I asked him what he was doing under the desk; his answer – “I was cleaning my cup.”  I asked him why there was smoke coming from his mouth; his answer – “I was taking a pill medication.”  He handed me his matches and I explained to him how he was not paying attention to the lesson and what he was doing was wrong.  His head teacher, my supervisor, and the headmaster were made aware of the situation.  I just hope he wasn't caned for the crime.  Smoking is bad but beating a child is bad too.  My supervisor was informed that this kid came from the street so he probably requires more creative methods for discipline.

The third incident happened less than two hours later at the end of the school day.   Since the wet child problem didn't feel like it had been resolved, I discussed it with my group and decided that a common signal for toilet was needed in the classroom.  We agreed on the ASL sign for the letter “T” which is a closed fist with the thumb between the pointer finger and the middle finger.  During our family initiative time which could be the equivalent of homeroom time, we discussed the ups and downs of the day and finally came to the topic of a toilet signal so we do not have so many students disrupting the lesson by just walking in and out.  I shook my “T” signal and asked the class to follow suit.  Right away I got giggles and a lot of confuzzled faces.  The head teacher interrupts and tells me that it is a bad sign and it would be better to change it to a different one with the pinky finger pointing down.  During lunch I asked Fred, our security officer AKA James Bond, about the hand signal and if he would be kind enough to tell me the meaning.  He tells me that it is an incredibly vulgar sign for “want to f*&%?”  OH EM GEE!  My darling 5^th graders were flicked off by their foreign teacher.  I am lucky that all they did was giggle and not report me to their parents or the Ministry of Education.

For the second week of teaching practice, I spent time with the P6 students and they were the best class ever.  I saw so much progress from the children and their love for us touched me to the core.  We were given fruit, including pineapple, papaya, and avocados, and I even received special visits from one of my students all the way to the college campus we were staying at.  She brought me a handmade card and a gold chain which must have cost her a fortune.  This class was so good to me in that one week of teaching that I felt like tearing up when we had to say goodbye.  Even the P4 class that I accosted said they missed me and gave me warm hugs on the way out.  If two weeks is all it takes to win the love of 200 students, then I have to wonder, how much love will I have by the end of two years with a school filled with 2,000 students?

Which bring me to the topic of my site.  My future permanent site is an over-crowded school of 2k students with 40 teachers that have a ton of teaching experience and open minds willing to explore new strategies for introducing more literacy into their lessons across all content areas.  The conversations I have had with my fellow co-teachers seem promising in that they accept and welcome me to exchange ideas and culture with them.  So far I see various areas where I can help including but not limited to creating a library/resource room, a computer lab (there is a strong cry for this), enhancing the teaching materials, and once I actually meet the students, I’m sure there will be more work to be done.

The housing situation remains to be sorted but I have faith that it will be resolved soon since everyone at the school seems to want me to be there.  I have a home but it is not furnished.  Easily fixed.

On Friday, I am going to be in a different city for homestay while I complete my 1 month of language training with the rest of the volunteers in my region.  For Christmas, the volunteers in my region will be meeting at another local volunteer’s house for dinner and to enjoy the festivities.  Once the language training is finished, I will be in Kampala for a short workshop and then we will be sworn in on January 23^rd.  The day after swearing in will be the day that it gets real and I will not have anyone holding my hand.  

Until my next post, I leave you with an expression that a veteran volunteer has taught me – T.I.U. = THIS IS UGANDA.

If you haven’t called me yet, please do.  Peace Corps volunteers need love too.

VSO

                                                                   

Boot Camp

I am typing this post from my phone because even after I paid 60,000 UGX to have my Droid unlocked my phone refuses to recognize the new SIM card enough to give me a wifi hotspot.  It's a pain but it is the least of my worries in this country.

For those of you who are not familiar with the term "boot camp", I'll have you know that it is not a vacation.  In fact, it is the opposite and not intended for the weak of mind.  We wake up at the crack of dawn to start our day with one of the many personal tasks we have to take care of and then move on to a hearty breakfast consisting of a slice of bread with a spread, egg, and a fruit.  After that we proceed with a long serious of training on the many topics such as medical, safety and security, cross-culture, language lessons, teaching strategies and expectations, and admin. 

The orientation was cake because we hardly had any assignments to submit but that has changed starting this week.  Now we have lesson plans and materials coming out the wazoo.  So if you don't get replies from me it's probably because I'm busy or ... I'm not getting signal.

