My Global Adventure

2011-11-18T09:45:00.000+01:00

Dear Friends and Family, I am writing to you today with a heavy heart and tear filled eyes while in flight thousands of miles above the earth. Due to a rapidly deteriorating situation where I was working in Mozambique, the leadership has decided to evacuate all the foreign staff and relocate us to our International office in Thailand. The former country manager who was recently let go for

Observations over Java

2011-04-05T07:20:00.002+01:00

Sitting in a delightfully charming cafe and art gallery in Cambodia I cannot help but be reminded of how beautiful life is and how overwhelmingly blessed I am to be leading the life I have. You enter around the side and ascend to the open air balcony with vine wrapped trellises and large hanging wooden screens. Large ceilings both inside and out add to the light and airy feeling, a feeling of

Sad Eyes

2011-01-25T22:33:00.000+01:00

That is what I feel I have right now, sad eyes. Sad eyes that have been forced to face the hard reality of life in this beautiful place. Sad eyes that see the injustice even when it slips by the sight of others. Sad eyes that are left questioning why. Sad eyes often make for a sad heart. A sad heart that wants to fight and scream, insisting that there is more to be done. A sad heart that feels

Today's Forecast

2011-01-25T11:22:00.000+01:00

Coke, Good to the Last Drop!

2011-01-03T19:37:00.000+01:00

Baby Cristiano

2011-01-03T19:35:00.003+01:00

Dusk was settling in after what had already been a full day when I commotion by the back gate caught my attention. Walking up I saw a large group of our kids peering over one another trying to catch a glimpse of something at the edge of our property. It was a woman who was crouched down on the side of the road facing the remnants of our barbed wire fence. My thoughts immediately raced to what

Does the 10 second rule still apply in Africa?

2010-12-07T17:47:00.001+01:00

Eating popcorn while writing up a report, two pieces slipped from my hand and hit the floor. Too eat or not to eat, that is the question. The case against eating: - There is dirt on the floor - It would be a bit gross The case for eating: - It's popcorn - The floor was washed this morning - I already saw an ant crawling in the bowl, so at this point what is a little dirt? - Two pieces are a

Photo Booth

2010-11-05T09:30:00.005+01:00

For those of you not familiar with Mac computers, they all come with a fun little photo program called Photo Booth where you can not only take pictures with your computer, but also add fun effects. Here is a snapshot of what happens when kids discover this wonder. Enjoy!

Flight Risk

2010-10-01T03:56:00.004+01:00

Remaining in the US for the past 16 months my friends have known me as one thing in particular: a flight risk. In fact, shortly after returning to the US I made a trip across the Canadian border and was instantly met with comments about how I just returned home only to leave again. What can I say, I love discovering new places and cultures! (not to mention traveling) I am officially on the road

Bitterness

2009-04-22T15:55:00.000+01:00

I am bitter today. Bitter like my unsweetened regular iced mocha from what is quickly becoming my least favorite nearby coffee shop. I am also sick. I am sick and I am bitter. This is not a good combination. My day did not start out this way. In fact, my day started fairly well. It’s a Wednesday, which means it’s a late workday and a day, according to ‘my plan,’

BACK IN BAHRAIN

2009-04-08T10:37:00.002+01:00

Apparently the question: Where Are You Now? is still uncertain (probably because I haven't sent out any recent emails... yeah.. working on that...), BUT just to put the question to rest for a few more weeks, I am HOME in Manamah, Bahrain (a little tiny island next to Saudi Arabia in the Middle East) where I will be living through the first part of June teaching English at the American Center.

A Walk Through Bangkok

2009-03-31T13:05:00.004+01:00

Ruined For America

2009-03-31T12:09:00.003+01:00

...two eggs scrambled......perfectly seasoned noodles......fry it up......toss in the bean sprouts and the chives......tofu......preserved carrot......dried shrip......peanuts......PHAD THAI...!!!!DELIGHTFUL!!!!'Thai Food' in America will never cut it again!

Coffee Shop Musings

2009-03-31T11:24:00.000+01:00

It's rainingThe coffee's hotSoft sounds of sultry jazz musicThe grind of a day's workNew faces in usual placesThe familiar green circleIt's HomeIt's Starbucks. Sitting in a faded brown arm chair watching the rain fall on a rainbow of brightly colored taxis rushing by. Everyone has somewhere to go - a place to be.Today there is no rush. No place to go. No meeting scheduled. Today I just need to

Just Sit. Simply Be.

