Dear friends and family,
Hello! I hope you all had a very blessed week since I last posted. I often find when I ask my students how they are doing they tell me they have had a blessed week - it makes you think more than when people just respond good. My week has definitely been blessed!
Last weekend we had a very very relaxing weekend. Friday night we just hung out and talked with a few friends - Saturday we stayed home and watched a movie - and then on Sunday we took an excursion to a pool!!! That may have been my favorite part of the weekend. We were all SOOO hot on Sunday morning and I didn't know how I was ever going to cool down. So we decided to go swimming and the cheapest pool we could find - was actually one of the nicer ones. We spent a good day bonding the three of us. We mostly "limed" in the pool and chatted. We also had a hand stand competition which I lost horribly!!! Sarah and I ate ice cream which was probably the closest to American ice cream that I could find - however - don't get me wrong... The ice cream is still NOTHING compared to American ice cream - but at least it is cold!!
The week was not too exciting. Work has been good. The boy that I help read during lunch has had a cough for over 4 weeks now and I have been fighting with him to go to the doctor - however he refuses. I got another teacher to have my back and finally he agreed to go tomorrow - so we will see on Monday if he actually went! On thursday I had to go to the bus park to catch a Plasiance bus and none of the other teachers were going that day so I had him "carry" (take) me to the right bus to get on. We were with a few other trainees (students) and he kept saying "Miss - don't be afraid". I am never really afraid - but I think it is always a good reminder to relax. I always find so much joy from my students even the students who give me the greatest problems.
One girl especially gives me an extreme amount of problems. At first it was easy to get really mad at her but for the past three weeks I have worked extra hard on making sure that I was patient with her and didn't take her outburst of rage personally. Today she had another outburst of anger and instead of yelling I pulled her out of class and asked her what was wrong. After a few questions she broke down and ended up telling me how she feels upset and angry all the time because she has a lack of respect in her life and she can't take it when people are disrespectful to her. It was a really good conversation in the end in which she agreed to work with me to find ways to healthily deal with her anger rather than lashing out in class. Many times when people are upset or angry we take it out on someone who is near us - rather than looking at the facts. In our house we always think before getting into a big discussion "Am I Hungry, Lonely, Angry or Tired". If one of us fits into that category - emotions are probably going to run high and we should look at the benefit of the other person. I do the same thing with my students. I realize there is nothing I could have done to make them blow up in outrage - rather I just need to be full of mercy in my response to them. (And also use discipline that is constructive)
My job at the hospital was good this week. I am basically just shadowing and answering basic questions for patients - but soon enough it will pick up and get busy. I am enjoying my down day away from the school.
I forgot one of the BEST parts of the week. My student Naameshawari brought me Roti and Chicken Curry for lunch one day. IT WAS AMAZING. It is by FAR my new favorite Guyanese food!!! Her aunt and grandmother sell it at a market and Audrey and I might take an adventure saturday mid morning for some because its really really cheap and Sarah is at work so we need to find something to do!
Anyway. I showed some of the girls in my class a picture of me my mom and "my auntie" as they would say - They were convinced that my auntie Annie was my mother! And if she wasn't my mother than she was definately my sister. Out of all my girls only two thought my mother was actually my mother. I think it might have been a height thing. I also showed the girls a picture of my cousins - one of my girls said she was in "love" with my cousin Nick and that I need to bring him to Guyana so that they could get married. It was fun to share a little bit of home with them!
I have received a few letters since being here and I really appreciate them. I have to give a shout out to my auntie Annie for sending me the letter with the best pictures - and a shout out to my God Mother (God Mother is more important to say than aunt here - so I am saying God Mother) for sending me the best cards!!! My whole house laughed at the last one - and if I had a scanner I would put it on the internet for you all to see!! Also a shout out to Tasha and Brandon for sending me my first Guyanese package!!
Anyway. I promise to write more next week - but for now this is what I have.
I send you my love and prayers - and ask that next time someone blows up at you - be merciful and take a second to see what the real problem is - maybe, just maybe - they are in need of help greater than you could ever realize.
Love,
Ashley Ann
P.S. Sick Sick Bad means you REALLY like something - I like Guyana Sick Sick Bad Man.
Whatsoever you do to the least of My people, that you do unto Me.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
10/26/2009
(First and foremost - this is not really about my experience in Georgetown & I don't have to work until 11am so I thought I would come and write this)
The past few days I have spent a great amount of time reflecting on the past. Since being here in South America I've come to realize that the person who I am here is a complete collection of all of my past experiences and the people I have known. Often times when I become home sick or sad I want a friend to talk with or a family member to laugh with and that is not possible. However being the Catholic that I am - I very firmly believe in the Communion of Saints*. This meaning that I believe those in heaven can still very much pray for us on earth. So often times when I am angry at God for the destruction here I ask my Dear Uncle to help me see through the Lords eyes. It is a way for me to always talk with someone that I love.
Now, many people may think that is crazy - but I am okay with that. I am okay with that because it is more important for me to believe that those whom we love have gone on are still an important part of our everyday life. I think it is impossible to sum up the effect that our loved ones have on us. And therefore it is impossible to ever be the same after they have gone. And that is a blessing - things change because things are different. Many times in our lives we ignore the problems in our lives and pretend that they are not there. Instead when it comes to the death of someone we love it is impossible to ignore the fact. You just can't imagine them back. And you weep because you realize that you had much joy in your life, and that is okay. The joy will continue to be there - however, it will just be in a different form. Sometimes I think we forget how blessed we are, for all of those who we love that have gone are still with us even when we forget.
