What a great day! I can’t even explain the feeling that I have right now, pure euphoria? Close enough either way! Amazing seeing as I woke up this morning at 5:30 to finish/start a presentation that I gave at 8:30, okay, 9h00, seeing as it if African time. Surprisingly I actually woke up and even more surprisingly, the presentation went swimmingly! It was on self-esteem and seemed to be a combination of millions of things I have learned in the past, so it rolled off the tongue like a well-known story. My new friends, Natalie, Bonnie and Moji were hard to say goodbye to after spending so much time stressed and worried and always laughing in our youth work classes. Bonnie wants to stay in touch so that she can visit the U.S., Moji has the calm and composure that many well lived 45 year olds would, and Natalie became a good friend in which we could share in daily stresses and always find laughter. She gave me a tour of the Res (dormitories) after class and we walked around, it was lovely! The morning was quite chilly, I even wore long sleeves and a sweatshirt! But by the walk back it was pretty hot. I picked up some last minute presents for the familia and arrived home!
So much to do, so little time::: as always! I cannot believe that in a matter of HOURS I will be in a completely different part of the country and in 24 hours be fully immersed at the Diane Lang Orphanage in Middelburg, South Africa. All this time it has felt as if it were too good to be true, that something was going to happen and the joy and experience would just slip through my fingers, but seeing as the bus tickets are within my reach, I have the cell number of the one who is picking me up and my bags are … ok my bags are not packed, but my list of what to pack is out and ready! I am enjoying one of the most uniquely delicious meals, the last of my milk with the box of Frosted Flakes, which I have been saving for a special occasion that my church sent me in a care package! Yummy!! The only down side to those little boxes is they are single serving and I don’t get to enjoy seconds! Today is going to be my first bus trip ever, and fittingly Miranda Lambert’s song came on my iPod this morning, “I’m on a greyhound bound for nowhere…” Couldn’t help but smile. I’ve heard from a few people that it’s chilly in Middelburg, so I’m glad I was warned so I can pack accordingly. I learned today that there are 2 million orphans in South Africa… wonder how that statistic will come to life over the next few weeks as that name is given a face, a story and names… and that will only be 40-50 children...
Well I'm off! I will update you if I have internet while I'm there, if not, mom and dad I will call you when I arrive, and Jessica I hope you have a safe trip home and a good last few days! Love you three, my trusty readers =)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
And I've had that song in my head all day...
I'm in a little bit of a reminiscing mood today... Perhaps it's because today I am going to try and sell my computer so I've been taking off all of my old pictures and putting them on CD's and same with deleting old papers and other random things. Never thought I'd be sad to see my sony go...? Guess it just reminds me of the first few years of college... and all those memories that are irreplaceable. So long ago, but really, not that long ago. Can't believe that when I go home from here I will be entering my last year of college. Seems like so many people are going places and doing things, it is so encouraging! It's kind of cool that at right now I have friends on every continent (unless my friend who was in Australia is home by now), but still, it's so exciting that so many people are going and traveling and seeing and experiencing! It is amazing, and while you want to enjoy each moment of where you are and what you're doing, a part of you (me) can't help but think about the future and weighing the options, after all, I'll be a college graduate a year from now.... (knock on wood).
But I do believe I owe you all a tiny bit of an update, seeing as it has been about two weeks. School is winding down, but as always, that just means more work. I have two final exams out of the way and am looking at two more exams, one big presentation, and one monster project that is kind of scary to think about. In a week I am going to be leaving for almost two weeks to go to a town called Middelburg and volunteer in an orphanage that they have there. Not sure if I have blogged about this yet or not, but I found the organization somehow online and got in contact with them and they said they have room for a volunteer in the beginning of June. The organization is run completely off of private donations, meaning no help from the government/country and they rely heavily on volunteers and can have up to six at a time. I was told to be prepared for a quick orientation upon arrival and then be given a schedule with a 40 hour work week. Now, months ago, I wouldn't think anything of a 40 hour work week, but since I have been here my work habits and my involvement has somehow slacked... seems like I took on the 'African time' and well, easiest way to say it: I became lazy. Now the laziness has brought with it guilt because as a Westerner I have the inner belief that we must work before play and essentially that play and enjoyment to the extent of what my time here has given me should have been worked for or earned, but seeing as though all areas that I attempted to busy myself with fell through... (getting in touch with a photographer, a youth group, a job? etc.) I have become accustomed to a few classes a week, few hours of work, then lots of walking and sunning and beaching and reading, which has been nice, but back to the point... I am very anxious and excited that there is real work on the future! I have a feeling that I will be thankful that I've spent 4 months prior in this environment and the culture and have seen things around South Africa that help with understanding the position at which the people in the Orphanage are in. Not to mention that I will have time to come back and process (nearly ten days after I return from the orphanage I fly home) because I think it will help with all the culture shocking and readjustment, again. All pretty exciting, eh? Encouraging to see things come together. Whoa, my stomach just did kind of a flip on itself when I realized a month from today I am flying out of South Africa... what? A month... mixed feelings.
