beyondings

Notifying my favorite person here that I must leave is not an easy task. I wish there were a way of explaining that depite my love of the village and my students I must leave. Every sector of my life is pulling me out of the inaka and back into some form of larger society. But, alas, I cannot really speak his language, and, even if I could, I might not be able to calm the anxiety of those who are affected most. I do not think I am merely projecting my worries onto the town, although I might be. I am thinking of suggesting to the town that they look independently for an Assistant Language Teacher rather than through the JET program, but then they might run into the problem of trying to find someone who wants to live in this much isolation for a year or more. I think very few people would opt for this. That said, it is still an extraordinary opportunity.

But in the grand scheme of things whether I stay or go is not even a blimp on the radar screen. Things will turn and twist and the future will come and go. People will smile, sleep, drink, attempt to stay warm. And maybe now more Ubyama people will make their way to Maui for a little sight-seeing. They can even stop by and hang out with my parents (always an unusual experience). So enough of the anxiety and forgiveness; I say, let's celebrate! Get out the good red wine and natto, you're all invited. Let's be happy with what we have!

p.s. it's been a while since I have said hello to some of you out there, whether it be in Namibia or in Brooklyn, please be well and I look forward to catching up with you (and good luck out there! Remember to celebrate).