I found myself bored at the school today, which hasn't happened in forever.
Finally, the new 2004 encyclopedias arrived and are on the library shelf. I bought a library set of World books off ebay. I'm awaiting a few other orders of books, but really, it's very quiet now. I do a lot of reading as I work through the Pendragon series.
The director of AISL has hired a music teacher. So far she's teaching the same 2 classes for the same hour. Yeah, I'm a little disappointed. Not sure I am surprised though. While I have always been on civil terms with the Director, Ian hasn't and I don't know how much personal feelings are playing in her decisions. I'm sure that our involvement with the loss of the State Department grant and ensuing loss of Embassy support hasn't made her friendly to us either.
I can only hope that next year will be better. We are switching all the children to the British school as soon as the paperwork goes through our Management Office. I'm hoping it will be soon. I need something positive to focus on with regards to the school.
And since Ian's accident, he's put in a request to move residence to be near the British School and new Embassy complex. The less he has to drive, the better. He just gets angry any time he has to drive anywhere. Being close to the school is a definite plus for me. We'll probably lose our great yard and pool, but there will be compensation in the form of the British School Club.
It's hard to believe we've only been here 6 months.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
How can life be boring and so-far-from-boring at the same time?
Last week Ian was in an accident. Sadly, it's not an uncommon occurrence here and I guess after 6 months we were due.
Ian was idling at a stoplight when he was hit from behind by a moto that had glanced of a taxi, rammed into our tail end and slid under the car. We've ordered a replacement tail light and the bumper will require some hammering. One other piece of moulding popped off and we're attempting to order a replacement for that as well.
Having an accident is never good, no matter where you are. It's costly, it's nerve-racking and of course it can cause injury or even death. Beyond those worries, here in Lome' we face the additional threat of "the mob." See, anytime there's an accident, no matter where you are or who is at fault, within seconds the scene is surrounded by up to hundreds of people. They aren't there to see that everyone is fine, they are there to keep anyone involved from running off. Ian had to wait for the moto to be pulled from under the car (it was totalled), but when he tried to pull our car to the side of the road, the mob started shouting and getting angry. They thought he was going to leave. To understand how quickly this sort of situation can get out of control, last month another Embassy person had an accident with a moto and the mob surrounded her tires with huge rocks. When she attempted to move her vehicle, they began pelting the car with stones, shattering her windows and injuring her as well. All this in the matter of minutes until the investigators arrived from the Embassy not five minutes away. The mob is not to be taken lightly. As for Ian, he made it clear enough he was simply getting off the street and they did let him move.
Yesterday we learned more about the moto driver via the Embassy investigators (anyone else find it a little ominous the Embassy has its own investigative team? I'm thankful of course, but a little creeped out). So, the investigators reported back that the other driver is currently in prison. He was taken in by the police once they realized he was high on cocaine and needed time to come down and become coherent. Can you believe the driver didn't have insurance? I'm shocked, shocked I tell you. Supposedly his family will be held accountable for paying for our repairs, but I'm not holding my breath. It doesn't matter, really. We will fix our car, and pray that this is the last vehicular mishap.
There's a humorous side to this story. Our car is quite recognizable in this town, and more than a few head turn when it's out. It's simply a matter of being big, blue and (practically) brand new. Our vehicle is rare in a country like Togo. Ian said the motorpool supervisor and the Ambassador's driver seemed more upset about the accident and damage than even Ian. OK, that's not the funny part. The Ambassador's driver is upset because he was hoping to buy the car from us when we leave post. That moto driver hurt his hopeful future carbaby.
Ian was idling at a stoplight when he was hit from behind by a moto that had glanced of a taxi, rammed into our tail end and slid under the car. We've ordered a replacement tail light and the bumper will require some hammering. One other piece of moulding popped off and we're attempting to order a replacement for that as well.
Having an accident is never good, no matter where you are. It's costly, it's nerve-racking and of course it can cause injury or even death. Beyond those worries, here in Lome' we face the additional threat of "the mob." See, anytime there's an accident, no matter where you are or who is at fault, within seconds the scene is surrounded by up to hundreds of people. They aren't there to see that everyone is fine, they are there to keep anyone involved from running off. Ian had to wait for the moto to be pulled from under the car (it was totalled), but when he tried to pull our car to the side of the road, the mob started shouting and getting angry. They thought he was going to leave. To understand how quickly this sort of situation can get out of control, last month another Embassy person had an accident with a moto and the mob surrounded her tires with huge rocks. When she attempted to move her vehicle, they began pelting the car with stones, shattering her windows and injuring her as well. All this in the matter of minutes until the investigators arrived from the Embassy not five minutes away. The mob is not to be taken lightly. As for Ian, he made it clear enough he was simply getting off the street and they did let him move.
