Merry Christmas- a day late. But since we should celebrate Christmas in a way every day- I guess it's alright that I am a day late.
I feel as though if you own a blog, it's almost obligatory to write a Christmas blog. Just like you are obligated to write a blog for, I don't know what else....Columbus Day? It's just a rule. You can't break it. Thus, here is my Christmas blog of my trip back.
I was so happy that I was able to come home for Christmas. Although my first plane out of Somaliland was not the best experience, in fact, I think it was the worst plane experience I've ever had. I'd prefer to not re-live it, so we'll just forget about it.
I had a great flight to Amsterdam-as I think I passed out the entire way. We also spent some time walking around Amsterdam and that was really cool. It was quiet and it hadn't woken up yet, but it was nice to enjoy the quiet and to imagine what life is like after the sun rises.
My flight from Amsterdam left quite late because there was some ice on the plane. It's amazing how you don't really notice things like flight times until you are running late. We land and I look at my ticket and it's past the boarding time. I get off the plane and book it through immigration and it seems as though I'm waiting forever for my bag.
I once again run to some counter- because my bag was originally just checked through to Detroit (where I currently was) but then I still had 2 more flights to go! I talk with the lady to see if she can finish checking it, and the luggage check for that plane closed 2 minutes before she had typed it in. We were deciding whether or not to book it on the next flight- when I realised that I am seriously about to miss my flight. The guy at the next counter felt some pity for me and just said- "Do you have liquids in your bag? You bag is quite small". So, I did what any one else would do. I dumped all of the liquids out of my bag and ran with my bag. I guess if I was hard core I would have just left my bag entirely- which I did think about- but then I had a selfish moment, it's my K-way bag that I've had for 5 years! I couldn't completely leave it behind.
I then met the sweetest lady- who realised that I was going to miss my flight and helped me get through security and I managed to board about 2 minutes before they closed the door to the plane.
On my last flight home- I was sitting next to a lady who said, "wow. You have traveled a long way". My first thought and response was, "Christmas is always worth it".
And I still think it's true.
Happy Christmas,
P
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Question.....Answer....
Happy Eid everybody! So, today is Eid, which is the Islamic holiday that celebrates the sacrifice of Abraham's son (Ismail in this case). I am so thankful for some time off! We went to the beach on Friday- even though we had to swim in clothes- we got to play volleyball in the water. It almost felt completely normal. We also had a "bar-b-que" today. We grilled some goat steaks and everyone cooked something. It was like Thanksgiving! (too bad James and I were the only ones that know what that feeling is like). I truly feel like Eid was a "God wink" to me to help me make it a few more weeks!! Love those moments. Oh, plus, I got a camel sculpture for Eid. It was so sweet, because in one of our villages, they claim that my camel is still waiting for me there. Although I'm not fully sure as to the stipulations of me getting that camel.....you always have to watch out for things like that. Instead of my real camel, I got a sculpture camel. It really made my day.
To make a point quickly, because I honestly don't know how much longer I can truly focus, I had an eye opening conversation with one of our national staff last week. It turns out that he is Somali-Kenyan. Who would have thought? I didn't even know until he came up to our Kenyan staff talking in Swahili. I just stared at him, saying, "What? Since when do you speak Swahili?" and he said, "well, I am Somali-Kenyan". And I said, "what other secrets are you keeping that i don't know?" And he said something really simple, and yet something that I hope I will remember forever....he just said, "you didn't ask".
I must admit, I've used that line a lot before. I mean, I'm not one for full self-disclosure, but for some reason, that simple sentence sent my mind reeling. All I could think of, was, how many people's lives and stories have I missed out on because I just didn't ask? How many people have I passed by, that just want me to ask? And when I looked at him after he said that, I felt terrible. Here is someone that I see every day, and in that moment, he possibly saw it as me not caring enough to ask.
It's these moments where I kind of have a swift kick in the pants. That relief and development are about PEOPLE and not projects. Projects are indeed a way to improve people's lives, but it was that moment as a reminder to not lose sight of the fact that it's about people.
It was a good reminder that I will never hear too many stories, talk to too many people, or even ask too many questions.
Why is it always the simple things that I need to be reminded of constantly? I guess it's the journey of learning to have grace with others....and ourselves.
Learning along the way,
Patty
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
a billion stars
Hi peeps,
Let's see. I honestly have no idea where to start. I really should blog more, I just forget, or then I'm too tired and then forget, or I remember but just don't know which stories to pick and choose to write. I've spent quite a bit of time in the field recently. I usually love being in the field. They are full of random, weird, fun, educational moments. So, the past weeks, we have been looking for berkards (water reservoirs) to rehabilitate. They look like this when they don't work anymore.
They should hold water for several months- but due to shifting in the earth and sometimes just a bad construction job as well, they get cracks and do not hold water for any time anymore. Our priority is to find those communities that are truly in need and maybe have less berkards and are thus suffering more because their berkards aren't working. The idea of berkards is actually very interesting. They are only found in Somalia/Somaliland from what I have been told and since the rains are so sparse, it's a good way to keep water.
We are also rehabilitating shallow wells, but I'm pretty sure that everyone knows what a shallow well looks like (if not, imagine a hole with sitcks on top of it). - yeah that was random.
The past couple of weeks has been full of field days and overnights in the middle of well, no where that I know! We go to villages and I'm always amazed at how accepting they are. We've done lots of travelling recently, looking. There is always advice of where to go and for what reasons from different people. Also, we are covering 2 regions, which covers quite a bit of space! Especially because many villages are so far apart! Last week, we went to one place that easily became one of my favourite places. They gave me my first taste of camel's milk.
This was me saying, "I really hope this doesn't make me sick". And it didn't! It was actually quite good. Just thick. And definitely not pasteurized. I am always surprised by how welcoming communities in the field (usually) are. (yeah, you have those one or two that just make you want to hit something). They see so many people come, assess and most of the time- probably don't come back or do anything. They still welcome you with, as they often say, "open hearts". Yet, even though I know they most likely don't understand the whole "NGO process" of proposals or logframes or activites/outputs, budgets,it doesn't matter. For those two hours you are there. That's where you are. Playing with their babies (when I'm not making them cry), trying not to screw up on cultural differences, drinking their milk, tea, and getting sick off of their rice. It was a good several days in the field last week. It's quite funny because by 7 o clock, you feel like it's 10. There's nothing to do without electricity or internet. And it's just you, your headlamp, the guards chatting away outside (oh, and the driver who non-chalantly asks you to be his 2nd wife and when you turn him down- it's totally ok) and the stars. Let me tell you something, there's nothing like an African sky.
I think it's in those moments of talking with staff- laughing when you realise that although thousands of miles separate us, you have two different people on two different continents are both wishing on a shooting star- because that's just what you do. We understand that it's through asking questions that we come to understanding of a place that honestly, most people probably don't try to understand. A nice memory in your mind of when you find your similarities instead of differences. When looking up at pure Beauty, you're reminded of all that is Beautiful. Not just people, but also humanity, ideas, laughter, and friendship. Because just maybe, it's those days that get you through the days when it's more difficult to find the Beauty in things that seem to go wrong or badly. Maybe it's those moments, memories, thoughts, and times when you're reminded that "There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what He is doing" (Blue Like Jazz) for those moments when it doesn't seem so.
Goodnight all,
Patty
Let's see. I honestly have no idea where to start. I really should blog more, I just forget, or then I'm too tired and then forget, or I remember but just don't know which stories to pick and choose to write. I've spent quite a bit of time in the field recently. I usually love being in the field. They are full of random, weird, fun, educational moments. So, the past weeks, we have been looking for berkards (water reservoirs) to rehabilitate. They look like this when they don't work anymore.
They should hold water for several months- but due to shifting in the earth and sometimes just a bad construction job as well, they get cracks and do not hold water for any time anymore. Our priority is to find those communities that are truly in need and maybe have less berkards and are thus suffering more because their berkards aren't working. The idea of berkards is actually very interesting. They are only found in Somalia/Somaliland from what I have been told and since the rains are so sparse, it's a good way to keep water.
We are also rehabilitating shallow wells, but I'm pretty sure that everyone knows what a shallow well looks like (if not, imagine a hole with sitcks on top of it). - yeah that was random.
The past couple of weeks has been full of field days and overnights in the middle of well, no where that I know! We go to villages and I'm always amazed at how accepting they are. We've done lots of travelling recently, looking. There is always advice of where to go and for what reasons from different people. Also, we are covering 2 regions, which covers quite a bit of space! Especially because many villages are so far apart! Last week, we went to one place that easily became one of my favourite places. They gave me my first taste of camel's milk.
This was me saying, "I really hope this doesn't make me sick". And it didn't! It was actually quite good. Just thick. And definitely not pasteurized. I am always surprised by how welcoming communities in the field (usually) are. (yeah, you have those one or two that just make you want to hit something). They see so many people come, assess and most of the time- probably don't come back or do anything. They still welcome you with, as they often say, "open hearts". Yet, even though I know they most likely don't understand the whole "NGO process" of proposals or logframes or activites/outputs, budgets,it doesn't matter. For those two hours you are there. That's where you are. Playing with their babies (when I'm not making them cry), trying not to screw up on cultural differences, drinking their milk, tea, and getting sick off of their rice. It was a good several days in the field last week. It's quite funny because by 7 o clock, you feel like it's 10. There's nothing to do without electricity or internet. And it's just you, your headlamp, the guards chatting away outside (oh, and the driver who non-chalantly asks you to be his 2nd wife and when you turn him down- it's totally ok) and the stars. Let me tell you something, there's nothing like an African sky.
