My home during the week is at the Sandra Jones Centre. I share this home with 70 children and youth as well as a couple of SJC staff. My room is on the second floor of the centre along with the teenage women. I have my own room where I sleep, seek privacy and occasionally do some work. My room has a large window that overlooks the SJC grounds. I eat most of my meals in the dining hall, eating Sadza at most meals. I spend much of my time outside playing with children or inside tutoring, helping with homework, playing games, leading bible studies, building relationships and trust. It is hard to believe that I have been at the Centre for five weeks already. I have learned a lot but have so much more to learn.
My second home on the weekends is amazing! I have a host mom, dad, sister and brother, much like the composition of my own family. They are a wonderful, fun, kind, helpful, interesting family and I feel comfortable to relax, read and be myself in their home. My host sister is 17 and my host brother is 13 and they include me in their various life activities. I also get to help cook and my host mom wants me to teach her how to cook some of my favorite dishes.
It is hard to believe that I have been here in Bulawayo for over a month. Time does fly. I have to admit that during my first month there have been a lot of ups and downs. I have struggled at times knowing my roll, finding my way and being myself with new friends. I recognize that these are many of the struggles that accompany being in a new place and starting a new job and making new friends. While there are struggles I want to end this post by sharing some of the highlights of my first month in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe:
1. Sunsets are indescribable.
2. My MCC Reps are Awesome!
3. Early Morning Jogs (never thought I would LOVE running in the morning). Usually many children run with me on their way to school....whether I know them or not.
4. Learning how to be a tutor in math and English.
5. Learning about the culture and more specifically about gender issues in Zim.
6. Holding Babies and getting hugs everyday from small children.
7. Spending time with past IVEPers!
8. Getting to know my host family.
9. Discovering the city.
10. Morning Tea, Evening Tea, Always drinking Tea!
Life has been busy, but I will try to post more regular updates.
Love from Zimbabwe, Elena
Here are a few pictures of my new living spaces...
The Entrance of the Sandra Jones Centre: Above
My Week Day Home: The Sandra Jones Centre
My cozy bed in my bedroom at the SJC
My desk and refrigerator in my room at the SJC
View from my window
My cozy bed at my host home
