Dear Family and Friends,
I write to you after a very relaxing weekend, but a very long week. Our retreat last week went very well. We spent most of the time just hanging out, reading, and talking. On Saturday morning we took a two and a half hour long adventure along the sea wall. It is a different type of sea wall than that of Georgetown and it was a good change in scenery. We all got a little sunburnt even though we put plenty of sunscreen on.
I found an apostolic letter by Pope John Paul II on the christian meaning of human suffering. It was a really good letter to read because it helped to put everything that I had been experiencing together. I remembered that suffering is always difficult but if we focus on the sufferings of Christ and how we can unite with Him things become a little easier. I am not saying it takes away any of the pain, or that it doesn't still really suck, I am just saying that its better than becoming self absorbed into the "why me". I need to remember that when I feel bad for myself and wonder why I am going through this I accomplish nothing... however, when I think to offer up my suffering for someone else I remember that good can come out of terrible situations. I've noticed people keep saying in the end you will realize there is a reason for all of this and maybe that is the lesson I need to learn. I have to understand that even though I don't understand it all now, I need to let go of the control and the wanting to understand and live life as it is presented to me. When life gives you limes, buy el dorado rum, coke and make a drink! :) haha.
This week at school I felt like the students decided to become extraordinarily agitated. I don't know a reason for this and I was not the only one to notice this. I feel that there must be something in the air. This made the days really long and punishment quite frequent. I have and always will be terrible at punishing students. I can be such a soft person that I fail to actually punish strict enough. I feel that the longer I am in Guyana the better I become at finding reasonable and just punishments. I wish that punishment wasn't a part of the job, but it is and therefore its just another place where I can grow as a teacher.
However even among the frustrations there are always the students that make you smile. I am constantly surprised at students when I see them grow as a person. I have learned that you can never label a student as a bad egg because there is good in everyone. Even the most difficult of students can surprise you by the changes they can make if they want to be a better person.
One of my co-workers at the hospital was gone for almost a month and she finally came back this week. I was really happy to see her and it made my week that much better. Work at the hospital was full of tons of clerical work because it is the end of the month and I was busy helping put reports together. Not fun, but necessary for the job! :)
If I've learned anything this week it has been that I must be patient. I sometimes feel like when I am confused or conflicted that I need an immediate answer. I spent the past two weeks thinking over something in my mind that I really didn't need to think about. Today it was on my mind all day and finally at the end of the day I realized the only reason the problem is not going away is because I am letting myself dwell on it. The Guyanese always say you shouldn't "Study things" (think too much) because it will make you old fast. I agree. My students noticed that I was "studying something" and kept telling me to not "take on too much stress". I feel that sometimes we wrap our minds in stress when really we need to let it go. Today my good friend told me "Miss, stop speeding", which means that I need to stop thinking so much. I then took the bus home and by the end of the bus ride I realized that he is right... I just need to stop thinking and let the cards play. If I can't control a situation I must remember "What will be, will be".
Well I hope that you have a wonderful week. (Update - my student is stable now, but still in need of many prayers to make it through this!... more later!)
Love,
Ashley Ann
Whatsoever you do to the least of My people, that you do unto Me.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Best and The Worst
Dear Friends and Family,
One of the best experiences I've had since I've been in Guyana has been celebrating Phagwah, or Holi! It is the celebration of Spring and the beautiful colors of nature. On Phagwah one can walk around the street and see people with powdered dye covering their whole body. My Phagwah day started out wonderfully because Sarah and Audrey went to a church service later than mine and when they came home I heard them say: "No one Phagwahs before 12 eh?" (Which is what I had hear the night before) As they walked up the stairs I could see the dye smeared across their face. I laughed so hard! Then we went up to the orphanage and played with the boys for a little bit. They were going to play Phagwah but not until later that afternoon.
It wasn't until later that we went out with one of our friends. We met up with a group of people and that is where it all began. Within minutes I was completely covered in dye, glitter, and water!! It was like we were all children again. A bunch of young adults running around covering each other in dye. It was a ton of fun. We did this in two different areas of the city until we went to the national stadium where there was a GIANT Phagwah party. It was sponsored by GT&T and therefore they gave out free blue powder which is the company's color. We stayed their for a long time. It wasn't just smearing dye but also there music and other family friendly entertainment. We spent the afternoon dancing and having fun. Afterwords we drove down to the creek to jump in the water and wash off. I decided not to jump in because I was too cold. I wasn't alone - Audrey also didn't want to go in.
Overall it was a wonderful day. At the end of the day I was tired and happy. It was a pain to try and scrub all the dye off of my skin. My hair is still pink as a result from all of the dye. We were all pretty sad that our cameras had been stolen earlier this year so we weren't able to take any pictures. One of our friends that we saw took a picture of us and e-mailed it to me. Hopefully by sunday night I will be able to put it up.
Well other than that my week was pretty normal. We are about to leave on retreat soon, in an hour so I won't be around this weekend.