I think it's in those moments of talking with staff- laughing when you realise that although thousands of miles separate us, you have two different people on two different continents are both wishing on a shooting star- because that's just what you do. We understand that it's through asking questions that we come to understanding of a place that honestly, most people probably don't try to understand. A nice memory in your mind of when you find your similarities instead of differences. When looking up at pure Beauty, you're reminded of all that is Beautiful. Not just people, but also humanity, ideas, laughter, and friendship. Because just maybe, it's those days that get you through the days when it's more difficult to find the Beauty in things that seem to go wrong or badly. Maybe it's those moments, memories, thoughts, and times when you're reminded that "There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what He is doing" (Blue Like Jazz) for those moments when it doesn't seem so.
Goodnight all,
Patty
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Somaliland...and a reminder of where it all started
I stepped off of the plane in Nairobi, somewhat groggy, as I didn’t sleep on my first flight, but glad that 25 hours of flying was over. I felt as though I had already been to Nairobi from all the other friends that I knew that had passed through there. When I landed, I took in the sights of Nairobi- (well, the dark sights of Nairobi as it was late). Before I came, I had realised that I usually compare where I am with where I have been. I guess it’s normal, because we as humans, or maybe it’s just me....(that could be highly probable), like to associate new things with what we know. I know that it gives me a sense of comfort. But, I also realised how much I am cutting things short. I can’t then enjoy things for what they really are- otherwise, it’s just a similar version of this other thing. So, based on C.S.Lewis, who said, “Blessed are they who do not have expectations for they shall not be disappointed”, I came. And Nairobi is quite beautiful. So, I had a couple of easier days in the office of reading information and getting ready to come to Somaliland. I also had a nice surprise. I was able to catch up with my friend, Dorette, from Haiti who also happened to be in Nairobi at the time. In the midst of so much newness, it was great to have someone familiar to just laugh and have a good time with.
So, as of now, I’m based out of Somaliland. Somaliland is an autonomous province (i think that’s the official term) in north western Somalia. The next day, early in the morning, I went to the airport to fly to Hargeysa. And then I mostly slept for the 5 hour drive after the flight. So my time here has been busy but good. I’ve only been here in Somaliland for 2 ½ week s, but I’m getting the hang of it all (or at least so I think so). I’m really excited about my project. It’s a WASH project working to fix the broken water sources that exist, distribute ceramic water filters and also promoting hygiene. Hygiene might not seem like much in the midst of a drought and famine. So many children under 5 die of diarrhoea. This number could be significantly reduced by handwashing with soap. You can find out more about bits of the different aspects under my WASH project at www.medair.org. Just look for the stories about the Somaliland/Somalia country program.
Somaliland is different from most countries in Africa, in that it’s quite ugly. There isn’t much here, except for some shrubs. My first time in the field to distribute water filters, there was one tree in a 2 mile radius or something crazy like that. The rocks in the riverbed are so white from no rain that it hurts your eyes to look directly at them because they are so bright. So, I spent 4 days in the bush. Oh, it brought me back to the days in Liberia....when I was a poor little intern drinking bad water and thus having the big D (diarrhoea) if you’re not up to speed with the terms, in the middle of the bush. We were building latrines then, so there wasn’t anywhere to go to the bathroom. There weren’t latrines here either, but luckily, I didn’t have diarrhoea. I had Immodium. . So, we went around with the nutrition team and while they did their thing, we looked at berkards (water reservoirs) and shallow wells that we could rehabilitate. The bush is one of my favourite places to be. Looking under the stars, without cell phone service, internet, electricity, or any other distraction that we have become so accustomed to. Although I have to admit, I did miss taking an actual shower. But I did hear some neat stories. So, there are hundreds of camels here (yes, I want five and even have hygiene names picked out for all of them!). When we were looking at shallow wells, there were camel herders there watering their camels. They would sing. I thought it was nice, but then my translator, Farrah told me that you HAVE to sing or the camels will not drink. That made me smile. Okay- that works for me. I’ll remember that when I have my pet camels- although I need to figure out how to put a $500 camel in my budget....
So, yes. Somaliland. It has already proven that it will be quite challenging, but exciting. I have a feeling I will learn a lot, I already have. Plus, this has been the job I’ve wanted since I started relief work. This is where I must have my personal shout out time. To Mrs. Beverly Kauffeldt.
Not only did you teach me that Beverly means the beavers meadow or something corny like that, but you were the reason I fell in love with WASH, well, back then it was still WATSAN. Your passion for WASH made me want to have that passion too, along with the grace you showed.....well, kind of showed me....when I made mistakes, like drinking bad water when I knew it was bad....(remember that conversation? I think it went something like this....Me: So, you can’t yell at me. Tell me you won’t yell at me. Bev: Okay. I won’t. Me: I drank bad water and now I’m really sick. Bev: WHAT? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Me: Um, I think you’re yelling. Bev: No, I’m just speaking very forcefully). You taught me how to help people without hurting them. The true meaning of being a relief worker. Of giving all that you have, even though rarely will you ever feel as though it is good enough. I have said it before, and I mean it again now. If it wasn’t for you and Bossman, your guidance and wisdom and teaching, I would have seriously missed out on awesome experiences and people in Haiti, Darfur, and Somaliland. Now, I find myself in the position of managing my own WASH project. You are no longer here to catch me when I fail, (as it is sure to happen). But I can look back on the steps that led me here, starting with Liberia. The confidence you had in me, I now have in myself... that maybe, just maybe, I won’t completely screw up. But most of all, you taught me that having a passion yourself, not only sparks passion in others, but it helps guide them along the way. Thanks for being there to guide me to where I am now. I am older now, and maybe I’ve learned a bit more.
As I was driving across the desert, a familiar tune played between my ears. Sung by a Somali- a man named K’naan whose country I now find myself. The tune simply said, “When I older, I will be stronger. They’ll call me Freedom, just like a wavin’ flag.” How appropriate.
Patty
So, as of now, I’m based out of Somaliland. Somaliland is an autonomous province (i think that’s the official term) in north western Somalia. The next day, early in the morning, I went to the airport to fly to Hargeysa. And then I mostly slept for the 5 hour drive after the flight. So my time here has been busy but good. I’ve only been here in Somaliland for 2 ½ week s, but I’m getting the hang of it all (or at least so I think so). I’m really excited about my project. It’s a WASH project working to fix the broken water sources that exist, distribute ceramic water filters and also promoting hygiene. Hygiene might not seem like much in the midst of a drought and famine. So many children under 5 die of diarrhoea. This number could be significantly reduced by handwashing with soap. You can find out more about bits of the different aspects under my WASH project at www.medair.org. Just look for the stories about the Somaliland/Somalia country program.
Somaliland is different from most countries in Africa, in that it’s quite ugly. There isn’t much here, except for some shrubs. My first time in the field to distribute water filters, there was one tree in a 2 mile radius or something crazy like that. The rocks in the riverbed are so white from no rain that it hurts your eyes to look directly at them because they are so bright. So, I spent 4 days in the bush. Oh, it brought me back to the days in Liberia....when I was a poor little intern drinking bad water and thus having the big D (diarrhoea) if you’re not up to speed with the terms, in the middle of the bush. We were building latrines then, so there wasn’t anywhere to go to the bathroom. There weren’t latrines here either, but luckily, I didn’t have diarrhoea. I had Immodium. . So, we went around with the nutrition team and while they did their thing, we looked at berkards (water reservoirs) and shallow wells that we could rehabilitate. The bush is one of my favourite places to be. Looking under the stars, without cell phone service, internet, electricity, or any other distraction that we have become so accustomed to. Although I have to admit, I did miss taking an actual shower. But I did hear some neat stories. So, there are hundreds of camels here (yes, I want five and even have hygiene names picked out for all of them!). When we were looking at shallow wells, there were camel herders there watering their camels. They would sing. I thought it was nice, but then my translator, Farrah told me that you HAVE to sing or the camels will not drink. That made me smile. Okay- that works for me. I’ll remember that when I have my pet camels- although I need to figure out how to put a $500 camel in my budget....
So, yes. Somaliland. It has already proven that it will be quite challenging, but exciting. I have a feeling I will learn a lot, I already have. Plus, this has been the job I’ve wanted since I started relief work. This is where I must have my personal shout out time. To Mrs. Beverly Kauffeldt.
Not only did you teach me that Beverly means the beavers meadow or something corny like that, but you were the reason I fell in love with WASH, well, back then it was still WATSAN. Your passion for WASH made me want to have that passion too, along with the grace you showed.....well, kind of showed me....when I made mistakes, like drinking bad water when I knew it was bad....(remember that conversation? I think it went something like this....Me: So, you can’t yell at me. Tell me you won’t yell at me. Bev: Okay. I won’t. Me: I drank bad water and now I’m really sick. Bev: WHAT? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Me: Um, I think you’re yelling. Bev: No, I’m just speaking very forcefully). You taught me how to help people without hurting them. The true meaning of being a relief worker. Of giving all that you have, even though rarely will you ever feel as though it is good enough. I have said it before, and I mean it again now. If it wasn’t for you and Bossman, your guidance and wisdom and teaching, I would have seriously missed out on awesome experiences and people in Haiti, Darfur, and Somaliland. Now, I find myself in the position of managing my own WASH project. You are no longer here to catch me when I fail, (as it is sure to happen). But I can look back on the steps that led me here, starting with Liberia. The confidence you had in me, I now have in myself... that maybe, just maybe, I won’t completely screw up. But most of all, you taught me that having a passion yourself, not only sparks passion in others, but it helps guide them along the way. Thanks for being there to guide me to where I am now. I am older now, and maybe I’ve learned a bit more.
As I was driving across the desert, a familiar tune played between my ears. Sung by a Somali- a man named K’naan whose country I now find myself. The tune simply said, “When I older, I will be stronger. They’ll call me Freedom, just like a wavin’ flag.” How appropriate.