When my great grandmother died I remember that it was really hard to go to her funeral because I was so close to her. I remember when I got to her funeral and saw her I started crying. And as I was trying to escape and walk into the corner to be alone I was engulfed in a big hug from which there was no escape. And he said to me: "You were blessed to have her for as long as you did, and you know she loves you very much." As I sit here now reflecting on this I think those same words apply to the man who spoke them. Death is never an easy thing - but it is not the end of life, rather it is a new beginning.
So to close I have two last things. One the ocean is never as beautiful as farm lake and two music can really heal the soul, and here is a song that healed mine:
Never Alone - Sara Evans:
May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you
When it's time to go home
May you always have plenty
Your glass never empty
And know in your belly
You're never alone
May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
As every year passes
They mean more than gold
May you win but stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone
Never alone
Never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone
Well I have to be honest
As much as I wanted
I'm not gonna promise that cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone
May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you
When it's time to go home
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone
You have my prayers and love,
Ashley Ann
* (The Communion of Saints (in Latin, communio sanctorum), when referred to persons, is the spiritual union of all members of the Christian Church living and the dead, those on earth, in heaven, and, for those who believe in purgatory, those also who are in that state of purification. They are all part of a single "mystical body", with Christ as the head, in which each member contributes to the good of all and shares in the welfare of all.)
The past few days I have spent a great amount of time reflecting on the past. Since being here in South America I've come to realize that the person who I am here is a complete collection of all of my past experiences and the people I have known. Often times when I become home sick or sad I want a friend to talk with or a family member to laugh with and that is not possible. However being the Catholic that I am - I very firmly believe in the Communion of Saints*. This meaning that I believe those in heaven can still very much pray for us on earth. So often times when I am angry at God for the destruction here I ask my Dear Uncle to help me see through the Lords eyes. It is a way for me to always talk with someone that I love.
Now, many people may think that is crazy - but I am okay with that. I am okay with that because it is more important for me to believe that those whom we love have gone on are still an important part of our everyday life. I think it is impossible to sum up the effect that our loved ones have on us. And therefore it is impossible to ever be the same after they have gone. And that is a blessing - things change because things are different. Many times in our lives we ignore the problems in our lives and pretend that they are not there. Instead when it comes to the death of someone we love it is impossible to ignore the fact. You just can't imagine them back. And you weep because you realize that you had much joy in your life, and that is okay. The joy will continue to be there - however, it will just be in a different form. Sometimes I think we forget how blessed we are, for all of those who we love that have gone are still with us even when we forget.
When my great grandmother died I remember that it was really hard to go to her funeral because I was so close to her. I remember when I got to her funeral and saw her I started crying. And as I was trying to escape and walk into the corner to be alone I was engulfed in a big hug from which there was no escape. And he said to me: "You were blessed to have her for as long as you did, and you know she loves you very much." As I sit here now reflecting on this I think those same words apply to the man who spoke them. Death is never an easy thing - but it is not the end of life, rather it is a new beginning.
So to close I have two last things. One the ocean is never as beautiful as farm lake and two music can really heal the soul, and here is a song that healed mine:
Never Alone - Sara Evans:
May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you
When it's time to go home
May you always have plenty
Your glass never empty
And know in your belly
You're never alone
May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
As every year passes
They mean more than gold
May you win but stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone
Never alone
Never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone
Well I have to be honest
As much as I wanted
I'm not gonna promise that cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone
May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you
When it's time to go home
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone
You have my prayers and love,
Ashley Ann
* (The Communion of Saints (in Latin, communio sanctorum), when referred to persons, is the spiritual union of all members of the Christian Church living and the dead, those on earth, in heaven, and, for those who believe in purgatory, those also who are in that state of purification. They are all part of a single "mystical body", with Christ as the head, in which each member contributes to the good of all and shares in the welfare of all.)
Friday, October 22, 2010
L O
Hello - or as they say in Guyana "L O",
This has been an interesting week since I have last written, however, I feel as if every week is still very interesting and new.
Last weekend I went out with Sarah and a friend on Friday night. We just wanted to have a very relaxed night so we went to a place that you can sit and people sing karaoke. We basically just sat around and talked for a few hours and then went home. It was actually a lot of fun doing nothing. On Saturday we decided to take a big shopping adventure. Sarah and Audrey both needed new shoes. I knew the area of town where they had a lot of shops better than the two of them because a teacher once took me there after school so I lead us to a few different shoe shops. Sarah found shoes right away - but it took a few hours for Audrey to be able to find shoes - and she actually found them at a store right before the market once we had almost given up and decided just to go to the market. I always enjoy going to the market. There are many interesting things at the market. I really hate the smell sometimes - but that's really only if you go into the inside and you can smell all of the fish. There is one stand in which a younger man stops us every weeks. We did start to buy stuff from him and every time we've bought something from him he tells us how many days before we should eat it - or if we should eat it today - etc and its always very good! We went to a different stand the next week bought the same things for same price but they all went bad on us! So every week since this man has sold us a lot of good Papayas and mangos without them going bad! One lady tried to sell Sarah and I crab oil for our skin - I wasn't too keen on trying to crab oil.
On Sunday we went back up to the Orphanage - hung out with the boys - and then went out to the Sea wall again. I always enjoy sitting out on the sea wall - it may be one of my favorite things here.
