Is it really almost Christmas?

It's hard to believe that it's already December.  Nate has finished his first term at ALA, Hans is now finishing grading finals and I finished the end of the year with my class last week -- and that is the end of their school year, too.  The new school year for me begins in January with a whole new class -- just when I was starting to get a handle on this class!  We will also be moving into a new building which is more than double the size of the current one, so it will really be a time of new beginnings for me.  But, the funny thing is that all the teachers that I have been working with are moving to either a different school or a different position so as of January, I will be the veteran teacher at Nova Pioneer North Riding!  I am grateful for this term as I feel like I have a better understanding of the job and I am able to leverage my prior experience and knowledge in a way that really seems to be helping this new organization.  Here is a picture of all the grades (pre-primary, grade R [kindergarten] and grade 1) on the last day:

With a busy first term under our belts, we're all taking a big breath and regrouping.  I'm returning to the States to spend Christmas in Pennsylvania with my family and the girls.  Hans and Nate will stay here and go hiking in Drakensberg and see the world's highest waterfall at over 900m (with a ladder to climb up beside it the whole way -- I must say I'm not sorry to miss that part).

We have settled in but there is no denying that the distance weighs on us at times.  Thanksgiving break was especially hard as I was overcome with mom guilt at not being with the girls.  However, they each found a loving place to be and seemed to be fine with the holiday, so, like most mom guilts, this was mostly useless!

Here at ALA, we did have a very nice Thanksgiving dinner with a number of ex-pats from all different nations (not just the US) and we had a wonderful moment of saying what we were thankful for.  It ranged from being thankful for co-workers at ALA, to family, to new experiences, even email!  ALA is a wonderful community.  The biggest shocker was to discover that while Thanksgiving is not a holiday in South Africa, Black Friday is a huge deal!  What??? How can you take the worst of the holiday and not the best (giving thanks!!)???

It is odd to be coming into Christmas with the weather so warm and so many thunderstorms, rather than snow.  In fact, I've decided to pretend that it's not really Christmas until I get back to the States.  Instead, Hans and I went to one of the highest points in Johannesburg to watch the sunset.

Looking forward to seeing my girls and family soon.  Prayers that Hans and Nate will enjoy some good father/son bonding time.  Best wishes and happy new year to all!

Our First Road Trip

Our First Road Trip

Last weekend, both ALA and Nova Pioneer had their mid-term breaks, so we could took advantage of the break to explore outside of Johannesburg.  We found a small village, named Machadodorp (after a Portuguese general), with an Airbnb that we used as our base to do some hiking in the area. 

On our way out, we detoured to visit Pretoria.  In spring, in South Africa, the jacaranda tree is in full bloom and, apparently, Pretoria has an abundance of jacarandas.  On the ride in, I randomly looked on TripAdvisor for "jacaranda viewing."  One post suggested that the view from the Union Buildings affords a great place to see the purple of the flowers, so I plugged it in. We navigated through Pretoria, interested in see another city in South Africa, then made our way to the Union Buildings -- which seemed a huge historic site (to our surprise).  We parked, then asked the always helpful parking guy -- can we visit inside?  Oh no, he laughed -- that is for President Zuma!  But, don't worry, he's not here since it's the weekend!

In our complete ignorance, we had driven up to what is comparable to the White House, and just wondered -- can we come in??  Well, now we know better!  We had a brief, but very helpful, lesson of the different branches of SA government and some cool photo ops.

Overlooking the city of Pretoria

The Union Buildings, working place of the President

Nelson Mandela and Hans

The jacaranda trees in front of the US embassay
(NB: illegal photo!)

Beautiful purple blossoms of the jacaranda

The next day, we went hiking.  Rather than state/national parks, the hiking here is often on private farms and you pay the owners a fee to hike on their land.  The trails are actually maintained quite well and offer facilities too.  Looking on-line, many of the hikes are two-five day hikes with huts in between -- we'll definitely try that the next time.

Here are some pictures of our first day of hiking;

We hiked up a ravine, then down to this waterfall --- beautiful.

The second day, we were more out in the open, on a working farm (cattle and game).  And -- another waterfall to hike to! The only problem with both hikes is that some of the signs were ONLY in Afrikaans.  Which we don't speak.  We honestly just hoped that there was no pertinent information that remained untranslated...

We also visited a cute town called Dullstrom.  A bookstore/smoking store with a shelf for 

"Woman Weepies."

Now we're back at work -- and back into our regular routines, which feels pretty good, too!

Fun events at Nova Pioneer and ALA

We have now reached the mid-term break-- halfway through our first term here!  We've been so busy with our new jobs, the time has just flown by.

