Hello!
Sometimes I forget that the vast majority of you are living in a place filled with snow and cold. My roommates and I have been talking about cool it has been lately with the rain and how we are dreading the day when the rain stops again. The nice thing about the rain here is that just because it is rainy doesn't mean that you won't see the sun and a blue sky on the same day! It is super sunny with a clear sky right now but I bet in just a few hours it will rain at least a little bit.
This past week was an interesting one. My schedule has changed around quite a bit. I am now working at the hospital on Monday and Wednesday and at Mercy Wings (the school) on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. This is because the teacher that I was filling in for is now back. I am the computer teacher on Tuesday and Thursday but will be teaching my girls from last term craft on Friday mornings. Teaching computers is a very difficult task because some of the students can barely read and that makes thing much more difficult than I imagined. I have been working with a few students on their double clicking skills. I find that I take so many things for granted. Many of my students question what the space bar is... or what it means to double click. Ahh - a reality check for myself.
Working at the hospital is either really slow and during this slow time I enter charts into the computer... or SUPER busy with 10 patients waiting for either counselling or HIV tests. I do a lot of HIV pre-tests. Asking people very personal questions and informing them of the reality of HIV.
Last weekend we brought our friend Anna up to the orphanage with us. It was really funny to see the boys at first be shy of the new person but by the time ten minutes had passed to see them all asking her a million questions and never leaving her side. I think my favorite part about going up to the orphanage is there is two little boys who whenever they see you their faces look like they are seeing Santa or something and run and jump into your arms. I laugh each time. Ah the beauty of small children.
I wanted to go and buy some new work shirts because mine are either too stretched out from the line... or stained from the dirty water. I never realized how much of an adventure this would be. I went back to a market place I had been a couple week prior and everyone of course remembered me. I told them that I wanted shirts but of course out of kind but firm suggestions I also had to try on multiple jeans and tops for going out. In the end I ended up walking away with one pair of jeans and no shirts. The women kept telling me that I was going to have to pay them for making me look so "sweet". They had the goal of making me dress like a Guyanese. In this way I ended up with my first pair of straight legged jeans. I don't think I would have ever wore them in the states... but that is all that people wear here. They have two advantages - 1. You don't get the bottom all dirty - and 2. The mosquitos can't get inside them! I know the Guyanese wear them for style rather than practicality... but I am always the practical one.
Anyway - I hope things are going well for you. Know that I am keeping you in my prayers and I ask for your prayers.
Love,
Ashley Ann
"Love and sacrifice are as intimately tied together as sun and light. One cannot love without suffering and suffer without loving." - St. Gianna
Whatsoever you do to the least of My people, that you do unto Me.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Truth
It has only been since Monday afternoon that I last posted but now that the holiday's are over and Fridays are normal again I feel it is time to get in the habit of posting on Fridays.
Going back to school after two weeks was a really great feeling. I miss the youth that I work with and I was ready to get back to work. When I showed up at school on Monday only 10 students showed up. Part of me was not surprised because it seemed like everyone else knew this was going to happen and attendance was poor pre break so I figured it may be the same post break. From what I hear next week things will resume as normal. I really hope so I miss the excitement of the children! (I mean teenagers...)
Monday was filled with busy work that I had to tie off from last semester. Tuesday on the other hand was a good day to reconnect with the students. I got to teach computer to the students and since there was so few I got to talk with most of them about their break and how it went. I was still shocked when some of my students were talking about the "Amazing" Christmas presents that they have received. One of my girls was ecstatic that she had received a watch and $4,000 gyd. ($20 USD). Now how many teenagers that you know would be disappointment with a watch (non expensive) and twenty dollars. It reminded me of the truth about Christmas once again - even after the fact I feel I always need to be reminded of how fortunate I am, so here I am saying it again.
Tuesday afternoon I went to go and sit with Ms. Holly and her class. Her class consisted of one student who I really hadn't got to know super well. He is about 6'3 and looks very intimidating. When we were talking with him I quickly laughed at how scary he looks but actually how he is probably one of the least violent students in the school. He was telling me how he recently became a Muslim. His family was never a practicing Muslim family but now he wanted to start practicing so he was learning. I asked him why he decided to become Muslim... he said he really didn't know why but that he just like it. I started to discuss the basics of Islam with him and he admitted to me that he really doesn't know anything about the religion. He then asked me if I could explain the basics of the religion to him. To be honest I do know some basics, and I did know all of the five pillars but that was just because I took a crusades class in college. We had a great discussion about faith and what God is and I challenged him to ask himself why he is searching for God. A while later he came back up to me and gave me some more thoughts. I was very impressed with his desire to think and actually reflect on decisions he was making in his life and I am glad he was open enough to share them.
After this discussion I went home and spent a lot of time thinking about truth. I had been frustrated with a few other things that had happened that day and my roommate Audrey asked me if I wanted to go for a walk to exercise. I agreed and it was a really great time to discuss life and continue my thinking.
When I got home that day I read a few lines from "Caritas in veritate" and the one line that suck out to me stated: "The demands of love do not contradict those of reason."
That line stuck with me for the whole day until the next when I went to Mass. Father was preaching on the readings and what hit me was the simple reminder that "God is love" (1st letter of St. John). And since God is love I translated my quote to: "The demands of God do not contradict those of reason."
I had enough to think about and was throwing myself through the loop when I went to my friend Anna's for dinner. We ended up having a long discussion about Christianity and life. It was good to talk with someone because life in Guyana for me has made me question so many things about life that I once knew. And once again truth came into discussion and I felt like for this week I could not escape the idea of truth. Finally this morning I got a letter which had the quote "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32.
I feel after this long string of coincidences that I could no longer ignore my thoughts. I often think of the world in black and white... and although this is true I am constantly questioning myself about truth and about what this black and white that I see is. And I felt frustrated at the fact that I didn't have an answer or a stance. I was frustrated that sometimes I can be so wishy washy and confused on what I actually want. I confuse truth for subjectivity and I get lost in all of the commotion. And then I decided to allow myself a moment to not be so hard on myself and I realized that "Ashley... at least you are actively searching for the truth".
I would like to tell you that I've figured it all out, and that I know enough to be completely convicted within my beliefs but even the most convicted of persons can have moments of uncertainty. And we only are defeated by this uncertainty when we stand stagnate and do not question or search. We must search for the answers. The difference between water that moves and water that is stagnate is that water that is stagnate begins to stink and collect crud. Water that is always moving is able to stay clean fresh. Whatever it receives it also gives. So the world will bring you uncertainty questions and doubt - but you decided if you move forward or not. So I sit here a convicted Catholic not because I accepted everything everyone told me but because I questioned everything and held fast to what I believed was truth.
An unexamined life is useless. A belief without conviction is trivial. Being lukewarm is not a good place to be... so remember.... the truth shall set you free. How can the truth set you free if you never search for it?
