Hello There!
I am writing my blog a little bit early this week because I will be going to a HINDU WEDDING TOMORROW/SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY! Who's excited.... me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to write all about it and put up awesome pictures.
This week has been kind of a roller coaster. I was pretty down on Tuesday when I had to go into work at the hospital. As I was working I was talking to a patient and he was telling me about another friend he knows who has HIV but doesn't want to start treatment. He told me he thought they didn't want to start treatment because they were ashamed to admit to themselves what was going on in their body. He said they have a choice they can choose life or they can choose death. He says: "I choose life". It really hit me, sometimes we are the ones inhibiting ourselves from choosing life. I was thinking about a verse in the book of Deuteronomy which reminded me of this: "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" This patient helped me much more than I could have ever helped him. Choose the good even though sometimes our human nature likes to wallow in the bad.
That afternoon I saw another patient who is one of my favorites. He said that last time he came into clinic he was looking for me but he couldn't find me. I was really happy to hear an update on his life and just chat with him. He was doing MUCH better than the last time I saw him and to me it was such a relief to see improvements in someone when sometimes all I see is the bad.
After that I thought my depressed mood would surpass but once I walked out of work it slowly started creeping back up on me. I don't know what it was. We went out for dinner with Sarah's friends Phillip and Marie who are visiting from the states. It was really great to have a chance to go and have a nice dinner with beautiful company. Marie and Phillip are a married couple and they reminded me by their love for each other God's love for us. I think they are a perfect example of living love to others. After dinner we ended up going to a rum shop with our friend Ryan who Audrey and I taught computer class with. It was fun and eventually we ended up at Karaoke. I sang complicated by Avril Lavigne. I am normally not the one to sing, but it was fun I guess.
Last night I still was in a sour mood when Audrey and I went over to a friends house just for fun. Audrey made dinner for us all and when she came back from the grocery store she brought me a surprise - CHEESE! I felt better knowing that someone knows the small things in life that can bring you joy. I am very blessed to have such wonderful community members.
Today I met with my student who took me to get my hand done in henna and to buy a Shari for the wedding. When I got home I did some stuff to get ready for the school year and then had a chat with a friend. I don't know what it was but that person always has the ability to bring peace into my life no matter how stressful I feel. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I am glad to say that I now feel much better. Bad feelings gone!
I was thinking about how it is now the end of our community of three and into our community of four. I was to thank Audrey and Sarah for all of the grace they have given me this year. We have stood united through so many different trials and it is because of them that I am a better person that I was a year ago. I came into MVC praying that we would get along - and now I am thanking God for two of my best friends.
I think of them as family because we stand untied. I sometimes hate the phrase: "Well its their life, whatever is best for them is best for them." Families and communities need to stand untied on decisions. If they don't stand together there is going to be tension and anger. If we were were all just islands - it would be fine - but our decisions impact other people and we need to be conscious of this. Sometimes we are unwilling to listen to other people and understand their perspective. A family divided only breeds hate - not love. Make decisions based on whats best for everyone in the situation and remember to listen, we all have problems with listening. Speak your truth, listen to the truth of others and be open to a new outcome.
Can't wait to tell you about my Hindu experience!!
Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann
Whatsoever you do to the least of My people, that you do unto Me.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Summer Classes Finished!!
Friends and Family,
Hello! I greet you after one very long week. Last weekend I went to Santa Rosa with three of my friends. Santa Rosa is an Amerindian village in the interior. We left on Saturday morning at 6am and returned home monday morning. Our trip was really fun and relaxing. Santa Rosa is a village where there is both beautiful savannah and yet jungle! When we arrived at Santa Rosa we relaxed and went over to the village police. We met up with some friends and had a "bush cook" - we threw a bunch of stuff in a pot and cooked it. It was a fun evening where we all sat around cooked and ate.
The next day I got up and went to church at the mission church. It was really cool to see the church and all of the people there. The rest of the day was spent walking around the area, talking a nap, drinking a coconut water, opening up a coconut, and visiting my friend who I work with.