So over the past few years I have developed this love for cities. And last summer I experienced a different kind of love and appreciation for small towns, in particular a Reservation for me, but needless to say I have grown fond of looking at communities and cultures, and who knows, that might direct me somewhere in the future, or a multitude of other things might... but if I could stay on track for two seconds I might be able to get out that, as in any town, Port Elizabeth is filled with different areas of town and different suburbs alike, and just like any semi-major city, has a down town area (small towns have more of a 'main street' down town type of feel, even Mankato). I live in Summerstrand (you might know this if you wrote me letters) and it is close to the university and also the ocean. It is kind of seen as a more upscale, compared to other areas. We volunteer in Walmer, in particular the Walmer Township, the mall is in Greenacres, There is another area called Humewood, you get the point. But there is also a downtown part too, known as Central. Upon arrival we heard different stories, sure you can go; but go in a big group, or only go during the day, typical warnings to tourists. But am I considered a tourist if I have lived here for four months? We go to school for four-five month periods in different cities, often times different states, sure it might be a different area code or region of the states, but it is your home, and you wouldn't question that. So, Port Elizabeth has become my home. I know where to get the freshest produce, the best bread, even the cutest shoes and definitely the best dresses at the mall. I know my way around through transportation systems or driving on the roads. So I think essentially it is kind of silly that we were so scared or timid to go into Central, not to be naive, we are young women and are aware of our surroundings... Everyone talked about how it was dangerous, but as soon as I got there, all I could think about was how beautiful it was.. I loved it.
Now, it wasn't a booming downtown Metropolis by any eans, but it held a unique beauty that was captivating all on it's own. There was a misty glow radiating from the faces and the shops, one that only an outsider like myself would see and appreciate- because that's the type of community my heart looks for and wishes to see. Sure, construction in the streets was loud, the congestion on the streets were tight and it wasn't picturesque by any means, but it held it's own kind of mystery. Friends were uniting all around and making deals at small stands selling cheap knock offs and small candies. Walking around we definitely stood out, but it was then that I came to a fun realization: I am not a tourist. No, right now I live here.. not quite a local, but a regular. Somewhere along the way I've slowly 'learned the ropes' or the 'lay of the land,' and the thought was empowering. I thought to myself: I can handle this. And I couldn't help to think I can't wait to do this again... in another community, another place and location, possibly another country. Why travel to just be a tourist when you can live to become a regular? Don't get me wrong, I'm not so naive to thinkthat I can walk into anywhere and pitch a tent, set up camp and label it home... but the past three years of my life I have had 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 month homes... in a sense this is the longest I have lived in the same place since high school, because I have been here longer than both fall and spring semesters by the time I leave... Now we may be more confused, or is it more clarity... because it's all so simple? Ah, simple, beautiful, peaceful... Mind boggling eh?
As always, I wrote too long. Still want to leave you with another thought...
I have even found through the past year an a half of my life that if I tell people what my goals are, they can help hold me accountable and make sure that it happens (and I would love to do the same for you, just throw me a list and I'll call ya every day =]) So here is a random list of things I've been thinking of that I cannot wait to do when I get home...
I want to...
