10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1...Happy New Year!

My friend Suzi loved the poet Rainer Maria Rilke. I never would have heard of him (yep, it's a him don't let the 'Maria' confuse you) if Suzi hadn't introduced me. She found a lot of inspiration in his words and I'm impressed with how often they echo my own thoughts, though in a more philosophical, artsy, and poetic way. So to quote a great poet and simultaneously honour a friend, Rilke wrote, “And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been." I'm sure he was referring to midnight of January 1st, the party hat, streamer, and noise maker kind of New Year, but for me fall is the New Year. Well, here at Dakar Academy it's actually early August...but you know what I mean.

This is the beginning of my third year at DA, crazy isn't it?!? By now returning to the familiarity of my apartment, my classroom, my friends and colleagues is comforting at the end of a long journey. This year though, I am most excited about "things that have never been". Of course these things are likely to be anything unexpected, but I am also thrilled about several anticipated changes.

For the past two years I have been privileged to be a Mid-termer with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, but alas, when I joined the program it was a 2 year position and I have expired my status. When I made my decision to return to DA in the spring I didn't want to leave the security and support of the PAOC so, with a few meetings and e-mails, I have been graciously accepted as the first ever PAOC Global Professional. This means I'm a professional (teacher) employed overseas (in Senegal) that lives missionally and maintains a relationship to PAOC. I also hope to volunteer with local ministry opportunities.

It's not a secret that I spend most of my time with middle schoolers. Between teaching middle school, sponsoring the middle school senate, and sponsoring middle school youth group I sometimes find myself thinking and acting a little too much like a middle schooler myself! Some people find 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to be a scary place, but it's my niche and it's for this reason that I accepted the role of overseeing our new 6th grade transition program. I have observed 5th graders struggle through the move up to 6th grade for a couple of years and so, together with the school counsellor and our administration, we are implementing a number of strategies to help our newest middle schoolers adapt to the challenges of multiple teachers and classes in a day. Between lockers with combination locks, moving around the campus each period, stretching their minds, and learning to help themselves, middle school is a BIG deal! In addition to facilitating various orientation opportunities, I am teaching a new 6th Grade Study Skills class for the first quarter. Even these first couple of weeks I'm loving the extra time to get to know, encourage, and support my class of young grasshoppers.

Finally, I have been most excited to have been asked to act as dorm relief for our on-campus girls dorm. The school itself accommodates the children of diplomates, non-profit organizations, business people, etc. but the dorm program is exclusively missionary kids from West Africa. Every Tuesday I get to hang out with a group of 16 exceptional young ladies between the ages of 12-18 so their dorm mom can have a night off. It's a fairly easy gig, they pretty much manage themselves. However, I love having the opportunity to hang out with the girls, get to know them, learn from them, and offer them some extra support along the way.

And so I look forward with anticipation to this new school year and all the things that have never been...yet!

Politics and Spring Break

Senegal has a new president and the people are happy. There was a celebratory atmosphere in Dakar Sunday night when it was announced that Wade (the current president) had conceded the win to his opponent, Macky Sall. Our street was peaceful but we could hear cheering and fireworks in the distance. We rushed up to the roof to watch the fireworks from nearby neighbourhoods. My friends and I have been watching the news closely as we are scheduled to leave for London tomorrow, and have been concerned that if there were any protests/demonstrations they could jeopardize our travel plans. However, democracy has prevailed and we are now in full vacation planning mode.

Our spring break at DA started Friday at 3:30pm. After the gauntlet of grading, report cards, standardized tests, and parent-teacher conferences in the preceding week, my household looked like a battlefield Friday night; bodies strewn about, moaning, and very little movement...but without the blood. We had weathered the 'war' but were a little worse for wear. I went to bed embarrassingly early, but woke refreshed and ready to embrace the break. Some of the highlights thus far include:

Saturday Market shoe purchases for my upcoming London trip (3 pairs for 11, 000cfa=$22CAD)
Technological triumph (recovering/transferring music from my iPod to my computer)
Skype chat with Jenn
Eggs benedict from scratch
Monday morning sleep-in
Thai chicken wraps with peanut sauce
Banana milkshakes
Downtown adventure
Haircut
Fresh pain au chocolate and tarte au chocolat

It seems that a lot of my spring break happiness is connected to food, but I enjoy culinary adventures as much as any other type of adventure. I am mostly excited because it's Tuesday, spring break has only just begun!