During the week we didn't do anything extraordinary. Just getting into the swing of things is always enough. I had to take a few random buses for my job at the hospital this week and I am finally starting to feel really confident in knowing where I am. I've always been one who needs to know where I am in relation to some land marker at all times and I am finally starting to feel confident in knowing where I am. I also have learned a few new bus routes which is really helpful because it makes me feel more independent.
This week there was accusation of a young girl being hit by her boyfriend. I was not surprised by this as there is violence everywhere but rather I was very surprised to the reaction of others to the situation. I had found that there were other young girls that were convinced that it was okay for a boy to hit a girl. And others were saying how if a young man hits a girl it can be something to brag about. There are very little resources for young women who find themselves in abusive relationships which is a very difficult struggle I have come across. Many young women all over the world find themselves in a difficult position because they are convinced that love comes along with violence. I found it ironic that some of my friends in the states were selling shirts at this time that say: "Spread love like violence". I feel like shirts like that should be worn all over. I also feel like people should be interested in trying to improve the lives of others around them. I hate the phrase "Well as long as it makes them happy". I've been thinking about that a lot since I have been here. Some of the young people that I work with each day think violence can be linked with happiness. I am never one to think that we should impose our ideas on others - unless their basic rights as humans are being violated. Many times rather than helping someone we find ourselves as bystanders who hopes that someone else will do something. And let me tell you something - the person behind you is thinking the same things - and the same person behind them is thinking the same thing. The only persons actions you can control and be in charge of is yourself. And you are the only one whose actions you will be accountable for in the end. I had someone once said: When God calls do you answer? Because eventually you can't run away from the question "where were you?".
Anyway. Off my soap box now.
I've also found a love for living in a big city. I never thought I would say that but there is so much joy found in my life by looking out the window of the mini bus and "people watching". I love all of the activity. My whole life I've lived in the quiet serenity of life - and i'm seeing the good on the other end of the spectrum.
One of my friends sent me a letter and a line from his letter really summarizes how I feel here - so without his permission (sorry) I am going to share it with you:
"I have been given the opportunity to love deeply and that love is life to me. I think we may be united in that reality."
He was so right - It doesn't matter that we are on different continents - but what really matters is that each day we wake up with the goal of loving deeply. Often we fail, but we always have the opportunity to try again tomorrow.
I am going to close with a new favorite quote that I have known for a while but that another friend recently sent to me:
"Nothing is more practical thank finding God, i.e., than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way... Fall in love, Stay in love, and it will decide everything." (Fr. Pedro Arrupe S.J.)
Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann
This has been an interesting week since I have last written, however, I feel as if every week is still very interesting and new.
Last weekend I went out with Sarah and a friend on Friday night. We just wanted to have a very relaxed night so we went to a place that you can sit and people sing karaoke. We basically just sat around and talked for a few hours and then went home. It was actually a lot of fun doing nothing. On Saturday we decided to take a big shopping adventure. Sarah and Audrey both needed new shoes. I knew the area of town where they had a lot of shops better than the two of them because a teacher once took me there after school so I lead us to a few different shoe shops. Sarah found shoes right away - but it took a few hours for Audrey to be able to find shoes - and she actually found them at a store right before the market once we had almost given up and decided just to go to the market. I always enjoy going to the market. There are many interesting things at the market. I really hate the smell sometimes - but that's really only if you go into the inside and you can smell all of the fish. There is one stand in which a younger man stops us every weeks. We did start to buy stuff from him and every time we've bought something from him he tells us how many days before we should eat it - or if we should eat it today - etc and its always very good! We went to a different stand the next week bought the same things for same price but they all went bad on us! So every week since this man has sold us a lot of good Papayas and mangos without them going bad! One lady tried to sell Sarah and I crab oil for our skin - I wasn't too keen on trying to crab oil.
On Sunday we went back up to the Orphanage - hung out with the boys - and then went out to the Sea wall again. I always enjoy sitting out on the sea wall - it may be one of my favorite things here.
During the week we didn't do anything extraordinary. Just getting into the swing of things is always enough. I had to take a few random buses for my job at the hospital this week and I am finally starting to feel really confident in knowing where I am. I've always been one who needs to know where I am in relation to some land marker at all times and I am finally starting to feel confident in knowing where I am. I also have learned a few new bus routes which is really helpful because it makes me feel more independent.
This week there was accusation of a young girl being hit by her boyfriend. I was not surprised by this as there is violence everywhere but rather I was very surprised to the reaction of others to the situation. I had found that there were other young girls that were convinced that it was okay for a boy to hit a girl. And others were saying how if a young man hits a girl it can be something to brag about. There are very little resources for young women who find themselves in abusive relationships which is a very difficult struggle I have come across. Many young women all over the world find themselves in a difficult position because they are convinced that love comes along with violence. I found it ironic that some of my friends in the states were selling shirts at this time that say: "Spread love like violence". I feel like shirts like that should be worn all over. I also feel like people should be interested in trying to improve the lives of others around them. I hate the phrase "Well as long as it makes them happy". I've been thinking about that a lot since I have been here. Some of the young people that I work with each day think violence can be linked with happiness. I am never one to think that we should impose our ideas on others - unless their basic rights as humans are being violated. Many times rather than helping someone we find ourselves as bystanders who hopes that someone else will do something. And let me tell you something - the person behind you is thinking the same things - and the same person behind them is thinking the same thing. The only persons actions you can control and be in charge of is yourself. And you are the only one whose actions you will be accountable for in the end. I had someone once said: When God calls do you answer? Because eventually you can't run away from the question "where were you?".