Patty
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Masalaama
Wow. The time has come for me to leave Darfur. I must say, it is harder to leave Darfur than it is to leave Haiti. I have not yet figured out why because I spent much more time in Haiti. (Maybe I will figure it out one day soon). Saying goodbye all of the time has always been emotionally draining, but this time, it has hit me harder. I must say, Darfur is one place that I judged the most before coming. Sure, I didn’t expect it to be like TV or the news, but I wasn’t expecting it to grasp my heart so.
When I was in Haiti praying and researching on where I felt like I should go next, I just had a feeling it would be somewhere influenced by Islam and probably more “unstable” than I have been in the past. I’ll be honest, when the e-mail of whether or not I was interested in my current job came up, I thought, “I’ll say okay, but I’m scared!” I guess I wasn’t expecting the job to actually come through, but it did and I’m so glad it did. I’ll admit that I was not happy with the fact that I was having work visa issues, I could not see how this was a part of the plan! But when I look at it now, it all makes sense (although that doesn’t make it any easier to leave). So it’s once again time to say “ma salaama” (bye).
Thank you to my fellow co-workers who even though I will not be working with you right now, you continue to inspire me. I will think of the advice given and the memories and laughs shared, as they will probably continue to make me laugh for a long time to come, along with how “proper” I now am thanks to all of you!
And to Sudan: thank you for showing me your suffering. Thank you for showing me the beauty of resilience and the power of forgiveness. Thank you for showing me the strength of faith and of love. Although I physically leave, I will not forget you. What I have seen and heard, has taken a part of my heart. I will continue to pray for your beautiful people, for continued hope and for peace.
Who knows, I can hope that one day I will be reunited with you, in some way, in the day when I am sure that other countries can look to you for THEIR hope and strength.
You have prepared me for the next step. Without you, I would not be prepared for it, of that I am sure. Although I gave all the best that I could, considering the circumstances, I wish I could have given you more.
Next step: Somaliland
Inshallah
-Patty
When I was in Haiti praying and researching on where I felt like I should go next, I just had a feeling it would be somewhere influenced by Islam and probably more “unstable” than I have been in the past. I’ll be honest, when the e-mail of whether or not I was interested in my current job came up, I thought, “I’ll say okay, but I’m scared!” I guess I wasn’t expecting the job to actually come through, but it did and I’m so glad it did. I’ll admit that I was not happy with the fact that I was having work visa issues, I could not see how this was a part of the plan! But when I look at it now, it all makes sense (although that doesn’t make it any easier to leave). So it’s once again time to say “ma salaama” (bye).
Thank you to my fellow co-workers who even though I will not be working with you right now, you continue to inspire me. I will think of the advice given and the memories and laughs shared, as they will probably continue to make me laugh for a long time to come, along with how “proper” I now am thanks to all of you!
And to Sudan: thank you for showing me your suffering. Thank you for showing me the beauty of resilience and the power of forgiveness. Thank you for showing me the strength of faith and of love. Although I physically leave, I will not forget you. What I have seen and heard, has taken a part of my heart. I will continue to pray for your beautiful people, for continued hope and for peace.
Who knows, I can hope that one day I will be reunited with you, in some way, in the day when I am sure that other countries can look to you for THEIR hope and strength.
You have prepared me for the next step. Without you, I would not be prepared for it, of that I am sure. Although I gave all the best that I could, considering the circumstances, I wish I could have given you more.
Next step: Somaliland
Inshallah
-Patty
Sunday, July 31, 2011
my opinions.my thoughts.my feelings.
So, I've had ideas of what I wanted this post to be, and I can't think of a better day than on the eve of Ramadan to write it. There are different sayings or culture things that I take from different cultures and make it I own (I'll admit it). For instance, in Liberian speech, I still say "sorry oh", which means that you are REALLY sorry for something. In Southern Africa, when you shake hands, you don't let your other hand just "swing about wildly like it has a mind of its own" <-- Alexander McCall Smith describes this (although that was a paraphrase), so you hold your other arm as a sign of respect.
In Arabic culture, you greet everyone before you start work. I really like this, but it involves going around to every person, saying, "How are you? Well?" It's one of my favourite things. Also what I love about Arabic/Muslim culture is the sense of community. A couple of weeks ago, one of national staff lost his mother. The moment people heard, they told me, and I sat there, thinking, "Oh, that's terrible". My national staff looked at me for a second and said, "You must go greet him". You have to go give your condolences right then. In that moment of someone's greatest need, there is nothing of more importance than to show you care. Another interesting fact though is that you're not supposed to say, "I'm sorry". That means that you disagree with Allah's (which, just to clarify, Allah is just Arabic for God)will. That was hard for me, but luckily, he understands us foreigners as all I could muster was, "I'm so sorry!"
So my main point that I've been wanting to write about for a long time is the thought that how we, as humans are often so scared of what we don't know. For instance, in Switzerland, I've been twice now to go to Headquarters. I've always hated their public transport system. The last time, I sat and decided, "why do I have such strong dislike for the transport?" And I realised, it's because I don't know it! It was after I went a couple of places and realised that "hey, this isn't so bad"- it's because I was getting it. I now know about the system, so I'm not so scared of it anymore.
Working in relief work, I know that I have a disconnect from most people. Being from the States and working with Muslims, I feel as though I have an even bigger disconnect. I know what the preconceived notion is, I grew up in the States as well. We're kind of taught to fear Islam and things we aren't familiar with. I wish that with the blink of an eye, I could rid people's thoughts of these. But just like the transport system for me, we're scared of what we don't know.
Being in Sudan, I have met people who live out their faith more than any Christian I've ever met. They are caring, loving, give all of what they have for others, and are so faithful. To be completely honest, I have found myself fighting feelings of resentment against Christians. That they are lame, non compassionate, complacent and judgmental. The Muslims would gladly welcome you with open arms, and show kindness. Yet in America, many have judged those here, without even knowing them, labeling them as something a majority of them are not.
So I've been thinking, What would happen? What would happen if we all greeted each other, (yes, even the bum on the street that we walk by and pretend doesn't exist?). What if we saw each other as human? Not as political parties, not as something superficial, but as human. I even wonder how many of our problems within politics are due to the Christian hardness to show compassion and blaming someone else? What if we stopped asking, "why should I have to do this for someone else" and instead asked, "what can I do for you?"
I'm tired of being asked "why do you care so much?" Should the question be, "why do we as human beings not care enough?
I am grateful for this experience, that my eyes have been open to my own faults. I pray that I can be one to whom someone else can say, "Man, I've never met anyone else that lives out what she believes in word and deed like Patty Hutton". I know that I not never mess up again, but just a reinforcement of my part to "Love God, love people and love life".
No exceptions.
Learning along the way,
~P
In Arabic culture, you greet everyone before you start work. I really like this, but it involves going around to every person, saying, "How are you? Well?" It's one of my favourite things. Also what I love about Arabic/Muslim culture is the sense of community. A couple of weeks ago, one of national staff lost his mother. The moment people heard, they told me, and I sat there, thinking, "Oh, that's terrible". My national staff looked at me for a second and said, "You must go greet him". You have to go give your condolences right then. In that moment of someone's greatest need, there is nothing of more importance than to show you care. Another interesting fact though is that you're not supposed to say, "I'm sorry". That means that you disagree with Allah's (which, just to clarify, Allah is just Arabic for God)will. That was hard for me, but luckily, he understands us foreigners as all I could muster was, "I'm so sorry!"
So my main point that I've been wanting to write about for a long time is the thought that how we, as humans are often so scared of what we don't know. For instance, in Switzerland, I've been twice now to go to Headquarters. I've always hated their public transport system. The last time, I sat and decided, "why do I have such strong dislike for the transport?" And I realised, it's because I don't know it! It was after I went a couple of places and realised that "hey, this isn't so bad"- it's because I was getting it. I now know about the system, so I'm not so scared of it anymore.
Working in relief work, I know that I have a disconnect from most people. Being from the States and working with Muslims, I feel as though I have an even bigger disconnect. I know what the preconceived notion is, I grew up in the States as well. We're kind of taught to fear Islam and things we aren't familiar with. I wish that with the blink of an eye, I could rid people's thoughts of these. But just like the transport system for me, we're scared of what we don't know.
Being in Sudan, I have met people who live out their faith more than any Christian I've ever met. They are caring, loving, give all of what they have for others, and are so faithful. To be completely honest, I have found myself fighting feelings of resentment against Christians. That they are lame, non compassionate, complacent and judgmental. The Muslims would gladly welcome you with open arms, and show kindness. Yet in America, many have judged those here, without even knowing them, labeling them as something a majority of them are not.
So I've been thinking, What would happen? What would happen if we all greeted each other, (yes, even the bum on the street that we walk by and pretend doesn't exist?). What if we saw each other as human? Not as political parties, not as something superficial, but as human. I even wonder how many of our problems within politics are due to the Christian hardness to show compassion and blaming someone else? What if we stopped asking, "why should I have to do this for someone else" and instead asked, "what can I do for you?"
I'm tired of being asked "why do you care so much?" Should the question be, "why do we as human beings not care enough?
I am grateful for this experience, that my eyes have been open to my own faults. I pray that I can be one to whom someone else can say, "Man, I've never met anyone else that lives out what she believes in word and deed like Patty Hutton". I know that I not never mess up again, but just a reinforcement of my part to "Love God, love people and love life".
No exceptions.
Learning along the way,
~P
Saturday, July 2, 2011
stories change everything
Ahum de Allah!! It rained tonight! Wow. Maybe rainy season has officially begun. I have been told much about the rainy season, but for some reason it has been late this year. That was the first real rain tonight, although it did not last very long. Let me tell you though, the smell of rain in the desert is probably one of the most beautiful scents I have ever smelled.
Well, I have been here awhile and feel like an expert and a newbie all at the same time. The national staff here really are just rockstars. I love THEIR excitement and how excited they are about learning. I feel like we are all learning from each other, and that is a beautiful thing.
