October 23, 2009

“The word impossible does not exist. The word itself says ‘I’m possible.’”
-Audrey Hepburn, submitted by Cheryl

Today is our fourth full day in Ipalamwa. We woke up to a very rainy morning. Pam and I taught in the morning and Ben and Cheryl continued with the door project. Ben and Cheryl discovered the supplies were not arriving, so it was a slow construction day. We are learning to go with the flow. In the afternoon I joined Ben to help out with some construction, but, there wasn’t much to be done. Cheryl taught in the afternoon and talked about NYC and the Empire State Building. However, there was a big misunderstanding in class. Harran thought Cheryl said that the Freedom Tower was going to be 1776 floors. We all know it’s impossible. Harran needed to explain that it’s feet, not floors.

It cleared up in the afternoon and we took a beautiful walk to the general store with Margaret, head girl, Lea, General and Titus. We sat around the table and drank Fantas and Coca Colas and discussed our countries. For me personally this was the best part of the day.

We moved onto the debate which proved to be a great experience. The topic discussed was the impact of a multiparty system on the economy. Pam gave her thoughts and I attempted to explain the multiparty system in the US.

On a personal note: the day began dreary for me, but ended on a highnote. I went to sleep thinking of all the hope I saw in the students eyes. – Rich