Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Between Peace and Consolation
Today as I ate my lunch of rice, cooked spinach, dal, and potatoes with my hands, I asked the woman to my right, a visitor, what her name was. Turns out it is "consolation" and the woman on my left is "peace." So, today while eating lunch, I mystically sat somewhere between Peace and Consolation. I started giggling pretty hard when I realized this, and the sisters started giggling as well. Divine words and ordinary situations blended into divine laughter. or so I think.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Look Mom! My First Sari
It's true, I am growing up--check out my new sari. Sari's are worn for special occasions, weddings, and various government holidays...and at work they can be sort of like a business suit if you have a special presentation....
My Sari occasion (who REALLY needs an occasion anyways?) was for my " Feast Day." From what I gather, when you become a sister/nun, you stop celebrating the day of your birthday and start celebrating a Saint's day. So, my name is Cicely, right, and I was named after St. Cecilia (a patron saint of music)...and November 22 is St. Cecilia's day. So TODAY is my Feast day.
I arrived at the Mission after sleeping at Reba's house. (She had to put me in the sari, it is quite the operation to get it on!) The sisters greeted me with singing "happy feast day to you" and "the Lord Bless you" and other happy sounding songs. They all then handed me sweet smelling flowers and kissed both of my cheeks. It was a little awkward, sort of like hugging can be (do we know eachother well enough to hug or not??) but in the end it was all fine and dandy and I felt really celebrated. Next I walked into my class, and there was more singing and kissing and dancing and they even bought me a new pair of earrings. (they must know earings are my weakness, I wear a new pair everyday it seems.) They said, "we don't have much to give you, but we give you our love" it was super sweet.
Then we practiced vocabulary. I am such a teacher.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Some Pictures of the last few weeks
2 words: SISTER ACT.
Me, Shilpi at Sungarden (I think that is the name) An area outside Dhaka, with all sort sorts of pre British architecture...We had a holiday so we did a bit of sight seeing--it was nice to see other Bangladeshis taking pictures, and not just me!We were going to go to the museum, but alas, it was closed. So we ate some puska instead.. it is becoming my favorite snack here. They have a fried outter shell with mashed lentils, chilli, and other curry spices on the inside. you pour a vinigar and spice mixture over them. mmmm.
soooo good.
UPPER LEFT: me, trying to open a nice, WELL TAPED letter from dear friend Alaina. I had to get out the big guns to do it. It was so artistic though! it even had a dried flower in scotch tape heaven. The beauty of snail mail in Bangladesh is that I get a BUNCH at a time, because it gets sent to Dhaka first and eventually makes it's way to Mymensingh....it was soooo fun to open letters--all at once, it is better than the feeling of Christmas morning when I was 5!
Teaching is going well, even though ambiguous. I know english, yes. I think I know how to teach it, but it is so hard to judge what they already know and need to work on. Today, with the beginner class we went on a "vocabulary walk" it fun to see them learning a new way for saying something they see everyday.
Now I must go, take rickshaw back to the Mission and give and the rest of my english assessment test.
Happy Thanksgiving to you Americans out there............
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Sister Act?
Some of you know that I have had a sister act fantasy in anticipation for moving to the convent. Call me Whoopi, and I have not been disappointed. The sisters are kind, loving,helpful and crazy hospitable, yes, but also are FAN tastic and really interesting...and things have just begun. In the mornings I watch BBC world with Sister Francis, the oldest sister. It seems like since she is old she can pretty much do as she wishes--(the other sisters are all very busy with duties and teaching;) she watches the TV with dark glasses, her vision is not good; she talks with me about politics, loves maps and geography and today was asking me all about "sky scrapers" She is quirky, kind, and has a way of making you feel at ease. She has a sing songy voice that makes the other sisters giggle under their breath in amusement.
Then we have sister Shanti. (Shanti means Peace in Bangla). She is in charge and very conciencious. She is responsible and kind and strong...and there is a glint of sarcasm behind this trustworthy facade....I just know it.
Sister Florence is middle aged and eager for me to teach her aspirant sisters (girls who will someday be sisters) english and to learn more english herself. She loves music and collects intstruments.
Sister Rosy is full of energy and expresses her style through her shoes and personality. She is kind, and will be the headmistress of the school someday; she has done a very good job welcoming me to the convent--a mix of letting me get my own tea and showing me how to do things and serving me. (it is REALLY hard for the sisters to let me get things for myself...they are sooooo eager to help..which can be frustrating when I just want to get something in a hurry)
Sister Meeta is on the verge of giggling constantly and is always smiling. She's maybe 22 or 23, I do not know. She is absolutely beautiful. She is very eager to help me and insists on doing so. Her eyes are always reading between the lines of the given situation. When I speak better bangla I will hopefully get to ask her more about what she is thinking.
Yesterday, we had a group discussion over lunch (all 19 sisters) about whether I should wear mascara or not. (sister shanti said i shouldn't b/c it will be a temptation for the other sisters). I told them that for special occasions I will wear makeup, but not everyday. My "feast day" or St. Cecilia's day is coming up on November 22nd...I am going to wear a sari and maybe mascara for the occasion--they were all eager to hear that, while insisting that I was beautiful without makeup.
