This past week I’ve been feeling a bit lonely and
friendless. I’m not sure if was because I was so close to coming home for a
visit or if I was just stressed trying to plan all my classes for 2 weeks and
pack. However, today really changed that and made me feel like I was loved.
Today being my last day at site for a few weeks it was a
crazy day! Everyone kept asking me to bring them back something from America (a
lot of times they asked to bring back cake from the wedding I’m going to or a
cookie for them). Of course I just laughed and said “vamos ver—we’ll see.” Many
of my students asked when I was leaving and when I was arriving in America…they
couldn’t believe it would take a whole day on an airplane. Lastly everyone made
sure I was coming back by asking what day I’d be returning—hopefully they
actually study and speak in English while I’m gone! One of the lab techs from
Portugal has extra time and offered to teach my lessons—I’m so thankfully they
will have a teacher during these next few weeks.
This afternoon, I was not really looking forward to my last
English class of the day. One of my 8th grade turmas can be a bit
crazy and they can never stop talking. I decided to try and guilt them into
changing their behavior by telling them that if they don’t become a better
class I’m going to go to America and never come back. Haha, probably not a nice
thing to do but I think it really will work with them. They all looked so
serious and started talking at once saying they would be a better class and
follow the rules. One of my favorite students in the class came up to me after
class and he just looked so sad so I asked if he was okay and he said no. I was
getting worried at this point and he went on to say he was sad because I was
leaving. I felt really bad for joking about their behavior and not coming back
that I told him I was just kidding…I think he’s doing better now since he asked
me to bring him back a pen from America. J
A few of my colleagues came up to me to ask when/if I was going to America
because they had heard talk about my trip. I told them yes but also had to set
the rumors straight…no I wasn’t going for 5 weeks or 5 months, nothing is
wrong—I’m going home for a wedding and YES I am going to return. I swear I told
each of my classes all of these things but somehow people thought I was leaving
and never coming back. Oh Nacuxa fofoca!
After classes I went over to the nuns’ house to talk with
Rui, who will be teaching my English classes while I’m gone. I saw some of my
students who were supposed to be in my crazy 8th grade class but
never showed up so I gave them a hard time. Then I ran into some other students
and talked with them for a while about my trip. The next thing I see is Irma
Sandra coming out of her house with a large bag that was covered. She asked if
I was free because she wanted to come talk and give me a despedida (a get together Mozambicans/PCVs
do before going away or going on a long trip). I felt really loved at that
moment and after the day I had I felt like I had a lot of friends and good
people in my life. She came over and pulled out fresh, warm bread from the
school’s bakery, tuna and two bottles of beer. We ended up drinking our beer
and chatting for about an hour. It was really nice just to hangout and catch up
about her life and what she wants for her future. We also talked about
Mozambican men and their methods for getting women.
Having that time talking with Irma Sandra and talking about
our future helped me to realize sometimes I’m only lonely because I don’t get out
there and ask to hang out. Despite what I once said on a blind date one of my
talents is not making friends. I don’t like to get out of my comfort zone
especially when that includes trying to make friends while speaking Portuguese.
I’m very excited to go back home to America, enjoy protein-filled food (So I
don’t lose any more hair) and being reunited with my friends and family!
However, I’m also really looking forward to coming back to Nacuxa, starting the
primary school library/tutoring program and no matter how awkward it feels I’m
planning on taking my friend’s advice of just showing up at my Mozambican
friend’s house and sitting there with her in hopes we can become better
friends.
After today I know I have friends at site and people who
will miss me in America; but I want to improve that and have friends who I can
hangout with during the weeks and weekends! I need adult friends instead of
just the crianças. Wish me luck for when I return! Until then I’m going to
enjoy good food, good company and a beautiful wedding next week!
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