2009-03-31T10:44:00.000+01:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that the hardest task for me is to simply sit and be.I tried to sunbathe on the shores of a picturesque tropical beach recently and lasted all of 45 minutes before becoming too antsy to sit and be any longer. I am actually improving though. In the not so distant past, I would never have lasted 30 minutes. One of my favorite life quotes comes from my junior high leader

The Most Greatest Drink Ever!!!!

2009-03-30T13:19:00.000+01:00

a simple formula(1 cup ice + 4 slices watermelon + squeeze of lime + splash of simple sugar) blended = fruit slushy goodnessThe Best End To A Hot Humid Day

Stinky Fruit

2009-03-29T07:01:00.001+01:00

The title really says it all. Banned on all inclosed forms of transportation in the region, the dorian fruit has a reputation for being one STINKY fruit. .... and yes, I ate it.

Donuts

2009-03-13T12:07:00.002+01:00

More S'mores

2009-03-13T12:02:00.003+01:00

Eating s'mores for the first time... mmmmm....

Bombing in Sri Lanka

2009-03-10T11:34:00.003+01:00

This morning there was a bombing at a mosque in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka that reports are saying killed 10 and injured 20 more. I have been made aware of several reports online (BBC, yahoo and google) that line up with reports we are receiving from people in the area.At this time it is unclear exactly who carried out the attack and what the specific motives were. The BBC reports, "At

It's Delicious!

2009-03-10T08:09:00.003+01:00

Walking into the dimly lit kitchen where the wood fires were already burning, she laid a wrapped paper parcel onto the table. Unfolding its edges three wooden pieces lay revealed, catching my eye and causing me to stop."What is that?" I inquired, after it became clear that whatever 'IT' was, was about to be placed into MY food."ummalakada," she responded searching for the english equivilant to

Stickin' Around Sri Lanka

2009-03-08T13:02:00.002+01:00

After nearly 2 weeks in this stunning country, I have decided that departing is simply not an option quite yet and at the request of a friend will be going to spend some time in a village in the southern region of the island. The remoteness of the location though means that I will have NO internet access, so basically no change in what life has been like these past few weeks. Thanks for your

Paradise Beach Hotel

2009-03-02T20:45:00.006+01:00

Tucked back off the main road, in a quiet little fishing town, on the southern most part of this tear drop shaped tropical islandthat lies just east of India and north of the Equator. Crawling out of the depths of our airconditioned van and into the hot sticky air, we had arrived at our beach front home. Everything about the place screamed of relaxation. Ahhh, what a beautiful location to reside

A Snapshot of Our Drive Down the Coast

2009-03-02T20:00:00.003+01:00

It was a 4 to 5 hour winding drive along the coast as we headed south from Colombo towards Mirissa. Stuffed in the backseat of our 8 passenger van propped up on our overflowing pile of luggage, I endured the painful experience of watching helplessly as one picture perfect scene after another zipped by. After several hours the prospect of missing another photo op became too much and I whipped out

A Room With A View

2009-02-25T18:54:00.003+01:00

I HAVE ARRIVED!!! ... in Sri Lanka that is... and am very SAFEOur departure from Bangalore and arrival in Colombo is rather boring to report on. Nothing of great significance or impressive nature occurred as we packed up, said our goodbyes, traveled to the airport, boarded our plane, hopped over a bit of land and flew gently into a new country.The country of Sri Lanka, or rather the small taste I

Traveling to Sri Lanka

2009-02-24T18:51:00.001+01:00

Tomorrow we fly to Sri Lanka, having been stopped in our tracks by a terrorist attack in Colombo a few days before. I know there are all kinds of news reports (or perhaps no new reports given that the US has very little invested interest in this area) floating around about the escalating violence in this tiny nation but please do not worry. Our team leader, has been living in Sri Lanka with her

Bangalore, INDIA - Overview

2009-02-21T18:49:00.000+01:00

Bangalore, INDIA: Yes! I AM IN INDIA! [Have you gotten sick of hearing that yet? Hopefully not!]How did I get to India? A very good question…When I left the US I never imagined myself in Asia, let alone in India, but like with much of this trip a ‘chance’ encounter led to an entire new set of adventures. Within two weeks of leaving the country, I found myself attending a conference in Turkey

Manamah, BAHRAIN - Overview

2009-02-16T18:47:00.000+01:00

Yes, I can hear you now. Bahrain? Where is that? I have to admit that on my first whirlwind tour through the Gulf region I also had to look it up on a map. Easily the smallest country in the region, Bahrain is a tiny desert island (don’t get too excited, its not your picturesque white sand beaches and crystal clear waters – sadly) located just off the west coast of Saudi Arabia. Having stopped by

