Well, I attempted to spend my last Friday in Caynabo, Somaliland packing...That hasn't exactly gone very well. I feel like I just have thrown everything where I can see it, attempting to convince myself that I don't have as much stuff as I think I do.
As the thought of leaving slowly sets in, I reflect on the past year and what a crazy ride it has been. A year ago, I was at headquarters of a new organization, after leaving another one that I had come to know so well for almost 2 years. I can still remember the nervousness I felt, of "is this the right decision? what if these people don't like me?" Over the past year, I have just been reminded that it was the best decision for me at the time. I am in love with Medair. What a great organization to work for. I truly believe that. It's just so funny to think that when I first started in humanitarian aid work in 2008, I told myself I would go anywhere EXCEPT Darfur and Somalia. I mean, I like helping people and alleviating poverty, but I'm not crazy.
Or so I thought. This past year, I found myself in those exact places and oddly enough, I know that I was supposed to be there at those times. The peace that came over me knowing I was supposed to be there.
As I already wrote my goodbye to Darfur, this post will be my goodbye to Somaliland.
Well, Somaliland, it has been a crazy 9 months. Setting up new bases, emergency response projects, watching the many people that have come and left....I leave you Somaliland, absolutely exhausted in every way possible. I hope that if anything, that just means that I gave you as much as I could...I (in that natural aid worker feeling) feel as though I didn't give enough sometimes, that there is still so much to do. I guess this is where final reporting has helped me to have a better grip on what has actually been done.
Over 17,500 people now have improved access to water availability by having rehabilitated berkads or wells....Over 44,000 people have received hygiene messages....1500 Households have access to clean water by ceramic filters....Water trucked 839,000 liters of water to drought stricken villages before the rains, 1865 families have received shelter materials...all in 9 months.
Usually when I talk about that, I'm automatically reminded of how many times the shelter materials were delayed 3 times, and how we didn't have room in the warehouse for the filters, and how many people got in fights over water trucking. But as of now, I don't. It is what it is.
This past 9 months has been full of frustrations, and hurts, and some good times thrown in there too. I can tell that I've definitely grown as a manager and as a person. One thing I appreciate about the field (sometimes) is that it gives you an extreme sense of self awareness. Being under constant pressure all of the time, it is easy to see who you really are and what you are made of. I think it was CS Lewis that said something along the lines of "you can tell who a man really is when he is caught by surprise" ok...i don't have my current copy of Mere Christianity, so that is a very loose paraphrase....but it's true. And there have been moments that have caused me to stop and think...why did you say that? or why did you do that?
Somaliland, I feel that it was a privilege to be here. To see the normal people that you don't hear about on the television. To hear the stories of hope, of sorrow, of joy and laughter from a piece of land that many people have deemed for decades as hopeless. Somaliland, I hope that when you think of me, you see someone that gave you everything she could for you.
Well, soon I will have much time to reflect and think about it. I am really excited and nervous about going home. After living overseas for 2.5 years straight, I think there is always a time to come home. Even though none of it will really be familiar, "everybody has to leave their home and come back so they can love it again for all new reasons". (Donald Miller: Through Painted Deserts).
Here's to finding new reasons,
Until next time,
Patty
Friday, June 1, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
water trucking, and oh, right. i'm leaving soon.
Happy May everyone! What a busy month it has been. Maybe even longer than a month. I seriously cannot remember the last time I blogged! Which is sad. Kind of. The biggest news in the past six weeks is that we have been doing water trucking here. (that statement is almost always followed by me saying how much I hate water trucking).
I guess from an outside perspective, it's difficult to see why woul dpeople NOT like water trucking? It's sexy! It's lifesaving! That's what people like to see on TV. But it's not sustainable. At the same time, you have to keep that in mind that if I don't do anything, people are going to die. However, in Somaliland, where there is recurrent drought and there isn't rain anywhere: the need and requests were just overwhelming.
Now that it's over and the rains have come though, I won't bore you with the tears and frustration water trucking naturally brings just because it exists, but we should focus on the positive parts of it. So, 1. thanks Ed Nash for taking all of these pictures of water trucking! Below, there are 4 trucks that have started pumping, along with us and lots of commotion (we tend to bring commotion wherever we go).
