Awesome day!

Today was probably the best day I have had so far at my site. So if you remember, I had been suckered into taking the KSL class 8. It is the class without a work book, that will be tested in the national exams, has never been taught before and has a syllabus that makes no sense what so ever. Well since I got the class, I have been so stressed over what to teach them. Do I follow the syllabus that makes no sense? Do I teach them something even I don’t know? If I decide to just teach them functional skills, what counts as functional skills in sign language? Today, I decided to teach them something I know. I was surprised it was a success. Or least I think it was a success. At least I felt confident that I knew the subject. As class was finishing up, one of the students came up to me and started asking me the signs for a bunch of vocabulary. Some were simple, ones I already knew. Others I had to look up. But I felt like a real breakthrough happened. The students were starting to ask questions, starting to understand me. I felt like a real teacher. I signed the word large and used the facial expressions that go along with the sign. The students started to laugh. I realized they had no idea what facial expressions were. The light bulb came on. I was going to teach them what I knew and maybe have fun doing it. I have always wanted to come to Kenya but wanting something and actually experiencing it totally different. This journey has been hard, frustrating and at times I seriously contemplated going home. But I am really glad I stuck with it. I’m sure there will be bad days ahead of me but at least I know I can expect good days as well. I am starting to fall in love with this country and the people. But what I love most is the not knowing what is still in store for me.
P.S.
I don’t know if I have said it yet, but I wanted to thank those who have supported me through all of this. I could not have done it without any of you.