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!
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