From the water trucks, the water is pumped into a berkad (a huge water reservoir where everyone gets water from the rain, as you can see below.
And of course I have to look semi-official :). Although I think I look more upset. But hey, that's apparently what I look like nowadays...
Surprisingly water trucking has gone well. Not too many fights or diasasters. All have had the ability to
be controlled, which is a miracle in and of itself. I think it's through providing when the need is so great that does something to you. To your heart and shakes your soul. Even though we were able to respond, you still wonder whether or not you have made the right decision. I wonder what will happen to these kids that I see in 3 or 4 years.
Or...maybe I'm just thinking too much. I am nearing the end of my contract....Those moments always cause me to be more reflective. I have started to tell people I'm leaving...and it's never easy. Although this past week I've tended to end my conversations, with "oh, by the way, I'm leaving soon". I've left many a country programme now after X months/years and I think I'm happy to report that it's not easy. I think it would be more difficult for me to accept if was wherever I was for a period of time and didn't care about the people or the place. Maybe it's a sign that you DID give everything you had while you were here...just maybe. The idea of going home is actually frightening to me...especially when you only go home for 2 to 3 weeks at a time for 2 1/2 years. It's strange that I'm as nervous going home as most people would be about starting a job in a foreign country. But I think it's times like theis that I can learn a lesson from the very subject I manage.
Water is fluid. If you watch it, when it flows, it goes around all of the cracks and seeps into the places where nothing solid could ever get through. It can become steam, ice, and regular water. It is the source of life.
Essentially, it adapts to whatever it needs to be. In my last weeks here and in what is to come, I want to be like water. "Wherever you are, be all there (especially in your last weeks)" I forget who said that: but I added the little amendment (if you couldn't tell). Since I have time for one more post before I leave, I'll save the sappy stuff for later.
Happy day all,
Patty
I guess from an outside perspective, it's difficult to see why woul dpeople NOT like water trucking? It's sexy! It's lifesaving! That's what people like to see on TV. But it's not sustainable. At the same time, you have to keep that in mind that if I don't do anything, people are going to die. However, in Somaliland, where there is recurrent drought and there isn't rain anywhere: the need and requests were just overwhelming.
Now that it's over and the rains have come though, I won't bore you with the tears and frustration water trucking naturally brings just because it exists, but we should focus on the positive parts of it. So, 1. thanks Ed Nash for taking all of these pictures of water trucking! Below, there are 4 trucks that have started pumping, along with us and lots of commotion (we tend to bring commotion wherever we go).
From the water trucks, the water is pumped into a berkad (a huge water reservoir where everyone gets water from the rain, as you can see below.
And of course I have to look semi-official :). Although I think I look more upset. But hey, that's apparently what I look like nowadays...
Surprisingly water trucking has gone well. Not too many fights or diasasters. All have had the ability to
be controlled, which is a miracle in and of itself. I think it's through providing when the need is so great that does something to you. To your heart and shakes your soul. Even though we were able to respond, you still wonder whether or not you have made the right decision. I wonder what will happen to these kids that I see in 3 or 4 years.
Or...maybe I'm just thinking too much. I am nearing the end of my contract....Those moments always cause me to be more reflective. I have started to tell people I'm leaving...and it's never easy. Although this past week I've tended to end my conversations, with "oh, by the way, I'm leaving soon". I've left many a country programme now after X months/years and I think I'm happy to report that it's not easy. I think it would be more difficult for me to accept if was wherever I was for a period of time and didn't care about the people or the place. Maybe it's a sign that you DID give everything you had while you were here...just maybe. The idea of going home is actually frightening to me...especially when you only go home for 2 to 3 weeks at a time for 2 1/2 years. It's strange that I'm as nervous going home as most people would be about starting a job in a foreign country. But I think it's times like theis that I can learn a lesson from the very subject I manage.
Water is fluid. If you watch it, when it flows, it goes around all of the cracks and seeps into the places where nothing solid could ever get through. It can become steam, ice, and regular water. It is the source of life.
Essentially, it adapts to whatever it needs to be. In my last weeks here and in what is to come, I want to be like water. "Wherever you are, be all there (especially in your last weeks)" I forget who said that: but I added the little amendment (if you couldn't tell). Since I have time for one more post before I leave, I'll save the sappy stuff for later.
