Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Turning of the Tide
We woke up early, turned on the television and were greeted with the election results. What a great day to be an American. We finally got it right. Regardless of political affiliation it is impossible to deny that something historic has unfolded. Finn clapped and Chase teared up as images filled the screen of people around the world celebrated a barrier being broken and optimism emerging from a long slumber. President Elect Obama even took time out of his busy schedule to personally email me a note of thanks for making it happen. (You’re welcome. I’m still waiting for my t-shirt.) It’s hard to really understand the magnitude of his victory and even harder to describe the feeling I have without avoiding the tired clichés that have been thrown around. Our friend Jessica told Chase today she was now trying to figure out what she can do to help Obama and the country now that he had won. It seems to me that this is the essence of transformational leadership. For the first time in a long time, the majority of the people are engaged and interested in wanting to contribute to a cause greater than their own self-interest. “Ask not what your country can do for you…” He has inspired that in us. The locals in my office don’t really share much with me on a personal level. Few talked to me about the election before today, and to be fair I have not really offered up my views. But it was clear that most knew what outcome I was hoping for when I came into the office today. People I rarely talk to congratulated me, and their pride for Obama’s victory was on full display. So many people were downloading videos of his acceptance speech that our internet was temporarily stalled. I hoped Obama would win, but did not anticipate the overwhelming reaction. When was the last time there were feelings this strong? Much has been made about the fact that he will be the first African American president. Ok, crossing that line is huge. But I honestly believe the feeling of hope (overly used word but what else do you call it?) has more to do with the man than it does with his color. How else to explain the excitement from so many corners of the U.S. and the world? This was more than a black-white thing. I will tell you, and Chase will probably agree, that I am a much more cynical person than I was when I started down my international development career path. For all my posturing of being an idealist, I certainly question our government’s motives and what we can really accomplish more than I did when I graduated from college. This is sad, and I can’t really blame one person or one administration for this. But for the first time in a long time, I feel like things can get better and people are looking to our country to lead the way again and might actually follow. Chase asked me when Obama declared his intention to run if I thought he could win. I said I didn’t think so, the country wasn’t ready. I have never been happier to be proven wrong.
YES WE CAN!
Several summers ago, the high school students at SEED were required to read, Dreams from My Father. Even though I taught in the middle school, I couldn't pass up a free book. I remember my exact words in my response to Ian's question as to what I thought of the book: "We need someone like him to be the President!"
Needless to say, a year or so later when Obama announced that he was running for President, I was elated! I don't even have the words to describe how I feel right now!
The last time we lived abroad coincided with the beginning of the Iraq war. I told people that I was Swiss. It was rare to hear anything positive about our country, especially the President. Today is a new day. I want everyone to know that I am American. This morning I put on my Obama t-shirt and made sure that I was out and about town. I wasn't really expecting any type of response....but let me tell you, I got one! I think the locals were pleasantly surprised that I voted for Obama. I can't tell you how many "congratulations" I received.
For many reasons, I wish that we were in DC today for this historic moment. The main one being that I would give anything to be with my students. I would give anything to be their teacher today - to greet them as they entered my classroom knowing that Barack Obama will be our next President. I have these incredible images of some of my former students, particularly, the young men. I imagine them walking with their heads up, and their eyes wide open - so much that you can actually see them begin to realize a new sense of hope. Not just a glimpse of it, but a tangible hope, one that they can reach out and grab.
As we watched Obama deliver his speech (it was already Weds. morning here), I cheered and I cried. I'm still overwhelmed with emotion and I am finding it difficult to articulate my thougts. For lack of a better phrase...it feels good to be an American.
Needless to say, a year or so later when Obama announced that he was running for President, I was elated! I don't even have the words to describe how I feel right now!
The last time we lived abroad coincided with the beginning of the Iraq war. I told people that I was Swiss. It was rare to hear anything positive about our country, especially the President. Today is a new day. I want everyone to know that I am American. This morning I put on my Obama t-shirt and made sure that I was out and about town. I wasn't really expecting any type of response....but let me tell you, I got one! I think the locals were pleasantly surprised that I voted for Obama. I can't tell you how many "congratulations" I received.
For many reasons, I wish that we were in DC today for this historic moment. The main one being that I would give anything to be with my students. I would give anything to be their teacher today - to greet them as they entered my classroom knowing that Barack Obama will be our next President. I have these incredible images of some of my former students, particularly, the young men. I imagine them walking with their heads up, and their eyes wide open - so much that you can actually see them begin to realize a new sense of hope. Not just a glimpse of it, but a tangible hope, one that they can reach out and grab.