So ask the hard questions, lay down your pride, and figure out what truth really means to you. If I wouldn't have searched hard for what I thought truth was I wouldn't be here in Guyana right now. Truth is not synonymous with easy but as Jesus said: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32. The truth may not be easy but it will bring you peace and freedom. Stand up for the truth - because at the end of your life when you look back and examine everything at least you can feel confident that you stood up for what you believed in. Know I am praying for you and please pray for me.
Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann
Going back to school after two weeks was a really great feeling. I miss the youth that I work with and I was ready to get back to work. When I showed up at school on Monday only 10 students showed up. Part of me was not surprised because it seemed like everyone else knew this was going to happen and attendance was poor pre break so I figured it may be the same post break. From what I hear next week things will resume as normal. I really hope so I miss the excitement of the children! (I mean teenagers...)
Monday was filled with busy work that I had to tie off from last semester. Tuesday on the other hand was a good day to reconnect with the students. I got to teach computer to the students and since there was so few I got to talk with most of them about their break and how it went. I was still shocked when some of my students were talking about the "Amazing" Christmas presents that they have received. One of my girls was ecstatic that she had received a watch and $4,000 gyd. ($20 USD). Now how many teenagers that you know would be disappointment with a watch (non expensive) and twenty dollars. It reminded me of the truth about Christmas once again - even after the fact I feel I always need to be reminded of how fortunate I am, so here I am saying it again.
Tuesday afternoon I went to go and sit with Ms. Holly and her class. Her class consisted of one student who I really hadn't got to know super well. He is about 6'3 and looks very intimidating. When we were talking with him I quickly laughed at how scary he looks but actually how he is probably one of the least violent students in the school. He was telling me how he recently became a Muslim. His family was never a practicing Muslim family but now he wanted to start practicing so he was learning. I asked him why he decided to become Muslim... he said he really didn't know why but that he just like it. I started to discuss the basics of Islam with him and he admitted to me that he really doesn't know anything about the religion. He then asked me if I could explain the basics of the religion to him. To be honest I do know some basics, and I did know all of the five pillars but that was just because I took a crusades class in college. We had a great discussion about faith and what God is and I challenged him to ask himself why he is searching for God. A while later he came back up to me and gave me some more thoughts. I was very impressed with his desire to think and actually reflect on decisions he was making in his life and I am glad he was open enough to share them.
After this discussion I went home and spent a lot of time thinking about truth. I had been frustrated with a few other things that had happened that day and my roommate Audrey asked me if I wanted to go for a walk to exercise. I agreed and it was a really great time to discuss life and continue my thinking.
When I got home that day I read a few lines from "Caritas in veritate" and the one line that suck out to me stated: "The demands of love do not contradict those of reason."
That line stuck with me for the whole day until the next when I went to Mass. Father was preaching on the readings and what hit me was the simple reminder that "God is love" (1st letter of St. John). And since God is love I translated my quote to: "The demands of God do not contradict those of reason."
I had enough to think about and was throwing myself through the loop when I went to my friend Anna's for dinner. We ended up having a long discussion about Christianity and life. It was good to talk with someone because life in Guyana for me has made me question so many things about life that I once knew. And once again truth came into discussion and I felt like for this week I could not escape the idea of truth. Finally this morning I got a letter which had the quote "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32.
I feel after this long string of coincidences that I could no longer ignore my thoughts. I often think of the world in black and white... and although this is true I am constantly questioning myself about truth and about what this black and white that I see is. And I felt frustrated at the fact that I didn't have an answer or a stance. I was frustrated that sometimes I can be so wishy washy and confused on what I actually want. I confuse truth for subjectivity and I get lost in all of the commotion. And then I decided to allow myself a moment to not be so hard on myself and I realized that "Ashley... at least you are actively searching for the truth".
I would like to tell you that I've figured it all out, and that I know enough to be completely convicted within my beliefs but even the most convicted of persons can have moments of uncertainty. And we only are defeated by this uncertainty when we stand stagnate and do not question or search. We must search for the answers. The difference between water that moves and water that is stagnate is that water that is stagnate begins to stink and collect crud. Water that is always moving is able to stay clean fresh. Whatever it receives it also gives. So the world will bring you uncertainty questions and doubt - but you decided if you move forward or not. So I sit here a convicted Catholic not because I accepted everything everyone told me but because I questioned everything and held fast to what I believed was truth.
An unexamined life is useless. A belief without conviction is trivial. Being lukewarm is not a good place to be... so remember.... the truth shall set you free. How can the truth set you free if you never search for it?
So ask the hard questions, lay down your pride, and figure out what truth really means to you. If I wouldn't have searched hard for what I thought truth was I wouldn't be here in Guyana right now. Truth is not synonymous with easy but as Jesus said: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32. The truth may not be easy but it will bring you peace and freedom. Stand up for the truth - because at the end of your life when you look back and examine everything at least you can feel confident that you stood up for what you believed in. Know I am praying for you and please pray for me.
Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Year's Resolutions
Happy New Year Everyone! New Years here was a very good experience. Many people here go to church late “old year’s night” to bring in the New Year. We went to church at 10:30 at St. Teresa’s. I thought it was interesting that almost all of the church services were late at night and went to almost midnight. The Cathedrals mass was at 11pm and went until 1am I heard! After we went to church (which was PACKED) we went to go and watch the fireworks. The fireworks were shot off not too far from our house at the GDF compound. (Guyana Defense Force) We went with our friend Wilton, his cousin, and another friend Hanzel. The thing is… we never made plans for after church we just figured that something would happen. After church they asked if we wanted to go to the fireworks and we gladly agreed. Everything here is very last minute, very last minute. I say that everything is last minute but I don’t want to put across that I feel like that is a bad thing. Audrey and I were talking about how many days here seem like laid back summer days – yet you still get things done. I feel like there is productivity and activity, it just lacks a lot of stress that I now find unnecessary. We didn’t have plans after church, and if nothing came up well then we would have went home and had fun ourselves. I feel like my life pre-Guyana was a lot of planned fun. We are going to do this… then this… then this… Life here is unexpected and I’m becoming to like the unexpectedness of it all. Anyway – after the fireworks which were very short we went back to our house, made brownies, ate brownies and hung out with friends.
On New Year’s eve I was talking with my friend Wilton and I asked him what his New Year’s resolution was and then when he asked me what mine was I realize how I never really make New Year’s resolutions. This thought kept with me through the next day when I went to a retreat put on by some sisters from the states. One thing that came up during the retreat was the idea of success. When you think of success what do you think of? When I asked my roommate Sarah what an average person would define success as she said they would probably say making an adequate amount of money to live comfortably. So often we relate large amounts of money to large amounts of success. Is success only based on money, fame, and popularity? Does success equal happiness? What is true success?
This helped me to think about how some people were disappointed with my decision to come to South America to volunteer because it wouldn’t help my career. And since I don’t have a career or a job yet that means some people think that I lack success. So, have I given up success for something else? Well if I gave up success what happens when I accomplish something here? And finally after many mental rhetorical questions I really had to come to terms with the idea that success for me has nothing to do with money, and I am going to be okay with that. Often times here I found myself hung up by the people who think that I should be “doing something with my life” and I finally stopped myself and realized success does not have to be monetary.
