For most of my friends anyway. I still have a few more to buy, but every month our church has a bazaar, and a bunch of the locals hand make things, and sell them! I spent over half of my souvenir budget... But bought over half of the people on my list!
Little Penelope Kendra- you are not even born yet, and you have way to many gifts from Auntie. I have made Deanna promise not to let me buy you anything more!
Also good news- an American family who lives like 3 compounds away from us also run a daycare. Since going to the orphanage as much as we wanted did not work out, we have offered to work there! I am excited. I have not been very happy here lately, and I think it's because I have been so bored. Only working 2 hours a day is not enough to keep me occupied. And since it is an American run daycare, maybe the babies will actually have clean diapers! Wooohoooo.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Worst African fears confirmed.
This is the blog Deanna wrote about our night last night. I cannot bring myself to write about it. I just want to be in America.
Last night started off just fantastically. Kendra and I turned on one of two English TV channels, and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was on. We decided that this could be a fun movie to watch. Our dilemma was the couches. They aren't the most comfortable I've ever sat on, and if we were going to stay up to watch a movie we were going to need better seating. Quickly, we found a solution: bring out a matress and sleeping bag. We did exactly that, and were very pleased. Of course, Amare and Masresha found it hilarious, but what else is new. After getting comfortable, we remembered that Amare had bought popcorn in a can the other day. Popcorn in a can?! Fun! Obviously popcorn and a movie is a good choice, and making popcorn from a can using the stove (old school!) makes the choice even better.
Unfortunately this is where it all went downhill.
We excitedly got up and headed out to the kitchen. Allow me to help you try to picture the setting. Amare and Masresha were finishing a late dinner in the house, sitting at the kitchen table by our little family room / eating area. They were going to come help us with the stove after we got set up, because the stove is quite tricky...you have to turn on the gas tank then turn on the stove and light the flame and sometimes it's a little frightening. Now, the kitchen where food is prepared is outside. You leave our house, and along the side of the house is kind of like another teeny tiny house. There are two rooms that you enter from outside, and the kitchen which you also enter from outside. Essentially an outdoor kitchen. It's very small, and the light doesn't work. It was nighttime, so it was very dark. Luckily, we had our phone to light the way until Amare and Masresha came out to help. Anyways, we go into the kitchen and Kendra opens the cabinet to take out a pot for the popcorn. That's when it happened.
It all happened so quickly. My thought process was as follows, "Woah something just ran out of the cabinet! Oh man it's big and black and it's running at me! There ARE rats here, I KNEW it!!!" There were most likely some profanities in those thoughts, considering what was actually coming out of my mouth in that split second is not appropriate to post in my blog. Kendra took the worst hit. She was right in the line of fire and the nasty rodent actually made contact with her, running over her foot. I had started running and screaming immediately, and Kendra was not more than a second behind me. We got to higher ground (aka we stood on a step outside the kitchen...as if the rat couldn't climb one step?) and continued screaming.
Amare, Masresha and Desta came running and looked genuinly concerned for our well-being...until we screamed at them that a rat just jumped out of the cabinet at us. Then they just about died laughing. Amare couldn't even move, he was laughing so hard. We continued freaking out, and told them to find it while we refused to leave our safe higher ground. Desta brought a flashlight over and they checked the teeny little kitchen. No luck. They assured us that he had escaped, and it was okay to come into the kitchen. We weren't so sure, but we tried to be brave and cautiously made our way back in. It didn't help one bit that all three boys were having a fantastic time freaking us out by brushing our feet with things, turning off the flashlight to scare us, and any other trick they could play.
Amazingly, we still made popcorn (under the protection of three guys who were willing to kill the rat if he showed his disgusting face again) and returned safely inside.
And so, my fears have been confirmed. If you remember from a few posts ago, I awoke one night and swore I heard some sort of rodent on the roof. I was only comforted by that fact that I not actually seen one. Well, now I've seen it. And this was no small mouse. This thing was legit. It had to be as big as two baseballs (I know that's not a very good comparison, but all I can think of besides that is "it was as big as a giant, black rat" and that's not helpful at all). Gross. Disgusting.
Needless to say, I had to check under my blankets before I went to bed last night. The coast was clear, and somehow I slept just fine. Perhaps because I still haven't seen a rat inside the house, I feel relatively safe. But I know he's still out there somewhere, probably with all his nasty rat friends. And can I just remind you once more that we found him in our kitchen?! Ew. That's just never a good place for a rat.
Amare and Desta just came in to say good morning to us, and to see if we survived the night. They're still laughing and making fun of us. I have a feeling we're not going to live this down for awhile :)
Ew.
Last night started off just fantastically. Kendra and I turned on one of two English TV channels, and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was on. We decided that this could be a fun movie to watch. Our dilemma was the couches. They aren't the most comfortable I've ever sat on, and if we were going to stay up to watch a movie we were going to need better seating. Quickly, we found a solution: bring out a matress and sleeping bag. We did exactly that, and were very pleased. Of course, Amare and Masresha found it hilarious, but what else is new. After getting comfortable, we remembered that Amare had bought popcorn in a can the other day. Popcorn in a can?! Fun! Obviously popcorn and a movie is a good choice, and making popcorn from a can using the stove (old school!) makes the choice even better.
Unfortunately this is where it all went downhill.
We excitedly got up and headed out to the kitchen. Allow me to help you try to picture the setting. Amare and Masresha were finishing a late dinner in the house, sitting at the kitchen table by our little family room / eating area. They were going to come help us with the stove after we got set up, because the stove is quite tricky...you have to turn on the gas tank then turn on the stove and light the flame and sometimes it's a little frightening. Now, the kitchen where food is prepared is outside. You leave our house, and along the side of the house is kind of like another teeny tiny house. There are two rooms that you enter from outside, and the kitchen which you also enter from outside. Essentially an outdoor kitchen. It's very small, and the light doesn't work. It was nighttime, so it was very dark. Luckily, we had our phone to light the way until Amare and Masresha came out to help. Anyways, we go into the kitchen and Kendra opens the cabinet to take out a pot for the popcorn. That's when it happened.
It all happened so quickly. My thought process was as follows, "Woah something just ran out of the cabinet! Oh man it's big and black and it's running at me! There ARE rats here, I KNEW it!!!" There were most likely some profanities in those thoughts, considering what was actually coming out of my mouth in that split second is not appropriate to post in my blog. Kendra took the worst hit. She was right in the line of fire and the nasty rodent actually made contact with her, running over her foot. I had started running and screaming immediately, and Kendra was not more than a second behind me. We got to higher ground (aka we stood on a step outside the kitchen...as if the rat couldn't climb one step?) and continued screaming.
Amare, Masresha and Desta came running and looked genuinly concerned for our well-being...until we screamed at them that a rat just jumped out of the cabinet at us. Then they just about died laughing. Amare couldn't even move, he was laughing so hard. We continued freaking out, and told them to find it while we refused to leave our safe higher ground. Desta brought a flashlight over and they checked the teeny little kitchen. No luck. They assured us that he had escaped, and it was okay to come into the kitchen. We weren't so sure, but we tried to be brave and cautiously made our way back in. It didn't help one bit that all three boys were having a fantastic time freaking us out by brushing our feet with things, turning off the flashlight to scare us, and any other trick they could play.
