Leaving Ompundja (12-2)

The time has come to leave Ompundja, my Namibian village and home. As always, it’s a bittersweet time. I feel finished here, but I’m sad to leave my friends and the quiet, open spaces.

My fundraising project is finished. My friends donated a total of $1700 to the school. The teachers originally wanted a new staff room, but the projected cost was $25,000. They thought I might be able to raise enough to be seed money so that they could ask the government for the rest. I pretty much new that wouldn’t happen. Their other priority was new computers. So that’s what we purchased: a desktop computer for Rebekka to use (replacing the one that is over 6 years old and often needs to be restarted in order to get it to do something), a second laptop for teachers to use, 

and a printer to be connected to the desktop computer. (The last printer stopped working a few weeks ago; so this was very timely and is much appreciated because it was time to print the learners’ reports.) We also purchased a speaker/amplifier with two microphones to be used for events (talent show, drama) at the school. Wilhelmina was especially happy to have this, as she has been trying to get teachers to agree to buy one for several years, but the older teachers didn’t see the need/use of it. She said they will be happy to have it now because it came from me. In addition, we purchased a long extension cord, a few power strips so the computer plugs can be separated from those used to charge phones, and an extra printer cartridge. So the funds have been put to good use. I feel good about the purchases and am glad to have helped make this contribution to the school.

The computers were presented to the learners at the morning assembly last week. One of the teachers held up each item to show them. Mrs. Reinhold told them that they were donated by my friends and family. When a couple school board members were here, she showed them the computer and laptop. The man told me not to forget the school when I leave, as it is a poor school that needs help.

The laptop is ready to use. The desk top computer is also ready, but Rebekka will use the old one to finish the year-end reports for learners since that’s the one she knows how to use. She can learn to use the new one in January. The printer is hooked up to the old computer so she can print the reports.

On Tuesday Jerobiam wanted to see the speaker. After he unpacked it, we had fun demonstrating how it works. The teachers, including one who had been negative about the idea, were really happy when they saw it in use and I explained how it will help everyone hear when they have a program in which learners read something or speak. Even the principal got into using the mic when I told her to use it when she announces the top learners in each grade. I think seeing it in action made them understand how useful it will be.

I had everyone sign a thank you note for my friends who donated to the project. They were happy to do that, and most of them told me how happy they are with the new equipment. It makes them feel good. One teacher commented that they are now an up-to-date school. One teacher who is often negative has thanked me several times with a huge smile and handshake.

The presentation of learners’ reports was moved from Friday to Monday because Angel had been marking grade 10 exams in Windhoek and hadn’t marked his local exams. I was disappointed that I couldn’t be there for the assembly to hear the results, to see the speaker in use, and to see the learners one last time. 

Last Friday we mailed my boxes to the U.S. It took the woman at the post office 45 minutes to do this, the longest it has ever taken. I felt bad for the people who arrived just after I got to the window and had to wait all that time. It was really good to have that done.

Monday I went town with Wilhelmina to do some final things. I got my hair cut—really cut. I had told the man I wanted it very short and showed him about how much to cut off. He got into shaving it and made it very, very short. I won’t need another cut for a few months. Then I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned. Since I gave my feet a good cleaning on Sunday and my toes are very white again, I am feeling really ready to travel.

Tuesday was Wilhelmina’s birthday. She wanted to take Teopolina and me to dinner because we are both leaving; so she chose to do it that night. Her friend Queen also joined us, and it was nice to see her again. I had calamari, as it could be the last time to have such delicious calamari since it’s not readily available in the U.S. Since we were out for dinner, I stayed at Wilhelmina’s house that night. It was nice to spend a little time with her husband and to meet her older daughter.

I drove part of the way to town on Tuesday to practice driving. Wednesday morning I practiced in Wilhelmina’s neighborhood to get experience on two-way roads. Since I was familiar with driving on the left side from riding my bicycle on the left in Thailand, I got into driving on the left fairly quickly. Interestingly, the most challenging thing to remember was that the turn signal is on the right side of the steering wheel.

Thursday we had the end-of-year/farewell party at school. They cooked chicken since I don’t eat beef. 

There were also the usual potato salad and rice with a few mixed veggies. I was asked to make the green salad. Rebekka watched me to see how it is done in America. I don’t think it’s any different, but it was nice to have her company.

Before eating, there was a program to say “good-bye” to Teopolina and me. Since she is a contract teacher, not a qualified teacher, her job had to be advertised and qualified candidates applied. So one of them will take her place. Fortunately, she has another job. She’s working on a master’s degree in education so she can become a qualified teacher. People spoke nicely about both of us using the new speaker and mic, and we both gave a brief speech. I had taken things to give away—some things I’d brought from the U.S. and some things purchased for use here. A few items were designated, and then when their name was drawn everyone got to choose something. They had a good time. I was given a traditional-style dress that is a little modern in style. Of course I had to model it, and lots of photos were taken. 

After eating, Wilhelmina wanted photos with the three of us. She will miss her two good friends at the school.

Friday I had a little fun with the teachers who were at school. I took my foldable deck chair and raffled it. For N$10, they could put their name in the pot to win the chair. I got N$80/$5.

I left a bunch of items in the house for Kowmongwa and Helena. One special item was the shelves I'd purchased for the kitchen. I knew she coveted those. When I told them that everything I left except the bed, wardrobe, fridge, and stove, all of which belong to the Ministry, would be for them, Helena asked about the "storage" as she pointed to the kitchen. So I knew she would be happy. When she saw the iron under the bed, she told me to give it to her. So I felt good about leaving so many things, mostly household items they can use, for them.  

One day Teopolina commented that she can’t wait till Christmas. So I took the opportunity to ask how it is celebrated here. The big event is eating a big meal with family and friends. A goat is slaughtered for the occasion. They may give a few presents, but not many and this is not the focus of the holiday. They cut a tree branch and put it outside the house as a Christmas tree. However, some people have adopted the Western custom of having an artificial Christmas tree in the house.

The drought continues. After a rain last week, some grass and weeds started to pop up, but they haven’t continued to grow without more rain. When we stopped at Wilhelmina’s village house one day, I could see how thin her cows are. Two had already died.

Leaving is always interesting. One teacher who hasn’t shown much personal interest in had me write my name and city on the board. Then she and another teacher brought over a globe so I could show them where my town is. Another teacher who doesn’t speak much English and with whom I haven’t been particularly friendly asked for my cell phone number in America. Even if I had one to give her, it would never be used, but the thought was sweet. Many told me that they will always remember me, which is often connected with the new technology equipment. I will always remember them, too.

Friday was our final day together for Wilhelmina, Teopolina, and me. After working at school until 4:00, we went to Bennie’s Park, an entertainment park I hadn’t been to. About ten minutes after leaving the school, Wilhelmina broke down and had to stop driving to cry a bit, which, of course, made me join her. At the park we had a delicious seafood—with lots of cheese—pizza. Then it was time to deliver me to the bus. 

On the way out of the park, a peacock spread his tail feathers, and we had to stop for a few photos. Parting at the bus was also difficult. After I checked in, they got in the truck and drove off with lots of waving as long as we could.