I guess I titled this blog the best and the worst because I had an experience that was terrible. One of my beloved girls is in the hospital with pneumonia. It is even worse than that because she already has complicated sickle cell anemia. She has received so much blood already they don't know if her body can take any more. My other girls wanted to go see her and the other teachers said it was fine so I took some of them to the hospital to visit her. Not only was the hospital itself a culture shock, but seeing someone you love there is even worse. The hospital is always packed full of people, one big long room for women. I saw a bed with two women in it because they are out of beds. When you see this it is easy to distance yourself from them as a coping mechanism. However, when you see someone you truly care about lying in a bed with other people lying around... it breaks you. Her breathing was so rapid and shallow she couldn't speak with us. Her entire face and limbs were swollen from an assumed lack of oxygen. I wish I could say that its going to get better for her, but its likely that it won't.
Guyana is still a developing nation and the lack of health care affects thousands of lives each year. Its the sad reality of life here. I kept thinking about how one of the hardest moments in my life was seeing my uncle slowly fade away in the hospital and then saying goodbye. I realize that moment wasn't so bad now... he had lived a full wonderful life, he was always surrounded by friends and family, and he knew he was loved. This girl has come from a broken home, she has had more pains than joys, and she was alone. We stayed for a while and the girls didn't know what to say or how to handle it. I encouraged them to talk to her even if she couldn't talk back. At one point my girl Lashawna asked me to pray with Chelsea. So we all held hands and prayed over her. After that we went to go and buy her some juice and then some family of hers came so it was our time to leave.
This was one of the hardest things I've had to do, to look at someone and know that if this were a different place or a different time things could possibly have a better outcome. However, this is how it is, so I ask God to make the best of the situation and to help all involved see the good in things. I ask for your prayers for her. I will update you on her condition. She needs a miracle to make it through this, but anything is possible.
Well, I am off to go to a much needed retreat. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and week. Know of my prayers for you as I ask for your prayers. May your lent be full of a knowledge that God's mercy is waiting for us all we need to do is repent.
While you are preaching peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart. - St. Franscis of Assisi
Love,
Ashley Ann
One of the best experiences I've had since I've been in Guyana has been celebrating Phagwah, or Holi! It is the celebration of Spring and the beautiful colors of nature. On Phagwah one can walk around the street and see people with powdered dye covering their whole body. My Phagwah day started out wonderfully because Sarah and Audrey went to a church service later than mine and when they came home I heard them say: "No one Phagwahs before 12 eh?" (Which is what I had hear the night before) As they walked up the stairs I could see the dye smeared across their face. I laughed so hard! Then we went up to the orphanage and played with the boys for a little bit. They were going to play Phagwah but not until later that afternoon.
It wasn't until later that we went out with one of our friends. We met up with a group of people and that is where it all began. Within minutes I was completely covered in dye, glitter, and water!! It was like we were all children again. A bunch of young adults running around covering each other in dye. It was a ton of fun. We did this in two different areas of the city until we went to the national stadium where there was a GIANT Phagwah party. It was sponsored by GT&T and therefore they gave out free blue powder which is the company's color. We stayed their for a long time. It wasn't just smearing dye but also there music and other family friendly entertainment. We spent the afternoon dancing and having fun. Afterwords we drove down to the creek to jump in the water and wash off. I decided not to jump in because I was too cold. I wasn't alone - Audrey also didn't want to go in.
Overall it was a wonderful day. At the end of the day I was tired and happy. It was a pain to try and scrub all the dye off of my skin. My hair is still pink as a result from all of the dye. We were all pretty sad that our cameras had been stolen earlier this year so we weren't able to take any pictures. One of our friends that we saw took a picture of us and e-mailed it to me. Hopefully by sunday night I will be able to put it up.
Well other than that my week was pretty normal. We are about to leave on retreat soon, in an hour so I won't be around this weekend.
I guess I titled this blog the best and the worst because I had an experience that was terrible. One of my beloved girls is in the hospital with pneumonia. It is even worse than that because she already has complicated sickle cell anemia. She has received so much blood already they don't know if her body can take any more. My other girls wanted to go see her and the other teachers said it was fine so I took some of them to the hospital to visit her. Not only was the hospital itself a culture shock, but seeing someone you love there is even worse. The hospital is always packed full of people, one big long room for women. I saw a bed with two women in it because they are out of beds. When you see this it is easy to distance yourself from them as a coping mechanism. However, when you see someone you truly care about lying in a bed with other people lying around... it breaks you. Her breathing was so rapid and shallow she couldn't speak with us. Her entire face and limbs were swollen from an assumed lack of oxygen. I wish I could say that its going to get better for her, but its likely that it won't.
Guyana is still a developing nation and the lack of health care affects thousands of lives each year. Its the sad reality of life here. I kept thinking about how one of the hardest moments in my life was seeing my uncle slowly fade away in the hospital and then saying goodbye. I realize that moment wasn't so bad now... he had lived a full wonderful life, he was always surrounded by friends and family, and he knew he was loved. This girl has come from a broken home, she has had more pains than joys, and she was alone. We stayed for a while and the girls didn't know what to say or how to handle it. I encouraged them to talk to her even if she couldn't talk back. At one point my girl Lashawna asked me to pray with Chelsea. So we all held hands and prayed over her. After that we went to go and buy her some juice and then some family of hers came so it was our time to leave.
