The Eleventh Month—Hamlé/July

Heavy monsoon rains almost daily, sometimes tornadoes. Cold. No visiting or outdoor work due to treacherous waterways and washed-out-paths.—The Wife’s Tale 

Little Abi brought me into his house essentially forcing his mother to invite me for buna, which she kindly did. She sweetly promised to buy Abi an avocado the next day if he behaved, which I found so tender and humbling. 

Going to church, hanging out with Meklit  and her friends Ruth and Jerusalem. Having buna together, racing each other home (I won the first race and Jerusalem won the second), teaching them hymns in English. Spending the night at Meklit’s house and being welcomed into her home by her wonderful family. 

Eating in English

I directed Camp English—a weeklong program like American summer camps (we even had s’mores) with a focus on English for students to practice speaking and continuing learning English. I don’t write a lot about my teaching here—in part because it’s often frustrating and challenging. Directing camp was a lot of work but this experience was one were I could see direct impact and improvement in my students.  One student was talking about how we were doing everything in English and said, “we’re even eating in English.” He was referring to the way in which we made students speak English during all their meals but his slip resonated with me.