Miss Black in the Middle

Have I mentioned that I am the Middle School Senate sponsor? Well I am, and it's a lot of fun. We have very official meetings, and plan (what I would consider to be) awesome activties for the Dakar Academy Middle School.

In October we hosted our main event of the year: Lock-In! I think I mentioned the lock-in in a previous post. I somehow found myself encouraging the hyperness and insanity of 30 middle schoolers until midnight, and then attempting to calm them down to watch movies and "sleep" all night. Imagine with me, the "aroma" of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders after running around for 3 hours outside (during hot season) and then being locked in a science room for another 7 hours. Ahhhh Middle School!

I feel compelled to brag about the senate, they planned all the activities, chose the movies, provided breakfast, set-up and cleaned up ALL with very minimal help from me. I simply made sure they had their bases covered and they ran with it.

Settling the Crowd


Costume Contest: Superhero Theme


Charades: Chloe


Charades: Caleb and Isabella


McComb Twin



Big Booty


Grace and Miss Lee


Big Booty


Teachers


Food line


In December we had our second annual dodgeball tournament and added a movie night afterwards: Home Alone...classic! More recently, in February we hosted our first ever Middle School Progressive Dinner. Most of the kids weren't sure what a progressive dinner even was, so we welcomed them by explaining that a progressive dinner is when you enjoy each part of the meal in a different location and progress from one locale to another (see how I casually explained 'progressive dinner' for those of you who were sheepishly asking yourselves what it was?).

The Senate girls served appetizers and fancy drinks with sugar-rimmed cups in the science lab. We had covered the counters with poster paper and the kids loved being able to draw and write.

Our main course was a pasta dinner with garlic bread and shirley temples served on the petits poteaux, our soccer 'rink' usually used for soccer, handball, and occasionally volleyball. After we had eaten groups were given a bag full of random items and had to create a 'skit from a bag'. A spin on dinner theatre.

The middle schoolers then progressed to the dorm rooftop for twilight brownies and ice cream. We finished our evening with s'mores around a bonfire in the sandpit. Is your mouth watering yet?

In addition to being the Middle School Senate sponsor, I am also a Middle School Youth Group sponsor. I love me some middle schoolers. I'm scared to consider what it says about me that I am so comfortable with 10-13 year olds. It really feels like my niche.

On Thursday nights a typical youth group starts with singing, followed by a 15-20 minute talk, and then chat time in small groups to discuss what we have just heard, or how our weeks have been. We used to start with a game, but have learned that it's best to end with the game. By Thursday nights even the best-behaved middle schooler has some 'crazy' just waiting to be unleashed.

Story Time with Miss Black


Small groups






What would you do for a coke?


Minute-to-Win: It Set-Up


Minute-to-Win-It: Ta-Da



Minute-to-Win-It: Chloe


Minute-to-Win-It: Luke M




Life in the 'Middle' is anything but boring!

Sister Alicia's Musical Debut

Senior Café is a classy talent show hosted by the senior class each year in February. Staff, students, and parents sign up with acts showcasing their talent, comedy, and creativity. Last year I spectated, this year I could not be prevailed upon to sit idly by, I wanted to be a star, a superstar!

I was enlisted as the novice nun for the Sister Act-inspired lip sync "I Will Follow Him" (I am front, left). So without further ado, for your viewing pleasure...



We placed third and second on Friday and Saturday nights respectively. Check out the following link for other acts. "Epic Rap Battle" and "Why Spain Won the World Cup" were the first place winners...and personal favourites.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dakar+academy+senior+cafe+2012&oq=dakar+acad&aq=3&aqi=g6&aql=&gs_l=youtube.3.3.0l6.1303l4968l0l8319l12l12l0l0l0l0l338l1084l2-3j1l4l0.