The next morning we had to leave Santa Rosa at 5:30 am because that is the only time that the boats leave. We had to take a boat, then a taxi, then another boat and then a bus. I felt like I was on a crazy adventure.
I don't have very many details for my trip other than it was just really great to get away. My co-worker/friend Marietta who grew up in Santa Rosa showed us a good time. I went by her house and she was joking with me that they have so many avacado's dropping from their trees that they throw them at the dogs for fun. :) They fed me an entire avacado and some kassava bread for dinner! Interesting combination.
As I laid in bed sunday night waiting to come back to Georgetown I felt a little bit anxious. I was ready to come back and be home. It made me feel really good because it made me realize that I really do feel at home in Georgetown. I don't feel like I need to go away anywhere - rather I find my peace exactly where I am. It was a good reassurance for me that I am where I am meant to be. We don't always find that peace in life so I am very thankful for this. Georgetown will always have a special place in my heart....
I had two last computer classes to teach and then the summer classes were finished! I was glad to finish the summer classes but now I am just realizing that just means I need to start preparing for the school year again! Before I know it September 5th will be here. Audrey and I taught the summer computer classes together and I wanted to take a moment to talk about how much I appreciate that. Audrey and I have had to both live together and work together for the past four weeks. Many times when you spend that much time with a person you find yourself getting frustrated and annoyed. Audrey and I have a very beautiful gift of being able to see the needs of others and being able to know what the other person needs. This is something that I would have never guessed because Audrey and I are exactly opposite in personality. I will always be thankful for the love and compassion she shows me on a daily basis which has allowed us to work so closely together without any problems! :)
At the hospital this week work was VERY SLOW. I don't know if it is because so many doctors are taking vacations or what - but I barely saw any patients this week. I did end up having a lot of very good conversations with my co-workers though. One day my co-workers were talking about how much we need to trust God and it was a really good motivation for me. Some of them have had to be so trusting just to get basic needs for their own families. I realize now how much doubt can inhibit our faith. Do we really believe that God will provide for us - or is it something that we are trained to say and tell ourselves. If we really believe that He will provide in a time for need why are we always so anxious about what is coming next. I feel like I am starting to learn that to truly overcome to obstacles of doubt we must learn to let go of this anxiety and be confident in hope. For me this seems impossible - but it's a process right. Let go, Let go, Let go.
Friday the orphanage boys had a sports day put on by food for the poor. Audrey and I went when we had finished teaching classes. My job was basically to take the boys to the bathroom, tie shoes, and do other things that were needed. It made me feel a lot like a mother with the ability to be able to go home at the end of a day. I really love those boys and enjoy all the time I spend with them. I feel like the more I see them the more they let down their guard and come running to you. I really enjoy being able to feel completely at ease with so many of them. When I was there some little girls came running up to me for attention while I was with the boys. I helped the little girl go wash her hands and then chatted with her. It made me realize how many children all over are just starved for attention. Just a little bit of love goes a long way - Oh but make sure you wear clothes that can get dirty... small children like to put ice cream all over their hands and then hug you.
The heat here has been very intense lately. I can't wait for the month of august to pass by and for it to begin to cool down. I don't know how accurate the weather readings are here but today it said that it felt like 104 degrees at 10:30 am. I was so hot all day and felt like I could never cool down.
Last night I went with Audrey to the Movado concert. It was a good night - I enjoy going to concerts but it is always kind of disappointing when the main artist don't sound nearly as good as you think they should. In the end it was a good night had by all. Vybz (pronounced: Vibes) Kartell was suppose to also be one of the main artists appearing at the concert. Unfortunately he ended up not coming to Guyana. This is actually the third time this has happened and I can't believe he did it again. Many people that I knew were really disappointed and ended up not going and waiting for a refund on their ticket on monday.
