Green sour smack down goes fishing

pics: malala drinking some yummy milk, green sour things, fishing instruments..

2/22
Today was a big smack down day. One of the students that stays after school during the night to make dinner and help the teachers who stay at the school building was found lying about using the principal’s cell phone. The principal had a good sized swatting stick in her hand, and she knew how to use it. I just wonder how much swatting before spirits break.


2/19 green sour candy's pic
things I asked my mom to send me (mealofa ma lo'u tina i amerika)...mmm the latest package arried from the PC--4 packages of green sour things, 2 pillow cases with Finnish writing on them, a power adapter, 2 Sun Magazines (good reading), 2 bags of rubber bands, foot fungus killer, a finnish news paper, news form home (large storm, LNG) and a valentine's day card--make that two--I got one from grandma and grandpa too.

Being a beginner. my students are total beginners. I'm still backing up up up up..right now we are learning how to use the shift key to make capital letters--or should I say I assumed they already know how to do that. I'm surprised everyday--how much computer knowledge is ingrained into me and pulling it out can sometimes be hard.

I've had the first quizzes--and collected the books; very interesting to see what gets into their book--ONLY what i write down or have on a diagram. one student had "computer stutles" instead of computer studies..we have a lot of work to do. Lefaga Secondary school is where all the kids go who didn't get top scores and go to the city (apia).
I mentioned that if they have good typing skills, it would be easier to find a job. only one person answered that correctly on the quiz. The Finnish language has a lot of long words and names. I hadn't seen any long words or names in Samoan until: Lauiulaaepouitoalefalenaiamoa...a woman's name.


2/17 fishing pic
It's 11pm Sunday evening and i feel like crap (lots of yummy green stuff coming out of my nose) so this may be short. yes, i did get this yucky bug form my weekend adventures of pao pao and spear fishing in the ocean.

Friday i was swimming in the bay inspecting giant clams with my (Samoan) dad. some are more than 10 years old. The fisheries dept help set it up. one was dead--we wondered why. sun sets over flashy, silvery, blue, gold, orange reflection of water. i also saw a whole pile of rocks stuck together with some cement and a cinder block with wire and cement--to simulate coral and try to regrow it--a lot of coral loss=a lot of fish and other sea life bye bye. ..had a second dinner with visitors from Australia.

Saturday was my first paopao experience. Paopao is a SAmoan CAnoe--with a stabilizer bar running along side. i don't know the technical term for them. I went to stay with the science teacher's family across the bay at a village called Matafa'a. Very pretty, very small, very isolated--only one small store. maybe 150 people. we rowed over very shallow water--close to the coral, but never touched it. Met family, and then rowed out past the reef to the open ocean., but still close to the shore. I got to try my hand at spear fishing (fagota) with a spear that you shoot. one small fish later I was done. I used a snorkel mask, but the fins the other fisherman had were too big. Being in the water is so cool. I see many shiny flashes of fish and feel the sway of the current. The ocean bed slopes gently down for a little ways, and then drops drops drops, into dark blue nothingness...I didn't go out that far. i dined on crab, lobster, and boiled bananas for dinner. I guess the people in Matafa'a are THE fisherman that other villages come to for fish. Matafa'a is isolated on the side of a mountain, but no so isolated that they don't have power, stereos, or TV--"crouch, touch, pause, engage" I should have that rugby mantra engrained in my brain by the time I leave samoa.

Finnish school policies about mothers

in the pictures: two pictures of my computer room and picture of computer parts from our hardware matching activity.

good christian songs

http://siwwypig.wordpress.com/category/musics-and-lyrics/christiam-hymns/

2/6
Hmmm….lots going on today. I arrive at school around 8am. “Leaga le Mataio.” “Aisea?” (why? I say.) I guess I’m supposed to be here a t 7am…oh well..it will easier next week, when I’m living at the school. I’m still living with my father (the mayor—pulenu’u) right now. I sign in to “the book” with my orange pen with blue ink, and realize it’s a pen from Finland. http://www.turkutouring.fi/. Sweet finland key chain, and Finnish pillow case.
memories of Finland--my mom is Finnish. I've been to finland 3 times. Finland is>.....far from SAmoa. I don't have internet, so I can't find exact distance. but I know I couldn't ride my bike to Finland from Samoa. I have finnish silverware (a camping set), 2 pillowcases

More cleaning of rooms and desks, an assembly where students were introduced to teachers (faiaoga) among other things. In Samoa, kids are segregated according to how they do on tests, into year groups 9.1,9.2, 10.1,10.2, etc. 9.1 students get better scores, 9.2 students don’t. when 9.1 students were called to stand up (tu i luga), there were 8 girls, 2 boys. 9.2 students=>7 boys, 4 girls. A total reversal. Girls do better in classes. Is that the same as in the USA????