Amazingly, we still made popcorn (under the protection of three guys who were willing to kill the rat if he showed his disgusting face again) and returned safely inside.
And so, my fears have been confirmed. If you remember from a few posts ago, I awoke one night and swore I heard some sort of rodent on the roof. I was only comforted by that fact that I not actually seen one. Well, now I've seen it. And this was no small mouse. This thing was legit. It had to be as big as two baseballs (I know that's not a very good comparison, but all I can think of besides that is "it was as big as a giant, black rat" and that's not helpful at all). Gross. Disgusting.
Needless to say, I had to check under my blankets before I went to bed last night. The coast was clear, and somehow I slept just fine. Perhaps because I still haven't seen a rat inside the house, I feel relatively safe. But I know he's still out there somewhere, probably with all his nasty rat friends. And can I just remind you once more that we found him in our kitchen?! Ew. That's just never a good place for a rat.
Amare and Desta just came in to say good morning to us, and to see if we survived the night. They're still laughing and making fun of us. I have a feeling we're not going to live this down for awhile :)
Ew.
It's getting wild!!
This morning, I go outside, and notice something is missing. I see Bobby. I see Squeekers. But where is Luna?
About a week ago amare informed is that he believes that Luna is pregnant, because her breasts are getting large. Masrasha cut in to say "that's inappropriate" it was fuunnnyy. Anyways. I did not give it much thought, until I could not find Luna! I asked Amare to find her, and him and Desta went on a hunt. Well, we found her, under a spare bed in an room in a different building in the compound. She was in the process of giving birth to puppy #1!!!! Pongo. He is sooo cute, and brown all over. As we watched, out popped Oreo, a white a black little boy. They are the cutest little guys ever! Luna did some cleaning, and cutting of cords... Yuck. I had never seen anything be born before... So now I am totally prepared to be Kalenes birth coach! Don't worry little Penelope Kendra... I know what to do! ;)
There was also an animal attack that I cannot write about. Deanna did, and I will post her blog for you all to read. I am to scarred to relive it again.
About a week ago amare informed is that he believes that Luna is pregnant, because her breasts are getting large. Masrasha cut in to say "that's inappropriate" it was fuunnnyy. Anyways. I did not give it much thought, until I could not find Luna! I asked Amare to find her, and him and Desta went on a hunt. Well, we found her, under a spare bed in an room in a different building in the compound. She was in the process of giving birth to puppy #1!!!! Pongo. He is sooo cute, and brown all over. As we watched, out popped Oreo, a white a black little boy. They are the cutest little guys ever! Luna did some cleaning, and cutting of cords... Yuck. I had never seen anything be born before... So now I am totally prepared to be Kalenes birth coach! Don't worry little Penelope Kendra... I know what to do! ;)
There was also an animal attack that I cannot write about. Deanna did, and I will post her blog for you all to read. I am to scarred to relive it again.
Monday, February 20, 2012
No more boring life for me!
Excitement has been basically my entire life these last few days. Well, last night and today at least. We found out that we had running water!! Woohooo! We did not believe them, since we have heard this many, many times in the past month. But guess what! It was true! And we still have it! 24 whole hours later! What? I can wash my hands? And my hair? Shave my legs? Inconceivable! The bad news is that the water heater is not so great. As in broken. But hey, the water is not coming from a bucket, and is a steady stream. Beggars can't be choosers, and I choose the steady stream! No more bucket bathes for me!!!!!
Also big news, I went to shishu. We have heard big things about this restaurant. It supposedly has "American burgers". I have to admit... I had doubts. Big doubts actually. You see, people here say a lot of things that are way not true. I have taken to not believing anything. It makes my heart hurt less than to get my hopes up, and have them squashed like the hyena I saw squashed to the road today (more on that later). So, the burgers... They were actually very good! Very very close to America! I think it is my new favorite place! I also enjoyed the fact that the menu stated that because of a "bacon shortage in the city, they will not be serving bacon in the unforeseeable future". Ha.
So, after a delish BBQ burger, we waited for our friends to pick us up, and we headed to street ministry. Street ministry is where we find a bunch of street kids, and we sing, pray, and just have fun with them. We also give them food, so everyone is happy.
The next day, dundee decided to take us on a little road trip. We went to the Blue Nile Gorge, like a grand canyon, Africa style. It is about 2 hours outside of the city, and the drive was amazing. It was very mountainous, and there were a lot of fields. I saw a bunch of people hunched over, working in the fields. And tons of grass houses. It was like being in Africa!
Once we got there, we ordered lunch, and Deanna and I decided to go for a walk. We followed a path, and was just walking, enjoying the beautiful sights, and we turned a corner, and BAM! Monkey. Just sitting there! A bunch of them. They were huge, and a little scary... So we backed away, and went the other direction. But wait. Monkeys? I mean, I know I am in Africa... But the only wildlife I have seen thus far is some dogs, and a big turtle. I was not expecting to see MONKEYS! We told the people we were with, and they did not seem impressed. Monkey sightings are not a daily occurrence in my life. FYI.
So, that brings me to the hyena. When we were driving, we saw one! It was most definitely dead. Road kill to be exact, but a hyena nonetheless!! Crazy!
This blog is taking many days to write, so now it is Sunday, and I am going to fill you in on the weekend too! So deal with me... Internet is not as widely found as in America.
So. Friday night we had a "movie night" at our house, and had a bunch of people over. It was a blast! We played a few games, and during one of them, the power went out. Which made watching a movie difficult... So we just lit a bunch of candles, and had a romantically lit game night. It was a ton of fuuunnn.
Saturday, we took the kids in our program (68 of them) to a children's theater. We rented two minibuses, which seat 12, and crammed everyone in. It was the kids, D and I, two Amharic speaking workers, an the driver and the conductor. It was a tight fit. But a lot of fun. The theatre cost 220 birr for 72 people to get in. That is almost 15 American dollars. You can't even get one person into the movie theatre for 15$ in America! Crazy.
When we got home we took our first shower in our house! We used the other bathroom since ours does not have hot water. But whateva! It's water! After we showered we got our pjs on, and started to wait for our hair to dry so we could then straighten it. Exciting Saturday night. I know. But then Dundee came home and asked if we wanted to go bowling! Yes we do! So we got dressed, and headed over! It turns out that there were no lanes open, so we played pool for a bit, and then went home. Not as exciting as it was supposed to be. Oh well. Better than waiting at home for our hair to dry. Literally.
Exiting day today! I should mention that I am a blog stalker... I have loved to read them for years! One blog, who I follow religiously for a few years now is "the shubin clan" it is an adoptive family, who has fallen in love with Ethiopia. Well they are in country! I emailed her, and we agreed to meet up! I met her this morning at church, and it was great. It's weird meeting someone who I already feel like I know well. But I am glad I got to meet her! Hopefully we will get to connect again before she leaves!
Well. That's all I got. Now I just need to find me some wifi to post this thing! Xoxoxo.