Nairobi, KENYA - Overview

2009-02-07T18:46:00.000+01:00

I had originally only planned to visit the capital of Kenya once, on my way out of the nation. However, the fickleness of the Indian High Commission provided me with 3 unique opportunities to discover the bustling and slightly overwhelming city. It also gave me a severe test in patience and endurance as I made five 9 hour bus rides on potholed filled ‘roads’ in the dead of night. Each of my

Webuye, KENYA - Overview

2009-02-04T18:43:00.000+01:00

Webuye, KENYA: During the 10 hour bus ride from Uganda to Kenya I hit my first real moment of fear at the prospect of traveling to a country where I knew no one, had no real plan and was going to a town I couldn’t even locate on a map. This time overseas has definitely been an exercise in faith, trust and dependence on God. Meeting the grandparents of a friend’s boyfriend at a pool party my first

Thursday

2009-01-29T18:33:00.000+01:00

It’s 10:23AM on a Thursday, a school day. Glancing out my window I watch as three cows methodically make they way across the grassy outcrop behind the house. With sticks in hand 2 barefoot boys follow behind, prodding them forward as the sun grows ever hotter in the light blue skies. These children should be in school.Everywhere I go now, I am quick to notice the children. The little ones with

Salmonella

2009-01-29T18:18:00.000+01:00

The irony of life never ceases to amaze me. Taking lunch with some fellow Americans recently, I realized how enculturated I had become. Justifiably concerned over consuming produce, unclean water and ill-prepared food, the talk around the table turned to what should and should not be taken. Surprised to discover that I eat everything without a hint of concern it was reasoned that I must have

Round Trip to Nairobi

2009-01-28T18:26:00.002+01:00

A 24 hour trip with 17 hours on the road, the odds are already not in my favor… As word spread throughout the day of my planned evening departure to Nairobi, the strange and busy city far, far away, concern mounted for the little blonde haired blue eyed American girl. Growing accustomed to the well meaning fuss of those with slightly less adventurous spirits I sat listening quietly with a smile.

Bed Bugs

2009-01-24T18:24:00.000+01:00

Waking up this morning the day began in carnage as I set about systematically taking out the three assailants (aka. Mosquitoes) trapped in the clearly unprotective netting. Having considerably refined my locating and terminating skills these past few months the process took only seconds, but the findings were less than satisfactory as it was clear that they had been taken down post attack,

No Power, No Internet, No Blogs

2009-01-22T20:28:00.000+01:00

Dear Family, Friends and Faithful Blog ReadersI am currently living in Webuye, Kenya, a town so small I have yet to find it on any maps. The town does have two internet cafes which occasionally work. That is great except for the fact that I don't live in town. Therefore communication is going to be far and few between for the next few weeks. If opportunity allows I will be certain to post. In the

Kampala, UGANDA: Returning Home

2009-01-08T18:38:00.000+01:00

Returning to Kampala, my home base for the past several months was a bittersweet experience. Entering into the city I expected to feel a sense of relief and comfort, but was instead met with an overwhelming emptiness. Without my Go-Ed team of 13 the city was simply not the same. My time in the city passed quickly as I caught up with old friends, took care of some business that needed attending to

Mbarara, UGANDA - Overview

2009-01-05T18:36:00.000+01:00

Mbarara, UGANDA: (a bit of review) Having completed my Go-ED semester abroad program in Kampala (the capital of Uganda), I decided to stick around the country for a while and head down south to work with a local pastor and the school/orphanage they run. Pastor Emmy and his wonderful wife Sarah graciously invited me into their home to live for nearly a month, adding another to bring their current

Ritual Child Sacrifice

2009-01-02T18:22:00.000+01:00

Walking through the front room this evening I was halted by the news report murmuring in the background. Alleged child sacrifice stopped. Not exactly the type of breaking news story I am used to hearing. Transfixed I stood watching as interviews and footage was shown of the boy, his mother and father who had arrived at her village home demanding his son. With no authority to refuse, the mother

neighborhood kids

2008-12-30T00:08:00.004+01:00

hanging with the neighborhood kids

Noticing the Night

2008-12-28T23:19:00.001+01:00

Sitting out back this evening with Sarah and some of the girls as they prepared supper, I gazed up and noticed the stars. A short ways outside of town there is little light to block out their brilliance. The only light present in fact is the one gleaming from within the house, providing just enough visibility to cook upon the little coal stoves, but scarcely to write.It’s amazing how vast the sky

Oh Sunday's!

