December 11, 2008
SMS to me…
Sarah: I keep forgetting! Tell me what you think- flight from Nam to Durban on 15th or from Durban to Nam on January 4th?
Me: Exsqueeze me??! Did you say flight?
Sarah: My parents want to give us plane tickets as a Christmas gift- either going or coming back.
Me: Oh wow! Tell them God bless them for helping us. Parents rock.
Sarah: Yeah I’m supposed to sing you guys a song from them later
* We were going to take the bus from Windhoek to Durban and back. It’s about a 24 hour ride, not including all the things that are bound to delay us along the way.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Never Tear Us Apart
December 7, 2008
BriAnne is going home for Christmas. I’m totally jealous. Also I can’t believe we aren’t traveling together. We’re going to be apart for about 5 weeks. We’ve never gone that long without seeing each other. I can’t even think about it.
Bri: Ahoy, chillin at the airport, you?
Me: Got your SMSes about the snoring roomie last night- totally knocked out though. Hope you got some sleep. Now I’m going to make some breakfast for lunch ;). How was getting to the airport?
Bri: Ooh yumm, pancakes? The snoring was Unbelievable, the other 2 girls in dorm were awake all night too. Ridic. Airport trip good- about ½ way though the driver gets a call to go BACK to Windhoek to pick someone else up- I said no effin way. Can you imagine?
Me: Wow, snoring was that bad?? That’s ridic, no way they went back! Hate this place. You’re getting out though. What time’s the flight?
Bri: Nothing is ever easy here. Fly at 1:45
An hour later…
Bri: Ok, on the plane. Will email you tomorrow! (Or maybe in like 5 hours still on the tarmac because in true Nam style maybe we’ll be delayed aye). Bye sweets! Love you miss you!
Me: Wow, making progress…step by step and be flexible baby ;). Ur gonna have a great time! Love you miss you honey.
*BriAnne of course emailed me on her first day home, as we had been apart for hours already. Family was good. America was excessive though convenient. I will not have to worry about her not returning to Nam.
BriAnne is going home for Christmas. I’m totally jealous. Also I can’t believe we aren’t traveling together. We’re going to be apart for about 5 weeks. We’ve never gone that long without seeing each other. I can’t even think about it.
Bri: Ahoy, chillin at the airport, you?
Me: Got your SMSes about the snoring roomie last night- totally knocked out though. Hope you got some sleep. Now I’m going to make some breakfast for lunch ;). How was getting to the airport?
Bri: Ooh yumm, pancakes? The snoring was Unbelievable, the other 2 girls in dorm were awake all night too. Ridic. Airport trip good- about ½ way though the driver gets a call to go BACK to Windhoek to pick someone else up- I said no effin way. Can you imagine?
Me: Wow, snoring was that bad?? That’s ridic, no way they went back! Hate this place. You’re getting out though. What time’s the flight?
Bri: Nothing is ever easy here. Fly at 1:45
An hour later…
Bri: Ok, on the plane. Will email you tomorrow! (Or maybe in like 5 hours still on the tarmac because in true Nam style maybe we’ll be delayed aye). Bye sweets! Love you miss you!
Me: Wow, making progress…step by step and be flexible baby ;). Ur gonna have a great time! Love you miss you honey.
*BriAnne of course emailed me on her first day home, as we had been apart for hours already. Family was good. America was excessive though convenient. I will not have to worry about her not returning to Nam.
Nam Love
December 5, 2008
Love is…a new Osprey travel pack waiting for you when you come from the village and finally get to town.
Love is…a new Osprey travel pack waiting for you when you come from the village and finally get to town.
Ur Not Serious...Oh But I am
December 4, 2008
We officially closed school today, tomorrow I will exit the village with the transport and be gone for the entire 6 week break! I’ve got my bags all packed. I’m even going to attend the End of Year party for the staff. (A note about me, I hate being stuck. I hate even feeling stuck. Even thinking about thinking about being stuck makes me uncomfortable.) I asked the secretary, since the party is at her family’s homestead, what time we’d go to the party. She said that we would leave at 4 and return around 7. I breathed a sigh of relief. It is not going to be one of those all day long affairs. I won’t feel stuck even though the party’s not in my village and I can’t drive and will have no choice in the matter. I’m looking forward to going and meeting her family.
