Wednesday, August 08, 2007


Hello Everyone,
So I am just finishing my my seven week super-stint in the U.S. and many of you have made the comment that I have not been exactly "faithful" in my blog. I am so sorry. Those of you who have know me for a while know that long-distant communication has never been my strong point- and that problem seems to multiply with every mile I put on between myself and the United States. However, I did survive my first year- there were several ups and downs. Some very hard moments and some really amazing ones. I can say at this point that I do like living there- I love the challenge and find myself fascinated by life there.
Thank you to everyone who insisted on keeping up with me in spite of myself. My brother Karl, who faithfully wrote me even if I didn't write him back. And all of you who sent me those emails "are you alive"- feel free to resend them if you find me slipping through the cracks.
Highlights of my year:
School was amazing! I love teaching at AISA- it is an incredible experience. My students are brilliant, I enjoy the staff I work with, and I have had a wonderful time doing things like directing a Nigerian version of Romeo and Juliet and organizing various school events.
As for the other stories- well most of those are best told in person. Perhaps they will seep out more consistently this year. Perhaps I will be in a better place to communicate just what I experienced.
Anyway, I love yah all! Take care. i will try to keep you updated.
Martina

Monday, January 22, 2007

The Return of Martina Been
Dear Friends and Family,
So it is about time I updated this blog… I know, I know… I have been shamefully remiss in my duties. It is January, and the last thing I wrote was written in October… please forgive me. You should all know, as a matter of course, that if I seem to drop off the earth, it is nothing personal and not necessarily a reason for panic. Simply send me a series of emails stating “are you alive?” eventually I will respond with at least a yes or a no.
I made it back to the states for Christmas and was able to see many of you. Some of you could probably tell that I was in a slightly distraught state throughout the whole trip. Thank you so much for your love and support- especially with my tendency to randomly burst into tears at awkward moments. I just need lots of hugs and “I love you’s” (which of course cause more tears, but that is all right.
I attribute my emotional volitability (my spell check says that is not a word, but as an English teacher I have the right to form a word into any part of speech I want to, although Karl has argued with me about this during scrabble games)… to a couple of things. 1) I think I was experiencing culture shock, something I had heard about but did not think would effect me. 2) I was very jet-lagged; still am as a matter of fact. Oh the joy of waking up in the middle of the night because your body is CONVINCED it is only 2:00 in the afternoon! And 3) I really miss you all and was overwhelmed by the fact that I had just a few moments here and there to spend with you. Anyway, enough about my emotions- they take up entirely to much energy if you ask me.
Abuja is still here and going strong. The police still hold their checkpoints everywhere, eying me up for a bribe as I slip past them. The highways are still filled with overcrowded, antiquitated cars that creep along at excruciatingly slow speeds, their drivers thinking the lines in the road are mean for them to drive their car right on. The banana boys are still selling their bananas outside the Lebanese grocery store, trying to bully me into buying their bananas.
It is good to be back. My students are wonderful as always. Those of them who stayed here during the holidays are so bored they are joyous that school is back in session. We are doing grammar this week- a nice, routine oriented relief from the stress of the holidays. We are going to be putting on Romeo and Juliet- the African version as our spring play this year. It should keep us all busy.
So, my goal is to try to keep you all updated on the events, even the small daily ones, of my life here. I will also try to download some pictures. Take care, I miss you all!
Love,
Martina