Anyway. Off my soap box now.
I've also found a love for living in a big city. I never thought I would say that but there is so much joy found in my life by looking out the window of the mini bus and "people watching". I love all of the activity. My whole life I've lived in the quiet serenity of life - and i'm seeing the good on the other end of the spectrum.
One of my friends sent me a letter and a line from his letter really summarizes how I feel here - so without his permission (sorry) I am going to share it with you:
"I have been given the opportunity to love deeply and that love is life to me. I think we may be united in that reality."
He was so right - It doesn't matter that we are on different continents - but what really matters is that each day we wake up with the goal of loving deeply. Often we fail, but we always have the opportunity to try again tomorrow.
I am going to close with a new favorite quote that I have known for a while but that another friend recently sent to me:
"Nothing is more practical thank finding God, i.e., than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way... Fall in love, Stay in love, and it will decide everything." (Fr. Pedro Arrupe S.J.)
Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann
Friday, October 15, 2010
It's 91 degrees and I'm wearing Jeans
Hello friends and family!!
I hope your week has been good. As my title says its 91 degrees and I find myself wearing jeans.Today we had school sports for the second day in a row which means I can wear whatever kind of clothing I want and so I thought I would try and be like the Guyanese and wear jeans. I guess that I have become very acclimatized because its actually not too hot.
Okay So let me start from the beginning of the week.
Saturday wasn't too exciting. I basically spent the whole day running around. In the morning Sarah and I went to the Market which is always exciting. After we got home I was sitting there and Audrey woke up from her nap and asked if we could go shopping for all of the stuff we needed for our house. We have been needing a few things for a LONG time and finally on Saturday we went and got them.
Sunday was our Parish festival! This was a lot of fun. They set up a bunch of large tents behind the church and had a cook out. They served jerk chicken and cook-up. I really love jerk chicken and I never thought I would say that but it is very good. They played loud and popular music - that is one thing that all three of us were laughing at because we could never see the parishiners at our parish jamming out to Sean Paul. :) After the Parish festival I went with two of the sisters to Mahecia. (I don't know if I spelt that right) This is where there used to be a leper colony and where a few of them still life. By now they have all had the treatment many years ago and are cured of the disease but still have physical ailments because of what the disaese had done to them. I spent some of my time holding a blind mans hand and he talked with me. I really enjoyed my visit there. Leaving there made me feel really grateful for all I have - because the place that they are living in is in serious disrepair and I don't think they get the best medical care in the world. However - they were all very kind and sweet. They enjoyed having us come and speak with them. It was one of the most rewarding things I have done since I have been here. One woman even sang a song for me :)!
On Monday "Nurse Sarah" came to Mercy wings to speak to my girls about health. It was really funny to watch her reaction to the students. It was really rewarding for her to come - but at the same time I wish my students wouldn't have been so shy. When I am up in front of the class room they can ask about 100 questions an hour and when Sarah came they all kind of clammed up. However - that is typical. She wants to come back in a couple of months again maybe - so perhaps they will relax by then. Sarah did get to hold one of my girls 6 month old baby. She has her baby in the day care and often after school while the students are cleaning up I will go collect the baby for her so she can do her duties. It has become one of the best parts of my day because I get to hold a baby! And also the baby loves me. I went into the day care earlier in the day to talk with a teacher and I walked by the baby without stopping to play with her and she screamed - however the other teachers say she doesn't do that for anyone else! Mr. Lambert warned me that I better stop holding her and playing with her or I am going to try and escape to the US with her. :) I wouldn't do that - her mother is a really great mother - and a really good student.
On Tuesday I went into work at the hospital and was there for about 4 hours when they told me that none of the doctors were in today so basically I was free to go. Since I had free time I went up to the orphanage because I knew the nursery boys were out of school already. I really enjoy every minute I get to spend with those boys. They are all so sweet. It was also good to go when only 7 of them were out of school so I got to make a point to spend time with all of them equally rather than when we go on the weekends and its kind of a free for all! One of the boys I picked up wouldn't let me put him down - he kept saying "Miss please don't put me down". I promised him that I would come back soon. This is a promise that is easy for me to keep - because even though I get tired from working at school all day - being with the boys always brings me more energy and joy.
I also had a really interesting conversation with some Guyanese women about how the internet is slowing starting to ruin people here because they become addicted to things like facebook and e-mail. Hmm... sound familiar?
Wednesday was nothing spectacular. I went to work at the hospital after working at the school as we had a special adherence program. By the time I got home I was exhausted ate and went to bed. The one really good thing on Wednesday was that Mr. Lambert gave me a ride home. I think one of my favorite things is I will be randomly walking somewhere and I will see a silver van pull up next to me and yell get it. Lambert will show up in the most random of places and always offers a ride. It doesn't happen often - but the few times it did happen it was hot out so the ride was relieving.
Thursday I went to school and only five students showed up. So I hung out with the cook for the first hour and then I "taught" the students some computer. Basically I got permission to let them play because the rest of the school was having fun at sports. I went to sports for the second half of the day. That was fun because I got to talk to a lot of the students. A lot of the boys have started to talk with me more and I really enjoy speaking with them. They always have something funny to say. They also told me the best place to buy shoes.