However, in addition to all the work involved in starting a new job, there have also been some fun events.

At my school, Nova Pioneer, we had Sports Day last Friday.  Lots of fun races and the last event was a tug of war --- and my Grade R out-tugged the Grade 1s!  As you can imagine, the kids were pretty happy....Here's a few pictures:

We also had spirit week this week -- so Monday was crazy socks day, Tuesday was twin day, Wednesday was Disney character and Thursday (my personal favorite) was pajama day.  Of course, the kids were pretty stinkin' cute in their outfits! Here are some twin day photos (or triplet as the case may be!):

Last weekend, at ALA, there was an all-school event called the Battle of the Axe.  It was the boys' halls competing against each other in events like egg toss, wheelbarrow race, etc.  I actually didn't stay for the whole thing because the Michigan game was on (must keep priorities straight, even in ZA!) and I didn't take any pictures because all the events were in the dark -- which especially made the egg toss challenging...

But the girls' halls were there, too, to cheer on their boy hall counterpart.  Since my hall, Keza Hall, is new, we had to decide what shirt color to choose.  Most of colors suggested were already being used by other halls, so I said -- what about tie-dye?  Then we can make our own shirts (just a little of my Ann Arbor hippie coming out...).  And that's what we did!  It was actually a really fun event and, even though I don't have a ton of experience with tie-dying, the shirts came out pretty cool.  Here's a few pictures of that:

It's mid-term break for both Nova Pioneer and ALA, so Hans, Nate and I will be heading off on our first adventure!  We're going to Loskop Dam Nature Preserve and do some hiking over the weekend.  We're excited to have a chance to explore outside the city a bit -- I'll be sure to take pictures to share our trip.

Notes from Hans

Driving in South Africa

Being able to drive in Africa is wonderful.  After having no choice but to take all sorts of taxis/buses for three years in Cameroon (and Susan in the Central African Republic for two), many wedged in like a sardine between other brave travellers - including one time a big mommie on one side and  a goat on the other -  it’s pure freedom to have a car!  

We lived our first two weeks in SA in a fairly posh gated community that ALA housed us in called Jackal Creek Golf Estates.  It’s about 3 miles from ALA so it’s a quick taxi trip.   Not all people have cars and public transportation is quite spotty.  As such, lots of people walk here and there’s a neat energy, particularly in the morning and early evening, as people hustle or simply mosey to whatever destination the day calls for.   Despite this significant human foot traffic, I’ve seen only one or two white people walking.  You’d expect 1 in 5 to be white considering whites are 20% of SA’s population, but that’s not the case and it’s yet another noticeable example of inequity in this nation:  whites rarely don’t have cars.

Though the Jackal Creek to ALA walk sounds like it might be a nice walk now and then, we’ve been advised by on multiple fronts that it’s not that safe to walk around, even in the daytime.

Before we started driving, we used Taxify, an outfit out of Estonia that is developing a strong presence in the Joburg area, and is a rival to Uber.  We loved Taxify.  Taxify cars have to be 2012 or newer and the drivers are friendly.  From our experience around 50% of the drivers were from SA with the balance coming from “Zim” (Zimbabwe) or elsewhere.  All sorts of personalities but for the most part all very friendly and talkative and, as it turned out, our early mode of transportation to ALA, the market, restuarants, and the like.  They were also my primary source of information on buying a car in SA.

You can find all kinds of cars here but three things should be considered:  what’s the petro mileage like (~$4/gallon here), how “hot” a car is it for thieves, and how easy is it to find parts?  Turns out the ones for which you can always easily find parts are Toyota, Ford, VW, and Nissan.  All the others - Jaguar, Puegot, Nissan, Honda, Chevy, Opal, Audi, BMW and some brands we’d never heard of  - are on the roads but not as many, thus influencing how many spare parts are in country.  At least according to my Taxify driver buddies.

We bought a 1994 Toyota Tazz with 63,000 miles on it (odometer read 101,000 km).  Low mileage was important to us and this car was clean and owned by an older lady who only put just over 2500 miles/year on the car.  It’s nothing glamorous, has power nothing, no evidence of ever having even a radio, but it’s paid off and it’s ours.  

Our first two weeks with it were interesting as it was without a front passenger seat which I’d asked the dealership to fix (couldn’t be adjusted, so they took it out and told me to come back).  This made for interesting looks from others whenever I’d pick up Susan or she’d pick me up.  Whoever got picked up had to sit in the back.  Not sure what was going through the locals mind, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some were asking themselves, “so, in their country the guy (or girl) isn’t allowed to sit in the front??”.  Funny stuff but it was great to get the seat installed and return to the same plane.

