March Little Victories

I keep a journal and every morning I record something that happened the day before that I consider a "little victory". Something that either made me proud, made me happy, or just something good that can always remind me why I'm doing this. So these are my Little Victories from March:

Today was simply incredible. My students fill my heart in a way that's undescribable. I spent the while morning just hanging out with them out by the field; dancing, watching basketball and soccer and just talking. So, so happy. 

I made rice and bean burgers, made a bun, topped it with avocado and had a side of French fries and ketchup. Who needs meat

I spent a total of one hour in my house today from 9 this morning until 6. I love being part of my community 

A proud little teacher's moment: some kids were out watching sports and one of my students was by me with some of the older girls. They starting practicing English and my student kept showing up the older student with what she knew. I was proud but at the same time sad that the older girls knew so little. 

Today was apparently like a teachers work day and I didn't know  that but my classes in the afternoon all still showed up! They know how clueless I am!

My milk/church lady friend is simply the best! Conversations with her in the morning always brighten my day. 

At the grade ceremony the top students stood on a podium and then a teacher came and did the traditional three kisses to congratulation them. The other teachers made me do that to one of the grades and the little victory is only that both me and the students didn't die of complete embarrassment 

Had my first real successful time fripping today

The time in Mantasoa for IST was so nice to be able to be reunited with all the other volunteers. 

Went to a movie theater in Tana. That was a pretty wild experience. Also today I had a burger with fries, ice cream and popcorn. Not quite used to that kind of luxury 

Really just thankful for the friendships I've formed with other volunteers here. I couldn't do this without them.

Getting back to site I was greeted by some of my students who helped me carry my stuff to my house. I really do just love it here 

The adjustment back to site was easier than I anticipated. My students still like me. My community still talks to me and only every other person I greeted again asked for a volondalana instead of every person. Also Mama Zaza made ravitoto for lunch so today was good

Today it started downpouring in my 6eme class and we're going over colors and no one can hear me. I end up just holding up the color squares I have and then the students all just begin yelling with all their might so I could hear them. It was priceless. They're so stinking cute 

There was a whole plethora of goodness today. I sat and reconnected with my counterpart and her family. Somehow stumbled onto an all girls soccer team. And then my sweet old lady friend/neighbor just randomly gave me two oranges when I passed her house

I love being able to just be weird in class and make learning as fun as possible

Today was another day for the records book of favorite days at site. In the morning there were ceremonies for their Commemoration day which included lots of dancing and spending time with lots of people because no one was working. Then in the afternoon I played in a match with my girls team and basically the the whole town was there to watch

I love when my friends come over and we can just sit and talk. Time is such a gift