So it is not entirely necessary for us to learn Chichewa to survive here in Malawi, it is suggested that we learn some basic phrases and we are encouraged to try. The people here really appreciate that we put for the effort, and its fun... This, however, is not what I wish to discuss today.
The sweet students in my class all speak English, some as a second language possibly. But there are certain things that are simply not the same. Here are a few examples
*Pants are underwear... you wear trousers.
*The garbage can is a bin.
*A bookbag is a little plastic thing that you put books in... a backpack is what you put that plastic thing into and carry around.
*cookies... no such thing they are biscuits.
*sneakers, probably not even a real word its Sports shoes.
* A jersey, something you were while playing sports? No, it's your jacket or sweater
These are big ones for now... I am certain there are more. I am just glad that more sweet kindergarten class is so forgiving of their crazy teacher who doesn't even know what shoes are called or the difference between a book bag and and a backpack... Its just good times.
Not to much else in the way of new and exciting things here. I am sure there will be though... Until then keep praying we can feel those prayers more and more everyday!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
A Joyful Sacrifice.
Survival... It seems that this is the only appropriate word for the end of our first week of school. Now, don't get me wrong this has been an excellent week. TONS of fun and exciting things have happened, but it has been quite a long week.
There are just some things that you cannot prepare for when you move to a new country and start a new job. So, as of today (Friday August 26) I have been in Malawi for 22 days. It really doesn't seem like its been that long... and it feels like its been much longer than that all at the same time. In those 22 days we have: started adapting to a new culture, moved into a house (mostly), met what seems like 8000 new people, been given 17KAZILLION new sets of rules and regulations that we should be following for everyday living as well as working, attempted to learn how to shop in Malawi, set up a classroom, prepared lesson plans, and taught a full week of classes. Thinking about all of this now is making me feel like I need to take a nap... It has been a very busy couple of weeks. It has also been a very emotional 22 days. Some days I wake up and am so excited about everything, other days I wake up and think "clearly, I am out of my mind for coming here, I want to go home!" Fortunately the exciting days far outweigh the crazy days. So, hopefully now that the first week of school is done we can move out of survival mode and start getting into a routine and simply start living life....
Okay okay I know that you want to know all about school so here it goes
Monday was an assembly day the kids came into the classroom for about 30 minutes and then we all went to the assembly. Then the day was over. PHEW! We finished up teacher orientation that afternoon and then took a NAP! A much needed nap I might add.
So Tuesday was our first full day in the classroom. In Kindergarten we still didn't do a whole lot as far a curriculum goes. But we spent a lot of time going over "how to be in kindergarten." It was a really good day to do things like... learn everyone's name and see personalities and other things like that. Unfortunately Tuesday night I came home without much of a voice.
Wednesday is when the fun really started. We started learning about the letter 'I' "I says iii INDIAN!" Ahhh! But really. I was glad the kids already knew what to say because my voice was still not really cooperating with me, but Praise the Lord we made it through the day. The kids were troopers listening closing and paying attention. Teaching here is very different from teaching in the states.
Thursday was pretty much the same, continuing to learn "how to have kindergarten" and working on our phonics, math, handwriting, science... all of it. I have told you before I am incredibly blessed to have Mrs. Mpata as a team teacher. She has been teaching with ABC for 8 years. She knows EVERYTHING and is AMAZING. Its very nice to have someone in the classroom who already knows the rules and routines and can focus on other things.... i tell you all of this because
FRIDAY Mrs. Mpata was sick! I feel the need to preface this all with the fact that my phone died in the middle of the night which means that my alarm did not go off this morning. I only woke up about 15 minutes late, but I was still stuck with that rushed feeling. My voice is on the fritz still as well. I was hoping that between the time I got to school and had to teach my first lesson I would have had time to pull myself together... No such luck. Mrs. Mpata was not there. My poor sweet class. I couldn't get their names straight, we were late for chapel, I didn't remember to count to 100 during calender time. But, they took it all in stride and they just help crazy Miss Weimer remember all the things we do in Kindergarten everyday. We made it! I am so grateful that I have a magnificent Savior who provides!
Needless to say it have been a very long very exciting week. I still have A LOT to learn and figure out, but everything is falling into place. I am very happy.