Also big news, I went to shishu. We have heard big things about this restaurant. It supposedly has "American burgers". I have to admit... I had doubts. Big doubts actually. You see, people here say a lot of things that are way not true. I have taken to not believing anything. It makes my heart hurt less than to get my hopes up, and have them squashed like the hyena I saw squashed to the road today (more on that later). So, the burgers... They were actually very good! Very very close to America! I think it is my new favorite place! I also enjoyed the fact that the menu stated that because of a "bacon shortage in the city, they will not be serving bacon in the unforeseeable future". Ha.
So, after a delish BBQ burger, we waited for our friends to pick us up, and we headed to street ministry. Street ministry is where we find a bunch of street kids, and we sing, pray, and just have fun with them. We also give them food, so everyone is happy.
The next day, dundee decided to take us on a little road trip. We went to the Blue Nile Gorge, like a grand canyon, Africa style. It is about 2 hours outside of the city, and the drive was amazing. It was very mountainous, and there were a lot of fields. I saw a bunch of people hunched over, working in the fields. And tons of grass houses. It was like being in Africa!
Once we got there, we ordered lunch, and Deanna and I decided to go for a walk. We followed a path, and was just walking, enjoying the beautiful sights, and we turned a corner, and BAM! Monkey. Just sitting there! A bunch of them. They were huge, and a little scary... So we backed away, and went the other direction. But wait. Monkeys? I mean, I know I am in Africa... But the only wildlife I have seen thus far is some dogs, and a big turtle. I was not expecting to see MONKEYS! We told the people we were with, and they did not seem impressed. Monkey sightings are not a daily occurrence in my life. FYI.
So, that brings me to the hyena. When we were driving, we saw one! It was most definitely dead. Road kill to be exact, but a hyena nonetheless!! Crazy!
This blog is taking many days to write, so now it is Sunday, and I am going to fill you in on the weekend too! So deal with me... Internet is not as widely found as in America.
So. Friday night we had a "movie night" at our house, and had a bunch of people over. It was a blast! We played a few games, and during one of them, the power went out. Which made watching a movie difficult... So we just lit a bunch of candles, and had a romantically lit game night. It was a ton of fuuunnn.
Saturday, we took the kids in our program (68 of them) to a children's theater. We rented two minibuses, which seat 12, and crammed everyone in. It was the kids, D and I, two Amharic speaking workers, an the driver and the conductor. It was a tight fit. But a lot of fun. The theatre cost 220 birr for 72 people to get in. That is almost 15 American dollars. You can't even get one person into the movie theatre for 15$ in America! Crazy.
When we got home we took our first shower in our house! We used the other bathroom since ours does not have hot water. But whateva! It's water! After we showered we got our pjs on, and started to wait for our hair to dry so we could then straighten it. Exciting Saturday night. I know. But then Dundee came home and asked if we wanted to go bowling! Yes we do! So we got dressed, and headed over! It turns out that there were no lanes open, so we played pool for a bit, and then went home. Not as exciting as it was supposed to be. Oh well. Better than waiting at home for our hair to dry. Literally.
Exiting day today! I should mention that I am a blog stalker... I have loved to read them for years! One blog, who I follow religiously for a few years now is "the shubin clan" it is an adoptive family, who has fallen in love with Ethiopia. Well they are in country! I emailed her, and we agreed to meet up! I met her this morning at church, and it was great. It's weird meeting someone who I already feel like I know well. But I am glad I got to meet her! Hopefully we will get to connect again before she leaves!
Well. That's all I got. Now I just need to find me some wifi to post this thing! Xoxoxo.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
I did NOT come here looking for love.
Warning: this is going to be my venting blog.
First, let me get some random stories out of the way.
1. Deanna and I have rearranged out bedroom. We came home today, and thought that it would be a good idea. We were correct. Our beds were on opposiste sides of the room, now, they are very close! Because we do not spend enough time together... we need to sleep very close to each other as well. Amare came home after we had finished, and all he could saw was "wow. I am so proud". It is amazing. Not so amazing: the amount of nastiness we swept up from under the beds. ewww.
2. While leaving a store earlier today, Deanna was talking about how much money we could spend. Deanna said 2000 birr. At the same moment, I realized it was cold outside (cold for Africa at least. I said BIRRRR. So the convo went like this.
"2000 birr."
"BIRRRRRR"
We looked at each other and laughed! We are some funny peeps.
Ok, now for the real reason I am writing this. I think the men of Africa think that I came here to find a husband. That actually is not the case. Far from it, in fact. As most of you reading may know, a few months before I left for Africa, I had my heart broken. It was not fun. And I had a pretty rough time getting over it. I am probably not totally over it. But thats ok. It's life, ya know? So, coming to Africa at this time was basically a Godsend. My biggest prayer while I was here was to help heal my heart, and get over Dumb-ex-boyfriend. (He is not really dumb, but this is my blog, and I can call him names if I want).
I had (and have) no intention of falling in love. If it happens, well then I will cross that bridge when I come to it. But I am not out activally seeking anything.
So, certain men who I have to see on a daily/weekly basis, why do you seem to think otherwise? It's because I'm white, isn't it?
The proposals on the street do not effect me as much. Although I have taken to wearing a ring on my ring-finger, and it has helped immensly to ward off the white-wife hungary strangers of Ethiopia.
It's the people who I know that bother me. And today seems to be worse than normal. Maybe I am being crabby, or maybe I am getting tired of being hit on ALL. THE. TIME. It's exhausting, being the center of attention. Normally, I would not mind. You see, parties in my honor are my favorite. Maybe thats why I move around so much... so I can have parties ;) Not really. But my point is, I like attention. But I guess it has to be a certain kind of attention.
I should also point out that I am a normal girl. I like to be flirrted with. Totes flattering. But when the intrest is not reciprocated, give it up. Seriously guys. enough is enough.
Phew. Sorry. But I actually do feel better. And I am being summoned out of my room :( I guess I should go let them try to win me over. It apparently is not going to stop anytime soon.
First, let me get some random stories out of the way.
1. Deanna and I have rearranged out bedroom. We came home today, and thought that it would be a good idea. We were correct. Our beds were on opposiste sides of the room, now, they are very close! Because we do not spend enough time together... we need to sleep very close to each other as well. Amare came home after we had finished, and all he could saw was "wow. I am so proud". It is amazing. Not so amazing: the amount of nastiness we swept up from under the beds. ewww.
2. While leaving a store earlier today, Deanna was talking about how much money we could spend. Deanna said 2000 birr. At the same moment, I realized it was cold outside (cold for Africa at least. I said BIRRRR. So the convo went like this.
"2000 birr."
"BIRRRRRR"
We looked at each other and laughed! We are some funny peeps.
Ok, now for the real reason I am writing this. I think the men of Africa think that I came here to find a husband. That actually is not the case. Far from it, in fact. As most of you reading may know, a few months before I left for Africa, I had my heart broken. It was not fun. And I had a pretty rough time getting over it. I am probably not totally over it. But thats ok. It's life, ya know? So, coming to Africa at this time was basically a Godsend. My biggest prayer while I was here was to help heal my heart, and get over Dumb-ex-boyfriend. (He is not really dumb, but this is my blog, and I can call him names if I want).