1. Retake up scrapbooking when I come home.
2. Make my own curtains for my bedroom in my apartment (and might need an aunts help in the process).
3. Make my own dress and a purse (at least one of each).
4. Read a book a week.
5. Take a picture a day
6. Write more letters
7. Find an internship in the spring (Urban Studies..?)
But I do believe I owe you all a tiny bit of an update, seeing as it has been about two weeks. School is winding down, but as always, that just means more work. I have two final exams out of the way and am looking at two more exams, one big presentation, and one monster project that is kind of scary to think about. In a week I am going to be leaving for almost two weeks to go to a town called Middelburg and volunteer in an orphanage that they have there. Not sure if I have blogged about this yet or not, but I found the organization somehow online and got in contact with them and they said they have room for a volunteer in the beginning of June. The organization is run completely off of private donations, meaning no help from the government/country and they rely heavily on volunteers and can have up to six at a time. I was told to be prepared for a quick orientation upon arrival and then be given a schedule with a 40 hour work week. Now, months ago, I wouldn't think anything of a 40 hour work week, but since I have been here my work habits and my involvement has somehow slacked... seems like I took on the 'African time' and well, easiest way to say it: I became lazy. Now the laziness has brought with it guilt because as a Westerner I have the inner belief that we must work before play and essentially that play and enjoyment to the extent of what my time here has given me should have been worked for or earned, but seeing as though all areas that I attempted to busy myself with fell through... (getting in touch with a photographer, a youth group, a job? etc.) I have become accustomed to a few classes a week, few hours of work, then lots of walking and sunning and beaching and reading, which has been nice, but back to the point... I am very anxious and excited that there is real work on the future! I have a feeling that I will be thankful that I've spent 4 months prior in this environment and the culture and have seen things around South Africa that help with understanding the position at which the people in the Orphanage are in. Not to mention that I will have time to come back and process (nearly ten days after I return from the orphanage I fly home) because I think it will help with all the culture shocking and readjustment, again. All pretty exciting, eh? Encouraging to see things come together. Whoa, my stomach just did kind of a flip on itself when I realized a month from today I am flying out of South Africa... what? A month... mixed feelings.
So over the past few years I have developed this love for cities. And last summer I experienced a different kind of love and appreciation for small towns, in particular a Reservation for me, but needless to say I have grown fond of looking at communities and cultures, and who knows, that might direct me somewhere in the future, or a multitude of other things might... but if I could stay on track for two seconds I might be able to get out that, as in any town, Port Elizabeth is filled with different areas of town and different suburbs alike, and just like any semi-major city, has a down town area (small towns have more of a 'main street' down town type of feel, even Mankato). I live in Summerstrand (you might know this if you wrote me letters) and it is close to the university and also the ocean. It is kind of seen as a more upscale, compared to other areas. We volunteer in Walmer, in particular the Walmer Township, the mall is in Greenacres, There is another area called Humewood, you get the point. But there is also a downtown part too, known as Central. Upon arrival we heard different stories, sure you can go; but go in a big group, or only go during the day, typical warnings to tourists. But am I considered a tourist if I have lived here for four months? We go to school for four-five month periods in different cities, often times different states, sure it might be a different area code or region of the states, but it is your home, and you wouldn't question that. So, Port Elizabeth has become my home. I know where to get the freshest produce, the best bread, even the cutest shoes and definitely the best dresses at the mall. I know my way around through transportation systems or driving on the roads. So I think essentially it is kind of silly that we were so scared or timid to go into Central, not to be naive, we are young women and are aware of our surroundings... Everyone talked about how it was dangerous, but as soon as I got there, all I could think about was how beautiful it was.. I loved it.
Now, it wasn't a booming downtown Metropolis by any eans, but it held a unique beauty that was captivating all on it's own. There was a misty glow radiating from the faces and the shops, one that only an outsider like myself would see and appreciate- because that's the type of community my heart looks for and wishes to see. Sure, construction in the streets was loud, the congestion on the streets were tight and it wasn't picturesque by any means, but it held it's own kind of mystery. Friends were uniting all around and making deals at small stands selling cheap knock offs and small candies. Walking around we definitely stood out, but it was then that I came to a fun realization: I am not a tourist. No, right now I live here.. not quite a local, but a regular. Somewhere along the way I've slowly 'learned the ropes' or the 'lay of the land,' and the thought was empowering. I thought to myself: I can handle this. And I couldn't help to think I can't wait to do this again... in another community, another place and location, possibly another country. Why travel to just be a tourist when you can live to become a regular? Don't get me wrong, I'm not so naive to thinkthat I can walk into anywhere and pitch a tent, set up camp and label it home... but the past three years of my life I have had 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 month homes... in a sense this is the longest I have lived in the same place since high school, because I have been here longer than both fall and spring semesters by the time I leave... Now we may be more confused, or is it more clarity... because it's all so simple? Ah, simple, beautiful, peaceful... Mind boggling eh?
As always, I wrote too long. Still want to leave you with another thought...
I have even found through the past year an a half of my life that if I tell people what my goals are, they can help hold me accountable and make sure that it happens (and I would love to do the same for you, just throw me a list and I'll call ya every day =]) So here is a random list of things I've been thinking of that I cannot wait to do when I get home...
I want to...