Yesterday we learned more about the moto driver via the Embassy investigators (anyone else find it a little ominous the Embassy has its own investigative team? I'm thankful of course, but a little creeped out). So, the investigators reported back that the other driver is currently in prison. He was taken in by the police once they realized he was high on cocaine and needed time to come down and become coherent. Can you believe the driver didn't have insurance? I'm shocked, shocked I tell you. Supposedly his family will be held accountable for paying for our repairs, but I'm not holding my breath. It doesn't matter, really. We will fix our car, and pray that this is the last vehicular mishap.
There's a humorous side to this story. Our car is quite recognizable in this town, and more than a few head turn when it's out. It's simply a matter of being big, blue and (practically) brand new. Our vehicle is rare in a country like Togo. Ian said the motorpool supervisor and the Ambassador's driver seemed more upset about the accident and damage than even Ian. OK, that's not the funny part. The Ambassador's driver is upset because he was hoping to buy the car from us when we leave post. That moto driver hurt his hopeful future carbaby.
Friday, March 17, 2006
My abbreviated BCC journal is on-line
If you'd like to see the week by week progress and read about BCC, let me know and I'll send you the link.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Hello, Bonjour, Buenos Dias
International Day, all 3 hours and 20 minutes of it sitting in the heat on plastic chairs and wooden stools, was a success. From youngest to oldest, each class or cultural group performed.
The presentations began with the student drummers. As odd as that might sound, the school offers weekly African drumming lessons. Some of these kids (age 6-16) have been learning for several years and they are quite good at intricate drum rhythms.
Then it was my little group's turn to sing "Hello to All the Children of the World". The kids did great, I'm still impressed by how they enjoy singing, though I noticed from the tape that the "music instructor" needs to cut back on her own volume. We were followed in quick succession by the preschooler introductions, then the 3/4/5 class which put on a native American vs. colonists play. The kids made their own costumes and wrote the play. The rest of the morning was broken up among the various Teams... Team Arab, Team Korea, Team America, etc. Team America consisted of Nicholas, Rebecca, and Miss Emily as they gave a brief history lesson, explained the flag, currency and lack of national costume.
As the morning wore on, the international buffet appeared. Our donation was homemade fudge and a package of Oreos. How much more American can you get? OK, OK, I admit I chickened out of spending my previous evening baking apple pies and making chocolate chip cookies like a good American housewife. Next time.
But here's a tip for all those heading overseas for the first time, or the first time with kids. There is always an International Day at the school, and you as a parent will always be asked to provide something from your home country. Apple pie? Snickerdoodles or Chocolate Chip cookies? Sure. Though, don't forget the easy stuff like rice krispie treats, slices of watermelon or corn on the cob. My kids actually wanted to bring a big pot of macaroni and cheese. OK, but here's my tip for before you even leave the States: Buy those American flag toothpicks/napkins/stickers; get red/white/blue paper plates; put powdered lemonade in your consumables shipment; bring M&Ms and chocolate chips. In other words, purchase all those items you'd usually only pull out for the 4th of July. You'll thank me for it later.
The presentations began with the student drummers. As odd as that might sound, the school offers weekly African drumming lessons. Some of these kids (age 6-16) have been learning for several years and they are quite good at intricate drum rhythms.
Then it was my little group's turn to sing "Hello to All the Children of the World". The kids did great, I'm still impressed by how they enjoy singing, though I noticed from the tape that the "music instructor" needs to cut back on her own volume. We were followed in quick succession by the preschooler introductions, then the 3/4/5 class which put on a native American vs. colonists play. The kids made their own costumes and wrote the play. The rest of the morning was broken up among the various Teams... Team Arab, Team Korea, Team America, etc. Team America consisted of Nicholas, Rebecca, and Miss Emily as they gave a brief history lesson, explained the flag, currency and lack of national costume.
As the morning wore on, the international buffet appeared. Our donation was homemade fudge and a package of Oreos. How much more American can you get? OK, OK, I admit I chickened out of spending my previous evening baking apple pies and making chocolate chip cookies like a good American housewife. Next time.
But here's a tip for all those heading overseas for the first time, or the first time with kids. There is always an International Day at the school, and you as a parent will always be asked to provide something from your home country. Apple pie? Snickerdoodles or Chocolate Chip cookies? Sure. Though, don't forget the easy stuff like rice krispie treats, slices of watermelon or corn on the cob. My kids actually wanted to bring a big pot of macaroni and cheese. OK, but here's my tip for before you even leave the States: Buy those American flag toothpicks/napkins/stickers; get red/white/blue paper plates; put powdered lemonade in your consumables shipment; bring M&Ms and chocolate chips. In other words, purchase all those items you'd usually only pull out for the 4th of July. You'll thank me for it later.
Thursday, March 9, 2006
International Day looms.