Anyway today I got to spend a good amount of time talking with friends and family. I got to talk to a lot of my good friends from highschool and it was a huge blessing. Talking with them makes me realize how much I have changed and also helps to ground me back to earth. Its always a good feeling to talk with someone and feel as if no time has passed by. Friendships like that are always a huge blessing.
Anyway - I hope you all have a blessed week. Please continue to pray for us as we are almost at our year mark of this journey in Guyana. Thoughts and prayers go out to you!
Love always -
Ashley Ann
Hello! I greet you after one very long week. Last weekend I went to Santa Rosa with three of my friends. Santa Rosa is an Amerindian village in the interior. We left on Saturday morning at 6am and returned home monday morning. Our trip was really fun and relaxing. Santa Rosa is a village where there is both beautiful savannah and yet jungle! When we arrived at Santa Rosa we relaxed and went over to the village police. We met up with some friends and had a "bush cook" - we threw a bunch of stuff in a pot and cooked it. It was a fun evening where we all sat around cooked and ate.
The next day I got up and went to church at the mission church. It was really cool to see the church and all of the people there. The rest of the day was spent walking around the area, talking a nap, drinking a coconut water, opening up a coconut, and visiting my friend who I work with.
The next morning we had to leave Santa Rosa at 5:30 am because that is the only time that the boats leave. We had to take a boat, then a taxi, then another boat and then a bus. I felt like I was on a crazy adventure.
I don't have very many details for my trip other than it was just really great to get away. My co-worker/friend Marietta who grew up in Santa Rosa showed us a good time. I went by her house and she was joking with me that they have so many avacado's dropping from their trees that they throw them at the dogs for fun. :) They fed me an entire avacado and some kassava bread for dinner! Interesting combination.
As I laid in bed sunday night waiting to come back to Georgetown I felt a little bit anxious. I was ready to come back and be home. It made me feel really good because it made me realize that I really do feel at home in Georgetown. I don't feel like I need to go away anywhere - rather I find my peace exactly where I am. It was a good reassurance for me that I am where I am meant to be. We don't always find that peace in life so I am very thankful for this. Georgetown will always have a special place in my heart....
I had two last computer classes to teach and then the summer classes were finished! I was glad to finish the summer classes but now I am just realizing that just means I need to start preparing for the school year again! Before I know it September 5th will be here. Audrey and I taught the summer computer classes together and I wanted to take a moment to talk about how much I appreciate that. Audrey and I have had to both live together and work together for the past four weeks. Many times when you spend that much time with a person you find yourself getting frustrated and annoyed. Audrey and I have a very beautiful gift of being able to see the needs of others and being able to know what the other person needs. This is something that I would have never guessed because Audrey and I are exactly opposite in personality. I will always be thankful for the love and compassion she shows me on a daily basis which has allowed us to work so closely together without any problems! :)
At the hospital this week work was VERY SLOW. I don't know if it is because so many doctors are taking vacations or what - but I barely saw any patients this week. I did end up having a lot of very good conversations with my co-workers though. One day my co-workers were talking about how much we need to trust God and it was a really good motivation for me. Some of them have had to be so trusting just to get basic needs for their own families. I realize now how much doubt can inhibit our faith. Do we really believe that God will provide for us - or is it something that we are trained to say and tell ourselves. If we really believe that He will provide in a time for need why are we always so anxious about what is coming next. I feel like I am starting to learn that to truly overcome to obstacles of doubt we must learn to let go of this anxiety and be confident in hope. For me this seems impossible - but it's a process right. Let go, Let go, Let go.
Friday the orphanage boys had a sports day put on by food for the poor. Audrey and I went when we had finished teaching classes. My job was basically to take the boys to the bathroom, tie shoes, and do other things that were needed. It made me feel a lot like a mother with the ability to be able to go home at the end of a day. I really love those boys and enjoy all the time I spend with them. I feel like the more I see them the more they let down their guard and come running to you. I really enjoy being able to feel completely at ease with so many of them. When I was there some little girls came running up to me for attention while I was with the boys. I helped the little girl go wash her hands and then chatted with her. It made me realize how many children all over are just starved for attention. Just a little bit of love goes a long way - Oh but make sure you wear clothes that can get dirty... small children like to put ice cream all over their hands and then hug you.
