Chapter 9
By the end of the first week of October I pretty much figured out what needed to be done. But like trying to drive a car for the first time, it took practice and more practice to get into a specific routine. That's what took up all our free time during that first month. Hasan and I often stayed late at school, sometimes coming in on the weekend as well, trying to get our admin done. One specific day during October 2003, we decided to stay to 6pm. It was just about an hour to sunset. We had to finish comments in each student's diary and also work on some preparations. By this time, we were teaching already but still under Patrick's supervision. So lesson plans were also focused on during these quiet times.
That particular day, the maintenance staff, including security, had forgotten about us, and locked all inter-leading doors, including the main outside door.
'Wat nou-What now?' Hasan looked worried as he turned the handle of the double doors of the elementary corridor. 'Don't worry, we'll make a plan.' Although everyone thought we were a little short of crazy to work so late at school-we just felt we needed more confidence in what we were doing. Our colleagues use to say things like 'There's no use doing anything extra if no-one sees you doing it.' So I knew we would hear so many 'I told you sos,' the next day. Most teachers in 'The Team' would take their work home, whereas we liked to relax at home. I suppose the day was too long. Our school started at 7am and ended at 3.15pm. So staying another three hours was taxing to say the least but it was worth the sacrifice.
That's when I realized I had to let someone important know we were there. I called the compound number from an ancient handset in one of the offices and asked for Patrick's extension. Needless to say, Patrick laughed but at the same time knew we were dedicated and hard working. 'Mission accomplished.' He called security who in turn then unlocked the doors to our freedom. It wasn't that dramatic, but it definitely stood out as one of many memories.
The next day, we were required to go to the local hospital for blood tests, medical exams and stool tests. Hold on, did somebody say stool test? What ancient country are we living in? Who still does stool tests? I mean really. It's humiliating and demoralizing. In this modern day of science and technology, I'm sure we could do without that. My complaints were to no avail, as we were really required to do the deed on demand.
The school bus collected us at the compound at 5.30 that evening. In case you wondering, these were part of the requirements needed to get a working permit also commonly known as an Iqama. Didn't we complete all these medical tests back home for our visas? Now that we here, its like that never happened. Everything had to be repeated.
I suppose after all we all came from Africa, didn't we? Popular belief will dictate that we live in bushes or in trees. My principal back at my school in 1995 asked me if I knew where he could purchase a lion. Our medical services in Africa were probably reliant upon witch doctors. The Saudis were really ignorant when it came to us back then. In many ways they still are.
...to be continued.....
Chapter 10-The Hospital
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