So often we hear the phrase you can’t take it with you when you’re gone. However that doesn’t stop us from striving after money and collecting stuff. Everywhere around you is stuff. There is so much stuff it makes me sick. I was thinking about Wal-Mart the other day and I almost started to cry because it’s just a store full of stuff. Sure some of it is necessary – but really why do we need so much. In the past 100 years wealth and stuff in America has increased exponentially yet happiness has decreased. Many successful wealthy people are still depressed and lonely. Stuff cannot make you happy. No matter how fun it is to play that play station or x box game stuff cannot bring you happiness. Yet the people with the most stuff and money are the people who are the most successful. So if you think success if having a lot of money, sure you may shoot for success but then also realize that does not mean success is synonymous with happiness.
My New Year’s resolution is to stay true to my own definition of what success is. For me the definition of success is to come home at the end of the day tired, out of patience, and used up because I put my all into my day. Then I have achieved my goal of using all of my abilities. If I go to my site each day and just get by I have not succeeded because then I have sold someone short. I succeed when I put in extra effort to smile to the girl on the street selling clothes. I succeed when I do the dishes for my roommates without complaining when it’s their mess and not mine. I succeed when I go play with the boys, when I go for a walk with a student, when I paint a new picture. I succeed when I will the good of another above myself.
Success is not about money, fame or popularity for me. The great thing about a blog is, I’m the only author, and this is the great thing about my life – I’m the one on the journey. You may disagree and think I’m wasting my time. You may agree with me and encourage me on my way. You may be someone who is apathetic to the whole idea and probably hasn’t even gotten this far in my blog. Whoever and wherever you are I encourage you to think about what success is for you. It doesn’t have to be the same thing as success for me – but is your definition of success money, and is that what you want it to be?
For the New Year I ask just one thing; succeed by my definition for just one day: Laugh, play in the snow, build a fort out of blankets, eat chocolate, love with all you have, go above and beyond, stop worrying so much and remember peace begins with a smile.
Love and Prayers,
Ashley Ann
On New Year’s eve I was talking with my friend Wilton and I asked him what his New Year’s resolution was and then when he asked me what mine was I realize how I never really make New Year’s resolutions. This thought kept with me through the next day when I went to a retreat put on by some sisters from the states. One thing that came up during the retreat was the idea of success. When you think of success what do you think of? When I asked my roommate Sarah what an average person would define success as she said they would probably say making an adequate amount of money to live comfortably. So often we relate large amounts of money to large amounts of success. Is success only based on money, fame, and popularity? Does success equal happiness? What is true success?
This helped me to think about how some people were disappointed with my decision to come to South America to volunteer because it wouldn’t help my career. And since I don’t have a career or a job yet that means some people think that I lack success. So, have I given up success for something else? Well if I gave up success what happens when I accomplish something here? And finally after many mental rhetorical questions I really had to come to terms with the idea that success for me has nothing to do with money, and I am going to be okay with that. Often times here I found myself hung up by the people who think that I should be “doing something with my life” and I finally stopped myself and realized success does not have to be monetary.
So often we hear the phrase you can’t take it with you when you’re gone. However that doesn’t stop us from striving after money and collecting stuff. Everywhere around you is stuff. There is so much stuff it makes me sick. I was thinking about Wal-Mart the other day and I almost started to cry because it’s just a store full of stuff. Sure some of it is necessary – but really why do we need so much. In the past 100 years wealth and stuff in America has increased exponentially yet happiness has decreased. Many successful wealthy people are still depressed and lonely. Stuff cannot make you happy. No matter how fun it is to play that play station or x box game stuff cannot bring you happiness. Yet the people with the most stuff and money are the people who are the most successful. So if you think success if having a lot of money, sure you may shoot for success but then also realize that does not mean success is synonymous with happiness.
My New Year’s resolution is to stay true to my own definition of what success is. For me the definition of success is to come home at the end of the day tired, out of patience, and used up because I put my all into my day. Then I have achieved my goal of using all of my abilities. If I go to my site each day and just get by I have not succeeded because then I have sold someone short. I succeed when I put in extra effort to smile to the girl on the street selling clothes. I succeed when I do the dishes for my roommates without complaining when it’s their mess and not mine. I succeed when I go play with the boys, when I go for a walk with a student, when I paint a new picture. I succeed when I will the good of another above myself.
Success is not about money, fame or popularity for me. The great thing about a blog is, I’m the only author, and this is the great thing about my life – I’m the one on the journey. You may disagree and think I’m wasting my time. You may agree with me and encourage me on my way. You may be someone who is apathetic to the whole idea and probably hasn’t even gotten this far in my blog. Whoever and wherever you are I encourage you to think about what success is for you. It doesn’t have to be the same thing as success for me – but is your definition of success money, and is that what you want it to be?
For the New Year I ask just one thing; succeed by my definition for just one day: Laugh, play in the snow, build a fort out of blankets, eat chocolate, love with all you have, go above and beyond, stop worrying so much and remember peace begins with a smile.
Love and Prayers,
Ashley Ann
Monday, December 27, 2010
I think I fell in love...
with three little orphan boys!!
Ha - Fooled you!!!
Christmas here was a wonderful experience. On Christmas eve we got ready to have the little boys come over. They came with their bag full of toys and clothes. I was surprised at how many presents they brought with them and I realized it was due to the generosity of people here in Guyana. Although they received many donations this Christmas the one thing that they did not receive was a home... so we took the boys into our house for Christmas eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing day. When the boys first came over they were quiet - which was surprising because they all know us pretty well. And that quiet lasted about 20 minutes and then they were back to their normal selves. We took them to the Sea Wall for a walk. It was amazing how they were fulfilled by something so simple as going and looking at the boats that were passing by. We walked up and down until the littlest boy got tired and we decided to turn around. We took them home and fed them dinner and then played. The boys like to play with any and everything. It doesn't even need to be a toy - you could give them a piece of string and they would be plenty happy with that. I think it comes to creativity when you live with 50 other boys. We took turns going to Mass because the Masses were to late for the boys... so I took the first shift. I had them sit and watch a movie and while the movie started the youngest, Wendell, fell asleep in my arms. I was thinking how a year ago at Christmas eve I could never have imagined that a year from them I would be holding a little orphan boy in my arms rather than opening presents. And I decided at that moment that he was more of a present to my life than any material item. I got him ready for bed and put him to sleep when I went and sat with his brother and he fell asleep. I guess I have the ability to make them fall asleep. The other one got ready for bed on his own as I helped the sleepy one get into bed. They made my job very easy. I got some time to reflect and get ready for Mass while they were sleeping.
I went to Mass with Sister Katherine and she got me to sit with the choir for the night... which meant I had to sing with the choir. I found it ironic because last Christmas eve some man stopped me and told me how I had a good singing voice (which I denied) and the next Christmas eve I would be singing in a choir. We had 9 lessons and songs before Mass began which was really cool. Then I was excited that one of my favorite priests would be saying Mass for us. He always has really good, and concise homilies. :). Mass was a blessing... but it was annoying to be bit up by mosquitos on Christmas eve.
