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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Easter greetings from the 1st grade

I took the picture this morning at the village
school. Thought it was a decent one to attach
an Easter greeting to.
I know that Easter is three days away but it's
been a while since I've written for this blog so
just couldn't wait till Sunday.
It has been a few weeks. I was with my colleagues
in the Capital for our mid-service conference.
It is half way already.
In the village there has been a lull. Being away for
over a week means having to start the momentum
going again.
Did hear some pretty good results from the TB
drama/movie we made. Today it was me, the lady
working on TB prevention and care and the community
counselor (whom works on HIV/AIDS issues) where
having a discussion. It came to, did we see any results
from the film we made. She started working at the clinic
on 7th September 2010. In September she had 0 people
come in for testing. In October she had 0 people
whom came in for testing. Guess what November,
December and 3 weeks in January amounted to, as far as
TB testing went ... 0 again. But since showing the film
on the 24th of January she's had 11 people come in
on their own. Yeah, it isn't the biggest thing in the
world, but it is something that makes us feel pretty
good about what we did.
Today was an incredible day. I went to the young
person San cultural group practice. It was underneath
a tree in the middle of a field. That's where they usually
practice. I've been to quite a few of them before. Today
was different because there were 5 elders teaching the
kids the old ways of dancing and some old songs. It
was really something to see. Everyone was so animated
and there was so much energy and happiness.
As I was observing I thought of the suffering and sadness
that the elders must have. Today the San aren't the
hunter/gatherers they used to be. These songs and dances
were part of their youth, when they used to hunt. I was
just thinking that they were living bygone days right in
front of my eyes. Then I felt a sadness for them, the
thought of people losing their way of life and not by
choice, has to leave a void in one's spirit.
They were talking about teaching the young generation so
as not to lose the ways that have been handed down
over the generations.
This is the first time that I've seen the elders participate
and I don't know if it is a one time thing. I am hoping
that it is a beginning of only more handing down of the
old ways by the elders.
So, I am also hoping that everyone's Easter is a good one.

2 comments:

Bene said...

Paul. I totally get that sadness. It really hits when you stop to think that things will never be the same and that others will completely disappear. I don't know if the elders always have an opportunity to share what they know these days as in the past or if this was a spontaneous thing. Did you ever find out if this was an exceptional thing or do you think it is something that is part of a larger "curriculum?" Next time, if there is a next time, it would be great to see some pictures of this learning exchange.

Pat Owen said...

Hey Paul, I always enjoy your posts and look forward to the next. You're doing great stuff there. Really.