Six Months in Guyana!

Dear Friends and Family,

I have been in Georgetown for six months now and I figured it was a good time to do a recap.

September

(Picture - Us in the New York Airport... our Last photo in the US... we look terrible!!! )

September was a crazy month for me. I left my friends and family back home to a place where I was unsure of everything. I was embracing on a new beginning. I began my journey by meeting plenty of people who are now a very active part of my life, and also by meeting the mosquitoes who have also never left me. I reminded myself as I left the states that I was not alone, God has always been in Guyana I am just going to do His work there, and it was nothing new to Him.

I began my job as a care for the elderly teacher. I was amazed at the low levels of my students. They really fit the definition of the uneducated. I found students who would make me laugh and cry. Some students gave me so much hope by their attempt to become a better person.

I also began my one day a week job as an HIV counselor at Saint Joesph Mercy Hospital where I would learn to love the marginalized of the world.

I learned how to navigate the market and take the mini buses.

I also learned that Audrey Sarah and I would laugh and laugh a lot. We went out for the first time to a place called Jerrie's and began our adventure of our social life here.

(Picture - The Sisters of Mercy in Guyana + two Candidates)

(Picture - Our first spirituality night... Creating a prayer wall of our friends and family back home)


October

One of my students has a small child and one of my best memories from October was holding the child and walking around with the student. The small things in life can sometimes be big things.

I learned that I can wear jeans at 90 degrees and that I love life in the big city.

I took a trip out with the girls to a local festival called "Guy-expo" where we had our first experience with El Dorado rum! It was a great day.

I learned that church festivals here are full of games, good food, and LOUD music.
(picture - Me and one of the Orphanage boys)

I was reminded by a friend back home that friendships can still grow despite the distance. He shared with me his experience of counseling back home and I was able to relate with my experience here when he said: "I have been given the opportunity to love deeply and that love is life to me. I think we are united in that reality".
He was completely correct in saying that. We are all united when we love.

November

I spent a couple of Fridays with two of the older sisters, Sister Celine Marie, and Sister Noel. We would go to church together and then over to their house for dinner. They gave me an interesting perspective on Guyana and how it has changed over the years. They gave me strength and grandmotherly attention when I needed it the most, they are a great part of my life here.

I met my British friend Anna who has played such a great part in my life. She and I have great conversations and she can always put insight into my life. I am glad we have developed a great friendship.

I learned that my students not only respect me but that they also have a great protection for me. I learned that all the work I had put in during the previous months had paid off by their shown respect. I have learned to get respect you must first give respect.

I had a five minute conversation with my Uncle Warren and he reminded me that I was and am always fighting for something - whether it was back home or here... this helped me to realize that its okay - I still am the same person even on a different continent.

Diwali or the Hindu celebration of lights happened. It was a great and wonderful parade full of hundreds to thousands of what we would call Christmas lights.

(Learning how to make Pine Tarts from our Friend and Sisters of Mercy Candidate Joanna)

(Sarah and I at the beach)

December

We had our first retreat at Splashman's resort. I wish that I could say it was a great time but I spent most of it sick in bed.

I went to a carol concert at the Cathedral which helped me to remember the Christmas spirit even without all of the snow!

I learned that Mass at 5 in the morning can be difficult, but when its a Novena you just push through. I made it every day for nine days and one of the sisters even bought us chocolate at the end!!

I learned that Georgetown is CHAOS around Christmas time and that if you want to go shopping you better bring a shield with you to make it through the crowd.

(At the Christmas fair by the Orphanage... Me and two of the beautiful boys...!!)

I learned Christmas is not about the presents or the commercialism. Rather it is about loving - I learned to love three little boys who have now forever changed my life. They are sweet and beautiful boys who I could never forget. I also ate rice on Christmas day.

(Ms. Yvonne Nelson and myself at the Mercy Wings Staff Party - She teaches Catering)

(Me face painting at a children Christmas party!! My specialty was butterflies, hearts and stars!! HA!)

January

Lisa came to make her sight visit which was a good break from the normal routine in life. My schedule changed so I was working two days at Saint Joesph Mercy Hospital as an HIV counselor and three days at the school as a teacher. I love both of my jobs and find my joy in them. I have learned to love people from all backgrounds and this is something I am unbelievably thankful for.

I had a great celebration into the New Year with friends! It made me look forward to the upcoming year and that it would have to offer. I even got to see some fireworks, which may or may not have made me jump! :)

I learned that my family from back home is a rock in which I lean on. They sent me so many wonderful and generous Christmas cards that I could never forget the love that I felt when I recieved them. (And they are always welcome to send more!!)

