Girls' Advocacy

November 7^th, 2007

Yesterday morning we realized too late that Kate and I were supposed to be in charge of devotions. Oops. So matthewos finished his from the day before.

At the school, Kate and I talked to the 5^th-8^th grade girls (and the older girls in the lower grades) for the purpose of Girls’ Advocacy. For Kate and I, it was a bit tiring saying the same thing 3 times, but it was really good. we essentially told them to pursue education, develop their skills, become confident, exercise their right to make decisions, that they’re equal to boys, that university would be helpful in many ways, how to communicate to their parents how important education is to them, not to get married young, and what occupations they could pursue. Many don’t know about occupations other than doctor or teacher. I think it was a productive time as well. One girl stood and thanked us and said it was a good opportunity for them. At the end, there was question time and some of them asked what they should do about their families’ insistence that hey only do housework. They don’t want to give them time for school and homework. We said that they should communicate to them how important school was to them and to ask if they could set aside time for homework. Another girl said she believed girls weren’t even as capable as boys in learning. I couldn't believe that these things I’ve heard about were true. They actually believe these things! It made me angry, not at the girls, but at the society who told them such lies. While I’m glad that we had that talk, I’m afraid the girls will talk to their parents and get beaten. Beating is so common around here. It disturbs me. Because that one girl thanked us, I hope that if we even helped one person there, then our purpose for being there was fulfilled. Maybe we were an inspiration to her so fight against all odds in order to pursue her dreams. That’s my hope. I felt so inadequate and like I was nobody. Who was I to tell the girls that they could do all those things? I haven’t lived their lives and I don’t know what they go through every day. Yet they listened eagerly and Kassa translated while a female teacher observed. She is had of the Girls’ Club which is held at the school.

One of the boys, Salamou, asked why we were only talking to girls. I said that we were telling them to pursue education. He said, “Only girls?” And I said, “No. it is good for boys to pursue education, but many people tell girls that they should not, so we are telling them that they should.” He smiled and said ok. I can’t help but admire that kid. I never knew how teachers could have favorites, but now I know why. He’s one of those that makes you feel like you are a good teacher. He makes you want to teach.

As I reflect back, I hope that all the things that we said can come true. It is so much easier for Americans because we have more opportunities, there are more finances available, and people are encouraged to pursue education and their dreams. I want to believe everything I said! They will have so many more obstacles in their way that they will just have to try harder and not give up. I guess it’s something to pray for. I just hope the government will become increasingly more interested in the school so they will have more support and materials.

After the clinic, Kate taught (we talked through my period of teaching) and I talked to Kassa. He explained the committees and clubs that the school has. It was quite interesting. They had a Red Cross Club which is trained to carry sick people to the nearest clinic, for example.

At 3 pm we met at the school for a party. A few teachers were being transferred, so it’s a goodbye party for them and Kate and I. they had food. I had to explain about my inability to eat injera and they didn’t take it very well. eyes grew wide as saucers and I was so embarrassed because injera is their staple food. But I ate much spicy meat with some bread instead. There was a coffee ceremony as well. we played a game which was comparable to truth or dare. Each person gets a number and they go in order asking the person a question or daring them to do something that corresponds to the number. Kate had to do something that was cultural. It was a war song. She bellowed because she didn’t know what to do. she said, “I am woman, hear me roar, I will kill you!” someone else took over and did the real thing for her. I answered this question: what is the happiest day of your life and what is your saddest? I said the saddest was when my Grandma Marie died and my happiest was when Caleb asked me to be his girlfriend. They thought that was pretty funny and I couldn’t understand why. Matthewos said it was because people here don’t usually talk about things like that. I thought I had said something wrong.

Afterwards we visited Medema for coffee. We had an awesome time goofing off with her children and asking her questions about her life. her children are adorable. Truwork, the girl cleans around the compound, lives next door to Medema. She made the coffee. Medema is a very sweet mother. We hope to return to say goodbye.

During dinner I talked to Dereje and Alamo. They told me about their families. Dereje told me about all the women he almost married. They showed me pictures of their children and their wives. It was good to get to know them better and share their lives with them. As I got into bed that night I started to feel sick again. I got out of bed and puked. I’m pretty sure it was because I took my malaria pill on an empty stomach. Oops. We’ve had such a hard time with our stomachs. Even Kate had bad acid reflux that night. All that spicy food. She was burping a lot – gross! As I tried to go to sleep again I tried to think about happy thoughts to make me feel better.

This morning I taught and I don’t think I did very well. oh well, it’s almost over. We observed a 1^st grade teacher who kept talking to us and we kept encouraging him to teach instead. It seemed like he was just trying to impress us with his English or something

We heard that Tekle and Bruce will be here sometime, but we’re confused as to when. Getachew is supposed to be back today too. We’ll see. We try not to get excited about specific times because we never know if they will return when they say.

Oh yeah, I can’t forget this. Last night we got our evaluations back. Matthewos said it was difficult to do because the time was so short. But my reliability was marked down when Kate’s wasn’t. I asked why and he said that reliability had to do with being confident and facing fears. TOTALLY WRONG! I was seething. It has to do with being dependable and doing what you’re told to do and expected to do. I was at everything. I got even when Kate was sick! I’m having a difficult time forgiving because I feel like I’ve been wronged. Plus, I faced so many fears while I was here! Just by being here for one. And teaching when I’m not even a teacher! Just because I don’t talk as much as Kate does or always have answers doesn’t mean that I’m not reliable. Ah! Kate and I have different personalities, dangit! The only thing I was truly afraid of was bees. I’m so confused and hurt. We’re going to talk to Bruce and try to change it. he just doesn’t understand because of the language barrier. I mean whose language is English their first language? Kate’s and mine, duh! Kate was angry too. Sorry this blog entry was so angry, but this is how I felt. I have always prided myself on my reliability, so this was a real kick in the stomach.