At 4 we pile into the truck, with four people in the middle seat and things stacked high in the back. A 30 minute ride expands into an hour ride with all the turns (stops) we make. Finally we’re here! The first ones. Ms. Tjituka’s family is so nice. I’m offered a seat under the tree with the ladies. I look around and see that there is no food cooking. That’s strange. After what feels like 30 minutes but is probably only 10, the sisters begin cleaning the pots and the men begin slaughtering a sheep. They skin the sheep. They cut the sheep. Season it. Finally they begin to cook it. This is going to be a long day.
It was long 9 hours long from door to door. We didn’t leave there until midnight. Highlights of the event- the official opening with a prayer and a few words was at about 8pm. We ate- grilled sheep and macaroni salad. There was some dancing. There was lots of sitting around. The ladies did not really talk to me, even though I was sitting with them but then I moved because I didn’t really want to sit with them anyway. The younger sisters were cool. Finally we leave. I’m the second to be dropped at my door. I set my alarm for 4 since the transport leaves at 5:30.
I awoke with a start at 5:55. My mind is hazy. I throw open the door to the house. The village is empty. I hear no cars on the road. I put clothes on and run to the neighbor’s house. Please call the other transport guy and see if he is coming. He is. HALLELUJAH. I go back to my house and quickly gather everything even though I probably have about 30 minutes. I cannot miss this car. The gas on my fridge is out, I don’t really have enough food, everyone else is gone, and I imagine that the water will probably go off while I’m here too. The transport comes but I am still in a daze thinking of what could have been and how I am never going to another local party again. We hit the tar road. We’re in Gobabis and it only took 4 hours. My heart is pounding.
Bri sends an SMS. She is stuck just outside of town with a flat tire. This is our life.
We officially closed school today, tomorrow I will exit the village with the transport and be gone for the entire 6 week break! I’ve got my bags all packed. I’m even going to attend the End of Year party for the staff. (A note about me, I hate being stuck. I hate even feeling stuck. Even thinking about thinking about being stuck makes me uncomfortable.) I asked the secretary, since the party is at her family’s homestead, what time we’d go to the party. She said that we would leave at 4 and return around 7. I breathed a sigh of relief. It is not going to be one of those all day long affairs. I won’t feel stuck even though the party’s not in my village and I can’t drive and will have no choice in the matter. I’m looking forward to going and meeting her family.
At 4 we pile into the truck, with four people in the middle seat and things stacked high in the back. A 30 minute ride expands into an hour ride with all the turns (stops) we make. Finally we’re here! The first ones. Ms. Tjituka’s family is so nice. I’m offered a seat under the tree with the ladies. I look around and see that there is no food cooking. That’s strange. After what feels like 30 minutes but is probably only 10, the sisters begin cleaning the pots and the men begin slaughtering a sheep. They skin the sheep. They cut the sheep. Season it. Finally they begin to cook it. This is going to be a long day.
It was long 9 hours long from door to door. We didn’t leave there until midnight. Highlights of the event- the official opening with a prayer and a few words was at about 8pm. We ate- grilled sheep and macaroni salad. There was some dancing. There was lots of sitting around. The ladies did not really talk to me, even though I was sitting with them but then I moved because I didn’t really want to sit with them anyway. The younger sisters were cool. Finally we leave. I’m the second to be dropped at my door. I set my alarm for 4 since the transport leaves at 5:30.
I awoke with a start at 5:55. My mind is hazy. I throw open the door to the house. The village is empty. I hear no cars on the road. I put clothes on and run to the neighbor’s house. Please call the other transport guy and see if he is coming. He is. HALLELUJAH. I go back to my house and quickly gather everything even though I probably have about 30 minutes. I cannot miss this car. The gas on my fridge is out, I don’t really have enough food, everyone else is gone, and I imagine that the water will probably go off while I’m here too. The transport comes but I am still in a daze thinking of what could have been and how I am never going to another local party again. We hit the tar road. We’re in Gobabis and it only took 4 hours. My heart is pounding.