After Mass I went home and my family called. It was good to hear from all of them. I am sure they had a good time - well as good as they could have without me. I do miss home but at the same time I've been so busy its hard to really think about it. I missed the laughs that I would have had with my family because they are always plentiful. It is always good to have the phone passed around and hear from the different people. I was laughing to myself as I could see the personalities of my family members come out depending on what they would say and the amount of time they would take to speak with me. Life is good.
Christmas morning I woke up to the sound of little feet running around wanting to open up presents. So we went out and watched the boys open up all of their presents. They were super excited with everything that they got. At that point once they were preoccupied with their own toys we took some time to open our presents. I got 2 journals, hair ties, nail polish, sharpies, and some paper. I felt like I got a LOT for Christmas and realized how much waste I have had in the past. This Christmas it was different... I didn't think about gifts at all and I thought of them as just a side thing. It was a really good feeling to have - because I didn't have to force myself to focus on everything else.. rather it came naturally because I had three boys to focus my attention on. For once this Christmas was truly about making sure everyone around me was happy.
I've been thinking a lot for the past few days about Christmas. Everyone says its the season to give rather than receive. But I feel like I disagree. I believe Christmas is truly the season of receiving... but we have made that too literal. We want to receive gifts - when our focus should be on receiving the love of the Christmas season into our hearts. My little boys gave me so much and so did my housemates, yet what I received is not tangible. I also believe it is more about receiving than about giving because it is in giving that we really receive. I believe Pope Benedict said that prayer is pure receptivity. That we give God a moment of our time to speak with Him but really our open communication with Him is a gift to us. Like that analogy I realized I received from so many people this Christmas, by opening myself up to them I recieved more than I could imagine. With a little time, love, and energy (okay lots of energy) -I was able to recieve the best gifts of all. Life is all about perspective...
Christmas day we went to lunch with the Sisters. It was not only really good food wise, but it was fun to be around people we've seen so often for the past 4 months. We ate lunch, prayed, sang Christmas Carols, and laughed a lot. It was a good mix and once again the focus was on family, community, and the true meaning of Christmas. We each took a slip of paper from the infant Jesus that had our "gift" which was a way to grow in virtue over the upcoming year. I thought it was a really good idea.
After that we went back home and played with the boys - fed them and finally put them to bed. Once again it was just a joy to be around them no matter how difficult or tiring it may have been.
Boxing day morning we woke up, fed the boys, and took them to Church. It was amazing how well the behaved. It was quite funny with the three white girls and the three little black boys. One guy looked at me and laughed when I introduced Wendell as my baby. Eventually we had to bring the boys back. The other two brought them back and I did some major cleaning of the house to get rid of the immense dirt that came with the children coming. Then we took a LONG nap - and went out to the "big lime". Basically the whole Main street of Georgetown is barricaded off and there is a big festival. It was a good experience and just another day to go out and have fun.
I got to see some of my students out when we went out and that was a joy. I realized that over the past week I've missed seeing them. I don't miss the work, but I miss the students. I think that I will be ready to go back to work again in January. I will be the computer teacher now at Mercy Wings and I will be teaching all of the students... not just my girls. I am excited about this! :)
Well anyway... I hope your Christmas has been blessed. Know that I am continually praying for everyone back home through my adventure here. Remember there are 12 days to Christmas so keep up the Christmas spirit.
http://christianity.about.com/od/christmasdevotionals/qt/12dayschristmas.htm
May God Bless and Protect you!
Love,
Ashley Ann
Ha - Fooled you!!!
Christmas here was a wonderful experience. On Christmas eve we got ready to have the little boys come over. They came with their bag full of toys and clothes. I was surprised at how many presents they brought with them and I realized it was due to the generosity of people here in Guyana. Although they received many donations this Christmas the one thing that they did not receive was a home... so we took the boys into our house for Christmas eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing day. When the boys first came over they were quiet - which was surprising because they all know us pretty well. And that quiet lasted about 20 minutes and then they were back to their normal selves. We took them to the Sea Wall for a walk. It was amazing how they were fulfilled by something so simple as going and looking at the boats that were passing by. We walked up and down until the littlest boy got tired and we decided to turn around. We took them home and fed them dinner and then played. The boys like to play with any and everything. It doesn't even need to be a toy - you could give them a piece of string and they would be plenty happy with that. I think it comes to creativity when you live with 50 other boys. We took turns going to Mass because the Masses were to late for the boys... so I took the first shift. I had them sit and watch a movie and while the movie started the youngest, Wendell, fell asleep in my arms. I was thinking how a year ago at Christmas eve I could never have imagined that a year from them I would be holding a little orphan boy in my arms rather than opening presents. And I decided at that moment that he was more of a present to my life than any material item. I got him ready for bed and put him to sleep when I went and sat with his brother and he fell asleep. I guess I have the ability to make them fall asleep. The other one got ready for bed on his own as I helped the sleepy one get into bed. They made my job very easy. I got some time to reflect and get ready for Mass while they were sleeping.
I went to Mass with Sister Katherine and she got me to sit with the choir for the night... which meant I had to sing with the choir. I found it ironic because last Christmas eve some man stopped me and told me how I had a good singing voice (which I denied) and the next Christmas eve I would be singing in a choir. We had 9 lessons and songs before Mass began which was really cool. Then I was excited that one of my favorite priests would be saying Mass for us. He always has really good, and concise homilies. :). Mass was a blessing... but it was annoying to be bit up by mosquitos on Christmas eve.
After Mass I went home and my family called. It was good to hear from all of them. I am sure they had a good time - well as good as they could have without me. I do miss home but at the same time I've been so busy its hard to really think about it. I missed the laughs that I would have had with my family because they are always plentiful. It is always good to have the phone passed around and hear from the different people. I was laughing to myself as I could see the personalities of my family members come out depending on what they would say and the amount of time they would take to speak with me. Life is good.
Christmas morning I woke up to the sound of little feet running around wanting to open up presents. So we went out and watched the boys open up all of their presents. They were super excited with everything that they got. At that point once they were preoccupied with their own toys we took some time to open our presents. I got 2 journals, hair ties, nail polish, sharpies, and some paper. I felt like I got a LOT for Christmas and realized how much waste I have had in the past. This Christmas it was different... I didn't think about gifts at all and I thought of them as just a side thing. It was a really good feeling to have - because I didn't have to force myself to focus on everything else.. rather it came naturally because I had three boys to focus my attention on. For once this Christmas was truly about making sure everyone around me was happy.