1. Retake up scrapbooking when I come home.
2. Make my own curtains for my bedroom in my apartment (and might need an aunts help in the process).
3. Make my own dress and a purse (at least one of each).
4. Read a book a week.
5. Take a picture a day
6. Write more letters
7. Find an internship in the spring (Urban Studies..?)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sometimes we rock and sometimes we roll
I just wanted to dance on the beach for you =) So I kind of took today as a personal day so to speak. I just sort of walked around, without an agenda, heading wherever I felt lead. It was nice, relaxing, and in a way inspirational. I felt lighter hearted and more joy than I have in awhile. It was like flowers that had been beautiful before were multiplied and everywhere I looked I could just soak in the sun, feel the warmth and breathe in beauty coming from all directions.
My journey lead me to the ocean, of course, a place that is beautiful in any place, any climate, and wonderous any time of day. It is only right that as I'm writing this blog My Wish (Rascal Flatts) is playing in the background. Ah, may all your dreams stay big...
In all reality, living in a place that is surrounded by natural beauty, such as this, it's amazing I could ever go a day without that feeling.
Now this is a stretch... but in some way, I don't think I would have come to South Africa if I hadn't been in Cass Lake this past summer. Now there are numerous of other places I was looking at, and going to Africa didn't seriously cross my mind until a certain conversation (Preeti), but regardless, the more I think about it the more I believe it's true. I could just say it gave me confidence, but really I believe it gave me new eyes. It made me a bit more aware of my surroundings. And even if it is my desire to always be happy go lucky, always see the bright side and just focus on the positives, my summer made me aware of conflict and tension and that there is a division and people don't always see things in the same light that you do. You see the looks people give one another... you see who is on what side of the street. You cant help but notice who goes to what cook out, what church and who goes where. You hear it in the tone- and right or wrong no longer becomes the question, but the tables are turned and the weight is on the response. Intense, but so real. It becomes aware which side is more welcoming, in our case which side of the school likes you more than the other, but still that doesn't stop you from showing and expressing the same love and same care across the board.
....Some how, I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be..
This is Odwa and I dancing at Learn for Life. Since it was Cinco de Mayo, we thought it would be the perfect chance to introduce some spanish, some chips and dip, and of course Salsa dancing. Shocker:: they actually LOVED dancing! It was a really fun night.
Right now I am organizing my photos from my old computer.. I'm just worried that I didn't do my back up hard drive right and I'm worried I might lose some. I'm not sure where my addiction to pictures comes from, but I just can't help it. I love it. I absolutely ridiculously love pictres. Many and all forms. Of people and of places. Ones that spell everything out, are captivationg, tell a story.. all the way to those that creat feelings inside you didn't know you had, or forgot you had. From walking down the street and snapping a shot to going to an exhibit or opening a book. From huge billboards to old photo albums.. the stories and the memories are countless, timeless, endless. Can be more powerfuland cause more change than anyone could imagine.
I think this is the photo from our hike that I wanted to print last time, but for some reason it didn't work.I think I've used up all my words for today.
Peace and Love!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Well Hello Stranger!
Let's talk about culture.
There are three main languages that you will most likely hear here in Port Elizabeth:: Xhosa (the clicking language ..pronounced something like 'clickhosa' -ask me when I get home, I'll do my best), Afrikaans (that is very closely related to Dutch, due to the Dutch who settled in South Africa a few hundred years ago), and English, from the English settlers that came just in the past 150 odd years.
This past weekend 4 of my good friends and I ventured up to Coffee Bay, about an hours drive away from a developed town (8 hours from PE), in the remote areas of SA, along the coast. We entered a new terrain that I hadn't experienced yet since being here. Coffee Bay is known for its peaceful nature, small tribes and just a few backpackers set up along the ocean to attract travelers to their peaceful quarters. Upon arrival we saw huts painted brightly pinks and greens, clothes hanging on the line and children running about, waving to each passing cars. While swerving between huge pot holes the last 70 kms we were able to enjoy the Wild Coast's top five animals: Cows, horses, goats, sheep and chickens, everywhere!
