Ok...so in an attempt to be a good hostess and try to honor the interests of my guests we went to a church in a small village near the mountain. The Pastor know ahead of time that we were coming but I was in no way prepared for the spectacle....and the spectacle, was us. I think they were holding the service until we got there....we were paraded into the Pastor's office...welcomed and then ushered into the church. I'd liken that part of the exerience to walking in a bikini in a crowded shopping mall. The kids are so lucky because they could bury their faces and growl...which is sort of what I felt like doing too. I think basically our presence was similar to an alien showing up at Starbucks and calmly ordering a Frappicino. Mouths were agape. THEN they asked us to say a few words....so imagine being so far out of your comfort zone and then adding public speaking....to people that can't understand a word you say. I tried my level best to pepper my words with the Swahili I know.....ug...
The "ugs" were just beginning I am afraid to say....the service lasted 3 HOURS.....UUUUUUGGGGGGGG. Nell and Pearl kept looking at me imploringly. I finally just started to join them in their impatience and simply told them to pray for it to be over. FINALLY it was over....but I succeeded in "outchurching" Shawna....she made me promise to never go to church again while we are here...done.
Afterwards the pastor invited us into his office and asked me point blank what I could do for them??!! Wait a minute...where is the Christian spirit of welcoming?? I was floored and answered something to the effect that I was pretty sure I was adding to the economy of Marangue....all I could come up with?
So now I have decompressed....in a way glad I went for the truely alien experience....but glad it is over too. Thank God.
Peace,
Sarah
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Rapid Rate
Suddenly I am working at the rate of an American again. So much happening and then in the midst of all that, I am daily reminded of where I am and what it is like to live here. For example,
yesterday while visiting my neighbors (actually collecting Nell and Pearl) I found out that the new baby they have was actually born in the field out front of our house. The baby was the mother's 3rd and she waited a bit too long to get started to the hospital....also we live in a very remote area..my car is the only one anywhere near us. They felt hesitant to ask me because of their views of Mzungu's. It broke my heart that they didn't ask and I think I have very clearly made them understand my help is there if needed in the future. I went to sleep last night envisioning this poor woman lying in the field without so much as a blanket....again, the realities in Africa hit hard when they hit. This situation is coupled with the trip Shawna and I took to the Light in Africa Children's Center....essentially a home for kids without parents. We sat on the dirty hard ground outside while kids climbed all over us calling us "mama". My constitution is strong in many regards...but not, when it comes to children. I left with a gigantic lump in my throat and visions of exactly how many beds I could fit in my basement in Chicago...and how Nell and Pearl would react to a few new siblings....another visual that I know will never escape my mind. Just so easy to know that I could give them a life that is better than what they are getting presently...I'll wish and hope for the best in their future....but how does one who is as lucky and grateful as me not take some responsibility for these kids?? Not sleeping to well after this visit....
On a lighter note...one of our rabbits is pregnant??!!!! So our 8 pets are about to double? How many rabbits do rabbits birth?? How long is the gestation period??? It's pretty funny to think we are going to be overrun by little bunnies soon....Nell is beside herself....
Time is flying with visitors here...life speeds up....Elena and her boys will be joining us in two weeks and Shawna and Elle are going to take a little jaunt to Zanzibar!!!
All is well....albeit a bit heavy today...thus is the reality of Africa.
Love to you all!!!!
Sarah
yesterday while visiting my neighbors (actually collecting Nell and Pearl) I found out that the new baby they have was actually born in the field out front of our house. The baby was the mother's 3rd and she waited a bit too long to get started to the hospital....also we live in a very remote area..my car is the only one anywhere near us. They felt hesitant to ask me because of their views of Mzungu's. It broke my heart that they didn't ask and I think I have very clearly made them understand my help is there if needed in the future. I went to sleep last night envisioning this poor woman lying in the field without so much as a blanket....again, the realities in Africa hit hard when they hit. This situation is coupled with the trip Shawna and I took to the Light in Africa Children's Center....essentially a home for kids without parents. We sat on the dirty hard ground outside while kids climbed all over us calling us "mama". My constitution is strong in many regards...but not, when it comes to children. I left with a gigantic lump in my throat and visions of exactly how many beds I could fit in my basement in Chicago...and how Nell and Pearl would react to a few new siblings....another visual that I know will never escape my mind. Just so easy to know that I could give them a life that is better than what they are getting presently...I'll wish and hope for the best in their future....but how does one who is as lucky and grateful as me not take some responsibility for these kids?? Not sleeping to well after this visit....