Tomorrow is a big day at the school, the yearly international day. All the grades have split up to combine ethnicities and cultures. It will take all morning, culminating in a potluck of foods from around the world. I've been asked if we'll be bringing "American" cookies, so I guess I know what we're doing tonight! I think we'll make some fudge too.
Emily's K/1/2 class will be singing "Hello to all the Children of the World", not "Kingston Market". Should be fun!
Emily's K/1/2 class will be singing "Hello to all the Children of the World", not "Kingston Market". Should be fun!
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Scar update, cause I know you wanted one.
Scab #2 fell off today, and the raw, unfinished area underneath has shrunk once again. I figure at this rate I have 1-2 more scabs to go before there is all new skin at my surgery site. *happy dance*
Thursday, March 2, 2006
School today went quickly.
Thank goodness tomorrow is a holiday. The heat is getting ridiculous, though I'm thankful for the rains because today was actually pleasant in the shade with a wonderful cool breeze. We couldn't figure out why we slept poorly last night until we learned quite a storm had blown through with wicked rains and lightning, which had subsequently knocked out power (no a/c!) for a while. Well duh, we didn't get any rest.
Anyway....
A 22 year old student graduated from correspondence course AISL this morning. It's a long story. It was a nice short ceremony though.
My second day as "music teacher" went well. The preK kids learned several verses of London Bridge complete with motions, but I have to seriously watch how I approach the class. Today went better than Tuesday, but I still plan by what Jonathon understands, what Jonathon can do, and what holds Jonathon's attention. But Jonathon is the oldest kid in the class and the only native English speaker. Add to that he's a very out-going, excited kid who loves to do just about anything... well, the other kids aren't what he is. How do teachers find teaching methods that hold everyone's interest and keep everyone engaged? And I only have -4- preK kids!
The K/1/2 class practiced a new song called "A Rat and a Cat" with a verse in English and a verse in French. We stretched, warmed-up, went through the words and melody and put it all together. I even managed to play with a simple accompaniment. It was a good test for all of us. For me to see how I can lead the kids and for the kids to see what I expect. Well, once I figure out what I expect, right? I'm no teacher so I'm making this up as I go.
Since next Friday is International Day, we'll learn the song Kingston Market in the K/1/2 class, and continue with London Bridge for the preKs along with The Ants Go Marching. I would love suggestions for simple songs that would fit the International Day theme. Since few of the kids speak English, or speak it well, I stay far away from songs that have odd pronunciations or bad grammar. Ideas?
The soccer final was today at 1:30. For several weeks the various teams played lunchtime matches and Katherine was matched up with another ES kid, a MS kids and a HS kid. All the teams were mixed and matched to make it fair for all. Katherine was very lucky to be put with some excellent soccer players. Katherine isn't the most gifted of team players, but she loved playing and was thrilled to make it to the final with her team. Today they played two 10-minute halves and after leading 7-2, her team squeaked a 7-6 win. It was an exciting game and when she got home she made a celebratory t-shirt.
Anyway....
A 22 year old student graduated from correspondence course AISL this morning. It's a long story. It was a nice short ceremony though.
My second day as "music teacher" went well. The preK kids learned several verses of London Bridge complete with motions, but I have to seriously watch how I approach the class. Today went better than Tuesday, but I still plan by what Jonathon understands, what Jonathon can do, and what holds Jonathon's attention. But Jonathon is the oldest kid in the class and the only native English speaker. Add to that he's a very out-going, excited kid who loves to do just about anything... well, the other kids aren't what he is. How do teachers find teaching methods that hold everyone's interest and keep everyone engaged? And I only have -4- preK kids!
The K/1/2 class practiced a new song called "A Rat and a Cat" with a verse in English and a verse in French. We stretched, warmed-up, went through the words and melody and put it all together. I even managed to play with a simple accompaniment. It was a good test for all of us. For me to see how I can lead the kids and for the kids to see what I expect. Well, once I figure out what I expect, right? I'm no teacher so I'm making this up as I go.
Since next Friday is International Day, we'll learn the song Kingston Market in the K/1/2 class, and continue with London Bridge for the preKs along with The Ants Go Marching. I would love suggestions for simple songs that would fit the International Day theme. Since few of the kids speak English, or speak it well, I stay far away from songs that have odd pronunciations or bad grammar. Ideas?
The soccer final was today at 1:30. For several weeks the various teams played lunchtime matches and Katherine was matched up with another ES kid, a MS kids and a HS kid. All the teams were mixed and matched to make it fair for all. Katherine was very lucky to be put with some excellent soccer players. Katherine isn't the most gifted of team players, but she loved playing and was thrilled to make it to the final with her team. Today they played two 10-minute halves and after leading 7-2, her team squeaked a 7-6 win. It was an exciting game and when she got home she made a celebratory t-shirt.
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