Then the boys (tama) went with the male teachers (of which there are three), and the girls (teine) went with the female teachers (of which there are eight). I was asked to say a few words. I said a few in Samoan, then I spoke in English, and the VP translated. I talked about the eight words: discover, learn, create, share, caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. I think these are important words, especially as the youth of Samoa go out into the “bigger” world,…

We had a staff meeting—going over policies—privacy, dress code, and procedures--communication and determining who would teach what classes. We have geography, science, maths, economics, computers, Samoan Language, and a few others. I’m now on the sports committee…yea…plyometrics here we come;) don’t worry, it will be fun, I promise. Plyometrics (is not in my MSWord default dictionary;(_) is a way of exercise that emphasizes agility, side to side, front to back movements, and speed—just what you need for success in soccer and rugby. We also have committees for music, staff/store room, stationaries, staff fund, SFS manager (Sosaiete Faiaoga Samoa Lefaga—society of Samoan teachers), and the library.

Fun with the annual computer plan. I’ve never actually created a really bonafide plan for teaching. My teaching has been very>>>impromptu. I did create a simple curriculum/teaching plan for the poetry workshop, but nothing for a whole year…fun fun fun. No really. I have a meeting at the Ministry of Education tomorrow to talk to a lady in the curriculum department. That’s one of the things that’s different here in Samoa. PCVs can talk to people in high places a lot easier than in the USA.

Lefaga Secondary School’s priorities for this year are: 1)reading opportunities for the students, 2)get more furniture for the school, 3)all teachers being computer literate (one or two teachers being able to teach computers after I leave, 4)a better partnership with the parents, more communication.

The principal seems cool, wants to get things done and improve the school and opportunities for the students and teachers.

I read something that made me sad. There are some poems (solo, same as a towel) students wrote on butcher paper hanging in the classroom where we had our assembly—about mothers and fathers. here is a piece of one:
Mother is the heart of my family.
From her heart whispers good advice to my daddy.
A precious family has a precious mother,
Who carries all the troubles of children and father.

There is no word for “sore,” which is what my right arm is right now. I got a massage from one of my family members last night. That felt really nice. Second massage I’ve had in Samoa;) my hand hurtsàleaga le lima.

The TV says SAmoa wants to reduce the crime rate by 10% by 2010. This is Samoa. why so much bad karma? Monkey see, monkey do--violence does waht violence sees. i don't think SAmoans have any knowledge of media literacy...well I'm not sure of that. I wonder if I could work that into my curriculum.

Powerstrip's effective habits for eating Mexican Yummies

in the pictures: I do yoga by coke bottle candles now...it's cool; Ina and Le from my Samoan family; a local store (falealoa).

2/5
I know the school room is becoming my home when my power strip is full--here's what it's currently sporting: a fan, a laptop, speakers, and a hot water maker. i have visions of a toaster oven (to make some melted cheese sandwiches), but when i get to Apia i always seem to have other food items more pressing, and the $350 tala cost is a little much, but I haven't had melted cheese since PC training ended...yes...withdrawals (sp?).

possibilities in helping teachers learn about computers--today I showed a teacher how to make borders visible and change image size in MSWord.

Sasa le vau (cut the grass) for 15 minutes today and my hand had two huge blisters and had twinges I hadn't felt since mornings i awoke in Alaska with preclawed hands from 15 hour days slinging fish.

everyday at school teachers are required to sign into the time log--with a BLUE pen. very important, don't forget. I've been told more recently that my signature is too big---outside of the lines...sign inside the small box...I'm not good at that.


2/4
So an uneventful first day of school. I didn’t do any teaching, probably won’t until next week. The students pulled weeds and cleaned some of the rooms. The staff supervised, then ate, had a short meeting, then uma—school finished.

School starts soon. It gets sooner. I try to prepare. What is there to prepare for, other than write down some rules, and see if all the computers work—they don’t—one has a bad power supply I heard, one has a password on the admin account, a printer spits solid black pages, not the most efficient use of toner...

Our computer lab is also the school library. I found the 7 habits of highly effective people. I want to figure out if there is a way to work any of these habits into my lessons…like begin with the end in mind. Maybe it will be more helpful to me. It’s interesting that one of the main concepts in the book is “interdependence.” I’m getting a face to face everyday experience with a high high high level of interdependence in Samoa.