This was one of the hardest things I've had to do, to look at someone and know that if this were a different place or a different time things could possibly have a better outcome. However, this is how it is, so I ask God to make the best of the situation and to help all involved see the good in things. I ask for your prayers for her. I will update you on her condition. She needs a miracle to make it through this, but anything is possible.
Well, I am off to go to a much needed retreat. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and week. Know of my prayers for you as I ask for your prayers. May your lent be full of a knowledge that God's mercy is waiting for us all we need to do is repent.
While you are preaching peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart. - St. Franscis of Assisi
Love,
Ashley Ann
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The sun will come out tomorrow*
Hello and Good Day Family and Friends,
I am glad to tell you that we had some sunshine this week! I was getting a little sick of all the rain. I am still sick of the rain as we still had some rain this week but I was glad we got some sunshine. When it is raining the water to our house, and therefore our shower, becomes VERY cold. This week the three of us would dread taking a shower. One day I even heated up some water on the stove and "bathed" (as the Guyanese would say), because I couldn't handle the constant cold water. One of my roommates made it three days without a shower... I was pretty impressed by this.
This week was a busy week at the hospital. It seemed as if all of the patients waited until this week to come in for their HIV appointments and counseling. I had many full days. Part of my job is doing HIV testing. One time this week someone came in to be tested right before I was about to leave for the day. I did all of the pre-test work with him and then sent him to the lab. Before I started this all I warned him that another counselor would be giving him the results. Before I sent him to the lab he kindly asked me if I could stay the extra hour to give him his results. He told me that he couldn't bear to hear them from anyone else, and since the man was old enough to be my grandfather my heart went out to him and I stayed. At the end when he was talking with me he reminded me to stay as sweet as I was. This was a moment that reminded me of why I came to Guyana. It reminded me that it is about going the extra mile. Its about willing the good of someone else above yourself to show them that even though you don't know them... you still love them as Christ did. The man thought I was doing him a favor but really he was doing me the favor.
School this week was quiet which is always a GOOD thing. My students are busy creating a PowerPoint presentation about anything that they want. Many of them have a hard time reading and writing so I pair them together to help each other out. I must admit that teaching children the computer when reading levels are extremely low can be quite difficult, but it has taught me much patience.
One of my students was exceptionally compliant this week and kind. He hangs out with a really rough crowd and often times I think he gets lost in the mix. I took him aside this week to thank him for all the hard work that he did and for the extra work that he did cleaning for me. Some of the other teachers even commented on his improved behavior. This has reminded me that the situations and the company we put ourselves in really do shape who we are. If we choose to hang out with a rough crowd, we will be associated with them even if we ourselves are not the same. If you look like, act like, and hang out with certain people it's easy for others to judge that you are the same. This can make it difficult to show people the truth and goodness inside of you. It takes a whole lot of courage to walk away from the people and things in life which we find familiar... but until we do the association will never be lost. So I guess this is my prayer for my students that they are able find the courage to make the correct choices. Sometimes its easier to choose the wrong thing and fit in rather than being the one to stand out.
I've really enjoyed lent this year because our community has decided to pray together every night. I find a lot of joy in our diverse ways of praying. At first I thought it would be difficult because we are all super busy. Then we just decided that why not take 15 minutes and do something simple. We all gave input on what we would do on the different nights of the week, this way each person gets input and yet there is still some type of routine. I often think of the phrase "The family that prays together, stays together". Our "family" is already seeing fruits of praying together as it helps us to focus our lives on Christ and improve our relations with one another.
I've realized that I have missed some important birthdays this month...
Earlier this month it was my cousin Nick's birthday. Nick and I have not always been close. When we were growing up I didn't see very much of him and when we did see each other although we got along I would never have considered him a close friend or anything. As time went on and the older we became the more I realized that I appreciated Nick. He started to spend more time with us and eventually we started having small conversations. Small conversations led to larger conversations and all of a sudden he wasn't just my cousin but my good friend. At one point while I was in college he made a suggestion that we just don't call each other randomly but rather that we make a point to call each other regularly. And then it was set that we would call each other every three weeks. Now - I am not going to say that it actually happened every three weeks but for the past couple years I would say that I talked to my cousin at least once a month or once every month and a half. Earlier this summer I went to go see him and spend the night at his house in Mankato. We ended up staying up and having a conversation that I never thought I would ever be able to have with anyone. It was great to have such an honest open conversation with someone and it really helped me to make it through my crazy summer of transitions. Its hard not talking to Nick and I miss hearing about his life. There are days here when I think of him and know that he could make me laugh or help me understand a situation. I will forever be grateful for the friendship that I have found in my cousin and I know that I will be close with him for a long time. Being close with family is a beautiful thing.
The second birthday that I missed was that of my friend Zach Roberts. Zach was my first close friend at UMM and he helped me make it through the some tough transitions from high school to college. It was during that first year that Zach and I realized we think very similarly. We now refer to each other as the "other half of our minds" because he always understand what I am trying to explain even if others are lost. However, it is not this connection that makes our friendship so beautiful but the fact that we were able to overcome some very huge obstacles together. Some people know this but Zach and I once were on bad terms for close to 7 months. We would argue and bicker over everything and there were times when we just couldn't stand each other. Many times I wanted just to give up on our friendship but Zach taught me how to forgive and forget. Before graduating UMM we had a discussion about that year and everything that went wrong and I remember thinking to myself that we wasted so much time mad at each other. I also remember how both of us grew so much from that experience. We both grew up a little bit as we realized the wrongs we had done against one another. Maybe that is the best part about our friendship, that we helped each other to learn some really important life lessons and although there was turmoil, in the end there was a beautiful result. I will always be grateful for Zach in my life. Zach has more strength than any other 23 year old I know. He is a great man of God and I know that his life will bear much fruit.
