The next FWCC Section of the Americas meeting will be in Providence, Rhode Island next March. That would be fun to go to. And the Triennial will be in Ireland next August! But I'm not a rep so I don't know that I'll go.
Anyway, so I don't know where (or when) I'll be traveling next. Any suggestions, or free tickets somewhere?? =)
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
home again
Well, I'm back home again. I got home Saturday, sorry for the delay in posting.
I've been looking through my posts and realized they don't explain things all that well! While I was in Antigua I stayed with a family a block or two from the school. The father and mother worked at Probigua. They had a pretty big house so there were actually 4 bedrooms for students. While I was there the other students were a woman from the midwest, a guy from Germany, and another guy from the US who had just gotten out of the Navy and was going to be going into law school.
We all ate meals together and walked to school together sometimes, but mostly everyone had their own schedules. They were all there for several weeks or months - I was only there for a week. =( Each weekend people would make plans for travels around the country or the city or parties or whatnot. I think I could get used to that. =)
Well, sorry it wasn't as detailed this time as times in the past - but I was only there 10 days and didn't have much computer access.
I've been looking through my posts and realized they don't explain things all that well! While I was in Antigua I stayed with a family a block or two from the school. The father and mother worked at Probigua. They had a pretty big house so there were actually 4 bedrooms for students. While I was there the other students were a woman from the midwest, a guy from Germany, and another guy from the US who had just gotten out of the Navy and was going to be going into law school.
We all ate meals together and walked to school together sometimes, but mostly everyone had their own schedules. They were all there for several weeks or months - I was only there for a week. =( Each weekend people would make plans for travels around the country or the city or parties or whatnot. I think I could get used to that. =)
Well, sorry it wasn't as detailed this time as times in the past - but I was only there 10 days and didn't have much computer access.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Going where no bus was ever, ever, ever meant to go
This morning at 8:30 we left on a school trip to visit a school up in the mountains. We left school and walked down the street to the biblio bus - bookmobile! It's basically your standard school bus with a few seats taken out and a some bookshelves in it. There are also shelves full of books above the seats the entire length of the bus - both sides. On top of the bus were tied 50 desks for the school - those little one piece things.
After 20 minutes of driving or so we hit the mountain. I thought the cobblestone streets of Antigua were bad (and cobblestone would actually be a vast improvement, let me tell you!) - these mountain roads were unbelievable!
There were mostly dirt and gravel. There are no siderails so when we got up high, on one side was the mountain and the other you could look way, way, way down into these deep valleys. The shocks are so good and the road is really rough so it was like sitting in one of those vibrating massage chairs. Add to that the rutted road and switchback curves hugging the mountain - it was like riding in one of those chairs on a little boat in choppy seas, going about 40 miles an hour - for 2 1/2 hours!!
I truly believed today would be my last day on earth.
All the way up the mountain huge trucks were coming down the road and we had to get over to the right, precariously close to the edge, while still driving and rocking back and forth. Ay! I was gripping my shoes with my toes so hard - as if hanging on to my shoes would save us from a plunge to our deaths! Sometimes I just had to close my eyes.
When we finally arrived at the school there were several kids to greet us. As we got out of the bus they were very excited and wanted us to take their pictures. They were amazed by the digital cameras and seeing their photos right away. After a few minutes and exchanging names and trying to understand what they were saying, I heard this noise. I looked up and from a block up the hill came dozens and dozens of children running down the road toward us yelling and laughing - they were so excited to see us! It was an amazing experience. Amazing.
Of course all the new kids wanted photos to. I immediately had several new friends attached to both hands and whatever else they could get hold of. Several of them asked Marcos to take a picture. He turned his camera on us and the other kids saw this. There was a huge rush and suddenly I was surrounded by maybe 30 or 40 kids jumping up and down trying to get in the picture and giving the peace sign. Again, it was amazing.
As soon as we had arrived the kids climbed to the top of the bus and started handing down the desks. In no time they had all the desks down, then each picked up a desk and started walking up to the school. A little boy, perhaps 8, wanted to hold my hand and carry a chair on his back at the same time. I tried to help, or offer him his other hand, but he liked it that way.
We got the school and all the kids had paper and pens and wanted all of us to write down our names and other things - where we lived, what our job was. I was signing autographs forever! It was such a funny experience - I felt famous. =)
Then all the students go organized in chairs, with us up on the stage. They had a little assembly to thank PROBIGUA for the chairs and other things and thank us for our help. There were many speeches and much clapping, singing of the country anthem, etc, etc. Then the women of the school had lunch for us.
We did more and saw more and (obviously) made it home safely, but I have to leave now - the place is closing! I leave for home at 4:00 in the morning and will see some of you soon!
adios!
After 20 minutes of driving or so we hit the mountain. I thought the cobblestone streets of Antigua were bad (and cobblestone would actually be a vast improvement, let me tell you!) - these mountain roads were unbelievable!
There were mostly dirt and gravel. There are no siderails so when we got up high, on one side was the mountain and the other you could look way, way, way down into these deep valleys. The shocks are so good and the road is really rough so it was like sitting in one of those vibrating massage chairs. Add to that the rutted road and switchback curves hugging the mountain - it was like riding in one of those chairs on a little boat in choppy seas, going about 40 miles an hour - for 2 1/2 hours!!
I truly believed today would be my last day on earth.
All the way up the mountain huge trucks were coming down the road and we had to get over to the right, precariously close to the edge, while still driving and rocking back and forth. Ay! I was gripping my shoes with my toes so hard - as if hanging on to my shoes would save us from a plunge to our deaths! Sometimes I just had to close my eyes.
When we finally arrived at the school there were several kids to greet us. As we got out of the bus they were very excited and wanted us to take their pictures. They were amazed by the digital cameras and seeing their photos right away. After a few minutes and exchanging names and trying to understand what they were saying, I heard this noise. I looked up and from a block up the hill came dozens and dozens of children running down the road toward us yelling and laughing - they were so excited to see us! It was an amazing experience. Amazing.
Of course all the new kids wanted photos to. I immediately had several new friends attached to both hands and whatever else they could get hold of. Several of them asked Marcos to take a picture. He turned his camera on us and the other kids saw this. There was a huge rush and suddenly I was surrounded by maybe 30 or 40 kids jumping up and down trying to get in the picture and giving the peace sign. Again, it was amazing.
