Always On Your Toes

You know those commercials on TV for Staples stores where there is a giant red EASY button that people press to make all their problems go away?  Well, if those actually existed, there would not be any lack of need of them in Tanzania.  In Tanzania, although life is really simple, it’s certainly never easy.  One of the most difficult aspects of this experience has been facing all of the unexpected challenges that come on a regular basis.  Just when I think I’ve settled in and overcome most of the major obstacles to come my way, it seems like a few curveballs get sent along that always force myself to adapt to new challenges and changes.  Both in my daily life and in life in the classroom, I am always kept on my toes and have to really learn how to improve myself and my situation in spite of these challenges.

A good example on dealing with daily challenges lately has been the recent lack of a regular water supply.  Over the past few weeks our water has been shut off every now and then (and it's been off completely for the last three days straight), and there’s never a regular time of day when you can expect it to be on or off.  Same goes for electricity.  Sometimes this can be really difficult when you are relying on water for a shower or to wash your dishes or even just cook dinner.  While this has been really challenging to face at first, it’s taught me to think ahead and just learn how to adapt to this kind of situation.  Now I just have to fill up a lot of large water containers when we do have water, and take advantage of the situation when water does flow (meaning always take a shower when you have the opportunity!)  Plus, it’s gotten quite a bit hotter over the past few weeks (it is getting to be Summer here, after all), so there are times when the lack of water can be extremely frustrating. 

In the classroom I am always learning to adapt because not only am I still getting the hang of teaching English, but I’m also learning the nuances of the system of education here in Tanzania.  As any other teacher will tell you, one of the most important skills to have in a classroom is adaptability.  As I am learning, you can be extremely well prepared to teach a class, but no matter how well prepared you are there are always going to be unforeseen challenges thrown your way in a classroom. 

It can be quite exhausting at times dealing with new challenges on a daily basis, especially the truly unforeseen ones like loss of water and electricity, but I’m learning that it’s not always a bad thing.  In every challenging situation I face I inevitably find a good lesson from it, whether the outcome is good or bad.  As I continue to stay on my toes, I learn more about myself on a daily basis and I’m developing many skills that will keep me well prepared for any test I will face in the future.  Although this is not one of the easiest aspects of living and volunteering abroad, it is certainly teaching me the most valuable lessons about who I am and the challenges I can overcome.