I had (and have) no intention of falling in love. If it happens, well then I will cross that bridge when I come to it. But I am not out activally seeking anything.
So, certain men who I have to see on a daily/weekly basis, why do you seem to think otherwise? It's because I'm white, isn't it?
The proposals on the street do not effect me as much. Although I have taken to wearing a ring on my ring-finger, and it has helped immensly to ward off the white-wife hungary strangers of Ethiopia.
It's the people who I know that bother me. And today seems to be worse than normal. Maybe I am being crabby, or maybe I am getting tired of being hit on ALL. THE. TIME. It's exhausting, being the center of attention. Normally, I would not mind. You see, parties in my honor are my favorite. Maybe thats why I move around so much... so I can have parties ;) Not really. But my point is, I like attention. But I guess it has to be a certain kind of attention.
I should also point out that I am a normal girl. I like to be flirrted with. Totes flattering. But when the intrest is not reciprocated, give it up. Seriously guys. enough is enough.
Phew. Sorry. But I actually do feel better. And I am being summoned out of my room :( I guess I should go let them try to win me over. It apparently is not going to stop anytime soon.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Africa, almost half way done.
Next week will mark the half way point to our 3 month stay here in Ethiopia. I have exteremly mixed feelings. The thought of leaving this place, and these amazing people make me want to cry. But the thought of going to a normal restaurant and ordering meat is very exciting. Deanna and I talk about going to Chipolte the day we get back very often. We have have a plan with Momma Donna (Deanna's mom) to bring us some when she picks us up from the airport. She agreed! I love me some Momma Donna!!!
Anyway, this place has a way of creeping into your heart, and I don't know if I can ever get rid of it. I don't know if I even want to... For all of the modern convieniences that I miss, it really does not matter. I have learned so much about myself these past few weeks, and who I want to be, and who I think God wants me to be. I am just waiting to see if He wants me to stay here, or to stay in America. I also learned that as much as Ben had broken my heart, I am so, so glad I am no longer with him! For a long time I had put on a fake smile, and pretended to be okay, but it was not until recently that I realized how awful my life would have been if that relationship had worked out. (maybe not awful, but defenitly not great). I am in a much better place, and am very happy for it! Being here also shows how much crap I have that I don't need, and really don't want. I am excited to get home and go through all of my stuff, and get rid of everything I don't use/need. I have a lot. Why? I have no idea. Just a big waste of money.
I know I have said this multiple times, but it still amazes me. The people here are sooo amazingly nice. And the kids! I love them all! I love that if I take one step out of my compound the kids immedialty yell "Kendra!" :) My heart has never felt so full, and also so broken at the same time. I want to do anything, and everything I can to help them. Sitting in church (the small, African church) the other day, I sat next to a lady who had a itty bitty baby in a sling. When she unwrapped the sling, the baby was in the dirtiest shirt (only a shirt) I had ever seen. It was supposed to be white, but was so discolored and brown it looked like it was washed in mud. I don't know if you people in America can even imagine it. When Dylan (the boy I nannied for) got his clothed dirty, we either changed them right away, or threw the clothes away. The mom saw me staring at the baby, and held him out for me to hold. I am not kidding, I don't think the sweet baby had ever had a bath. He STUNK. So badly. I would guess that the shirt was the only thing he had to wear, and the family either lived on the streets, or in a tiny room, with a dirt floor for a bed. The mother did not smell very good either. Bathing is probably the last concern she has for her family.
If eating some not so great food (mostly meat) is something I have to deal with :::Sidenote: I fit into my "skinny pants" today!!!! YES!::: Then that is something I am more than willing to do to get to help these people! I told the mom that next time I saw her I would bring wipes and a onesie for the baby. Poor thing.
By the way, happy valentines day to my american loves! It is celebrated here, but not to the same extent as it is in America. Amare has clamed that I am his valentine ;) Deanna and I treated ourselves to a yummy breakfast, and decorated cookies to give to out African peeps! I made one specially for Desta (our guard) it says "Desta, NAH! Which means "Desta, Come" which is what we yell when we need him to let us into the compound. He loved it. later tonight we are going to lay out and look at the stars. It is becoming a daily routine, that we bring blankets, pillows, and music out, and whatever african is around will lay with us. At first they did not get it. Once they saw how excited we were to see shooting stars (seriously, the most amazing sight ever. They are SOOOO bright here!) I think they understood a little. They still think we are weird, but are not as surprised by our antics.
This place is amazing.
Anyway, this place has a way of creeping into your heart, and I don't know if I can ever get rid of it. I don't know if I even want to... For all of the modern convieniences that I miss, it really does not matter. I have learned so much about myself these past few weeks, and who I want to be, and who I think God wants me to be. I am just waiting to see if He wants me to stay here, or to stay in America. I also learned that as much as Ben had broken my heart, I am so, so glad I am no longer with him! For a long time I had put on a fake smile, and pretended to be okay, but it was not until recently that I realized how awful my life would have been if that relationship had worked out. (maybe not awful, but defenitly not great). I am in a much better place, and am very happy for it! Being here also shows how much crap I have that I don't need, and really don't want. I am excited to get home and go through all of my stuff, and get rid of everything I don't use/need. I have a lot. Why? I have no idea. Just a big waste of money.
I know I have said this multiple times, but it still amazes me. The people here are sooo amazingly nice. And the kids! I love them all! I love that if I take one step out of my compound the kids immedialty yell "Kendra!" :) My heart has never felt so full, and also so broken at the same time. I want to do anything, and everything I can to help them. Sitting in church (the small, African church) the other day, I sat next to a lady who had a itty bitty baby in a sling. When she unwrapped the sling, the baby was in the dirtiest shirt (only a shirt) I had ever seen. It was supposed to be white, but was so discolored and brown it looked like it was washed in mud. I don't know if you people in America can even imagine it. When Dylan (the boy I nannied for) got his clothed dirty, we either changed them right away, or threw the clothes away. The mom saw me staring at the baby, and held him out for me to hold. I am not kidding, I don't think the sweet baby had ever had a bath. He STUNK. So badly. I would guess that the shirt was the only thing he had to wear, and the family either lived on the streets, or in a tiny room, with a dirt floor for a bed. The mother did not smell very good either. Bathing is probably the last concern she has for her family.
If eating some not so great food (mostly meat) is something I have to deal with :::Sidenote: I fit into my "skinny pants" today!!!! YES!::: Then that is something I am more than willing to do to get to help these people! I told the mom that next time I saw her I would bring wipes and a onesie for the baby. Poor thing.
By the way, happy valentines day to my american loves! It is celebrated here, but not to the same extent as it is in America. Amare has clamed that I am his valentine ;) Deanna and I treated ourselves to a yummy breakfast, and decorated cookies to give to out African peeps! I made one specially for Desta (our guard) it says "Desta, NAH! Which means "Desta, Come" which is what we yell when we need him to let us into the compound. He loved it. later tonight we are going to lay out and look at the stars. It is becoming a daily routine, that we bring blankets, pillows, and music out, and whatever african is around will lay with us. At first they did not get it. Once they saw how excited we were to see shooting stars (seriously, the most amazing sight ever. They are SOOOO bright here!) I think they understood a little. They still think we are weird, but are not as surprised by our antics.