As we watched Obama deliver his speech (it was already Weds. morning here), I cheered and I cried. I'm still overwhelmed with emotion and I am finding it difficult to articulate my thougts. For lack of a better phrase...it feels good to be an American.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
"More" & Old MacDonald
Finn is finally starting to use the signs we taught him. In this video we captured the first time he used the sign for "more."
Check out Finn, Faith and Patience singing "Old MacDonald"
Check out Finn, Faith and Patience singing "Old MacDonald"
Baby Einstein and a Heavy Dose of Reality
It rained. This was remarkable for the fact that it was the first significant rain I have seen in my almost six months here. The winds came in Thursday night, followed by lots of thunder and lightening that gave Findley a fright and mom and dad an excuse to have him sleep with us. Friday morning arrived with grey skies and a steady drizzle that lasted most of the day. I felt the same way I do in Washington DC when the temperatures rise and the sun comes through after a long winter. I resisted the urge to run outside, jump in the puddles and belt out the chorus to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have you Ever Seen the Rain?”
Our good friend Kate Maloney recently mailed us about the lack of new blog entries. (Thank you for noticing Kate.) Truth be told, the blog exists, and survives, largely because of the efforts of Chase. If Findley will start doing more chores around the house and sleeping another six or hours so during the day, we will write more postings. I’ve spoken with him about this and he says he will try to start pulling his own weight. Speaking of Findley, it turns out we have the smartest and cutest kid in the world. He isn’t walking yet, but he crawls with the speed and tenacity of the Road Runner, and he is into everything now. I now know what it is like to be a doting parent whose child can do no wrong. He can clap on command, wave hello and goodbye, make the sign for fan, and signal “more” when he is eating something he likes. Judging from the way mom and dad exalt in each new thing he does, you would think his accomplishments are on the level of him finding a cure for cancer or bringing about world peace. (Give him time.) We are obsessed and it's verging on pathetic.
My other news is that Chase has encountered an exciting new opportunity. Through a friend of a friend, she connected with a Peace Corps volunteer heading up a teen club for Botswana HIV-positive teens. There is an amazing clinic here in Gaborone called the Botswana-Baylor Clinical Center of Excellence. It was created through a public private partnership between the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, Botswana’s Princess Marina Hospital and the Government of Botswana. The facility is state-of-the-art and the first of its kind on the continent. More than 1800 children and adolescents are treated there, serving a huge need in a country ravaged by AIDS. The teen club is basically a support group for adolescents being treated at the clinic. Chase approached them about volunteering time, and it turns out to be a perfect fit in terms of her background in youth development (previously with Red Cross/Red Crescent)and the plans they have to build and expand the teen club into regions outside of Gaborone.
She started last week, and will be building a curriculum and traveling to different villages in Botswana to start new clubs. Her experience will be a huge contribution to the clinic’s outreach efforts, and it gives us a chance to travel to some places outside of Gaborone. On Saturday we went to the monthly gathering of the teen club in Gaborone. Every meeting offers a different experience for the kids. Last month they were treated to a day with the national soccer team in Botswana. This month, the clinic brought in people from different professions to talk about their jobs. Sort of a “career” day where the teens heard from a doctor, police man, nutritionist, model (kind of an odd addition to the speaker panel but one that was appreciated, especially by the boys) and others talk about what they do and what it took to get to where they are. The message: don’t let anyone tell you that can’t do something; anything is possible.
It’s a daunting prospect in many ways working with this population. You see these kids, all of them HIV-positive (most born with HIV and carrying it into their teen years) and they are poor and some of them obviously suffering physically. But for a day at least they are carefree and allowed to just be themselves. We met some amazing kids during the meeting, and I am really proud of Chase for taking this on. The whole day also gave me pause to realize how lucky we are to have a healthy boy. Anyway, for all the crap that exists in this world, there is reason for optimism and it exists in places like the Baylor clinic. So take heart.