Outside the trainings we still keep busy.  This group I have the huge honor to be a part of has got to be the most active, fun-loving, and friendly bunch the country had to offer.  Peace Corps volunteers generally are pretty cool people.  They have to be if they want to integrate into a new community with a very different culture.  With that said, we have people of all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life here.  I've been able to continue my yoga lessons and pick up some capoeira.  I even learned how to play Settlers of Catan (Andres, we need to play some time!)  Ultimate Frisbee, touch football, and volleyball came up too.  I've met people who speak Finnish, have taken a roadtrip through Central and South America, are returned volunteers, and even someone who was struck by lightning twice.  There is never a dull moment in this group and I am humbled to be a part of it.  Expect a YouTube video about our experience at training.

As for the living experience, I can't really comment yet since we're still in transition.  We've been sheltered in our training center.  It is fully equipped with toilets that flush, working showers with occasional hot water, and prepared meals.  That will be changing soon when we move to our new training location and then homestay with a local family prior to our swearing-in ceremony.

Attached to this post is a picture of my side of the room.  That mosquito net and green tub are staples of my life here.  Not a day goes by that I don't have to look through the holes of this net and I picture all the malaria-filled mosquitoes hitting a force field.  Then the green tub allows me to collect water for my baths if the hot shower is not available and also to hand wash my laundry.  Without the green tub, I would be one dirty Mzungu.

Jenna, my roommate, has turned off the lights now.  This woman cracks me up every night and knows how to hold a headlamp under special circumstances. (Lol)

To my friends and family, I have received my site location and I have a phone now.  I'll be close to Jinja.  If you love me, you will find it on a map and then research flights options to come visit me.  :)

Tomorrow is another day to learn some more about Uganda.  "Nsoma mpola mpola Luganda."  Goodnight!

Weebale

As I get ready to take off on my trip, I am being bombarded with blessings in every form.  I wish I had the means to thank each and every person that has made this departure so special to me - because really, it has been.

I'd like to start out by thanking my family, who cannot stand to be with me and yet love me unconditionally.  They put up with my endeavors around the world and support me even in decisions that don't sound so appealing from a safety standpoint.  This trip would not be possible without them.  I went to Mexico with some of them a week ago and got a glimpse of the solitude I will encounter.

My small group, Evolution, has been my rock in this roller coaster for my faith.  These ladies are my sisters in Christ and irreplaceable friends.  We have been through experiences that are indescribable with words and there will be more to come as the path is lit for us.  The

My company friends at AXA Assistance USA are the best coworkers anyone can ask for.  In the course of one year and a half, I have learned so much from them, I have laughed with them, and now I am indebted to them for the kindness they displayed today with their "surprise" potluck.

Lastly but certainly not the least, my friends around the world have inspired me to continue traveling and pursue my dreams.  The statement I strive to prove true remains the same - "This world is smaller than you think."

Alright, alright.  I'll stop being such a sap.  Now it's time to get down to business.

Things left to do:

- unlock my phone
- review list of sites available in Uganda
- finish packing and close my suitcases
- buy missing toiletries
- take pictures
- visit my godparents in Indiana
- clean out my room
- prepare copies of docs
- obtain 12 copies of passport pics

The countdown to my departure is now under 82 hours.  I must remember to breathe in... breathe out... breathe in... breathe out.

For those still wondering what the title of this post means, it is Thank You in Luganda, one of the local languages spoken in Uganda.

TAS: A Fairy Tale

There is a post to explain the name of this blog but I left out one key story that prompted the popularization of my nickname "Sopa."  So let me quickly tell you how it happened...

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Once upon a time, in a land called TAS in the kingdom of AXA Assistance USA worked a humble maiden by the name of Vanessa with a simple last name of only 4 letters, Soto.  Her full name was nothing difficult to pronounce or complicated to spell.  Vanessa Soto.  Everyone she ever crossed paths with could say it, spell it, whisper it, and some times even sing it.

That is until that fateful Monday morning at 11am when evil was lurking through the phone lines.  As she typed away entering cover stamps and reviewing eligibility documents, a most ominous ring tone came through her phone.  Rrrring... Rrriing........riiiinnnng.

Ms. Soto answers the phone as is standard procedure by the order of the Grand Magistrate in Quality.  "Thank you for calling Top Travel Assistance.  My name is Vanessa.  Can you please provide your membership number?"  Perfect tone, perfect pronunciation, and perfect pace.