This place is amazing.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Just another Sunday
I went to a different church today. It's called Beza, and is similar to Willow Creek in the early 90's but more african. It was a lot of fun. Different than the more traditional church we have been attending, although that is a much church too! A couple times this week we went to services at KCC (kore Christian center). It is a pretty basic African church. Metal walls, a tarp roof, holes for a toilet. The worship part lasts forever, an you dance, jump, and praise however you please. Deanna and I of course got in on this, and my legs are still sore from all that jumping! Church is totes fun!
I am feeling a lot better, and sound less like a man, so thats nice. No big plans yet this week, you know, the usual, trying to convince little babies to come home with me. (not really. That's illegal here too. At least I think).
Yesterday we spent the morning at our American friend Kaela's house (Kaela...shoutout!) we were helping her roommate with lesson plans for a kids church program she is writing. Yeah, an entire program! That's insane! But she is doing a pretty fantastic job!
The other night Amare's sisters decided to braid out hair, Ethiopian style. People here just love to touch my hair, and they had a great time! I liked it too ;) it did not last the night, but we took pics!
Also big news, we were sitting I'm a field yesterday, and out of the bushes popped a giant turtle! Or maybe it was a tortoise! Either way, I spotted it, and was yelling with excitement! The big guy was cruising straight for us. For a turtle, he was surprisingly speedy. Apparently people feed them, so they come to humans for food. I was a little apprehensive, and sat on a wall until he left. But wait. What? A giant turtle in the middle of the city? From the way the people around is were laughing at my antics, it is not uncommon. Seriously. Turtles are common in Africa? Who knew! This place gets crazier and crazier!
I am feeling a lot better, and sound less like a man, so thats nice. No big plans yet this week, you know, the usual, trying to convince little babies to come home with me. (not really. That's illegal here too. At least I think).
Yesterday we spent the morning at our American friend Kaela's house (Kaela...shoutout!) we were helping her roommate with lesson plans for a kids church program she is writing. Yeah, an entire program! That's insane! But she is doing a pretty fantastic job!
The other night Amare's sisters decided to braid out hair, Ethiopian style. People here just love to touch my hair, and they had a great time! I liked it too ;) it did not last the night, but we took pics!
Also big news, we were sitting I'm a field yesterday, and out of the bushes popped a giant turtle! Or maybe it was a tortoise! Either way, I spotted it, and was yelling with excitement! The big guy was cruising straight for us. For a turtle, he was surprisingly speedy. Apparently people feed them, so they come to humans for food. I was a little apprehensive, and sat on a wall until he left. But wait. What? A giant turtle in the middle of the city? From the way the people around is were laughing at my antics, it is not uncommon. Seriously. Turtles are common in Africa? Who knew! This place gets crazier and crazier!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sick, and a broken toilet.
So, remember how I told you we bought a hair straightener? Great investment! I don't believe that I mentioned that the outlets are unimaginably high. So high in fact, that all of my 4feet 11inches is unable to reach the one in our bathroom. But it has not been a major problem, since the outlet is right above the toilet! So, when I wanted to straighten my hair, I climbed onto the toilet, straightener in hand, and fell in the toilet! What? The whole dang seat came off the cheap African toilet! Luckily a piece of toilet seat landed under my foot, and I did not actually get any contents of the toilet on myself. Deanna, who was washing her hair in the sink, thought it was the best thing that had ever happened. I think she is still laughing about it.
I woke up sick this morning. Not even good sick (like from eating weird food or something) I have a very sore throat, and no energy. I don't think pepto will help me with this one. Doesn't my body know that we are going to teach the kids to make paper airplanes today? I need allll of my energy! Apparently not.
Dundee and Amare's mom invited us to her house for dinner last night. Apparently she is a "farenje food specialist". She made pasta!!!!!! And shiro!!!!!! And meatballs ;) it was the best meal I have had here by far. Sooooo goooood! Woot!
I woke up sick this morning. Not even good sick (like from eating weird food or something) I have a very sore throat, and no energy. I don't think pepto will help me with this one. Doesn't my body know that we are going to teach the kids to make paper airplanes today? I need allll of my energy! Apparently not.
Dundee and Amare's mom invited us to her house for dinner last night. Apparently she is a "farenje food specialist". She made pasta!!!!!! And shiro!!!!!! And meatballs ;) it was the best meal I have had here by far. Sooooo goooood! Woot!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Dear Tigist, how I miss you.
I have written about Tigist before... She cooks, cleans, does our laundry, makes our bed, and let's me love her baby. She is pretty much amazing. Well for some reason she got transferred from the guest house to the school. Yesterday was our first day with our new housekeeper. She seemed very nice, but did not have a baby for me to love. -1 point. When we went to eat lunch it was weirredd. Deanna and I are not very picky. We typically eat what we are served, and eat it happily. So, we ate the food. Poor Deanna got so sick. She had to take some pepto, and take a nap, and even still, she was not feeling 100%. Amare even asked her if she had diarrhea. HA! Ummmm weird question to ask someone! She of course said no, she would not have told him, even if she did! Anyway... When dinner came around, I tried a tiny bite of it, and it was oatmeal with salt in it. Gross. So we went out for dinner. D got pasta, to help her tummy, and I got a sandwich. The other volunteers went out too, and the food at home was untouched. I think the workers got the message... Today we have a new "cooker"! We get to sample the first meal at lunch (in 40 mins) and hopefully it is good! Apparently she has a degree in cooking, and even can cook faranje food! Exciting.
On the minibus on the way here to kings hotel, Deanna and I were sitting next to each other, and I pointed out a white man walking down the street. We are not used to seeing them, especially in our community. Well, he stopped the bus, and the only open seat was next to us! 3 faranjes all in a row... It was crazy!
We bought a hair straightener. I almost feel like I look like I am in America! It is amazing. The kids touch my hair even more now. Deanna and I have been checking each other for lice daily. Not because we think we have lice, but the kids are all up in our hair, and you never know... So far our findings have been very satisfactory!
No matter where we go, we see people we know. Just walking from the minibus stop to here, we saw a friend from church, Tiba. Very exciting. Also exciting when you leave your house, and any child that is outside will yell "Deanna! Kendra!" we are popular with the mini peeps. We love it!
On the minibus on the way here to kings hotel, Deanna and I were sitting next to each other, and I pointed out a white man walking down the street. We are not used to seeing them, especially in our community. Well, he stopped the bus, and the only open seat was next to us! 3 faranjes all in a row... It was crazy!
We bought a hair straightener. I almost feel like I look like I am in America! It is amazing. The kids touch my hair even more now. Deanna and I have been checking each other for lice daily. Not because we think we have lice, but the kids are all up in our hair, and you never know... So far our findings have been very satisfactory!