To end I would like to share with you a quote that I read in the paper this week from Martin Luther King Jr:
"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people"
Don't let yourself be a silent good person. Speak up for what you believe and for those without a voice.
Well, Tomorrow is a Hindu holiday and I am excited to celebrate and tell you all about it for next week... May God bless your week and please send me some mail! I have gone an ENTIRE MONTH without a single letter... so for all of those who read this - I'm asking you to send me some encouragement back. Even if you don't like to write go to target or walmart and find a funny or amusing card. Send me a picture or a sketch you do when your bored. Any and everything will be very appreciated!
Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann
I am glad to tell you that we had some sunshine this week! I was getting a little sick of all the rain. I am still sick of the rain as we still had some rain this week but I was glad we got some sunshine. When it is raining the water to our house, and therefore our shower, becomes VERY cold. This week the three of us would dread taking a shower. One day I even heated up some water on the stove and "bathed" (as the Guyanese would say), because I couldn't handle the constant cold water. One of my roommates made it three days without a shower... I was pretty impressed by this.
This week was a busy week at the hospital. It seemed as if all of the patients waited until this week to come in for their HIV appointments and counseling. I had many full days. Part of my job is doing HIV testing. One time this week someone came in to be tested right before I was about to leave for the day. I did all of the pre-test work with him and then sent him to the lab. Before I started this all I warned him that another counselor would be giving him the results. Before I sent him to the lab he kindly asked me if I could stay the extra hour to give him his results. He told me that he couldn't bear to hear them from anyone else, and since the man was old enough to be my grandfather my heart went out to him and I stayed. At the end when he was talking with me he reminded me to stay as sweet as I was. This was a moment that reminded me of why I came to Guyana. It reminded me that it is about going the extra mile. Its about willing the good of someone else above yourself to show them that even though you don't know them... you still love them as Christ did. The man thought I was doing him a favor but really he was doing me the favor.
School this week was quiet which is always a GOOD thing. My students are busy creating a PowerPoint presentation about anything that they want. Many of them have a hard time reading and writing so I pair them together to help each other out. I must admit that teaching children the computer when reading levels are extremely low can be quite difficult, but it has taught me much patience.
One of my students was exceptionally compliant this week and kind. He hangs out with a really rough crowd and often times I think he gets lost in the mix. I took him aside this week to thank him for all the hard work that he did and for the extra work that he did cleaning for me. Some of the other teachers even commented on his improved behavior. This has reminded me that the situations and the company we put ourselves in really do shape who we are. If we choose to hang out with a rough crowd, we will be associated with them even if we ourselves are not the same. If you look like, act like, and hang out with certain people it's easy for others to judge that you are the same. This can make it difficult to show people the truth and goodness inside of you. It takes a whole lot of courage to walk away from the people and things in life which we find familiar... but until we do the association will never be lost. So I guess this is my prayer for my students that they are able find the courage to make the correct choices. Sometimes its easier to choose the wrong thing and fit in rather than being the one to stand out.
I've really enjoyed lent this year because our community has decided to pray together every night. I find a lot of joy in our diverse ways of praying. At first I thought it would be difficult because we are all super busy. Then we just decided that why not take 15 minutes and do something simple. We all gave input on what we would do on the different nights of the week, this way each person gets input and yet there is still some type of routine. I often think of the phrase "The family that prays together, stays together". Our "family" is already seeing fruits of praying together as it helps us to focus our lives on Christ and improve our relations with one another.
I've realized that I have missed some important birthdays this month...
Earlier this month it was my cousin Nick's birthday. Nick and I have not always been close. When we were growing up I didn't see very much of him and when we did see each other although we got along I would never have considered him a close friend or anything. As time went on and the older we became the more I realized that I appreciated Nick. He started to spend more time with us and eventually we started having small conversations. Small conversations led to larger conversations and all of a sudden he wasn't just my cousin but my good friend. At one point while I was in college he made a suggestion that we just don't call each other randomly but rather that we make a point to call each other regularly. And then it was set that we would call each other every three weeks. Now - I am not going to say that it actually happened every three weeks but for the past couple years I would say that I talked to my cousin at least once a month or once every month and a half. Earlier this summer I went to go see him and spend the night at his house in Mankato. We ended up staying up and having a conversation that I never thought I would ever be able to have with anyone. It was great to have such an honest open conversation with someone and it really helped me to make it through my crazy summer of transitions. Its hard not talking to Nick and I miss hearing about his life. There are days here when I think of him and know that he could make me laugh or help me understand a situation. I will forever be grateful for the friendship that I have found in my cousin and I know that I will be close with him for a long time. Being close with family is a beautiful thing.