I celebrated the Feast of St. John Bosco with all the boys at the Orphanage. We shared ice cream and laughed all night. I learned how much I had grown to love the boys in the few months I have been here. They bring a smile to my face each time I see them. I don't think I could ever leave the Orphanage without some positive experience each time I go there.

(Some US short term volunteers came to Guyana and we entertained them... We were playing dominos, something we do often here!!)

February

Mercy Wings had their 11th Anniversary and I was able to take part in the Church service and lunch afterward. It was a good day and Father Edwin the priest who gave a talk helped me to remember to look at the light even among darkness. He told us all that their is always hope and we can never give up on that.

(My girls in the Computer room!)

I took stickers to the boys for Valentines day and I learned that there is nothing better than have 20 little boys for a Valentine.

Masharmani, Republic Day, was a great celebration had by all. (Equivalent to our Fourth of July) We watched a parade, we danced a little and we stayed out late enjoying the celebration of the nation! I even went to the Mash celebration during the weekend in one of the outer districts (Berbeice). It was a much smaller celebration but fun was still had by all. I learned that the Guyanese really do know how to celebrate well!!


Blessings of Life in Guyana

1) Community... I have learned to rely on two other very wonderful and beautiful women. I will always cherish their friendship and I look forward to the rest of our time together.

(Me, Audrey, and Sarah)

2) Warmth of the Guyanese Sisters.... I will always be thankful for the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana. I have learned to find love in them in hundreds of different ways

3) Simplicity... Life here can be much more simple than my life in the states in some aspects. I don't have to worry about the pressure of my future. Here I get to focus on my every day life and live life each day - Let tomorrow hold its own worries.

4) Warmth of Guyanese People... At first I never thought I would fit in here, however I have found many people here who treat me as if I was also part of their family. I have a great community of friends who help me when I feel homesick. I feel very supported and feel like I always would have someone to turn to in a time of need.

5) Self Growth... They say that there are many points in a persons life in which they question everything that they once believed. Guyana has helped me to change my view of the world and question my current beliefs of the world. Its good to be streched and challenged because that is the only way we grow.

6) The food... Guyana has some of the best fresh fruits in the world. I will never enjoy a pineapple as much back home as I do here. Also I can get 10 mangos for $5 US!!! Fruit is plentiful, wonderful and cheap. Even other than the fruit I have learned to love many Guyanese foods such as Chicken Curry, Cook-up, and Puri!!

7) Spiritual Growth... Coming into a city where everything is always moving I have had to learn to find God among the noise and chaos. I have had to learn to let my everyday actions become a prayer because sometimes its hard to find time to stop and sit down for prayer. I have learned that no matter how difficult life is turning away from prayer only hurts you more than helps you. Coming to Guyana reminds me of the story about Mother Teresa. One day there were twice as many people in line at the soup kitchen she was working at and one of the sisters insisted that they cut out the hour of prayer and continue to work, Mother Teresa then instituted an extra hour of prayer that afternoon, Not only did they get all of the work done after prayer but they also had time left over. Sometimes we think we know what we need to do in order to finish everything. However, I wish that we would see if we give the time to God he will be faithful to us and make sure things follow through. The majority of the time with prayer one of the greatest problems is just showing up. I've learned no matter where you are in the world showing up for prayer is the most important part of the day.

8) Sea Wall... I enjoy spending time walking and sitting on the sea wall. The ocean may be brown but there is always something calming about a large body of water.



Well I feel this has been an adequate covering of the basics of my last six months. I wish that I could completely capture what I have experienced here but that would take me a couple more hours. To end I would just like to say the most important thing I have learned since being in Guyana and that is that life can be difficult and hard but you are the one who decides what you will do with the difficulty. No one was ever promised or granted a simple or easy life. However you can still enjoy life amid all the turmoil. If life rains on you learn to dance in the rain. I hear the music of life here and rather than being a wall flower I've decided to dance. Let me tell you dancing is much more fun than bracing the wall.

May God Bless and Keep you,

Love,

Ashley Ann

Dear Friends and Family,


I hope your past week was good as mine was rather rubbish. We had a series of unfortunate events unfold before us and the week was a rough one. I wish that I had better news but it is what it is. Monday was a tough day but I did learn one good thing and that is even under a large amount of stress our community still weathers the storm together. We even tried to make a good time that day by treating ourselves to pizza. We don't normaly do that but we thought we could use a lift that day.