I've been thinking a lot for the past few days about Christmas. Everyone says its the season to give rather than receive. But I feel like I disagree. I believe Christmas is truly the season of receiving... but we have made that too literal. We want to receive gifts - when our focus should be on receiving the love of the Christmas season into our hearts. My little boys gave me so much and so did my housemates, yet what I received is not tangible. I also believe it is more about receiving than about giving because it is in giving that we really receive. I believe Pope Benedict said that prayer is pure receptivity. That we give God a moment of our time to speak with Him but really our open communication with Him is a gift to us. Like that analogy I realized I received from so many people this Christmas, by opening myself up to them I recieved more than I could imagine. With a little time, love, and energy (okay lots of energy) -I was able to recieve the best gifts of all. Life is all about perspective...
Christmas day we went to lunch with the Sisters. It was not only really good food wise, but it was fun to be around people we've seen so often for the past 4 months. We ate lunch, prayed, sang Christmas Carols, and laughed a lot. It was a good mix and once again the focus was on family, community, and the true meaning of Christmas. We each took a slip of paper from the infant Jesus that had our "gift" which was a way to grow in virtue over the upcoming year. I thought it was a really good idea.
After that we went back home and played with the boys - fed them and finally put them to bed. Once again it was just a joy to be around them no matter how difficult or tiring it may have been.
Boxing day morning we woke up, fed the boys, and took them to Church. It was amazing how well the behaved. It was quite funny with the three white girls and the three little black boys. One guy looked at me and laughed when I introduced Wendell as my baby. Eventually we had to bring the boys back. The other two brought them back and I did some major cleaning of the house to get rid of the immense dirt that came with the children coming. Then we took a LONG nap - and went out to the "big lime". Basically the whole Main street of Georgetown is barricaded off and there is a big festival. It was a good experience and just another day to go out and have fun.
I got to see some of my students out when we went out and that was a joy. I realized that over the past week I've missed seeing them. I don't miss the work, but I miss the students. I think that I will be ready to go back to work again in January. I will be the computer teacher now at Mercy Wings and I will be teaching all of the students... not just my girls. I am excited about this! :)
Well anyway... I hope your Christmas has been blessed. Know that I am continually praying for everyone back home through my adventure here. Remember there are 12 days to Christmas so keep up the Christmas spirit.
http://christianity.about.com/od/christmasdevotionals/qt/12dayschristmas.htm
May God Bless and Protect you!
Love,
Ashley Ann
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Choas, Chaos, Chaos
I used to think that Georgetown was a busy place... but since christmas is just now - THIS PLACE IS CHAOS. There are people everywhere.
This week has been a really interesting week. I had finished all of the cirriculum for my students and all of my assesments were due on Monday so whatever I was going to do with them was going to be not graded.... Since only 5 students showed up each day we took some time just to relax and have fun. One day we went into the computer room and had a paint competition. The other day we sat around and discussed different things. I also got shipped some of the other students from different classes because so few students showed up. On the last day of school they just sent the students to me in the computer room and I let them play games. It was a really good time because I was able to give some of them one on one attention. I realize that this is almost the most important part of my job just being. I don't need to even always talk with them or listen but just be there and make jokes. On the last day we had our school party. That was good it was just basically hanging out and talking with all of the students.
We finished our Novena yesterday morning. I made it every morning at 5:30 except for one when I had a fever and Sarah (nurse) told me to go back to bed. I then went later that night at 5:30. (The pm mass is for "pansies") (just kidding) I really enjoyed the masses. On the last day two of the sisters (Celine Marie and Noel) gave us a nice big envelope with THREE SNICKERS IN IT! They said they were so proud of us for making it all nine days every morning on time. We decided to call them our "Sugar Mommys" because they randomly give us sweets! :) Its an awesome relationship.
A few times this week I was at the bus park for a random reason and saw some of my students. They then asked me if we could go for a walk around the market area. It was really good to spend time with them because I feel like I get to see a lot more things when I am with them. One day we were walking around and they walked me back to the bus and said: "Miss, enough people like you". It was really hilarious because they were referring to all the people yelling "white girl". It was really cute. I even saw a ton of fruit from my time with the students - One of my girls took our a piece of gum and offered me half. And now this may seem little to you - but for her it was a great step in the right direction. She has a beautiful heart that has been trampled on too often. She is so guarded and angry she very seldom lets kindness in or out. I can see a change coming from her - and I am glad because she truly is very sweet.
This morning I went to the bus park because the Cathedral was locked when I tried to pray so I went to grab a bus. (and the bus park and big market are next to each other and I wanted some oranges) So anyway I'm walking to the market and I see two of my students and one of their mother. His mother sells food at the market. I have always been afriad to be ripped off but I decided to eat because she invited me to come sit inside her stand. I ate some cook up - which had chicken foot in it. I couldn't eat the chicken foot because it grossed me out too much - but the rest was really good. And it was at that moment that I was sitting their with their family and my other student watching them sell the food and talking with them that I realized how lucky I am to truly get experiences like this. I have many friends who work at the US embassy who would never come down to the park - much less sit in a stand and talk. And I also found that I got so much respect. When I first started using the bus park (specifically Sophia section) people used to call out to me all the time. But now they all call me miss. (Because i'm a teacher) Even the adults there call me miss. I also feel like a lot of people are looking out for me. For example on friday I got to the bus park and had to go to work but because the student's didn't have to go and A field is very unpopular they weren't sending any A field buses. So since everyone who works there knows where I go they put me on a B field bus and had the driver bring me to the school. And at one point I didn't understand what the driver was trying to ask me on the bus and a lady (who I don't know) told him I was a teacher at Mercy Wings and to drop me there. It was good :)
Anyway ... I have plenty of christmas things to do now. I have a christmas party to go to for the orphanage boys... last night we had our party for work staff. I feel that although I have the next two weeks off I will be plenty busy. This also makes me miss my Grandma Theresa terribly because I have to dress up a lot. And now in Guyana everything has to be neatly pressed... well - I never pressed things because I always would just throw them on ... but I tell you that before I stepped out that door Grandma made me take it off and she would iron it for me. :) Now I had to do all my ironing myself :(. I also have to go and buy a christmas dress. I brought 5 dresses from the states and last night I wore the smallest one I had to the party and it was still much to large. I guess its a good problem to have but not when christmas is just a few days away and you need clothes!!!
Know that I am thinking and praying for everyone back home. Please pray for us we will have three little orphan boys over at our house for Christmas. I am SUPER excited! I am going to love having a little "family" for christmas.
My last thought for the week comes from a song I have been listening to over and over again this week... "If I could tell the world just one thing... I'd say were all okay"
It will be okay - the only thing you have control of is yourself, so although you may be in a tough situation you can't change someone elses dispositon... therefore you must change your own. Go into the Christmas season aiming to change one of your dispositions in your heart you know is wrong towards someone else. I know I will be...
May God Bless you all -
Ashley Ann
P.S. HAHAHA you all got snow!!!!!!
This week has been a really interesting week. I had finished all of the cirriculum for my students and all of my assesments were due on Monday so whatever I was going to do with them was going to be not graded.... Since only 5 students showed up each day we took some time just to relax and have fun. One day we went into the computer room and had a paint competition. The other day we sat around and discussed different things. I also got shipped some of the other students from different classes because so few students showed up. On the last day of school they just sent the students to me in the computer room and I let them play games. It was a really good time because I was able to give some of them one on one attention. I realize that this is almost the most important part of my job just being. I don't need to even always talk with them or listen but just be there and make jokes. On the last day we had our school party. That was good it was just basically hanging out and talking with all of the students.