That is what I did today I went to sports for the first half - and then I went and bought shoes. I saved up last month and this month stipend and bought a pair because I forgot a pair to wear with jeans. I bought converse on really huge sale - I almost felt like I was stealing them. But well at least then I had more money than I saved!! :)
Well - this is long and wordy - It is hard for me to think of new things to write about so I have a request - I would like you to e-mail me any questions you would like answered in my next weeks blog. (harris.ashleyann@gmail.com)!
Oh ya - we went to adoration/benediction at the Cathedral last night which was a HUGE blessing because they only have adoration once a month for the WHOLE country. Crazy - and normally it is during my work time - but this was special occasion during the novena to the Holy Spirit.
Okay well anyway - I'm off -
Ashley
I hope your week has been good. As my title says its 91 degrees and I find myself wearing jeans.Today we had school sports for the second day in a row which means I can wear whatever kind of clothing I want and so I thought I would try and be like the Guyanese and wear jeans. I guess that I have become very acclimatized because its actually not too hot.
Okay So let me start from the beginning of the week.
Saturday wasn't too exciting. I basically spent the whole day running around. In the morning Sarah and I went to the Market which is always exciting. After we got home I was sitting there and Audrey woke up from her nap and asked if we could go shopping for all of the stuff we needed for our house. We have been needing a few things for a LONG time and finally on Saturday we went and got them.
Sunday was our Parish festival! This was a lot of fun. They set up a bunch of large tents behind the church and had a cook out. They served jerk chicken and cook-up. I really love jerk chicken and I never thought I would say that but it is very good. They played loud and popular music - that is one thing that all three of us were laughing at because we could never see the parishiners at our parish jamming out to Sean Paul. :) After the Parish festival I went with two of the sisters to Mahecia. (I don't know if I spelt that right) This is where there used to be a leper colony and where a few of them still life. By now they have all had the treatment many years ago and are cured of the disease but still have physical ailments because of what the disaese had done to them. I spent some of my time holding a blind mans hand and he talked with me. I really enjoyed my visit there. Leaving there made me feel really grateful for all I have - because the place that they are living in is in serious disrepair and I don't think they get the best medical care in the world. However - they were all very kind and sweet. They enjoyed having us come and speak with them. It was one of the most rewarding things I have done since I have been here. One woman even sang a song for me :)!
On Monday "Nurse Sarah" came to Mercy wings to speak to my girls about health. It was really funny to watch her reaction to the students. It was really rewarding for her to come - but at the same time I wish my students wouldn't have been so shy. When I am up in front of the class room they can ask about 100 questions an hour and when Sarah came they all kind of clammed up. However - that is typical. She wants to come back in a couple of months again maybe - so perhaps they will relax by then. Sarah did get to hold one of my girls 6 month old baby. She has her baby in the day care and often after school while the students are cleaning up I will go collect the baby for her so she can do her duties. It has become one of the best parts of my day because I get to hold a baby! And also the baby loves me. I went into the day care earlier in the day to talk with a teacher and I walked by the baby without stopping to play with her and she screamed - however the other teachers say she doesn't do that for anyone else! Mr. Lambert warned me that I better stop holding her and playing with her or I am going to try and escape to the US with her. :) I wouldn't do that - her mother is a really great mother - and a really good student.
On Tuesday I went into work at the hospital and was there for about 4 hours when they told me that none of the doctors were in today so basically I was free to go. Since I had free time I went up to the orphanage because I knew the nursery boys were out of school already. I really enjoy every minute I get to spend with those boys. They are all so sweet. It was also good to go when only 7 of them were out of school so I got to make a point to spend time with all of them equally rather than when we go on the weekends and its kind of a free for all! One of the boys I picked up wouldn't let me put him down - he kept saying "Miss please don't put me down". I promised him that I would come back soon. This is a promise that is easy for me to keep - because even though I get tired from working at school all day - being with the boys always brings me more energy and joy.
I also had a really interesting conversation with some Guyanese women about how the internet is slowing starting to ruin people here because they become addicted to things like facebook and e-mail. Hmm... sound familiar?
Wednesday was nothing spectacular. I went to work at the hospital after working at the school as we had a special adherence program. By the time I got home I was exhausted ate and went to bed. The one really good thing on Wednesday was that Mr. Lambert gave me a ride home. I think one of my favorite things is I will be randomly walking somewhere and I will see a silver van pull up next to me and yell get it. Lambert will show up in the most random of places and always offers a ride. It doesn't happen often - but the few times it did happen it was hot out so the ride was relieving.
Thursday I went to school and only five students showed up. So I hung out with the cook for the first hour and then I "taught" the students some computer. Basically I got permission to let them play because the rest of the school was having fun at sports. I went to sports for the second half of the day. That was fun because I got to talk to a lot of the students. A lot of the boys have started to talk with me more and I really enjoy speaking with them. They always have something funny to say. They also told me the best place to buy shoes.
That is what I did today I went to sports for the first half - and then I went and bought shoes. I saved up last month and this month stipend and bought a pair because I forgot a pair to wear with jeans. I bought converse on really huge sale - I almost felt like I was stealing them. But well at least then I had more money than I saved!! :)
Well - this is long and wordy - It is hard for me to think of new things to write about so I have a request - I would like you to e-mail me any questions you would like answered in my next weeks blog. (harris.ashleyann@gmail.com)!
Oh ya - we went to adoration/benediction at the Cathedral last night which was a HUGE blessing because they only have adoration once a month for the WHOLE country. Crazy - and normally it is during my work time - but this was special occasion during the novena to the Holy Spirit.
