So my birthday was earlier this month, and I admit it was one for the books.
It started the weekend of 3 June, two weeks before my actual birthday. I hadn’t planned on going to town, but I needed to make copies, so I figured that I would go in on Friday and head back to site that night or the next morning.
By the time I trekked with Lauren all over town to buy paper, pick up mail, check in at the office (free internet), and finally stop by the town council office that offers free copies for ministry employees, the sun was beginning to set. I make the poor worker stay late on a Friday evening to finish making the 150 copies of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for my learners, then took my 1500 pieces of paper, mail, laptop, and few groceries to the Rundu volunteers’ house.
The house was dark, concerning me because that would mean we were locked out, and it was getting pretty dark out. However, Lauren didn’t seem at all concerned, which should have been a sign knowing Lauren. I didn’t think much about it because at this point my out-of-shape booty was tired of moving and hauling (I write that as I look out my classroom door at a woman with a jerrycan of water on her head, probably headed 15km into the bush). Anyway, I was completely taken aback by what met me inside.
I realized it was a surprise party immediately. I just didn’t realize it was for me. My friend and an excellent volunteer near Etosha, Julie, had been trying to get up to Rundu for my birthday, but conferences the weekends before and after was deeming it impossible. But, being the amazing person she is, she took off work and traveled up two weeks early, inviting friends from all around, to celebrate. In all, I think there were around 15 of us, from the Caprivi to Ovamboland. Joe even came down the unfinished tar road (read: the majority is still gravel/sand and very very slow driving—it took him an overnight trip and about a total of 20 hours to get to us!). There was lasagna, dancing, cake, whisky, tours of the town, and much ado. I can’t express how grateful I am to have made so many American friends in this country—without them, I don’t think I would survive.
I am a very lucky girl, and I come from an amazing place with great friends and family, and as special as that makes me feel, it can be extremely hard for me to be away from all of that for such a long time, especially in a place that literally shocks or depressed me almost every single day. Not that Namibia doesn’t have its own strengths and memories, but I have been so spoiled with love back in the States that I never really imagined a life in a community where relationships don’t exist in the same way, one in which I have no one to talk to. Luckily, I have found people who, although may not live far, are willing to sacrifice to visit and call me, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Back to the birthday—on my actual birthday, I put on my favourite dress (with leggings, a scarf, and coat, of course!) and went to school at 6:45 like any other day. Except on this day I was carrying brownies. And wearing makeup and contacts. And convinced not to let anything get me down.
In the staffroom, I was immediately showered with hugs and greetings. The first thing we did in our morning briefing (before praying!) was sing happy birthday and count out the years, leading to a new round of hugs and shouts. I have never felt so much a part of my community. As for class, we have been reading Willy Wonka, and the following day was going to be a holiday, so I showed some of Tim Burton’s movie in each of my classes (it’s the only version I have!). When I entered my 8A class, which wasn’t even on the schedule, my kids had written Happy Birthday Miss Julie on the board, and they immediately sang four rounds of happy birthday, including on in RuKwangali. A learner even made me a beautiful card.
But the fun doesn’t end there! Lauren and Amy visited from nearby villages and we hung out with the learners who were preparing for circuit culture (traditional dance) competition and talked to my debaters a bit. Then we took to making a cake in my crappy little oven. It was pretty hilarious and came out terribly, but we made a mocha frosting for the top and managed to eat the whole thing come morning the next day.
While baking and enjoying a glass of wine, my roommates came home with my colleague. They had gone to town to buy things for the culture competition and surprised me with a gift bag containing a photo album, card, and jewelry box. It was amazing, considering gifts aren’t traditionally or often exchanged. Then we booty danced to my roommates rap music video while the rats tapped out their own dance overhead.
Eventually, we made our way to Tracy’s, the new health volunteer in my community, beneath the light of a full moon. There, we made pizza and observed a lunar eclipse!! Overall, it was a great birthday, and although I miss my friends and family from home dearly, the whole celebration was a delightful reminder of the human spirit.
In other recent news, I have been very very busy lately!! I am currently working on several projects, including writing a grant for sports facilities (club-level basketball and netball courts and soccer field), we just had EWA (a gender equality, HIV/AIDS education and leadership conference), and two weekends ago I took my team to a regional debate competition, where I coached, adjudicated, and kept time. Between that and a recent conference on Grade 10 national examinations, I have made many contacts recently, and I am feeling like a big part of the English education community in my region. It doesn’t do too much for my daily activities in the village, but knowing people at events is something to look forward to. Not to mention, it should help me find some materials for improving (read: rebuilding completely) the school’s library. I am also writing parts of the regional English exam for grades 8 and 9, and helping a community member organize his grant proposals for several projects like a jam business and a media centre consisting of a copier, printers, etc.
At the school level, as mentioned, we recently won culture for the circuit and will compete in regional’s soon. We also have a spelling bee, quiz competition (like trivia), science fair, and talent show coming up. I am also on the committee for organizing a retirement party for one of the elders (read: 50-something-year-old woman) at the primary school.
In three weeks, I head to Windhoek for my mid-service (almost half-over already?!) and All-Volunteer Conference, where Tracy and I hope to present a video about A Day in the Life at Rupara, which I will post as soon as I can!
Internet access is limited for the next three weeks, but I am also working on that! The school has to pay for it, but I think enough teachers are willing to contribute so it might happen before year-end!
As for the post title, it's cold here. Like real cold. That's all!