Bri sends an SMS. She is stuck just outside of town with a flat tire. This is our life.
It Could Go Either Way
Me: I want a chocolate éclair. Last week I wanted salt now I crave sugar. What gives?
Claire: Maybe you’re pregnant. You and Rich can go to parenting class together.
ME: LOL! If I was preggers it’d be a miracle…well, it is that time of year, ha ha. Speaking of Rich, he called over the weekend and was normal which is always funny too.
Claire: What a nut.
*Rich is a mutual friend who has a baby on the way, and everything about him makes us laugh.
Same Text Message Sent…
Me: I want a chocolate éclair. Last week I wanted salt now I crave sugar. What gives?
Bri: Oooh yuummmm, sounds good. I think you’re body is saying it’s ready for the sweet treats of VACATION! ME, I just want out. Am ready, ready, ready.
Me: Yes, I’m ready too! I got vacay food on my mind no doubt.
Claire: Maybe you’re pregnant. You and Rich can go to parenting class together.
ME: LOL! If I was preggers it’d be a miracle…well, it is that time of year, ha ha. Speaking of Rich, he called over the weekend and was normal which is always funny too.
Claire: What a nut.
*Rich is a mutual friend who has a baby on the way, and everything about him makes us laugh.
Same Text Message Sent…
Me: I want a chocolate éclair. Last week I wanted salt now I crave sugar. What gives?
Bri: Oooh yuummmm, sounds good. I think you’re body is saying it’s ready for the sweet treats of VACATION! ME, I just want out. Am ready, ready, ready.
Me: Yes, I’m ready too! I got vacay food on my mind no doubt.
See Ya!
November 28, 2008
Last Day of School for the kids:
Bri: Hey dear, hope you are having a good day. I personally could use a big strong drink!
Me: I’m okay, thought I would cry but didn’t…probably later though. Drink in Gobabis on Friday? See you there.
Bri: Because you will miss Grade 7 or because we still have 1 week left? They made it easy for me not to cry. Or maybe I’m just a jerk? Drinks in Gobabis sounds GREAT! More when SMS is free.
Last Day of School for the kids:
Bri: Hey dear, hope you are having a good day. I personally could use a big strong drink!
Me: I’m okay, thought I would cry but didn’t…probably later though. Drink in Gobabis on Friday? See you there.
Bri: Because you will miss Grade 7 or because we still have 1 week left? They made it easy for me not to cry. Or maybe I’m just a jerk? Drinks in Gobabis sounds GREAT! More when SMS is free.
Thankful Though Reception Is Bad
November 27, 2008
Me: I’m thankful that such a pretty, funny, person is my gal pal (lol..I’ve never used that phrase before)
Bri: Oh my, I’m blushing, thanks! I feel thankful to have such a kick ass friend- you really do keep me sane and smiling…no small feat these days. Now don’t let * some text missing.
Me: “Now don’t let”…I got the 1st half
Bri: Oh my, I’m blushing, thanks! I feel thankful to have such a kick ass friend- you really do keep me sane and smiling…no small feat these days. Now don’t let * some text missing.
Me: “Now don’t let”…I got the 1st half…is it the rain ruining our reception?
Bri: Possibly, I’ll send again.
Me: Nope, not this time either but thanks honey.
Bri: Now don’t let this go to your head but you are beauteous and fun and strong. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in crime!
Me: I guess God knew what he was doing when he put us together…better than we knew.
Bri: Indeed, I’d be lost out here without you.
Me: Yeah me too %-)
Me: I’m thankful that such a pretty, funny, person is my gal pal (lol..I’ve never used that phrase before)
Bri: Oh my, I’m blushing, thanks! I feel thankful to have such a kick ass friend- you really do keep me sane and smiling…no small feat these days. Now don’t let * some text missing.