So far, I am mingling some, doing my own thing at times and trying to get a feel for their common life; living at the convent is definately on the top of my "interesting life experiences" list.
And it continues....
PEACE.
((((((if you are interested in more pictures or updates on politics, read REBA's blog--the link is on the Right of my page)))))) and from Reba's you can see TOBYS which has pics of the latest protests.
Then we have sister Shanti. (Shanti means Peace in Bangla). She is in charge and very conciencious. She is responsible and kind and strong...and there is a glint of sarcasm behind this trustworthy facade....I just know it.
Sister Florence is middle aged and eager for me to teach her aspirant sisters (girls who will someday be sisters) english and to learn more english herself. She loves music and collects intstruments.
Sister Rosy is full of energy and expresses her style through her shoes and personality. She is kind, and will be the headmistress of the school someday; she has done a very good job welcoming me to the convent--a mix of letting me get my own tea and showing me how to do things and serving me. (it is REALLY hard for the sisters to let me get things for myself...they are sooooo eager to help..which can be frustrating when I just want to get something in a hurry)
Sister Meeta is on the verge of giggling constantly and is always smiling. She's maybe 22 or 23, I do not know. She is absolutely beautiful. She is very eager to help me and insists on doing so. Her eyes are always reading between the lines of the given situation. When I speak better bangla I will hopefully get to ask her more about what she is thinking.
Yesterday, we had a group discussion over lunch (all 19 sisters) about whether I should wear mascara or not. (sister shanti said i shouldn't b/c it will be a temptation for the other sisters). I told them that for special occasions I will wear makeup, but not everyday. My "feast day" or St. Cecilia's day is coming up on November 22nd...I am going to wear a sari and maybe mascara for the occasion--they were all eager to hear that, while insisting that I was beautiful without makeup.
So far, I am mingling some, doing my own thing at times and trying to get a feel for their common life; living at the convent is definately on the top of my "interesting life experiences" list.
And it continues....
PEACE.
((((((if you are interested in more pictures or updates on politics, read REBA's blog--the link is on the Right of my page)))))) and from Reba's you can see TOBYS which has pics of the latest protests.
Monday, November 13, 2006
New Scenery
I've officially moved and started my work at the Holy Family Convent. That's right, I live at a convent. Me. Lots of Sisters. Contemplative life. 6am Mass. Gardens. Quiet. Beautiful.
I actually moved in a week ago, but was barely there because of a trip to Dhaka and our MCC expat Thanksgiving last week. (which by the way was A-mazing--we had so much good, non bengali food, only Thanksgiving food and it was such a treat!) Darren and Phillip killed 2 ducks for the occasion....
Today I taught my first group of students. I walked in, they stood up and greeted me with "Good morning madam" and proceeded to sing me a welcome song in Bangla....then one student named Ruby came to the front, kissed my hand and handed me a Peace Lily. It was all very sweet and set the mood to begin our work together. I began with basic get to know you things and introductions, and they all told me about their favorite color, food, mother's name, father's name and lastly, Why they want to learn English. It was interesting to hear. It seems like many students do not think critically about the "whys" of what they are doing....memorizing and test taking is big here...I hope to teach in a way that will encourage thinking and self expression. We also learned body parts and singular verses plural. Making the "p" sound was a challenge.
It was interesting for me to teach in a casual way, while the students are very used to standing when reading an answer and other formalities. I know it will work itself out, and eventually they will be less confused when I keep telling them "bosho" (sit) when they give an answer. Tomorrow we are focusing on vowels and phonetics. It is hard to figure out where to begin, what to teach when and how to judge comprehension. I will just go with the flow as that is how most things go here, and gradually begin to know the student's needs. I am excited to get to know this group of young women, they are so happy to learn. Curious and giggly too.
This afternoon I will be teaching another class of mostly spoken english, focusing on pronunciation; this group of sisters are newer sisters (the first group are "aspirant" sisters and are about 16 years old) Again, I have a few things prepared, but we'll see how it goes and what they need and want to learn. Bangladesh fits my personality in situations like these. :)
Politically things are unstable here. Road Blockades. Processions...although Mymensingh has been very quiet. (or maybe i have no idea because I live at a convent!) The caretaker government did not meet the 11 demands and so the other party is blocking roads and "stockpiling sticks" to let them know it is not okay. I am a little out of the loop with what is actually going on today, I should go and find "The Daily Star" (the English version of the paper).
It is getting cooler here! Much more liveable. Today is about 80 and sunny, with a breeze. It is hard to believe that in Michigan it is chilly, the leaves are gone and everyone is gearing up for winter. I had to use a slightly heavier blanket while sleeping last night--what a change from sweating every night. I hear the next 4 months will be much like today.
A cute story: Last night Reba and I were running back and forth in an open area by the school, on the convent compound, in an attempt to get some exercise (it is really hard to find ways to work out here). We look over and there are about 10 little girls aged about 9 or so watching and whispering...we invited them to come and run with us...we ran races with them, I led some stretches and jumping jacks and a super fun game of follow the leader... it was a blast and by the end I was tired and felt like I had gotten a good work out...hooray for recreation and play...
life is good here in the banglarang.
