Thursday, June 28, 2012

Moding Primary: Hard Work Pays

06/27/12 Wednesday

Wednesday was such a day to look forward to. Not only did we stay in a Moding student's house, we also got to teach classes and play in a soccer match!

 

Some of us woke up a bit late in the morning, and everyone was tired and also nervous for the day. We didn't know what to expect for the overnight stay. Zach, however, explained a little to us about what to expect from them and told us not to worry. In Kenya, having visitors in their house was considered a blessing. Simply being in the house is a blessing to them.

So off we went to from the mission house on to the bumpy road then all the way to Moding. It seems like the daily had became usual even though it's only been 3 days. Today was special, as we went to Moding Primary School before we went to the high school. When we arrived, all the students were so excited. Yelling and screaming from the kids greeted us. Everyone was curious at what these "m'uzungus" look like. We all went to say hi to them, while they greeted us happily. Also, don't forget to sign in in the visitor's book! That's important in Kenyan culture, to embrace the visitors and let them leave a mark behind. And the gift-giving? They lost it! All the markers, crayons, and toys made them crazy! Everyone extended their necks, eager to see what awesome gifts we brought for them.




Not long after, we left and went to Moding High School once again. Then the fun came. We listened to some Moding students teach us about African geography, evolution of Man, agriculture, and parasites. Though the lessons were long, it was very interesting to learn about them. One of the students even took us to see parasites on the cows out on the field. After lunch, it was our turn to teach! We split up into three groups: history-evolution of Man, biology-transpersion, and English-biography. Somer, Edward, and I went to class 1N to teach history. We gave it all, throwing out all that we know. It went super well! Surprisingly, Annet came in the end of class and told us that we're going to teach 1M too. It was awesome. Even until now, the information about homo sapiens still ring in my ears.


Shortly after classes, it was the long-awaited football/soccer match! Unexpectedly, our opponent was the girls' football team in Moding High School. This was probably due to the fact that our team lost 6-0 to the boys' football team last year. Anyway, we did our bests on the field. Many people cheered for us as well as the girls' football team. Not long into the game, Ryoan scored our first goal and also another goal after that. Then, the opponent toughened up on defense and offense, scoring two goals before the end of the 30-minute game. The final score was 2-2, best that EHS ever had!

Gathered besides the van, we found our hosts for the overnight stay. We walked with our hosts to where their lived. Each of us had very different experiences. I, for example, stayed in a mud-brick hut for the evening and had dinner there. My host, his brother, and I talked about education and differences between Kenya and America. We had a really fun time. Like most of the huts around Moding, their hut did not have electricity. After sun sets, they have to burn kerosene lamps to provide light. The kerosene lamps was not very good for one's body and was not very bright. That makes me realizes how lucky we are to have electricity all year long.

In a comfy bed, I slept till 7 next morning. They provided me some water for bathing/washing and breakfast later on. What really surprised me was in the next morning, my host brought me a chicken for me as a gift! I thought Zach was only kidding when he said that they might give us a chicken to bring home. This busy day gave me a lot of new experience and life lessons. I will never forget this day, especially when I have this blog written!

Kwaheri,

Leo :)

 

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