Me: “Now don’t let”…I got the 1st half
Bri: Oh my, I’m blushing, thanks! I feel thankful to have such a kick ass friend- you really do keep me sane and smiling…no small feat these days. Now don’t let * some text missing.
Me: “Now don’t let”…I got the 1st half…is it the rain ruining our reception?
Bri: Possibly, I’ll send again.
Me: Nope, not this time either but thanks honey.
Bri: Now don’t let this go to your head but you are beauteous and fun and strong. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in crime!
Me: I guess God knew what he was doing when he put us together…better than we knew.
Bri: Indeed, I’d be lost out here without you.
Me: Yeah me too %-)
Get Me Outta Here
November 18, 2008
Me: So it’s raining and the electricity went out. We lit candles… Wow, I can almost fool myself that life is normal, then I lay on my foam mattress and realize that I’m not in Kansas anymore…or any of the 50 United States.
Bri: Aye bandito, roger that Toto. Is it Friday yet? Hell, is it December 5th yet?
(Dec 5- last day in the village)
Me: I’m willing Friday to come quick! I may even try to get out on Thursday so I can go to the doctor.
Bri: Yeah, how are you?
Me: Eeeh, it fluctuates- today it was really annoying. I’ve got to get this taken care of cuz today there seemed to be an echo effect…ot was that just the sound of my voice bouncing off their hard little heads?
Bri: Lol, that is hilarious and sad and true…Yeah, definitely take care of you!
Me: So it’s raining and the electricity went out. We lit candles… Wow, I can almost fool myself that life is normal, then I lay on my foam mattress and realize that I’m not in Kansas anymore…or any of the 50 United States.
Bri: Aye bandito, roger that Toto. Is it Friday yet? Hell, is it December 5th yet?
(Dec 5- last day in the village)
Me: I’m willing Friday to come quick! I may even try to get out on Thursday so I can go to the doctor.
Bri: Yeah, how are you?
Me: Eeeh, it fluctuates- today it was really annoying. I’ve got to get this taken care of cuz today there seemed to be an echo effect…ot was that just the sound of my voice bouncing off their hard little heads?
Bri: Lol, that is hilarious and sad and true…Yeah, definitely take care of you!
Marry Me
November 17, 2008
Bri: Before you become a wife you must show that you can milk a cow.
Me: Well you’ve already tried your hand at milking. If you keep at it, by the time one of the drunks at the shebeen can slur ‘will you marry me’ in English, you’ll be a pro and great wife material!
Bri: Before you become a wife you must show that you can milk a cow.
Me: Well you’ve already tried your hand at milking. If you keep at it, by the time one of the drunks at the shebeen can slur ‘will you marry me’ in English, you’ll be a pro and great wife material!
Ohashi
November 16, 2008
After School:
It’s hot. My head is stuffy. My ear is clogged. I forgot my work at school. I’m feeling too lazy to walk 20 yards and get them. Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
After Study:
It’s hot and school’s almost out. The kids have been so difficult to deal with but today will be my last bit of quality time with Grade 7 so I’m going to push through it…
First I show the postcards of Singapore that Kimmie sent. The learners are intrigued by the city-state and all the water surrounding it. Then I pass out the chopsticks that she sent (cuz she rocks). They loved it! Once we get the hang of it I pass out the fruit snacks that amber sent (I love those things but decided to share with the kids). They have so much fun using the chopsticks. While they’re being cute and well-behaved I decide to pull out the camera and the room goes wild. “Don’t make me put this away. Sit down at your desk and I will come to each of you. Calm down.”
They were so cute posing with chopsticks in hand. Of course this lead to the taking of other kinds of pics and can I push the button and I want to look at the screen and take me doing this and take me doing that…oh Grade 7.
After School:
It’s hot. My head is stuffy. My ear is clogged. I forgot my work at school. I’m feeling too lazy to walk 20 yards and get them. Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
After Study:
It’s hot and school’s almost out. The kids have been so difficult to deal with but today will be my last bit of quality time with Grade 7 so I’m going to push through it…
First I show the postcards of Singapore that Kimmie sent. The learners are intrigued by the city-state and all the water surrounding it. Then I pass out the chopsticks that she sent (cuz she rocks). They loved it! Once we get the hang of it I pass out the fruit snacks that amber sent (I love those things but decided to share with the kids). They have so much fun using the chopsticks. While they’re being cute and well-behaved I decide to pull out the camera and the room goes wild. “Don’t make me put this away. Sit down at your desk and I will come to each of you. Calm down.”