We finished our Novena yesterday morning. I made it every morning at 5:30 except for one when I had a fever and Sarah (nurse) told me to go back to bed. I then went later that night at 5:30. (The pm mass is for "pansies") (just kidding) I really enjoyed the masses. On the last day two of the sisters (Celine Marie and Noel) gave us a nice big envelope with THREE SNICKERS IN IT! They said they were so proud of us for making it all nine days every morning on time. We decided to call them our "Sugar Mommys" because they randomly give us sweets! :) Its an awesome relationship.
A few times this week I was at the bus park for a random reason and saw some of my students. They then asked me if we could go for a walk around the market area. It was really good to spend time with them because I feel like I get to see a lot more things when I am with them. One day we were walking around and they walked me back to the bus and said: "Miss, enough people like you". It was really hilarious because they were referring to all the people yelling "white girl". It was really cute. I even saw a ton of fruit from my time with the students - One of my girls took our a piece of gum and offered me half. And now this may seem little to you - but for her it was a great step in the right direction. She has a beautiful heart that has been trampled on too often. She is so guarded and angry she very seldom lets kindness in or out. I can see a change coming from her - and I am glad because she truly is very sweet.
This morning I went to the bus park because the Cathedral was locked when I tried to pray so I went to grab a bus. (and the bus park and big market are next to each other and I wanted some oranges) So anyway I'm walking to the market and I see two of my students and one of their mother. His mother sells food at the market. I have always been afriad to be ripped off but I decided to eat because she invited me to come sit inside her stand. I ate some cook up - which had chicken foot in it. I couldn't eat the chicken foot because it grossed me out too much - but the rest was really good. And it was at that moment that I was sitting their with their family and my other student watching them sell the food and talking with them that I realized how lucky I am to truly get experiences like this. I have many friends who work at the US embassy who would never come down to the park - much less sit in a stand and talk. And I also found that I got so much respect. When I first started using the bus park (specifically Sophia section) people used to call out to me all the time. But now they all call me miss. (Because i'm a teacher) Even the adults there call me miss. I also feel like a lot of people are looking out for me. For example on friday I got to the bus park and had to go to work but because the student's didn't have to go and A field is very unpopular they weren't sending any A field buses. So since everyone who works there knows where I go they put me on a B field bus and had the driver bring me to the school. And at one point I didn't understand what the driver was trying to ask me on the bus and a lady (who I don't know) told him I was a teacher at Mercy Wings and to drop me there. It was good :)
Anyway ... I have plenty of christmas things to do now. I have a christmas party to go to for the orphanage boys... last night we had our party for work staff. I feel that although I have the next two weeks off I will be plenty busy. This also makes me miss my Grandma Theresa terribly because I have to dress up a lot. And now in Guyana everything has to be neatly pressed... well - I never pressed things because I always would just throw them on ... but I tell you that before I stepped out that door Grandma made me take it off and she would iron it for me. :) Now I had to do all my ironing myself :(. I also have to go and buy a christmas dress. I brought 5 dresses from the states and last night I wore the smallest one I had to the party and it was still much to large. I guess its a good problem to have but not when christmas is just a few days away and you need clothes!!!
Know that I am thinking and praying for everyone back home. Please pray for us we will have three little orphan boys over at our house for Christmas. I am SUPER excited! I am going to love having a little "family" for christmas.
My last thought for the week comes from a song I have been listening to over and over again this week... "If I could tell the world just one thing... I'd say were all okay"
It will be okay - the only thing you have control of is yourself, so although you may be in a tough situation you can't change someone elses dispositon... therefore you must change your own. Go into the Christmas season aiming to change one of your dispositions in your heart you know is wrong towards someone else. I know I will be...
May God Bless you all -
Ashley Ann
P.S. HAHAHA you all got snow!!!!!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Oh the weather outside is wonderful
Friends and Family,
I hope you are enjoying the cold weather... don't worry I am enjoying the heat for you!
Life here has been good. The week after the sickness was filled with much sleep. However on tuesday night I went to the "Festival of Carols". It was all of the different choirs from around the area that got together to do a concert. There was even a father son duo that was my favorite. It was really awesome to hear a concert when I feel like music is something I have been missing. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of blasting music everywhere... but I miss concert type music.
I was talking with the Librarian Ms. Oneika this week and I said "It's me own". She started to laugh and said Miss - you're becoming Guyanese. Its hard not to say stuff like that when you hear it all the time! Ms. Oneika has been a great support for me and I spend much time in the library helping other students learn to read and she always helps me work with them or just "gaufs" (Talks and laughs) with us.
I was sitting in on another class helping out because they had a guest presenter and well - they needed more bodies to keep the children quiet. As I was sitting with the children I realized how much I looked at them as children... and then I realized some of them are only 3 years younger than I!! They were doing skits and it was really fun to watch all of them be silly. I realize how much I love working with young people. They have so much energy. And although many times did I have to discipline that day - it didn't take away from how much I love them. This was a work in progress because yes I always had charity love for them... I realized in watching that class that even though they push my buttons and test my patience even the ones who make me the most mad have something to offer. Very few people have given these children a chance. Very few people treat them with disrespect and angerily. And yes they do treat others that was as well - but part of us is always a product of our environment. The only way you can help change that is to help change the environment. And to do that you must become part of the environment. These have been my thoughts this week as I had to deal with some more angry outburst, fights, and tears. I ended up getting in the middle of a boy trying to hit another boy - (on accident - I wasn't trying to break it up) and he ended up accidentally hitting me with a stick. (Don't worry not hard). At that moment I have never seen more fear in someone's eye. He immediately handed me the stick - started apologizing and the other boys ran over and grabbed my arm to make sure I was alright. The other students punished him so hard and he was punishing himself that it was actually hard for me to discipline him. And this was a great moment for me because earlier in the year this student wouldn't have thought twice about this. And so it finally showed me that he had enough respect to show remorse. He was finally realizing to own up to what you do.
That was a long confusing paragraph - but its been a long day.
The Cathedral here is the Immaculate Conception so on the feast of the IC (the 8th) we had a very celebratory Mass. I was able to go and it was really good. There was 9 different priests from all over the country (which is the whole diocese). I always enjoy mass at the Cathedral. Other than that we have been having mass every morning at 5:30 am!! ITS SO EARLY. We are doing a Novena before Christmas. We go until the 17th. Its been two days so far and I'm tired!! But thats okay because these masses have actually helped me to get focused in Advent. I think that it is a great idea to do this because daily mass here is very difficult because of the priest shortage. So since this is a special time they make it so people can come to mass daily - at least for preparation for Christmas. Sister Katerine gives us a ride which is nice - although its just a short walk and 5 in the morning the ride is worth it! (Plus its short rainy season)
Anyway I have to go to the market to pick up some edo, kassava, and "sweet potatoe. I am making soup for dinner!
