So, I wrote this whole post about 4 days ago. it was fabulous. It talked all about Kristen's visit and the exciting things we did. It went through the highs and lows of the week and discussed the things that I learned. I posted it. Reread it. it wasn't half bad. In short, I was pleased.
Now, I return to continue my exciting Colombian saga, only to realize that my last post is not here. at all. gone. Perhaps it was the internet. or maybe just Colombia reminding me that absolutely nothing works here the way you expect it to. Lesson plans. School schedules. In any case, I will have to put off my topics for today and try and recap a little about what i talked about before. It won't be the same, but I'll do my best. Heck, maybe it will be better!
So Kristen, my sister, visited last week!! It was soooo nice having her here. I got to show her all of my favorite things about Colombia and it definitely reminded me about why I love it here. However, her visit also reminded me a little of home, and the things I left behind. Even watching her miss the little things about daily American life (like air conditioning), left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. However, she also brought a suitcase full of American goodies, so I recovered quickly. Looking back, after two and a half months here, the following is a summary of the things I absolutely adore about Colombia, and the things I miss about home:
Things I miss about the US:
- family and friends
- consistent electricity and internet
- the ability to take a hot shower (I realize its 90+ degrees here but I'm weird)
- air conditioning
- my token comfort foods (I love rice and beans, but they can only take me so far. I need some fresh milk and homemade mac and cheese in my life)
- the American love of schedules and keeping people informed (I'm a planner)
Things I adore about Colombia:
- The kids, who are always full of love, hugs, kisses, laughter, gifts, and encouragement (exactly what I need)
- The fresh fruit and vegetables!!
- Street food (not exactly the most healthy, but nothing beats a good empanada or chuzo)
- Crepes and Waffles (noticing a pattern? I'm in trouble, but don't worry.... its the good kind :) )
- the Colombian people are the most friendly and helpful I've ever met
- the Colombian love of holidays
- Latin dancing! (even if my own skill falls embarrassingly short)
- being in a place with so many interesting, historical, naturally beautiful places to explore
- the beach (nothing like the rolling waves to do some good thinking, and sunbathing)
- the ability to challenge myself (it can be hard, but that's what life is for)
A day doesn't go by without me finding myself frustrated by some change in plans or some situation in which I can't express myself the way that I want to. Still, a day doesn't pass that I am not extremely happy and thankful to be here. I am continually learning about myself and feeling myself grow in new and different ways. In the span of a few minutes, I will leave a classroom in which my lesson-plan flopped, no one paid attention, I broke up two fights, and left a child crying, feeling like a complete failure as a teacher. Then suddenly, I will run into a favorite student, smiling from ear to ear. He will inevitably yell "Profe!" run up, give me a hug, and ask me to teach him another question in English. Or grin while he repeats one of our silly inside jokes. or perhaps I will see another favorite student, who can't speak a word of English, but has the patience of a saint while i stumble through the Spanish I do know, and even calls me her mother. And I can't help but smile. This is why I came here. And I think that my sister got a taste of this while she was here too.
Sure, we visited Playa Blanca, a picturesque Caribbean beach, and Cartagena, a gorgeous colonial port city. We did touristy things in Barranquilla, like go to the market and out dancing, and American-like things, like go to the mall and see a movie. We even ate at Crepes and Waffles (my favorite restaurant)... twice. We crammed a lot into the short week she was here. However, I think that going to school with me one day is a memory she will definitely carry with her for a long time. She was sick with a bad sunburn and the usual Colombian digestive challenges, but the kids adored her! They showered her with gifts and drawings, some even better than any I had ever recieved. They hugged her, kissed her, asked her questions, danced for her, even escorted her hand-in-hand around school. One class even said they liked her better than me, which I won't take personally since she wasn't making them learn anything. Sometimes I think that God put kids on earth to remind us of all the good in the world, and why we are here. To think of the situations some of these kids deal with at home, its hard to believe that they are still so happy and excited. I don't know how you can meet these kids, know these kids, and not want to help. Not want to give everything you have, every piece of yourself to make their lives easier. Some days, I can't even bear the thought of leaving them. I hope that Kristen got a small dose of this. So when she looks back on the crazy country without air conditioning and where you can't flush the toilet paper, this place with beautiful beaches and friendly people, the country where few people speak English and communicating can be a struggle, I hope that she remembers the children. and how love can transcend any language barrier.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Gringos make the news again!!!