Okay well anyway - I'm off -
Ashley
Friday, October 8, 2010
Happy Birthday Grandpa! :)
Today is my Grandpa's Birthday - Happy Birthday from down South. :)
I am on a little early today because I had to take my girls to "The Palms" today. This is the government run nursing home. Now - when a Guyanese tells you that they have shock going there - you can only imagine the shock that I had experienced. We simply took a tour around and it is hard to describe in words the experience. The Guyanese teacher that I was with decided that she had to leave early because she was so sorrowfully moved by what we saw. Now I could focus on the negative but in this moment I actually had a lot to be joyful about. My girls after we were done asked if they could go and work with the patients and "platt" their hair. (Put it in cornrolls) This was a really huge blessing because its so hott many of them want their hair done they just don't have anyone to do it for them. All of my girls are very sweet and I really enjoy getting up for work in the morning to be with them. Don't get me wrong - there are many struggles every day - but my girls are what keeps me going.
This week since I last wrote has been good. We've started to have a few more vistors - come over, watch tv and just hang out. I've decided that I need to start writing down small instances each day because otherwise I forget by the time that I get to writing my blog. One of my favorite moments this week is I am helping a boy read and another girl came and sat with us who reads at an even lower level than him. He pushed the book over to her and she started to read - rather than him getting frustrated at her slowness he started to tutor her with the words and then when they got to a word that they both didn't know they would look at me. I really enjoy working with them both on my lunch break.
Mr. Lambert took us out on wednesday night to two different "bars". Now they are nothing like a bar. There are just a place where there is tabels and chairs and you can go find a person and buy a beer. Now at the first place I had no idea who we would have asked if Lambert wasn't with us. But it was good because we just sat around and talked. He is really good at showing us around Georgetown.
Today I was walking down the road and walking towards the bus stop when I see a bus conductor call out to me "Kitty/Cambaville" - this is the right bus. So I get on and the bus driver asks the conductor where I am going and he says Pere Street. I started to laugh to myself because no where in here had I told the conductor where I was going. They really have started to remember me and where I am going. I actually was thinking about how the mini bus may be one of my favorite parts about Georgetown. There is always a random smattering of people. Now don't get me wrong there are crabby conductors - but for the most part i've had a really good experience. Especially because we use the same buses over and over that they wouldn't want to make you mad because each bus is its own independent company.
I don't think I will ever get used to walking down the road and seeing random animals. And now - i'm not talking about roads on the edge of town, but everywhere. There was a goat outside of house the other night just wandering. One time I was "down by town" - busy area where the major market is - and I saw a random donkey - not tied up no one looking after it, just wandering around.
I did have some sad news this week when I found out the Sister of Mercy that I ate dinner with in Detroit passed away. She was a very sweet and beautiful soul and I was glad that I had met her. She was a very driven and motivated person.
Well anyway, I just came on here for a few minutes today to check something - so until next time wishing you the best.
Love,
Ashley
I am on a little early today because I had to take my girls to "The Palms" today. This is the government run nursing home. Now - when a Guyanese tells you that they have shock going there - you can only imagine the shock that I had experienced. We simply took a tour around and it is hard to describe in words the experience. The Guyanese teacher that I was with decided that she had to leave early because she was so sorrowfully moved by what we saw. Now I could focus on the negative but in this moment I actually had a lot to be joyful about. My girls after we were done asked if they could go and work with the patients and "platt" their hair. (Put it in cornrolls) This was a really huge blessing because its so hott many of them want their hair done they just don't have anyone to do it for them. All of my girls are very sweet and I really enjoy getting up for work in the morning to be with them. Don't get me wrong - there are many struggles every day - but my girls are what keeps me going.
This week since I last wrote has been good. We've started to have a few more vistors - come over, watch tv and just hang out. I've decided that I need to start writing down small instances each day because otherwise I forget by the time that I get to writing my blog. One of my favorite moments this week is I am helping a boy read and another girl came and sat with us who reads at an even lower level than him. He pushed the book over to her and she started to read - rather than him getting frustrated at her slowness he started to tutor her with the words and then when they got to a word that they both didn't know they would look at me. I really enjoy working with them both on my lunch break.
Mr. Lambert took us out on wednesday night to two different "bars". Now they are nothing like a bar. There are just a place where there is tabels and chairs and you can go find a person and buy a beer. Now at the first place I had no idea who we would have asked if Lambert wasn't with us. But it was good because we just sat around and talked. He is really good at showing us around Georgetown.
Today I was walking down the road and walking towards the bus stop when I see a bus conductor call out to me "Kitty/Cambaville" - this is the right bus. So I get on and the bus driver asks the conductor where I am going and he says Pere Street. I started to laugh to myself because no where in here had I told the conductor where I was going. They really have started to remember me and where I am going. I actually was thinking about how the mini bus may be one of my favorite parts about Georgetown. There is always a random smattering of people. Now don't get me wrong there are crabby conductors - but for the most part i've had a really good experience. Especially because we use the same buses over and over that they wouldn't want to make you mad because each bus is its own independent company.
I don't think I will ever get used to walking down the road and seeing random animals. And now - i'm not talking about roads on the edge of town, but everywhere. There was a goat outside of house the other night just wandering. One time I was "down by town" - busy area where the major market is - and I saw a random donkey - not tied up no one looking after it, just wandering around.
I did have some sad news this week when I found out the Sister of Mercy that I ate dinner with in Detroit passed away. She was a very sweet and beautiful soul and I was glad that I had met her. She was a very driven and motivated person.