Happy day all,
Patty
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy February all.
Wow. It just seems like this year is flying by, maybe a bit faster than last year did. Is it universal? Or is it just me? Well, the month of February has turned into the month of distributions. I feel like I have them coming out of my ears. However, I do prefer the other term we use for distributions, “making it rain”. I do believe I got this from the Van Der Merwe’s during our distributions in Haiti- whenever we would do distributions- we’d go to “make it rain”.
I’ve done many a distribution. That’s something I’m quite comfortable with, I feel like I can manuever people through one with my eyes closed. Especially going through the tough ones where people are screaming at you and threatening you, I now find them easier and enjoyable.
The past weeks we have done 2 ceramic filter distributions. I think this is one of my favourite distributions. Tangible, easy, yet HUGE impact. The first time we distributed, I explained how it worked, and then asked if there were any questions and one lady said, “yes....how do you use the faucet you have been talking about?”. Oh right....this is a good question if you’re never seen a tap. So I simply answered....”well, you can push it up...or down....” and then my voice trailed off....seriously...how do you explain how a tap works?
Over the many many distributions I’ve coordinated, I usually find myself making sure the stuff isn’t getting stolen, or making sure the porters are alright- doing what they should be, making sure the beneficiary cards match the actually person- etc. Needless to say, there’s a LOT to look at and a lot going on during a distribution. But this last time, we did a ceramic filter distribution and after I went through the process of teaching safe water and explaining how it works, I took time to really look at the BENEFICIARIES themselves. And I watched how they came up when we called their names....and watched as they pulled out their card from plastic bags, or something wrapped in layers and layers of paper. They took care of this card more than I think I take care of my phone or my computer. As I watched person after person pull out their card, I was humbled by this small thing act that I found so beautiful. My eyes definitely got watery as I was trying to play it off that dust was in my eyes.
After the distribution was finished they asked me about other services that we could possibly provide. After we talked, I came back and just cried. No, I don’t think I’m going crazy yet. But I think there comes moments, when in the busy-ness of everything, you take time to see the need that is there and how big it is, and how what you’re doing is maybe one drop of rain in the desert (after living here, you realise how small that really is).
So, after a couple of minutes, I quit feeling sorry for myself because it was depressing me and came across Psalm 145. Verse 14: He helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. For me, at that moment- what I saw at the distribution and this verse went together. I could see it! Isn’t that beautiful? And I thought....is it possible that He picked me, to be here, to tangibly do the same thing? That he picks all of us....to do....the same....thing?
When you think about it, it’s quite humbling that He would trust us to do what we can for the betterment of someone else. So, in my head at least, it all came together in this February, this month known for Love. Of course, I naturally think of the negative, of all the times overseas and even at home, when I haven’t been Love or shown anything CLOSE to Love! Of moments lost...will I ever be able to make up for that? I think of all the times that instead of helping the fallen, I’ve walked by them when they are down. Instead of being sensitive to those who are bent beneath their loads, I’ve possibly added to it by not taking that moment to be encouraging or even going slightly out of my way to make their day better. Even though it's easy to dwell on that, today is a new day.
So this Valentine’s Day, I’m really grateful for Love .....and Grace. For 2nd chances and 57th chances, and 1000th chances. That even though there is a 100% chance I'm going to mess up tomorrow and not have patience or grace or love like I want to, that there's enough Grace for tomorrow and Monday, and Tuesday to slowly become a better person.
And for the Valentine’s reminder.... that:
All of us are chosen.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Patty
Wow. It just seems like this year is flying by, maybe a bit faster than last year did. Is it universal? Or is it just me? Well, the month of February has turned into the month of distributions. I feel like I have them coming out of my ears. However, I do prefer the other term we use for distributions, “making it rain”. I do believe I got this from the Van Der Merwe’s during our distributions in Haiti- whenever we would do distributions- we’d go to “make it rain”.
I’ve done many a distribution. That’s something I’m quite comfortable with, I feel like I can manuever people through one with my eyes closed. Especially going through the tough ones where people are screaming at you and threatening you, I now find them easier and enjoyable.