On Wednesday it was Masharmani here. It is the Republic day of Guyana. I stood in the sun for a long time but don't worry I wore plenty of sun cream!!! There was an all day parade and an all night party. We all had to work the next day so we went home early but we still had a great time. I was a little disapointed that I didn't have a camera because it had been stolen but it just made me more gratful for being here for two years so next year I can take many more pictures!


Check out this site for a better description of Mash

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashramani?wasRedirected=true

Well anyway this post is short because tomorrow I am creating a special six month blog post with possible pictures!!! Get excited!!!


Always remember that everyday is a good day some are just better than others,


Love,

Ashley Ann

Rat vs. Dog

Hello Everyone,

I began the week by a really good adventure to a small town called Linden. It is about an hour drive away. It was really good to get outside of the city for a while and just enjoy the scenery. There wasn't a whole lot to see in Linden but I did see the Bauxite mine and I got to walk around in quiet. I guess noise is something that I have become very accustom to. It was good to be reminded of serenity. When we got back home we all took a good nap. That night we went over to the Mercy Boys home because Sister Noel and Sister Celine Marie were throwing a birthday party for two of the boys there. We sat around ate Chinese food and talked. It was a good night!

Monday was Valentines day as I am sure you are all aware and I ended up having about 23 Valentines. Ha... don't worry they were all under the age of 10. I went up to the Orphanage with some heart stickers I was sent. The boys loved the stickers and pretended that they were tattoos. It was all good until I turned my back and one of the boys jumped on me and broke my necklace. I have had a pretty down week since then because it is the same necklace I wear every day for the past 7 years. Its not the chain itself but rather the items on the chain. I also lost my crucifix because when I put everything into my bag somewhere between the Orphanage and home the crucifix got lost. But what can you do... no crying over spilt milk right?

Tuesday was pretty normal typical days until Tuesday night. This is because Wednesday was a holiday and one of friends was throwing a small get together Tuesday night since no one had to work. It was really fun. She made homemade pizzas and everyone either sat around talking or was playing cards. It was a really laid back night. On Tuesday night one of my friends let me use her skype so I was able to talk to a good friend from back home. I hadn't spoken to him for an extended period of time since I had been here in Guyana. This was a huge blessing for me. There are people in your life who are put there to help keep you in check and he has always been that person for me. Just talking with him helped me to remember my priorities in life and to see the good in everything. He will, God willing, be ordained a priest in 2012 and it was really good to hear how that journey was going. :) Also talking to people you love helps you to feel less homesick!

Wednesday was a Muslim holiday which meant that we didn't have to work. I enjoyed some good quality sleep and then we went for a walk in the "Gardens". It was a nice area and it was good to just take a nice long walk. Attached to the Gardens is a Zoo. This is where I happened to see an Anaconda. For all of those who saw my facebook status - I guess maybe I should have made it a little bit more clear that I saw the Anaconda in the Zoo rather than the wild but after it was up it was too funny to take back down. However, it is true that Anacondas live in Guyana and are pretty common in the jungle - but not the city. The zoo was interesting but also kind of sad. There are not a ton of animals but there are definitely not the same precautions taken as there are back home. I watched some people feed a monkey some pringles. I now know why you are not suppose to feed the animals. After that we went home and spent a good relaxing night at home.

Thursday is always one of my favorite days at School because I especially enjoy the computer classes that I teach. It was a good day overall because I then got to help out in the Day Care to prepare for the Children's parade the next day. This coming Wednesday is Mashramani which is Republic day here. (Another holiday!! :)) So there are huge celebrations on Wednesday but they already began on Friday starting with the Day Care parade. It was a good afternoon. After work we ended up going out to dinner with someone that had invited the three of us out to talk about our work. When we got to the restaurant it was so cold because of the AC I was covered in goosebumps all night. I had on jeans and even my legs were cold. It was probably around 70 degrees or something but it felt like a freezer!!!!!!

Friday was great because I got to go help out with the Children's parade that I prepped for. I did get a lot of sun but I applied sunblock about every two hours so I prevented myself from getting burnt! :) It was a great day and the children were all so cute. After that I went to go see a lady who sells food in town that I know pretty well. I enjoy sitting with her and her family. It is always a lot of fun to people watch in town. Its really fun just to sit around and talk. They have begun to become my family away from my family. They are always joking with me and on Tuesday the mother brought to town a bowl of some Guyanese food that I haven't tried before. It was really good.