We are working on a project doing hygiene promotion in schools. I am so freakin' excited about it! Hygiene Promotion really saves lives. Just from the little training I gave today- did you know that JUST by handwashing with soap- not counting other aspects of hygiene, that can decrease diarrhea morbidity in children under 5 by about 34%? some studies have up to 47%!!! Just by washing your hands! And respiratory diseases by up to 25%. I know it might seem far fetched to Westerners who grow up all our lives being told to wash our hands- (I think some of us do not even know why!) But imagine growing up in the desert or the bush, where you don't have access to soap and you are not told that your entire life. (Fun fact: if you don't have soap, you can use ash- learned that from my WASH guru, Bev Kauffeldt 3 years ago). So, yes. I'm quite excited about this project. In case you couldn't tell.
In other news. This is a really exciting week. Lots happening. If you don't watch the news, hopefully you can turn it on and see something about Sudan, because there's nothing much except for the small fact that the entire world as we know it is about to change. No, I'm actually not exaggerating. It's true. As of Saturday, 9 July, 2011. One country will become 2. South Sudan will separate and well, will become South Sudan. The more I think about it, the more I am still in awe that I can even be here at this time! I get to be in Sudan when 1 becomes 2. That doesn't exactly happen every day. All eyes are on July 9 as no one really knows what will happen. As Sudan has been through and even at this very moment continues to go through so much (if you have no idea about Sudan- please, just look it up somewhere- there's tons of information out there), no ones really knows. South Sudanese will become foreigners as they will have their own country, but what else will happen? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, I sit and think about the vast history and beauty that I am so blessed to see and be apart of right now. The faces and the stories I now know (true, some of them have been hard to digest). Names with stories change everything. I'm convinced of it. When you know someone's story, the story you see on TV, will never be the same.
Here's to the hope that no story will ever be the same,
Patty
Well, I have been here awhile and feel like an expert and a newbie all at the same time. The national staff here really are just rockstars. I love THEIR excitement and how excited they are about learning. I feel like we are all learning from each other, and that is a beautiful thing.
We are working on a project doing hygiene promotion in schools. I am so freakin' excited about it! Hygiene Promotion really saves lives. Just from the little training I gave today- did you know that JUST by handwashing with soap- not counting other aspects of hygiene, that can decrease diarrhea morbidity in children under 5 by about 34%? some studies have up to 47%!!! Just by washing your hands! And respiratory diseases by up to 25%. I know it might seem far fetched to Westerners who grow up all our lives being told to wash our hands- (I think some of us do not even know why!) But imagine growing up in the desert or the bush, where you don't have access to soap and you are not told that your entire life. (Fun fact: if you don't have soap, you can use ash- learned that from my WASH guru, Bev Kauffeldt 3 years ago). So, yes. I'm quite excited about this project. In case you couldn't tell.
In other news. This is a really exciting week. Lots happening. If you don't watch the news, hopefully you can turn it on and see something about Sudan, because there's nothing much except for the small fact that the entire world as we know it is about to change. No, I'm actually not exaggerating. It's true. As of Saturday, 9 July, 2011. One country will become 2. South Sudan will separate and well, will become South Sudan. The more I think about it, the more I am still in awe that I can even be here at this time! I get to be in Sudan when 1 becomes 2. That doesn't exactly happen every day. All eyes are on July 9 as no one really knows what will happen. As Sudan has been through and even at this very moment continues to go through so much (if you have no idea about Sudan- please, just look it up somewhere- there's tons of information out there), no ones really knows. South Sudanese will become foreigners as they will have their own country, but what else will happen? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, I sit and think about the vast history and beauty that I am so blessed to see and be apart of right now. The faces and the stories I now know (true, some of them have been hard to digest). Names with stories change everything. I'm convinced of it. When you know someone's story, the story you see on TV, will never be the same.
Here's to the hope that no story will ever be the same,
Patty
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Inshallah
Hello,
Well, this post is a bit overdue. I made it here over a week ago. Man! A lot has happened since then. Sorry for no photos, but I haven't taken pictures- as I'm waiting for my photo permit. But anyway, First, coming off the flight to Khartoum, oh, man, it was hot. We landed about 6 p.m. and it was somewhere around 106 degrees. In pants and a scarf around my arms- it was proven to seem warmer than that. I ended up staying in Khartoum for a couple of days before I headed to Darfur. This gave me enough time to enough this fabulous drink Lemon with Mint. We were at this restaurant, and so I asked the waiter what the green-looking slushie thing was he brought out for the other table- he said that is the Lemon with Mint and that I am sure to like it- or he would bring me something else. Oh, man- he was so right! I became addicted. It is just nice to have on a hot day. It's quite refreshing
The first couple of nights, it was hard to sleep through the call to prayer. I've lived by mosques and have heard it, but when you're in a place with multiple call to prayers, it can seem quite loud and quite startling when it wakes you up from sleep. I can't describe it as anything less than hauntingly beautiful. The melody is enticing and to then watch the prayers of the faithful is quite a humbling thing to be a part of.
So, I made it to where I'm supposed to be, where it's a bit cooler than Khartoum- as we're getting a bit of rain. The team here is great and the staff are even better! They are so gracious that my Arabic is terrible- although- i must say in the week I've been here my Arabic has grown about 80%, but that's because it wasn't very big to start out with....Lesson number 1 that I learned quickly is to soak your sheets in water at night....it helps to actually get to sleep before you start sweating profusely, wondering if you will survive the night.
I survived my initial getting acclimated phase. which means i survived my initial sickness. It's common to get a bug here or there and I got one alright. Luckily it was on Thursday before our day off on Friday. However, due to this, I have developed an unhealthy addiction to 7UP. It's probably not healthy, but i can't help it, it just tastes sooo good.
Anyway, so this week has been getting lots of information. I'm glad to be back on the field again. Excited to be working in part with hygiene in schools. Remember, poo and water don't mix- (by the way, Bev, I never got that on a t-shirt....why is that?) it's just a great feeling to be around people that have the same heart, who are here because they believe that they can somehow make a difference. I'm not saying that those who aren't in the field are otherwise....it's just nice to not feel awkward! We live in the same place, we see the same things, and even though we are here, we still wonder if we're even making a difference. Well, I've survived my first 10 days. Here's to the next 10.
Inshallah.
If God wills.
~Patty
Well, this post is a bit overdue. I made it here over a week ago. Man! A lot has happened since then. Sorry for no photos, but I haven't taken pictures- as I'm waiting for my photo permit. But anyway, First, coming off the flight to Khartoum, oh, man, it was hot. We landed about 6 p.m. and it was somewhere around 106 degrees. In pants and a scarf around my arms- it was proven to seem warmer than that. I ended up staying in Khartoum for a couple of days before I headed to Darfur. This gave me enough time to enough this fabulous drink Lemon with Mint. We were at this restaurant, and so I asked the waiter what the green-looking slushie thing was he brought out for the other table- he said that is the Lemon with Mint and that I am sure to like it- or he would bring me something else. Oh, man- he was so right! I became addicted. It is just nice to have on a hot day. It's quite refreshing
The first couple of nights, it was hard to sleep through the call to prayer. I've lived by mosques and have heard it, but when you're in a place with multiple call to prayers, it can seem quite loud and quite startling when it wakes you up from sleep. I can't describe it as anything less than hauntingly beautiful. The melody is enticing and to then watch the prayers of the faithful is quite a humbling thing to be a part of.
So, I made it to where I'm supposed to be, where it's a bit cooler than Khartoum- as we're getting a bit of rain. The team here is great and the staff are even better! They are so gracious that my Arabic is terrible- although- i must say in the week I've been here my Arabic has grown about 80%, but that's because it wasn't very big to start out with....Lesson number 1 that I learned quickly is to soak your sheets in water at night....it helps to actually get to sleep before you start sweating profusely, wondering if you will survive the night.
I survived my initial getting acclimated phase. which means i survived my initial sickness. It's common to get a bug here or there and I got one alright. Luckily it was on Thursday before our day off on Friday. However, due to this, I have developed an unhealthy addiction to 7UP. It's probably not healthy, but i can't help it, it just tastes sooo good.
Anyway, so this week has been getting lots of information. I'm glad to be back on the field again. Excited to be working in part with hygiene in schools. Remember, poo and water don't mix- (by the way, Bev, I never got that on a t-shirt....why is that?) it's just a great feeling to be around people that have the same heart, who are here because they believe that they can somehow make a difference. I'm not saying that those who aren't in the field are otherwise....it's just nice to not feel awkward! We live in the same place, we see the same things, and even though we are here, we still wonder if we're even making a difference. Well, I've survived my first 10 days. Here's to the next 10.
Inshallah.
If God wills.
~Patty
Monday, June 6, 2011
new post
Hi friends,
Well, I guess I should have an update. It's been quite a while. First, I've ended up cutting my hair extremely short. Yep, I cried shortly after. my hair has never been that short. Ever. But, I must say, it's growing in quite nicely. Because it's so curly, it will take a while for it to grow to where I'd like it to be- but we're on a good start.
Well, hopefully you have now noticed the change in the name of my blog, from Patty in Haiti to "Patty in Sudan". I have taken a new position in North Sudan. I'm currently in Switzerland for trainings and briefings. I have finally come to the point where leaving America was a bit difficult. However, I know that this is where I am supposed to be for this period of time. I won't go into all the details, but it's just nice that God is patient with me.
So, I invite you to join me on this journey. It'll prove to be a challenge, but I'm excited.
Learning along the way,
Patty
Well, I guess I should have an update. It's been quite a while. First, I've ended up cutting my hair extremely short. Yep, I cried shortly after. my hair has never been that short. Ever. But, I must say, it's growing in quite nicely. Because it's so curly, it will take a while for it to grow to where I'd like it to be- but we're on a good start.
