One week down, and big girl life is underway! Here are some highlights:
I have started both of my jobs, and I sort of know what they
entail! I am working for a Mater Dei Catholic
Church as the youth worker which means that I am in charge of the high school
catechetic program, as well as encouraging more teens to come to church. The parish is primarily white and colored
families. Mater Dei uses the “Life Teen”
program which has great curriculum, but my job is to make it engaging. We have had one “life night” so far, and as
it is exam week here, it was themed ‘Stressed out.’ I have a great group of
teens, and a very supportive group of helpers (called the core team). It should be an exciting (and challenging)
adventure!
My second job is to assist with Masinyusane Development
Organization in the New Brighton Township.
Once school is back in session, I
will be teaching the 10th grade English class, as well as do my best
to assist with homework help at night. As
this week has been exam week, I have spent most of my time helping students
study and giving the buildings a fresh coat of paint. I have also failed miserably at my first
Xhosa (language) lesson, though I am practicing!!
I officially am not good at driving. My little car is a champ for putting up with
me! I can make it to work no problem as
it is all downhill, but coming home is a bit more challenging… This morning I met some friends for breakfast
at a café and spent 10 minutes inching myself into the graded parking space. Put
it in gear, kill it. Repeat. The 100 yards of traffic that was waiting for
me was not too pleased, and wasn’t shy with their horns..
Despite all of the warnings, I absolutely did not pack the
right things. It is cold, and my frantic
throwing out my 20 pounds of extra weight in the airport resulted in ditching everything
that could keep me warm. Once I can
master a parking lot, I will have to make a trip to the mall. Shame!
Moral of the story: life is pretty great! That’s it for now, but in my nonexistent spare
time, I promise to share more.
Can't wait to hear the Xhosa the next time we chat!
ReplyDeleteThis is all so exciting Danika. Really enjoyed reading. Keep us up to date with you adventures and hopefully you will pick up driving pretty soon. Don't worry, I feel ya :) Haha
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome Danika, and I can't wait to hear what your jobs bring. I've also done that parking thing, but it was in the U.S., so ya I feel you.
ReplyDeleteNow go heckle for some warm clothes!!!