Mundele! Mundele!
During the 20 minute walk to TASOK (the American School of Congo; K-12) where I go for an occasional swim, the little children (adorable!) of the military families shout this greeting to me. White person! White person! I am, so far, still the only Caucasion on the road and they watch for me to pass by. They seem a little fearful, and will laugh and run away when I say "Bonjour. Ca va?" For the most part, all the adults are very pleasant and friendly. Occasionally, I'll get a weird look, but nothing dramatic. TASOK owns 43 acres of well-kept grounds surrounded by guarded walls. I feel rejuvenated after a long swim in their large pool.
The students cannot get enough English. I'm encouraging them to talk to the University about offering some additional classes geared for beginners. Dr. Mpunsa, Dean of the the Medical School just arrived from Europe last week and will meet with me this Wednesday about what he is expecting from my classes, which begin November 12. It is my understanding that I'll be teaching four different groups of 25 students every day (M-Th), two beginner English and two more focused on basic medical English. of advanced for 15 weeks.
English Club is organizing a debate tournament. The students have never participated in debate before and are very excited about it. They plan to use the same topic as debate teams in the U.S. high schools: "Should the U.S. increase public health aid to sub-Saharan Africa?" The embassy is providing coaches to work with each team. As of yesterday, 15 teams had signed up. My role is to be the liaison between the embassy and the students.
Although it's not my favorite thing, I've been doing some more driving in the Mitsubishi. I sure miss my Honda Accord, but it wouldn't last here. Take good care of it, Grace and Jon. Consider the use of it while I'm gone your collective birthday present, OK? Which, by the way are happening for both of you this week. Happy Birthday to you both, and an extra special #30 to Jon! Wish I could be there--maybe next year!
posted by MeJane @ 5:05 AM
4 Comments
4 Comments:
Hey Jane,
Virginia and I are doing well. We have been waking up with the sun to enjoy the limited sunshine that we get in Washington. Sadie is getting bigger and growing more hair. We think that she may have a little red in her hair but it could also be getting blond—only time will tell. Sadie only gets up once every night. We are so grateful for the sleep and we know that she is really a good baby. Sometimes she enjoys talking in her bed for a half an hour or so might be a talker. Your blog has been very informative in giving us a birds-eye view of your experience. We hope and pray that you remain safe. One other bit of news—Noah and Teresa are expecting. I think Teresa is 15 weeks along. Well I better get back to work.
Dear Jane,
During the next several months, whenever you post on your blog, I will learn more about Africa. With this most recent post, I wondered, "What in the world is sub-saharan Africa?" Of course I googled it, and now I know. You are challenging me to stretch out of my little comfy corner of the world and try and become more broad minded and more informed about world politics. You will come home a different person! Keep on educating us and forcing us to stretch and grow.
We plan to fly to Michigan on the 22nd to celebrate Thanksgiving and David's 50th birthday in Ann Arbor. The whole Mengebier family will be there, including Bill and Francoise from France.
Just curious...is your email working?
Please continue to keep us up to date. I love hearing from you and check your site every day.
Love, hugs and prayers,
B and B
Way to go Noah and Teresa! How fantastic. I'm very excited for them. Glad your whole trip east went so well. Everyone that saw you seemed to be so impressed with little Sadie. I can't wait to see some photos. Could you send me a CD when you've got some together? Make sure you put it in a good holder and then in an insulated envelope. The one Grace sent of her rowing race arrived cracked in two. The tea bags, for the most part, made it :) Missing you loads. Mom
Just a quick reponse to sister Barb: Sorry I missed Bob's birthday! Grrr. Time just doesn't seem to have the same significance here! That makes two of us learning about Africa. Everyday there's something that shakes my awareness of the world. It is really a great experience to be in a third world country for an extended period of time. I am forced to appreciate the non-material things of life and to minimize the tangible. Love to you, Jane
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