The second birthday that I missed was that of my friend Zach Roberts. Zach was my first close friend at UMM and he helped me make it through the some tough transitions from high school to college. It was during that first year that Zach and I realized we think very similarly. We now refer to each other as the "other half of our minds" because he always understand what I am trying to explain even if others are lost. However, it is not this connection that makes our friendship so beautiful but the fact that we were able to overcome some very huge obstacles together. Some people know this but Zach and I once were on bad terms for close to 7 months. We would argue and bicker over everything and there were times when we just couldn't stand each other. Many times I wanted just to give up on our friendship but Zach taught me how to forgive and forget. Before graduating UMM we had a discussion about that year and everything that went wrong and I remember thinking to myself that we wasted so much time mad at each other. I also remember how both of us grew so much from that experience. We both grew up a little bit as we realized the wrongs we had done against one another. Maybe that is the best part about our friendship, that we helped each other to learn some really important life lessons and although there was turmoil, in the end there was a beautiful result. I will always be grateful for Zach in my life. Zach has more strength than any other 23 year old I know. He is a great man of God and I know that his life will bear much fruit.
To end I would like to share with you a quote that I read in the paper this week from Martin Luther King Jr:
"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people"
Don't let yourself be a silent good person. Speak up for what you believe and for those without a voice.
Well, Tomorrow is a Hindu holiday and I am excited to celebrate and tell you all about it for next week... May God bless your week and please send me some mail! I have gone an ENTIRE MONTH without a single letter... so for all of those who read this - I'm asking you to send me some encouragement back. Even if you don't like to write go to target or walmart and find a funny or amusing card. Send me a picture or a sketch you do when your bored. Any and everything will be very appreciated!
Love and prayers,
Ashley Ann
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Rain Rain Go Away
Dear Friends and Family,
Hello - I hope that you had a good week. My week has been exceptionally normal. I am realizing how I am really starting to get sick of the rain. It has been raining for this entire weekend. On friday night we all thought about going out but the fact that it was raining here made us all want to stay inside. When it rains here no one wants to go out. Part of the reason for this is that fact that most activities take place outside at least a little bit.
One exciting thing that did happen this week was we had a group of volunteers come from the States for a week. We took them out for ice cream and then later on in the week ended up going to the one bowling alley in town with them. It was a good experience. After being here for six months it was really interesting to hear the questions that they would ask and then be able to respond properly. We saw a lot of ourselves when we first came to Guyana and had much confusion and a lack of knowledge. Having them come also made us all realize how our english has become rather terrible. I have a hard time remember how to describe things without using Guyanese phrases and I confused the volunteers a couple of times... opps! :)
Anyway - I was thinking about how the volunteers were associating Guyana with Latin America when really Guyana is mostly associated with the Caribbean. Being an english speaking former British colony most of the relations are done with the Caribbean, and Guyana is considered part of the Caribbean. I've always enjoyed this upbeat energetic yet laid back part of the culture.
This week was Ash Wednesday which means it is now officially the beginning of lent. I am excited for lent as a time to reconnect my life with my faith. I went to Mass at the Cathedral on Ash Wednesday and the Bishop began his homily talking about how people are starting to predict the end of the world. He talked about how when they do this they start to think more seriously about how they want to change their lives. He then continued on to talk about how people who are near death or have a near death experience do the same things. People in these situations take time to rethink things and make changes in their lives, but why does it take an experience like this to think about these things? This Lenten season can the catalyst for us to do be the same thing. It can be a time for us to rethink the sinful nature that we have and turn our hearts to the Lord. In all generations the Lord has been there with compassion and mercy for those who turn to Him and ask for His forgiveness. Sometimes it can be so difficult to ask for forgiveness because then we have to admit to the fact that we are wrong... really, who wants to admit to the fact that we are wrong.
I'm making an extra effort this lent to try and focus more on the Lord rather than the external things in my life. It is so easy for me to get caught up in the world around me that I actually forget what my purpose is here. The thing is I need to remember that each day is a chance to start again... and this season of lent is a great time to work on that. I often think some of life's best advice can be found in the Disney movie The Lion King. Specifically when Rafiki talks about how the past is in the past and we can't change it. Rafiki hits Simba and when Simba said ouch that hurts Rafiki says "Who cares its in the past". Yes we still care about the pain but forgiving ourselves and others would be much easier if we were able to let go of the past a little bit. I know this is true for me, and it would help me on my Lenten journey. I have made many mistakes since coming to Guyana but here I am with a chance to try again.
If at first you don't succeed.... maybe sky diving isn't for you! :)
Well anyway - Wishing you all the best. Know of my prayers for you.
Love,
Ashley Ann
Hello - I hope that you had a good week. My week has been exceptionally normal. I am realizing how I am really starting to get sick of the rain. It has been raining for this entire weekend. On friday night we all thought about going out but the fact that it was raining here made us all want to stay inside. When it rains here no one wants to go out. Part of the reason for this is that fact that most activities take place outside at least a little bit.