Our good friend Kate Maloney recently mailed us about the lack of new blog entries. (Thank you for noticing Kate.) Truth be told, the blog exists, and survives, largely because of the efforts of Chase. If Findley will start doing more chores around the house and sleeping another six or hours so during the day, we will write more postings. I’ve spoken with him about this and he says he will try to start pulling his own weight. Speaking of Findley, it turns out we have the smartest and cutest kid in the world. He isn’t walking yet, but he crawls with the speed and tenacity of the Road Runner, and he is into everything now. I now know what it is like to be a doting parent whose child can do no wrong. He can clap on command, wave hello and goodbye, make the sign for fan, and signal “more” when he is eating something he likes. Judging from the way mom and dad exalt in each new thing he does, you would think his accomplishments are on the level of him finding a cure for cancer or bringing about world peace. (Give him time.) We are obsessed and it's verging on pathetic.
My other news is that Chase has encountered an exciting new opportunity. Through a friend of a friend, she connected with a Peace Corps volunteer heading up a teen club for Botswana HIV-positive teens. There is an amazing clinic here in Gaborone called the Botswana-Baylor Clinical Center of Excellence. It was created through a public private partnership between the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, Botswana’s Princess Marina Hospital and the Government of Botswana. The facility is state-of-the-art and the first of its kind on the continent. More than 1800 children and adolescents are treated there, serving a huge need in a country ravaged by AIDS. The teen club is basically a support group for adolescents being treated at the clinic. Chase approached them about volunteering time, and it turns out to be a perfect fit in terms of her background in youth development (previously with Red Cross/Red Crescent)and the plans they have to build and expand the teen club into regions outside of Gaborone.
She started last week, and will be building a curriculum and traveling to different villages in Botswana to start new clubs. Her experience will be a huge contribution to the clinic’s outreach efforts, and it gives us a chance to travel to some places outside of Gaborone. On Saturday we went to the monthly gathering of the teen club in Gaborone. Every meeting offers a different experience for the kids. Last month they were treated to a day with the national soccer team in Botswana. This month, the clinic brought in people from different professions to talk about their jobs. Sort of a “career” day where the teens heard from a doctor, police man, nutritionist, model (kind of an odd addition to the speaker panel but one that was appreciated, especially by the boys) and others talk about what they do and what it took to get to where they are. The message: don’t let anyone tell you that can’t do something; anything is possible.
It’s a daunting prospect in many ways working with this population. You see these kids, all of them HIV-positive (most born with HIV and carrying it into their teen years) and they are poor and some of them obviously suffering physically. But for a day at least they are carefree and allowed to just be themselves. We met some amazing kids during the meeting, and I am really proud of Chase for taking this on. The whole day also gave me pause to realize how lucky we are to have a healthy boy. Anyway, for all the crap that exists in this world, there is reason for optimism and it exists in places like the Baylor clinic. So take heart.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
A Sense of Purpose
A new friend of mine teaches at one of the International Schools in Gaborone. She told me that one of her colleagues was going on maternity leave and that I could apply for the position. I met with the Head of School and learned that it was a 3 month position for Standard 4 (equivalent of 4th grade). I explained that both my qualifications and experience are for secondary education and wasn't sure if the job would be a good fit. He then invited me to come and shadow the class for a day. After my observation, I was very excited and wanted the job. A few days later, I called the Head of School to tell him I was interested and wanted to know the next steps. I left this message with the receptionist. After relaying my message to him, the receptionist called back to tell me the job was mine. To make a long story short, I didn't get the job. The receptionist made a mistake. Apparently a former teacher of the school returned to the area and she will be covering the maternity leave. Makes perfect sense, as she is much more qualified and familiar with the school. But how embarrassing / disappointing!!!
Coincidentally, the very next day I had an appointment with Ed, a Peace Corps volunteer. He is working at the Botswana-Baylor Clinic, the largest university-based program worldwide dedicated to improving the health and lives of HIV-positive children. Because of this clinic, which opened in 2003, fewer children are being hospitilized because of HIV/AIDS realted illnesses and even fewer are dying. The number of adolescents in Botswana under the clinc's care is increasing rapidly - primarily a result of children who were born with HIV are surviving into their teenage years. As a result, the Botswana-Baylor Clinic has already spearheaded a number of medical and psychosocial interventions for its teen patients, including a comprehensive Adolescent Clinic and Teen Club. Ed runs the Teen Club. Since he started working here in May, the club has increased at a rate of 20% a month. There are now almost 100 teen participants. Therefore, my meeting with him came at the perfect time. He needs help!
The mission of the Teen Club is "to provide a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for HIV-positive adolescents to build positive relationships, increase their self-esteem, and reinforce positive habits that will ensure a healthy transition into adulthood." So far, the Club Meetings have been mostly recreational. Ed has a vision to implement a life-skills component and this is where I come in...while so many "life-skill" programs exist, there are not any that are catered to HIV positive teens. So my task is to create a curriculum that fits their need. I will also help Ed run the current Teen Club in Gabs while also starting others in satellite locations.
