Bryce and Samson

 

Bryce and Samson

 

Bryce (right) and Samson (left) where the two people who made my whole summer trip possible. Bryce is the Senior English Language Fellow who created the proposal for the project, and Samson is his man Friday. They got me off to a great start, supported me throughout, and helped me wrap everything up. This picture is from my first night in country at a goat bar.

 

Bryce had the remarkable vision to create this program. When I interviewed with him on the phone for the position, it was like I was talking to my own dream. He chuckled and told me he really designed it for himself if he would have been available.  Bryce is a level headed guy who cares deeply about what he does and the people he serves. After our initial discussion, he gave me a good deal of leeway in the design of the interventions, and things worked out very well. He had visited the camp earlier in the year to help set up a library. In doing so, he recognized the great potential of the folks there to help build their own English programs. Armed with that assurance, he submitted a very innovative and unique proposal to send an English Specialist into the camp to work at the ground level - this had never been done before. By the time we were done, he had written a white paper to present to the State Department to replicate the program elsewhere. On top of this, Bryce does a great job with the Congo-American Language Institute in Kinshasa that supports programs throughout the country. It was an honor to work with him.

 

To Bryce's left is Samson, a former student who is now his assistant. From the moment I met Samson, I realized he was one of the most kind and genuine people I was likely to encounter anywhere. Samson is also very diligent and conscientious - I could never imagine him having a bad word to say about anyone. His English is quiet excellent, although he probably doesn't think so. Samson was my tour guide during a few hectic shopping days and he took very good care of me. I remember telling him something about the DRC that made him very happy and sentimental, prompting him to say "I am so proud that my country does that." I realized then that I would never think of patriotism the same way again - he didn't thump his chest or loudly extoll, he was just simply touched and pleased. I will remember his gentleness, hopefully when I need to. I could never be as kind and accepting as Samson, but maybe I can lean a little more his way :)

 

I was so blessed to be included in this project and to have met and worked with these two men. They will never know how much this summer recharged my batteries or how proud I am of our collaboration.