Diary of a Leach: life in America, post-Africa

A summary of my thoughts in life post-Africa....

*not a Leach creation

So, we've been back now for almost 4 months. When I really think about it, it seems crazy that I was in Africa 4 months ago. Life is just chugging along here in Idaho. I think about Africa more than I thought I would. I often feel grateful for my luxuries and feel guilty for them, as well. I can't wait to share all of my knowledge and artifacts with my students. I have told them about how I traveled there but I haven't delved into it as much as I would like. I am busy (!!!) at work and with my Master's so I haven't had the time to organize photos and plan any lessons. I can't wait to show them my pictures. The town where I teach is tiny and has a large poverty population (in America's standards). Many of my students have not been out of the area or experienced anything but rural-Idaho. If anything, I hope I can teach my students about the world and the people of the world, even if they don't have the ability to experience it first hand. More education, less ignorance. That's my goal.

Speaking of ignorance, there is a house a few blocks from where we live inhabited by proud Aryan Nation supporters. Their garage door is always open with white power flags, confederate flags, etc. The other day Keith drove by to see a snowman in their front yard with a pointed head resembling a KKK hood. I kid you not. It disgusts me, enrages me, and saddens me. I so badly want to instantly transplant them to Tanzania and see how life would change for them. Too bad I don't have the power to do so. I understand how people have different beliefs, but really? How can people be so ignorant and hateful? The lack of diversity and the few Aryan Nation supporters that live in North Idaho are my main complaint about living here. I love living in Coeur d'Alene, otherwise. These people make me even more grateful that I have had the experience to travel nationally and internationally and experience cultures outside of the Pacific Northwest.

I think often about what life is like outside of the United States. I have an even stronger desire to travel now. Americans are often in a delusional bubble. The current headlines are complaints of being patted down inappropriately in airports. Aren't there larger concerns going on? We fight over TSA security, but complain that nothing was done when terrorists slip through the cracks. It confuses me. It exhausts me. Don't get me wrong, I love America. But, I also love the freedom and education that traveling has given me. My one international trip has teased me and I can't wait to travel internationally again. Too bad I have to work 9 months out of the year. :)

So, what's next you might ask? Well, this summer will be full of traveling nationally. Since Keith and I missed the entire summer here last year, I can't wait to take small trips around the area in 2011. My next international trip? Maybe Europe. Maybe Asia. I'm unsure. That will probably happen in twenty-twelve. For now, I'm living vicariously through Keith who will be traveling to Australia this coming spring. No one told me I should be a firefighter instead of a teacher. The dude works only 10 days a month.

I leave you with a picture of a school in Tanzania. All the schools looked exactly like this...no windows, no books, minimal furniture, chickens roaming. I am thankful for where I teach and the resources I have, but I also am envious of the simplicity of these schools at the same time. Is that weird? Probably.