No matter where we go, we see people we know. Just walking from the minibus stop to here, we saw a friend from church, Tiba. Very exciting. Also exciting when you leave your house, and any child that is outside will yell "Deanna! Kendra!" we are popular with the mini peeps. We love it!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Best night of my life
Last night (friday) was not shaping up to be a very exciting night. We had an Amharic lesson planned, and that was about it. Fun stuff.
During our exciting lesson (really, it is fun! Ready is basically the best teacher, equal to Amare, of course!) Amare came inside, and said, "sorry to interrupt, but my mom is making injera". I was quite relieved, because these lessons are getting more and more difficult. With permission from Ready, and forcing him to come along to be our camera man, we headed across the dirt path to make some injera! Amare's mom, whom everyone refers to as Mother, was in the injera making room, and in it was an electric injera grill. It is basically a large electric round skillet. Hard to explain… but she had already prepared the teff (batter) and was going at it! You have to pour the teff in a spiral on the maker, from the outside in. It is hard because the teff is very thin, and you can't leave holes, or make it to thick. Deanna went first, and did a really good job! She had one thick spot, and was pretty much a circle shape. I was impressed! Then it was my turn… And mine was shaped like Australia. I obviously did it on purpose, as a homage to all of my favorite Australians that I miss in NJ! (Meg, email me!!)
When we had finished, we were invited inside for some shie. (tea) and we ate my injera. It was very delicious. Probably the best I have ever had. We had some cinnamon tea, and cookies. They were dry, so pretty good, compared to the other desserts i have tried here.
We then came home, and started a game of frisbee. It was us, Ready, Desta, and Amare's brother, Amen. We played some normal catch, monkey in the middle, and then taught the Ethiopians 500. It was a lot of fun. Then something amazing happened. There was a power outage. A city wide power outage! Deanna and I looked at each other, and said "ghost in the graveyard!!!!" We explained how to play, and got to it. Everyone was just as excited as we were. They are all in their 20's, and for some reason play along with Deanna and my antics. I love them. So we played GITGY for a while, and then switched to regular old hide-and-seek. The best part of this is that the minibus was back in our driveway. When Desta was it, Deanna and I both crawled into the back of the bus, and hid on the floor, between the seats. It took Desta around 20 mins to find us, and apparently he was getting very worried about us. Us Americans are the best hiders! We played until 10pm, and then the power came back on. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun.
While we were having tea after making injera, deanna commented that her contacts were bothering her. Ready sort-of freaked out, and said "what!? You have them in your eyes!? NOW? Can I see!?" After inspecting her eyes, he said "wow, i've only seen those in movies!" Ha! We laughed. A lot.
Also, he asked us how old we were, Deanna told him that she was 22, and I said I was 24. He was surprised (like everyone else) that I am older. Then he looked at me, and said "I like older!" He said it very creepily, but did not mean it that way. He was meaning since he is 27, that he is glad that we are both not super young. But it was really funny. Deanna and I cracked up, and he had no idea why. Poor Ready. I think we are making him worry about his english skillz.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Written entirely by yours truly.
Where to start...
I have been having dreams about spiders. (Elissa, please come kill them all!) Two nights ago, I had a dream (or it could have been real, I am not exactly sure yet) that there was a massive black spider in the corner above my bed. I sat up, and asked Deanna to turn on the light. I think that is when I woke up. I was sitting, and knew that I had seen a spider, but it was so dark in our room that it really would have been impossible to see one. And Deanna was still asleep. If I had really told her that I had seen a spider, home girl would not have been asleep. So I laid back down, and after what felt like hours of trying to look into the dark abyss of my room, convinced myself that I was really dreaming and to go back to sleep. Then last night, I woke up again, and saw a not so massive spider on my wall. So I reached for my shoe, and killed it. I went back to sleep feeling accomplished, and brave. When I woke up this morning I proudly told Deanna about it, and went to show her the spider who was smashed on the wall. It was gone. Or maybe never was there. The shoe was next to my bed, where I had left it.... But I think it was a dream. And I killed a fake spider. Seriously Kendra. There are bigger worries in your life. Case and point, as I type, a giant african killer bee is flying around my flavored Ambo. This is horrifying for 2 reasons. 1, if it is in fact a killer bee, which I doubt it is, because the guy behind the desk of the hotel is laughing at us... it would be a bad way to die. And 2, flavored Ambo is the best thing ever. It is made here in Ethiopia, and sooooooo good. I think I will have an entire suitcase full of it when I come home. I can't imagine life without it. If the bee touches m Ambo, I am gonna be MAAADDDD.
Our house had water!! Not running water... don't get crazy over there... but a bucket of water. Which when your daily shower is consisting of a water bottle, a bucket is like luxury. We even used the electric tea pot, and boiled some water, and added it to the bucket. VOILA! Warm water! WHAT?!?! I am clean, and happy, and am going to do it again. TONIGHT! Woah. Now this is living large. Going back to America is going to be crazy. Getting water from a sink. BATHS! Brushing your teeth with as much water as you want. Unfathomable. Really though, Deanna and I talk all the time how weird it is that we just totally adjusted to living like this. As much as I like to complain... it really is not a problem. So what if I am a little dirty. I see kids here who I am sure have never had a bath in their lives. Or know what a toothbrush is. Why did I get to be born in America? Maybe I did not have everything growing up... but I had a lot. I may have had to share a bed with my sister, who puked on me, but I had a bed. People here are always sleeping in the streets. Babies, curled up next to their moms, trying to stay warm. Its not fair.
I want to help every single person, especially the kids... and I can't. It is killing me. The amount of abundance we have in America... and don't even think about is insane. My favorite thing to do is not finish my food while at a restaurant, and give the leftovers to someone on the street. They are always so grateful, and surprised that I don't want to keep it. It makes me wonder how many times I brought leftovers home in America, and ended up throwing them out.
Speaking of leftovers... Deanna has a sweet tooth. She is on a mission to eat dessert. So we orderd some very good looking cake! I went to take a bite, and literally almost vomited. It was horrible. It was wet. Like they soak it in water. I don't understand. if you push on it water leaks out of the cake. It is not natural. So We complained to Dundee. He took us to Kaldi's to try their cake, which is apparently good. He promised I would like it, and I was doubtful. Give me a box of cheezeits over cake any day. So he ordered white cake. One bite of the liquid nastiness and I declared I did not like it. So he ordered the tiramisu... which I knew I would not like. "just try" he said. So I did... and it was DRY! YAY! Buuuttt... tasted like tiramisu. Eww. Then he ordered the chocolate cake... and I was hopeful. I love me a good chocolate cake! But once I pushed my fork into the soggy, soggy cake I knew the outcome was failure. Someone made out good on leftover nasty cake that night. The hunt for good cake is still on. Or just boxed cake I can make myself. Or even better... brownies! YUUMMMM!!!!!