One exciting thing that did happen this week was we had a group of volunteers come from the States for a week. We took them out for ice cream and then later on in the week ended up going to the one bowling alley in town with them. It was a good experience. After being here for six months it was really interesting to hear the questions that they would ask and then be able to respond properly. We saw a lot of ourselves when we first came to Guyana and had much confusion and a lack of knowledge. Having them come also made us all realize how our english has become rather terrible. I have a hard time remember how to describe things without using Guyanese phrases and I confused the volunteers a couple of times... opps! :)
Anyway - I was thinking about how the volunteers were associating Guyana with Latin America when really Guyana is mostly associated with the Caribbean. Being an english speaking former British colony most of the relations are done with the Caribbean, and Guyana is considered part of the Caribbean. I've always enjoyed this upbeat energetic yet laid back part of the culture.
This week was Ash Wednesday which means it is now officially the beginning of lent. I am excited for lent as a time to reconnect my life with my faith. I went to Mass at the Cathedral on Ash Wednesday and the Bishop began his homily talking about how people are starting to predict the end of the world. He talked about how when they do this they start to think more seriously about how they want to change their lives. He then continued on to talk about how people who are near death or have a near death experience do the same things. People in these situations take time to rethink things and make changes in their lives, but why does it take an experience like this to think about these things? This Lenten season can the catalyst for us to do be the same thing. It can be a time for us to rethink the sinful nature that we have and turn our hearts to the Lord. In all generations the Lord has been there with compassion and mercy for those who turn to Him and ask for His forgiveness. Sometimes it can be so difficult to ask for forgiveness because then we have to admit to the fact that we are wrong... really, who wants to admit to the fact that we are wrong.
I'm making an extra effort this lent to try and focus more on the Lord rather than the external things in my life. It is so easy for me to get caught up in the world around me that I actually forget what my purpose is here. The thing is I need to remember that each day is a chance to start again... and this season of lent is a great time to work on that. I often think some of life's best advice can be found in the Disney movie The Lion King. Specifically when Rafiki talks about how the past is in the past and we can't change it. Rafiki hits Simba and when Simba said ouch that hurts Rafiki says "Who cares its in the past". Yes we still care about the pain but forgiving ourselves and others would be much easier if we were able to let go of the past a little bit. I know this is true for me, and it would help me on my Lenten journey. I have made many mistakes since coming to Guyana but here I am with a chance to try again.
If at first you don't succeed.... maybe sky diving isn't for you! :)
Well anyway - Wishing you all the best. Know of my prayers for you.
Love,
Ashley Ann
Monday, February 28, 2011
Six Months in Guyana!
Dear Friends and Family,
I have been in Georgetown for six months now and I figured it was a good time to do a recap.
September
(Picture - Us in the New York Airport... our Last photo in the US... we look terrible!!! )
September was a crazy month for me. I left my friends and family back home to a place where I was unsure of everything. I was embracing on a new beginning. I began my journey by meeting plenty of people who are now a very active part of my life, and also by meeting the mosquitoes who have also never left me. I reminded myself as I left the states that I was not alone, God has always been in Guyana I am just going to do His work there, and it was nothing new to Him.
I began my job as a care for the elderly teacher. I was amazed at the low levels of my students. They really fit the definition of the uneducated. I found students who would make me laugh and cry. Some students gave me so much hope by their attempt to become a better person.
I also began my one day a week job as an HIV counselor at Saint Joesph Mercy Hospital where I would learn to love the marginalized of the world.
I learned how to navigate the market and take the mini buses.
I also learned that Audrey Sarah and I would laugh and laugh a lot. We went out for the first time to a place called Jerrie's and began our adventure of our social life here.
(Picture - The Sisters of Mercy in Guyana + two Candidates)
(Picture - Our first spirituality night... Creating a prayer wall of our friends and family back home)
October
One of my students has a small child and one of my best memories from October was holding the child and walking around with the student. The small things in life can sometimes be big things.
I learned that I can wear jeans at 90 degrees and that I love life in the big city.
I took a trip out with the girls to a local festival called "Guy-expo" where we had our first experience with El Dorado rum! It was a great day.
I learned that church festivals here are full of games, good food, and LOUD music.
(picture - Me and one of the Orphanage boys)
I was reminded by a friend back home that friendships can still grow despite the distance. He shared with me his experience of counseling back home and I was able to relate with my experience here when he said: "I have been given the opportunity to love deeply and that love is life to me. I think we are united in that reality".
He was completely correct in saying that. We are all united when we love.
November
I spent a couple of Fridays with two of the older sisters, Sister Celine Marie, and Sister Noel. We would go to church together and then over to their house for dinner. They gave me an interesting perspective on Guyana and how it has changed over the years. They gave me strength and grandmotherly attention when I needed it the most, they are a great part of my life here.
I met my British friend Anna who has played such a great part in my life. She and I have great conversations and she can always put insight into my life. I am glad we have developed a great friendship.
I learned that my students not only respect me but that they also have a great protection for me. I learned that all the work I had put in during the previous months had paid off by their shown respect. I have learned to get respect you must first give respect.
I had a five minute conversation with my Uncle Warren and he reminded me that I was and am always fighting for something - whether it was back home or here... this helped me to realize that its okay - I still am the same person even on a different continent.
Diwali or the Hindu celebration of lights happened. It was a great and wonderful parade full of hundreds to thousands of what we would call Christmas lights.