Sending you all my love and prayers - and look at my last blog if you didn't get a chance!!!
Ashley Ann
I hope you are enjoying the cold weather... don't worry I am enjoying the heat for you!
Life here has been good. The week after the sickness was filled with much sleep. However on tuesday night I went to the "Festival of Carols". It was all of the different choirs from around the area that got together to do a concert. There was even a father son duo that was my favorite. It was really awesome to hear a concert when I feel like music is something I have been missing. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of blasting music everywhere... but I miss concert type music.
I was talking with the Librarian Ms. Oneika this week and I said "It's me own". She started to laugh and said Miss - you're becoming Guyanese. Its hard not to say stuff like that when you hear it all the time! Ms. Oneika has been a great support for me and I spend much time in the library helping other students learn to read and she always helps me work with them or just "gaufs" (Talks and laughs) with us.
I was sitting in on another class helping out because they had a guest presenter and well - they needed more bodies to keep the children quiet. As I was sitting with the children I realized how much I looked at them as children... and then I realized some of them are only 3 years younger than I!! They were doing skits and it was really fun to watch all of them be silly. I realize how much I love working with young people. They have so much energy. And although many times did I have to discipline that day - it didn't take away from how much I love them. This was a work in progress because yes I always had charity love for them... I realized in watching that class that even though they push my buttons and test my patience even the ones who make me the most mad have something to offer. Very few people have given these children a chance. Very few people treat them with disrespect and angerily. And yes they do treat others that was as well - but part of us is always a product of our environment. The only way you can help change that is to help change the environment. And to do that you must become part of the environment. These have been my thoughts this week as I had to deal with some more angry outburst, fights, and tears. I ended up getting in the middle of a boy trying to hit another boy - (on accident - I wasn't trying to break it up) and he ended up accidentally hitting me with a stick. (Don't worry not hard). At that moment I have never seen more fear in someone's eye. He immediately handed me the stick - started apologizing and the other boys ran over and grabbed my arm to make sure I was alright. The other students punished him so hard and he was punishing himself that it was actually hard for me to discipline him. And this was a great moment for me because earlier in the year this student wouldn't have thought twice about this. And so it finally showed me that he had enough respect to show remorse. He was finally realizing to own up to what you do.
That was a long confusing paragraph - but its been a long day.
The Cathedral here is the Immaculate Conception so on the feast of the IC (the 8th) we had a very celebratory Mass. I was able to go and it was really good. There was 9 different priests from all over the country (which is the whole diocese). I always enjoy mass at the Cathedral. Other than that we have been having mass every morning at 5:30 am!! ITS SO EARLY. We are doing a Novena before Christmas. We go until the 17th. Its been two days so far and I'm tired!! But thats okay because these masses have actually helped me to get focused in Advent. I think that it is a great idea to do this because daily mass here is very difficult because of the priest shortage. So since this is a special time they make it so people can come to mass daily - at least for preparation for Christmas. Sister Katerine gives us a ride which is nice - although its just a short walk and 5 in the morning the ride is worth it! (Plus its short rainy season)
Anyway I have to go to the market to pick up some edo, kassava, and "sweet potatoe. I am making soup for dinner!
Sending you all my love and prayers - and look at my last blog if you didn't get a chance!!!
Ashley Ann
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Since I didn't Blog
Hello Friends and Family - 2 things.
For Christmas since we can't be really receiving gifts I am creating my own Christmas Project. I am asking for Christmas Cards! On the back you can write "for christmas" and I will open them all on Christmas Day!!! :)
50 Pere St, Kitty
Georgetown, Guyana
South America
And we had a Mercy Newsletter go out to the Mercy Community in November and I thought I would share it with you because it is a good overview of my time here and includes the perspectives of Audrey and Sarah. (My loving roomates)
Sending prayers and love!
Ashley Ann
Dear Mercy Community,
We arrived in Guyana on September 1st after a long day of saying goodbye to our friends, family, and homes! After a hectic and hot first week we settled into our apartment which now after getting settled in feels like a wonderful home. We began work very quickly which was good to keep us all busy as we adjusted to our new climate and country!
Audrey is helping out at the school attached to St. John Bosco's orphanage. She helps out boys one on one and also will teach if a teacher happens to be absent for a day. Audrey has had a great time getting to know each of the boys on an individual level. She finds that they are typical rowdy boys who love to have fun and sometimes cause trouble. One of the things she has realized through this experience is she has to look at the background from which the children come from. Many of them come from very difficult situations which affects both their behavior and ability to learn. Some of them come from places where they felt unwanted and unloved and may have attachment issues that stem from that. She realizes that in order to combat this issue she must show them unconditional love and mercy each day.
Ashley has been teaching Care for the Elderly at Mercy Wings Vocational School. Teaching at Mercy Wings has been a great struggle and a great blessing for Ashley. Many of her girls come from very difficult homes and some have frequent outbursts of anger. Although there are struggles Ashley loves to get up in the morning knowing that she can once again work with the girl no matter how difficult it may be. Each day to her is a new opportunity to show mercy to young adolescents who may not find mercy outside of school. Each day is an opportunity to lay down one's pride and attempt to love rather than resort to anger.
Sarah is working at St. John's Mercy Hospital as an RN in the High Dependency Unit. Working as an RN in a developing nation has been a personal struggle for Sarah as she faces injustice and inequality each day. Although many struggles may make one feel like giving up Sarah has shown great dedication to her work sight by her continued optimism. In the face of the obstacles she faces every day she has seen great mercy and creativity in watching the other doctors and nurses work with the little resources they have to provide care for each patient.
Audrey's personal highlight from Guyana so far is the resourcefulness she has found in the Guyanese people. They think of many creative ways to deal with the fact that they have a lack of material goods. (This is also Audrey's gift within the community - you can't throw anything away without first making sure Audrey doesn't have a use for it)
Ashley's personal highlight has come from the fact that no one has asked her "So.... what are you going to do with your life?". The people care about who you are rather than what you are doing. It is a breath of fresh air to not be surrounded by the pressures of a high achieving society.
Sarah's personal highlight has come from the respect she has found from her co-workers at the hospital. Many nurses leave Guyana to go to the U.S. for a better job as a nurse there and yet here Sarah is doing the exact opposite. She feels great appreciation for the work she is doing.
As a community we have decided that we are pretty psyched about how well things have been going. We've decided Three's not a crowd, Three's Community. Our community has been together for two months in country, sweet, and although this may be a short time we feel as if because of circumstance we have created an intimate and intense bond. When we are with each other it is there where we find other people who are most like ourselves and understand the culture we came from. Our daily struggles must be faced together and this has lead to an intense bond that over comes even the small tribulations that we have with each other. Sarah may have an over zealous way of making sure we cross the street well, Ashley may have constant outlandish over exaggerated comments, and Audrey may always be late, but these problems are nothing compared to the inequality and injustice that we face every day. We have had to learn to lean on each other and overlook the small things. Our community has been one of our greatest blessings and we all look forward to our family dinners each night in which we discuss the day, laugh, and come up with new theme songs about Guyana.