The ogre on the other line, however, has a raspy voice and demands to speak with Ms. Rita Lopez.  "Where is she?  I need to speak to her about my claim.  I need to get answers right now or I will blow your house DOWN!"

The lovely damsel quickly took action and explained to the fearsome monster that Ms. Lopez was unavailable and his claim could not be processed until all the eligibility documents were in place.  Per the notes provided by the magic mirror called Liberty, he was still missing his E-ticket.  Despite the delays in communications, the ogre could still submit his E-ticket before the expiration date when the Curse of Denial was applied.

The ogre was astounded by the information collected by his puny ears.  So much so that he could not think of anything else to do but to agree to the next steps.  The maiden's voice was so enchanting that he was disoriented and could not distinguish between different vowels in the Castillian language.  He asked the maiden for her name and the maiden could not deny him the honor.  The exchange went like this...

Ogres with poor hearing can seriously damage a person's name.

Maiden - "Vanessa Soto, sir."
Ogre - "Vanessa Sopa?"
Maiden - "No, sir.  Vanessa Soto.  S-O-T-O.  Soto."
Ogre - "Ooh ok.  Vanessa SOPA."
Call ended.

Moments later...

A letter handwritten by the ogre arrived by her favorite owl, Fax, and in it he described his gratitude for all the excellent service.  Everything seemed well until the maiden was tied to her seat by the curse the ogre attached to the header of the letter.  It was not addressed to Vanessa Soto.  It was addressed to  Vanessa Soto SOPA.  The ogre changed the maiden's life forever with that letter.  Everyone who read that letter could not remember her name any longer.  From that day forward, her first name was dropped and only her misspelled last name existed. SOPA.
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This one was for my good friend, Christian Velasquez AKA Crispy.  You're hilarious, buddy.


I don't want to make this post much longer but I'll take a moment to remind you all that I have about 5 work days left.  Approximately 14 days left before I leave for Uganda.  I am selling some of my items to earn some extra dollars for my emergency plane ticket I might need to take to get home.  Inquire by email, phone, text, fax, or owl.  I have a movie night happening tomorrow and a series of beer nights at Bennigan's.  You can find me there and in Mexico in the next two weeks.

Until next time. Thank you for calling.

7 Reasons My Friend Jim is Awesome

As promised, Jim gets a post dedicated solely to him and below are the reasons why.

1)  He is the first person to acknowledge that he read by blog.  I know I haven't publicly announced it on a Facebook status but I did put it on my Google Plus account.  That should count for something.

2) He did not rip my posts apart with a red pen.  He can be a grammar Nazi at times but nope, not this time and for that I am thankful. Their ain't no worst thing than a grammer Nazi. (Right, Jim?)

3) He has not predicted a horrible death for me in Uganda.  Others have suggested that I might get mauled by lions or get stung by a mosquito holding the black fly blindness.  Heck, some still think there is a chance Joseph Kony will barge into my hut.  Not Jim.  He wants me to live long and prosper.

4) While everyone else is watching their novelas and hockey/baseball/football/soccer/rugby games, he is downloading movies and shows for my external hard drive so that I may not miss out on American cinema while I am abroad.  Dude, you rock!

5) He promised to share his e-book collection for my kindle.  Still waiting on that link but no pressure.  I'm sure it'll come any day now.

6) His son, Anthony aka Ani, is friggin' adorable and smart. He created and is raising another awesome human being.  Go Jim!

7)  Just when I get that phone call with a member needing a medical evacuation, Jim comes to the rescue with his green laser pointer to BLIND me temporarily and remind me that I am not alone at work.  Hurrah!

I could make this list longer but I don't want everyone to run after my friend Jim to take him away from me.  Everyone will just have to find out on their own how crazy great this assistance coordinator really is.

To Jim, stay cool.  :)

Here's a pic of Jim trying to hide the guilty look after shining the laser pointer in my face. -.- 

More posts to follow.  Nov 11th at 7am is the take-off time for my adventure.  Debating whether I should keep this blog or start another one solely for the trip...  We shall see what happens.  Toodles.

Tomorrow is T Minus One Month

Full medical clearance was obtained.  Now I went through a couple hours of confused posting on Facebook due to a note I read about there being a possible delay on our itineraries as one of the results of the government shutdown.  In fact, my parents heard from another family member that they expected my trip to be cancelled entirely.  My mom was ready to begin celebrating.  -.-  Well, hate to break it to everyone but the trip is still ON!