This opportunity is perfect for so many reasons including:
#1. I finally have a window into the Botswana culture. So far, we've experienced the "expat" life and have found it difficult to truly experience the Botswana culture.
#2. I get to learn Setswana (the local language)
#3. While I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have spent Finn's first 10 and 1/2 months with him all day, every day, we both need some independence!
#4. The opportunity gives me a purpose, something I feel has been missing, and also a chance to give back.
Coincidentally, the very next day I had an appointment with Ed, a Peace Corps volunteer. He is working at the Botswana-Baylor Clinic, the largest university-based program worldwide dedicated to improving the health and lives of HIV-positive children. Because of this clinic, which opened in 2003, fewer children are being hospitilized because of HIV/AIDS realted illnesses and even fewer are dying. The number of adolescents in Botswana under the clinc's care is increasing rapidly - primarily a result of children who were born with HIV are surviving into their teenage years. As a result, the Botswana-Baylor Clinic has already spearheaded a number of medical and psychosocial interventions for its teen patients, including a comprehensive Adolescent Clinic and Teen Club. Ed runs the Teen Club. Since he started working here in May, the club has increased at a rate of 20% a month. There are now almost 100 teen participants. Therefore, my meeting with him came at the perfect time. He needs help!
The mission of the Teen Club is "to provide a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for HIV-positive adolescents to build positive relationships, increase their self-esteem, and reinforce positive habits that will ensure a healthy transition into adulthood." So far, the Club Meetings have been mostly recreational. Ed has a vision to implement a life-skills component and this is where I come in...while so many "life-skill" programs exist, there are not any that are catered to HIV positive teens. So my task is to create a curriculum that fits their need. I will also help Ed run the current Teen Club in Gabs while also starting others in satellite locations.
This opportunity is perfect for so many reasons including:
#1. I finally have a window into the Botswana culture. So far, we've experienced the "expat" life and have found it difficult to truly experience the Botswana culture.
#2. I get to learn Setswana (the local language)
#3. While I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have spent Finn's first 10 and 1/2 months with him all day, every day, we both need some independence!
#4. The opportunity gives me a purpose, something I feel has been missing, and also a chance to give back.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Hashing Again
Since our first hash experience, we've only done two others. They were two entirely different experiences, both giving us the opportunity to enjoy two different flavors of Botswana. One was out in the bush (similar to the first experience), however, it had an unexpected surprise. For the first half, I carried Finn in the bjorn while Ian ran. After walking through the desert for a good 45 minutes, we turned a corner, and suddenly right in front of us, we were pleasantly surprised by water. Yep, Gaborone has a damn. I see a sign for it on the side of the road every day, but I had no idea that this damn was so big and so beautiful. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera so you will have to trust me. At the half way point, Finn got to go with his dad, while I went with the runners. I sure did get tricked. The run suddenly became a "rock climb." A photograph is the only way I can explain. We went back the next day so I could take a picture of what I climbed over. Even though I returned with plenty of cuts and bruises, the view was worth it. Keep in mind, as you run in the hash, you have no idea where you are supposed to be going. You just follow this powdered trail. 
The following week, the hash was in the city. It was actually hosted by an American couple who live on our street. I was thrilled to know that it was a "stroller friendly" hash. I'm so glad we went because it gave us a more realistic flavor...a local flavor of Gaborone. For example, our beer stop was the place where the locals buy their alcoholic beverages (illegally), but other basic/legal commodities as well. It was an old run down bus converted into a shop. 
Finn made a handful of botswana boys who were fascinated by his stroller. Hopefully this video will give you the idea:
These boys ended up following us all the way back. Fortunately the host gave each of them a soda.
The following week, the hash was in the city. It was actually hosted by an American couple who live on our street. I was thrilled to know that it was a "stroller friendly" hash. I'm so glad we went because it gave us a more realistic flavor...a local flavor of Gaborone. For example, our beer stop was the place where the locals buy their alcoholic beverages (illegally), but other basic/legal commodities as well. It was an old run down bus converted into a shop. 
Finn made a handful of botswana boys who were fascinated by his stroller. Hopefully this video will give you the idea: These boys ended up following us all the way back. Fortunately the host gave each of them a soda.
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