I have been having dreams about spiders. (Elissa, please come kill them all!) Two nights ago, I had a dream (or it could have been real, I am not exactly sure yet) that there was a massive black spider in the corner above my bed. I sat up, and asked Deanna to turn on the light. I think that is when I woke up. I was sitting, and knew that I had seen a spider, but it was so dark in our room that it really would have been impossible to see one. And Deanna was still asleep. If I had really told her that I had seen a spider, home girl would not have been asleep. So I laid back down, and after what felt like hours of trying to look into the dark abyss of my room, convinced myself that I was really dreaming and to go back to sleep. Then last night, I woke up again, and saw a not so massive spider on my wall. So I reached for my shoe, and killed it. I went back to sleep feeling accomplished, and brave. When I woke up this morning I proudly told Deanna about it, and went to show her the spider who was smashed on the wall. It was gone. Or maybe never was there. The shoe was next to my bed, where I had left it.... But I think it was a dream. And I killed a fake spider. Seriously Kendra. There are bigger worries in your life. Case and point, as I type, a giant african killer bee is flying around my flavored Ambo. This is horrifying for 2 reasons. 1, if it is in fact a killer bee, which I doubt it is, because the guy behind the desk of the hotel is laughing at us... it would be a bad way to die. And 2, flavored Ambo is the best thing ever. It is made here in Ethiopia, and sooooooo good. I think I will have an entire suitcase full of it when I come home. I can't imagine life without it. If the bee touches m Ambo, I am gonna be MAAADDDD.
Our house had water!! Not running water... don't get crazy over there... but a bucket of water. Which when your daily shower is consisting of a water bottle, a bucket is like luxury. We even used the electric tea pot, and boiled some water, and added it to the bucket. VOILA! Warm water! WHAT?!?! I am clean, and happy, and am going to do it again. TONIGHT! Woah. Now this is living large. Going back to America is going to be crazy. Getting water from a sink. BATHS! Brushing your teeth with as much water as you want. Unfathomable. Really though, Deanna and I talk all the time how weird it is that we just totally adjusted to living like this. As much as I like to complain... it really is not a problem. So what if I am a little dirty. I see kids here who I am sure have never had a bath in their lives. Or know what a toothbrush is. Why did I get to be born in America? Maybe I did not have everything growing up... but I had a lot. I may have had to share a bed with my sister, who puked on me, but I had a bed. People here are always sleeping in the streets. Babies, curled up next to their moms, trying to stay warm. Its not fair.
I want to help every single person, especially the kids... and I can't. It is killing me. The amount of abundance we have in America... and don't even think about is insane. My favorite thing to do is not finish my food while at a restaurant, and give the leftovers to someone on the street. They are always so grateful, and surprised that I don't want to keep it. It makes me wonder how many times I brought leftovers home in America, and ended up throwing them out.
Speaking of leftovers... Deanna has a sweet tooth. She is on a mission to eat dessert. So we orderd some very good looking cake! I went to take a bite, and literally almost vomited. It was horrible. It was wet. Like they soak it in water. I don't understand. if you push on it water leaks out of the cake. It is not natural. So We complained to Dundee. He took us to Kaldi's to try their cake, which is apparently good. He promised I would like it, and I was doubtful. Give me a box of cheezeits over cake any day. So he ordered white cake. One bite of the liquid nastiness and I declared I did not like it. So he ordered the tiramisu... which I knew I would not like. "just try" he said. So I did... and it was DRY! YAY! Buuuttt... tasted like tiramisu. Eww. Then he ordered the chocolate cake... and I was hopeful. I love me a good chocolate cake! But once I pushed my fork into the soggy, soggy cake I knew the outcome was failure. Someone made out good on leftover nasty cake that night. The hunt for good cake is still on. Or just boxed cake I can make myself. Or even better... brownies! YUUMMMM!!!!!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Afterthoughts:
I forgot to mention... I peed in a hole today! At the lake, there were bathrooms. But not bathrooms that you would think of. You know, a toilet and all. It was a very tiny room with two raised platforms for your feet, and a hole between them. A small hole, so no worries about falling in. Although by the time I was desperate enough to use the hole, falling in was not really on my mind.
There are some epic stories on Deanna's blog, and since she is a great writer, and I am more into posting pics of Facebook, please enjoy this copy and paste from her blog (I don't think this will become a normal thing. I just need to stop being distracted by other things...)
Yesterday Kendra and I made a fantastic investment. While looking around in the "children's toys" section of a supermarket for some entertainment (for ourselves, yes) we came across a couple things that could provide hours of joy at our house. We purchased two badminton rackets and a birdie, and a frisbee. Super exciting. Obviously when we got home, we had to play right away. We went out front and whipped out our brand new frisbee, only to discover that this was no ordinary frisbee. It was, in fact, a flying dick. Right there on the front in nice big letters is "FLYING DICK". What a fabulous English mistake. I mean that's just kind of epic. Soon, I'll have a picture up on Facebook for you.
Anyways, we had a wonderful time with our flying dick. Amare and Desta joined right in, though they weren't so good at it. Desta may have never thrown a frisbee in his life, I'm not sure. But he's getting better. What he is really good at it getting the frisbee when we accidentally throw it over a giant concrete wall or on top of his "house" (see the sheep blog post for a description of where Desta lives - we're big fans of his place). After some frisbee, we busted out the badminton rackets and started playing. We only have two rackets, but Desta decided to use the frisbee as a third. This is why we are fans of Desta - he just jumps in at random times and when we're doing stupid stuff (i.e. sheep stealing?), no questions asked. Not that he could ask questions if he wanted to, because he doesn't really speak English. Like at all. We use a lot of sign language, broken English, and the few Amharic phrases that we know to try to explain things (okay, but really Kendra and I know a lot of Amharic. Soon we'll be fluent, thanks to Amare and Ready!). So, long story short, we're very happy with out badminton and flying dick. In fact, tonight we played a mean game of Monkey in the Middle with Ready and Amare and our flying dick. It got intense. I may have some injuries.
And now for the megabus story. Mom and Dad, I know hitchhiking is bad. And please remember that I'm a smart girl, and I don't do stupid things (not dangerous-stupid, at least). Remember the minibuses that Kendra and I take everywhere? Well, sometimes, just on the rare occasion, a minibus is actually a megabus. Meaning sometimes the minibus comes in a slightly larger size. Hence, "mega", according to Kendra and I. You ride these the same way, but they hold a few more people. So, Kendra and I were leaving the hotel we've been frequenting to steal wifi from (by "frequenting" I mean often enough that all the employees know, love, and get excited to see us) a couple nights ago and we walked across the street to find a minibus. At night, when it's getting later, it's sometimes harder to catch one and it's times like these that we've come across the megabuses. We cross the street and there's a megabus with about five or six guys getting on. They ask us where we're going, and we say Mekanisa. They tell us to come on. We listen. This is how the minibus works - you wait, a guy either shouts the destination or asks you where you're going and then when you answer he tells you if his bus is the right one. Okay, so we hop on the megabus and commence talking about many really important girly things in English like two American girls would. The Ethiopian guys kept speaking in Amharic, turning around, looking at us and laughing. We noticed, but weren't surprised because this happens a lot. We also noticed the bus wasn't stopping anywhere to let people on and off. But, no worries, we knew we were going the right way. And we have a cell phone, and Pat taught me how to punch. So, If something happened, Kendra could call 911 and I could beat people up. Just kidding, just kidding. When the bus arrived in Mekanisa, Kendra and I said "Wadach!" because that's what you say to stop a bus when you want to get off. All the guys turned around at once, looking shocked. One said, "You speak Amharic?!" and they all started laughing. They pulled over and we asked how much we needed to pay. They laughed some more and said, "This isn't a minibus, you don't have to pay us." Whoops! Not a minibus. Or a real megabus. It turns out it was not a running megabus, and those guys were all friends. They decided to give us a ride, which is very common around here. Hitchhiking happens all the time, and it's like, legit. People just do it to be nice. Kendra and I never do it...except this one time on accident. We figure the guys pulled away, cracking up about the stupid American girls who thought they were a minibus. I really hope this isn't one of those "had-to-be-there" stories...
