January 2003

Martin

MY SAT SCORES ARRIVED FIRST, and they were not nearly as high as I’d hoped. This was bad news. I had one last chance. The SAT II was in mid-January, which was another version of the test, and so a second chance to do well. I took that and then I stayed on in Harare for another week to gather information about applying for an American visa. I was also awaiting my A-level results, which came around the same time. Finally, some good news: I received two As—one in math, one in chemistry—and one B for physics.

I took these results to the Ministry of Education to apply for a temporary teaching position, a popular thing to do for students who don’t go straight to university. I wouldn’t hear from American schools until April at the earliest, and even then I wouldn’t have to leave until August. That meant I had eight months to start making money.

“We have an immediate opening for a science teacher,” the minister told me the afternoon of my appointment.

“Great,” I said. “Where?”

“Chigodora,” he replied.

I’d never heard of such a place.

“It’s four hours west of Mutare, and another four hours south of Marondera,” he explained. “One school services a dozen or more villages. You’ll be a great asset to your students.”

I thought of Rabbit, who had come from the rural areas and was just starting his second year at medical school.

“I’ll do it,” I said.

The pay was nominal but enough to cover my basic expenses. I signed the paperwork that afternoon.

“Report as soon as possible,” the minister said. “They’ve been waiting for a science teacher for two years now.”

I shook his hand. It felt good knowing I might have something useful to offer those less fortunate than I.

Before I left Harare, I popped into an Internet cafe to let Caitlin and Anne know I’d be teaching in an area where there was surely no Internet, let alone electricity. I promised to keep in touch through letters. I also sent Anne the list of things I needed for my visa. I knew this was premature, but I decided it was better to plan ahead. I added, Well, this time I feel I did quite well on the SAT II. I think I made it this time. I love you all. I can’t wait to be on US soil. And then I signed off with my new favorite good-bye, a string of Xs and Os that Caitlin had recently taught me was American for hugs and kisses.