In other news. We have ants... I am still reminding myself everyday that they are not rats, and that is a blessing. I am still very stressed out by, even the thought of shopping here, our drying does not work (we even have two) and someone told Allison that if we hang our clothes out to dry flies will lay eggs on them and then they will burrow into our skin... NOT OKAY! Our tubs leak when we use them which is just good times. I am trying very hard to make sure everyone in my house takes their Malaria meds regularly. I still think it is very strange that when I wake up in the morning you all are just getting to bed and when I get home from school you all are waking up again.... some of you do not sleep enough!
And so here were are day 22. I am convinced that I would not have made it this far without the prayers and support of all of you. So please continue to pray. Pray that school would get easier, that we would continue to learn how to live here, that we will continue to live in peace with one another, that we will be healthy (you all know what this means.), and for continued financial support.
Until next time I am leaving you with this, but you should just read Philippians it is excellent!...
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2. 14-18
There are just some things that you cannot prepare for when you move to a new country and start a new job. So, as of today (Friday August 26) I have been in Malawi for 22 days. It really doesn't seem like its been that long... and it feels like its been much longer than that all at the same time. In those 22 days we have: started adapting to a new culture, moved into a house (mostly), met what seems like 8000 new people, been given 17KAZILLION new sets of rules and regulations that we should be following for everyday living as well as working, attempted to learn how to shop in Malawi, set up a classroom, prepared lesson plans, and taught a full week of classes. Thinking about all of this now is making me feel like I need to take a nap... It has been a very busy couple of weeks. It has also been a very emotional 22 days. Some days I wake up and am so excited about everything, other days I wake up and think "clearly, I am out of my mind for coming here, I want to go home!" Fortunately the exciting days far outweigh the crazy days. So, hopefully now that the first week of school is done we can move out of survival mode and start getting into a routine and simply start living life....
Okay okay I know that you want to know all about school so here it goes
Monday was an assembly day the kids came into the classroom for about 30 minutes and then we all went to the assembly. Then the day was over. PHEW! We finished up teacher orientation that afternoon and then took a NAP! A much needed nap I might add.
So Tuesday was our first full day in the classroom. In Kindergarten we still didn't do a whole lot as far a curriculum goes. But we spent a lot of time going over "how to be in kindergarten." It was a really good day to do things like... learn everyone's name and see personalities and other things like that. Unfortunately Tuesday night I came home without much of a voice.
Wednesday is when the fun really started. We started learning about the letter 'I' "I says iii INDIAN!" Ahhh! But really. I was glad the kids already knew what to say because my voice was still not really cooperating with me, but Praise the Lord we made it through the day. The kids were troopers listening closing and paying attention. Teaching here is very different from teaching in the states.
Thursday was pretty much the same, continuing to learn "how to have kindergarten" and working on our phonics, math, handwriting, science... all of it. I have told you before I am incredibly blessed to have Mrs. Mpata as a team teacher. She has been teaching with ABC for 8 years. She knows EVERYTHING and is AMAZING. Its very nice to have someone in the classroom who already knows the rules and routines and can focus on other things.... i tell you all of this because
FRIDAY Mrs. Mpata was sick! I feel the need to preface this all with the fact that my phone died in the middle of the night which means that my alarm did not go off this morning. I only woke up about 15 minutes late, but I was still stuck with that rushed feeling. My voice is on the fritz still as well. I was hoping that between the time I got to school and had to teach my first lesson I would have had time to pull myself together... No such luck. Mrs. Mpata was not there. My poor sweet class. I couldn't get their names straight, we were late for chapel, I didn't remember to count to 100 during calender time. But, they took it all in stride and they just help crazy Miss Weimer remember all the things we do in Kindergarten everyday. We made it! I am so grateful that I have a magnificent Savior who provides!
Needless to say it have been a very long very exciting week. I still have A LOT to learn and figure out, but everything is falling into place. I am very happy.
In other news. We have ants... I am still reminding myself everyday that they are not rats, and that is a blessing. I am still very stressed out by, even the thought of shopping here, our drying does not work (we even have two) and someone told Allison that if we hang our clothes out to dry flies will lay eggs on them and then they will burrow into our skin... NOT OKAY! Our tubs leak when we use them which is just good times. I am trying very hard to make sure everyone in my house takes their Malaria meds regularly. I still think it is very strange that when I wake up in the morning you all are just getting to bed and when I get home from school you all are waking up again.... some of you do not sleep enough!
