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
Sunday, July 31, 2011
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
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