I want to throw out there that I have never been good with keeping up communications. I rarely write people back, never return phone calls, I've started at least 10 journals that lasted about a week... I guess it is really no surprise that I fail at updating this blog. Habit die hard people.
Instead of trying to fill you in on the many adventures I've had, I'll save them so I can have some fresh stories when I come home. Also, there are a ton of new pics on my facebook for your entertainment. I will however share my crazy summer schedule with you!
So,
much like the American school system, our students get summers off to buy ice
creams from trucks, play in the street, yell things at foreigners, and
generally cause trouble around the villages.
My center claims to be trying a new plan this summer. The director wants
our students to come to the center two days a week. Normally I would be all for
this continuation of routine, ability to keep learning, etc. the problem is
that our school has no A.C., only two of the classes have working ceiling fans,
and the temperature here reaches 120°F
in the summer. So far no one seems to know what day the students are supposed
to be at the school and what they will be doing while there.
I, in the meantime, have an enormous classroom renovation project
to start. I am going to paint the four classrooms. Before you "pshaw"
my endeavor and write it off as a small task, I want you to look at the classrooms
currently, and my sweet designs for them.
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| the old room... |
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| Room 1 picnic theme |
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| other wall-picnic |
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| Room 2 before |
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| Room 2: beach! this is the chalkboard wall |
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| Room 2 Beach |
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| Room 2 |
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| room 2 (my favorite) |
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| Room 3 before (don't mind the people) |
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| Room 3: circus (with colors and shapes to practice) |
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| Room 3: circus (practice counting with monkeys) |
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| Room 3 |
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| Room 4: before, also army child? |
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| Room 4: Woods/flowers (I'm gonna get pics and put them in the flower center) |
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| Room 4: visual calendar |
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| Room 4 (Hearing disabilities room, the hand signs/ arabic for the alphabet go in the apples) |
Yeah. "pshaw" now, I dare you.
Of course this isn’t going to be done for free, so I am
currently seeking funding above and beyond USAID that gives PC grants. I want
to use that grant possibility to get new classroom furniture for the students
and not on my smaller, less expensive project. I just believe that with a
happier, visually interesting learning environment, students and teachers will
be motivated and hopefully gain some energy from the new looks. I'm still
figure out the price tag, but I'll try to remember to keep everyone updated on
the progress.
The kids being in the center, maybe, could be a unique
opportunity to let them (and the teachers!) learn a new skill, work on motor
skills, visual perception, colors, etc…and and that being in the center can be
fun! On the other hand, it will clearly make my timeline for completion longer.
I would say it would be worth it to see them having such a great time.
So, the days I am in village, that is my grand undertaking!
Unfortunately for the project, but fortunately for my sanity, I will be helping
other volunteers around Jordan with various summer camps. Obviously my life
would not be complete with at least one camp oriented activity in the summer.
Rotary Camp, you did this to me. I would maybe implode without camp. Most of
the camps are Brain Camps. I think I posted information about this program
before, but here it is again: http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.media.press.view&news_id=1817
There are some unique camps as well, for instance, I just
finished a 5 day SpEducation camp. There were three centers that participated.
Volunteers staffed different stations that the children rotated through. I
think the stations were: arts/crafts, yoga, science, games, relay races, music,
soccer, and karate. It was fun to see the students engaging in new activities
and gaining self-esteem as the days continued. Here are some pics!
Along with that, I hope to be helping with a martial arts
based character development for girls camp (CDMA-Girl Power). It is a camp
created by a previous PCV in Jordan. The program focuses on teaching basic
self-defense to girls, while helping increase self-esteem and confidence
through the character development curriculum. I took the training and I LOVED
IT! Who know I would enjoy hitting people and throwing them to the ground.
Clearly this is going to be a new hobby.
Oh! I will also be helping in the Drama portion of a three
day English immersion summer camp in Aqaba. It is gorgeous in Aqaba and I can't
wait to have a mini reunion with the other volunteers during the evenings.
Right before Aqaba, I will be helping with Operation Smile
again in Amman. My past experience with the mission was phenomenal and I know
this larger mission is going to have just as much impact on my time here.
So as you can see, my summer is going to fly by…until
Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of fasting for Islamic culture. It is illegal to
eat or drink anything (water included!) during the hours of sunlight. Because
of this, the whole country basically stops. They fast all day and then have
extravagant meals in the evening. I'm excited to see how this works in Jordan
and to participate some of the days, but it will surely be excruciatingly slow
during that month. Lucky for me, I will be going to Turkey and Tel Aviv for a
week during Ramadan. My friend and I are ready to go exploring for a bit away
from Jordan. I am positive I will need a break by August, especially with all
this running around Jordan.
I feel like this is plenty long, so I'll try to update about
the camps and rooms as they happen. I'll also take a million pictures, because
let's be honest, they are the best part. Let me know if you have any
questions/comments/painting tips!
Oh-I might do a brief conspiracy theory post about Syria
soon. I give you fair warning.