And so here were are day 22. I am convinced that I would not have made it this far without the prayers and support of all of you. So please continue to pray. Pray that school would get easier, that we would continue to learn how to live here, that we will continue to live in peace with one another, that we will be healthy (you all know what this means.), and for continued financial support.
Until next time I am leaving you with this, but you should just read Philippians it is excellent!...
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2. 14-18
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
My first day of Kindergarten
That's right kids, today was my first day of kindergarten here in Malawi. I must admit that waking up before the sun comes up is definitely NOT my favorite thing in at all. However, I know myself well enough to know that I must wake up that early in order to be fully functional for school at 7:15.
Aside from that, I think I am going to like kindergarten very much. I met most of the kids in my class today, and they are wonderful and magnificent and beautiful and 17zillion other fun things. One little boy walked right into class stuck out his had and said "Good morning Miss Weimer." Naturally I responded "good morning, how are you today?" His response, "Fine thanks, and how are you?" The entire exchange was adorable and brilliant.
Anyway, for the first day of school we spent about 30 minutes in our room, we met the students and parents and helped the students find their cubbies and desks. Then they played for a few minutes before it was time to go to the assembly. We spend about 30 minutes in the assembly and that was the end of the day. So not an incredibly eventful first day, but I am certain tomorrow will be so stay tuned in for another of addition of the day in the life of a kindergarten teacher....
Aside from that, I think I am going to like kindergarten very much. I met most of the kids in my class today, and they are wonderful and magnificent and beautiful and 17zillion other fun things. One little boy walked right into class stuck out his had and said "Good morning Miss Weimer." Naturally I responded "good morning, how are you today?" His response, "Fine thanks, and how are you?" The entire exchange was adorable and brilliant.
Anyway, for the first day of school we spent about 30 minutes in our room, we met the students and parents and helped the students find their cubbies and desks. Then they played for a few minutes before it was time to go to the assembly. We spend about 30 minutes in the assembly and that was the end of the day. So not an incredibly eventful first day, but I am certain tomorrow will be so stay tuned in for another of addition of the day in the life of a kindergarten teacher....
Friday, August 19, 2011
A successful day in Malawi
School starts MONDAY! Ahhh!!! Okay, really I'm ready for it kinda... as much as I can be... At this point we'll just have to see what happens, but I'm excited.
Today I met with the head teacher about what plans should look like and had a basic rundown of a day in kindergarten at ABCCA. It was really informative and wonderful. I spent the next several hours coloring things and doing all the fun things you get to do as a kindergarten teacher.
We also decided that we should probably go shopping today because we were starting to run low on some basic necessities, like.... bread. And since we don't want Allison to starve we thought bread would be good idea. So we ventured out on our own... well not really. Chris was here last year so she drove us around, but it was the first time we had gone out "just the roommates." We hit up all the shops and even the market. I may or may not have told you all this, but in order to complete your shopping list here in Malawi you have to visit at least three stores, possibly more. Today was the first day we were able to come home with everything that was on our list!! I am sure this seems very simple, but sometimes you just can't find things you're looking for. Just because Chipiku has something one week does not mean it will be there the next week or ever again for that matter. Its all very fun and exciting. But like I said today we came home with everything on our list. And that isn't even the most exciting part.
So, there is a fuel shortage here in Malawi. That basically means that there is only fuel every once in a while and when there is fuel EVERYONE needs/wants some. So, when there is even a rumor that a fuel truck might be coming in there will be a line 17zillion miles long at the gas station and down the road, around the corner... pretty much forever, BUT! today we decided that because it took forever (about 4 hours) to shop we would just pick up dinner at Steers (which is basically burgers or chicken sandwiches) and take it home. So while we were sitting and waiting on our dinner Chris thought she noticed some activity at the petrol (gas) station. So we decided when we left we would drive by and see what all the fuss was about. They had petrol!! We were the 4th car in line! That's amazing!! We were able to get a full tank of petrol, and we really needed it! We were so excited!!! We did wonderful little happy dances as we pulled out of the parking lot! A lot of the Malawians in line were laughing at us. It was excellent. I took some pictures on my phone so I'll have to see if I can figure out how to get those up, but Praise the Lord! It was a good thing we didn't want Allison to starve and we had to go out and shop. (she didn't even come. (: )
Other than all of that excitement, we're still just getting ready for school. Sometimes I feel a little bit guilty because my school prep involves making playdough and coloring while everyone else sits and work diligently on lesson plans. (that why Ogles couldn't come shopping ): ). I have to make lesson plans too, but mine are not as extensive as some others.