Friday night I spent going to a birthday party and then we went to Karaoke. It was a really laid back night but we all need those. I got to have a good talk with my Guyanese girl friend who came with us. She was talking with Audrey and I about all kinds of things and it felt like a really good girls night!! :)

Well - I guess that is the week for me. I feel sometimes that this can be so logistical and other times rather just thoughts. But it is what it is. I did find a quote this week that said: "The hardest thing in life, is letting go of what you thought was real". I feel like this describes the thoughts that have been running through my head. These thoughts were directly related to how I have many stereotypes in my head I view as real but that I need to question. If you were to walk down the road and see a dead rat you would probably say "ewww gross...". However, if you were to then see a dead dog you would probably say "ooh poor dog...". However they are both animals, they both eat, breath, sleep, and reproduce. Yet they have different habits, they look different, and one is more socially acceptable. But why is the rat more gross? Is it because of a choice of their own or simply because of the nature they were born into. A friend of mine brought this to me and it really helped me. I hope that it makes you think a little bit because we are all guilty of stereotyping people. I will be the first to admit they I have stereotyped hundreds of people within my life - I am working on that here and I feel as if it is helping me to enjoy life just a little bit more. The dog is a dog a rat is a rat neither chose that life but the world would be a different place without both.

Anyway - I hope you have a good week!

Love and Prayers,

Ashley Ann

Happy Birthday Andrew and Chloe

I first want to wish a Happy Birthday to my two cousins Chloe and Andrew. I couldn’t help but think about the two of them often this week…

Last weekend was good but made me really tired. I feel like weekends here need to be a chance to relax but I feel as if they keep getting filled up with stuff. I ended up taking one of my British friends shopping for clothes and such on Saturday. That was good but shopping always makes you tired and hungry. We ended up hanging out with friends on Saturday night. I enjoy hanging out with people but I am pretty sure that this weekend will be a stay at home weekend.

This week has been good. I found myself often wondering if what we do makes a difference. There are days when the truth is that there isn’t as much work for me to do as other and I wonder if what I am doing really counts. How can such little things actually make a difference? Sometimes I see people doing such terrible things. I often wonder what is to come when I see such little hope. Then it was my cousin Andrews birthday and I couldn’t help but think of the conversation we had two years ago on the fourth of July. The context of the conversation is for only us to know but I still remember how he gave me so much hope. He reminded me that in every age group in every generation there are people who give you reason to hold onto the idea of a better world.

On the same day I got an e-mail from a good friend with a link on it that related exactly to what I was thinking about. The main message of the passage I read was that: Who are we to judge what little measure of good will tip the scale into a downfall of goodness.

It’s natural for me to doubt whether I am making a difference or not, but I must remember I am not seeing the whole picture. I can only see from my own perspective so I must trust from other perspectives that good is being done. I must have hope. If I had the courage and energy to leave my home country and travel somewhere without anyone I really knew then I have enough in me to have hope that there is a purpose to everything.

Then during our spirituality night Audrey talked with us about compassion. I was reminded that it isn't the amount of people that I touch it is the love that I put into the work. Who am I to call my brother or sister... Audrey and Sarah are just as much of my sisters as the homeless woman on the street yet somedays I don't even give her the decency of looking her in the eye. I was reminded that the little things count. Maybe I give them $20 GD (.10 US cents) and I don't know what they do but at least I know they could buy a water. Who am I to judge if they save it up and spend it on something much more addictive... I still have to give them the dignity of choice and I choose to have some hope.

(Tangent Ended)

On Sunday I went for a walk on the sea wall with some friends. We went during the day and I thought about how different my life would have been if I lived in the States right now because instead of taking a walk I would be getting ready for the super bowl. I never got to watch the super bowl because either you needed cable or certain more upscale bars had them but neither of my roommates wanted to go so I didn’t feel like going alone. It ended up being okay we went to church together that night and spent the rest of the evening talking and hanging out.

Work has been normal this week. I need more patience because I am starting to get frustrated with certain aspects of my job. I think as I am getting close to the six month mark I feel a little less eager as I once did to put all my energy into what I am doing. Please pray that I regain my energy and patience. I know that this is a battle worth fighting because approaching my jobs with patience and energy makes it easier for me and the people I work with.