The heat here has been very intense lately. I can't wait for the month of august to pass by and for it to begin to cool down. I don't know how accurate the weather readings are here but today it said that it felt like 104 degrees at 10:30 am. I was so hot all day and felt like I could never cool down.
Last night I went with Audrey to the Movado concert. It was a good night - I enjoy going to concerts but it is always kind of disappointing when the main artist don't sound nearly as good as you think they should. In the end it was a good night had by all. Vybz (pronounced: Vibes) Kartell was suppose to also be one of the main artists appearing at the concert. Unfortunately he ended up not coming to Guyana. This is actually the third time this has happened and I can't believe he did it again. Many people that I knew were really disappointed and ended up not going and waiting for a refund on their ticket on monday.
Anyway today I got to spend a good amount of time talking with friends and family. I got to talk to a lot of my good friends from highschool and it was a huge blessing. Talking with them makes me realize how much I have changed and also helps to ground me back to earth. Its always a good feeling to talk with someone and feel as if no time has passed by. Friendships like that are always a huge blessing.
Anyway - I hope you all have a blessed week. Please continue to pray for us as we are almost at our year mark of this journey in Guyana. Thoughts and prayers go out to you!
Love always -
Ashley Ann
Friday, August 12, 2011
Jumping railings and sweet bruises
Hola,
I feel like everyday in August gets hotter, and I hear I am not alone in this! Its crazy to think that back home summer vacation is almost over when I am just about to get a short break when summer classes finish next week.
Last weekend I chilled at home on friday night, saturday I went around town and did errands, church and went out with Sarah and Audrey. Sunday was a good day at the house just chilling out. I tried to make my grandma's saturday soup - it turned out alright, the only thing is that I added too many tomatoes, but the dumplings turned out good! :)
This week while working at the hospital I had to stay late on Wednesday to help out with the evening clinic. I was a little tired out and didn't really feel excited about staying. I saw a couple patients and then when the next came in I was completely out of energy. I asked the person about their doctor visit they began to speak and didn't stop for a very long time. I would have thought that this would have drained my energy more than helped it - but for some reason listening to him gave me a second wind. I then thought to myself if I hadn't volunteered to stay and rather left at my normal time I would have never been able to get back this second wind. It made me very conscious of the small decision we make in life that can either make or break our day. After that each client had the same effect and by the time I was finished I felt better than when I had started the day. Sometime I wonder why I doubt myself or my energy so much - in the end it always ends up working out.
I do have a funny story to go with my work this day. When I finished working I realized my boss had locked up without saying goodbye to me, which is very odd. When I go and look I realized he locked my purse inside of his office. I ended up having to jump over a railing and try to open the office window to get my purse. In the end I was left with a very large bruise and no purse. Don't worry my other boss was the one who encouraged me to try this method so I was not in any trouble. At the end of the day someone had to come back to the office to let me in. I had some papers that I needed right away the next morning in the office so we had to get in. :) Oh life.
The summer computer class that I am teaching is still continuing to go well. I enjoy the slow pace that we are able to go at and I really enjoy working with young children. Next week friday the last finishes and when that happens I will be sad to see them go but at the same time I will be happy to have a week off!
I've been reflecting a lot this week on public transportation and the amount of time it takes to get places. Audrey and I leave the house at 7:30 each morning and reach work at about 8:30 each morning. So many things happen in that hour while we are on the bus and walking... we see people we know, we talk with people on the bus, we sit and observe the scenery. I realize that this time of the day is what gives me the opportunity to think through and reflect on my previous day. For some strange reason I really enjoy my daily commute. I always find myself fascinated by people and the craziness that goes on. I realize that if I had to do this forever I would get mighty sick of it, however for now I have learned to enjoy something that I just can't avoid.