But we're really starting to get settled in Wednesday we were on a "lock down" of sorts because of possible demonstrations in town (they didn't end up happening) But we got a lot of things done. we cleaned up our house and organized things... so now we just need some curtains so that it can really start to feel like home.
Thanks so much, everyone, for your prayers and support. They are definitely felt here in Malawi. Please continue to pray. Pray for energy as school starts up, patience as we learn what we're doing here, health (NO MALARIA!), and for no anxiety!
Until next time
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
Today I met with the head teacher about what plans should look like and had a basic rundown of a day in kindergarten at ABCCA. It was really informative and wonderful. I spent the next several hours coloring things and doing all the fun things you get to do as a kindergarten teacher.
We also decided that we should probably go shopping today because we were starting to run low on some basic necessities, like.... bread. And since we don't want Allison to starve we thought bread would be good idea. So we ventured out on our own... well not really. Chris was here last year so she drove us around, but it was the first time we had gone out "just the roommates." We hit up all the shops and even the market. I may or may not have told you all this, but in order to complete your shopping list here in Malawi you have to visit at least three stores, possibly more. Today was the first day we were able to come home with everything that was on our list!! I am sure this seems very simple, but sometimes you just can't find things you're looking for. Just because Chipiku has something one week does not mean it will be there the next week or ever again for that matter. Its all very fun and exciting. But like I said today we came home with everything on our list. And that isn't even the most exciting part.
So, there is a fuel shortage here in Malawi. That basically means that there is only fuel every once in a while and when there is fuel EVERYONE needs/wants some. So, when there is even a rumor that a fuel truck might be coming in there will be a line 17zillion miles long at the gas station and down the road, around the corner... pretty much forever, BUT! today we decided that because it took forever (about 4 hours) to shop we would just pick up dinner at Steers (which is basically burgers or chicken sandwiches) and take it home. So while we were sitting and waiting on our dinner Chris thought she noticed some activity at the petrol (gas) station. So we decided when we left we would drive by and see what all the fuss was about. They had petrol!! We were the 4th car in line! That's amazing!! We were able to get a full tank of petrol, and we really needed it! We were so excited!!! We did wonderful little happy dances as we pulled out of the parking lot! A lot of the Malawians in line were laughing at us. It was excellent. I took some pictures on my phone so I'll have to see if I can figure out how to get those up, but Praise the Lord! It was a good thing we didn't want Allison to starve and we had to go out and shop. (she didn't even come. (: )
Other than all of that excitement, we're still just getting ready for school. Sometimes I feel a little bit guilty because my school prep involves making playdough and coloring while everyone else sits and work diligently on lesson plans. (that why Ogles couldn't come shopping ): ). I have to make lesson plans too, but mine are not as extensive as some others.
But we're really starting to get settled in Wednesday we were on a "lock down" of sorts because of possible demonstrations in town (they didn't end up happening) But we got a lot of things done. we cleaned up our house and organized things... so now we just need some curtains so that it can really start to feel like home.
Thanks so much, everyone, for your prayers and support. They are definitely felt here in Malawi. Please continue to pray. Pray for energy as school starts up, patience as we learn what we're doing here, health (NO MALARIA!), and for no anxiety!
Until next time
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
Monday, August 15, 2011
Ice Cream and Light Bulbs
Many of you may know that I REALLY like ice cream. I probably eat ice cream at least 5 days out of the week, if not more. Unfortunately, ice cream is hard to come by here in Malawi and when you can find it, it is extremely! expensive. But today we were out shopping and we happen to walk past some people buying an ice cream cone. We talked about if for all of about 2 seconds before deciding that we had to go in. AND they had ice cream for real and it was cheap and yummy!!!! We owe all of this to the AMAZING Kyser family who took us all around town today, as we attempted to find light bulbs.
This is where things get fun. As many of you may have read we have not had very many light bulbs in our house that work. So, today we were determined to get some. Now in Malawi there are two kinds of light bulbs, the twisty kind like we have in the states and then the push and twist kind. (apparently, similar to what you would put in your car) The push and twist kind are the more popular kind here, so naturally we have the twisty kind. I am pretty sure we went to five stores before finding and twisty light bulbs, and then buying as many as we could carry. This is something we have found to be incredibly fun here. You may find something one week, and not see again the next. You may have to travel to five different stores to finish your shopping list, and you still may come home a few items short. Its all very exciting. BUT! now we have lights! in our whole house, EVERYWHERE! Right now it is starting to get dark outside, but that's not bothering us today because we have a WORKING light bulb in our front room!