More random people I meet—the security guard for Aggie Grey’s (the fancy hotel in Apia). His name is Vaelelei and lives in Vaiusu. I asked him to write it down for me. So I can remember for the next time I see him. I also finally asked Salatielu to write his name down. He is the security guy at the PC office.

The promise of Mexican food…hmmm..the reward: sour _____ (I forgot the name of the yummy mixed drink) and mexican food…lots of it. Water is good. First mexican since getting to Samoa. To rival Gordito’s (a Seattle local’s joint with 6 serving burritos).


Drops bounce

Drops bounce
I see the drops bounce in the puddles
Creating small waves
Capsizing the tiny bugs daring
To surf the big waves.

Wetness seeps through
Fabric, skin, souls
--Matt Crichton

Breadfruit's Spectacle runs in Rugby Sevens

in the pictures: I finally got a Samoan bible (O Le Tusi Paia) and a song book (Pese Ma Viiga).; the breadfruit chips..yummy yummy yummy; a church in Samoa--I'm not sure of the denomination.

2/3
www.adyashanti.org
...december 2007 sun magazine my mom sent me..a spiritual teacher asks "what's been important to you all your life? That's your truth. I guess i liked the article (interview). Some other things...presence between the words...is this nancy anything more than a thought?...what is looking through your eyes right now?...god is peering through right now...in this moment...help people question their argument with reality...truth lies rith here, right now...when we let our guard down...reality rushes in...what am i really?...be alive in the routine...but what i have found...true spirituality...facing your illusions...it all depends on your attitude/intention...spirituality is much more of a bloody mess than we like to admit...act on truth alone...your good sense is vital...well functioning egos are nicer to be around.

http://www.thesunmagazine.org/issues/384/who_hears_this_sound

the craziness of Samoa: a 1GB flash drive costs $98 Tala (probably about $35/40USD). another PCV got a 1GB flash drive in America for $7.

Flashback..there is one movie place in Samoa: Magik Cinemas. I watched a movie called Cloverfield a while ago with some other PCVs. I remember "forget the world and hang on to those you love." maybe i'm the opposite, forget the family and hang onto the world. I feel so far away. but memories of home dance through my heart, as the surf crashes white against coral reef.


2/1 Another movie tonight. Sad, with a happy ending, well at least for one mother. Other mother loses daughter to violence, in the “name of peace.” Yeah, I was taking notes—here are some others: “are you ok?” “they got one of us.” They US. When we bleed the same color blood, <> “peace be with you” even in the name of violence that takes many lives. Yeah—there will be peace,when everyone is dead. “they have a relationship” world is built on relationships—for better or worse. I’m learning how important it is a skill to develop and keep positive relationships—in all strings of life. “this is a nasty business.” And we have to play nasty or we lose? How much intelligence dose it take to change a light bulb? And how many people will die? “do you have a family?” an important question when you hold the key to someone’s freedom. The movie is called Rendition. I spied it at the Magik Cinema of Samoa. I heard fat man snore. Slapping would not wake him. Maybe a cup of ice water?

It’s interesting who talks to me in Samoa—most recently it was a man looking for a lawyer..for workers compensation package of (if I read the letter correctly)_ $700 million. The letter had bad English. He asked me if I know any lawyers in America. I said no.

A Saksian Bulletin says “if you want to get a message out, wrap it up in a person.” Hmmmm…not a book? Or web site?

Good food remembered…dining at fale o Ioene in Apia during our second language session we ate well. One night included spaghetti, sauce, cheese, 2 large pieces of chocolate cake=yummy in my tummy.


1/31
The spectacle of Rugby 7s—Wellington, NZ. Costumes of all shapes and sizes—4 black Spiderman, fat women, policemen, scantily dressed nurses. Precise passes, spinning ability, speed on demand, team thinking, holding onto the passes, good tackling—will take a team far. Rain makes spectators leave.

Some yoga thoughts: never w/o scars, yoga as a training program for how to live better, sustainable energy, to learn surrender and beginning, trusting of my abilities.

I watched a movie..it was good..and it wasn’t kick, punch, bang, boom, kill…it was about knowing people’s sadness and disturbing the peace.

Blast from the recent past: I retook the language test, code named LPI#2. this was after 2 weeks of (less intense) language training in Apia. I scored an Intermediate Mid—yeah!! The tester said I should have passed the first time..yeah..well my brain said otherwise. Whatever the case, PC is satisfied.

I’m still adjusting to the Samoan sleep schedule—my family..my dad is asleep right after eating dinner. Bingo on many nights—family comes home around 11:30 or midnight—to eat a late dinner—then sleep (moe). I usually sleep by 12am.

