Amazing Journey

Well it's over. The adventure I embarked on so many months ago has come to an end. As I lounge around...trying to figure out how I feel about this, I can't help but wonder if I've changed. Only those closest to me will know. I don't really miss Sudan...I do miss my friends and my adoptive family there though. That could change in the next few days or weeks. I might find myself craving some fish from Amwaj!

The start of a new journey...wonder where this one will take me. Only God knows, and I only want to go where he wants to take me.

I Ain't Good Enough

This has become my favorite gospel song. It humbles me when I think I'm without fault. Every time I sing or hear it tears run down my face. I'm so THANKFUL for my blessings and hope to become EXACTLY what God wants to to become. Thank you Jesus for such a wonderful gift+ LIFE. Amen!


From Fighting Temptations Soundtrack

Took me a while, but I am finally here
I just wanna testify, make it crystal clear
See I've been picked out to be picked on
Talked about out my friends mouth
I've been beat down, till he turned my life around

Seems like I always fall short of being worthy
Cause I aint good enough, but he still loves me
I aint no superstar, spotlight aint shining on me
Cause I aint good enough but he still loves me (loves me)

I use to wake up some days wished I'd stayed asleep
Cause I went to bed on top of the world,
Today the world's on top of me
Everybody's got opinions ( They Share)
They aint been in my position (They Don't Care)
They break my heart when I hear what they have to say about me

Choir (unison)
Seems like I always fall short of being worthy
Cause I aint good enough, but he still loves me
I aint no superstar, spotlight aint shining on me
Cause I aint good enough, but he still loves me

Choir (parts)
I'm not perfect, yes I do wrong
I'm trying my best but, it aint good enough
Shunned by the world, when I don't succeed
Cause I aint good enough, but he still loves me

Bridge:
If you would only just raise your
and let me know that you understand
(Ahh)


(That we are so blessed to be loved, loved)

(Send for him for help for anything,
cause through his eyes we're all look the same
What would we do without faith)

Key Change
Choir (unison)
Seems like we always fall short of being worthy
Cause I aint good enough, but he still loves me
I aint no superstar, spotlight aint shining on me
Cause I aint good enough, but he still loves me

Key Change
Choir (parts)
I'm not perfect, yes I do wrong
I'm trying my best but, it aint good enough
Shunned by the world, when I don't succeed
Cause I aint good enough, but he still loves me

Choir (parts)
I'm not perfect, yes I do wrong
I'm trying my best but, it aint good enough
Shunned by the world, when I don't succeed
Cause I aint good enough, but he still loves me

Though I aint good enough, but he still loves me
Though I aint good enough, but he still loves me
Though I aint good enough, but he still loves me
Though I aint good enough, but he still loves me

God's Will, Fate.....and Pure Determination!

Today might just be one the best days of my life, okay, maybe one of the best of this year.....or this month. LOL! Somehow things seem to work themselves out. I had a major problem getting my visa for this trip, then raising the money for the ticket, although affordable, was such a struggle. I was about to call it quits when one of my colleagues gave me some encouragement. With my ticket money in hand I shimmied my tail down to that office and bought my ticket (with no extra Sudanese fees! miracle!)

I think planning a trip can be as exciting as the trip itself! Especially when you're already living in 3rd world conditions. It was quite an adventure and I'm so glad God allowed things to work out for me. So this Friday I'll be on my way to Cairo for five days, then off to Addis Ababa for five more. Talk about excited!

My wallet before the ticket purchase:

Me ubber excited:

My wallet after the ticket purchase:

Can you say BROKE!? Broke and TRULY content! :)

Sugar Factory...eh, why not?

There had been rumors circulating around school about a field trip to a sugar factory two hours south of Khartoum. I didn't really pay too much attention to it, because the disorganization of things like this can be quite annoying. I helped plan the last trip to Meroe, so I felt I had contributed my part. During the second to last period on Wednesday, the trip was so called 'cancelled'. Then during the last period, it was magically back on! See what I mean?

Most of the 8th and 9th graders decided to boycott the trip for some reason, and I was convinced there would be a full day of classes for Thursday, at least for them. But I was so wrong. I got to school where there was a bus waiting and most kids from grades 5 through 7 lined up with packed lunches ready to go. I assume 8th and 9th graders were waiting for me in class, but again, I was so wrong. The classrooms were empty, they played hooky. In that moment, I could have went back home and finished the growing stack of copybooks (translation: composition books), took a nap, caught up on my favorite Sudanese soap operas, relaxed and stayed out of the ever increasingly HOT weather. Buttttttttt......I took my bookbag and jumped on the bus along with the kids instead! It's the traveller in me! I had no food, no water, no nicely packed snacks like the other teachers, but all of this would fall into place. Wouldn't it?

