The new computer is driving me to distraction. I just finished what I had hoped was an insightful - and long - message, only to have it disappear into the ether. I shall try again.
We have finished the first week with (at least for me) a feeling of mixed success. The concept of "class" needed to be radically redefined. Attendance is "flexible" to say the least. There may be one student or six. Some may have been there before, some never. Three of my students are treasurers - high school or better and clearly very bright, but shy and reluctant to make a mistake. Chuck's "ladies" are also highly motivated and anxious to learn so the atmosphere is positive, but sometimes frustrating.
The staff here is marvelous as are the leaders of the communities. Clearly educated people who have chosed to make a commitment to nurturing the gradual - and I mean gradual - evolution of those within these extraordinary living circumstances. "Borrowed" electricity and water, frequently no sewage, and yet the desire to somehow find a better way. Our situation is probably closer to the "norm" (and yet how far!) The people who are involved in caring for the tiny ones - maybe 2 people for 25 toddlers - and one wonders how on earth any real benefit occurs. Yet - two meals, a safe place to play, clean clothes and a daily bath are such a marked improvement from what might be expected that everything is put into new perspective. The idea of teaching sharing and taking turns is a radical introduction into their lives. Some are obviously so smart it's stunning.
The idea of really "teaching a unit" simply cannot occur. We can introduce some things, try to answer questions, do our best. The staff feels the very fact we are here is the real benefit - to see and be seen. My Portuguese, of necessity, gets better It is obviously impossible to communicate an explanation without a familiar language, although my group is resourceful with their dictionaries. Still, it is a slow process. Hours looking up words and trying to find a way to explain abstractions. Nouns are easy. Irregular past tense not so much.
The idea of not coming in and "trying to make it right" is sometimes difficult to comes to terms with. Just being here and doing a little something is the goal. The staff has such a lovely attitude about gradual growth/improvement/possibilities. Baby steps, not upsetting the apple cart and throwing the baby out with the bathwater, to mix a metaphor or two.
We're also able to do some supplementary stuff. This weekend included a boat trip to two tropical islands - Itaparica and Ilhus dos Frades on a small schooner with a 4 person band that played for about 5 hours.
The heat can be oppressive and the humidity equally so. Our "quarters" are tinier than tiny and exceedingly spartan, but clean. The food that is prepared is generous and of the traditional kind. Lots of fresh fruit, beans and rice and always something special.
Today we treated ourselves to a churrascaria where there was a salad bar that set the standard and "waiters" with skewers of about 15 kinds of meats circulating through the restaurant anxious to slice off a bit for you to taste.
Home now and ready to prepare the lessons for tomorrow, wondering who may show up and how it will be possible to reach them in a way that might make a difference.