I finally realized that the pictures I previously posted each time came before the entry was posted. I switched it up this time, thus here's the entry and after you read it the pictures will make more sense.
Yesterday we had another amazing experience, extraordinary in its own right. This one is at the opposite end of the spectrum, not the incredible tasting fruits or sights. Instead, we saw the depth of family bonds, love and happiness in a setting seemingly impossible for most Americans to comprehend and where few have ever been.
The teachers are required to make home visits of their homeroom students. It makes their teaching easier because the students see the parent and teacher as friends and co-partners in their upbringing. They are less likely to cause problems because of this “united front.”
We left about 3:45 to visit 2 student’s homes. It just so happens that Beam has quite a few Muslim students in her homeroom and they tend to generally be poorer. We asked why, and apparently they tend to have larger families (abortion philosophy) and are less educated, again due to starting families early in life and working to support them.
After driving for at least 45-60 minutes, on remote dirt roads through rubber plantations (stopping several times to ask the locals for help) we found the home. I snapped a quick picture, indiscreetly, and we stopped. The home had other similar homes very close nearby deep in the rubber plantation. Susanne and I waited in the car, unsure of what to expect. Beam soon motioned to come out and we walked to the "breezeway" at the outside of their home. "TI", the assistant director called me over to see their well. He lowered the pail (only about 3 feet) and pulled out a pail of water, and showed me in his limited English...."just used for face, washing." I went and sat next to the school people and just watched. Others came to see what was happening while Beam continued to make her visit. All we saw were women and children and I saw some men sleeping inside the home. These workers begin cutting the trees at 3 AM to collect the latex, so the men seemed to be “catching up on their sleep” for the next morning. We noticed what looked like a baby carrier hanging from a spring and sure enough...a cute VERY young baby and mother all smiles. We were offered soda with ice, and we politely declined. Soon the visit was over and pictures were taken, everyone smiling and happy to see us (and the school contact). It was overwhelming and humbling to be treated with such kindness from strangers who had very little. But there was no doubt about the love that showed from grandparent, mom, older sister or "Auntie" toward the baby. I also suspect there is a fierce loyalty and support among them, since it is common for extended families to all live very close to each other.
While driving to the second student's home, we saw other homes that were clearly sub standard (see pictures below) and I realized how very privileged we were back home with all that we had, and how unappreciative we often are.
The second home was also Muslim and we were directed there by many relatives, again living very near by. We went into the home and only the father was home. We sat down on some sheets of plastic (like table cloths) and Beam began the visit. The boy came out and began to fill out the papers outlining his own strengths and weaknesses. While he was doing that the father related how he had built this nice concrete addition onto his home. (his first attempt at doing something like that). Soon the mother came back (on a scooter) and soon after that an Aunt came back to drop off some fruit, with her little boy wearing green Croks! Of course it was offered to all of us, and we ate quite a bit and they were really delicious. Then a funny thing happened...the boy returned the paperwork, Beam said something and they all laughed. She handed it back because apparently he didn't note any weaknesses. Soon he found some, added them and we left. We got home about 3 hours after we left....a lot of "overtime" on just two short visits, but boy did we learn a lot! Now in the future, if there are any "scholarships or extra money for any student opportunities, these students and others just like them will be at the head of the line.
Again, I was awed by their simple life with very little, but the father and mother's pride and love for their son could not have been more clear. How much Susanne and I have to learn.
(A sidenote) The school requires all students to wear uniforms and they are provided by the government. I had always been intrigued with that concept and now I am even more convinced. When in school, these teenagers fit right in with everyone else and nothing gave away their poverty. In fact, later in the week the boy took second place in a long distance race during their "all school sports days" and proudly wore his silver medal for all to see. There is no pressure for designer clothing, and in the classroom nobody can pick them out as in need. How nice it must be for them to "fit in" and be like everyone else and feeling like they too belong! How nice it also is for parents like this to receive this kind of help for their kids. And also, how nice it is for the teachers not to have to fight the short shorts and skirts, low tops and other inappropriate clothing our teens wear now days. It's a win, win, win situation!
Sorry this got so long and philosophical, but until you see it in person, you just don't realize the lessons it teaches you.
NEXT POST (ALL SCHOOL SPORTS DAYS)
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