Welcome Visitors. Feel Free. Be Flexible. Enjoy Our Smiles.

Khwamba Village, Day 2:

On our second day in Khwamba, Allison and I taught our adapted lesson. We had to drastically simplify what we were going to teach, even for the older kids. Allison read a book about rhyming at the front of the classroom while I walked around with another copy so each student could see it close-up. Sometimes, a child would gently take the book from my hands, and I would let them pass it down the row. I loved the way each student waited excitedly then looked fascinated when it was their turn to hold it. In one of the classrooms, there was a boy that was much smaller than everyone else and had the biggest smile throughout the lesson. As he turned to see me hand him the book, his face lit up with surprise. He was radiating pure joy as he got to hold it.  

After reading the book, we asked everyone to draw their favorite animal and label it. Despite having a translator, we were amused to see several drawings of houses instead of animals. The final part of our lesson was a game with Starbursts as prizes. During one of our lessons, some of the older girls appeared in the window. I noticed them subtly motioning for me to sneak them some of the candy. We exchanged discreet nods and gestures, as well as not-so-discreet giggles, creating a connection that made the moment feel special.   

Although I was the teacher that day, I learned a lesson in embracing spontaneity and overcoming unexpected challenges. There’s a handwritten sign in the village that says: “Welcome Visitors. Feel Free. Be Flexible. Enjoy Our Smiles.” It perfectly sums up our experience in Khwamba as it reminds us to approach every moment with openness and joy.