On a lighter note...one of our rabbits is pregnant??!!!! So our 8 pets are about to double? How many rabbits do rabbits birth?? How long is the gestation period??? It's pretty funny to think we are going to be overrun by little bunnies soon....Nell is beside herself....
Time is flying with visitors here...life speeds up....Elena and her boys will be joining us in two weeks and Shawna and Elle are going to take a little jaunt to Zanzibar!!!
All is well....albeit a bit heavy today...thus is the reality of Africa.
Love to you all!!!!
Sarah
Monday, October 29, 2007
Another Day Another Sangura
So today brings the 8th member to our pet collection. Snowy joined us today, the cutest little white blue eyed bunny you've ever seen. Girls are being very careful and gentle with her after the accidental tail removal this weekend...see Shawna's blog for the gory details. All is moving along well in a positive and productive direction. Our office is getting internet tomorrow( however long ago I wrote about our office is how long this has taken...welcome to Tanzania) the porters have finished their training...awaiting word from the Kilimanjaro Park Warden as to when they can take their practice trip....Shawna brought amazing amounts of gear and we are hoping Elena can bring the rest?!
Tait, the Peace Corp volunteer at Tumaini Center stayed with us this weekend....she and I are working on how best to give the Feb. climbers a taste for Tanzania and the work that GAA does here. We have settled on a home visit...our guests will get to go to a house of one of our students and join their family for a meal...and perhaps a tour of a home/farm/ whatever the case may be...I think it will be an amazing and genuine experience, we are going to do a few practice runs with the studenats so they are prepared.
Nell and Pearl are still absolutely thriving....they have loved haivng Elle here to join in on their crazy animal games. I know for sure I saw a rabbit with a feather boa leash the other day,,,,just one a many humorous visuals...chickens on their heads...etc. The neighbors have a brand new baby and have already entrusted Pearl(LULU) with holding her. Pearl can't get over how tiny the baby's hands and feet are...Nell and Elle have not been allowed the right to hold the baby...but after the tail incident, I think they are smart to be cautious.
Shawna has commented that she doesn't think we will come home...just gives you an idea of how well we are doing here and how happy we all are....we will come home, but it will be hard....my love for this country runs deep.
Love to all of you!!!!
Peace!
sarah
Tait, the Peace Corp volunteer at Tumaini Center stayed with us this weekend....she and I are working on how best to give the Feb. climbers a taste for Tanzania and the work that GAA does here. We have settled on a home visit...our guests will get to go to a house of one of our students and join their family for a meal...and perhaps a tour of a home/farm/ whatever the case may be...I think it will be an amazing and genuine experience, we are going to do a few practice runs with the studenats so they are prepared.
Nell and Pearl are still absolutely thriving....they have loved haivng Elle here to join in on their crazy animal games. I know for sure I saw a rabbit with a feather boa leash the other day,,,,just one a many humorous visuals...chickens on their heads...etc. The neighbors have a brand new baby and have already entrusted Pearl(LULU) with holding her. Pearl can't get over how tiny the baby's hands and feet are...Nell and Elle have not been allowed the right to hold the baby...but after the tail incident, I think they are smart to be cautious.
Shawna has commented that she doesn't think we will come home...just gives you an idea of how well we are doing here and how happy we all are....we will come home, but it will be hard....my love for this country runs deep.
Love to all of you!!!!
Peace!
sarah
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Shawna's Blog
Ok so THIS ONE is trying to outdo me too!!! But for your benefit and viewing pleasures she's got photos...
While I am getting a bit of blogging fatigue, I think I'll give you all the link to hers for the next few weeks...but stay tuned, I'm flakey we all know that. I forgot to tell you all that while driving in Malindi (coastal town off of Kenya) I saw a woman wearing a Chicago Park District T-shirt? How did that get there????
Shawna's blog is girlsinafrica.blogspot.com
ENJOY.....
While I am getting a bit of blogging fatigue, I think I'll give you all the link to hers for the next few weeks...but stay tuned, I'm flakey we all know that. I forgot to tell you all that while driving in Malindi (coastal town off of Kenya) I saw a woman wearing a Chicago Park District T-shirt? How did that get there????
Shawna's blog is girlsinafrica.blogspot.com
ENJOY.....