They were so cute posing with chopsticks in hand. Of course this lead to the taking of other kinds of pics and can I push the button and I want to look at the screen and take me doing this and take me doing that…oh Grade 7.
Livin Free
November 14, 2008
A new MTC airtime promotion called ‘Free Money’ has people all over Namibia calling their friends on their cell phones and talking to them. It eats up your prepaid minutes so it’s a bit of a luxury and something we PCVs don’t do so much. We send each other missed calls. Call and hang up before the person answers as a way of saying hi. Sometimes the person picks up and then you're pissed cuz that just got you like N$3.
I decided to call my dear Amanda and shake up her day.
Amanda: Hahahaha it’s like we were in America for a sec! Friends calling friends just to say hi! Haha thanks lady! Hooray free money! Have a great day!
A new MTC airtime promotion called ‘Free Money’ has people all over Namibia calling their friends on their cell phones and talking to them. It eats up your prepaid minutes so it’s a bit of a luxury and something we PCVs don’t do so much. We send each other missed calls. Call and hang up before the person answers as a way of saying hi. Sometimes the person picks up and then you're pissed cuz that just got you like N$3.
I decided to call my dear Amanda and shake up her day.
Amanda: Hahahaha it’s like we were in America for a sec! Friends calling friends just to say hi! Haha thanks lady! Hooray free money! Have a great day!
2 for 1
November 11, 2008
I think 2 volunteers should live together at every site. How awesome would it be to be able to talk to someone who understood you everyday. I’d be so much more productive as I wouldn’t need so much recovery time after a long hard day, also known as everyday. If we had each other to bounce ideas off of I wouldn’t have to bang my head against the wall. I’d have a partner to help shoulder the burdens and I wouldn’t have to be the only weirdo at school, at home, in the village. I wouldn’t have to hold everything in until seeing my sanity those 2 times in a month. Imagine that.
...2 are better than 1, if 1 falls down, his friend can help him up.
I think 2 volunteers should live together at every site. How awesome would it be to be able to talk to someone who understood you everyday. I’d be so much more productive as I wouldn’t need so much recovery time after a long hard day, also known as everyday. If we had each other to bounce ideas off of I wouldn’t have to bang my head against the wall. I’d have a partner to help shoulder the burdens and I wouldn’t have to be the only weirdo at school, at home, in the village. I wouldn’t have to hold everything in until seeing my sanity those 2 times in a month. Imagine that.
...2 are better than 1, if 1 falls down, his friend can help him up.
Why Why Why
November 9, 2008
It’s the end of the school year. We’ve got a week of review then exams for about 2 weeks. The learners have been unbearable. Bri sent me a text telling me about how unmanageable hers were being- we decided it must be something in the sour milk. It feels like they’ve regressed back to first term- I’m bombarded with “borrow me”s instead of “may I borrow”. The lack of interest in doing their best work and the cramming instead of studying makes me (and other volunteer educators) wonder what’s the point. Let’s just start exams now and get it over with, the extra time is just dragging out the inevitable. I’m finding now that even some of the more clever learners are only doing the minimum required as well. Instead of excitement for break and adrenaline for this last bit of learning this time is just excruciating for all involved. It makes a volunteer think ‘why am I here’ and ‘what have I done’ as we stare into the face of the education issue and struggle to see the improvements made in this last year. (Bri and I were lamenting all of this last night, so others are feeling it too.)