2008-12-21T23:28:00.008+01:00

Waking up and going to church on a Sunday morning is usually quite the typical and predictable affair. However, this Sunday was anything but ordinary...Being informed the evening before that I was to accompany Pastor Emmy on his visit to one of the rural churches the next morning, we woke and left early for the ONE HOUR drive out of town down the long and windy stretches of dirt road that divide

Christmas Came Early

2008-12-20T23:40:00.006+01:00

There is nothing like getting into the Christmas spirit - the spirit of joy and the spirit of giving. Spending numerous hours with the orphaned and needy children at the Parental Care School and Orphanage in Mbarara, Uganda in the days leading up to Christmas it was hard not to fall in love with each and every one of them. From their precious smiles to their uncontainable laughter, you would

Reading

2008-12-18T23:21:00.004+01:00

My heart was deeply touched today as I spent the afternoon with some of Pastor Emmy's kids. I pulled out a simple children's storybook that I had salvaged from the junk pile at the International School in Rwanda, the kids loved it and must have read it 5 times each. It was "If You Give A Mouse Your Lunchbox," from the If You Take A Mouse to School series - great simple little book actually. My

A Different System of Communication

2008-12-18T12:25:00.000+01:00

“Today you will teach a Bible lesson to the children”This matter of fact statement came early this morning (I suppose early is relative, but I had barely finished breakfast) from Grace as she was informing me of what I would be doing today. I couldn’t help but appear slightly stunned, not so much by the request as its delivery. Shock quickly turned to a smile and then a barely audible laugh. Emmy

Taking it with Time

2008-12-18T12:22:00.002+01:00

“Here we don’t take meals with time,you, you are used to taking meals with time.”Yes, in America, time is truly everything. We schedule our days, our meals our comings and goings by the hands of a clock, growing frustrated and aggravated when an unexpected event forces them to deviate. We get impatient waiting in lines, waiting for food and waiting at all. We expect quality, quantity and

Sometimes You Can't Please Everyone

2008-12-18T12:21:00.000+01:00

There is nothing like making small children cry in the morning. It is just past 7am and I am sitting in my new favorite spot on the cool cement floor of the balcony. Sarah isn’t up yet to make me move to a mat. She is a sweetheart, and has clearly adopted me in as one of her children. With five biological children, 18 adopted directly in and over 150 more at the school, which she cares for

Living in Black and White Where Color is Everything

2008-12-17T12:31:00.001+01:00

Waking up this morning I faced the usual dilemma of what to wear for the day. Eyeing my bag strategically packed to maximize space but not accessibility I wondered how I was going to dig out the necessary components for a new outfit. Conquering my backpack and walking out to face a brand new day I was instantly humbled when I realized nearly everyone was still wearing their same clothes from

Tired by 10

2008-12-16T12:18:00.000+01:00

It ceases to amaze me how even though I felt like I did nothing today but sit and stand I am incredibly tired and it is only 10pm! What has happened to me, I must be getting old!!!

Sweating Through Christmas

2008-12-13T22:01:00.003+01:00

Saturday evening, the dining room was once against decked in red and green, the sweet aroma of cinnamon filled the house as cooking had just commenced for the day and dessert was finishing up in the oven. In many ways it was deja vu from Thursday nights supper. However this dinner took on a more adult feel, kind of like when you finally move up from the kids table to the regular table at family

Go-ED Christmas

2008-12-13T10:09:00.001+01:00

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?In the lane snow is glistening”“In Uganda, the sun is shining,and tomorrow we’ll be goodby’in”What better way to celebrate the joy of the season and our final meal together then with a home cooked Christmas feast!Giving our lovely cook Grace a night off for once, we divided ourselves up into groups and each took on a dish. Vegis, Potatoes, Meat and Dessert -

Candlelight Concert

2008-12-12T10:12:00.000+01:00

Friday came all to quickly this week, as our final days in Kampala as the Go-ED '08 semester came to a close. For many, the day began early, as two angelic Saint Lucia's made their way from room to room bearing hot tea and christmas cheer. Startling most sound sleepers, they did not receive the warmest reception by all, but those who did rise to the occasion were treated to breakfast in bed,

Beneath the Tree

2008-12-10T10:00:00.000+01:00

Before there were classrooms people would often gather at the base of trees to take shelter from the heat and share life with one another. In this way the history of peoples was passed from one generation to the next.Arriving in East Africa we have been inundated with the history and culture of these different peoples as we have learned both within the classroom and walking down the street. One

Picture Problem

2008-12-02T12:21:00.001+01:00

Due to our poor internet connectivity, my blog with be devoid of all new pictures for a while. I will post more once life returns to normal. Thanks for understanding!