As soon as we had arrived the kids climbed to the top of the bus and started handing down the desks. In no time they had all the desks down, then each picked up a desk and started walking up to the school. A little boy, perhaps 8, wanted to hold my hand and carry a chair on his back at the same time. I tried to help, or offer him his other hand, but he liked it that way.
We got the school and all the kids had paper and pens and wanted all of us to write down our names and other things - where we lived, what our job was. I was signing autographs forever! It was such a funny experience - I felt famous. =)
Then all the students go organized in chairs, with us up on the stage. They had a little assembly to thank PROBIGUA for the chairs and other things and thank us for our help. There were many speeches and much clapping, singing of the country anthem, etc, etc. Then the women of the school had lunch for us.
We did more and saw more and (obviously) made it home safely, but I have to leave now - the place is closing! I leave for home at 4:00 in the morning and will see some of you soon!
adios!
a day in the life
I only have 9 minutes so I'll try to type fast. So much happens every day and the days go so fast - it is hard to find time at the computers!
So each morning I wake around 6 am. Usually because it's getting too light to sleep, there is a lot of noise outside, and because I most likely went to bed at 9 the night before! Before going to the bathroom for my shower I have to turn on the hot water in the outside hallway. Though - this doesn't make the water all that hot. Since I've been in Guat I've only had one hot (warmish) shower. Brr!
Then the four of us students in the house set the breakfast table. Promptly at 7:00 breakfast arrives. Usually a lot of fruit combined with pancakes or bread or cereal or eggs or other things, and always coffee and tea. We all attempt to speak spanish with one another and Tomas, el hombre del casa. About 7:30 or so we all head to school. It's just a couple minutes down the road from us.
Classes begin promptly at 8:00. Mine starts with talking with my maestra for an hour mas o menos, en espanol. Sometimes this actually resembles a conversation, and sometimes it involves a lot of "ahh, umm, hmm, aahhh, I think..." trying to come up with the right words! And also using the dictionary a lot.
At 10 everyone takes a break for cafe, te, y pan. Then it's back to work at 10:30 - 12:00.
At 12 we're all finished. Some people run errands then or do some email. Everyone eventually heads back home for lunch at 1:00.
That's only half the day - but I have to go catch a bus - the biblioteca bus! We're riding the bookmobile bus to a pueblo up near one of the volcanos. I'll be back later in the afternoon. Not sure if I'll get to post though... I'll try!
the rest...
Lunch is at about 1:00 each day - almuerzo. Lunch is the main meal of the day so it is usually pretty big. All the students and the people of the house return and we set the table again. The food comes out and we all try to remember, yet again, how to say things like 'please pass the salt' (pasame la sal) or the words for fork, knife, y spoon (tenedor, cuchillo, y cuchara).
I think one of us has another hour or two of classes starting at 2:00 but the rest of us are free for the rest of the day. On Tuesday through Friday the school has different activities each day. Tuesday it was a 'reunion' with Rigoberto, the director of the school. Wednesday was making bolletes, Thursday a trip to a local ceramico. Today was a trip to a pueblo up in the mountains. More on that later!
The afternoons are a good time for these activities and also for wandering the city and shopping in the mercado. The Parque Central in the middle of the town is also a nice place. Yesterday there was a band playing in the arcade of one of the old buildings in the square. It was really cool!
All the students return before 7:00 for dinner. Some much earlier to work on homework! Pero there isn't usually much homework. Dinner at 7:00 and we don't usually go out after that. Well, the guys do - but I suppose it's fine for them. Usually the days are so full and it has been so warm, I desperately try to stay awake till 9:00! I guess it is my vacation - but I'm used to going to bed LATE and waking up LATE - not the other way 'round!
This morning I woke to the sound of rain. (You were right mom!) The sound of rain has to be one of the most beautiful things in the world! It stopped by 8:00 though and the rest of the day has been hace mucho calor!
Oh - yesterday morning after breakfast, Tomas said he was a giving us an examen. We each got a piece of paper and he had us write down three words each. Then he told us it was market day and we had to find these things in the market! I think mine were caimities, zapotes, and manzaniros - or something like that. Madarine oranges and two other odd things. We had to find these things after classes (or during) and bring them to the house before lunch. Que bueno!
My teacher and I went to the market during classes and found all the fruit. I also bought some flowers - some for my teacher Olga and some for the house. None of us were quite sure what this fruit was for. A big fruit salad?
Lunch came and there was no fruit, some rice and other things (I forget now). Right as we were finishing - the fruit came out on 4 platters! I've never eaten so much fruit in my whole life - combined! There were two kinds of bananas (mmmmm), two kinds of mangos, zapotes, boysenberries (muy sour!), mandarin oranges, and several other fruits I've never seen before. This combined with the pineapple, watermelon, and cantelope from the morning! Some of the fruit was good, some was weird, and others were kind of yucky. Me no gusta. It was a fun experience though!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
ha ha ha!
This will be my one mean post - for those of you in the Northwest who have been inundated with rain I understand. The average temperature in Chiquimula was probably between 80-90 degrees every day. Guatemala City was a little cooler. Here in Antigua it's about 80 degrees each day. Hace calor! It has been beautiful every day and I haven't seen rain since I left Seattle. And... I got a little sunburn today walking through the markets. =)
Ahora, mi maestra digo yo necesito practicar espanol! =)
Ahora, mi maestra digo yo necesito practicar espanol! =)
Only justice brings peace...
Okay, so last Thursday I got a ride over to the airport. I was supposed to be there around 1:30 or 2 for the bus to Chiquimula. I arrived closer to 2:00 but I hadn't had lunch and I didn't have money. I found a bank then a place to eat. It took them a long time to prepare my sandwich and I was getting nervous about the time. I finally grabbed my sandwhich and ran out to the arrival area.
There are dozens and dozens of people in the arrival area. Some are trying to sell you stuff. Some are trying to offer you a ride in a taxi. Some people have signs with names. If you even look at a person, they assume they've found the person they are looking for so it's a bit confusing! There was supposed to be a sign saying FWCC. I looked at all the signs but none said FWCC. There were a couple large groups that had arrived as well so there were a lot of people.