(Learning how to make Pine Tarts from our Friend and Sisters of Mercy Candidate Joanna)
(Sarah and I at the beach)
December
We had our first retreat at Splashman's resort. I wish that I could say it was a great time but I spent most of it sick in bed.
I went to a carol concert at the Cathedral which helped me to remember the Christmas spirit even without all of the snow!
I learned that Mass at 5 in the morning can be difficult, but when its a Novena you just push through. I made it every day for nine days and one of the sisters even bought us chocolate at the end!!
I learned that Georgetown is CHAOS around Christmas time and that if you want to go shopping you better bring a shield with you to make it through the crowd.
(At the Christmas fair by the Orphanage... Me and two of the beautiful boys...!!)
I learned Christmas is not about the presents or the commercialism. Rather it is about loving - I learned to love three little boys who have now forever changed my life. They are sweet and beautiful boys who I could never forget. I also ate rice on Christmas day.
(Ms. Yvonne Nelson and myself at the Mercy Wings Staff Party - She teaches Catering)
(Me face painting at a children Christmas party!! My specialty was butterflies, hearts and stars!! HA!)
January
Lisa came to make her sight visit which was a good break from the normal routine in life. My schedule changed so I was working two days at Saint Joesph Mercy Hospital as an HIV counselor and three days at the school as a teacher. I love both of my jobs and find my joy in them. I have learned to love people from all backgrounds and this is something I am unbelievably thankful for.
I had a great celebration into the New Year with friends! It made me look forward to the upcoming year and that it would have to offer. I even got to see some fireworks, which may or may not have made me jump! :)
I learned that my family from back home is a rock in which I lean on. They sent me so many wonderful and generous Christmas cards that I could never forget the love that I felt when I recieved them. (And they are always welcome to send more!!)
I celebrated the Feast of St. John Bosco with all the boys at the Orphanage. We shared ice cream and laughed all night. I learned how much I had grown to love the boys in the few months I have been here. They bring a smile to my face each time I see them. I don't think I could ever leave the Orphanage without some positive experience each time I go there.
(Some US short term volunteers came to Guyana and we entertained them... We were playing dominos, something we do often here!!)
February
Mercy Wings had their 11th Anniversary and I was able to take part in the Church service and lunch afterward. It was a good day and Father Edwin the priest who gave a talk helped me to remember to look at the light even among darkness. He told us all that their is always hope and we can never give up on that.
(My girls in the Computer room!)
I took stickers to the boys for Valentines day and I learned that there is nothing better than have 20 little boys for a Valentine.
Masharmani, Republic Day, was a great celebration had by all. (Equivalent to our Fourth of July) We watched a parade, we danced a little and we stayed out late enjoying the celebration of the nation! I even went to the Mash celebration during the weekend in one of the outer districts (Berbeice). It was a much smaller celebration but fun was still had by all. I learned that the Guyanese really do know how to celebrate well!!
Blessings of Life in Guyana
1) Community... I have learned to rely on two other very wonderful and beautiful women. I will always cherish their friendship and I look forward to the rest of our time together.
(Me, Audrey, and Sarah)
2) Warmth of the Guyanese Sisters.... I will always be thankful for the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana. I have learned to find love in them in hundreds of different ways
3) Simplicity... Life here can be much more simple than my life in the states in some aspects. I don't have to worry about the pressure of my future. Here I get to focus on my every day life and live life each day - Let tomorrow hold its own worries.
4) Warmth of Guyanese People... At first I never thought I would fit in here, however I have found many people here who treat me as if I was also part of their family. I have a great community of friends who help me when I feel homesick. I feel very supported and feel like I always would have someone to turn to in a time of need.
5) Self Growth... They say that there are many points in a persons life in which they question everything that they once believed. Guyana has helped me to change my view of the world and question my current beliefs of the world. Its good to be streched and challenged because that is the only way we grow.
6) The food... Guyana has some of the best fresh fruits in the world. I will never enjoy a pineapple as much back home as I do here. Also I can get 10 mangos for $5 US!!! Fruit is plentiful, wonderful and cheap. Even other than the fruit I have learned to love many Guyanese foods such as Chicken Curry, Cook-up, and Puri!!
7) Spiritual Growth... Coming into a city where everything is always moving I have had to learn to find God among the noise and chaos. I have had to learn to let my everyday actions become a prayer because sometimes its hard to find time to stop and sit down for prayer. I have learned that no matter how difficult life is turning away from prayer only hurts you more than helps you. Coming to Guyana reminds me of the story about Mother Teresa. One day there were twice as many people in line at the soup kitchen she was working at and one of the sisters insisted that they cut out the hour of prayer and continue to work, Mother Teresa then instituted an extra hour of prayer that afternoon, Not only did they get all of the work done after prayer but they also had time left over. Sometimes we think we know what we need to do in order to finish everything. However, I wish that we would see if we give the time to God he will be faithful to us and make sure things follow through. The majority of the time with prayer one of the greatest problems is just showing up. I've learned no matter where you are in the world showing up for prayer is the most important part of the day.
8) Sea Wall... I enjoy spending time walking and sitting on the sea wall. The ocean may be brown but there is always something calming about a large body of water.