Well anyway, I just came on here for a few minutes today to check something - so until next time wishing you the best.
Love,
Ashley
Sunday, October 3, 2010
New York Yankees and Sunburn
Hello All!!
I can't believe I've already been here a month!! On September 1st it was officially one month in Guyana. This means that we have exactly 22 months to go. Our commitment is 24 months but we already completed a month of training in the states before we left - therefore we are technically in Guyana exactly 23 months. (coming back July 2012) Anyway. This week has been crazy but good.
I may have mentioned here already that people here always were sports gear from the States. I never go anywhere without seeing someone wearing a NYY hat. I have made an outlandish claim that the Yankee's probably make all of their money by exploiting developing nations by selling their gear to them. The thing is everyone here really loves cricket - but I never see any sort of cricket team gear. Oh well. Anyway.
This week work went well. On tuesday at the hospital I had to give out surveys to all of the individuals who would come in for a variety of reasons to our program. This was good and made the day go by fast. The survey was put together by the government and all programs have to have all of their patients fill it out. I got to talk one on one with a lot of people after as they were waiting for their appointment and I really enjoyed hearing peoples stories.
At mercy wings things are still going well - but I also do feel some stress. I feel as if part of that is because of me still having a hard time with understanding everything everyone says. I have a very type A personality so I like things to be organized but I need to learn to relax and realize that everything will get done as it needs to get done. Not everyone needs to do everything in advance :)
I guess all three of us are starting to encounter our different crosses. We've had some really interesting talks about things that have gone on and at least we have each other to process things with.
I've also noticed that all of my girls always have headaches and feel sick. At least one of them comes to school with a fever almost every day and they never seem well. Even my girls who wouldn't try and pull something over me have gotten sick at least once. I guess that is really frustrating for a number of reasons - one because they only eat high sugar foods. Now this is no different than the students in America! Very few of them eat breakfast - and then instead of eating breakfast they drink pop and eat pastries at "snack" time. Then at lunch time they drink another pop. I think this is a problem all over the world and wish that there was an increase in desire for proper nutrition. At first its easy to judge and wonder why they don't eat healthier - but at the same time... its everywhere! I asked all of the students at sports what they had ate for breakfast that morning and only one of them said oatmeal. All of the other foods were either - a glucose packet - nothing - or the one random kid who told me he had a pop and a hot dog - (For those of you who know me - I think hot dogs are the grossest thing ever - personal preferance)!!! So once someone figures out how to get American students to eat a proper breakfast let me know so I can get everyone here to do it as well!! :)
Anyway. On Thursday we went to the Guyanese education fair. That was good - one of my girls has a 6 month old so I held the baby for her while she was walking around and it fell asleep. It was super cute. All of my students were amazing that when the music started to play I knew all of the words to songs like - "Airplane" and "You belong with me" by taylor swift. I think I showed a little bit of how young I am to them. But oh well :) After the fair one of my students lives near where I did so I asked if I could walk with him to the bus park to catch a 40. One of the other teachers was with us and she suggested we walk the long way so that I could see a particular street. Eventually we split off as the teacher had to go a different way and I was walking with two of my boys and it was kind of funny because they started to say "Miss - are you afraid"? "you don't need to be afraid because you're with us - and well I know people". I laughed I wasn't actually afraid I guess I just really don't like walking in a crowd of people. When we were walking we were talking and one boy goes to me "Miss - You're guyanese now - because God made us all and you are now in Guyana so that means you are one of us". He is very sweet and it made me laugh a little bit. I would say that if you came to a day of school you would think the students are "brown nosers" but I've really learned that they are always like that with teachers and hold a lot of respect for the teachers even when they misbehave. This was interesting because it really showed me that the culture is a lot about respecting others.
Anyway. On thursday night some of the boys from the boys home (those who have left the orphanage and are between 16-26ish) came and took us to Guy-expo which was like the equivalent to a carnival with craft booths and food. We ate dinner with them and it was kind of like having three brothers. They are all very sweet and nice. I would say that they are actually also very aware of our needs. And very over-protective. One guy came up and was standing next to me and one of the boys goes "did he talk to you? Did he touch you? Are you okay?" I had to laugh because he was just standing next to me. But at least they were over protective. It was good to go out and do something. They also speak with us in more "American" English - and then will throw in guyanese words and explain it to us. I think they know more what we understand and what we don't because many of them hung out with the past volunteer Katie and know some of the even more previous volunteers. We also tried a little bit of the rum because they had huge rums booths. Everyone knows how I hate the taste of hard alcohol but from the small taste it kind of tasted like candy. I feel like if I drank more I would enjoy drinking this type of rum. It is made right here in Guyana and is "the best rum in the world" or at least that is what they claim. I would have to argue for someone who doesn't normally drink much the small taste was slightly convincing.
Anyway Saturday night we went to a fundraiser for the hospital which was fun. I sat at Sister Katherine's table which the Bishop was also sitting at. It was interesting to have a conversation with him and he explained to us a little bit more of the Catholic Situation in Guyana. He was a very gentle and humble man and I look forward to being able to see him again. I also found out that there is only one place in the country where they have adoration once a month for a few hours and also there is no where that has a set confession time in the whole country. That was kind of crazy to think about. Sometimes at the Cathedral before sunday night Mass the old Bishop will hear confessions if his health is good. But anyway. It was a good fundraiser with good food and dancing. So at least that was fun.