My directions said that if I didn't see a sign to look for some type of bus in the loading area. Well I had no idea what sort of buses they were talking about!! There were many buses in the loading area with people getting in - and the buses driving off. Did I miss my bus? Was that one of them just leaving? I don't even know who is picking me up or what anyone looks like! I don't even know how many people are arriving, if they're arriving together, how big the bus is, etc.
I started going around asking random strangers, "FWCC?" One person thought they had seen a sign, but not recently. I started to get really upset as it was about 2:30 and the bus was supposed to have left at 2:00. Surely I had missed it!! I had no idea what to do with myself.
So I'm standing there on the sidewalk trying to collect myself and figure out what to do next and suddenly there is a group of about 6 people surrounding me. I didn't notice it at first because the place was so crowded. Then one of them pointed to the button on my sweater and said, "Only justice brings peace... she's one of ours!" Yay! My group had found me!
That is one of the most wonderful things I've heard! I've been wearing this button for 7 months and have gotten some weird responses to it. All day and night traveling to Guatemala I got some funny looks from people. Some give the thumbs up, but others look concerned or puzzled and one guy looked like he wanted to get into a debate, but then though better of it. So this comment was so wonderful!
We had another 45 minutes to wait for another arrival, then we jumped into the bus and headed for Chiquimula. I think it took us about 3 1/2 hours to get there - through mountains and valleys. The roads were often narrow and steep, with a cliff face on one side and a deep valley on the other. The driver drove at breakneck speeds passing on the downhill and being passed on the uphill. Someone almost got carsick at one point - I'm glad she didn't!
There are dozens and dozens of people in the arrival area. Some are trying to sell you stuff. Some are trying to offer you a ride in a taxi. Some people have signs with names. If you even look at a person, they assume they've found the person they are looking for so it's a bit confusing! There was supposed to be a sign saying FWCC. I looked at all the signs but none said FWCC. There were a couple large groups that had arrived as well so there were a lot of people.
My directions said that if I didn't see a sign to look for some type of bus in the loading area. Well I had no idea what sort of buses they were talking about!! There were many buses in the loading area with people getting in - and the buses driving off. Did I miss my bus? Was that one of them just leaving? I don't even know who is picking me up or what anyone looks like! I don't even know how many people are arriving, if they're arriving together, how big the bus is, etc.
I started going around asking random strangers, "FWCC?" One person thought they had seen a sign, but not recently. I started to get really upset as it was about 2:30 and the bus was supposed to have left at 2:00. Surely I had missed it!! I had no idea what to do with myself.
So I'm standing there on the sidewalk trying to collect myself and figure out what to do next and suddenly there is a group of about 6 people surrounding me. I didn't notice it at first because the place was so crowded. Then one of them pointed to the button on my sweater and said, "Only justice brings peace... she's one of ours!" Yay! My group had found me!
That is one of the most wonderful things I've heard! I've been wearing this button for 7 months and have gotten some weird responses to it. All day and night traveling to Guatemala I got some funny looks from people. Some give the thumbs up, but others look concerned or puzzled and one guy looked like he wanted to get into a debate, but then though better of it. So this comment was so wonderful!
We had another 45 minutes to wait for another arrival, then we jumped into the bus and headed for Chiquimula. I think it took us about 3 1/2 hours to get there - through mountains and valleys. The roads were often narrow and steep, with a cliff face on one side and a deep valley on the other. The driver drove at breakneck speeds passing on the downhill and being passed on the uphill. Someone almost got carsick at one point - I'm glad she didn't!
Road rage...
I have so much to say from FWCC but I don't have time right now, so just one story. On Friday night we left the hotel in 3 buses and took the hour trip to Chiquimula. The roads are rather narrow and steep, in the mountains, and are very windy. There are a lot of slow trucks on the roads. Our buses were trying to pass this big slow truck who kept straddling the center line whenever there was room to pass. The first two buses finally managed it, then it was our turn.
Our driver kept trying and trying till finally there was enough room to get over. Then the truck driver started coming over and we ended up clipping his mirror! I don't think it broke, just moved a bit. But we manged to pass the truck.
A moment later the truck came speeding up, passed us, then stopped right in front of us! Big trouble! The other two buses saw this and stopped immediately. All the drivers got out and had and started arguing and fighting in front of our bus.
Finally everyone went back to their vehicles and we were off again. About two minutes later the truck had gotten in front of our caravan and stopped again! All the drivers got out and the police came. We were parked in the middle of the road on a rather steep incline headed down into a valley. Lots of other cars and trucks were passing within inches of the arguing drivers. They finally sorted everything out and we all headed on our way again.
I guess the driver said it was a 'crazy Salvadoran driver.' No se. I was getting a little scared at this situation - was it a setup? But everyone else seemed to be having a grand time and we were all okay in the end.
After the church service in Chiquimula, the city police provided two motorcycle escorts out of the city and I think another escort in a car stayed with us all the way back to the hotel.
I guess after the war there were a lot of guns left in the country and now no one knows who has guns and whether or not they have ammo. A bit of a scary situation.
Anyway, I'm off to lunch (almuerzo) and then to find a banco.
Adios!
(p.s. It's already Tuesday and I haven't managed to find any postcards yet, so lo siento, no postcards this time...)
Our driver kept trying and trying till finally there was enough room to get over. Then the truck driver started coming over and we ended up clipping his mirror! I don't think it broke, just moved a bit. But we manged to pass the truck.
A moment later the truck came speeding up, passed us, then stopped right in front of us! Big trouble! The other two buses saw this and stopped immediately. All the drivers got out and had and started arguing and fighting in front of our bus.
Finally everyone went back to their vehicles and we were off again. About two minutes later the truck had gotten in front of our caravan and stopped again! All the drivers got out and the police came. We were parked in the middle of the road on a rather steep incline headed down into a valley. Lots of other cars and trucks were passing within inches of the arguing drivers. They finally sorted everything out and we all headed on our way again.
I guess the driver said it was a 'crazy Salvadoran driver.' No se. I was getting a little scared at this situation - was it a setup? But everyone else seemed to be having a grand time and we were all okay in the end.
After the church service in Chiquimula, the city police provided two motorcycle escorts out of the city and I think another escort in a car stayed with us all the way back to the hotel.
I guess after the war there were a lot of guns left in the country and now no one knows who has guns and whether or not they have ammo. A bit of a scary situation.
Anyway, I'm off to lunch (almuerzo) and then to find a banco.
Adios!