Apparently one newspaper article about us gringos is not nearly enough. Our lives are so interesting that they wrote a second piece in the Barranquilla newspaper, El Heraldo. I didn't want you to miss it! So, here it is for your reading pleasure, in Spanish and roughly translated into English:
LINK TO ACTUAL ARTICLE ONLINE
http://www.elheraldo.com.co/ELHERALDO/BancoConocimiento/G/glapandillagringa/glapandillagringa.asp?CodSeccion=25
ALSO, IN CASE YOU MISSED THE FIRST ARTICLE ABOUT OUR TEACHING:
http://www.elheraldo.com.co/ELHERALDO/BancoConocimiento/G/glamisiongringa/glamisiongringa.asp?CodSeccion=48
La pandilla gringa encanta a los habitantes de la playa
(The Gringo Gang loves the People of La Playa)
Por Gabriel Stargardter
Después de estudiar ingeniería biomédica en la universidad, el New Yorker Nick Mikolenko decidió ir a enseñar matemáticas en Micronesia, unas islas del Pacífico. Por lo visto, Nick prefiere el clima tropical porque después de un año, se vino a Barranquilla para ser profesor de inglés en la escuela Pies Descalzos.
Para Mikolenko, su misión está clara. “Colombia es un país que se está desarrollando, y para que continúe su progreso la próxima generación necesita aprender inglés”.
Su compañera, Aisha Chapell, otra profesora de Nueva York, está de acuerdo. Aunque admite que su percepción de la ciudad y el país todavía es limitada, asegura que “todos los niños están muy entusiasmados por aprender inglés”.
¿Pero, qué piensan los niños? ¿Y los otros profesores? ¿Y los barranquilleros de La Playa que viven al lado de los huéspedes estadounidenses?.
Para Néstor Martínez, director de la escuela Pies Descalzos, la primera impresión ha sido completamente positiva.
Él está aprovechando el curso de inglés que los siete voluntarios dictan para toda la comunidad, como preparación para una maestría en investigación en educación en la Universidad de la Norte, que está por comenzar este año. “En realidad se han integrado muy bien”, dice Martínez.
Margarita Donado es la propietaria de la casa donde habitan los siete voluntarios. Ella comparte la impresión de Martínez, y los describe como huéspedes ideales.
“Se han comportado muy bien. Están amañados, como decimos acá. Me siento contenta con ellos, compartimos y los queremos como si fueran de la familia”.
Uno de los jóvenes estudiante y vecino del barrio, Juan Camilo Arias, está consciente de las ventajas de aprender el inglés, por ello no quiere perder esta oportunidad.
“Las clases son espectaculares. Hemos aprendido mucho: los saludos, los años, los meses y un poco de cosas bacanas”.
Para Lindsay Giesen la situación es de admiración mutua. “Me encanta vivir en este barrio, en el que me siento muy segura. Yo realizo caminata todas las noches y el vecindario en las calles me saluda. La gente nos invita a sus casas a cenar, eso me parece maravilloso”. Su compañera Lauren Doll nunca había visitado a Colombia, pero dice que la gente es amable y como Giesen, también piensa que es mucho más seguro de lo que esperaba.
“Pasé por una iglesia aquí en el barrio, a los 15 minutos salió el cura para invitarnos a comer y a conocernos a todos. Mi español no es perfecto y lo encuentro un reto, pero al mismo tiempo, es una aventura, y creo que estoy mejorando” confiesa.
Aunque Giesen admite que su pandilla gringa es “difícil ignorar” y que hay diferencias culturales entre Colombia y los Estados Unidos- la falta de privacidad y las actitudes educativas de los colegiales - que pueden ser fatigantes, asegura que la experiencia ha sido muy positiva. Además, se ha enamorado en Barranquilla. “¡Adoro los cookies Festival!”