Rain, Rain Go Away...

2008-12-02T10:50:00.003+01:00

... Come Again Another Day! The afternoon rains have come again, this time catching me between houses as the first few warning drops felling signaling the unstoppable down pour. Musical and calming, the sounds of rain falling at different volumes and times is a refreshing reminder of the wondrous world in which we live. Yesterday I was overcome by the sheer volume of it all as it sounded like I

In and Out of Connection

2008-12-02T08:26:00.000+01:00

Opening up my laptop these past few days, I am continuously confronted with one overriding question: will the internet work again? Having gone the better portion of 6 months with clear, fast, reliable wireless internet connection throughout the different countries I have been living in and traveling through, it has been a frustrating feat to rediscover the disconnected life. Rising up at the best

Happy Thanksgiving! ...and pass the chicken

2008-11-29T08:55:00.002+01:00

It's Thanksgiving once again, the Ultimate American Holiday - A time for Family, Football and Food! Here in Kigali (Rwanda), Thanksgiving took on a slightly different meaning, or at least within our group. In honor of our American connections, we were given a long weekend with two days off of school. However, the rest of the life continued with on with the majority of our host nation completely

An Organized Response

2008-11-28T19:48:00.002+01:00

As violence has flared up once again in the DR Congo, Food for the Hungry International (FHI) and numerous other NGO's have sent assessment teams into Goma to determine what the proper course of action should be in the face of extreme tension, violence and need. Here is the latest report issued by FHINovember 2008 Fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo"After decades of war, the Congolese

Talking Myself Into Trouble

2008-11-25T22:35:00.003+01:00

Embracing the culture and seeking to thrive rather than simply survive,I have reached that troubling point in learning language where I now know just enough to get me into trouble and not enough to get me back out! Working in the community of Cyeza each afternoon conducting interviews for our community development assessment, I have had ample opportunities to improve my limited kinyarwanda.

Surrendering to the Sunrise

2008-11-21T06:33:00.002+01:00

After a restless nights sleep for the second day in a row, waking up this morning the last thing I wanted to do was to hit the pavement for a run. However, as I talked myself off my army green coat and out from beneath the sheets I decided that I would be able to sleep better the rest of the morning if I just spent a few minutes up and about. Walking out into the main room of the office I was

COMERA!!!

2008-11-20T21:24:00.002+01:00

COMERA! - the small child shouted at our packed to capacity white land rover as we bounced down the bumpy dirt road and rounded yet another corner on our way to slightly removed community of Cyeza. "Be Strong." Our interpreter Paul offered up in explanation of the child's exclamation. Be Strong. Comera. As these words reverberated through my wandering mind lectures from last weeks classes came

8 Days in Gitarama

2008-11-20T09:10:00.000+01:00

For the next 8 days our team will be living and working out of the FHI Office based in the neighboring city of Gitarama, conducting development research in the community of Cyeza.So, where IS Gitarama?"Gitarama is the second-largest city in Rwanda, with a population of 84,669 (2002 census estimate). Although a part of the Southern Province, it is situated in the centre of the country, to the west

Beginning in Irony

2008-11-19T06:41:00.002+01:00

French Toast for breakfast. Innocent in itself. Ironic in its appearance. Today, of all days, we are served the tasty delight of French toast. Today is a National Day Of Protest against Germany and France our Rwandan cook decided to serve us french toast for breakfast. Sitting down I couldn't help but smile at the timing of it all. In a sign of solidarity for their comrade in Germany who is

National Day of Protest

2008-11-18T17:33:00.005+01:00

Arriving in the city of Gitarama this afternoon, one hours drive from Kigali, the first news we heard as we were walking down the dirt back road to the FHI office, was that tomorrow was declared a holiday. Upon further discussion, this statement was revised to be that we as foreigners had a day off, because the government of Rwanda had just declared Wednesday, November 19th as a day of Protest.

Saturday Afternoon

2008-11-15T15:24:00.003+01:00

Having survived another week of classes and a most unwelcome Saturday morning session, Becca and I decided it was time for a celebration. Lunch at Bourbon (comparable to Starbucks with a full food menu as well) and then of scoop of rich flavorful ice cream in a warm waffle cone - delish!