Monday, October 22, 2007
Eric Schoonveld is Pearl's "arch enemy"
I just peeked at my notes for the past few days and remembered a hilarious conversation I had with Pearl. We were riding in a bus on the way to Turtle Bay (god i miss it) and Pearl blurted that "Eric Schoonveld is my arch enemy". I was so shocked that I said "WHAT???" She proceeded to tell me that he had the audacity to take her to the Sox game and she was a Cubs fan...well actually she hates baseball....well actually he DID buy her ice cream and a cool shirt. It was so funny...watching her realize he was really actually great...not sure where the enemy concept even came from?
So this morning the three girls headed off to school....Elle admited to a bit of nervousness last night but went running through the campus this morning with the Wood-Prince girls in hopes of getting to see the turtles before school started. Nell was super sweet to Elle...telling her she would sit by her all day and answer all questions and share her homework file with her. I think Nell is feeling similar to me with Shawna. I am feeling a sense of accomplishment at all we have learned and figured out since we have been here...didn't really realize how much until I am explaining and showing things to Shawna. We have made some wonderful friends...who i am excited to join with my Chicago buddy. I feel like i have so much I want to show them but also want them to have the joy of discovering their own revelations. I am also realizing I need to be in better touch...it's easy to forget here that people are wondering about us....wanting to share in our experience...whether it be my friends and family...or Nell and Pearl's....I downloaded pictures which is a start...can someone tell me how to get them on a Snapfish type album to post for all??? Comments please?? I am trying I swear.
The weather today is glorious...we are going to go pack a picnic to take to the girls at school...children usually eat with their families who take nice long lunch breaks to spend with their children....what a concept uh? I found myself explaining to Shawna today that we never really have that ridiculous rushing in the morning here...not sure why, my biggest challenge is usually getting Nell to leave the animals....we now have 4 kookoo (chickens) and 3 sangura (rabbits). Our gardener now has a full vegetable garden going in the back( it is Spring here)....he gave us Chinese lettuce(?) this morning....so now I am off to blow Shawna's mind in the market getting veggies for salad!!!
Love to you all....
Peace...continually....
Sarah
So this morning the three girls headed off to school....Elle admited to a bit of nervousness last night but went running through the campus this morning with the Wood-Prince girls in hopes of getting to see the turtles before school started. Nell was super sweet to Elle...telling her she would sit by her all day and answer all questions and share her homework file with her. I think Nell is feeling similar to me with Shawna. I am feeling a sense of accomplishment at all we have learned and figured out since we have been here...didn't really realize how much until I am explaining and showing things to Shawna. We have made some wonderful friends...who i am excited to join with my Chicago buddy. I feel like i have so much I want to show them but also want them to have the joy of discovering their own revelations. I am also realizing I need to be in better touch...it's easy to forget here that people are wondering about us....wanting to share in our experience...whether it be my friends and family...or Nell and Pearl's....I downloaded pictures which is a start...can someone tell me how to get them on a Snapfish type album to post for all??? Comments please?? I am trying I swear.
The weather today is glorious...we are going to go pack a picnic to take to the girls at school...children usually eat with their families who take nice long lunch breaks to spend with their children....what a concept uh? I found myself explaining to Shawna today that we never really have that ridiculous rushing in the morning here...not sure why, my biggest challenge is usually getting Nell to leave the animals....we now have 4 kookoo (chickens) and 3 sangura (rabbits). Our gardener now has a full vegetable garden going in the back( it is Spring here)....he gave us Chinese lettuce(?) this morning....so now I am off to blow Shawna's mind in the market getting veggies for salad!!!
Love to you all....
Peace...continually....
Sarah
Saturday, October 20, 2007
OH HEEEEEYYYYY GIRRRRRLLLLL
Wow was it great to see Elle and Shawna at the airport last night when we picked them up in the "happy people bus". I'll let Shawna comment on that ride later...but picture black lights and graffittiish painting on a minivan...blasting Cindi Lauper, of course....only in Africa. The surreal feeling of having a friend...hearing about everything there....the rush of words and feelings was pretty great. I don't think I really realized how long it has been since I had a conversation about the familiar. She brought all the things I asked...tampons, vitamins, my mail.....and my magazines. I tried to read the US Weekly last night and acually got overwhelmed. WHAT IS WRONG WITH BRITNEY????? no but seriously, I never have noticed that there are ads in these magazines so acutely before....mmmm....that spicy chicken sandwich from Burger King sure looks yummy. I had to put the first one down....I still don't even know what happened to poor Owen....was it Kate or the drugs?? Someone help....I can't digest the pop culture in this environment....