Fundación Pies Descalzos
Fundada por la cantante barranquillera Shakira, la fundación Pies Descalzos existe para dar el apoyo a los costeños más vulnerables: los niños. Actualmente, la organización tiene cinco escuelas en sitios con una historia de violencia y desplazamiento de poblaciones a causa de la violencia. Según su pagina web, “La Fundación Pies Descalzos financia programas en tres ciudades colombianas. La meta es expandir nuestra labor a más ciudades, para poder ayudar a más niños y así ejercer su derecho a una educación de calidad”.
El salón escolar en EU
Todos los profesores están de acuerdo que hay varias diferencias entre la experiencia de ser profesor en los EU y en Colombia. Según Mikolenko, siempre se pregunta “Los niños hablan mucho y no levantan la mano para hacer preguntas”. Todavía está definiendo cuáles son diferencias culturales y cuáles son simplemente falta de respeto. Para Aisha Chapell también es un reto. Ella comenta que el horario es diferente, y que se tuvo que acostumbrar, pero asegura que la oportunidad ha sido muy positiva y educativa.
Roughly Translated:
After studying biomedical engineering at the university, the New Yorker, Nick Mikolenko, decided to go teach mathematics in Micronesia, Pacific Islands. Apparently, Nick prefers the tropical climate, because after a year, he came to Barranquilla to be an English teacher at Fundacion Pies Descalzos.
For Mikolenko, the mission is clear. "Colombia is a country that is developing, and to continue its progress, the next generation needs to learn English.
title="Su compañera, Aisha Chapell, otra profesora de Nueva York, está de acuerdo." onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#ebeff9'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#fff'">His colleague, Aisha Chappell, another teacher from New York, agrees. Although she admits that her perception of the city and the country is still limited, she says that "All of the children are very excited to learn English."
But what do the children think? What about the other teachers? What about the Baranquilleros in La Playa, living next to the American guests?.
For Nestor Martinez, director of Fundacion Pies Descalzos school, the first impression was quite positive.
He is using the English courses, held by the seven volunteers for the entire community, in preparation for a masters in education research at the Universidad del Norte, which will begin this year. "We really are very well integrated," says Martinez.
Margarita Donado is the owner of the house inhabited by the seven volunteers. She shares the feeling of Martinez, and describes them as ideal guests.
"They have behaved very well. They are here to stay, as we say here. I am happy with it, and we share like family. "
One of their young students and neighbor, Juan Camilo Arias, is aware of the advantages of learning English, and does not want to miss this opportunity.
"The classes are spectacular. We learn a lot: the greetings, years, months and some cool things."
For Lindsay Giesen the situation is mutual admiration. "I love living in this neighborhood, where I feel very safe. I go runing every night and the neighbors on the street greet me. People are invited home to dinner, I think that's wonderful. " Lauren Doll, her friend, had never visited Colombia, but says the people are friendly and, like Giesen, also thinks it is much safer than expected.
"I went to a church here in the neighborhood, with only 15 minutes left in the service, and the priest came to greet us and everyone invited us to eat. My Spanish is not perfect and I find it a challenge, but at the same time is an adventure, and I think I'm improving," she confesses.
Although Giesen admits that her gringa gang is "difficult to ignore" and that there are cultural differences between Colombia and the United States, for example, the lack of privacy and educational attitudes of the students - which can be tiring, she says the experience has been very positive. In addition, she has fallen in love with Barranquilla. "I love the Festival cookies !"
The Barefoot Foundation
Founded by Barranquillera singer Shakira, Pies Descalzos Foundation exists to provide support for the coast's more vulnerable: the children. The organization currently has five schools on sites with a history of violence and population displacements due to violence. According to its website, "The Barefoot Foundation funds programs in three cities in Colombia. The goal is to expand our work to more cities in order to help more children and thus exercise the right to a quality education. "
The Classroom in the U.S.
All teachers agree that there are several differences between the experience of being a teacher in the U.S. and Colombia. According Mikolenko, "The kids talk a lot and do not raise their hands to ask questions." He's still defining which are cultural differences and which are simply disrespectful. For Aisha Chappell it is also a challenge. She said that the schedule is different, which she had to get used to, but ensures that the opportunity has been very positive and educational.