This weekend or Sat/Sun/Mon I am taking a trip into the interior with some of my friends. I am excited to get a chance to get away from the noise of Georgetown. I realize this week that when I wake up at 5 am I really enjoy just laying in bed and listening to the silent of the city. I know that shortly the dogs will start barking or the chickens a couple houses down will start to make crazy noises. After that the cars and buses will start to drive by and honk continuously. Georgetown will never be known for being quiet - that is something I am sure of. I have had to learn to find the silence among the chaos. I do miss the silence because I feel like silence is healing for my soul - In the silent of our hearts God speaks and sometimes there are just too many noises to focus on anything.
Have a blessed week,
Ashley Ann
I feel like everyday in August gets hotter, and I hear I am not alone in this! Its crazy to think that back home summer vacation is almost over when I am just about to get a short break when summer classes finish next week.
Last weekend I chilled at home on friday night, saturday I went around town and did errands, church and went out with Sarah and Audrey. Sunday was a good day at the house just chilling out. I tried to make my grandma's saturday soup - it turned out alright, the only thing is that I added too many tomatoes, but the dumplings turned out good! :)
This week while working at the hospital I had to stay late on Wednesday to help out with the evening clinic. I was a little tired out and didn't really feel excited about staying. I saw a couple patients and then when the next came in I was completely out of energy. I asked the person about their doctor visit they began to speak and didn't stop for a very long time. I would have thought that this would have drained my energy more than helped it - but for some reason listening to him gave me a second wind. I then thought to myself if I hadn't volunteered to stay and rather left at my normal time I would have never been able to get back this second wind. It made me very conscious of the small decision we make in life that can either make or break our day. After that each client had the same effect and by the time I was finished I felt better than when I had started the day. Sometime I wonder why I doubt myself or my energy so much - in the end it always ends up working out.
I do have a funny story to go with my work this day. When I finished working I realized my boss had locked up without saying goodbye to me, which is very odd. When I go and look I realized he locked my purse inside of his office. I ended up having to jump over a railing and try to open the office window to get my purse. In the end I was left with a very large bruise and no purse. Don't worry my other boss was the one who encouraged me to try this method so I was not in any trouble. At the end of the day someone had to come back to the office to let me in. I had some papers that I needed right away the next morning in the office so we had to get in. :) Oh life.
The summer computer class that I am teaching is still continuing to go well. I enjoy the slow pace that we are able to go at and I really enjoy working with young children. Next week friday the last finishes and when that happens I will be sad to see them go but at the same time I will be happy to have a week off!
I've been reflecting a lot this week on public transportation and the amount of time it takes to get places. Audrey and I leave the house at 7:30 each morning and reach work at about 8:30 each morning. So many things happen in that hour while we are on the bus and walking... we see people we know, we talk with people on the bus, we sit and observe the scenery. I realize that this time of the day is what gives me the opportunity to think through and reflect on my previous day. For some strange reason I really enjoy my daily commute. I always find myself fascinated by people and the craziness that goes on. I realize that if I had to do this forever I would get mighty sick of it, however for now I have learned to enjoy something that I just can't avoid.
This weekend or Sat/Sun/Mon I am taking a trip into the interior with some of my friends. I am excited to get a chance to get away from the noise of Georgetown. I realize this week that when I wake up at 5 am I really enjoy just laying in bed and listening to the silent of the city. I know that shortly the dogs will start barking or the chickens a couple houses down will start to make crazy noises. After that the cars and buses will start to drive by and honk continuously. Georgetown will never be known for being quiet - that is something I am sure of. I have had to learn to find the silence among the chaos. I do miss the silence because I feel like silence is healing for my soul - In the silent of our hearts God speaks and sometimes there are just too many noises to focus on anything.