On Wednesday night I went out with some “white” friends (Canadians, British, and a couple of Americans) because one person I know decently is leaving to go back to Canada for good. It was good to go out as a treat because living simply does not include many trips to nice places. (However living simply does not equal lack of fun!) I had some good conversations and found out that one of my friends was once a preacher. We had a good discussion and decided that some day we will get together for coffee to discuss religion when we are not trying to also socialize with literally 20 other people. I know I have mentioned my friend Anna before and she was there as well. We haven’t been able to catch up for the past couple of weeks and it was great to talk with her. She is one of the most honest and genuine people I have met in my life and her honesty has helped me in many ways. I was debating something internally that I told her about and she told me of a mistake that she had once made. She told me so that I could learn from her mistakes. What a wonderful thing to admit your wrongs so that someone may benefit from your experience. Once again laying down ones pride has many benefits.

Thursday morning I woke up a little late and was freezing. Then I realized that it had been raining all night. When I went downstairs to go outside I realized that our basement was flooded. I had to go back upstairs and put on plastic bags around my legs because I didn’t want to walk through the water without boots. Sarah said that since she had the day off she was going to have to build us an arc.
I then proceeded to wear my thin hooded sweatshirt all day. It never got below 70. :)

This weekend was good. On Friday night we went out with the Sisters driver and one of his friends. It was really relaxed and we just hung out. Later I ended up meeting with a friend and having a long conversation about religion. He doesn't believe in God and said to me how much patience I have for those who don't believe in God. I then told him about my best friend from High School who I've debated this with hundreds of times and he then he understood. It made me grateful for all of the people I know back home and how they shaped me into the person I am - I couldn't be who I am without those I love.

Saturday I took a friend shopping, and then ran around the City with another friend that one of the sisters asked us to take care of. Finally I went to a birthday party but went home and was asleep by 11pm because I was so exhausted. Sunday morning is a wonderful time and I look forward to the rest of my laid back day. Enjoy your week!

Rememeber there are always people who will bring you hope and joy. Enjoy their company and never take them for granted.


Wishing you all the best – Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann

Two little boys, one miss, and one cup of icecream

Hello!!

This has been a good but crazy week! Last weekend was full of visiting people and relaxing. I don't have anything too crazy to note.

However- On Monday it was the Feast of St. John Bosco... At the orphanage we had a nice dinner!! It was crazy! At one point we were having ice cream and the power went out. One of the "babies" was crying so I went over and put him on my lap. However I wasn't finished with my ice cream and another "baby" came to sit with me too. I had one cup of ice cream and we all ended up sharing. One of the boys kept saying "Wendell, Sanje, Miss Lathely" It was super cute. It is moments like these they help me to keep going. I ended up bringing one of them up to bed because the power was still off. I couldn't help but think to myself the terrible reality of the fact that no one person puts him to bed every night. I want to input that the orphanage does a great job - but that doesn't replace a parent. I could not help but think to myself that we want all of the stuff we could possible take in the world... but yet children sometimes get left behind. How terrible to think that children can take a back seat to something much less important.

On tuesday we went to a party for a man that is moving to the US for good. I ended up playing with the children for most of the time. I found that quite ironic because I spend most of my time with children anyway. I am glad that I can still enjoy children outside of work.

On wednesday I had a friend come and teach us how to make cook-up. I've really gotten into learning how to make Guyanese foods and really look forward to being able to cook more when I get home!! It is always really good to learn from people.

I guess maybe that has been my lesson this week is that even when we think we are right (which I often think I am) we can always learn. I have always loved being a student. Whether that was learning to cook back home from my relatives or reading a book on religion I loved learning. I guess this is a passion we can't let go to waste. Education is so important and so many people have been deprived of education. Therefore I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to learn. If I kept my mouth shut more and listened I would be wiser. If I stopped thinking that I always knew what was right I would probably see things more clearly. We can always be the student each day, sometimes we just have to set aside the pride.

Other than that this week has been full of my normal routine and life. I can't believe I only have 18 months left in Guyana. I feel like time is flying by so fast and before I know it I will be back home. So I try to take things one day at a time. I try to sit with people and listen - to absorb what I can because time is something we can't get back.

If I have learned anything here - it is that we can make the most of our time even when we think that we are wasting it. Take the time to talk with someone while you are waiting... or reflect on your day... Each moment is what we make it. Life is not made up of days... it is made up of moments.

Anyway - This weekend has been good. We had another friend come and cook up beef curry last night. It was good however it was SUPER SPICY... I still do miss plain ol' meat and potatoes.

I hope you are all alive and well. Thinking of you -

Love,

Ashley Ann