Well getting Internet access is a challenge I wish that I had more time to write! I have been through so many hills and valleys I find it difficult to describe everything that has been going on. We are on our fifth week now and have had some challenges to say the least! We are the first volunteer group to come to Impendle and have been a bit overwhelmed by the requests that we have received for help, money, work...We have not been set to a specific project so we have been doing a variety of things, on Thursday we went to schools and gave motivational speeches to students, we are working on the garden where we live, and in between it seems like everyone wants us to visit us, meet us, play with us (the kids), invite us to events...we can have five things to do on one day but have the next day free. This can be very frustrating at times. The African way of doing things seems to take time, meetings, introductions, speeches, thank yous all a cultural wake-up compared to the 'get 'er done' attitude typical of North Americans. We practice patience everyday, take everything in stride. All of us in the group want to make a lasting impression and leave a 'mark' for the people of Impendle...from Crossroads. However if we do one thing really lasting this trip its setting up for the next group of volunteers to come here. Now we have just have two weeks left here and I feel like we all wish that we could have done more, however logistically and because we really didn't know what to expect, we have done the best that we could with the resources that we were given.
On a more personal level I have also been experiencing a lot of emotions. We rode in the back of a pick-up from Durban to Impendle a two hour drive, however due to meeting some family members of the driver Sabelo, we left after dark. Have I mentioned that it is cold here? Six of us with luggage were crammed in the back and flying down the highway I have never been so cramped and cold and scared and angry for having been put in that situation. It was the first time I cried to myself. Fortunately we were able to re-arrange for the second hour and it was not so bad. On the other hand some of us climbed to the top of Impendle mountain. We arrived at sunset and it was so beautiful, I was so delighted to be there at that time and to see the beautiful scenery I was truly happy and at peace at that moment. I am thankful to Msizi for taking me there...I would not have made it without him. I have also met one of the most giving and wonderful families, the Dlamini's. Nosihle is one of the sisters in the Dlamini family of ten, her and I have become very good friends. Although we live very different lives we have so much in common and it makes me so sad that we have so little time left with each other.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Hospitality
In the one week that we have been here we have received several offer to stay and go and eat at many different peoples houses. In the last two days Cindy's family has had us over for two authentic South African dinners, the first night we had mashed potatoes, sausage and a sort of steak with tripe on the side (the tripe was a challenge for me and many of my group members). Last night we ate something like cous cous with potatoes, a meat stew-type dish, sweet beans and coleslaw with chicken. There is always too much food and it can be difficult to finish. We sang, danced...Zulu dancing often consists of clapping and one or two people kicking their leg as high in the air as possible (the object is to get your leg to touch your ear!) its quite fun to try and our hosts break out in shouts when we make our attempts. The people here love to sing and I absolutely love hearing what beautiful voices they have. The family that has been having us over has a TV so we watch music videos and south African shows, they are interesting to watch. The end of the night is marked by a song and a prayer and they then drive us back to the creche. Kindly they even offered to drive us into town today to run errands (a one hour drive) and so now I am able to get online. This week I think that we will be working on a variety of projects, gardening and visiting schools.
The art of a bucket shower
Water where we are staying is a commodity. All our water comes from a large tank outside the house that we must share with the preschool. We have been trying to conserve water as much as possible and this can be quite a challenge. We have a bathing room (different from the toilet which is an outhouse about 20m from the creche) in it we heat water in a large barrel with a gas stove where we then stand in an old semi rusted bathtub and pouring hot water out of a one gallon bucket with a cup and washcloth to wash ourselves. I was skeptical at first but surprisingly I am able to get clean using just one gallon of water! The hard part is facing the cold when you are done. Yes it gets very cold at night and there is no indoor heating making it difficult to heat up but we are finding ways to manage. We bought a small indoor electric heater but it doesn't do too much. The locals heat their houses by bringing in hot coals but our place is not really accomodating to this. It is supposed to start to get warmer in a few weeks so I am looking forward to that.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sanbona!
Wow Africa!