So what that it's only a sugar factory? Sugar is one of Sudan's biggest exports. Plus, I've never seen how sugar is made. What if I decided to buy a sugar manufactory one day? We're off and I'm just glad there was room for me on the bus as I adjust the A/C to blow directly into my face. The trip's scenery was amazing for me. I finally got to see the REAL straw and mud homes, that we had to make miniatures of in the 3rd or 4th grade. Cows.....desert......more cows.....goats.....more desert.....and sugar cane!!!!! That's when I knew we were close. Just so happens though, that we took a few wrong turns....another 30 minutes and we were there.

So, the French Ambassador decided to come for a visit on the same day huh? That's cool we'll wait. The kids started to get antsy, being that we were there but we couldn't get off the bus and start the tour. Just in time we're greeted by someone who works for the Kenana Sugar Factory. The weather wasn't too bad...probably around the 90's but inside it was no joke. Especially around the evaporator machines.....I feared that some of the kids would faint and I would have to use some of my life-saving skills (that I don't really have, I just know how to stay calm in the most crazy of times).

We all made it out alive! Here are some pics from the random adventure! Special thanks goes out to Marta, the 5th grader who had an extra sandwich to contribute to the "Feed Ms.Kala because she has nothing more than book reports in her bag and might pass out if not fed Fund."

And So I've Realized....

Being a fluent English speaker, to some, is valued more than money! I spoke at an event a couple of week ago, put on by a group of Sudanese who just want to talk and improve their English speaking skills. They requested that the topic be American Marriages. After presenting we had a heated but constructive discussion on the differences in culture. In the end I learned more than they did, I'm sure. But that hasn't been an uncommon occurrence while I've been here. Being in Sudan has not only matured me, but I've helped the kids I teach mature as well. There's been a trade, and frankly I feel like they got the short end of the stick! Today, I looked around at the 5th graders and realized that most of the boys had grown at least an inch since I came in September (or I was hallucinating because of the hundred plus degree weather). I'm already saying goodbyes!

Today was the last school day for the Eighth Grade Sudanese Certificate class that I taught English to. They take their exams (pretty big deal here in Sudan) next week and they're all nervous. I gave each of them a hug and a personalized blurb on how best to focus on their English exam. I'm nervous for them too, but I realized that all you can do is prepare them as best you know how! Meaning that I gave them a couple take home tests to do over the weekend before Sunday.

I'm starting to really REALLY appreciate this experience and take it for what it is, and although I'm working through passport/visa problems at the school (currently, I can't leave the country), I'm looking up. I've always looked for the bright side of things (to a fault). Being here has taught me so many lessons. Here are just a few:

1. Don't judge a book by its cover can mean two very different things. Not everyone you meet or have to interact with has good intentions. I met a couple of horror books, masked as fairy tales. *SCREAM*

2. Don't trust everyone's cooking. I'll leave it at that.

3. Malaria prevention pills aren't always necessary but when they are, don't take them on a half empty stomach!

4. Language books are completely useless when learning a foreign language abroad. You're best resource: the people. In my case, the kids. I spend more time with them than I do at home!

5. Traveling is a gift. Cherish it. I know so many people who've traveled 'safely'. You've got to take risks to gain something from an experience.

I made the top 50! YippiEEEEEE!

So with a video I made in about 10 hours over the span of 3 days, I made the list of the top 50 contestants to become an STA World Traveler Intern! I'm suuuuper pumped and ready to travel the world. The next stage of the application process involves a full application and a resume. Then they will pick the next top contestants (20). Hope I make it! Truthfully though, it would be COOL if I could get the Runner's Up prize and go to Costa Rica to save turtles! VOTE FOR ME!!!!!

http://www.worldtravelerinternship.com/member/kala-garner-2/

Why not apply to get a free trip around the world?

STA Travel is accepting applications for their 2010 World Traveler Internship and I decided to apply. My video posted within the last five minutes of the deadline, bringing new meaning to the word: procrastination.

VOTE FOR ME! http://www.worldtravelerinternship.com/member/kala-garner-2/

Happy Birthday to Me!

Although my birthday was almost 2 months ago, I got a package the other day and want to share the unveiling experience with my loved ones who sent it! Thanks Ladies!

Just a Quick Hello!

Welcome to my new and improved blog! I'll be more inclined and interested in posting here because of the options blogger.com gives me.

It's 3:30pm and I just got home from school and now I'm off to a give two private lessons. I'll be back at 8:00pm Last week I realized that I work about 70 hours a week so I haven't had

much time to update everyone on the details of my trip. I've decided that the last thing I want to do is burn myself out, so I'll soon have to cut back on that.

In the next week stay tuned for: updated pictures, videos and my personal cultural interpretations of Sudanese, African and Arabian culture.

Love you all!

Kala

Teach, Eat, Sleep....Repeat!