Well, hopefully you have now noticed the change in the name of my blog, from Patty in Haiti to "Patty in Sudan". I have taken a new position in North Sudan. I'm currently in Switzerland for trainings and briefings. I have finally come to the point where leaving America was a bit difficult. However, I know that this is where I am supposed to be for this period of time. I won't go into all the details, but it's just nice that God is patient with me.
So, I invite you to join me on this journey. It'll prove to be a challenge, but I'm excited.
Learning along the way,
Patty
Friday, May 6, 2011
my hair is a mess....literally
I'll be honest- this will probably be one of the oddest topics that I have ever blogged about. my hair. About 3 to 3 1/2 months ago, I made a very important decision about my hair. I decided that I am going to stop chemically straightening it. You might be thinking, "Why in the world am I reading THIS?" Good question. This was (and still remains) a HUGE deal for me. See, I've been chemically straightening my hair for over 20 years now. I don't even remember what my real hair looks like, because before I straightened it, I wore it in a long ponytail braid-courtesy of my mother (hey, it was the 80s- you could get away with ANYTHING).
So, my last month or two that I was in Haiti. I made this monumentous decision. I have thought about it for a long time and have said that i was going to do it before- but then after my new hair grows in a bit- I chicken out and go back to straightening it. Not this time. Now that I'm 3+ months in- I'm in. And of this fact, I must remind myself everyday. Because it looks stupid. The first 2 inches are super curly and the rest is straight. I can't buy curly products because then it will just make the curly part REALLY curly and the straight part will still stay straight. Oh what a mess.
See, I consider this another step of being okay with myself I guess. I stopped wearing makeup almost 2 years ago- with the exception of weddings. That was big step for me- but it brought me closer to the place that I wanted to be- where i was comfortable in my own skin.
I've been told that I'm quite "earthy". well, I prefer that term over "granola" and I'm not a full hippie so I just feel that term is completely inaccurate. I guess I get it called the term because of the no make up, my obsession with headbands, a preference for more natural products, and i guess being liberal. I don't know. So, I realised in the midst of my "natural- be yourself!" rant, I didn't feel as though I was taking my own advice.
So, am I overexaggerating? probably. Am I making a bigger deal of it than it should be? most definitely. But is it a challenge? yes. Although it wouldn't seem like a big deal for most, I bring on this challenge. Time will tell what my hair will end up looking like.
In other news: I'm at home. And it's FABULOUS. My mom made the comment that since high school, I have never taken a break. I have never RESTED. I made the comment back that much of it is the fact that she was a Tiger Mom. (which by the way- you should totally read, "The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother". I will STILL agree that Asian parenting is way better to American parenting any day. Now, I have embraced the idea of rest. And it feels fabulous. True, it will most likely only be for a month as I have a new job lined up, but I will save that for a post to come next week. So, I guess that means you'll just have to stay tuned.
Loves,
~P
So, my last month or two that I was in Haiti. I made this monumentous decision. I have thought about it for a long time and have said that i was going to do it before- but then after my new hair grows in a bit- I chicken out and go back to straightening it. Not this time. Now that I'm 3+ months in- I'm in. And of this fact, I must remind myself everyday. Because it looks stupid. The first 2 inches are super curly and the rest is straight. I can't buy curly products because then it will just make the curly part REALLY curly and the straight part will still stay straight. Oh what a mess.
See, I consider this another step of being okay with myself I guess. I stopped wearing makeup almost 2 years ago- with the exception of weddings. That was big step for me- but it brought me closer to the place that I wanted to be- where i was comfortable in my own skin.
I've been told that I'm quite "earthy". well, I prefer that term over "granola" and I'm not a full hippie so I just feel that term is completely inaccurate. I guess I get it called the term because of the no make up, my obsession with headbands, a preference for more natural products, and i guess being liberal. I don't know. So, I realised in the midst of my "natural- be yourself!" rant, I didn't feel as though I was taking my own advice.
So, am I overexaggerating? probably. Am I making a bigger deal of it than it should be? most definitely. But is it a challenge? yes. Although it wouldn't seem like a big deal for most, I bring on this challenge. Time will tell what my hair will end up looking like.
In other news: I'm at home. And it's FABULOUS. My mom made the comment that since high school, I have never taken a break. I have never RESTED. I made the comment back that much of it is the fact that she was a Tiger Mom. (which by the way- you should totally read, "The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother". I will STILL agree that Asian parenting is way better to American parenting any day. Now, I have embraced the idea of rest. And it feels fabulous. True, it will most likely only be for a month as I have a new job lined up, but I will save that for a post to come next week. So, I guess that means you'll just have to stay tuned.
Loves,
~P
Friday, April 22, 2011
A repost for Good Friday
I found this post from a Good Friday post that I wrote on my old blog in 2009....Thought it was good enough to re-post. Happy Easter everyone.
it's Good Friday. isn't it supposed to be like the day to blog and think deep thoughts about what this day represents? probably. just to preface, mine probably won't be that deep.
today, I remember what my Saviour, Jesus Christ did for me although i should remember every day sometimes it's one of those, "thanks God. You know I appreciate You. You know i wouldn't be here without You". but sometimes, it's good to really sit and remember that the God who made the entire universe is in love with me. He's in love with you too. c.s. lewis is my favourite and he wrote, "Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it". gosh that blows my mind. it blows my mind that the God who created things i can't even fathom cheers for me when i'm happy and when i'm confused or sad He puts His arms around me because He is concerned for me. wow.
In reading the Easter story, I came across Matthew 26:50. Matthew's account is probably my favourite because even when Judas betrays Jesus, Jesus still calls him Friend.
i'm usually anti-cliche' statements, and i think it's sad that it has almost become a statement that doesn't mean anything anymore when we say, "oh yeah God, thanks for sending Jesus to die for me and for raising Him from the dead" and we really don't think of everything that really meant. of everything that really means.
today, i am once again reminded that Amazing Grace is more than just a song because i'm the wretch that song talks about. i really was that miserable, despicable person who was saved by the overwhelming Love of an incredible God.
so,
i reflect on today...the day that made Sunday Good.
~Patty
it's Good Friday. isn't it supposed to be like the day to blog and think deep thoughts about what this day represents? probably. just to preface, mine probably won't be that deep.
today, I remember what my Saviour, Jesus Christ did for me although i should remember every day sometimes it's one of those, "thanks God. You know I appreciate You. You know i wouldn't be here without You". but sometimes, it's good to really sit and remember that the God who made the entire universe is in love with me. He's in love with you too. c.s. lewis is my favourite and he wrote, "Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it". gosh that blows my mind. it blows my mind that the God who created things i can't even fathom cheers for me when i'm happy and when i'm confused or sad He puts His arms around me because He is concerned for me. wow.
In reading the Easter story, I came across Matthew 26:50. Matthew's account is probably my favourite because even when Judas betrays Jesus, Jesus still calls him Friend.
i'm usually anti-cliche' statements, and i think it's sad that it has almost become a statement that doesn't mean anything anymore when we say, "oh yeah God, thanks for sending Jesus to die for me and for raising Him from the dead" and we really don't think of everything that really meant. of everything that really means.
today, i am once again reminded that Amazing Grace is more than just a song because i'm the wretch that song talks about. i really was that miserable, despicable person who was saved by the overwhelming Love of an incredible God.
so,
i reflect on today...the day that made Sunday Good.
~Patty
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Durban and Swaziland
I don't think that there is anything better to make one happy after going through a tough transition than coming back to Africa. Oh, just boarding the plane to Jo Burg, I was overcome with happiness. It had been 2 years since I had stepped foot on African soil and almost 4 since I had taken that long flight from Atlanta to Johannesbug to start my first job overseas in Botswana. Africa is good for the soul. So, I went on South African Airways, they are SO much better than American and United. Landed in Jo burg- tried to get through as quickly as possible, because....well, I hate Jo burg. I hate everything about it. Need more information? Read my Masters degree thesis entitled, "Impacts of Democratic Consolidation in South Africa".
What? you may ask? You wrote your thesis for your Master's Degree over South Africa?? Yep. I SURE DID. Because I'm freakishly obsessed with the country. In 2007, I lived like 3 km away from the border. So, I would go to Rustenburg, Pilansburg. Fell in LOVE with the country that is....because let's remember that I fall in love with countries more than men. Started picking up Afrikaans. Thus, wrote my thesis over this country that had such a grasp on me.
But then, I went to Liberia and loved West Africa- which then stole my heart- but if you're looking for the amenities,+beauty+Africans- that would be the one and only South Africa.
So i arrived in Durban WITHOUT my luggage- the only bad thing about the entire trip! So I found Amanda and her friend Megan and we waited around and shopped a bit in the airport until the next flight showed up AGAIN without my baggage. So we went to our bed and breakfast. The next day- we went to Mugg and Bean- yummm, and then I of course bought some biltong. Got my luggage- yay!!! Then we went to the Indian Ocean! So, even though it was dreary, I had to stick my feet in. So I could officially check off the Indian Ocean along with the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic. Only the Arctic remains!!
Then we made it to Swaziland. Poor Amanda was rushing to get back because I had a job interview on Skype at a certain time that got moved up- but we made it! We also found Debonairs- my favourite pizza that I love- mostly because there isn't sauce on it. Had it when I was working in Botswana. oh, sooooo good. Today was kind of a lazy day- since I think jet lag finally went away and I could sleep and boy...did i sleep. So, that's the update from Durban to Swazi- I'll try to blog one more time before I leave at the end of next week- practicing to become better at blogging....but we all know how that might go.
Til next time,
Patty
What? you may ask? You wrote your thesis for your Master's Degree over South Africa?? Yep. I SURE DID. Because I'm freakishly obsessed with the country. In 2007, I lived like 3 km away from the border. So, I would go to Rustenburg, Pilansburg. Fell in LOVE with the country that is....because let's remember that I fall in love with countries more than men. Started picking up Afrikaans. Thus, wrote my thesis over this country that had such a grasp on me.