If they’d only put the steering wheel on the right side of the car and if we didn’t have to drive on the wrong side of road, we’d be all set.   Shifting with the left hand and having the turn signal on the right side of the steering column (seems odd... isn’t it?) forced us  to resort back to actually thinking while we drive.  Now I just need to pay attention to the robots (traffic lights), roll up the windows at robots (vigilance against thieves - has the advice been too overzealous?), and remember to stay in the left lane when on the freeway so the speedsters can pass us on the right, we’ll be all set.  Whatever the case, it’s great driving in Africa!  

This one goes to my FUMCN co-teachers

At the school where I teach, Nova Pioneer, the students get finished early on Fridays.  The staff have a meeting, then professional development for the rest of the afternoon.  It's a good chance for us to focus on perfecting the craft of teaching, rather than just doing it.

This Friday, however, was meant to be a staff meeting, then team building.  We had completed the meeting part and were outside playing a game (meaning to keep a ball in the air using teamwork and communication, only mildly successful in the attempt) when there was a loud crash near the building.  A young man, who had just been climbing a ladder to fix the roof, had fallen off.  At first, from our distance, it just looked like a bad fall until I heard him cry out, "My leg is dead."

A small aside -- each year at FUMCN, all of us teachers did CPR/First Aid training together.  I always thought, I sure hope I'M not the one at an emergency.  I'll never remember what to do.  And, I always felt vaguely ridiculous acting out the steps.  Run to the "victim," (maybe Tonja on the ground), turn to a colleague (Ms. Juli) and say, "call 911."  Then through the other steps....who actually does that?

Well, it turns out, I do.  I ran to the guy (his colleague was not doing anything), took one look at his leg and realized -- not good. I was pretty sure it was a compound fracture from the way it was bent.  There was also some blood.  I turned to our school admin and said, "call the ambulance right away."  Then realized that blood was coming from the young guy's hand so I asked for a first aid kit.  I wrapped the hand, introduced myself and explained -- you probably have a command fracture, whatever you do, don't move.  Then thought, "what else can I do?"  I remembered from the first aid class (who would have thought I could remember this stuff??), treat for shock!  So, we got every available towel, coat and pillow to support him.  And, then we waited.

And, waited.  For the Americans at the school, it seemed unacceptably long.  For the South Africans, they were actually impressed it wasn't longer.  For the young man, it probably felt way too long.  But, me and another teacher stayed by his side, keeping him warm and talking to him, waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

When it did, it was with a big sigh of relief as they administered pain medication, then carted him away.  The rest of us retired to to the staff room where our head of school did a good debrief.  Then, she opened the bottle of wine that had been meant for the "team building" portion of the afternoon (that's how they do it in ZA).   I honestly was shaking after the experience and so thankful for the CPR/First Aid classes I had done with my FUMCN teachers. Who knew that it would ever come into use? And, I hope I don't need it again anytime soon.  

Here's the team (or most of it):

A few observations....

Rather than a long story, I thought I'd share a few observations of our time here so far:

I started teaching my Grade R class -- five year olds are pretty much the same anywhere.  I'm sure I've had this experience so many times before--  a little kid put his hand up his nose right before we're all supposed to make a circle together. "Why don't you go wash your hands first," I suggest.

These little guys love all my goofy songs!  And sing along at any moment.

They do not have manila folders here.  At all.  Who would have thought that would be the one thing Hans and I are missing the most?

The other thing that is sorely lacking in my class is books!  It is a new school, but there really is a lack of any children's books.  So many of my favorite lessons center around a fun book like, Bootsie Barker Bites or Pete the Cat.  I'm going to have to do some re-thinking....

I did find "Pete the Cat" on the web and played it for my class.  So great to see them enjoying the same songs as my FUMCN! "I'm rocking...in my school shoes!" (I did have to explain rocking' to them).

As I teach grammar to my class, I learned that the period at the end of the sentence is a "full stop."  Said with a slightly British accent, of course. When singing "The Wheels on the Bus," it's not a horn that goes "beep beep beep" but a hooter!!

Hans and I have been been navigating around in our "new" car.  Mostly shopping for things to furnish our apartment.  Hans found a great deal - except it has no passenger seat....for now....Rather awkward when I offered a co-worker a ride home.  She took one look at the the front, with only a driver's seat and for some reason, chose to take Uber....go figure.

I am driving!! One the wrong-side of the road, with a stick shift (on my left hand) and even the turn signals are on the "wrong" side -- Hans and I always hit the windshield wipers when trying to turn left.  But I feel very proud of myself.  I just keep repeating -- stay on the left, stay on the left.