Shortly after that mix-up was discussed, I received an email from Peace Corps with an itinerary and instructions on how to book my flight for staging.  I had lunch with the parents and burst their bubble as lightly as possible.  :-/  Then I picked up the phone and called the travel agent.  I got the perfect time to depart - Monday, Nov. 11th at 7:25am.  US Airways 1746 departing Chicago O'Hare and arriving in Philly at 10:25am.  Staging begins at noon and then it's a brief orientation before departing the next day.  Wednesday, Nov. 13th is when I am scheduled to actually arrive in Uganda.  I have no words for the excitement I feel.  Just know that it's a good feeling.

I am going through a little anxiety these days as I go through my things and place them in my bags to get an idea of how much I will be able to fit.  I have so many items that are for comfort that I'm afraid it'll fill up at least one bag.  -.-  Who knew I was attached to material items???

I am also loading my new portable external hard drive that I bought yesteryday. 1 TB should be enough.  I am usually pretty random with the movies I watch and as long as I get my favorites with limited Horror flicks, I'm good.  I need a few shows to keep me busy too.  Game of Thrones and Mad Men are at the top of my list and then I'll be taking suggestions.

I bought a camera finally and I am stoked to test it out in the wild.  It's the Sony DSC-WX300.  Smallest, lightest camera I could get with a 20x optical zoom.  I wanted small specifically so I could carry it without drawing too much attention and zoom for when I go to a national park in Uganda to take pictures of the lions and hyenas from a distance.

Now to prep my family for what's ahead.  I love you all and I am not doing this to run away or distance myself.  I am doing this because I believe this is my purpose.

More to come as I get ready... Stay tuned.

I'm all vaccinated

Yesterday afternoon I went in for my last and most potent vaccination - the yellow fever vaccine.  I'm not typically one to read up on what I am getting myself into.  In fact, my friends know more about the Peace Corps than I do.  The yellow fever vaccine was no exception to the things I know little about.

So I received all my other vaccines about 3 weeks ago and this one was missing due to the fact that most clinics do not carry it.  I had to search for travel clinics that could provide and stumbled upon Northwestern's travel clinic.  I chose to go with that one for the name since I figured they know pretty well what they'e doing with every other medical department so why would it be any different for the immunizations dept.

I stepped in and waited about 15 min for the nice RN, Tim, to call me.  He had me read up on the vaccine while he walked to the back to bring in the vaccine.  This is where I found out that 1 in about 200,000 have reactions that can lead them to the ER.  Even if you don't end up in the ER, it's likely to result in a fever and flu symptoms.  In my head, I chose not to freak out.  I'd already come this far and wasn't about to back out even if I happened to be that unfortunate sucker who got injected with a bad batch of the yellow fever shot.

The shot stung a 2 out of 10 on that pain scale.  Not the scary monster that the article made it sound like it would be.  I went out to for a walk to meet my friend for some shopping then Jamba Juice.  The article said I should expect symptoms within a few hours but I went all day and night without any.  What a load of crap!  I was expecting something to whine about and get babied on.  I guess my immune system just wasn't going to allow it.

Or so I thought...

It's Saturday and I cannot stop sneezing.  My eyes look like they've been through a break up and my nose is a snotty mess.  No one is around to pamper me.  I'm missing a party tonight.  And yeah, I cleaned the whole house hoping the activity would clear my sinuses.  No success.

If anyone cares to visit me while I'm out in Uganda, be aware that you have to encounter the same.

Now to get full medical clearance.  Vaccines: Check.  Physical: Check.  Lab work: Check.  Dental: Check.

Missing: Optometrist visit, Pap smear (lost the results), misc. immunizations.

Stay tuned for the results and my shopping days at the hiking store.

Uganda do what?!

Uganda.  That is the country assigned to me for 27 months starting this November.  I have accepted and there is no going back.  Poverty, HIV/AIDS epidemic, malaria, heat, limited electricity, mosquitos, and no sewage system are just some issues that I'll be running into.  

I have accepted that I'll be alone and will be giving more than receiving of worldly things.  However, the payment that I'll be receiving is in smiles, hugs, blessings, and hopefully lessons to last a lifetime.

I am in the process of getting logistics in order before I depart.  I expect this process to last 2 months and once that's done I can dedicate my time to saying my "see ya later's."  

Wish me luck. :)

Creating a title for this blog