Beautiful Tension

2008-11-14T11:22:00.003+01:00

Walking home for lunch between classes today I rather unexpectedly found myself in a very contemplative mood. However, the overwhelming exhaustion that has been growing for days finally felt larger than life and sitting down on the couch all I wanted to do was be. Sliding a dvd of Friends into my computer (our newest thing here - no idea how that started) I prepared to just tune out every

Protesting in Kigali

2008-11-13T12:13:00.003+01:00

Let me begin by saying that I am completely fine, safe and well looked after. The Go-Ed program and FHI staff are monitoring the entire situation closely and we are all taking the necessary precautions.Now that my disclaimer is over, I am sure you are all wondering what on earth I am talking about. As most of you are probably not aware, the Rwandan Protocol Chief, Rose Kabuye, was arrested in

A Forgotten Crisis

2008-11-13T12:09:00.005+01:00

While America's eyes have all been concerned about Palin's wardrobe, Obama's celebrity appeal and other hot topics like 9 million dollar poker winner's (Yahoo's current story of choice) an entire continent goes unnoticed. Africa. Most commonly addressed as though it were one unified nation, Africa indeed is a diverse mix of cultures, languages, religions, conflicts and more. Living over in the

The Best Show In Town

2008-11-08T17:58:00.000+01:00

Pulling up to the shore after our peaceful trip out to and around some of the islands on Lake Kivu, we looked up at the multiple tiered balcony of our hotel and were met by the gaze of three floors filled with men. Apparently a big football (soccer) match was on this evening and our resting place was the hot spot in town. Being tracked all the way from the beach up the varying levels of stairs

Lake Kivu

2008-11-07T17:56:00.000+01:00

Escaping the city for a long weekend, we headed out to Lake Kivu on Rwandan's Eastern BorderHere are a few of the sights we took in:"the view from our balcony""evening sky""disappearing sun""hard at work Saturday morning""drifting""Sunday morning sunrise"

10 in the Bed and the Little One Said...

2008-11-06T17:54:00.001+01:00

...let's add 3 more!On our recent weekend getaway, our group spent a night in Butare at a guest house where we were placed in huge rooms with two large beds. Not wanting to be so far apart, Sarah and I rearranged our room and this is what transpired next.Despite the fact that we have grown together as a family over these past few weeks, we did not end up sleeping like this even though it was a

"A Skinny Boy With A Funny Name"

2008-11-05T17:53:00.000+01:00

Yes, as most of America cast their ballots on this historic day and the tallies began to roll in I was sleeping half a world away. Fast Forward to Wednesday morning which seemed to come ever earlier than expected and the clamor from outside my window told it all... the election results were in. Now to find out who won or at least was leading in the pools. When asked by my children years from

Another Trip To The Doctor

2008-11-01T17:50:00.000+01:00

High Fever. Body Aches. Sweating. Tired. Headaches. Dizziness. Nausea. All classic symptoms of the flu. Apparently, also all classic symptoms as Malaria."The general symptoms include: flu-like symptoms"Having never actually had Malaria before, but my fair share of flu's, I was all but convinced that what I was suffering from was a simple bout of Influenza. However, at the guest house there was

Slippin' & Slidin'

2008-10-28T19:21:00.006+01:00

thunder lightening and rain all morningrains subsided but left muddy roads in their wakeDriver said "we wouldn't see any animals, they don't come out in the rain"went out for Safari anywayssaw water bucks, buffalo, kobs, birds and then the climax - lions eating breakfastthroughout the entire ride we were slipping and sliding all over the roadBus fishtaled severely, slide to a stop still standing

Border Crossing

2008-10-28T17:48:00.000+01:00

Traveling between countries is always an adventure, however this is the first time I have driven across a border. Receiving basic instructions as we rolled to a stop just inside the first barrier, we stumbled off the bus with our "border buddies" and began the paperwork to transition over to our new home. Encountering an empty crossing, we proceeded with ease, yet we weren't home free yet.

Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?

2008-10-17T17:36:00.000+01:00

Making its debut early in 2007 on American tv, Are you smarter than a fifth grader? is a game show based on asking grade-school level questions to adults. Having only caught a few minutes of the show one evening shortly after it came out I always smirked at the notion, confident that I could easily win against a fifth grader. A recent turn of events has led me to rethink that opinion... Sitting

Building An Empire

2008-10-16T17:34:00.000+01:00

Taking over the 6th grade history class for their entire unit on the Fertile Crescent, I was given the task of creating a project for them as well. At first a bit overwhelmed by the prospect, I soon found my footing in the classroom and created the Build An Empire project. I figured since we were spending most of our time learning about empires which dominated other civilizations I would give