What a rush it has been. From Durban we had arrived in Impendle the drive let us get a feel for the dominant geography of the land, mostly rolling hillsides and short dry grass. Everything here is very dry and sometimes you can see smoke from a bush fire off in the distance. The roads in Impendle are dirt and everywhere we went we were stared and waved at. We are staying in a Creche, a preschool that was somewhat converted in order to accomodate us. When we got there things were not quite ready yet but everything worked out. We have a lot more than I expected, I guess that I really wasn't expecting much so it was an interesting surprise. We all share a common room where we sleep and eat, there are two ajoining rooms where there is a fridge, stove and cubbards. The electricity circut is limited so we cannot have all applinces on at once, but I didn't expect any at all. I think that I was expecting to live more in the way that they do but I have come to discover that they think that we should live in a way as much like home as possible. Everyone we meet has a smile and laugh to give, as we practice our limited Zulu, a language that incorporates clicks, tisks and other things I seem to have a hard time to making my tounge do we are constantly corrected. The Zulu handshake is always ready to greet, it is a one pump handshake, then you grab the others thumb, followed by another pump handshake. We have gone to a lot of meetings, greetings and events where I have learned that the people here like to talk a lot, even if it seems like people may not be listening. There seems to be a lot of formalities, introductions, thank yous and so on but the content of these meetings has been for the most part very interesting. Many people are working very hard to help the people of Impendle. We were presented with some of the challenges that the people here face:
-HIV/aids
-illiterecy
-unemployment
-access to basic services
-lack of skills and education
-food security
there are more that I have forgotten. I feel that if we can help the people here with even one of these issues that we have done something good. Yesterday we visited a rural school and helped them get some gardens going. It was hard work, the soil was packed hard and it was very hot but we managed to get a lot done. To counter the hot during the day it is quite cold at night. I am more than glad that I brought the warm clothes that I did, unfortunately not all group members did and we are working on getting some warmer clothes for them. I must now go eat lunch but will write again as soon as I can.
What a rush it has been. From Durban we had arrived in Impendle the drive let us get a feel for the dominant geography of the land, mostly rolling hillsides and short dry grass. Everything here is very dry and sometimes you can see smoke from a bush fire off in the distance. The roads in Impendle are dirt and everywhere we went we were stared and waved at. We are staying in a Creche, a preschool that was somewhat converted in order to accomodate us. When we got there things were not quite ready yet but everything worked out. We have a lot more than I expected, I guess that I really wasn't expecting much so it was an interesting surprise. We all share a common room where we sleep and eat, there are two ajoining rooms where there is a fridge, stove and cubbards. The electricity circut is limited so we cannot have all applinces on at once, but I didn't expect any at all. I think that I was expecting to live more in the way that they do but I have come to discover that they think that we should live in a way as much like home as possible. Everyone we meet has a smile and laugh to give, as we practice our limited Zulu, a language that incorporates clicks, tisks and other things I seem to have a hard time to making my tounge do we are constantly corrected. The Zulu handshake is always ready to greet, it is a one pump handshake, then you grab the others thumb, followed by another pump handshake. We have gone to a lot of meetings, greetings and events where I have learned that the people here like to talk a lot, even if it seems like people may not be listening. There seems to be a lot of formalities, introductions, thank yous and so on but the content of these meetings has been for the most part very interesting. Many people are working very hard to help the people of Impendle. We were presented with some of the challenges that the people here face:
-HIV/aids
-illiterecy
-unemployment
-access to basic services
-lack of skills and education
-food security
there are more that I have forgotten. I feel that if we can help the people here with even one of these issues that we have done something good. Yesterday we visited a rural school and helped them get some gardens going. It was hard work, the soil was packed hard and it was very hot but we managed to get a lot done. To counter the hot during the day it is quite cold at night. I am more than glad that I brought the warm clothes that I did, unfortunately not all group members did and we are working on getting some warmer clothes for them. I must now go eat lunch but will write again as soon as I can.