(p.s. It's already Tuesday and I haven't managed to find any postcards yet, so lo siento, no postcards this time...)
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Touchdown, and a familiar face...
I landed in Guatemala City Thursday morning at 5:30. It was a full flight, full of screaming babies, and Iwas on the aisle - so not much sleep for me! I had been told to go to the informatin desk "you can't miss it" but it was not where it was supposed to be! I finally found it but the woman there didn't have a phone. She did have a cell phone and after awhile was able to figure it out so she could call my hotel. They arrived at the airport within minutes and it was a quick drive over.
All these months I´ve thought I hopefully understood enough Spanish to get by. It's because my roommate is kind enough to speak slow, use hand gestures, and repeat things over and over. It's not the same thing down here! I came into the little hotel and had no clue what the woman was talking about! Finally I guessed she wanted me to wait for my room to be ready. When it was I wanted to ask about breakfast. Another disaster in understanding! I was able to ask what time it was and say 'breakfast.' =) I was able to ask for breakfast at 7:30 then I went to see if I could get any sleep.
When I came out at 7:30 there was no breakfast, and wouldn´t be for another 45 minutes. I think she didn´t understand me after all. Oh well. Luckily by then someone who spoke a littleEnglish showed up and I could finally understand things. What have I gotten myself in to!?
After breakfast I wanted to try to find a market. They directed me to the museum down the road and said there was a market nearby. Never found the market, but I got an education in roads around here...The roads are crazy!
There are people hanging out of trucks and cars everywhere zooming down the roads. No seatbelts here. The buses are huge, red, and old. Huge clouds of black smoke are usually billowing out the back, and crowds of people are crammed inside. There are often 2 or 3 men hanging out the front and back doors of the bus. The guidebook says they´re´trawling´ for more passengers, which is really what it looks like! There are no crosswalks, you just figure out what direction the traffic is flowing, wait for a gap, and run for it! There are some new cars, but there are some amazing contraptions as well. Cars that must have rolled down a mountain then been left in the rain for a year - and then surprise! they still run! And run with all the clanging and clunking and no-muffler-sound you might expect. There were a number of little stores on the side of the road selling soda, beer, and snacks. Some were closed off with iron bars and chain link. I guess you look through and ask for what you want and the person hands it to you through a gap in the fence. On my way back to the hotel I came around a corner and ran into an old familiar face - the black-hatted Quaker man smiling at me from a sign over a store. The 3 volcanos I saw on my walk were cool too. =)
Just a little while till I jump on a bus for Chiquimula!
(Sorry! I wrote this on Thursday but could not log in - everything was in German for some reason too!)
All these months I´ve thought I hopefully understood enough Spanish to get by. It's because my roommate is kind enough to speak slow, use hand gestures, and repeat things over and over. It's not the same thing down here! I came into the little hotel and had no clue what the woman was talking about! Finally I guessed she wanted me to wait for my room to be ready. When it was I wanted to ask about breakfast. Another disaster in understanding! I was able to ask what time it was and say 'breakfast.' =) I was able to ask for breakfast at 7:30 then I went to see if I could get any sleep.
When I came out at 7:30 there was no breakfast, and wouldn´t be for another 45 minutes. I think she didn´t understand me after all. Oh well. Luckily by then someone who spoke a littleEnglish showed up and I could finally understand things. What have I gotten myself in to!?
After breakfast I wanted to try to find a market. They directed me to the museum down the road and said there was a market nearby. Never found the market, but I got an education in roads around here...The roads are crazy!
There are people hanging out of trucks and cars everywhere zooming down the roads. No seatbelts here. The buses are huge, red, and old. Huge clouds of black smoke are usually billowing out the back, and crowds of people are crammed inside. There are often 2 or 3 men hanging out the front and back doors of the bus. The guidebook says they´re´trawling´ for more passengers, which is really what it looks like! There are no crosswalks, you just figure out what direction the traffic is flowing, wait for a gap, and run for it! There are some new cars, but there are some amazing contraptions as well. Cars that must have rolled down a mountain then been left in the rain for a year - and then surprise! they still run! And run with all the clanging and clunking and no-muffler-sound you might expect. There were a number of little stores on the side of the road selling soda, beer, and snacks. Some were closed off with iron bars and chain link. I guess you look through and ask for what you want and the person hands it to you through a gap in the fence. On my way back to the hotel I came around a corner and ran into an old familiar face - the black-hatted Quaker man smiling at me from a sign over a store. The 3 volcanos I saw on my walk were cool too. =)
Just a little while till I jump on a bus for Chiquimula!
(Sorry! I wrote this on Thursday but could not log in - everything was in German for some reason too!)
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
details, details
When I arrive in Guatemala City at 5:45 a.m. (TOMORROW MORNING!) I'll have about 8 hours to kill before my shuttle bus leaves for Chiquimula. I thought I'd just get to hang out in the airport or go sit in a hotel lobby somewhere...but I just found out it's so much more exciting than that!
And I quote:
Well that works for me!!
The other detail is that I really wanted to get a ride home from the airport when I return home and everyone I know is either out of town, at a wedding, moving, helping someone move, has visitors, etc. Ack! But I did just finally find someone. Thanks Arlyene!
22 hours and counting...
And I quote:
There is a nearby bed & breakfast that will pick you up, take you to their hotel and give you coffee, breakfast, a place to put your bags, or whatever your needs will be. They have a nice living room area and garden area. They can also arrange or guide you in visiting a nearby anthropological museum, zoo or Guatemalan market.
The afternoon bus will be going after the two o clock arrivals come and you would need to be back at the airport at 1:30 p.m.
Well that works for me!!
The other detail is that I really wanted to get a ride home from the airport when I return home and everyone I know is either out of town, at a wedding, moving, helping someone move, has visitors, etc. Ack! But I did just finally find someone. Thanks Arlyene!
22 hours and counting...
Monday, March 13, 2006
"Packing" update
Okay, so the way I pack is I gather together everything I think I want to take with me, then I see what fits in the suitcase. Sometimes this gathering process can last for weeks; sometimes I do a lot of gathering in my mind and on lists, then I just put it all together at the last minute.
However, I just moved a few months ago and most of my stuff is still in boxes. Everything else is dispersed throughout the house in weird places. I can't find anything! Right now I'm trying to find my sunglasses and my hat. I know these two items exist somewhere...but where on earth I do not know.
