Measuring cups, rolling pin, non-stick skillet...seem like every day items don't they? Then why the hack can't I seem to find them in my shopping town?
Do I seriously have to trek 5 hours (yes, I live 5 hours if one doesn't make too many unscheduled stops but this is a developing country so who bothers with schedules) to the capital city to get these items?! Maybe.
TIML.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
No Gas...Not A Good Thing
I think I may be one of the only people in my village who has a stove. The only fridge may also be located in my house. Sometimes I feel terrible about that. Should I be living more like the people around me? (Can you imagine that a stove and fridge are luxuries? And so is heat in the winter...no one else has a heater, they sit around a fire) The hostel where the kids stay cooks food over a fire...for about 200 kids.
When I left my village to come to my shopping town on Friday I found out my cooking gas had just quit on me (this is not piped in- ha ha ha- we have huge gas bottles connected to the stove and fridge). I may not get more until Wednesday at the earliest. I've been thinking of waiting to go back to my village until the gas is delivered by the Ministry of Education. Am I being ridiculous? Should I just learn how to cook over a fire? But I don't have fire wood or a pot for that. This is my life.
When I left my village to come to my shopping town on Friday I found out my cooking gas had just quit on me (this is not piped in- ha ha ha- we have huge gas bottles connected to the stove and fridge). I may not get more until Wednesday at the earliest. I've been thinking of waiting to go back to my village until the gas is delivered by the Ministry of Education. Am I being ridiculous? Should I just learn how to cook over a fire? But I don't have fire wood or a pot for that. This is my life.
Friday, May 23, 2008
No Agua
Readjusting to life in Namibia was unexpected. I was unable to prepare for it. But that 2nd term slump hit me hard and it's only the end of the 2nd week.
My first weekend back in the village, the water went off for the weekend. Somehow when these things happen and I'm by myself (which I am on the weekends because my host family goes to their farm) they seem so much bigger.
It would have been no big deal if I had been warned on Friday, I could have easily filled some pots with water. Instead I didn't bathe for 2 days and used water sparingly. Oh and my host dad took the containers of drinking water to refill them.
I just felt like the walls were closing in.
I took a deep breath. I prayed. I went for a run. I made it to Monday morning and running water once again.
My first weekend back in the village, the water went off for the weekend. Somehow when these things happen and I'm by myself (which I am on the weekends because my host family goes to their farm) they seem so much bigger.
It would have been no big deal if I had been warned on Friday, I could have easily filled some pots with water. Instead I didn't bathe for 2 days and used water sparingly. Oh and my host dad took the containers of drinking water to refill them.
I just felt like the walls were closing in.
I took a deep breath. I prayed. I went for a run. I made it to Monday morning and running water once again.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
051108
May 11, 2008
Amanda and BriAnne just made me a birthday cake. What sweeties. I’m so blessed to have such good friends on my bday when I’m so far from home and would usually be millions of miles away eating dinner with my family. Thank you Lord for loving me.
Amanda and BriAnne just made me a birthday cake. What sweeties. I’m so blessed to have such good friends on my bday when I’m so far from home and would usually be millions of miles away eating dinner with my family. Thank you Lord for loving me.
Stuck in Gobabis
May 10, 2008
My principal left me in Gobabis, my shopping town. Transportation is one of the most difficult parts of this transition for me. I haven’t told you about it because I don’t want you to try to make me come back. You can’t even imagine it. People in Namibia have forgotten too, maybe that’s why he so nonchalantly went back to the village without me without even a phone call.
I feel let down and unsupported. Hopefully I can hitch a ride with the Ministry of Education vehicle that is going to be delivering my fridge on Wednesday. I’ve got too much stuff to take the harrowing ride with the public transport and not enough patience right now to endure a 4 hour ride for what is really a 2.5 hour trip.
I’ve had a good cry about it. I just needed a good cry actually and that was my breaking point. Coming back from Cape Town was an unexpected transition. It was almost like culture shock all over again. I’ve had to fight against my self-defense techniques and remember that this one thing cannot negate all the other great things he does- how the heck would I get cooking gas without him? And usually when he goes to town he offers to take me. I can also rant to him about my education frustrations.
I’m not sure I’m going to give him the souvenir I brought for him from CT though.
In the mean time, I’m hanging out with my friends, having laughs, and watching ‘24’ for the first time.
My principal left me in Gobabis, my shopping town. Transportation is one of the most difficult parts of this transition for me. I haven’t told you about it because I don’t want you to try to make me come back. You can’t even imagine it. People in Namibia have forgotten too, maybe that’s why he so nonchalantly went back to the village without me without even a phone call.
I feel let down and unsupported. Hopefully I can hitch a ride with the Ministry of Education vehicle that is going to be delivering my fridge on Wednesday. I’ve got too much stuff to take the harrowing ride with the public transport and not enough patience right now to endure a 4 hour ride for what is really a 2.5 hour trip.
