Well I have survived my first week at Otjikondo and done more than just survive. It was a massive shock to the system just to get here after over a years planning. Chelcie and I had the weekend to settle in before the children arrived on Monday afternoon. On the drive from Windhoek we had to stop for a family of baboons to cross the road - this was when it struck me that I'm actually in Africa!
On Sunday evening Gilly, Reiner and Paul took us for a drive over part of one of their farms. Chelcie, Gilly and I sat in the back of the truck on a bench, with the wind blowing through our hair and the sun shining on our backs. A blissful three hours was spent driving - we saw plenty of game, cattle, and part of the Lion King cast - real life Pumbas and Zazzus! We also saw two Giraffe, whom we named Geoffrey and Jemima, who were beautiful but looked as if they had had a lovers tiff! We were put to the test of opening gates which I, the country girl passed easily and Chelcie (the townie of us two) had a little more trouble with!
Classes for us started on Wednesday and Assembly at 6.50am was a bit of a shock to the system, although my body is now already running in Namibian time. Controlling thirty seven children who you don't know their names and they can speak Afrikaans or Damara at will, is no easy feat. To be honest getting thirty seven six year olds to be quiet is incredibly challenging. In the morning Chelcie and I teach art, PT and music together, but between three and six we separate for activities. On my first afternoon I had ten six year old boys for playgroup and then twelve, ten to fourteen year olds, for bead work. By the time the boys had fought, sulked and pleaded every other minute to play football and the the girls had talked to each other in Damara and tipped the bead box upside down so all the beads were mixed up in the lid (far too much for my OCDness) I retreated to the chapel for a good cry.
My first lesson was learnt: NEVER EVER cry wearing sun cream - it hurts like hell and just makes you cry more!
Incidentally the chapel is amazing and has a wonderful atmosphere of peacefulness. There are lots of stained glass windows which tell bible stories and were painted by the children. Behind the altar (a huge rock) is a humongous window in the shape of a cross with a tree in it. It's amazing.This weekend was an application weekend as well as a music weekend. This means that hundreds flocked to Otjikondo for Saturday - some camping even two nights before to be here. It is the best Primary school in the area and the seventeenth best in Namibia even though its quite small in comparison. Faustinaus, the music man, travelled from Windhoek to teach the children from Friday afternoon until after church on Sunday. He is an amazing musician and a wonderful teacher - the music in the church which featured recorders, marimbas and singing was excellent.
Friday was such a fun day - I had four fitness lessons in the morning followed by the first Nativity rehearsal in the afternoon. I utilised my Lacrosse training and subjected the children to endurance running mixed with sprinting (shout out to Mrs. Marvin!) however feeling like a good teacher I led from the front and nearly killed myself! On Saturday morning even my neck muscles hurt!
The drama rehearsal was hilarious - I have thirty two children in my cast to work with, plus two Grade 7's to help out. This definitely includes some Drama Queens and divas!
In the evening we went to Gilly's house for a braai where we ate eland steak (largest antelope) and the best steak I've ever eaten. It was a lovely evening although Gilly and Paul laughed at some of the things I'd brought with me - chili powder (been incredibly useful), Tabasco but namely my blanket. Paul has already noticed many similarities between me and his children who are all under three! Mostly when he talked about his son's wind up squeezy frog torch and I said I had really wanted to bring a duck one but Mummy wouldn't let me!
The children are all so lovely and welcoming. They find it fascinating that when you touch my skin it goes even whiter! They love to be attached to you and stroke you - most of all they love hair and want to constantly run their hands through it. Being a germaphobe I do not appreciate this at all!
The heat here is very different - it's as if the air is warm rather than the sun is particularly hot! The sun rises are incredible and I have already taken loads of photos.
The Kindle wins the prize for the best bring having already read five books! I love my afternoon siesta.
I can't even try and fit everything in here but most importantly I am very happy here and loving it all so far.
I must go to bed now as I am knackered and I have a staff meeting at 6.50am.
Anyway love to all and sending hugs and kisses,
Lots of love
Ottilie
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