As I was laying in bed, before blowing out my lantern, I picked up ‘Praying the Names of Jesus’ and pondered his role as servant and through the page the Lord spoke to my heart loud and clear…
"It didn't matter whether God gave me a large role or a tiny one; I could still have impact if I could learn to do one thing- to love people in whatever circumstance I find myself. Why? Because love lasts. Because love never fails...Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes. Love never gives up. God is love. Love, in fact is the hardest, most powerful thing in the world. Whether driving a child to school, leading a church, cleaning a bathroom, heading up a multinational corporation, or washing feet, love is the secret to making a lasting impact."
Go on and marinate on that for a minute...or selah as they say.
It’s the end of the school year. We’ve got a week of review then exams for about 2 weeks. The learners have been unbearable. Bri sent me a text telling me about how unmanageable hers were being- we decided it must be something in the sour milk. It feels like they’ve regressed back to first term- I’m bombarded with “borrow me”s instead of “may I borrow”. The lack of interest in doing their best work and the cramming instead of studying makes me (and other volunteer educators) wonder what’s the point. Let’s just start exams now and get it over with, the extra time is just dragging out the inevitable. I’m finding now that even some of the more clever learners are only doing the minimum required as well. Instead of excitement for break and adrenaline for this last bit of learning this time is just excruciating for all involved. It makes a volunteer think ‘why am I here’ and ‘what have I done’ as we stare into the face of the education issue and struggle to see the improvements made in this last year. (Bri and I were lamenting all of this last night, so others are feeling it too.)
As I was laying in bed, before blowing out my lantern, I picked up ‘Praying the Names of Jesus’ and pondered his role as servant and through the page the Lord spoke to my heart loud and clear…
"It didn't matter whether God gave me a large role or a tiny one; I could still have impact if I could learn to do one thing- to love people in whatever circumstance I find myself. Why? Because love lasts. Because love never fails...Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes. Love never gives up. God is love. Love, in fact is the hardest, most powerful thing in the world. Whether driving a child to school, leading a church, cleaning a bathroom, heading up a multinational corporation, or washing feet, love is the secret to making a lasting impact."
Go on and marinate on that for a minute...or selah as they say.
Read Or Eat Glass
October 30, 2008
Bri: Grade 6’s written work makes me want to eat hot coals- less painful.
Me: Hmmm hot coals…I was thinking of eating broken glass because it would double as recycling. I had them read out their work today so they can hear themselves and each other.
Bri: Smart, very enviro-minded of you. Good idea, they are so behind it feels impossible.
Me: Yep, I know. I don’t know what to do and I don’t know how to feel. ET ejector button or…wait, what is the alternative?
Bri: In a certain light the alternative looks like a monkey’s butt. We shall overcome…? Someday…?
Me: Somehow. At least I like monkeys…though I don’t want to be close to anything that resembles an animal’s butt.
Bri: Grade 6’s written work makes me want to eat hot coals- less painful.
Me: Hmmm hot coals…I was thinking of eating broken glass because it would double as recycling. I had them read out their work today so they can hear themselves and each other.
Bri: Smart, very enviro-minded of you. Good idea, they are so behind it feels impossible.
Me: Yep, I know. I don’t know what to do and I don’t know how to feel. ET ejector button or…wait, what is the alternative?
Bri: In a certain light the alternative looks like a monkey’s butt. We shall overcome…? Someday…?
Me: Somehow. At least I like monkeys…though I don’t want to be close to anything that resembles an animal’s butt.
5 Second Rule
October 30, 2008
Making tea. Stir in sugar. Put spoon on counter. Turn. Cut lemons. Turn back. Add lemon slices. Pick up spoon. Stir. Look down. What the…? Ants. There were ants on my spoon. Now there are ants in my tea. Dag. Brief thought- toss it. Yeah right, this is Republic of Tea and I’m a volunteer…in Africa. Scoop out ants. Stir in lemon. Taste. Mmmmm good.
Making tea. Stir in sugar. Put spoon on counter. Turn. Cut lemons. Turn back. Add lemon slices. Pick up spoon. Stir. Look down. What the…? Ants. There were ants on my spoon. Now there are ants in my tea. Dag. Brief thought- toss it. Yeah right, this is Republic of Tea and I’m a volunteer…in Africa. Scoop out ants. Stir in lemon. Taste. Mmmmm good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