I actually moved in a week ago, but was barely there because of a trip to Dhaka and our MCC expat Thanksgiving last week. (which by the way was A-mazing--we had so much good, non bengali food, only Thanksgiving food and it was such a treat!) Darren and Phillip killed 2 ducks for the occasion....
Today I taught my first group of students. I walked in, they stood up and greeted me with "Good morning madam" and proceeded to sing me a welcome song in Bangla....then one student named Ruby came to the front, kissed my hand and handed me a Peace Lily. It was all very sweet and set the mood to begin our work together. I began with basic get to know you things and introductions, and they all told me about their favorite color, food, mother's name, father's name and lastly, Why they want to learn English. It was interesting to hear. It seems like many students do not think critically about the "whys" of what they are doing....memorizing and test taking is big here...I hope to teach in a way that will encourage thinking and self expression. We also learned body parts and singular verses plural. Making the "p" sound was a challenge.
It was interesting for me to teach in a casual way, while the students are very used to standing when reading an answer and other formalities. I know it will work itself out, and eventually they will be less confused when I keep telling them "bosho" (sit) when they give an answer. Tomorrow we are focusing on vowels and phonetics. It is hard to figure out where to begin, what to teach when and how to judge comprehension. I will just go with the flow as that is how most things go here, and gradually begin to know the student's needs. I am excited to get to know this group of young women, they are so happy to learn. Curious and giggly too.
This afternoon I will be teaching another class of mostly spoken english, focusing on pronunciation; this group of sisters are newer sisters (the first group are "aspirant" sisters and are about 16 years old) Again, I have a few things prepared, but we'll see how it goes and what they need and want to learn. Bangladesh fits my personality in situations like these. :)
Politically things are unstable here. Road Blockades. Processions...although Mymensingh has been very quiet. (or maybe i have no idea because I live at a convent!) The caretaker government did not meet the 11 demands and so the other party is blocking roads and "stockpiling sticks" to let them know it is not okay. I am a little out of the loop with what is actually going on today, I should go and find "The Daily Star" (the English version of the paper).
It is getting cooler here! Much more liveable. Today is about 80 and sunny, with a breeze. It is hard to believe that in Michigan it is chilly, the leaves are gone and everyone is gearing up for winter. I had to use a slightly heavier blanket while sleeping last night--what a change from sweating every night. I hear the next 4 months will be much like today.
A cute story: Last night Reba and I were running back and forth in an open area by the school, on the convent compound, in an attempt to get some exercise (it is really hard to find ways to work out here). We look over and there are about 10 little girls aged about 9 or so watching and whispering...we invited them to come and run with us...we ran races with them, I led some stretches and jumping jacks and a super fun game of follow the leader... it was a blast and by the end I was tired and felt like I had gotten a good work out...hooray for recreation and play...
life is good here in the banglarang.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Pictures from the Mission
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Bangladesh in the news
Today is a seemingly normal day here in Bangladesh. Horns have resumed their honking after a few days of one political party blocking all the roads going in and out of the cities, stranding travelers everywhere. BBC has some good coverage of what is going on, if you are interested. November 3, Friday, is sort of a day of reckoning; the AL party has made demands of the caretaker president and these demands must be met or more blockades, hartels (strikes), and violence could errupt. These are unusual days; I am fine, get regular updates from MCC local staff about what I should and should not do etc etc. (((( don't worry about me.))))
Hopefully I will move to the Mission on Saturday, get settled in, meet all the sisters and the children. This may or may not happen, depending on the political situation. I am both excited to move and have a change of pace, and also not looking forward to the transition. But I do know that lots of adventures and very cute and curious children await me at the mission. I won't actually start my teaching job until I've been hanging around the mission for a week, giving me some time to adjust, observe their schedule, let them get used to me etc etc. I hear that my room is ready and they are eager for me to come. That's as as good of a sign as any I guess.
Today I did a bit of block painting; I am excited to do more; I've also decided to buy a better guitar here. Let's be honest, the one we found here sucks. big time. So, maybe this week I will be able to get a new one. (and by the way everyone here has "GIVESONS" ...definately not Gibsons!) hahha. There are so many funny ironic signs and brands here...someday maybe I will create a list.
Hopefully I will move to the Mission on Saturday, get settled in, meet all the sisters and the children. This may or may not happen, depending on the political situation. I am both excited to move and have a change of pace, and also not looking forward to the transition. But I do know that lots of adventures and very cute and curious children await me at the mission. I won't actually start my teaching job until I've been hanging around the mission for a week, giving me some time to adjust, observe their schedule, let them get used to me etc etc. I hear that my room is ready and they are eager for me to come. That's as as good of a sign as any I guess.
Today I did a bit of block painting; I am excited to do more; I've also decided to buy a better guitar here. Let's be honest, the one we found here sucks. big time. So, maybe this week I will be able to get a new one. (and by the way everyone here has "GIVESONS" ...definately not Gibsons!) hahha. There are so many funny ironic signs and brands here...someday maybe I will create a list.
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