Student reflects on daily experiences in Zambia This morning, I woke up at 5:45 a.m. to workout with some of my group. Classes started at 6:30 a.m. I thought these early mornings were going to be horrible, but it really has not been bad since the sun rises so early. Mr. Siazyiu taught the Chitonga language class this morning, and then Mr.Munga came for our African history lesson. It is so interesting having African teachers teaching us about their culture. The power went out this morning during class and was out for most of the day. Sometimes the power works, and sometimes it does not.Today, it was out because a monkey was fried in the power lines. Several of our students have parasites and have been very sick. Before leaving the States, we were warned that we all will get sick at some point during our stay in Africa. We went to chapel at the George Benson Christian College. I was able to sit and talk with my Chitonga tutor, Pumolo, for a little while after chapel. She is a third year college student and is planning on graduating after she takes her state exams.Tonight, she is coming over, so I can teach her how to make brownies. She has never made them before. Tomorrow, she is teaching me how to make nsima, the staple food here in Zambia which consists of mainly water and cornmeal. I am glad that we are able to interact with so many Zambians on a regular basis. After chapel, I went to the basic school where I taught math and English in grade 4.There were 55 students in my class, and they were all split into groups based on how well they do on their exams. “The Bananas”, the smartest group, are 40 pages ahead of the rest of the class.There is a constant low murmur in the class because of the peer teaching that takes place since the teacher is not able to spend one on one time with any student. The kids teach each other the concepts, or they cheat. The children either grasp the concept or are unmotivated and do not even try. It is definitely a struggle for the teachers because there are so many students and so few teachers. On my way home from the basic school, I stopped by the various orphanages, Eric’s House, Haven I and Haven II, to play with the children that I have come to love. They are all orphans, ranging in ages from a couple of days old to college kids. Jennifer, who is 22 and was adopted at five days old by the Merritts who run Eric’s House, has become my best Zambian friend. She lives at Eric’s House, and she runs the house when her parents are away. She is so much fun and has an incredible heart. I am so blessed to know her. At Haven I, they were testing the babies for AIDS. Several have tested positive, so they must be tested a second time to know for sure.The medical students were able to take part in the testing. Also, they have been able to work in the clinic on a regular basis which has been a great experience for them. Tomorrow we are going to the Kisibi village. We will be listening to a traditional band and dancing. I am very excited. I love watching the kids dance, and I love watching them try to teach their Makua (white) friends how to dance. Every day is full of exciting and unpredictable experiences. It has been great to be totally immersed in a different culture, and I am so thankful we have been able to know and love so many Zambians. I will miss this country and these people. It has become a home away from home for all of us. I would write more, but I’m off to play volleyball with the college team which is made up of several National Champion players.We’re supposed to play at three even though they probably will not be there until closer to four.This is Africa. [Sarah Hackney] Dear journal... 130 [people]
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