Originally posted on October 6, 2009 @ http://kgarner.travellerspoint.com/

"There's not much to do here?", "Why did you come HERE of all places", "You're a teacher? Why didn't you go somewhere cool, like somewhere in Europe?" LOL! These are questions I have formulated answers to because I'm asked them daily. The people of Sudan have a love-hate relationship with their country <<<>

Needless to say I made sure that I got an apartment as soon as possible. I'll have a video posted soon of a tour as soon as I figure out how to do it. I love it! It's big and spacious and I've already started decorating a little. Sooo.....Sudan, you think you can get used to the heat, but no. Especially when the government or WHOMEVER shuts the electricity down randomly throughout the day. You're place can have A/C but if they need some power for something important (i.e. a big football match (soccer)) you'll just have to suffer for awhile...or all night. The other night this happened and thank goodness I had candles ready! It's SO serious.....but I kind of see it as humorous. The Sudanese feel this way too, it's like: "What can you do" This is just the way it is. There are places here where I feel like I'm in the middle of the desert stranded. Then around the corner I'm in a 5 star hotel, that would put even my favorites in San Diego to shame (i.e. Loews). The major thing that keeps me from exploring and making up adventures for myself is the heat. It's so draining that a few hours in it makes you feel like you just ran an marathon...and won. LOL!

One thing that keeps me going, and keeps me motivated is teaching. The kids are spectacular. The backgrounds that some of the kids come from will amaze you. Just so there is an understanding, I'm not teaching in a hut or teaching kids that have no idea how to speak English. Majority of the kids are from some of the wealthiest families in Khartoum. If I'm out with Ms.Beryl (the principal), she'll point to a furniture store, or a grocery store, or a big building and say, " That's so and so's Dad's store," or " So and So's Mom is a lawyer here". The parents pay hefty tuitions for their children to come to an English School, with an American principal and some American teachers. The parents understand the value of having their children being taught by a native English speaker. They've been outside of the country and want to find a place that welcomes the type of freedoms that English speaking countries harbor. That said, most of the parents don't speak English at home (even if they know how). Furthermore, the kids are cared for by nannies and get very limited, if any, help with their homework, so their English is not so good. It took about a week for me to assess each classes level and where I should start in the books. I teach three classes, five times a week. The new 9th grade class, the 8th I.G. class and the 8th grade Sudanese Certificate class. Everyday is a different subject (grammar, world literature, vocabulary, etc.) for each class so it can get taxing. Once I get them motivated to learn, the classes go great. The books that I was provided give me the freedom to break away and have discussions which is the most fun. The kids are tremendously expressive (duh....their ages range from 12-15).

I've FINALLY arrived!

Originally posted on September 21, 2009 @ http://kgarner.travellerspoint.com/archive/092009/

The first thing that came to me was the smell. Africa smells different. It's not a strong smell, it's just a different smell. It is the same smell from three years ago in Ghana. I love it. As soon as I step of of the plane I am a sponge soaking up every little detail about my new home. Tired from 3 connections and almost 24 hours of flight time, but alert nonetheless. I'm greeted by the principal, my boss, Ms.Beryl and her family. My huge bags are loaded into thier tiny car and we roll away towards the school (where I will be residing until my apartment is ready to be moved into). It's hot....it's midnight, but its hot....everyone around me (excpet Ms.Beryl) is speaking Arabic and I realize that my phrasebook didn't help AT ALL!

Over the next few days my schedule was packed with meet and greets. Ms.Beryl really wants me to connect with the people (the good people) of Sudan and have friends that will help me in my transistion. My first friend is Mr. Mohammed/Mo/Ruff. A young, hip Sudanese guy. He's so friendly and inviting. Introducing me to the right people and taking me alllll around Sudan, the old parts the new parts, the up and coming parts. It's only been a few days and I feel connected to so many groups of people.

Today I ventured on my own for the first time. The driver of the 'rekshah' (small taxi bike thingys) tried to hustle me out of a ride to a nearby cafe to meet Mr. Mohammed and get on the internet. He took me ANYWHERE other than the place I requested and then got angry when I tried to
give him the correct fare....an experience nonetheless. I am antcipating getting my phone so that I can call home, and home can call me. As soon as I do I know that it will help with my homesickness.

Pictures and videos will be posted soon! Stay tuned!

Love,
Kala

Can I get there already!

Originally posted on August 23, 2009 @ http://kgarner.travellerspoint.com/

The amount of energy that I've put in to seeing everyone before I leave. The amount of energy it took to move my things into storage. The mental preparation I did for such a huge life change...all of this felt like a big waste on Friday night. When I didn't get my ticket, itinerary or even hear from my new employer. Thank goodness I had prayer and good people around me to help me get through it. I'm ready to go this week, and think that if it was God's will for me to be in Sudan now, I would be. So I'm rollin with the punches; spending extra time with friends and my favorite little boy A.J.!

When in Dubai.....

I look back now and am so thankful for the opportunity to go to Dubai. Now I can't wait to go back!