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/