Tondoka

Something that always threw me off when I was first learning Oshiwambo was the type of questions and statements people would make. They would always state the obvious like, "You are here." The funny thing is they always expect you to respond, "I am here." You can replace here for eating, walking, running, coming, going, working, whatever they see you doing. Everyday I come home from school and my host grandmother always asks where I'm coming from. Well, I'm dressed in a collared shirt with dress pants, even if I had severe amnesia I could probably figure it out with a glance in the mirror.

I used to consider myself a part time runner but had given up the practice when I came to Namibia. I'm happy to say that I've begun a new routine of self punishment called 'the running.' Every other day I hit the sandy paths of the village and slowly jog around. Everyone I meet says, "Oto tondoka (You are running)" and I just have to respond, "Andi tondoka (I'm running)!" Maybe they just want to make sure that I know what I'm doing. Some people are completely confused by the spectacle of someone running with no livestock involved. While I was running one day, a learner asked me why I would want to be tired for no reason. He started jogging with me and I went through a laundry list of reasons why it's good to stay active. He eventually had to break off because his donkeys couldn't keep pace. So I now know that I have more endurance than a donkey, which is nice.

I'm also proud to announce that I finished another term of teaching. Learners are taking their exams for the next three weeks, why three weeks still bewilders me. I've been pounding out some kick ass spreadsheets complete with nested if statements and a graphs of what I'll do with all my extra time not planning lessons. I think I'll get back to reading the canon.

A while back I went to Okahandja to meet the new group of PC trainees. They're in the health program and all have a varied set of jobs in Namibia. I presented a session on diversity in Namibia, I think it gave them something to think about (I hope). It really took me back to when I first came here some odd months ago, honestly I lost count. It became abundantly clear I don't have that much time left. A wise man once said, "Such a long long time to be gone and short time to be here." Those words become truer everyday.

The rains haven't made up their mind if they're going to leave or stay. I adore the rain, don't get me wrong, but when can I stop bringing a rain jacket everywhere I go? At least the clouds provide something pretty to make photos of.


Our mahangu field is in its prime right now. There are spindly gourd and watermelon vines crawling throughout.


Here are some of those confused clouds, not sure if they want to make a beautiful sunset or a raucous thunderstorm.


My morning commute. Most learners have to walk about 4 or 5km to school everyday. During the rainy season that means taking off shoes and rolling up pants are part of the routine. Here are some learners in the final leg of their walk to school. They're cleaning off their feet before putting their socks and shoes on. I just wear my chacos to school during the rainy season now.


Here's Shalongo savoring every last cookie crumb. I do quite a bit of baking and usually end up giving half of it away to my host family.


Peace out...