Miss Black Presents...Politics for Dummies Part II

The February 26 elections passed without incident. In our house the evening was spent monitoring various websites as the results in different areas became available. We were concerned that the situation not become volatile but we all secretly, or not-so-secretly, wished for a day off school...just to err on the side of caution. Monday morning we, teachers and students alike, were dragging ourselves around campus.

As it turned out a majority vote was not reached, so the run-off election will occur this coming Sunday, March 25.

In the month that has passed I, a relatively sheltered foreigner, have heard next to nothing about the political situation. Things have been quiet, business as usual. We were excited to venture out of our own cozy neighbourhood for ice cream and a beach day...the simple pleasures we have been missing.

I would ask that you continue to pray for Sénégal's government as the second vote occurs this weekend between the two front runners. I am not aware of concerns about safety or unrest, but we do continue to hope that democratic decisions will be reached for the benefit of the country.

Miss Black Presents....Politics for Dummies

You may have heard me say, at one time or another, that Senegal is one of the safest African countries, and it still is. Apparently Senegal is credited with the first ever peaceful transfer of power, and it remains relatively stable. That being said, we are headed into a federal election, February 27. In light of this fact, here at D.A. we have spent the last week testing emergency phone trees, participating in training for anxiety management, and consulting 'just in case' lists of necessary supplies/provisions.

The potential trouble could start as early as today. The committee will be announcing the official candidates for the election. The current president is serving his second term and has announced his intention to run for a third term, though the consitution has changed since he took office. The constitutional change is controversial as it would prevent him from running again, though he feels that his plan is legitimate. We anticipate that there will be protests and demonstrations today and/or tomorrow once the announcement has been made whether or not the decision is in the president's favour. To make matters more sensitive, the government announced a ban on public gatherings (including protests/demontrations) from Thursday to Monday which may only serve to aggravate the problem. We have been advised to stay in this weekend just to err on the side of caution. Families who live far from the school picked their kids up early, and after school activities have been cancelled so everyone can get home before any trouble develops. I did an extra big grocery shop this week so I'm set for a few days at home. It just gives me a good excuse to take it easy...watch some movies, read some books, play some games, cook some food. I'm content.

We would definitely appreciate your prayers for our safetyand for a peaceful election process, but also for the leadership of our country. One of our senegalese teachers on staff was expressing the need for a leader who is willing to invest in the strengthening of the infrastructure and institutions of the country.

I'll be sure to keep you posted on any further developments, but in the meantime, here are some links if you're interested in reading more...

http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/senegal-must-not-curtail-freedom-expression-and-assembly-election-run-2012-01-26

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iws5MAqyikUwVjIS3IcPd2SqvJXQ?docId=CNG.ee1bddd4457ce3b723591a220164ea21.71

http://www.france24.com/en/20120126-fears-violence-senegals-ban-protests-takes-effect-election-abdoulaye-wade

http://www.africareview.com/News/EU+election+monitors+arrive+in+Senegal+/-/979180/1312650/-/ang5kwz/-/index.html#commentsAnchor

It's a buggy life...

The Facts:

Since moving into our new (ground floor) apartment, my roommates and I have had to face some of our worst fears....creatures lurking in the corners, or scuttling across the floors. To be honest, creatures (the non-poisonous variety) are not among my worst fears, or my fears at all, as a result I am usually sought out for my bravery and talent in the face of critter-adversity. I will however, go so far as to admit that I do occasionally get caught up in the excitement of the chase and scream a little, just for the fun of it.

Our ecosystem...I mean home...includes, but is not limited to, a variety of insects; cockroaches, worms, and spiders in addition to the expected mosquitoes. Additionally we have had one lizard hunting expedition so far this year. We have also seen traces of a mouse presence, though it seems to have emigrated, thankfully!

A typical day in the household...