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Amazment Begins Today
In New York 69 Crossroaders gathered to embark on an amazing adventure, there are 8 groups and they are going to Gambia (2 groups), Uganda (2 groups), Ghana, Tanzania, Niger, and us (South Africa). After three days of orientation to get to know your group and learn to deal with cultural and other differences and challenges we should all now be in our respective countries. I cannot be more thankful to be a part of such an interesting and fun group, I just know that we are going to have such a great time. There are 8 of us from Arizona, NY, Maryland, Florida and then me the only Canadian.
For us after three plane rides (one 8 hours, one 9 and the other 1 hour with a total of 5 hours of stopovers)we arrived in Durban a full day of traveling later. We arrived at night and now this morning we are preparing to go to our village which is supposed to be about 2 hours away. Excitement doesn't describe what it is I am feeling, its something much bigger than that.
I really have no idea what its going to be like but I can hardly wait to find out. I woke up early today to have what could be my last hot shower for a while (in Impendle we will be have the experience of bucket showers). I don't know when I will have the pleasure of writing next but I hope that it will be soon so that I can share my first impressions of our village. I know our contact there has warned us that our welcome may be a bit overwhelming as our group is the first group to stay and work in Impendle.
For us after three plane rides (one 8 hours, one 9 and the other 1 hour with a total of 5 hours of stopovers)we arrived in Durban a full day of traveling later. We arrived at night and now this morning we are preparing to go to our village which is supposed to be about 2 hours away. Excitement doesn't describe what it is I am feeling, its something much bigger than that.
I really have no idea what its going to be like but I can hardly wait to find out. I woke up early today to have what could be my last hot shower for a while (in Impendle we will be have the experience of bucket showers). I don't know when I will have the pleasure of writing next but I hope that it will be soon so that I can share my first impressions of our village. I know our contact there has warned us that our welcome may be a bit overwhelming as our group is the first group to stay and work in Impendle.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
New York NY...here I am!
Well all has been said and done I have finally made it. After two more fundraisers (a garage sale and a going-away BBQ) and photo sales also with the generous help of friends and family I have successfully raised the funds that I needed to be able to go to South Africa.
Thank you so much to those who have and continue to support me!
So the last week is all a bit of a daze...packing, planning, making lists, getting shots, buying toys and school supplies to donate, making more lists that all cumulated with a deadline that I reluctantly obliged. Dan and Laurie left for the Seattle airport at 1am. We arrived 3 hours later because traffic was non-existent at that time and finally I said my good-byes and was on the very plush Virgin America Airbus with leather seats plenty of leg room and personal touch-screen with remote/game controller. I connected in LA and waited for my next flight on the very same plane thankfully I didn't have to navigate LAX for this reason.
LAX to JFK was the nightmare flight. I was supposed to take 4 hours 20 minutes. We were delayed because of bad weather in NY and ended up having to land in Rochester NY to re-fuel. Where we were delayed even longer for a total of 12 hours on that flight! I got into NY at around 1am but it took about an hour to wait for a cab who subsequently didn't know where Adelphi University was. He then told me that it would cost $80 to get there, and then there was traffic! We then got lost twice and drove all over long island to by fluke come across the university. He then dropped me off after I very reluctantly paid him to find that I had no idea where the dorm was. I finally found it and got to bed at around 3am Eastern for a total of over 20 hours traveling, by the end I was totally wasted and deflated my hope was that I had a bed and that everything would be better very soon. I expected hard traveling on this trip just not on my way to NY!!!
The only good thing was that I got to fly a plane.! Ok, Ok I was just pretending...we got to tour the cockpit on our long stopover.
some flight photos:
Mt St. Helens
First images of NY
So it was a long trip to get here but my excitement for South Africa has not been quenched, especially after meeting with my group today, all of whom seem like wonderful people. Orientation has been very well done so far and I have met so many great people. I will be leaving for SA on a 17 hour flight on Sunday in the afternoon.
Yes. I have to keep telling myself that this is actually happening!
Thank you so much to those who have and continue to support me!