But then, I went to Liberia and loved West Africa- which then stole my heart- but if you're looking for the amenities,+beauty+Africans- that would be the one and only South Africa.
So i arrived in Durban WITHOUT my luggage- the only bad thing about the entire trip! So I found Amanda and her friend Megan and we waited around and shopped a bit in the airport until the next flight showed up AGAIN without my baggage. So we went to our bed and breakfast. The next day- we went to Mugg and Bean- yummm, and then I of course bought some biltong. Got my luggage- yay!!! Then we went to the Indian Ocean! So, even though it was dreary, I had to stick my feet in. So I could officially check off the Indian Ocean along with the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic. Only the Arctic remains!!
Then we made it to Swaziland. Poor Amanda was rushing to get back because I had a job interview on Skype at a certain time that got moved up- but we made it! We also found Debonairs- my favourite pizza that I love- mostly because there isn't sauce on it. Had it when I was working in Botswana. oh, sooooo good. Today was kind of a lazy day- since I think jet lag finally went away and I could sleep and boy...did i sleep. So, that's the update from Durban to Swazi- I'll try to blog one more time before I leave at the end of next week- practicing to become better at blogging....but we all know how that might go.
Til next time,
Patty
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Adieu Haiti
Wow. How come no one told me that time flies by? Well, maybe it wasn't until now that I finally understood. My time in Haiti has finished. 14 months. Wow. I can't believe I made it. Coming back has been difficult, but I knew that would be the case.
The day I left, I woke up to the guards shedding a tear or two- which made me sad. I got in the truck with Conor and Justin- two friends that had to go towards PaP anyway. I mentioned in the car how I thought I would cry- and I was told to go ahead, but prideful me decided, no, I'm not going to cry. We drive the 2 hours to Port au Prince. We talk as normal, and I go into moments of deep thought.
As we pass Leogane- what has been dubbed as "Patty's town" it's hard to fully comprehend that there's a chance I'll never come back, or at the very least, I don't know when I will. We would go eat in Leogane, and people would stop me. Depending on the time of day- hundreds of people in Leogane would stop me close to different sites, yelling "Patty! we haven't seen you in a long time!". Yep. This was MY place, MY people.
So, we get to the airport and I'm surprised by 3 friends from our other base that I wasn't expecting- I guess that's the meaning of surprise. We were being rushed by airport police- but it was so nice to see them again. I take my two huge bags and check them in- there wasn't a line in the check -in, to join the everlong line to security.
Since the line was so long- I just started thinking- of my friends that came to tell me bye. Of good times I've had. How just the week before after dinner, 6 of us just stayed, talking about life and worries and concerns. And then we just prayed for each other. And I thought of how much I was going to miss that. Being with people my age- who I don't have to explain myself to, and I don't have to explain why I like being in the field and who aren't awkward with me, who know just as much as I do about pop culture (which isn't much) and it's okay, because we talk about things that actually matter. Other people who also believe that maybe Jesus meant what He said when He said what true religion is in James 1:27. People with whom I don't even have to explain why I'm upset- because they know how I feel. People with whom I don't have to put a fake smile on while thinking on the inside, "Gosh, you're stupid". Thinking that everything that I grew to love and adore was leaving me, all in the same day, and I was about to leave this country and go into everything that is completely opposite.
So, upon realising this, I did what anybody would do....I cried. Uncontrollably. In the line for security. I put my face in my shirt and kept saying, "oh, get a grip Patty". As the lady in front of me- wasn't exactly sure what she was supposed to do. Not like she could help much- she had just gotten back from spending a week in Haiti and had her hair braided. What could she tell me spending 60x longer in Haiti than she did?
Well, after much crying, I'm back in the States. Reconnecting with my family- I've changed a lot- so have they. I'm off to Swaziland to visit one of my oldest friends from high school and old housemates- Amanda- on Friday- should prove to be a grand old time. Til then- praying about what to do next- and learning to have grace with those who may not have been where I have, who may not think like I do.
Til next time,
Patty
The day I left, I woke up to the guards shedding a tear or two- which made me sad. I got in the truck with Conor and Justin- two friends that had to go towards PaP anyway. I mentioned in the car how I thought I would cry- and I was told to go ahead, but prideful me decided, no, I'm not going to cry. We drive the 2 hours to Port au Prince. We talk as normal, and I go into moments of deep thought.
As we pass Leogane- what has been dubbed as "Patty's town" it's hard to fully comprehend that there's a chance I'll never come back, or at the very least, I don't know when I will. We would go eat in Leogane, and people would stop me. Depending on the time of day- hundreds of people in Leogane would stop me close to different sites, yelling "Patty! we haven't seen you in a long time!". Yep. This was MY place, MY people.
So, we get to the airport and I'm surprised by 3 friends from our other base that I wasn't expecting- I guess that's the meaning of surprise. We were being rushed by airport police- but it was so nice to see them again. I take my two huge bags and check them in- there wasn't a line in the check -in, to join the everlong line to security.
Since the line was so long- I just started thinking- of my friends that came to tell me bye. Of good times I've had. How just the week before after dinner, 6 of us just stayed, talking about life and worries and concerns. And then we just prayed for each other. And I thought of how much I was going to miss that. Being with people my age- who I don't have to explain myself to, and I don't have to explain why I like being in the field and who aren't awkward with me, who know just as much as I do about pop culture (which isn't much) and it's okay, because we talk about things that actually matter. Other people who also believe that maybe Jesus meant what He said when He said what true religion is in James 1:27. People with whom I don't even have to explain why I'm upset- because they know how I feel. People with whom I don't have to put a fake smile on while thinking on the inside, "Gosh, you're stupid". Thinking that everything that I grew to love and adore was leaving me, all in the same day, and I was about to leave this country and go into everything that is completely opposite.
So, upon realising this, I did what anybody would do....I cried. Uncontrollably. In the line for security. I put my face in my shirt and kept saying, "oh, get a grip Patty". As the lady in front of me- wasn't exactly sure what she was supposed to do. Not like she could help much- she had just gotten back from spending a week in Haiti and had her hair braided. What could she tell me spending 60x longer in Haiti than she did?
Well, after much crying, I'm back in the States. Reconnecting with my family- I've changed a lot- so have they. I'm off to Swaziland to visit one of my oldest friends from high school and old housemates- Amanda- on Friday- should prove to be a grand old time. Til then- praying about what to do next- and learning to have grace with those who may not have been where I have, who may not think like I do.
Til next time,
Patty
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
pain makes me realise, i know nothing
Chouchou: It's French and Kreyol for a pet name. "My love, etc." One of my shelter sites, Darbonne 1, is by far my chouchou site. This was the beauty of Darbonne on move in day.
my shelter sites are pretty close to my heart. some closer than others. i mean- we go through the whole process- getting them to dig latrines and dig their plastic. going out there every day for 2+ months can really cause you to get attached. I can point to everyone that lives there. Show you what babies were born there. I played with their children often, practiced my sign language with the deaf lady there. we even had one altercation when we were starting a site close by. we ended up going there and they protected us from the other angry people. all that to say- they mean a lot to me.
so, i guess it's only been last week where my heart was so sad. Haiti is so different from other places I've worked. just when i think i've figured it out- i'm wrong again. because- in all honesty- their mentality is different. they have the "give me" mentality. when you look at their trash- you think how they really aren't THAT poor compared to other places i've been and lived. and, they have no respect for their neighbors. it is as though if someone else has something better- it doesn't matter- they want to be the one to benefit. many articles have been written about this mentality- causes have been placed from the U.S. to voodoo. all valid opinions.
i remember when i was building the site next to it- Darbonne 2. people got mad that some people were chosen and they weren't. i sat down with them and had a long drawn out talk- that ended with, "let me get this straight. you're just mad that you didn't qualify. right?" "right" one man replied. "so, if you would have gotten a house, you wouldn't be acting like this right?" "exactly!"- he replied. "oh. glad we cleared that up. this is what you're going to do. you're going to say, thank you patty for taking the time to assess me. i am very glad for my brother that got a house and now i'm going to go". he laughed and said, "mesi" and was on his way.
so, because some people had basic necessities at the camp- others began to terrorize them at night. they stoned one of the leaders and everyone was scared. after i went out there- one of the leaders just said, "patty, on the inside, i am dead". their faces were sad. for the first time in a long time, i could actually FEEL my heart breaking. one of the leaders wives had a panic attack right in front of us.
i don't know what it's like to be stoned because i stood up for what is right. i don't know what it's like to have to give my babies to an orphanage because i don't have the money or the security to keep them. i don't know what it's like to sit in my house terrified to leave at night because people are walking around outside purposely trying to terrorize me.
as much as i feel like i understand, i really don't. as much as i think that i have a grasp on 3rd world life- i really don't. if you've never been in the field, i don't think i can explain the beauty that still exists here. i have been here for 13 months. you may say, Patty, how can you say that? honestly, i don't know. but regardless what i may know or don't know, the Truth remains and now I'm left in silence, because all of the feelings I wish I could explain to people who don't even know where to start to understand where I'm coming from, can't be put into words. And since they can't- I won't try to.