Subbing In

2008-10-13T17:32:00.000+01:00

While working at KICS was undoubtedly one of the greatest experience in Rwanda thus far it also helped me discover one of the hardest jobs in the world, Subbing. Why anyone would chose to be a substitute teacher day after day is beyond me. With a wave of illness sweeping through the school, it wasn't merely the students who were falling to its effects. Too small to have substitute teachers, KICS

The Next Step

2008-10-13T05:09:00.001+01:00

The end of college means only one thing... ultimate freedom with endless possibilities. As the end of my college career is rapidly coming to a close, I have been forced to face my least favorite question: "What are you going to do with the rest of your life?"Starring that question down from afar, I have decided to reserve my answer for a time. Also taking into consideration the fact that no

Life in an International School

2008-10-08T17:30:00.000+01:00

Practicum. The best part of the Go-Ed program. For three and a half weeks our team was divided up into pairs and sent off throughout parts of Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda. I was placed as a "teachers assistant" at the Kigali International Community School (KICS) in Kigali, Rwanda. Choosing it primarily as a career building experience, I debated m decision up until arriving on campus. I had always

Unsettled

2008-10-05T01:28:00.003+01:00

Moments ago (okay several minutes ago) I was working away on my latest blog when I felt as though I was shaking. Unsure if it was just me or the entire couch, I quickly rationalized that it must have only been my imagination. What must have been 30 seconds later the whole house was shaking and I was trembling like crazy. Living in the Great Northwest I have lived through my fair share of

Buenos Dias!

2008-10-05T00:04:00.002+01:00

Why is it that after not being able to focus my mind all day enough to write a blog or email update that at 1 something in the morning it decides to be wide awake?!?! I wish I could blame something like jet lag, but after 4 months of being away from the West Coast, I hardly feel it is fair to claim that as my reason (probably because its not).So, if you are keeping up with the latest Time Zone

At Home in Rwanda

2008-10-04T09:06:00.004+01:00

So its been a while since I posted and I wish I could blame a poor internet connection or lack of power, but except for a few minor and temporary outages, we have been very fortunate with our housing locations. After wrapping up my first term of classes in Uganda a week ago Friday, I was off to Practicum on Sunday, which just so happens to be in Kigali, Rwanda. For those of you who may not be

Dear Family, Please Don't Be Shocked

2008-10-03T20:25:00.004+01:00

For those of you who know me well I highly recommend that you take a seat and a deep breath before reading this.For those of you who know me, but not necessarily all of my strange habits, you may or may not understand the enormity of what I am about to say.For those of you who have merely stumbled across this blog, this probably won't make any sense, feel free to read anyways...Something beyond

Chez Remera

2008-09-30T15:23:00.004+01:00

My New Favorite Place to Be...My other favorite place to be...The view that makes it all so incredible!

When the Rains Come, You Run!

2008-09-29T17:24:00.000+01:00

The Northwest drizzle. The gray clouds that roll in sometime in September and hang around through the first weeks of May. If anyone can handle rain, its me, a true NorthWest girl. I don't use an umbrella, rain coats are rarely necessary. About the only thing not up to pair with the weather is my bag. So, when we arrived in Kigali and were warned about the rain I smirked inside. They obviously

Carrying in Contraband!

2008-09-28T17:18:00.000+01:00

Yes, I am guilty, guilty of carrying contraband into Rwanda (please don't report me.)Arriving in Kigali, Rwanda on a small puddle-jumper flight, we made our way off the plane and into the cool night air. Walking across the tarmac and up to one of the cutest airports I had ever seen, Kati, Mbish and I made our way through the necessary immigration and customs channels. Finally making it to the

Bil-Har-Z WHAT?

2008-09-25T11:14:00.001+01:00

Tuesday was our free day, kind of. In the morning we had an informational session for our practicums and were given the rest of the forms/assignments we would need to complete while on the field. We also received a bit more basic information about our sites as well as our departure times/dates. Rwanda - 17:50 - 28/09/08After our meeting concluded I was off to school where I was meeting up with

When Life Becomes A Game

2008-09-23T17:14:00.000+01:00

Sitting inside of an empty Matatu at the Old Taxi Park in Kampala today I thought I would never make it on timeHave you ever seen that little game called Traffic Jam? It is a bit of a strategy game, you know one of those educational types where they slip in a bit of learning while you are busy having fun. Anyways, in the game, you are trying to navigate this little red plastic car to freedom by

And She was surrounded by a cloud of what?

