Of Intercourse and Modals

The Germans walk in, on time. Punctuality is key. My weakest student attempts broken English with sharp nods of his head, ‘Cood avernoon’. I reply to his greeting. Students are already preparing for the lesson. Sharp clicks of their files and methodical dossier systems indicate precision, order and structure. Only Germans can build what these Germans are currently building – a massive lifestyle resort, complete with its own marina, literally in the middle of no where. I look up to watch my one female student, I stare in wonder – she has literally attached Velcro strips to all her writing instruments which then attach to one long Velcro strip on the inside of her file. I see a perturbed expression enter her face – her eraser is running low, it is getting dangerously close to her Velcro strip, very worrying. With curt greetings muttered we get straight into business. I pray that they all know what past participles are because I don’t.

Later on in the day I sit and wait for my next class. They are already five minutes late. The first Omani saunters in, ‘Hello teacher, any news?’ News is important in this place, I try to make some up. The next student enters. He spends a minute greeting the first student. They swop news. He then greets me, asks me what my news is. I repeat my news. A couple more students enter, they all say their hellos, discuss their news, they ask me mine. By now we are ten minutes late. Finally most of the students are seated at their desks. I take a breath readying myself for a confused preamble into modals. As I am about to speak the last student enters. As he does so the entire class stands up and he goes to each one of them greeting them in turn and sharing news. The energy of this class is wonderfully laid back , similar to that in South Africa. What I was about to say goes completely out of my head and so when I eventually get the attention of the whole class I have nothing to say so I tell them my news.

I’m learning a million things as I go along , about culture, society and what it means to be a foreigner. I am also meeting amazing people who have the ability to bring a sense of home into my life, even if they aren’t South Africans. Every day survived is a marvel and every dark moment turns to light because my God is with me.

‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ 1 Peter 5:6-7