Concientizacion y Otros Pensamientos: Poco a poco

Little by little I'm feeling more a part of the rhythm of life here. On Friday, I had a Skype date with the girl who taught my kiddos last year. It was so great to touch base about her curriculum from last year, and learn about the routines and behavior management that worked for her. Knowing what has come before makes my life so much easier!! I definitely have more peace about school tomorrow, and am excited to try using things the kids know from last year. One of our struggles here has been that every teacher keeps re-inventing the wheel. Things like having access to the previous teacher's curriculum, having an overall vision for the program, and working together (novel ideas, I know) are things that the small group of survivors left here are trying to work on. We are hoping to help build a more sustainable program, and make the road easier for future teachers.

This week has been really rejuvenating for me. I have finally met a ton of the women of UPAVIM! This is such an important thing to feel like you belong here. We threw a party on Friday night for the women, and it was great to meet so many of them, talk, and joke around. I also went to an exercise class this week, and it was so much fun to workout, chat and laugh together. I started drawing again (it's been like a year since I've drawn!), and I found out I get Netflix here! It's been nice to rediscover my creature comforts, and to have things outside of the school day to look forward to. My roommate also left for 2 weeks to attend language school, and last night was my first night in my own room in over 5 weeks! There is something so simple and amazing about having your own room. Tomorrow I start teaching English classes in the evening with the women.

To be sure, we still have our mountains of challenges. For instance, we've lost water on the roof, so showers no longer exist, laundry cannot be washed - we are a smelly group of teachers up here. The school is still in disarray with all the changes of directors and teachers, and my kids still hit each other. And. . .I'm still living in a slum.

But, this has been my best week so far. Full of my most successful teaching moments here to date, lots of R and R, and more things are happening to help me feel more part of UPAVIM.

My kiddos!