Have a blessed week,
Ashley Ann
Friday, August 5, 2011
Long way to town
Hello All,
Another week has quickly passed. I am glad to be coming to you in good health and spirits. I hope the same goes for all of you! :)
Last weekend I am not quite sure where I left you, but I indeed had a fun weekend. I went out with a couple of friends on friday night. It was a really laid back night which was needed. One of my friends in the group was going to be leaving the country soon so it was good to spend time with him. Saturday we had a crazy wind/rain storm which left our yard slightly flooded. I ended up staying in the house until the late afternoon where I went to town and then to Mass. Sunday I spent the day hanging with some good friends. We spent the whole day talking, cooking and eating! :) It was really good to get out of the house and just have a laid back day. Sunday night we went out to the sea wall. We ended up staying out quite late because Monday was once again a national holiday. :)
Monday was emancipation day. They had a large event in the national park with lots of African dancing, food and craft. I went with a couple of my friends and we had a good time walking through. When we got into the stadium where they had the dancing the president was there. We ended up taking a picture with the president. I thought it would have been really exciting but it was just like seeing any other person. He didn't have as much security as you would have thought and anyone who wanted to could just walk up to him. Interesting difference?!
Tuesday after working we ended up having some of the orphanage boys stay the night at our house again. They are always really sweet but a lot of energy. It is good to get them out of the orphanage and give them some good one on one attention.
On wednesday this week I got on a bus which was suppose to bring me to the big market in town, Stabroek Market, I ended up somewhere near there but at the gas station filling up. I had to laugh to myself because there was no warning, no indication just a random series of turns and then a stop to fill up. It ended up being convienent for me because I was able to catch the bus to take me home from right across the street. Later that day I ended up having to go back to the big market to meet a friend. I caught another bus which was strangely filled with LARGE quanities of vegetables. When we were halfway to the big market we made another series of turns and ended up at another market called Bourda market. I just laughed as they unloaded all of the stuff and then put us back in to get to our real destination. I was really frustrated at first but then I had to remind myself I will get where I need to go, its just a little bit longer, and a little bit more comical.
Mini buses can be crazy :)
Yesterday Audrey and I ended up taking a small adventure to the city Bartica. To get there you have to take a bus/car to one city and then catch at one hour boat ride to another city. The trip itself was fine. When we got there our other friend who was with us had to go do some work at the hospital so we went and sat by the river. It was really peaceful and calming to go and sit by the water. We walked around the city when our friend finished work and then ended up eating lunch and heading back home. The last 20 minutes of the boat ride were SUPER rough. When were were in the last 30 seconds or so Audrey says to me: Waters more rough than this morning. I couldn't help but laugh - it was like she just had noticed what was really going on although we had been tossed around the boat for the last 20 minutes. I make fun of her out of love, and also out of the fact that I wasn't the one who had to go to the bathroom when the boat was throwing us around... :) Don't worry she made it!
Today I have just finished work and am not sure what the weekend will bring. I really enjoy living life without too many plans. If I ever have to, which I know I will, I will have a hard time with a planner style life.
August 4th was both my cousin Aaron's birthday and the feast of St. John Vianney. I went to daily mass to remember my two friends who are both about to enter into their last year of seminary. The priest emphasized the importance of confession during his homily. St. John Vianney was known for sitting in the confessional for 12+ hours and people would travel from all over to have their confessions heard by him. I sometimes forget the beauty of the priest, the sacraments, and the dedication. I need to stop seeing life and church as something on sunday and remember it throughout the week.
I missed my cousin Aaron on his birthday! I spent a lot of time with him while we were growing up. I could write a ton of embarrassing stories on here - but I could never do him that. :) I remember him giving me copious amounts of catching gear and making me catch balls while he pitched to me, creating duct tape ladders on the driveway so he could train from hockey, playing goalie and countless other random activies that allowed him to practice his sports. If he ever goes professional in anything he owes me one. :)
For now - this is all. Almost to the one year mark!!! Less than one month away. Please pray for Meg Eckart our new community member who will be joining us soon!!
Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann
Another week has quickly passed. I am glad to be coming to you in good health and spirits. I hope the same goes for all of you! :)
Last weekend I am not quite sure where I left you, but I indeed had a fun weekend. I went out with a couple of friends on friday night. It was a really laid back night which was needed. One of my friends in the group was going to be leaving the country soon so it was good to spend time with him. Saturday we had a crazy wind/rain storm which left our yard slightly flooded. I ended up staying in the house until the late afternoon where I went to town and then to Mass. Sunday I spent the day hanging with some good friends. We spent the whole day talking, cooking and eating! :) It was really good to get out of the house and just have a laid back day. Sunday night we went out to the sea wall. We ended up staying out quite late because Monday was once again a national holiday. :)
Monday was emancipation day. They had a large event in the national park with lots of African dancing, food and craft. I went with a couple of my friends and we had a good time walking through. When we got into the stadium where they had the dancing the president was there. We ended up taking a picture with the president. I thought it would have been really exciting but it was just like seeing any other person. He didn't have as much security as you would have thought and anyone who wanted to could just walk up to him. Interesting difference?!
Tuesday after working we ended up having some of the orphanage boys stay the night at our house again. They are always really sweet but a lot of energy. It is good to get them out of the orphanage and give them some good one on one attention.
On wednesday this week I got on a bus which was suppose to bring me to the big market in town, Stabroek Market, I ended up somewhere near there but at the gas station filling up. I had to laugh to myself because there was no warning, no indication just a random series of turns and then a stop to fill up. It ended up being convienent for me because I was able to catch the bus to take me home from right across the street. Later that day I ended up having to go back to the big market to meet a friend. I caught another bus which was strangely filled with LARGE quanities of vegetables. When we were halfway to the big market we made another series of turns and ended up at another market called Bourda market. I just laughed as they unloaded all of the stuff and then put us back in to get to our real destination. I was really frustrated at first but then I had to remind myself I will get where I need to go, its just a little bit longer, and a little bit more comical.
Mini buses can be crazy :)
Yesterday Audrey and I ended up taking a small adventure to the city Bartica. To get there you have to take a bus/car to one city and then catch at one hour boat ride to another city. The trip itself was fine. When we got there our other friend who was with us had to go do some work at the hospital so we went and sat by the river. It was really peaceful and calming to go and sit by the water. We walked around the city when our friend finished work and then ended up eating lunch and heading back home. The last 20 minutes of the boat ride were SUPER rough. When were were in the last 30 seconds or so Audrey says to me: Waters more rough than this morning. I couldn't help but laugh - it was like she just had noticed what was really going on although we had been tossed around the boat for the last 20 minutes. I make fun of her out of love, and also out of the fact that I wasn't the one who had to go to the bathroom when the boat was throwing us around... :) Don't worry she made it!
Today I have just finished work and am not sure what the weekend will bring. I really enjoy living life without too many plans. If I ever have to, which I know I will, I will have a hard time with a planner style life.
August 4th was both my cousin Aaron's birthday and the feast of St. John Vianney. I went to daily mass to remember my two friends who are both about to enter into their last year of seminary. The priest emphasized the importance of confession during his homily. St. John Vianney was known for sitting in the confessional for 12+ hours and people would travel from all over to have their confessions heard by him. I sometimes forget the beauty of the priest, the sacraments, and the dedication. I need to stop seeing life and church as something on sunday and remember it throughout the week.
I missed my cousin Aaron on his birthday! I spent a lot of time with him while we were growing up. I could write a ton of embarrassing stories on here - but I could never do him that. :) I remember him giving me copious amounts of catching gear and making me catch balls while he pitched to me, creating duct tape ladders on the driveway so he could train from hockey, playing goalie and countless other random activies that allowed him to practice his sports. If he ever goes professional in anything he owes me one. :)
For now - this is all. Almost to the one year mark!!! Less than one month away. Please pray for Meg Eckart our new community member who will be joining us soon!!
Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann
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