One Globe, Many Worlds: The Little Things

Living in Buj is like living in a very small town sometimes. Except that there's about 300,000 people. Seriously. But as far as the ex-pat community goes, we all know each other, we all go to the same places, and needless to say, everyone knows everyone's business. Mostly. If you don't keep yourself busy, life can get a bit mundane sometimes. So I've been trying to focus on my kids and my last few months with them at the school--writing lesson plans for the future years I won't be there, and just giving them as many experiences as possible.

A few fun things have happened lately. I can tell I am making more of a connection with my students now--one, their English has improved, and they understand how cool I am now. Two, time is a friend to building relationships. One of them, Patrick, has been writing on his homework papers and tests, "Ndagukunda Madame Melissa" which translates as "I love you Madame Melissa." (Melt my heart why don't you?) One of the girls who used to defiantly run away from me (Ciella) has now figured out that if she comes into the classroom during recess, she can have my undivided attention, which she LOVES. I usually just read a book to her or we draw together. One of my favorite little cuties (am I allowed to say that?), Ami Diel, and I have a new joke going on. Last week, he tells me that he has a pet lion at home. I ask him if he rides it to school, and he says he only rides it to church. Some days, I ask him what his lion is doing while he is at school. He tells me he's cooking or taking a nap in the shade. This week he started ripping off corners of his homework. When I asked him why his homework was ripped, he said his lion was hungry.

They have come so far. I LOVE being able to communicate with them better and see little pieces of their creative personalities. Just appreciating those small bits of progress. Just enjoying little things.