2008-09-20T17:10:00.000+01:00

Living in Kampala I have made a few hundred friends. Primarily of the small, flying, buzzing, blood-sucking variety more commonly referred to as mosquitos. Despite putting on daily dustings of repellent and covering as much flesh as possible, my little fan club has refused to relent. One evening during our outside BBQ I actually had a swarm so large following me that they looked like a little

Losing Myself

2008-09-19T12:42:00.002+01:00

What is there to say? So much has happened in our four weeks here and my mind is racing with stories to tell, yet my fingers refuse to cooperate. Walking into Uganda and this semester overseas, I thought my greatest challenge would be getting along with all my classmates, but I have been shocked to find it is instead with myself.The past two weeks have highlighted a lifelong battle of

Moving A Million Miles An Hour, But Going Nowhere!

2008-09-04T09:42:00.003+01:00

Due perhaps to my incredibly inconsistent sleep schedule, or the two cups of sugared up coffee I downed this morning, I physically find myself sitting in class, but mentally scattered across the board. Feeling a bit like Hammy from Over the Hedge (Fantastic movie, Not just for kids!), I feel as though I am racing from one place to the next. Whoosh! Whoosh!"I want my Cookies!" [ok, don't really

Live 4 Today

2008-09-04T06:10:00.001+01:00

I'm gonna live for todayI'm gonna follow in your wayI'm gonna let my little light shineLike there's no tomorrowI won't worry about the pastI know my future is intactSo I'll choose to live my life one wayI'm gonna live it for today~Natalie GrantStruggling to capture the feelings held hostage in my heart, I love how music gives wings to my words, allowing them to soar along the melody and onto the

Impoverished Mentality

2008-09-03T09:46:00.001+01:00

Recently discussions within our house have revealed a rather touchy question, "Is poverty a mindset or an uncontrolable injustice?"Half the world — nearly three billion people — live on less than two dollars a day.Trapped in a perpetuating cycle of poverty, how can one escape? My long standing view of poverty was that of an undesired situation that generally one is born or forced into due to

Is One Life Enough?

2008-09-03T09:25:00.000+01:00

If you can touch one life, you can change the worldSitting in front of school the other day, I was blatantly confronted by poverty. A woman walked by calling out, "Hello Muzungu, how are you?" Responding back, I said, "Hello, I am well and how are you?" "I am not well," came the terse reply, "Give me Money!" Shocked at this unabashed request I was stunned into inaction. Instantly being torn

Why Do I Care?

2008-09-03T06:21:00.001+01:00

Tonight in "Owning Poverty," our weekly team meeting, Julia wrapped up our discussion with the question, "Why do you care? Why are you here?" Initially the answer seems simple, but as I began to wrestle with it, an exponential number of questions poured forth from within.So, Why Do I Care?I care because I believe that every life is valuable.Being born and raised in the US, I have been incredibly

Growing Separation

2008-09-02T11:08:00.000+01:00

I feel separated. Separated from the group, from God, by age, experience, size and perhaps even choice.Living overseas seems completely normal to me. Adjusting to new cultures is always a challenge and a joy. I am not used to living in such a large group through. Trapped inside our little self created American bubble, Ugandan life seems so far away. Interacting with people on the streets I

Weak & Weary

2008-08-25T10:12:00.000+01:00

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gently and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOU SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.- Matthew 11:28-30Throughout these three months abroad, I have certainly learned what it means to be completely weak and weary. This evening I unexpectedly went

Returning Home

2008-08-24T10:05:00.000+01:00

After being away for six years, arriving in Uganda feels as though I have come home, yet not quite. In some ways it is as though a circle has been made complete with this return to East Africa. The feeling of comfort away from home remains, with the closest description I can find is likened to that of a Narnia experience. Slipping between two worlds, that are so far removed, yet intrinsically

Miscommunication

2008-08-15T08:43:00.001+01:00

After being sick for my final four days in Morocco, I had to delay my final visit to Casablanca. When I was finally able to travel, the day before I was set to depart, I made arrangements to visit with my friends. However, apparently I forgot to mention that I was leaving the next day, so when I arrived they had made all these plans for the weekend and I had to explain that I couldn’t stay. I

Oops!

2008-08-14T17:49:00.000+01:00

Goodbye manual labor,Hello washing machine!Or at least that is how simple it was all supposed to be. I have sense reconsidered my position on the issue and now feel that handwashing might just be the way to go. Alas, after over two months on nothing but handwashing, I decided to wash all my clothes in the machine before leaving Morocco to ensure that I headed off to Uganda with wonderfully