We have found that spiritually we have all been transitioning from being like St. Terese of Liseux (prayer) to St. Francis Xavier (action). Our prayer life and spirituality has become our every day actions because our lives have less time and less structured activities centered around prayer than we had in the states. We still realize the importance of prayer but have also had to learn to make our actions a prayer which is pleasing to God. Remember breath in prayer, breath out service. We have been spending the past two months trying to figure out how to breath properly in a completely new environment.
We have a few favorite moments of simple living for you: No water in the morning for a shower means you go to work with no shower, cooking in the dark is something Sarah has perfected, Mosquito nets are our new best friend, Reheating everything on the stove because we have no microwave, learning the value of safe drinking water, learning the excess of Internet, being lost in time and space by the sisters and everyone who wanted to get a hold of us because we had no phone for over a week, playing scrabble with the sisters across the street for Saturday night fun, five dollar rum, DVD's for five dollars, deciding whether or not to splurge for .50 plantain chips, cooking all meals at home because it is cheaper (unless you go to a church fair :) ), being more excited about free food than we were in college.
You know you are in Guyana when:
The Three Amigo's
For Christmas since we can't be really receiving gifts I am creating my own Christmas Project. I am asking for Christmas Cards! On the back you can write "for christmas" and I will open them all on Christmas Day!!! :)
50 Pere St, Kitty
Georgetown, Guyana
South America
And we had a Mercy Newsletter go out to the Mercy Community in November and I thought I would share it with you because it is a good overview of my time here and includes the perspectives of Audrey and Sarah. (My loving roomates)
Sending prayers and love!
Ashley Ann
Dear Mercy Community,
We arrived in Guyana on September 1st after a long day of saying goodbye to our friends, family, and homes! After a hectic and hot first week we settled into our apartment which now after getting settled in feels like a wonderful home. We began work very quickly which was good to keep us all busy as we adjusted to our new climate and country!
Audrey is helping out at the school attached to St. John Bosco's orphanage. She helps out boys one on one and also will teach if a teacher happens to be absent for a day. Audrey has had a great time getting to know each of the boys on an individual level. She finds that they are typical rowdy boys who love to have fun and sometimes cause trouble. One of the things she has realized through this experience is she has to look at the background from which the children come from. Many of them come from very difficult situations which affects both their behavior and ability to learn. Some of them come from places where they felt unwanted and unloved and may have attachment issues that stem from that. She realizes that in order to combat this issue she must show them unconditional love and mercy each day.
Ashley has been teaching Care for the Elderly at Mercy Wings Vocational School. Teaching at Mercy Wings has been a great struggle and a great blessing for Ashley. Many of her girls come from very difficult homes and some have frequent outbursts of anger. Although there are struggles Ashley loves to get up in the morning knowing that she can once again work with the girl no matter how difficult it may be. Each day to her is a new opportunity to show mercy to young adolescents who may not find mercy outside of school. Each day is an opportunity to lay down one's pride and attempt to love rather than resort to anger.
Sarah is working at St. John's Mercy Hospital as an RN in the High Dependency Unit. Working as an RN in a developing nation has been a personal struggle for Sarah as she faces injustice and inequality each day. Although many struggles may make one feel like giving up Sarah has shown great dedication to her work sight by her continued optimism. In the face of the obstacles she faces every day she has seen great mercy and creativity in watching the other doctors and nurses work with the little resources they have to provide care for each patient.
Audrey's personal highlight from Guyana so far is the resourcefulness she has found in the Guyanese people. They think of many creative ways to deal with the fact that they have a lack of material goods. (This is also Audrey's gift within the community - you can't throw anything away without first making sure Audrey doesn't have a use for it)
Ashley's personal highlight has come from the fact that no one has asked her "So.... what are you going to do with your life?". The people care about who you are rather than what you are doing. It is a breath of fresh air to not be surrounded by the pressures of a high achieving society.
Sarah's personal highlight has come from the respect she has found from her co-workers at the hospital. Many nurses leave Guyana to go to the U.S. for a better job as a nurse there and yet here Sarah is doing the exact opposite. She feels great appreciation for the work she is doing.
As a community we have decided that we are pretty psyched about how well things have been going. We've decided Three's not a crowd, Three's Community. Our community has been together for two months in country, sweet, and although this may be a short time we feel as if because of circumstance we have created an intimate and intense bond. When we are with each other it is there where we find other people who are most like ourselves and understand the culture we came from. Our daily struggles must be faced together and this has lead to an intense bond that over comes even the small tribulations that we have with each other. Sarah may have an over zealous way of making sure we cross the street well, Ashley may have constant outlandish over exaggerated comments, and Audrey may always be late, but these problems are nothing compared to the inequality and injustice that we face every day. We have had to learn to lean on each other and overlook the small things. Our community has been one of our greatest blessings and we all look forward to our family dinners each night in which we discuss the day, laugh, and come up with new theme songs about Guyana.
We have found that spiritually we have all been transitioning from being like St. Terese of Liseux (prayer) to St. Francis Xavier (action). Our prayer life and spirituality has become our every day actions because our lives have less time and less structured activities centered around prayer than we had in the states. We still realize the importance of prayer but have also had to learn to make our actions a prayer which is pleasing to God. Remember breath in prayer, breath out service. We have been spending the past two months trying to figure out how to breath properly in a completely new environment.
We have a few favorite moments of simple living for you: No water in the morning for a shower means you go to work with no shower, cooking in the dark is something Sarah has perfected, Mosquito nets are our new best friend, Reheating everything on the stove because we have no microwave, learning the value of safe drinking water, learning the excess of Internet, being lost in time and space by the sisters and everyone who wanted to get a hold of us because we had no phone for over a week, playing scrabble with the sisters across the street for Saturday night fun, five dollar rum, DVD's for five dollars, deciding whether or not to splurge for .50 plantain chips, cooking all meals at home because it is cheaper (unless you go to a church fair :) ), being more excited about free food than we were in college.
You know you are in Guyana when:
- You have thirty mosquito bites at once
- The man selling pine asks you to marry him and tells you that you don't have to work another day in your life (Sarah)
- You can spend thousands of dollars in one day and not feel guilty
- You have a display cabinet in your living room with a trophy that says "Worlds Greatest Dad"
- Your ride to work in the morning feels like NASCAR
- The mini bus conductors know your stops and if he asks you or tries to put you off at the wrong stop another random passenger who you have never met corrects him. (Ashley)
- People tell you not to fatigue yourself
- You do laundry by hand and according to the weather
- Body's of water are brown and full of trash
- Whenever something crazy happens you look at your roommates and say "It's Guyana" (Sarah)
- Other white people ask you what you are doing here
- Produce is fresh, cheap and delicious
- Shaving your legs is optional, deodorant is not
- People ask you if they have Kentucky Fried Chicken in the States
The Three Amigo's
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