There are some epic stories on Deanna's blog, and since she is a great writer, and I am more into posting pics of Facebook, please enjoy this copy and paste from her blog (I don't think this will become a normal thing. I just need to stop being distracted by other things...)
Yesterday Kendra and I made a fantastic investment. While looking around in the "children's toys" section of a supermarket for some entertainment (for ourselves, yes) we came across a couple things that could provide hours of joy at our house. We purchased two badminton rackets and a birdie, and a frisbee. Super exciting. Obviously when we got home, we had to play right away. We went out front and whipped out our brand new frisbee, only to discover that this was no ordinary frisbee. It was, in fact, a flying dick. Right there on the front in nice big letters is "FLYING DICK". What a fabulous English mistake. I mean that's just kind of epic. Soon, I'll have a picture up on Facebook for you.
Anyways, we had a wonderful time with our flying dick. Amare and Desta joined right in, though they weren't so good at it. Desta may have never thrown a frisbee in his life, I'm not sure. But he's getting better. What he is really good at it getting the frisbee when we accidentally throw it over a giant concrete wall or on top of his "house" (see the sheep blog post for a description of where Desta lives - we're big fans of his place). After some frisbee, we busted out the badminton rackets and started playing. We only have two rackets, but Desta decided to use the frisbee as a third. This is why we are fans of Desta - he just jumps in at random times and when we're doing stupid stuff (i.e. sheep stealing?), no questions asked. Not that he could ask questions if he wanted to, because he doesn't really speak English. Like at all. We use a lot of sign language, broken English, and the few Amharic phrases that we know to try to explain things (okay, but really Kendra and I know a lot of Amharic. Soon we'll be fluent, thanks to Amare and Ready!). So, long story short, we're very happy with out badminton and flying dick. In fact, tonight we played a mean game of Monkey in the Middle with Ready and Amare and our flying dick. It got intense. I may have some injuries.
And now for the megabus story. Mom and Dad, I know hitchhiking is bad. And please remember that I'm a smart girl, and I don't do stupid things (not dangerous-stupid, at least). Remember the minibuses that Kendra and I take everywhere? Well, sometimes, just on the rare occasion, a minibus is actually a megabus. Meaning sometimes the minibus comes in a slightly larger size. Hence, "mega", according to Kendra and I. You ride these the same way, but they hold a few more people. So, Kendra and I were leaving the hotel we've been frequenting to steal wifi from (by "frequenting" I mean often enough that all the employees know, love, and get excited to see us) a couple nights ago and we walked across the street to find a minibus. At night, when it's getting later, it's sometimes harder to catch one and it's times like these that we've come across the megabuses. We cross the street and there's a megabus with about five or six guys getting on. They ask us where we're going, and we say Mekanisa. They tell us to come on. We listen. This is how the minibus works - you wait, a guy either shouts the destination or asks you where you're going and then when you answer he tells you if his bus is the right one. Okay, so we hop on the megabus and commence talking about many really important girly things in English like two American girls would. The Ethiopian guys kept speaking in Amharic, turning around, looking at us and laughing. We noticed, but weren't surprised because this happens a lot. We also noticed the bus wasn't stopping anywhere to let people on and off. But, no worries, we knew we were going the right way. And we have a cell phone, and Pat taught me how to punch. So, If something happened, Kendra could call 911 and I could beat people up. Just kidding, just kidding. When the bus arrived in Mekanisa, Kendra and I said "Wadach!" because that's what you say to stop a bus when you want to get off. All the guys turned around at once, looking shocked. One said, "You speak Amharic?!" and they all started laughing. They pulled over and we asked how much we needed to pay. They laughed some more and said, "This isn't a minibus, you don't have to pay us." Whoops! Not a minibus. Or a real megabus. It turns out it was not a running megabus, and those guys were all friends. They decided to give us a ride, which is very common around here. Hitchhiking happens all the time, and it's like, legit. People just do it to be nice. Kendra and I never do it...except this one time on accident. We figure the guys pulled away, cracking up about the stupid American girls who thought they were a minibus. I really hope this isn't one of those "had-to-be-there" stories...
Week of rest?
This week has been an odd week. Since our normal school kids are off, we have bee teaching the street kids instead. They usually have an after school program for them, but this week they are able to go during the day. The kids love school! The smell in the small classrooms is not pretty. Thank God for windows, and beautiful, sweet kids who make all the hand holding, and dirty kisses not only worth it, but that much more special. I can wash my hands and face later. Also since Deanna and I found that catching a minibus at 7am is impossible, we have not been able to make it to the orphanage this week :( I miss my babies! Even Amare came with us this morning to see if he could get us a bus... no luck.
Good thing though! He invited is to go with the Strong Hearts youth group (teens) to a retreat an hour outside of the city. It was a ton of fun. Amharic worship song battles, lots of joking, and making fun of the Americans... whats not to like? We went to a big lake, and just explored, and breathed in fresh air for the first time in weeks! The lake was so beautiful! I loved it, and it made me excited for our trip to Southern Ethiopia!
People here decorate their cars/minibuses. Pimp my ride style, but usually with religious items. On the bus today was a very large picture of Jesus. Deanna whispered to me:
D-That man on the sticker... is it Jesus?
Me-yeah...
D-So he's white, even here?
I died. And then explained that Jesus was Jewish, and we have pretty legit proof that he was, in fact white.
I posted more pics on FB! Check them out!
That is my quick update for today. For more Ethiopian goodness, read Deanna's blog too!
Deannasadventureofalifetime@blogspot.com!
Good thing though! He invited is to go with the Strong Hearts youth group (teens) to a retreat an hour outside of the city. It was a ton of fun. Amharic worship song battles, lots of joking, and making fun of the Americans... whats not to like? We went to a big lake, and just explored, and breathed in fresh air for the first time in weeks! The lake was so beautiful! I loved it, and it made me excited for our trip to Southern Ethiopia!
People here decorate their cars/minibuses. Pimp my ride style, but usually with religious items. On the bus today was a very large picture of Jesus. Deanna whispered to me:
D-That man on the sticker... is it Jesus?
Me-yeah...
D-So he's white, even here?
I died. And then explained that Jesus was Jewish, and we have pretty legit proof that he was, in fact white.
I posted more pics on FB! Check them out!
That is my quick update for today. For more Ethiopian goodness, read Deanna's blog too!
Deannasadventureofalifetime@blogspot.com!
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