Today has been a very good day! We were able to get our video skype working and talk to Caleb for a bit this morning which was double exciting because we haven't seen him in a very long time. We went to our ABC orientation which was very informative and fun. Afterward we ate a traditional Malawian meal, which Allison and I both enjoyed (I know you're all shocked). And then the Kysers took us shopping and we learned how to get our coke crates filled, and we just saw a lot of things that we hadn't seen yet. Then we ate ice cream!!! and came home a put in all new light bulbs!!! Like I said it's been a great day!!! OH! and we found out our address here!! I don't really want to post it on the blog, but if you want it you can e-mail me at aly.weimer@gmail.com and I will be sure and send it to you. Please continue to pray for health, safety, peace of mind, and financial support.
Until next time....
This is where things get fun. As many of you may have read we have not had very many light bulbs in our house that work. So, today we were determined to get some. Now in Malawi there are two kinds of light bulbs, the twisty kind like we have in the states and then the push and twist kind. (apparently, similar to what you would put in your car) The push and twist kind are the more popular kind here, so naturally we have the twisty kind. I am pretty sure we went to five stores before finding and twisty light bulbs, and then buying as many as we could carry. This is something we have found to be incredibly fun here. You may find something one week, and not see again the next. You may have to travel to five different stores to finish your shopping list, and you still may come home a few items short. Its all very exciting. BUT! now we have lights! in our whole house, EVERYWHERE! Right now it is starting to get dark outside, but that's not bothering us today because we have a WORKING light bulb in our front room!
Today has been a very good day! We were able to get our video skype working and talk to Caleb for a bit this morning which was double exciting because we haven't seen him in a very long time. We went to our ABC orientation which was very informative and fun. Afterward we ate a traditional Malawian meal, which Allison and I both enjoyed (I know you're all shocked). And then the Kysers took us shopping and we learned how to get our coke crates filled, and we just saw a lot of things that we hadn't seen yet. Then we ate ice cream!!! and came home a put in all new light bulbs!!! Like I said it's been a great day!!! OH! and we found out our address here!! I don't really want to post it on the blog, but if you want it you can e-mail me at aly.weimer@gmail.com and I will be sure and send it to you. Please continue to pray for health, safety, peace of mind, and financial support.
Until next time....
Sunday, August 14, 2011
adjusting
I am really no good with change. Why I thought that would be any different in the middle of Africa, I .have no idea. However, I am adjusting. Possibly one of the most difficult things right now is simply learning what can be fixed, and what we're probably going to have to live with because we're in Africa. For example, we only have light bulbs in half of our house right now. This can, and will, be fixed very soon. On the other hand, if you even think about leaving that little crumb laying on the counter there will be no less then 17,000 ants coming for it before you finish your thought. This we will have to live with, but if that is our biggest problem I think we'll be okay.
So here we are, a lot of the novelty of being in Africa is beginning to wear off and we're ready to be settled in and adjusted. I don't think any of us are expecting this to happen over night, we're smarter than that, but we're beginning to feel the frustrations and anxieties that come with being in a new place. Allison and I are incredibly blessed to know each other, as well as the Kysers. I can't imagine being here all by myself, and not know one person. Having people that you already know and that are familiar is something that I don't think we'll take for granted. Please continue to pray that things will get easier, and that feelings of anxiety and worry will not overtake life here. Also pray that we stay healthy (NO MALARIA!) and continue to adjust here in Malawi.
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
So here we are, a lot of the novelty of being in Africa is beginning to wear off and we're ready to be settled in and adjusted. I don't think any of us are expecting this to happen over night, we're smarter than that, but we're beginning to feel the frustrations and anxieties that come with being in a new place. Allison and I are incredibly blessed to know each other, as well as the Kysers. I can't imagine being here all by myself, and not know one person. Having people that you already know and that are familiar is something that I don't think we'll take for granted. Please continue to pray that things will get easier, and that feelings of anxiety and worry will not overtake life here. Also pray that we stay healthy (NO MALARIA!) and continue to adjust here in Malawi.
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
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