I heard a funny fact about Seattle that sunglass sales are higher here than in many sunnier cities. Why? Because we put our sunglasses away for so long we can't find them again when the sun comes out so we have to buy more! I can't afford that since these are prescription, so back to the hunt...
UPDATE: I hesitate to say that blogs will solve all your problems, but I DID just find my sunglasses and my hat - minutes after this posting. Okay blogger, now I need to find my passport. =)
However, I just moved a few months ago and most of my stuff is still in boxes. Everything else is dispersed throughout the house in weird places. I can't find anything! Right now I'm trying to find my sunglasses and my hat. I know these two items exist somewhere...but where on earth I do not know.
I heard a funny fact about Seattle that sunglass sales are higher here than in many sunnier cities. Why? Because we put our sunglasses away for so long we can't find them again when the sun comes out so we have to buy more! I can't afford that since these are prescription, so back to the hunt...
UPDATE: I hesitate to say that blogs will solve all your problems, but I DID just find my sunglasses and my hat - minutes after this posting. Okay blogger, now I need to find my passport. =)
On the road again...
In 48 hours I'm jumping on a plane and heading for Guatemala! Unfortunately my pals Joyce, Delonna, and Chrissy can't come on this trip. =(
First I'll be heading to the Friends World Committee for Consultation Annual Meeting in Chiquimula.
On Monday I head to Antigua where I'll be living with a family and studying some Spanish for a week with PROBIGUA, a school that is helping to develop libraries in Guatemala.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a ton of stuff to do!!
First I'll be heading to the Friends World Committee for Consultation Annual Meeting in Chiquimula.
On Monday I head to Antigua where I'll be living with a family and studying some Spanish for a week with PROBIGUA, a school that is helping to develop libraries in Guatemala.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a ton of stuff to do!!
Monday, September 12, 2005
Now where??
Ok ladies,
We've had enough of a break. Where shall we go next? I hear Habitat for Humanity will be needing a lot of people in New Orleans. :)
I won't be doing FWCC because its not during my spring break.
I am teaching 3rd Grade and LOVING it. I have 11 of my previous students (with 23 total in the class). Its all not a giant love-fest, there are a few squirly kids in that group...
So, seriously.. where to? I have a short Christmas break, Spring Break, Veteran's day (early Nov.) and of course the summer!
And yes, I am fully aware I have to figure out that (grrr) car rental stuff.
Missing all of you so very much
Delonna
PS: Aimee, thanks for the package!!
We've had enough of a break. Where shall we go next? I hear Habitat for Humanity will be needing a lot of people in New Orleans. :)
I won't be doing FWCC because its not during my spring break.
I am teaching 3rd Grade and LOVING it. I have 11 of my previous students (with 23 total in the class). Its all not a giant love-fest, there are a few squirly kids in that group...
So, seriously.. where to? I have a short Christmas break, Spring Break, Veteran's day (early Nov.) and of course the summer!
And yes, I am fully aware I have to figure out that (grrr) car rental stuff.
Missing all of you so very much
Delonna
PS: Aimee, thanks for the package!!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Chrissy's run-in with US Customs
One moment of the trip home sticks out in my mind.
Setting: US Customs in Houston, Texas
Cast: Joe Customs Agent, Joyce (me) and Chrissy
Scene One
Chrissy clears customs, by less-than transparent means. =) Joyce honestly discloses that "we" walked through a pasture while in England. Joe calls back Chrissy.
Conversation
Joe: Did you walk through a pasture in the UK?
Chrissy: I forgot about that.
Final Scene
Joe reams Chrissy for lying to a US Customs Agent. Joyce doesn't get reamed. Both Chrissy and Joyce have to dig through their luggage to get out the shoes they wore while walking in the pasture.
Note: Joyce got to use her walkie talkies while walking through the pastures in England.
Moral
Always use walkie talkies while walking in English pastures - they might improve memory.
Setting: US Customs in Houston, Texas
Cast: Joe Customs Agent, Joyce (me) and Chrissy
Scene One
Chrissy clears customs, by less-than transparent means. =) Joyce honestly discloses that "we" walked through a pasture while in England. Joe calls back Chrissy.
Conversation
Joe: Did you walk through a pasture in the UK?
Chrissy: I forgot about that.
Final Scene
Joe reams Chrissy for lying to a US Customs Agent. Joyce doesn't get reamed. Both Chrissy and Joyce have to dig through their luggage to get out the shoes they wore while walking in the pasture.
Note: Joyce got to use her walkie talkies while walking through the pastures in England.
Moral
Always use walkie talkies while walking in English pastures - they might improve memory.
Um, I'm home
Yep, I'm home! I only had a few nights of waking up at 2am but I think I'm okay now.
So are we done with this blog for now... since it is supposed to be a traveling blog?
Or should we talk about where we want to travel next? Who's up for Guatemala in March 2006? Ireland in 2007? Other ideas??
Keeping the traveling bug alive...
So are we done with this blog for now... since it is supposed to be a traveling blog?
Or should we talk about where we want to travel next? Who's up for Guatemala in March 2006? Ireland in 2007? Other ideas??
Keeping the traveling bug alive...
Saturday, August 27, 2005
leaving soon
I spent several hours at the British Museum yesterday. There was so much to see and I'm sure I only scratched the surface. I saw the Rosetta Stone and a lot of stuff from the Acropolis, and a lot of ancient British stuff.
One thing stood out to me though. There was an exhibit from artists in Mozambique. Mozambique has been in a lot of civil wars and conflict for years. Tons and tons of guns were being poured in to support the wars. Now that it's over there are millions of weapons spread throughout the country. A group, Arms for Tools I think, started a program to turn in guns in exchange for farm tools and other things. There is a story of one whole village who turned in all their guns for a tractor. Then a group of artists take these weapons and make sculptures out of them. There was a huge tree, the Tree of Life, made out of tons of guns. You can still see it all, pieces of triggers, etc. It was amazing, hard to describe when you see that many weapons turned into art...
I spent several hours trying to track down some Yorkshire tea and managed to make it to the Indian/Muslim area where there were a ton of stalls out. People were selling everything! Beautiful clothes and scarves, shoes, toys, fruits and vegetables. This went on for blocks and blocks and blocks. I wish I had discovered this area sooner! I could only linger so long though since I had a dinner date to keep.