Love,
P
my shelter sites are pretty close to my heart. some closer than others. i mean- we go through the whole process- getting them to dig latrines and dig their plastic. going out there every day for 2+ months can really cause you to get attached. I can point to everyone that lives there. Show you what babies were born there. I played with their children often, practiced my sign language with the deaf lady there. we even had one altercation when we were starting a site close by. we ended up going there and they protected us from the other angry people. all that to say- they mean a lot to me.
so, i guess it's only been last week where my heart was so sad. Haiti is so different from other places I've worked. just when i think i've figured it out- i'm wrong again. because- in all honesty- their mentality is different. they have the "give me" mentality. when you look at their trash- you think how they really aren't THAT poor compared to other places i've been and lived. and, they have no respect for their neighbors. it is as though if someone else has something better- it doesn't matter- they want to be the one to benefit. many articles have been written about this mentality- causes have been placed from the U.S. to voodoo. all valid opinions.
i remember when i was building the site next to it- Darbonne 2. people got mad that some people were chosen and they weren't. i sat down with them and had a long drawn out talk- that ended with, "let me get this straight. you're just mad that you didn't qualify. right?" "right" one man replied. "so, if you would have gotten a house, you wouldn't be acting like this right?" "exactly!"- he replied. "oh. glad we cleared that up. this is what you're going to do. you're going to say, thank you patty for taking the time to assess me. i am very glad for my brother that got a house and now i'm going to go". he laughed and said, "mesi" and was on his way.
so, because some people had basic necessities at the camp- others began to terrorize them at night. they stoned one of the leaders and everyone was scared. after i went out there- one of the leaders just said, "patty, on the inside, i am dead". their faces were sad. for the first time in a long time, i could actually FEEL my heart breaking. one of the leaders wives had a panic attack right in front of us.
i don't know what it's like to be stoned because i stood up for what is right. i don't know what it's like to have to give my babies to an orphanage because i don't have the money or the security to keep them. i don't know what it's like to sit in my house terrified to leave at night because people are walking around outside purposely trying to terrorize me.
as much as i feel like i understand, i really don't. as much as i think that i have a grasp on 3rd world life- i really don't. if you've never been in the field, i don't think i can explain the beauty that still exists here. i have been here for 13 months. you may say, Patty, how can you say that? honestly, i don't know. but regardless what i may know or don't know, the Truth remains and now I'm left in silence, because all of the feelings I wish I could explain to people who don't even know where to start to understand where I'm coming from, can't be put into words. And since they can't- I won't try to.
Love,
P
Friday, February 11, 2011
yog-ocracy+ i think i'm growing up
Okay. So much for blogging more often. Lots has happened. Went to a cool waterfall after I got back, my first waterfall in Haiti. I must say again- that was a blast! then, On February 8th- it was my 1 year anniversary of being in Haiti. Wow. I can't believe it's been a year.
Ian and Monica- the only two that have been here longer than me by about a week- are leaving on Monday. This causes me to write about something quite special to my heart. Exercising is my anti-drug. Do you remember those commercials from the 90s? Well, I do. Okay, it may not be my anti-drug, well, maybe it is, but that just sounds dorky. It's my de-stresser, my way of coping if you will. So, as I've included more and more people into yoga, we've been dubbed many names..."the yoga cult", "the exercise group" but my favourite by far is "yog-ocracy". See below
the bright light in between us is Bob. Bob Harper. He's my favourite. Monica has been faithful to the yog-ocracy. Often doing it when everyone else bails. Funny moments of when we were the only two doing yoga and we'd stand side by side accidently hitting each other, before we realised that we had the entire room.
Monica and I have had good times together. I'm honored to have spent time in Haiti, loving people beside her- at shelter sites- where she's do hygiene promotion....getting pulled out of situations with Minustah (the UN) to yoga to tea time talks. And then there's Ian- who has been a good sounding board, also with whom I had the grossest experience of my life- with de-pumping latrines, I'm not too sad though- because I'll see them in a couple of weeks in Switzerland at the ROC. But a part of my life in Haiti will definitely be missed.
So,
now, onto the 2nd part of my blog- which is what makes it so long. I guess if I blogged more often I could have one topic/blog. Still working on that. So, I spent some time at the other base the past couple of weeks, working on starting our evaluations of the food part of our program on that side. A couple of days ago, I was walking around with one of my friends that I've known for about 6 months. And she said to me, "Patty, I've seen you grow so much in the 6 months I've known you". "Really?" I replied. She went on to say how she could see me grow as a worker and as a person and how cool that was for her to be able to see that.
That was surprising to me (in a good way- it's always nice when people see that you're trying to be a better person)- and made me think a lot too. because. i don't feel like i've grown very much. it's actually been this past year that i've realised some of the ugly things inside of me, that i didn't even know were there. things that have taken many tears, many angry moments, and much silence to come to terms with. you know, when i was 20 or so (back in the day) I remember how I used to think I amazing I was. Ha ha. Then I think when I hit about 23 or so, I started to realise how screwed up I am. :) Or maybe that's what happens when you think of yourself like Romans 12 says, "thinking of yourself with sober judgment", and it was then that I just started realising who I really am.
I just had my exit interview as i'm leaving in the next couple of months and when i was answering questions about the past year, i couldn't help but say, "Hmm....I guess it's really cool how God works, because had this been july, august, september- i would probably have spit nails during my interview.....but.....it's not july, august or september". it's february, and i just can't explain how different things are. but, they are.
i think in facing situations, i've never faced before and feelings i've never had to deal with before, i finally had to admit, with my head bowed, "i guess i'm not tall enough yet, God. I'm willing to grow more". And even though Haiti is known by all as a difficult place, with a people that are difficult to deal with, maybe it's a place that refines people....makes them better in that it teaches one about himself/herself.
Well, I still have a little over a month and a half left in my contract for sure. Inshallah, maybe I'll have more lessons to learn.
I can only hope.
~P
Ian and Monica- the only two that have been here longer than me by about a week- are leaving on Monday. This causes me to write about something quite special to my heart. Exercising is my anti-drug. Do you remember those commercials from the 90s? Well, I do. Okay, it may not be my anti-drug, well, maybe it is, but that just sounds dorky. It's my de-stresser, my way of coping if you will. So, as I've included more and more people into yoga, we've been dubbed many names..."the yoga cult", "the exercise group" but my favourite by far is "yog-ocracy". See below
the bright light in between us is Bob. Bob Harper. He's my favourite. Monica has been faithful to the yog-ocracy. Often doing it when everyone else bails. Funny moments of when we were the only two doing yoga and we'd stand side by side accidently hitting each other, before we realised that we had the entire room.
Monica and I have had good times together. I'm honored to have spent time in Haiti, loving people beside her- at shelter sites- where she's do hygiene promotion....getting pulled out of situations with Minustah (the UN) to yoga to tea time talks. And then there's Ian- who has been a good sounding board, also with whom I had the grossest experience of my life- with de-pumping latrines, I'm not too sad though- because I'll see them in a couple of weeks in Switzerland at the ROC. But a part of my life in Haiti will definitely be missed.
So,
now, onto the 2nd part of my blog- which is what makes it so long. I guess if I blogged more often I could have one topic/blog. Still working on that. So, I spent some time at the other base the past couple of weeks, working on starting our evaluations of the food part of our program on that side. A couple of days ago, I was walking around with one of my friends that I've known for about 6 months. And she said to me, "Patty, I've seen you grow so much in the 6 months I've known you". "Really?" I replied. She went on to say how she could see me grow as a worker and as a person and how cool that was for her to be able to see that.
That was surprising to me (in a good way- it's always nice when people see that you're trying to be a better person)- and made me think a lot too. because. i don't feel like i've grown very much. it's actually been this past year that i've realised some of the ugly things inside of me, that i didn't even know were there. things that have taken many tears, many angry moments, and much silence to come to terms with. you know, when i was 20 or so (back in the day) I remember how I used to think I amazing I was. Ha ha. Then I think when I hit about 23 or so, I started to realise how screwed up I am. :) Or maybe that's what happens when you think of yourself like Romans 12 says, "thinking of yourself with sober judgment", and it was then that I just started realising who I really am.
I just had my exit interview as i'm leaving in the next couple of months and when i was answering questions about the past year, i couldn't help but say, "Hmm....I guess it's really cool how God works, because had this been july, august, september- i would probably have spit nails during my interview.....but.....it's not july, august or september". it's february, and i just can't explain how different things are. but, they are.
i think in facing situations, i've never faced before and feelings i've never had to deal with before, i finally had to admit, with my head bowed, "i guess i'm not tall enough yet, God. I'm willing to grow more". And even though Haiti is known by all as a difficult place, with a people that are difficult to deal with, maybe it's a place that refines people....makes them better in that it teaches one about himself/herself.
Well, I still have a little over a month and a half left in my contract for sure. Inshallah, maybe I'll have more lessons to learn.
I can only hope.
~P
Thursday, January 20, 2011
this is going to be a boring post
probably because I can't think of much to say, but I just feel like I should blog more. so, i'm trying. Let's see. 2011 is already going by so fast! The first month is almost over. Since I've gotten back it's been full of Evaluating and writing new forms and hopefully making tools that will last for a long time in the M&E department- well, at least it will if we have another grant similar to the one we have now.
it's been fun learning new things and soaking it all in. Well, in the next couple of weeks, many people will be leaving. SO sad. and yes, I've extended mine- i'm going the wrong way. Some days I think it's because I'm an idiot. Scratch that to most days. I don't think i'll be getting another r&r, so I'm quite sure that I will be grouchy by the time I get home and 2. I'll sleep for the 2 weeks that i have at home before I head to South Africa to visit my old roomie Amanda!
Next week I'm headed to our other base for a couple of days. Excited I get to spend some time with friends there. Last time, Jordanne and I slept on the roof of one of the houses there and I accidently kept clawing her- thinking someone had taken her. Hey, 4 a.m. is brutal. and scary when you think your friend has been taken.
i guess thus far in 2011, i'm learning to trust. so many options. not a fan of so many options, because then i feel as though the more options, the more options for making a wrong choice. but, we'll see. hopefully something back on the mother continent that I miss so dearly- or maybe one more year in Haiti, who knows. Praying for guidance as the SP Haiti chapter is coming to a close quickly. but, i think i have a couple of more years left in me.
random thoughts by me- because now i'm too tired to actually make sentences:
-grateful that I get to do what I do
-i guess not everyone is wired to LIKE to do what i do
-grateful for people that are placed in my life-it's like they are right where they're supposed to be
- linkin park- song iridescent is so true when it says- "remember all the sadness and frustration and let it go"-it makes life easier
-i love my mom- she's the coolest person in the entire world
- so grateful too for friends that bring you sun bags- yesssss for no more cold showers (thanks Jordanne)
- i think i have permanent bags under my eyes- yet i still look like i'm 17. seriously people, what 17 year old has bags under her eyes?
and i just want to say that God winked at me this week. just taking care of little things that wouldn't really fall apart- but would cause me stress. i like being the wink-ee. especially of a God wink.
