Sustainable Development!

This week students have embarked on an adventure in the study of development with lecturer Mick Duncan. Entering into discussion of the stratified, touchy, and very complex issues of war, politics, poverty, and development, students have been challenged and empowered by Mick to explore the specifics and to develop compassion for others.

Mick's teaching has been through narrative, and the students are often times asked to "speak with the person next to you," about what they think of what is being discussed. The first night students divided up and debated stances on war, and last night theatrical representations of different development frameworks were performed. Mick was impressed by the willingness of American students to comically act out ideas in front of everyone. The acting was impressive and hilarious, and I think indicative of the willingness of the students to actively engage in this material.

This is not only a creative way to teach the material, but it turns out it is great practice for what we are going to need to do in Samoa in the coming weeks. We have begun practicing our song performances for the fia-fia celebrations in which we will be participating in Samoa. The Samoan fia-fia is a village wide gathering and party during which songs or "items" are exchanged between the Samoan village and CCSP. It is lively and it is crazy. Matt and I have been impressed with our group's boldness, creativity, and energy in coming up with the songs and dances we will be sharing with the Samoans. Yesterday we crafted a five minute long choreographed performance to the praise song, "Days of Elijah," which from start to finish has been gathering the momentum needed to create the stuff of fia-fia legend.

Other than that, spaces between classes are filled with ultimate frisbee, darts, good sleeps, late night talks, and good eats. We leave for Samoa in a few days' time, and we will be away from computers. Blogging will cease for that short while and will continue in full force when we return on the 15th of March.