I’ve had a good cry about it. I just needed a good cry actually and that was my breaking point. Coming back from Cape Town was an unexpected transition. It was almost like culture shock all over again. I’ve had to fight against my self-defense techniques and remember that this one thing cannot negate all the other great things he does- how the heck would I get cooking gas without him? And usually when he goes to town he offers to take me. I can also rant to him about my education frustrations.
I’m not sure I’m going to give him the souvenir I brought for him from CT though.
In the mean time, I’m hanging out with my friends, having laughs, and watching ‘24’ for the first time.
Please Don't Make Me Wait In Vain
May 9, 2008
An SMS or text conversation between myself and a friend in America-
USA: Things have been crazy busy at work. Sorry I haven’t written that letter. I just got my PDA phone fixed and can now text more often.
Namib: I was waiting for a letter and a package. Should I stop holding my breath?
USA: No.
Namib: I live in a village (150 ppl, 2.5 hrs away frm a paved road) and you cannot play with my emotions like that. Getting mail is amazing. It’s like…there is no US equivalent.
USA: Wow, I will send you a package in 2 weeks.
Namib: Okay, it takes 3 wks to get here, so I’ll have it in 5 weeks. Can you imagine waiting 5 weeks for something?
USA: I’ll send it next Friday so you’ll have it in 4 weeks!!! That’s my word.
An SMS or text conversation between myself and a friend in America-
USA: Things have been crazy busy at work. Sorry I haven’t written that letter. I just got my PDA phone fixed and can now text more often.
Namib: I was waiting for a letter and a package. Should I stop holding my breath?
USA: No.
Namib: I live in a village (150 ppl, 2.5 hrs away frm a paved road) and you cannot play with my emotions like that. Getting mail is amazing. It’s like…there is no US equivalent.
USA: Wow, I will send you a package in 2 weeks.
Namib: Okay, it takes 3 wks to get here, so I’ll have it in 5 weeks. Can you imagine waiting 5 weeks for something?
USA: I’ll send it next Friday so you’ll have it in 4 weeks!!! That’s my word.
Letters Make Words, Words Make Sentences
May 8, 2008
I’ve decided my kids are going to learn how to read. That is my goal- it is what will make me feel like a successful volunteer. We’re going back to the beginning and starting from scratch.
It’s going to take us forever to get through ‘Charlotte’s Web’ but they will be able to read by the end of it. And actually understand what they’re reading.
I also want to figure out what works so I can leave a literacy program for the teachers who will remain after I leave.
Yep, that’s my new mission.
I’ve decided my kids are going to learn how to read. That is my goal- it is what will make me feel like a successful volunteer. We’re going back to the beginning and starting from scratch.
It’s going to take us forever to get through ‘Charlotte’s Web’ but they will be able to read by the end of it. And actually understand what they’re reading.
I also want to figure out what works so I can leave a literacy program for the teachers who will remain after I leave.
Yep, that’s my new mission.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Happy Birthday CSR and Farewell CT
Aubergine. I love that word. Aubergine. They say that it is all about the food here and it is. The decor was simple and clean, the service was warm and friendly.
We were treated to a lovely beet amus buche w/a salmon creme and little caviar eggs that popped it in your mouth- great texture.
For the main courses we ordered the beef medallions and the Thai style ostrich. Both were so tender that we didn't need a steak knife. Butter knife anyone?
The main courses were so good that we decided to back track and have some starters. It was definitely not time for dessert. Calamari and fresh green salad.
We enjoyed it with a glass of local bubbly.
We finished off a night of laughter and great food with the chocolate fondant and rhubarb and apple tart. They were nicely paired with a local chenin blanc and port.
Hugs and kisses CT. Happy Birthday CSR.
We were treated to a lovely beet amus buche w/a salmon creme and little caviar eggs that popped it in your mouth- great texture.
For the main courses we ordered the beef medallions and the Thai style ostrich. Both were so tender that we didn't need a steak knife. Butter knife anyone?
The main courses were so good that we decided to back track and have some starters. It was definitely not time for dessert. Calamari and fresh green salad.
We enjoyed it with a glass of local bubbly.
We finished off a night of laughter and great food with the chocolate fondant and rhubarb and apple tart. They were nicely paired with a local chenin blanc and port.
Hugs and kisses CT. Happy Birthday CSR.
I Wanted To Steal The Towels
So BriAnne and I spent a few gorgeous days in the Cape wine lands- excellent. Side note- we ate lunch at one of the many little cafes in Franschoek and it was amazing. It was the best feta cheese I've ever had.
Anyhow, we made our way back to The Town and stayed in the cutest guest house. The staff at The Dunkley House was so sweet, helpful, and the place itself was so cute! The bed was large and fluffy as were the pillows and the towels. Actually when I need some where to go in my mind, a "happy" place, this is it. The flat screen TV and dvd player with fairly large movie collection rocked our world.