So now the Schoonveld girls are napping after their long journey...Nell and Pearl are watching new movies and I'm afraid to go face Britney.....and Anna back from the dead through little whats her name.
I forgot to mention that when we flew to Kenya we flew right over Kili....we had a perfect view of the inside of the crater. It was great to be able to show the girls where I've been and where i will be when I am away from them again....they both squealed that they wanted to go up there....the glaciers looked magnificent from that angle.
Shawna brought all the gear for porters and I have to say i am overwhelmed at everyone's generosity and her work in getting it all here. we are giving the kids their certificates of asccomplishment this Friday and I am happy that Shawna will be able to witness the fruits of her labor.
Love and Gratefulness!!!
Sarah
So now the Schoonveld girls are napping after their long journey...Nell and Pearl are watching new movies and I'm afraid to go face Britney.....and Anna back from the dead through little whats her name.
I forgot to mention that when we flew to Kenya we flew right over Kili....we had a perfect view of the inside of the crater. It was great to be able to show the girls where I've been and where i will be when I am away from them again....they both squealed that they wanted to go up there....the glaciers looked magnificent from that angle.
Shawna brought all the gear for porters and I have to say i am overwhelmed at everyone's generosity and her work in getting it all here. we are giving the kids their certificates of asccomplishment this Friday and I am happy that Shawna will be able to witness the fruits of her labor.
Love and Gratefulness!!!
Sarah
Friday, October 19, 2007
"HOME"
I really felt like coming home last night as we traveled from Kenya to Tanzania...such a nice feeling. Our trip was just seamless...glorious. We stayed at a beautiful place right on the Indian Ocean...amazing blue waters and white sand beach. It was a wonderful place for kids...programs and games going all day long for them to join in on or not...no pressure..very Africa. I had characterized this place as Disney-esque prior to our trip...sooo not!! It was so calm and the people so relaxed. Our only real stress was keeping the strong sun off Nell.
The girls and I snorkled one day...it is so fun to do with them. They learned last year in Hawaii and had such a great experience that they just jumped right off the boat into the water...we held hands and looked at the colorful schools of fish below us. I have to say, I feel a bit guilty sharing all of this because it was sooooo great....again...lucky lucky lucky. I know it, we know it....we are appreciating it. Nell and Pearl can now do flips off the side of the pool! Oh...and they had ice cubes there!!! We hadn't seen ice since we left Chicago....ah, the litttle pleasures of life.
Shawna comes in tonight and we have no mattresses for them yet...my challenge for today. Also trying to get back in better touch with everyone. We have really had a major power issue...and the internet provider I have been using just increased their prices by 8 times their former price...can they do that???? I have been trying to download a disk of pictures I have for a couple weeks...I hope to do that this weekend....
We are invitited to a wedding tomorrrow...we'll see how Shawna is feeling because I think that could be a great time! I am sure we won't stick out! HA!!!
Short for now...but we are back safely...eagerly awaiting our guests!!!! I'll write more tomorrow about their arrival!
LOve to all....peace....please.
Sarah
The girls and I snorkled one day...it is so fun to do with them. They learned last year in Hawaii and had such a great experience that they just jumped right off the boat into the water...we held hands and looked at the colorful schools of fish below us. I have to say, I feel a bit guilty sharing all of this because it was sooooo great....again...lucky lucky lucky. I know it, we know it....we are appreciating it. Nell and Pearl can now do flips off the side of the pool! Oh...and they had ice cubes there!!! We hadn't seen ice since we left Chicago....ah, the litttle pleasures of life.
Shawna comes in tonight and we have no mattresses for them yet...my challenge for today. Also trying to get back in better touch with everyone. We have really had a major power issue...and the internet provider I have been using just increased their prices by 8 times their former price...can they do that???? I have been trying to download a disk of pictures I have for a couple weeks...I hope to do that this weekend....
We are invitited to a wedding tomorrrow...we'll see how Shawna is feeling because I think that could be a great time! I am sure we won't stick out! HA!!!
Short for now...but we are back safely...eagerly awaiting our guests!!!! I'll write more tomorrow about their arrival!
LOve to all....peace....please.
Sarah
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