Well I should get going - as always there is so much more to tell but never enough time. Oh ya - I got my very first sunburn this week! Not bad one month and one sunburn!! :)
Wishing everyone the best,
Ashley
I can't believe I've already been here a month!! On September 1st it was officially one month in Guyana. This means that we have exactly 22 months to go. Our commitment is 24 months but we already completed a month of training in the states before we left - therefore we are technically in Guyana exactly 23 months. (coming back July 2012) Anyway. This week has been crazy but good.
I may have mentioned here already that people here always were sports gear from the States. I never go anywhere without seeing someone wearing a NYY hat. I have made an outlandish claim that the Yankee's probably make all of their money by exploiting developing nations by selling their gear to them. The thing is everyone here really loves cricket - but I never see any sort of cricket team gear. Oh well. Anyway.
This week work went well. On tuesday at the hospital I had to give out surveys to all of the individuals who would come in for a variety of reasons to our program. This was good and made the day go by fast. The survey was put together by the government and all programs have to have all of their patients fill it out. I got to talk one on one with a lot of people after as they were waiting for their appointment and I really enjoyed hearing peoples stories.
At mercy wings things are still going well - but I also do feel some stress. I feel as if part of that is because of me still having a hard time with understanding everything everyone says. I have a very type A personality so I like things to be organized but I need to learn to relax and realize that everything will get done as it needs to get done. Not everyone needs to do everything in advance :)
I guess all three of us are starting to encounter our different crosses. We've had some really interesting talks about things that have gone on and at least we have each other to process things with.
I've also noticed that all of my girls always have headaches and feel sick. At least one of them comes to school with a fever almost every day and they never seem well. Even my girls who wouldn't try and pull something over me have gotten sick at least once. I guess that is really frustrating for a number of reasons - one because they only eat high sugar foods. Now this is no different than the students in America! Very few of them eat breakfast - and then instead of eating breakfast they drink pop and eat pastries at "snack" time. Then at lunch time they drink another pop. I think this is a problem all over the world and wish that there was an increase in desire for proper nutrition. At first its easy to judge and wonder why they don't eat healthier - but at the same time... its everywhere! I asked all of the students at sports what they had ate for breakfast that morning and only one of them said oatmeal. All of the other foods were either - a glucose packet - nothing - or the one random kid who told me he had a pop and a hot dog - (For those of you who know me - I think hot dogs are the grossest thing ever - personal preferance)!!! So once someone figures out how to get American students to eat a proper breakfast let me know so I can get everyone here to do it as well!! :)
Anyway. On Thursday we went to the Guyanese education fair. That was good - one of my girls has a 6 month old so I held the baby for her while she was walking around and it fell asleep. It was super cute. All of my students were amazing that when the music started to play I knew all of the words to songs like - "Airplane" and "You belong with me" by taylor swift. I think I showed a little bit of how young I am to them. But oh well :) After the fair one of my students lives near where I did so I asked if I could walk with him to the bus park to catch a 40. One of the other teachers was with us and she suggested we walk the long way so that I could see a particular street. Eventually we split off as the teacher had to go a different way and I was walking with two of my boys and it was kind of funny because they started to say "Miss - are you afraid"? "you don't need to be afraid because you're with us - and well I know people". I laughed I wasn't actually afraid I guess I just really don't like walking in a crowd of people. When we were walking we were talking and one boy goes to me "Miss - You're guyanese now - because God made us all and you are now in Guyana so that means you are one of us". He is very sweet and it made me laugh a little bit. I would say that if you came to a day of school you would think the students are "brown nosers" but I've really learned that they are always like that with teachers and hold a lot of respect for the teachers even when they misbehave. This was interesting because it really showed me that the culture is a lot about respecting others.
Anyway. On thursday night some of the boys from the boys home (those who have left the orphanage and are between 16-26ish) came and took us to Guy-expo which was like the equivalent to a carnival with craft booths and food. We ate dinner with them and it was kind of like having three brothers. They are all very sweet and nice. I would say that they are actually also very aware of our needs. And very over-protective. One guy came up and was standing next to me and one of the boys goes "did he talk to you? Did he touch you? Are you okay?" I had to laugh because he was just standing next to me. But at least they were over protective. It was good to go out and do something. They also speak with us in more "American" English - and then will throw in guyanese words and explain it to us. I think they know more what we understand and what we don't because many of them hung out with the past volunteer Katie and know some of the even more previous volunteers. We also tried a little bit of the rum because they had huge rums booths. Everyone knows how I hate the taste of hard alcohol but from the small taste it kind of tasted like candy. I feel like if I drank more I would enjoy drinking this type of rum. It is made right here in Guyana and is "the best rum in the world" or at least that is what they claim. I would have to argue for someone who doesn't normally drink much the small taste was slightly convincing.
Anyway Saturday night we went to a fundraiser for the hospital which was fun. I sat at Sister Katherine's table which the Bishop was also sitting at. It was interesting to have a conversation with him and he explained to us a little bit more of the Catholic Situation in Guyana. He was a very gentle and humble man and I look forward to being able to see him again. I also found out that there is only one place in the country where they have adoration once a month for a few hours and also there is no where that has a set confession time in the whole country. That was kind of crazy to think about. Sometimes at the Cathedral before sunday night Mass the old Bishop will hear confessions if his health is good. But anyway. It was a good fundraiser with good food and dancing. So at least that was fun.
Well I should get going - as always there is so much more to tell but never enough time. Oh ya - I got my very first sunburn this week! Not bad one month and one sunburn!! :)
Wishing everyone the best,
Ashley
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