Excited to reach our destination we headed to the beach. Then, after soaking up a few rays we headed up to the showers and got ready for our adventure for the night. A few highlights were eating in the Xhosa village, which entailed trying the traditional homemade Xhosa beer... had a bit of a corn taste and was quite bitter to the taste. We were served it from a big 5 gallon jug and passed around big pitchers that we drank out of. We had a rice type of food with cabbage and a sauce that I thought was delicious. Then we had another type of pea/corn meal (there were two vegetarians in our group) and watched a few of the women from the village dance. We had an interesting almost hour of conversation, question/answer time period that was extremely informative. A few that stuck out to me was that I asked if anyone ever left the village.. you know, went to college or moved away to get another job or anything, and the reaction was almost surprise at such a question. Another fact that caught me off guard was that their number one job or means of employment and income there was tourism... Now there were 4/5 ladies who had their beaded jewelry hanging out right outside our backpackers, came up to us along the beach and followed us a bit, as well as children... there were kids who we were advised not to give money or sweets to (no dentist) unless they did something, like sing a song or a dance then we could give them a tip or take some of the travelers on a guided tour. Coffee Bay is a decently small place: 4 shops including a small convenient store that I don't really have a comparison for, a place to buy drums, a tshirt and jewelry place, then a craft post that was just about the same as the beads the ladies sold. Then there was also a pizza place we ate at Saturday night (delicious!), two backpackers, and maybe two other hotels... the farming that was done around there was done just for themselves... different, but beautiful. Their homes were built out of clay and after the bricks are put together and the straw for the roof is ready it only takes about a week to construct. They use manure on the ground and just have one room to be the living room, bedroom and kitchen. Something else that is interesting is that there isn't electricity. Not that the area isn't developed enough, because it is. But about 5 or 8 years ago there was someone who was really pushing for that area to get electricity, but those stubborn elders in the community, they decided to say no. Surprisingly, there was cell phone reception!
The next day we had an awesome tour guide who just loved us and about 30 others! and we went on a four hour hike to the 'hole in the wall' ...a natural hole that was created in the wall from the ocean!
Well, that took about an hour and a half to upload, hopefully it will all get uploaded and you can see an enjoy!
Possibly more later, depends how productive I am =)
Let's talk about culture.
There are three main languages that you will most likely hear here in Port Elizabeth:: Xhosa (the clicking language ..pronounced something like 'clickhosa' -ask me when I get home, I'll do my best), Afrikaans (that is very closely related to Dutch, due to the Dutch who settled in South Africa a few hundred years ago), and English, from the English settlers that came just in the past 150 odd years.
This past weekend 4 of my good friends and I ventured up to Coffee Bay, about an hours drive away from a developed town (8 hours from PE), in the remote areas of SA, along the coast. We entered a new terrain that I hadn't experienced yet since being here. Coffee Bay is known for its peaceful nature, small tribes and just a few backpackers set up along the ocean to attract travelers to their peaceful quarters. Upon arrival we saw huts painted brightly pinks and greens, clothes hanging on the line and children running about, waving to each passing cars. While swerving between huge pot holes the last 70 kms we were able to enjoy the Wild Coast's top five animals: Cows, horses, goats, sheep and chickens, everywhere!
Excited to reach our destination we headed to the beach. Then, after soaking up a few rays we headed up to the showers and got ready for our adventure for the night. A few highlights were eating in the Xhosa village, which entailed trying the traditional homemade Xhosa beer... had a bit of a corn taste and was quite bitter to the taste. We were served it from a big 5 gallon jug and passed around big pitchers that we drank out of. We had a rice type of food with cabbage and a sauce that I thought was delicious. Then we had another type of pea/corn meal (there were two vegetarians in our group) and watched a few of the women from the village dance. We had an interesting almost hour of conversation, question/answer time period that was extremely informative. A few that stuck out to me was that I asked if anyone ever left the village.. you know, went to college or moved away to get another job or anything, and the reaction was almost surprise at such a question. Another fact that caught me off guard was that their number one job or means of employment and income there was tourism... Now there were 4/5 ladies who had their beaded jewelry hanging out right outside our backpackers, came up to us along the beach and followed us a bit, as well as children... there were kids who we were advised not to give money or sweets to (no dentist) unless they did something, like sing a song or a dance then we could give them a tip or take some of the travelers on a guided tour. Coffee Bay is a decently small place: 4 shops including a small convenient store that I don't really have a comparison for, a place to buy drums, a tshirt and jewelry place, then a craft post that was just about the same as the beads the ladies sold. Then there was also a pizza place we ate at Saturday night (delicious!), two backpackers, and maybe two other hotels... the farming that was done around there was done just for themselves... different, but beautiful. Their homes were built out of clay and after the bricks are put together and the straw for the roof is ready it only takes about a week to construct. They use manure on the ground and just have one room to be the living room, bedroom and kitchen. Something else that is interesting is that there isn't electricity. Not that the area isn't developed enough, because it is. But about 5 or 8 years ago there was someone who was really pushing for that area to get electricity, but those stubborn elders in the community, they decided to say no. Surprisingly, there was cell phone reception!
The next day we had an awesome tour guide who just loved us and about 30 others! and we went on a four hour hike to the 'hole in the wall' ...a natural hole that was created in the wall from the ocean!
Well, that took about an hour and a half to upload, hopefully it will all get uploaded and you can see an enjoy!
Possibly more later, depends how productive I am =)
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