I had arranged to meet Nancy Irving, the general secretary of Friends World Committee for Consultation, for dinner. (I think that's her title.) I had gotten way over to East London to find a big enough Sainsbury's that sold big boxes of tea and I knew I would be late. It was a rush back through the street stalls and the tube to get back to my hostel and unload all my purchases, then a quick turnaround back to the tub.
I made it to Friends House fifteen minutes late, but all was well. Nancy and I caught a bus over to the Thames area. The Tate Modern is over there and a lot of theatres (for live shows). There was a theatre show going on in a park area and we stopped for a few minutes. The setting was a barber shop and there were three actors. They never said a thing, just interacted with the set and the radio. They would occassionally change the station and then would interact with the radio. We came in and the radio was doing war of the worlds type broadcast. The actors were terrified, trying to hide, etc, etc, acting like the world was ending. Then a soothing voice came on saying that this was episode 6 of such-and-such show, tune in next week... The actors became embarrassed and acted like they knew all along. The radio was changed to a different station, and they were off on another skit. They just kept going and going! We finally left and meandered along the river. We had a lovely dinner at a pizza place then went to visit the Tate.
This museum was made out of an old power company building. It is absolutely enormous! The 'atrium' area inside has to be something like 10 stories high. They did a wonderful job converting the building into a museum. We only had time to visit one gallery. It was titled something like 'beyond painting.' There were a number of 'artists' who had created these pieces with clay, sacking, bits of fluffy stuff, etc. One was simply a large piece of burlap stretched over the canvass with a slice right through the middle of it. This particular artist had really gotten into poking holes into his canvass or slicing through it to give a sense of infinity. Hmmm. I think that one gallery was enough for both of us!
I went across the Millenium Bridge straight to St. Pauls and made my way 'home.' I had a good last day in London and wonder if I'll every get back here again.
Well, the St. Paul's bells just rang 9:00. Time for me to gather my luggage and head for the airport! See some of you soon!
One thing stood out to me though. There was an exhibit from artists in Mozambique. Mozambique has been in a lot of civil wars and conflict for years. Tons and tons of guns were being poured in to support the wars. Now that it's over there are millions of weapons spread throughout the country. A group, Arms for Tools I think, started a program to turn in guns in exchange for farm tools and other things. There is a story of one whole village who turned in all their guns for a tractor. Then a group of artists take these weapons and make sculptures out of them. There was a huge tree, the Tree of Life, made out of tons of guns. You can still see it all, pieces of triggers, etc. It was amazing, hard to describe when you see that many weapons turned into art...
I spent several hours trying to track down some Yorkshire tea and managed to make it to the Indian/Muslim area where there were a ton of stalls out. People were selling everything! Beautiful clothes and scarves, shoes, toys, fruits and vegetables. This went on for blocks and blocks and blocks. I wish I had discovered this area sooner! I could only linger so long though since I had a dinner date to keep.
I had arranged to meet Nancy Irving, the general secretary of Friends World Committee for Consultation, for dinner. (I think that's her title.) I had gotten way over to East London to find a big enough Sainsbury's that sold big boxes of tea and I knew I would be late. It was a rush back through the street stalls and the tube to get back to my hostel and unload all my purchases, then a quick turnaround back to the tub.
I made it to Friends House fifteen minutes late, but all was well. Nancy and I caught a bus over to the Thames area. The Tate Modern is over there and a lot of theatres (for live shows). There was a theatre show going on in a park area and we stopped for a few minutes. The setting was a barber shop and there were three actors. They never said a thing, just interacted with the set and the radio. They would occassionally change the station and then would interact with the radio. We came in and the radio was doing war of the worlds type broadcast. The actors were terrified, trying to hide, etc, etc, acting like the world was ending. Then a soothing voice came on saying that this was episode 6 of such-and-such show, tune in next week... The actors became embarrassed and acted like they knew all along. The radio was changed to a different station, and they were off on another skit. They just kept going and going! We finally left and meandered along the river. We had a lovely dinner at a pizza place then went to visit the Tate.
This museum was made out of an old power company building. It is absolutely enormous! The 'atrium' area inside has to be something like 10 stories high. They did a wonderful job converting the building into a museum. We only had time to visit one gallery. It was titled something like 'beyond painting.' There were a number of 'artists' who had created these pieces with clay, sacking, bits of fluffy stuff, etc. One was simply a large piece of burlap stretched over the canvass with a slice right through the middle of it. This particular artist had really gotten into poking holes into his canvass or slicing through it to give a sense of infinity. Hmmm. I think that one gallery was enough for both of us!
I went across the Millenium Bridge straight to St. Pauls and made my way 'home.' I had a good last day in London and wonder if I'll every get back here again.
Well, the St. Paul's bells just rang 9:00. Time for me to gather my luggage and head for the airport! See some of you soon!
Friday, August 26, 2005
Returning to Work
Joyce and I arrived in Idaho last night at 10:00 PM. Today I came into school in order to get everything set up for the students who come on Monday. I think I'm about ready. It has been such a fast transition from being with 230 other young adults to being at school again. There is so much that I want to think on from the gathering and so many people that I want to begin e-mailing. I'm hoping that I'll make space in my life for these things and not allow my time to be swallowed up by less important matters.
I'm grateful for all the prayers that were offered on behalf of the gathering. It was evident that God was at work among us, and I believe that he'll use that event for years to come in the continuing transformation of many lives. You can still be praying for the gathering that will occur in Kenya in October.
I'm grateful for all the prayers that were offered on behalf of the gathering. It was evident that God was at work among us, and I believe that he'll use that event for years to come in the continuing transformation of many lives. You can still be praying for the gathering that will occur in Kenya in October.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Back... to London
Time when you are traveling is a weird thing. Sometimes it passes so slowly and sometimes so quickly. Tuesday and Wednesday seemed to pass so quickly, and I felt like the whole last two weeks had gone by fast. But today, Thursday, I feel like the last two days have been forever long.
I was up early yesterday morning to be at Pendle Bar by 7am to check in keys. At 8:30 I was relieved and ran off to breakfast, scarfed down a full breakfast (yay!) and ran back to the Bar to continue checking people out. I was bummed to miss the last admin team meeting...but I don't know if anyone else made it either! I was able to attend most of the last session then, where worship was quite good. We then got to work approving the epistle. I don't even know what the final version is yet - I had to leave early and run back to the Bar to get the door unlocked so people leaving on the 12 bus could get their luggage!