The past weeks we have done 2 ceramic filter distributions. I think this is one of my favourite distributions. Tangible, easy, yet HUGE impact. The first time we distributed, I explained how it worked, and then asked if there were any questions and one lady said, “yes....how do you use the faucet you have been talking about?”. Oh right....this is a good question if you’re never seen a tap. So I simply answered....”well, you can push it up...or down....” and then my voice trailed off....seriously...how do you explain how a tap works?
Over the many many distributions I’ve coordinated, I usually find myself making sure the stuff isn’t getting stolen, or making sure the porters are alright- doing what they should be, making sure the beneficiary cards match the actually person- etc. Needless to say, there’s a LOT to look at and a lot going on during a distribution. But this last time, we did a ceramic filter distribution and after I went through the process of teaching safe water and explaining how it works, I took time to really look at the BENEFICIARIES themselves. And I watched how they came up when we called their names....and watched as they pulled out their card from plastic bags, or something wrapped in layers and layers of paper. They took care of this card more than I think I take care of my phone or my computer. As I watched person after person pull out their card, I was humbled by this small thing act that I found so beautiful. My eyes definitely got watery as I was trying to play it off that dust was in my eyes.
After the distribution was finished they asked me about other services that we could possibly provide. After we talked, I came back and just cried. No, I don’t think I’m going crazy yet. But I think there comes moments, when in the busy-ness of everything, you take time to see the need that is there and how big it is, and how what you’re doing is maybe one drop of rain in the desert (after living here, you realise how small that really is).
So, after a couple of minutes, I quit feeling sorry for myself because it was depressing me and came across Psalm 145. Verse 14: He helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. For me, at that moment- what I saw at the distribution and this verse went together. I could see it! Isn’t that beautiful? And I thought....is it possible that He picked me, to be here, to tangibly do the same thing? That he picks all of us....to do....the same....thing?
When you think about it, it’s quite humbling that He would trust us to do what we can for the betterment of someone else. So, in my head at least, it all came together in this February, this month known for Love. Of course, I naturally think of the negative, of all the times overseas and even at home, when I haven’t been Love or shown anything CLOSE to Love! Of moments lost...will I ever be able to make up for that? I think of all the times that instead of helping the fallen, I’ve walked by them when they are down. Instead of being sensitive to those who are bent beneath their loads, I’ve possibly added to it by not taking that moment to be encouraging or even going slightly out of my way to make their day better. Even though it's easy to dwell on that, today is a new day.
So this Valentine’s Day, I’m really grateful for Love .....and Grace. For 2nd chances and 57th chances, and 1000th chances. That even though there is a 100% chance I'm going to mess up tomorrow and not have patience or grace or love like I want to, that there's enough Grace for tomorrow and Monday, and Tuesday to slowly become a better person.
And for the Valentine’s reminder.... that:
All of us are chosen.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Patty
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Blind to the Beautiful
Happy new Year everyone!
Here's to wishing you a Happy and amazing 2012. I have a feeling there's going to be something awesome about this year- maybe it's the end of the world, maybe not- but either way, it's started off quit busy.
I just got back from spending quit a bit of time in the field. I kind of have this love/hate relationship with the field. I love it- but I don't like the process of getting to there. It's mostly bad roads long hours- and not exactly conducive if you're a girl and have to go to the bathroom. So, before we left there was just so much going on, causing us to leave late. So, here we are on this 7 hour drive to the middle of no-where.
We get there and I'm a bit motion-sick. But I saw mountains for the first time in Somaliland. Like somewhat proper mountains!
Ok. It might not look like much, but it was really beautiful and cool! I even had to use my little zip up hoodie- which is a great feeling- so different from the typical day of sweating so much. So we sleep and wake up the next morning to do an assessment while the nutrition team did a distribution.
One of the elders was showing me around and said- oh, well, the other wells that we go to are way over there- by that mountain. But it's so far. And I said, "oh, well. can the car go there?" and they responded, "no. there's no road". "Oh." I replied. "I guess that means we walk!". So we started walking. After the typical cordial chat, it was pretty silent. All I could hear was our feet hitting the dirt as we continued to walk. My focus on the lack of sounds was interrupted by the elder saying "you walk fast!".
