Handing out backpacks to my homeroom |
I am still processing the trip to Malawi. Part of me still cannot believe that we actually pulled it off. It still is a memory that seems artificial — even with the photos, videos and stories. To have this idea of a camp in a small African country thousands of miles away and then to follow through is an accomplishment.
The friends who participated in Camp Malawi really blew me away. Without their dedication, this would have never happened. None of us are teachers and yet when we arrived each morning in the classroom and became just that.
Riding Malawi's roads in our rented van. |
I remember at the end of each camp day thinking, "Teaching is the most underrated, overworked and unappreciated profession in the world!". I had heard that, but really didn't believe it. Now I believe it. It takes so much energy to stand up in front of a group of students and convey a message and lesson. That is one thing that I was not prepared for.
The Blue Hippos excitedly examine their backpacks. |
My greatest memory from the trip was when we gave out the backpacks to the kids in homeroom on the last day. I really felt like Oprah — "You get a new backpack! You get a new backpack! Everybody gets a new backpack!!" The reaction from the kids was unbelievable. They were jumping up and down and screaming and hugging. One kid yelled "God Bless You!" It was very moving and very humbling. The kids were so appreciative and thankful. We learned so much from them.
I'm still adjusting back to NYC pace of life. It's strange to try to program myself back and to plug away in our over-materialized society full of very other priorities.
I really respect my mom even more now because it must be incredibly difficult to live life straddling between two cultures — not really able to call either one "home".
Sunrise in Kande Beach, near the WAO Academy.
Comments
As to: "to plug away in our over-materialized society full of very other priorities"...that is why it became so difficult for me to work in the industry and take people seriously. How can I pretend to care that they are upset about having styrofoam plates when there are people who don't eat!!!
Posted by: Shannon Rody | October 22, 2008 10:54 AM