So, new news in Haiti...Baby Doc- Jean Claude Duvalier- former dictator of Haiti came back last week. One of our security guys actually came up to me last Sunday and said, "do you know Jean Claude Duvalier?" and I said, "well, I know who he is, but I don't know him personally". So he asked me if it was true that he came back. I thought, why would he come back? He's been gone for years! Turns out he was on the plane from France at that moment. See, my friend Monica and I came to the conclusion that Haiti- is just one huge soap opera. At least that's how it runs. When things calm down- people do things to rile everything up. It's what makes Haiti, Haiti. So, things had started to calm down with cholera...There's still people in CTCs, but numbers are dropping and he comes back! and NOW Aristide, former president claims he wants to come back too! seriously? the week the presidential results are supposed to be released no less.
oh, man. this is going to be interesting. as are all things in haiti.
-P
it's been fun learning new things and soaking it all in. Well, in the next couple of weeks, many people will be leaving. SO sad. and yes, I've extended mine- i'm going the wrong way. Some days I think it's because I'm an idiot. Scratch that to most days. I don't think i'll be getting another r&r, so I'm quite sure that I will be grouchy by the time I get home and 2. I'll sleep for the 2 weeks that i have at home before I head to South Africa to visit my old roomie Amanda!
Next week I'm headed to our other base for a couple of days. Excited I get to spend some time with friends there. Last time, Jordanne and I slept on the roof of one of the houses there and I accidently kept clawing her- thinking someone had taken her. Hey, 4 a.m. is brutal. and scary when you think your friend has been taken.
i guess thus far in 2011, i'm learning to trust. so many options. not a fan of so many options, because then i feel as though the more options, the more options for making a wrong choice. but, we'll see. hopefully something back on the mother continent that I miss so dearly- or maybe one more year in Haiti, who knows. Praying for guidance as the SP Haiti chapter is coming to a close quickly. but, i think i have a couple of more years left in me.
random thoughts by me- because now i'm too tired to actually make sentences:
-grateful that I get to do what I do
-i guess not everyone is wired to LIKE to do what i do
-grateful for people that are placed in my life-it's like they are right where they're supposed to be
- linkin park- song iridescent is so true when it says- "remember all the sadness and frustration and let it go"-it makes life easier
-i love my mom- she's the coolest person in the entire world
- so grateful too for friends that bring you sun bags- yesssss for no more cold showers (thanks Jordanne)
- i think i have permanent bags under my eyes- yet i still look like i'm 17. seriously people, what 17 year old has bags under her eyes?
and i just want to say that God winked at me this week. just taking care of little things that wouldn't really fall apart- but would cause me stress. i like being the wink-ee. especially of a God wink.
So, new news in Haiti...Baby Doc- Jean Claude Duvalier- former dictator of Haiti came back last week. One of our security guys actually came up to me last Sunday and said, "do you know Jean Claude Duvalier?" and I said, "well, I know who he is, but I don't know him personally". So he asked me if it was true that he came back. I thought, why would he come back? He's been gone for years! Turns out he was on the plane from France at that moment. See, my friend Monica and I came to the conclusion that Haiti- is just one huge soap opera. At least that's how it runs. When things calm down- people do things to rile everything up. It's what makes Haiti, Haiti. So, things had started to calm down with cholera...There's still people in CTCs, but numbers are dropping and he comes back! and NOW Aristide, former president claims he wants to come back too! seriously? the week the presidential results are supposed to be released no less.
oh, man. this is going to be interesting. as are all things in haiti.
-P
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Happy 2011!
Happy 2011! It's hard to believe that 2011 is already here, much less that it's getting close to mid-January! Is it true that as you get older time just goes by faster and faster? It seems true. I look back at 2010 and realise that amidst all the struggles that came about living in Haiti from the beginning of February on- what a great year it was! I'm really excited about this year- although at the beginning of the year comes with some uncertainty. My contract ends in the beginning of April, and it's always hard to leave. I will have been in Haiti for almost 14 months. It's my life. Living in a volatile nation and all that comes with it, IS my normal.
Well, moving on I guess to work stuff.
I not have a new job. I'm working with our Single Year Assistance Program (SYAP). I didn't realise how hard it would be to leave my shelter sites. When I came back from vacation, I talked to the person who took over my job and she said, "yeah, they won't give me this stuff, because they say they'll only give it to you". :). So, I went to go talk to them- and oh, I love them so much.
Especially this one site called Darbonne- definitely my favourite. 3 months ago, I happened to visit the day after two babies were born at the site. Well, when I went back two days ago, I saw one of the moms, with the baby!!! Here is the cutey...
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdme4KEiImbtdDbQLnQDNoImEtHj_yRVqUu7Lj9fv7bt21Dk8HSLBhqIZa0VLemHitRT9RjP2I-Dczkt4Lw2Zc5dMQq3OdE9CgS-OS8wOqEIkXnmV9LSE_U0xF1eImhCzg0NuCuUeRF_w/s200/IMG_0096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560309872887414754" />
It's so awesome to see such a healthy baby! Born in our shelter! Oh, how beautiful.
But I must say, I am really growing to like my new job. I'm the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the program, so I get to
look at all of our programs, and come up with tools to well...monitor and evaluate how we're doing. To see if what we're doing is really effective. What is pretty awesome is when you get to see how effective some of our programs really are. I actually wrote a success story talking about our WASH Food For Work. Specifically our latrines. In this program- the beneficiaries dig the pit and get food for working. So at the end, they get some food, and they get a latrine that they didn't have before! (yes, in an ideal world- or maybe just Africa- they'd do it without the food- but we'll overlook that for now).
Saturday, I got to go up in the mountains to look at some of our water systems we have running. It was I think my 3rd time going deep into the mountains. Oh, man. Something about the mountains and the bush make me happy. The people are the most amazing people that you'll ever meet and man are they tough. I get tired just watching everything that they lug up and down the mountain.
Definitely amazingly gorgeous.
The photo does not do it justice. we walked and walked and walked. we went and saw the sping cachements that we are doing through our Food For Work WASH program. SO amazing, I even drank from it.- no worries. it was clean (Bev I learned my lesson)
I was glad I got my mountains fix.
So tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of the earthquake. Today was a good reminder of that. As I was walking around talking to people, those i knew and those i didn't. They told me stories from last year- how God spared their lives. And I realised how hard it hits me. The stories I heard last February hit me harder than they did then. It's like hearing what my family had to go through- because that is what they have become.
So, tomorrow, at 4:53- if you'll remember- it's the moment of silence. Remember those who passed and those who are still here.
Okay- more later- but so far, this year is pretty awesome. Let's keep it that way.
Love,
P
Well, moving on I guess to work stuff.
I not have a new job. I'm working with our Single Year Assistance Program (SYAP). I didn't realise how hard it would be to leave my shelter sites. When I came back from vacation, I talked to the person who took over my job and she said, "yeah, they won't give me this stuff, because they say they'll only give it to you". :). So, I went to go talk to them- and oh, I love them so much.
Especially this one site called Darbonne- definitely my favourite. 3 months ago, I happened to visit the day after two babies were born at the site. Well, when I went back two days ago, I saw one of the moms, with the baby!!! Here is the cutey...
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdme4KEiImbtdDbQLnQDNoImEtHj_yRVqUu7Lj9fv7bt21Dk8HSLBhqIZa0VLemHitRT9RjP2I-Dczkt4Lw2Zc5dMQq3OdE9CgS-OS8wOqEIkXnmV9LSE_U0xF1eImhCzg0NuCuUeRF_w/s200/IMG_0096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560309872887414754" />It's so awesome to see such a healthy baby! Born in our shelter! Oh, how beautiful.
But I must say, I am really growing to like my new job. I'm the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the program, so I get to
look at all of our programs, and come up with tools to well...monitor and evaluate how we're doing. To see if what we're doing is really effective. What is pretty awesome is when you get to see how effective some of our programs really are. I actually wrote a success story talking about our WASH Food For Work. Specifically our latrines. In this program- the beneficiaries dig the pit and get food for working. So at the end, they get some food, and they get a latrine that they didn't have before! (yes, in an ideal world- or maybe just Africa- they'd do it without the food- but we'll overlook that for now).
Saturday, I got to go up in the mountains to look at some of our water systems we have running. It was I think my 3rd time going deep into the mountains. Oh, man. Something about the mountains and the bush make me happy. The people are the most amazing people that you'll ever meet and man are they tough. I get tired just watching everything that they lug up and down the mountain.
Definitely amazingly gorgeous.
The photo does not do it justice. we walked and walked and walked. we went and saw the sping cachements that we are doing through our Food For Work WASH program. SO amazing, I even drank from it.- no worries. it was clean (Bev I learned my lesson)
I was glad I got my mountains fix.
So tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of the earthquake. Today was a good reminder of that. As I was walking around talking to people, those i knew and those i didn't. They told me stories from last year- how God spared their lives. And I realised how hard it hits me. The stories I heard last February hit me harder than they did then. It's like hearing what my family had to go through- because that is what they have become.
So, tomorrow, at 4:53- if you'll remember- it's the moment of silence. Remember those who passed and those who are still here.
Okay- more later- but so far, this year is pretty awesome. Let's keep it that way.
Love,
P
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