Kari (or one of the other roommates, but mostly Kari) finds a bug. She screams. I run to her aide. She has caught the offending creepy crawly in some sort of receptacle. I find a paper towel or tissue. I remove the insect's prison. It attempts to escape into a crevice, but I am too quick. The bug meets an untimely end. He should have stayed in his hole rather than face the wrath of the ALICIANATOR.





This green bug catching receptacle (aka flower vase) was used a little too forcefully. I don't know my own strength. More recently I have used mugs and yogurt containers.


Sometimes the bugs get into our food. My coping mechanism: avoid thinking about it too much, because I am sure I eat more insects than I care for on a regular basis. Ants are common counter-dwellers and will swarm anything left on the counter. However, I draw the line at worms in the flour. Usually you can avoid insects/worms in the flour if you're willing to pay a little more, but occasionally critters happen. The last time we had worms Kari and Cori undertook the tedious task of sifting. It would be hard to get them all, but we like to think they have a 100% success rate.






The Science Experiment:

There have been situations when we have been in a hurry not had the time for our full exterminating ceremony. In these situations the receptacle is left on the creature until we have ample opportunity to deal with it. On one such occasion we left a cockroach under the bug-catcher in the dining room...mostly because we assumed that our house help would take care of it before we got home. When we returned later that evening, the bug population of the vase had grown to 3. We stood starring, puzzled. When we asked Aurelie (our house help) she thought we may have been saving the roach for a science experiment and was proud to have added further contributions. We considered her idea and made the appropriate inquiries, but our donations were rejected.

Realizing that we just don't prefer to do the bug-killing if we don't have to, Aurelie graciously dealt with the trespassers.

The camera doesn't do them justice. Don't be fooled!





Lions, and Tigers, and Lizards! Oh My!: A Creature Story

Once upon a time in a land far, far away there lived four teachers. These teachers lived in a spacious and comfortable apartment, and were very happy. They heard rumours that their apartment had once been haunted by a giant, translucent, bulbous lizard. The teachers did not bow to rumour or gossip so they lived peacefully oblivious to the horrors they would face imminently. Dun dun dun...

One evening the teachers (minus Cori who was out and therefore spared the trauma), being healthy and conscientious, exercised with Jillian Michaels. Afterwards, being hygenic, they went their separate ways to shower. It is important to note, the teachers (and their entire neigborhood) were experiencing a power cut on this particular evening. No sooner had they gotten to their respective bathrooms than a scream pierced the night air. Struggling to get into appropriate attire, Keren and Alicia emerged from their rooms looked at eachother apprehensively and rushed to find Kari. She came tearing out of her room nearly flattening her soon-to-be saviors, "There was a LIZARD IN MY SHOWER!" It had been eerily illuminated by the flicker of her candle.


Keren and Alicia sprang into action gathering a wash basin, a broom, a garbage bag, and a chair. The strategy: Stun the lizard with a head lamp. Swat the lizard down from the ceiling with a broom. Catch the the lizard in the garbage bag for easy disposal. Have the wash basin ready as back-up. The chair was to help the teachers reach the lizard on high, but as the first attempt to reach failed, the lizard scampered out of reach and when Keren and Alicia turned around, Kari was standing sheepishly on top.


After several attempts in vain, the teachers were able to flick the creature onto the floor and cover it with the wash basin. The victory was quickly followed by the realization that they did not know how to dispose of the intruder.



A unanimous decision to call the Corbin twins from across the street was made. The Corbins had proven themselves capable in several similar incidences the previous year. Their references spoke highly of their lizard-disposing skills. The twins arrived promptly, pliers, garbage can lid, and stale baguette in hand.


The teachers stepped out of the bathroom closing the door behind them. They did not want to be a part of the violence that was about to unfold. They stood in the darkness listening to the scuffling, banging, and exclamations beyond the door.

Within minutes, the boys emerged from the bathroom with their lizard trophy grasped in the pliers. The heroes left to dispose of their prey.


The fate of the lizard remains unknown. The teachers don't like to ask questions, but they live peacefully in their spacious and comfortable apartment once more.