The next few hours were spent checking people out, directing people traffic, trying to answer questions, etc. Also saying goodbyes to people which was quite sad. After many had left I took myself over to the office where the walls and desks were looking quite bare. I helped clean up the rest of the place. It was quite odd how bare and empty it felt, how life-less. And yet, you could still feel the energy in the rooms and halls.
I caught a ride down to Lancaster Meeting house and was reunited with about 20 participants who were staying the night there. I had a homestay though, and after dinner in the meeting house, two Rachels and I headed out. Rachel Phillip's house is way out in the middle of nowhere. It was a long drive! But so beautiful. It was quintessential English countryside. It was the Lancashire dales I believe, covered in fields and grazing sheep. We did have a near run in with sheep on the road a few times!
Rachel's house is quite simple and very old - about 200 years old perhaps, and is right next to a public footpath so there are always people walking by. She doesn't have a fridge, just puts items in the window and keeps the window open. That tells you how cold it is there! It was a wonderful, peaceful place to get a good night's sleep.
This morning Rachel and Rachel and I went into a little town to dry my clothes in the smallest laundrette in England - a little room on the end of a building holding one washer and one dryer! We did some shopping at a few local shops, collected my clothes, then drove on to Lancaster. There were still several participants hanging out so we all walked over to a great vegetarian restaurant called The Whale Tail.
Rachel, Thomas, Matt and I all had to get on the 2:24 train to London. Thanks to Chrissy for buying the wrong tickets so that Rachel and I could use them! =)
Getting back to London was weird. The noise and craziness was a bit overwhelming and shocking to the senses. And yet, I do really like this city. I had to drop off a lost passport at the Friends House, and then made my way over to my youth hostel. I'd tried to book this place a month ago for my first night here and it was full. I'm so glad I got it this time! I'm using the computer in the lobby and there is a big window right next to me. Out the window I can see St Paul's Cathedral, all lit up. And I can hear the church bells chiming each hour, and more often during the day. It is wonderful. I've mostly wandered around a few familiar spots today and will be going to bed soon as I am really knackered! =)
I think I might spend the whole day at the British Museum tomorrow, but we'll see...
I was up early yesterday morning to be at Pendle Bar by 7am to check in keys. At 8:30 I was relieved and ran off to breakfast, scarfed down a full breakfast (yay!) and ran back to the Bar to continue checking people out. I was bummed to miss the last admin team meeting...but I don't know if anyone else made it either! I was able to attend most of the last session then, where worship was quite good. We then got to work approving the epistle. I don't even know what the final version is yet - I had to leave early and run back to the Bar to get the door unlocked so people leaving on the 12 bus could get their luggage!
The next few hours were spent checking people out, directing people traffic, trying to answer questions, etc. Also saying goodbyes to people which was quite sad. After many had left I took myself over to the office where the walls and desks were looking quite bare. I helped clean up the rest of the place. It was quite odd how bare and empty it felt, how life-less. And yet, you could still feel the energy in the rooms and halls.
I caught a ride down to Lancaster Meeting house and was reunited with about 20 participants who were staying the night there. I had a homestay though, and after dinner in the meeting house, two Rachels and I headed out. Rachel Phillip's house is way out in the middle of nowhere. It was a long drive! But so beautiful. It was quintessential English countryside. It was the Lancashire dales I believe, covered in fields and grazing sheep. We did have a near run in with sheep on the road a few times!
Rachel's house is quite simple and very old - about 200 years old perhaps, and is right next to a public footpath so there are always people walking by. She doesn't have a fridge, just puts items in the window and keeps the window open. That tells you how cold it is there! It was a wonderful, peaceful place to get a good night's sleep.
This morning Rachel and Rachel and I went into a little town to dry my clothes in the smallest laundrette in England - a little room on the end of a building holding one washer and one dryer! We did some shopping at a few local shops, collected my clothes, then drove on to Lancaster. There were still several participants hanging out so we all walked over to a great vegetarian restaurant called The Whale Tail.
Rachel, Thomas, Matt and I all had to get on the 2:24 train to London. Thanks to Chrissy for buying the wrong tickets so that Rachel and I could use them! =)
Getting back to London was weird. The noise and craziness was a bit overwhelming and shocking to the senses. And yet, I do really like this city. I had to drop off a lost passport at the Friends House, and then made my way over to my youth hostel. I'd tried to book this place a month ago for my first night here and it was full. I'm so glad I got it this time! I'm using the computer in the lobby and there is a big window right next to me. Out the window I can see St Paul's Cathedral, all lit up. And I can hear the church bells chiming each hour, and more often during the day. It is wonderful. I've mostly wandered around a few familiar spots today and will be going to bed soon as I am really knackered! =)
I think I might spend the whole day at the British Museum tomorrow, but we'll see...
Home!
Ready for some amazing news???
I slept in my own bed last night!
So, here are some thoughts and ramblings after the event:
I don't know for sure what I've taken away yet from the conference. I think that the "fruit" will need time to grow and ripen before I can see the full effects. I have not turned on my TV once since coming home, and I so far, I am enjoying that.
I have decided to make two changes in my life. The first is the aforementioned "silencing of the TV," and the second is... well... I am not going to buy clothes this year. I will if I need to replace something, but I am not going to buy something because it is on sale and "Too cute to pass up..".
Now, I am not one to think that just "doing" will increase my spiritual life, but I do feel that a call to simplicity must start somewhere. I want to declutter my life of some stresses and I think both shopping and TV have been a waste of my time and resources. Mike pointed out that I do enjoy shopping and that I needed to be aware of that but... look at the work "enjoy." Should I really find joy in shopping?? I should find it in being with friends and talking with Mike and doing my best at work... not to mention in my relationship with Christ. If I am finding joy elsewhere, where do I leave room (or time) to seek joy where it really matters?
If my friends invite me to go shopping, I will simply have to use the discipline not to spend money. I may need to leave my debit cards at home to start, but I will do it. When something does wear out, I think I will take my time and carefully purchase what I need, and in that, find better quality (fair trade) products.
Avoiding both TV and shopping I think will help me de-materialize my life. The constant bombardment of commercials through TV and the readiness and availability of goods are two of the challenges I hope to avoid.