Waking Life’s rocking theme “are you a dreamer?” well yes, I am thank you. right now I dream about yummy cheesy quesadillas—maybe my dream will come true—a neighboring store owner wants to know how to cook, Mexican food—oh—it was Italian food. Some people from Australian want to do some Mexican.

local resources AND and a Supersized McDonalds

hmmmm..last post january 23, been a long time..new thoughts are here.

in the pictures...the inside of ANZ bank in Apia, very modernized; two workers at AST Industries, selling...many different things.One of my brothers works there. He buys me coke and chips when we ride the bus back to the village together. Hiking down off the mountain where many satellite dishes and cell phone towers live. it was a good hike, with good views. the two people in the picture are an Aussie (lawyer), and NZelander(Risk management at ANZbank).

1/26
talking with another PCV who has been here a while… “mobilizing resources withing communities is what will really be sustainable. And finding the materials and knowledge within country/community.” Something I will try to keep in mind. So much external money coming into Samoa. I hope I can teach some people some computer skills during my two years—a very short time, really. PCVs write a lot of grants—I haven’t done one yet. I guess it can be helpful, but what I really want to od is work with someone from the village that wants to learn how to write grants. The “village grant writer”

So I have yet to try and fix one of the computers that doesn’t work in our computer room/library. I hear there is a computer repair shop in Apia—have not been in it yet.

I played ultimate frisbee with some Austrialian volunteers a few days ago. I guess it will be a regular thing—Mondays/Thursdays. Too bad I’m not living in Apia;( I wonder if there will be much UF intwo years in my village (update—vice principal says next Friday (sports day) we’ll do some ultimate!!) all the australian volunteers live in Apia and work at organizations—different than PCV, many of whom live in villages. One of the Aussie vols said that is their approach—to make sure the government can do it the right way. I guess it takes both kinds—of help (fesoasoani).

It is still hard to find time to be alone, time to read. People are always around me. My definition of personal space is being redefined—especially when I eat. People hover very close to see how I eat.

I’ve been listening to a lot of different music—from other PCVs. I like the music that feels the flowing and stacatto…distinct starts and ends..not jumbled overlapping sounds that get in the way of each other. Here’s what’s on right now: Calexico, Karsh Kale, Bach, George Benson, Mozart, Neil Young, Miles Davis, Despina Vandi.

Writing postcards to my family and friends—I got really sad---started writing I miss home, I miss you. I love you..on all of them.

Fire is what killed Andrew. Fire(spirit) is what I work with..ignite in others. Not just children. Adults can be ignited (again). It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, or a new dog old tricks. We already know then. Forgotten. Amnesia be thy gone from you now.


1/21 McDonalds
The McDonalds experience—expensive fast food. Ice cream. Little kids selling anything from coconuts, to fans, to bandaids, to chips. I had a cup of hot water for my siamini (noodles) and a coconut to drink (which I bought from a kid, not McDonalds). It seems to be thing to do to come to McDonalds and tank on fast food.

There are large boats here in Samoa too (just like the little town of Astoria,OR). One is named the Amsterdam, part of the Holland Cruise line. Richard from FL is on the 180 day shoot around to many different places package…in Samoa for one day. Too much to see. But he said something interesting to me b4 we parted: “thanks for stopping me.”

Now when I look up at the night sky I see the sillohet of the breadfruit tree, our fale—still too much light for me…a lot less than boston.

Bumpy the bus to Apia

Bumpy the bus to Apia
Angry brown river shows white fangs
Little girl swings on scaffolding
As it licks lips, rising to the top
Small puddles now the 1000 lakes of Samoa.
Talking about God.
Not being able to let guard down
Jump on the fantabulous innertube
Bounce on down,
The ocean awaits.

--Matt Crichton
1/21/08


1/16
John’s b-day..we celebrated.it was yummy…mom’s package came. It had lots of stuff in it…$123….mmm..110proof rum + coke + lime= I float away on a coconut dream aboard the manu Samoa lava lava express. When you intake liquid for volume, you have to be careful what you have in your hand.
Contents of the package included: 3 aerobies, presentation covers, 49ers hat, 2 poloshirts, quick dry towel, water bottle holder, pedals from my bike at home, helmet, biking gloves, seat + post, bar ends, underwear!, 8 toothbrushes, 4 tubes of toothpaste, 2 journals, 2008 calendar, playing cards, stickers, 5 notebooks, two 4 color pens, 20 blue pens, push pins, a 4GB flash drive, map of USA and world, Oregon Chai (yummY), santa clause christmas card, and a small bag to replace the current one that was falling apart.