LINK TO ACTUAL ARTICLE ONLINE
http://www.elheraldo.com.co/ELHERALDO/BancoConocimiento/G/glapandillagringa/glapandillagringa.asp?CodSeccion=25
ALSO, IN CASE YOU MISSED THE FIRST ARTICLE ABOUT OUR TEACHING:
http://www.elheraldo.com.co/ELHERALDO/BancoConocimiento/G/glamisiongringa/glamisiongringa.asp?CodSeccion=48
La pandilla gringa encanta a los habitantes de la playa
(The Gringo Gang loves the People of La Playa)
 |
| Después de un día fatigante, los profesores se reúnen en la casa para compartir cuentos y sus impresiones de trabajar en la escuela Pies Descalzos. (After an exhausting day, the teachers gather at home to share stories and impressions of work in the school, Pies Descalzos.) Foto: Cristian Mercado |
Por Gabriel Stargardter
Después de estudiar ingeniería biomédica en la universidad, el New Yorker Nick Mikolenko decidió ir a enseñar matemáticas en Micronesia, unas islas del Pacífico. Por lo visto, Nick prefiere el clima tropical porque después de un año, se vino a Barranquilla para ser profesor de inglés en la escuela Pies Descalzos.
Para Mikolenko, su misión está clara. “Colombia es un país que se está desarrollando, y para que continúe su progreso la próxima generación necesita aprender inglés”.
Su compañera, Aisha Chapell, otra profesora de Nueva York, está de acuerdo. Aunque admite que su percepción de la ciudad y el país todavía es limitada, asegura que “todos los niños están muy entusiasmados por aprender inglés”.
¿Pero, qué piensan los niños? ¿Y los otros profesores? ¿Y los barranquilleros de La Playa que viven al lado de los huéspedes estadounidenses?.
Para Néstor Martínez, director de la escuela Pies Descalzos, la primera impresión ha sido completamente positiva.
Él está aprovechando el curso de inglés que los siete voluntarios dictan para toda la comunidad, como preparación para una maestría en investigación en educación en la Universidad de la Norte, que está por comenzar este año. “En realidad se han integrado muy bien”, dice Martínez.
Margarita Donado es la propietaria de la casa donde habitan los siete voluntarios. Ella comparte la impresión de Martínez, y los describe como huéspedes ideales.
“Se han comportado muy bien. Están amañados, como decimos acá. Me siento contenta con ellos, compartimos y los queremos como si fueran de la familia”.
Uno de los jóvenes estudiante y vecino del barrio, Juan Camilo Arias, está consciente de las ventajas de aprender el inglés, por ello no quiere perder esta oportunidad.
“Las clases son espectaculares. Hemos aprendido mucho: los saludos, los años, los meses y un poco de cosas bacanas”.
Para Lindsay Giesen la situación es de admiración mutua. “Me encanta vivir en este barrio, en el que me siento muy segura. Yo realizo caminata todas las noches y el vecindario en las calles me saluda. La gente nos invita a sus casas a cenar, eso me parece maravilloso”. Su compañera Lauren Doll nunca había visitado a Colombia, pero dice que la gente es amable y como Giesen, también piensa que es mucho más seguro de lo que esperaba.
“Pasé por una iglesia aquí en el barrio, a los 15 minutos salió el cura para invitarnos a comer y a conocernos a todos. Mi español no es perfecto y lo encuentro un reto, pero al mismo tiempo, es una aventura, y creo que estoy mejorando” confiesa.
Aunque Giesen admite que su pandilla gringa es “difícil ignorar” y que hay diferencias culturales entre Colombia y los Estados Unidos- la falta de privacidad y las actitudes educativas de los colegiales - que pueden ser fatigantes, asegura que la experiencia ha sido muy positiva. Además, se ha enamorado en Barranquilla. “¡Adoro los cookies Festival!”
