Navigating Roads, Language and Lunch

Full bellies of chai and mandazi sent us on our way to school. The rain from the night left matatus stuck, owners and those passing by helped to push them out of slippery pockets. We skipped and jumped across puddles of water, mud, trash and waste. The street shops were already alive and selling. 

After greeting Principal Resper, we entered the Grade 4 classroom. Everyone was anticipating our arrival, teacher was still away at a funeral. We started with a game of Beat Detective during PE then played Around The World for math. We navigated poorly around language barriers as we tried to explain each game and their rules. 10 year olds are hard enough to control, throw in quizzical looks due to miscommunication and you get 20 minutes of direction, 5 minutes of game time. I tell myself  it will get easier. 

Florence and I packed leftover ugali and kale for lunch. No sooner had we finished our serving when we were summoned to the office. Principal Resper had a full plate of cooked banana and potatoes for us to have. It was a very kind gesture and a real treat. The kids were jealous of our good fortune.  I shrugged and dug in for second lunch. It's better to feel overstuffed and gassy than to feel the pang of guilt that comes with refusing a special. Good thing the food was delicious and her company was pleasant. 

I liked Resper. She had a warm smile and round happy features. She would hide her face when she laughed and was always agreeable.  She had a 7 month old son at home whom she very much wanted us to meet. Resper expressed her love of teaching and children. Even though her role gave her more disciplinary and administrative duties, she liked to drop in on classes from time to time to stay in touch with her students and teachers. 

I was so full and pleased with my meal, I almost forgot about the gathering of students waiting for her justice only an hour before. 

My eyes were heavy by 2:00. I wonder where to find a good cup of coffee nearby. Winnie only made chai in the morning which was not enough to kick start my day or override the starchy meals I constantly consumed. I couldn't be too upset though; during my next lesson I watched kids chew on wads of paper, passing the lump from one side to the other. Kids chew on pen caps all the time, I remember. Hopefully this is just another oral fixation.