So the last week is all a bit of a daze...packing, planning, making lists, getting shots, buying toys and school supplies to donate, making more lists that all cumulated with a deadline that I reluctantly obliged. Dan and Laurie left for the Seattle airport at 1am. We arrived 3 hours later because traffic was non-existent at that time and finally I said my good-byes and was on the very plush Virgin America Airbus with leather seats plenty of leg room and personal touch-screen with remote/game controller. I connected in LA and waited for my next flight on the very same plane thankfully I didn't have to navigate LAX for this reason.
LAX to JFK was the nightmare flight. I was supposed to take 4 hours 20 minutes. We were delayed because of bad weather in NY and ended up having to land in Rochester NY to re-fuel. Where we were delayed even longer for a total of 12 hours on that flight! I got into NY at around 1am but it took about an hour to wait for a cab who subsequently didn't know where Adelphi University was. He then told me that it would cost $80 to get there, and then there was traffic! We then got lost twice and drove all over long island to by fluke come across the university. He then dropped me off after I very reluctantly paid him to find that I had no idea where the dorm was. I finally found it and got to bed at around 3am Eastern for a total of over 20 hours traveling, by the end I was totally wasted and deflated my hope was that I had a bed and that everything would be better very soon. I expected hard traveling on this trip just not on my way to NY!!!
The only good thing was that I got to fly a plane.! Ok, Ok I was just pretending...we got to tour the cockpit on our long stopover.
some flight photos:
Mt St. Helens
First images of NY
So it was a long trip to get here but my excitement for South Africa has not been quenched, especially after meeting with my group today, all of whom seem like wonderful people. Orientation has been very well done so far and I have met so many great people. I will be leaving for SA on a 17 hour flight on Sunday in the afternoon.
Yes. I have to keep telling myself that this is actually happening!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
A Great Kickoff!
The event last Thursday went wonderfully. The night consisted of a very nice dinner and a great crowd out to watch the (disappointing) Canucks game. This was the first time I had ever hosted a fundraiser and as with first time for many things I didn't really know what to expect and as such ended up a bit under-prepared. For the event I wanted to gather prizes so that I could sell tickets for a raffle. I had no idea what a huge challenge that this would be! I handed out over 30 donation letters, made countless follow-up phone calls and was ignored/let-down/told to go elsewhere by the majority of those who I had approached. I heard a lot of 'I'm sorry...' 'Unfortunately...' 'We don't...' and other let-downs but not once did someone actually say the word 'no'. Some people even lied to me! There were a lot of disappointments but I would like to thank the following for generously giving donations:
Himalaya Sweets and Restaurant on #5 and Cambie in Richmond for a gift certificate.
White Spot on #3 and Ackroyd for 10 burger platter gift certificates.
Bodacious on Main and 27th for a silk clutch purse.
Bonita Meyer for a bath set, pampered chef cookware, and a safety kit.
Starbucks on #3 and Ackroyd in Richmond for a pound of coffee and a Starbucks mug.
Although I was incredibly stressed for part of the event trying to do too many things at once...I am so thankful that so many people came out to support me. Without you it would not have been possible! In all 44 people came out and we raised $600! This is a great start to the rest of the fundraising that I have to do and I look forward to more successful events.
For pictures of the event go here
I would like to send out a special thanks for the generous donation of $100 from Susan James made through this website (where you too can donate).
Himalaya Sweets and Restaurant on #5 and Cambie in Richmond for a gift certificate.
White Spot on #3 and Ackroyd for 10 burger platter gift certificates.
Bodacious on Main and 27th for a silk clutch purse.
Bonita Meyer for a bath set, pampered chef cookware, and a safety kit.
Starbucks on #3 and Ackroyd in Richmond for a pound of coffee and a Starbucks mug.
Although I was incredibly stressed for part of the event trying to do too many things at once...I am so thankful that so many people came out to support me. Without you it would not have been possible! In all 44 people came out and we raised $600! This is a great start to the rest of the fundraising that I have to do and I look forward to more successful events.
For pictures of the event go here
I would like to send out a special thanks for the generous donation of $100 from Susan James made through this website (where you too can donate).
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