I see all the things that I need to see and we start walking back. My thoughts drift back to days in Liberia when we walked like 18 hours to do assessments in such a rural community. That was the first time in my life I thought that my feet were bleeding from walking so much. And I remembered that walk. And I remembered Johnny- one of our WASH guys- singing "I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with Praise. I will say this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice for He has made me glad." I think because of that trip- that song remains one of my favourites today. As we walked back, I started humming that tune as a smile came across my face of good memories.
I stayed awhile, and took some tea. I really like this place. I still do. I came back and found this quote that I had written on an index card a while ago from a church I went to when living in California....." We can learn to appreciate anything- good or bad. We can be trained to appreciate the mundane and to be blind to the beautiful". (Erwin M). I took that card and put it up on my wall.
Of all the things I've seen, do I forget to look for the beautiful? Do I literally see glimpses of beauty everyday and have just become blind to it? I looked back through the pictures I took during the field trip, of so many berkads and wells and there was one i took of this little boy. We were playing hide and seek. (well, the guards tend to not let children or anyone else, for that matter, close to me so we did the best we could). So I took this picture when he wasn't looking:
This child, is one definition of all that is beautiful.
So, as another year begins, may we all be aware of the beauty around us. Whether that beauty is in the cold, the rain, or even the desert....May we appreciate the good. Even if the good we do may be forgotten. May we train ourselves this year to find beauty all around us....because maybe....the beauty's been there all along.
Until next time,
Patty
Here's to wishing you a Happy and amazing 2012. I have a feeling there's going to be something awesome about this year- maybe it's the end of the world, maybe not- but either way, it's started off quit busy.
I just got back from spending quit a bit of time in the field. I kind of have this love/hate relationship with the field. I love it- but I don't like the process of getting to there. It's mostly bad roads long hours- and not exactly conducive if you're a girl and have to go to the bathroom. So, before we left there was just so much going on, causing us to leave late. So, here we are on this 7 hour drive to the middle of no-where.
We get there and I'm a bit motion-sick. But I saw mountains for the first time in Somaliland. Like somewhat proper mountains!
Ok. It might not look like much, but it was really beautiful and cool! I even had to use my little zip up hoodie- which is a great feeling- so different from the typical day of sweating so much. So we sleep and wake up the next morning to do an assessment while the nutrition team did a distribution.
One of the elders was showing me around and said- oh, well, the other wells that we go to are way over there- by that mountain. But it's so far. And I said, "oh, well. can the car go there?" and they responded, "no. there's no road". "Oh." I replied. "I guess that means we walk!". So we started walking. After the typical cordial chat, it was pretty silent. All I could hear was our feet hitting the dirt as we continued to walk. My focus on the lack of sounds was interrupted by the elder saying "you walk fast!".
I see all the things that I need to see and we start walking back. My thoughts drift back to days in Liberia when we walked like 18 hours to do assessments in such a rural community. That was the first time in my life I thought that my feet were bleeding from walking so much. And I remembered that walk. And I remembered Johnny- one of our WASH guys- singing "I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with Praise. I will say this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice for He has made me glad." I think because of that trip- that song remains one of my favourites today. As we walked back, I started humming that tune as a smile came across my face of good memories.
I stayed awhile, and took some tea. I really like this place. I still do. I came back and found this quote that I had written on an index card a while ago from a church I went to when living in California....." We can learn to appreciate anything- good or bad. We can be trained to appreciate the mundane and to be blind to the beautiful". (Erwin M). I took that card and put it up on my wall.
Of all the things I've seen, do I forget to look for the beautiful? Do I literally see glimpses of beauty everyday and have just become blind to it? I looked back through the pictures I took during the field trip, of so many berkads and wells and there was one i took of this little boy. We were playing hide and seek. (well, the guards tend to not let children or anyone else, for that matter, close to me so we did the best we could). So I took this picture when he wasn't looking:
This child, is one definition of all that is beautiful.
So, as another year begins, may we all be aware of the beauty around us. Whether that beauty is in the cold, the rain, or even the desert....May we appreciate the good. Even if the good we do may be forgotten. May we train ourselves this year to find beauty all around us....because maybe....the beauty's been there all along.
Until next time,
Patty
Monday, December 26, 2011
Christmas is always worth it
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
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
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
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