Finally, there was an issue with a couple of girls on my hall.  A parent emailed and I had to respond, but in French (the one girl is from Senegal).  Some things never change, even in a different language.

That's all for now!  Hans is crafting a longer story for next week.

I thought I was a hard worker....

Hans and I have finished a busy week of Professional Development for both schools -- African Leadership Academy (both of us, Hans as Head of Science and me as Hall Mistress) and Nova Pioneer (where I'll be teaching kindergarten, or Grade R, as it's called here).  The take-away from the week, as Hans put it so well when we had a moment to catch our breath, is that we used to feel like we were hard workers -- until we got to ALA.  The expectation for the staff are incredible, as is the work ethic and talent of everyone here.  I think I am a part of at least 5 (if not more) WhatsApp message groups, not to mention email contact too.  It is exhausting, but inspiring, to a part of such a dedicated group.

The students are just starting to arrive.  They are Y2s (year 2 - of 2 years at ALA) right now. The Y1s (of which Nate is a part of) will come on Monday.  It's exciting to see the life and energy of the students after having been preparing on a pretty quiet campus.  They are very self-assured and polite and will stop and introduce themselves to you with their name and where they're from -- all over the continent!  Nate  will officially join tomorrow, though he has been hanging out with friends that had come early for language training.

I began at Nova Pioneer this week.  This is another dedicated group of educators, with a vision to grow innovators and leaders.  They only began a few years ago so there are still some tweaks to be ironed out.   I work at the Northriding campus, being one of a staff of seven.  It's a nice group so far.  I will be co-teaching Grade R with another teacher and the students arrive Tuesday.  I am busy getting the room ready and learning the curriculum.

Our biggest news is that we bought a car --  a '94 Toyota Conquest.  More about that!

Our Story, thus far

We wanted to make a blog so that all of the wonderful friends and family members back home that supported us, painted with us, cleaned with us and prayed with us, could see where their generosity has led.

Hans arrived August 10 and hit the ground running.  He will be Head of the Science Department as well as teaching Biology.  African Leadership Academy (ALA) uses the Cambridge Curriculum so Hans has been busy getting a handle on a whole new curriculum, as well as duties as Head of the Department AND all the other responsibilities expected of the ALA staff.  ALA is a boarding school for students all over the continent of Africa, and, in order to support their academic career,  ALA is very intentional about creating a sense of community and the staff play a big role in that.  ALA’s mission statement says it all: To transform Africa into a peaceful and prosperous continent by developing and supporting its future leaders.

Nate and I arrived Sunday, Aug 20, after a missed flight in Doha, Qatar!  It wasn't all bad, missing that flight, as Qatar Airways put us up at a very fancy hotel and Nate and I were able to enjoy the luxury as well as catch up on some sleep.  On Monday, we both jumped right in.

Monday and Tuesday were an off-site staff orientation for ALA "Staffulty” (term ALA uses for “staff and faculty).  It was a great chance to learn about the vision of ALA (no less than creating future leaders throughout every county in Africa!) and meet most of the staff and faculty.  This, undoubtably, has to be the most diverse place we have ever, ever been.  There are staff and faculty members from all over the world, and all coming with a background of excellence. It is truly humbling to be here.

Monday night was also our first night experiencing parenting from half-way around the world.  Hans got a call that Maggie got in a car accident somewhere on a Connecticut freeway, returning from visiting my family in PA to Boston.  While it is not a good feeling to be so far at a time like that, it was also good that with technology we were literally with her in that moment.  Maggie is fine! It's just an expensive fender-bender and a good lesson for all of us.

While we were at the all-staff meeting, off-site, Nate spent his first night at ALA.  There is a small group of non-English speaking first years who come early to work on their English before school starts.  Nate joined this group to "help" with their English -- but it was really a great opportunity to meet some of the kids in his Y1 class.  They are from the Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Burundi and other places and they are all fast friends of Nate.  What a praise that he has already started to feel welcome in this amazing community!

As for me, my work begins next week.  I will be trained as Hall Mistress here at ALA and will also be working as a kindergarten teacher (grade R) at a nearby primary school, called Nova Pioneer Jackal Creek.  Jackal Creek is the gated subdivision/gold estate that houses a number of staffulty (that's the term ALA uses for staff and faculty) so I may have a few ALA parents!

We are still in temporary housing (in Jackal Creek) and are looking forward to our little apartment here on campus to be finished so we can move in and start to feel settled.  Hopefully, this coming Monday.

Thanks again for all your help and support and prayers!  I'll send more news next week.