Personally, I have come to love my 3 traveling companions a great deal. I know the 3 of them share a closer bond than I do with any of them, but I appreciate their willingness to share their relationships and love with me. Even though I thought they were a bit screwy in the beginning, I came to adore those oddities and just added in my own version to their mix!
I love you three very much, and look forward to many other crazy adventures!
I slept in my own bed last night!
So, here are some thoughts and ramblings after the event:
I don't know for sure what I've taken away yet from the conference. I think that the "fruit" will need time to grow and ripen before I can see the full effects. I have not turned on my TV once since coming home, and I so far, I am enjoying that.
I have decided to make two changes in my life. The first is the aforementioned "silencing of the TV," and the second is... well... I am not going to buy clothes this year. I will if I need to replace something, but I am not going to buy something because it is on sale and "Too cute to pass up..".
Now, I am not one to think that just "doing" will increase my spiritual life, but I do feel that a call to simplicity must start somewhere. I want to declutter my life of some stresses and I think both shopping and TV have been a waste of my time and resources. Mike pointed out that I do enjoy shopping and that I needed to be aware of that but... look at the work "enjoy." Should I really find joy in shopping?? I should find it in being with friends and talking with Mike and doing my best at work... not to mention in my relationship with Christ. If I am finding joy elsewhere, where do I leave room (or time) to seek joy where it really matters?
If my friends invite me to go shopping, I will simply have to use the discipline not to spend money. I may need to leave my debit cards at home to start, but I will do it. When something does wear out, I think I will take my time and carefully purchase what I need, and in that, find better quality (fair trade) products.
Avoiding both TV and shopping I think will help me de-materialize my life. The constant bombardment of commercials through TV and the readiness and availability of goods are two of the challenges I hope to avoid.
Personally, I have come to love my 3 traveling companions a great deal. I know the 3 of them share a closer bond than I do with any of them, but I appreciate their willingness to share their relationships and love with me. Even though I thought they were a bit screwy in the beginning, I came to adore those oddities and just added in my own version to their mix!
I love you three very much, and look forward to many other crazy adventures!
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
aimee's thoughts
I think we've about covered the first week of traveling around England. Luckily there are many more stories we haven't told (the windshield wipers... =) so we'll have plenty of stories when we return home. It is Tuesday now, the last full day of the Gathering. I have not shared much of my experience yet.
I have been glad to read the girls' experience, and to talk with them and others. As a member of the admin team I think I've only been able to experience about half of the Gathering. I've been running about doing a lot of work, organizing this and that, been in a lot of meetings, and been involved in some pretty heavy stuff (that i don't feel at liberty to share here).
I've made a few connections with people and had some good conversations and interesting experiences. I'm starting to ask myself now, what will I take away from this experience? What have I learned? How have I changed? What has impacted me? Where do I go from here?
I'm afraid I've been 'on' so much that I haven't had much time to just stop and listen and think. Interestingly, listening has been one of the common themes I've heard. Everyone has been very willing to listen to one another. I think we all expected there to be a lot more division and strife and arguments, but I haven't seen a lot of that. People have been very open.
One interesting story is that I met a girl who thinks that perhaps the 'other' Quakers (unprogrammed) don't really know God, they only think they do. She said that a couple days ago and I didn't have a chance to talk to her more about that. Today we were in a group and had to draw pictures of what we thought the future of Quakerism was. This girl drew a picture with the word 'God' written at the top, then EFI, FUM, FGC - all crossed out, and a crowd of people below that. She hoped that in the future Quakers could move beyond those divisions and have more in common. I really appreciated hearing that from her.
I've gotten to the point that I have a lot of thoughts... and no thoughts. This week has been really, really interesting in many ways. I don't know if/when I'll be able to share them on this blog. I apologize to my 'fans' that there aren't more travel details. My traveling has mostly been from my room to the dining room to the office, to the great hall, to the office, to the dining hall, to the office, to my room. =) I did go on a trip to Swarthmore Hall (and sat in both George Fox's and Margaret Fell's chairs!) and also climbed Pendle Hill. I will try to post about those soon.
I have been glad to read the girls' experience, and to talk with them and others. As a member of the admin team I think I've only been able to experience about half of the Gathering. I've been running about doing a lot of work, organizing this and that, been in a lot of meetings, and been involved in some pretty heavy stuff (that i don't feel at liberty to share here).
I've made a few connections with people and had some good conversations and interesting experiences. I'm starting to ask myself now, what will I take away from this experience? What have I learned? How have I changed? What has impacted me? Where do I go from here?
I'm afraid I've been 'on' so much that I haven't had much time to just stop and listen and think. Interestingly, listening has been one of the common themes I've heard. Everyone has been very willing to listen to one another. I think we all expected there to be a lot more division and strife and arguments, but I haven't seen a lot of that. People have been very open.
One interesting story is that I met a girl who thinks that perhaps the 'other' Quakers (unprogrammed) don't really know God, they only think they do. She said that a couple days ago and I didn't have a chance to talk to her more about that. Today we were in a group and had to draw pictures of what we thought the future of Quakerism was. This girl drew a picture with the word 'God' written at the top, then EFI, FUM, FGC - all crossed out, and a crowd of people below that. She hoped that in the future Quakers could move beyond those divisions and have more in common. I really appreciated hearing that from her.
I've gotten to the point that I have a lot of thoughts... and no thoughts. This week has been really, really interesting in many ways. I don't know if/when I'll be able to share them on this blog. I apologize to my 'fans' that there aren't more travel details. My traveling has mostly been from my room to the dining room to the office, to the great hall, to the office, to the dining hall, to the office, to my room. =) I did go on a trip to Swarthmore Hall (and sat in both George Fox's and Margaret Fell's chairs!) and also climbed Pendle Hill. I will try to post about those soon.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Lake District
Just before the World Gathering began, Delonna and I stayed at the Elas Crag Bed and Breakfast in the North of England, near Keswick.
This area is known as the Lake District and is one of the most beautiful places, especially if you like nature, mutton, cloud cover, tea, foliage (especially ferns), flowers, stone walls, water and quiet.
This area is known as the Lake District and is one of the most beautiful places, especially if you like nature, mutton, cloud cover, tea, foliage (especially ferns), flowers, stone walls, water and quiet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)