Fundación Pies Descalzos
Fundada por la cantante barranquillera Shakira, la fundación Pies Descalzos existe para dar el apoyo a los costeños más vulnerables: los niños. Actualmente, la organización tiene cinco escuelas en sitios con una historia de violencia y desplazamiento de poblaciones a causa de la violencia. Según su pagina web, “La Fundación Pies Descalzos financia programas en tres ciudades colombianas. La meta es expandir nuestra labor a más ciudades, para poder ayudar a más niños y así ejercer su derecho a una educación de calidad”.
El salón escolar en EU
Todos los profesores están de acuerdo que hay varias diferencias entre la experiencia de ser profesor en los EU y en Colombia. Según Mikolenko, siempre se pregunta “Los niños hablan mucho y no levantan la mano para hacer preguntas”. Todavía está definiendo cuáles son diferencias culturales y cuáles son simplemente falta de respeto. Para Aisha Chapell también es un reto. Ella comenta que el horario es diferente, y que se tuvo que acostumbrar, pero asegura que la oportunidad ha sido muy positiva y educativa.
Roughly Translated:
After studying biomedical engineering at the university, the New Yorker, Nick Mikolenko, decided to go teach mathematics in Micronesia, Pacific Islands. Apparently, Nick prefers the tropical climate, because after a year, he came to Barranquilla to be an English teacher at Fundacion Pies Descalzos.
For Mikolenko, the mission is clear. "Colombia is a country that is developing, and to continue its progress, the next generation needs to learn English.
title="Su compañera, Aisha Chapell, otra profesora de Nueva York, está de acuerdo." onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#ebeff9'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#fff'">His colleague, Aisha Chappell, another teacher from New York, agrees. Although she admits that her perception of the city and the country is still limited, she says that "All of the children are very excited to learn English."
But what do the children think? What about the other teachers? What about the Baranquilleros in La Playa, living next to the American guests?.
For Nestor Martinez, director of Fundacion Pies Descalzos school, the first impression was quite positive.
He is using the English courses, held by the seven volunteers for the entire community, in preparation for a masters in education research at the Universidad del Norte, which will begin this year. "We really are very well integrated," says Martinez.
Margarita Donado is the owner of the house inhabited by the seven volunteers. She shares the feeling of Martinez, and describes them as ideal guests.
"They have behaved very well. They are here to stay, as we say here. I am happy with it, and we share like family. "
One of their young students and neighbor, Juan Camilo Arias, is aware of the advantages of learning English, and does not want to miss this opportunity.
"The classes are spectacular. We learn a lot: the greetings, years, months and some cool things."
For Lindsay Giesen the situation is mutual admiration. "I love living in this neighborhood, where I feel very safe. I go runing every night and the neighbors on the street greet me. People are invited home to dinner, I think that's wonderful. " Lauren Doll, her friend, had never visited Colombia, but says the people are friendly and, like Giesen, also thinks it is much safer than expected.
"I went to a church here in the neighborhood, with only 15 minutes left in the service, and the priest came to greet us and everyone invited us to eat. My Spanish is not perfect and I find it a challenge, but at the same time is an adventure, and I think I'm improving," she confesses.
Although Giesen admits that her gringa gang is "difficult to ignore" and that there are cultural differences between Colombia and the United States, for example, the lack of privacy and educational attitudes of the students - which can be tiring, she says the experience has been very positive. In addition, she has fallen in love with Barranquilla. "I love the Festival cookies !"
The Barefoot Foundation
Founded by Barranquillera singer Shakira, Pies Descalzos Foundation exists to provide support for the coast's more vulnerable: the children. The organization currently has five schools on sites with a history of violence and population displacements due to violence. According to its website, "The Barefoot Foundation funds programs in three cities in Colombia. The goal is to expand our work to more cities in order to help more children and thus exercise the right to a quality education. "
The Classroom in the U.S.
All teachers agree that there are several differences between the experience of being a teacher in the U.S. and Colombia. According Mikolenko, "The kids talk a lot and do not raise their hands to ask questions." He's still defining which are cultural differences and which are simply disrespectful. For Aisha Chappell it is also a challenge. She said that the schedule is different, which she had to get used to, but ensures that the opportunity has been very positive and educational.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
