Another month, WOW! God has certainly been good to me; despite my shortcomings. I have had a good week. My lesson plans from last Friday were actually what I really taught, and the students and I all survived. One little second grader was in tears because I got upset with her class's behavior; she brought me a special drawing she made today. Also I realized I'm not as tolerant of the young teachers as I thought, especially when they speak critically about their mothers. They are in their mid twenties, and really don't know how much parents cherish correspondence from children yet parents want the kids need to be responsible for themselves. I get defensive and need to walk away keeping my mouth shut. That doesn't come naturally for me, as Jeremiah and Ivy can both attest.
Yesterday I found my leather checkbook had mildewed. It's that humid! Even a new box of Ritz crackers was soggy when I first opened it. Welcome to Ghana! When the power fluctuates at school we have a generator, but limited air conditioning. I have to remember to drink three or four times as much water as back in the states, we sweat so much. The filtering system at the house utilizes a bisqued pottery piece (like a flower pot) over an enclosed plastic container, and I've gotten used to drinking room temperature water. Unlike most Americans I don't buy the bottled Cokes; I'd rather spend my money on cheese and get my calcium. Other homes have bigger refrigerators and freezers, so cold water abounds. We have a very small refrig and stove; even regular cookie sheets won't fit so baking is a challenge. Bigger refrigerators would mean more food might spoil when power goes out, so it is a discipline. Spices and ingredients are not always available conveniently, and cooking just turns out different anyway; "it is Ghana" covers a multitude of realities here. I can't say I've eaten many native foods; I hesitate to try the local street vendors and there are no "safe restaurants" within walking distance. Several of the younger teachers are more flexible but then too they freely talk about stomach viruses they've gotten from the food purchased from street vendors. I brush my teeth only with filtered water (a glass of room temperature water in my left hand. toothbrush in my right so I remember to not turn the faucet), my housemates use the faucet water. I am losing weight, not because I want to, I just don't like my food options. It's a good thing I brought two belts, other wise my pants would drag in the mud when it rains (at least two sizes too big).
I tried teaching a lesson involving painting with a first grade class today. It is a challenge I may not try again until some of the obstacles are resolved. First I don't have twelve brushes quite the same size, then the nearest source of water that I can get a one quart bottle under the faucet is one floor below me and comes out in a trickle that takes five minutes to fill one bottle. The tempera paint (or closest thing available) is thicker than yogurt, but if you thin it down it becomes transparent, not at all opaque. Then there is the problem of paper: either use copier paper or the limited colors of construction paper (no yellow, green, medium blue or black). Understand I brought no picture files with me, and none were waiting for me in the art room. I scavenger anything I find (especially cardboard boxes) but can't get old magazines or newspapers even when extra credit or homemade cookies are offered. I am "materially challenged" and even the inexpensive projects I hoped to teach aren't possible until we get more stuff or access to water closer to my room. Everyone here learns to do without usual necessities, I feel selfish but I'm not as adaptable in art.
This isn't a very encouraging entry: I have no photos to post. These are the day to day challenges, all of which can be endured. God teaches me more about myself than about Africa. The lessons might be learned as well in North Carolina, but God certainly has my attention here and I can't hide in a television program or an easy phone call to a friend. It's not just living with other younger people, it's living with myself. When you can't do what you want, figure what else needs to be done and get busy with it. It's okay sometimes to just stop and rest, just don't be a slacker. God has put you where you are, you just have to figure out what to do from here.
And with that I'll sign off for today.
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