Being Friday, it was once a day full of tests in the classroom. State tests and spelling tests; the two that are every single Friday no matter what. As I handed them out today, the boys started complaining again. They are just like clockwork. Someday, I want to do a magic show. Tell people that I GUARANTEE that I can make these boys complain. Then, just give them a homework assignment or a test. Simple as that. Seems like they would realize they will never win, and make me take it back.
Today, they got to work, and were right in the middle of it when Mrs. Beauregard came in and informed us we were having a guest speaker today for the whole school. I had them flip the tests upside down, and go join the rest of the school. Little did I know, this would take the whole morning, but I had nothing to complain about. Meant I had a morning off from responsibility and teaching!
We all sat in the back room and listened to a woman talking about Haiti, its history and the culture. As I am preparing to leave for Haiti, it was interesting to learn a bit about its history. I made sure to pay close attention, yet, watch for those dozing off and make sure to give them a nice big poke. She started talking about their ancestors coming over from Western Africa, being forced into slavery by the white man. As many times as I have heard this story, seen videos on it and listened to songs, it never had the effect on me as it did today. Listening to a black woman address a black crowd about being proud and remembering what their ancestors did for them to be in a free world today, really had an effect on me. But why so much more today than any other time? I had never been the only Caucasian in the room when hearing it before. Talk about depressing when you hear all these black people talk about the white man bringing them over. It felt as if every eye glanced my way and shot looks of hate at my distant ancestors! I tried to slouch as low as I could, but when you are sitting in from on a crowd in a chair with nothing in front of you, there is nothing to hide behind. Learned that real quickly today.
After the presentation, I drove up to Ft. Lauderdale to pick up some strangers from the airport that needed a ride to Miami. I finally found them, and got them loaded into the van with their luggage. They quickly informed me that their names were Brad and Brenda Shue from Harper, Kansas. Sounds like a lovely place they come from.
I took them back to the school, where they had prepared a large Haitian feast for us. It really was fun to introduce my parents to all my kids at the school, especially the ones that I work with the most. As a writing assignment, I had them all write their autobiographies and then read them aloud to the class, my parents, and I. While I didn't know what to expect, they all did very well and it was fun to hear what they thought of me and how these thoughts have changed. One kid admitted he has been scared to get out of his chair and move without my permission because he didn't want me to step on him. Where he gets his ideas, I have no idea, but that definitely was a new one for me!
The rest of the day we sat in the room and talked about Kansas, as mom and dad would answer questions for them. They really do have a genuine interest in my home and seeing where I come from. I wish I had more pictures to show them, because GOOGLE images always gives me the same pictures when I type in 'Kansas.' Ma and Pa spent an hour or so doing this, then giving them trick math problems on the board. They really thought I had a family of messed up people when we could always guess what answer they were going to get. They don't think of trying to figure out the methods, but just love getting the thrill of watching someone guess their numbers. It was quite funny to watch.
After school, we came to the house and all took a nap until about 5:30. It felt amazing! For the evening, we spent it at an event to help raise money to send to Haiti. A lot of my students did a dance there, so we went to support them. After this, we took Brad and Brenda to a very good Thai restaurant on US 1 called 'MOON.' The sushi was terrific, but I think the company was even better.
It is awesome to be able to show my parents the life that I am now living and introduce them into a culture that is totally new to them as well. Can't wait for the rest of the weekend.
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