Maybe we shouldn't have moved up step by step because The Yellow Lodge in the wine lands was just as lovely. Mebe we should have been dialing things down a knotch each time so we'd be prepared to come back to Namibia.
Oh and as we lounged on the bed watching classics like 'High Fidelity', we were snuggled under some of the coziest blankets any where!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Dear Namibia
April 25, 2008
Dear Namibia,
A post card for you from South Africa. I don't know how to say this but I've fallen in love...with Cape Town. It's not you, it's me. I've been wooed by the tar roads, internet access, fruits and veggies, water in the river beds, mountains and trees. It's nothing as shallow as clean clothes or even electricity.
You will always be my first African love. I hope you can forgive me.
We'll always have Epukiro,
CSR
Dear Namibia,
A post card for you from South Africa. I don't know how to say this but I've fallen in love...with Cape Town. It's not you, it's me. I've been wooed by the tar roads, internet access, fruits and veggies, water in the river beds, mountains and trees. It's nothing as shallow as clean clothes or even electricity.
You will always be my first African love. I hope you can forgive me.
We'll always have Epukiro,
CSR
There Are Tar Roads!
April 21, 2008
Cape Town has tar roads, oh my! And we're having a bit of trouble crossing them. Shoot when there's only 3 cars passing by in a day you forget to look both ways.
And there's internet...on so many corners. We can't get enough.
They've got movie theaters too...we saw 5 movies in 4 days.
There are shops and restaurants. There are choices! The meat is nice and not a mystery.
There are trees and water...things I've missed in the desert.
I'm completely overwhelmed, in a good way.
Cape Town has tar roads, oh my! And we're having a bit of trouble crossing them. Shoot when there's only 3 cars passing by in a day you forget to look both ways.
And there's internet...on so many corners. We can't get enough.
They've got movie theaters too...we saw 5 movies in 4 days.
There are shops and restaurants. There are choices! The meat is nice and not a mystery.
There are trees and water...things I've missed in the desert.
I'm completely overwhelmed, in a good way.
Left My Passport in El Segundo
April 17, 2008
I packed wonderfully for 2 weeks. I'm getting better and better at this. I don't take more than I can carry and thus not more than I need. I've also got room for souvenirs- sweet!
I'm in town and so excited for the adventure that lays ahead of me. BriAnne is on her way and then we're out of here tomorrow- so long Namibia!
Awwwwwww ish! I forgot my passport. Excuse me? Yes, I left my passport in the green trunk in my closet in the village 2.5 hours away down a dirt road to which there is no transport until tomorrow afternoon at about the same time our bus is scheduled to leave for Cape Town. Nice.
Where's the key? Here on my key chain. Maybe they can send the entire trunk tomorrow morning with the transport if they can get into my house before he comes. Or we could rent a car in Gobabis (yeah right) and drive back to the village.
Or we could change our bus tickets until Monday and stay in our 1 street shopping town for the weekend. That'll be fine and packed with excitement. But then we'll wear out the little things that we love to do here once/month.
What the heck are we going to do??
After much worry, the principal came home with key in time for the secretary to get in my house and search for my PC passport. It wasn't in the green trunk. It was in the pocket of a purse. Imagine if they had sent that entire footlocker to town! Yes, I actually let some one I don't know very well in to my room. What else was I going to do? They brought the passport into town and we were able to get to the capital in time. Sorry, I just forgot that South Africa is actually another country and that I'd need a passport to get through.
Praise God I remembered before we tried to get on the bus.
I packed wonderfully for 2 weeks. I'm getting better and better at this. I don't take more than I can carry and thus not more than I need. I've also got room for souvenirs- sweet!
I'm in town and so excited for the adventure that lays ahead of me. BriAnne is on her way and then we're out of here tomorrow- so long Namibia!
Awwwwwww ish! I forgot my passport. Excuse me? Yes, I left my passport in the green trunk in my closet in the village 2.5 hours away down a dirt road to which there is no transport until tomorrow afternoon at about the same time our bus is scheduled to leave for Cape Town. Nice.
Where's the key? Here on my key chain. Maybe they can send the entire trunk tomorrow morning with the transport if they can get into my house before he comes. Or we could rent a car in Gobabis (yeah right) and drive back to the village.
Or we could change our bus tickets until Monday and stay in our 1 street shopping town for the weekend. That'll be fine and packed with excitement. But then we'll wear out the little things that we love to do here once/month.
What the heck are we going to do??
After much worry, the principal came home with key in time for the secretary to get in my house and search for my PC passport. It wasn't in the green trunk. It was in the pocket of a purse. Imagine if they had sent that entire footlocker to town! Yes, I actually let some one I don't know very well in to my room. What else was I going to do? They brought the passport into town and we were able to get to the capital in time. Sorry, I just forgot that South Africa is actually another country and that I'd need a passport to get through.
Praise God I remembered before we tried to get on the bus.
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