Well I feel this has been an adequate covering of the basics of my last six months. I wish that I could completely capture what I have experienced here but that would take me a couple more hours. To end I would just like to say the most important thing I have learned since being in Guyana and that is that life can be difficult and hard but you are the one who decides what you will do with the difficulty. No one was ever promised or granted a simple or easy life. However you can still enjoy life amid all the turmoil. If life rains on you learn to dance in the rain. I hear the music of life here and rather than being a wall flower I've decided to dance. Let me tell you dancing is much more fun than bracing the wall.
May God Bless and Keep you,
Love,
Ashley Ann
I have been in Georgetown for six months now and I figured it was a good time to do a recap.
September
(Picture - Us in the New York Airport... our Last photo in the US... we look terrible!!! )September was a crazy month for me. I left my friends and family back home to a place where I was unsure of everything. I was embracing on a new beginning. I began my journey by meeting plenty of people who are now a very active part of my life, and also by meeting the mosquitoes who have also never left me. I reminded myself as I left the states that I was not alone, God has always been in Guyana I am just going to do His work there, and it was nothing new to Him.
I began my job as a care for the elderly teacher. I was amazed at the low levels of my students. They really fit the definition of the uneducated. I found students who would make me laugh and cry. Some students gave me so much hope by their attempt to become a better person.
I also began my one day a week job as an HIV counselor at Saint Joesph Mercy Hospital where I would learn to love the marginalized of the world.
I learned how to navigate the market and take the mini buses.
I also learned that Audrey Sarah and I would laugh and laugh a lot. We went out for the first time to a place called Jerrie's and began our adventure of our social life here.
(Picture - The Sisters of Mercy in Guyana + two Candidates)
(Picture - Our first spirituality night... Creating a prayer wall of our friends and family back home)October
One of my students has a small child and one of my best memories from October was holding the child and walking around with the student. The small things in life can sometimes be big things.
I learned that I can wear jeans at 90 degrees and that I love life in the big city.
I took a trip out with the girls to a local festival called "Guy-expo" where we had our first experience with El Dorado rum! It was a great day.
I learned that church festivals here are full of games, good food, and LOUD music.
(picture - Me and one of the Orphanage boys)
I was reminded by a friend back home that friendships can still grow despite the distance. He shared with me his experience of counseling back home and I was able to relate with my experience here when he said: "I have been given the opportunity to love deeply and that love is life to me. I think we are united in that reality".
He was completely correct in saying that. We are all united when we love.
November
I spent a couple of Fridays with two of the older sisters, Sister Celine Marie, and Sister Noel. We would go to church together and then over to their house for dinner. They gave me an interesting perspective on Guyana and how it has changed over the years. They gave me strength and grandmotherly attention when I needed it the most, they are a great part of my life here.
I met my British friend Anna who has played such a great part in my life. She and I have great conversations and she can always put insight into my life. I am glad we have developed a great friendship.
I learned that my students not only respect me but that they also have a great protection for me. I learned that all the work I had put in during the previous months had paid off by their shown respect. I have learned to get respect you must first give respect.
I had a five minute conversation with my Uncle Warren and he reminded me that I was and am always fighting for something - whether it was back home or here... this helped me to realize that its okay - I still am the same person even on a different continent.
Diwali or the Hindu celebration of lights happened. It was a great and wonderful parade full of hundreds to thousands of what we would call Christmas lights.
(Learning how to make Pine Tarts from our Friend and Sisters of Mercy Candidate Joanna)
(Sarah and I at the beach)December
We had our first retreat at Splashman's resort. I wish that I could say it was a great time but I spent most of it sick in bed.
I went to a carol concert at the Cathedral which helped me to remember the Christmas spirit even without all of the snow!
I learned that Mass at 5 in the morning can be difficult, but when its a Novena you just push through. I made it every day for nine days and one of the sisters even bought us chocolate at the end!!
I learned that Georgetown is CHAOS around Christmas time and that if you want to go shopping you better bring a shield with you to make it through the crowd.
(At the Christmas fair by the Orphanage... Me and two of the beautiful boys...!!)I learned Christmas is not about the presents or the commercialism. Rather it is about loving - I learned to love three little boys who have now forever changed my life. They are sweet and beautiful boys who I could never forget. I also ate rice on Christmas day.
(Ms. Yvonne Nelson and myself at the Mercy Wings Staff Party - She teaches Catering)
(Me face painting at a children Christmas party!! My specialty was butterflies, hearts and stars!! HA!)January
Lisa came to make her sight visit which was a good break from the normal routine in life. My schedule changed so I was working two days at Saint Joesph Mercy Hospital as an HIV counselor and three days at the school as a teacher. I love both of my jobs and find my joy in them. I have learned to love people from all backgrounds and this is something I am unbelievably thankful for.
I had a great celebration into the New Year with friends! It made me look forward to the upcoming year and that it would have to offer. I even got to see some fireworks, which may or may not have made me jump! :)
I learned that my family from back home is a rock in which I lean on. They sent me so many wonderful and generous Christmas cards that I could never forget the love that I felt when I recieved them. (And they are always welcome to send more!!)
I celebrated the Feast of St. John Bosco with all the boys at the Orphanage. We shared ice cream and laughed all night. I learned how much I had grown to love the boys in the few months I have been here. They bring a smile to my face each time I see them. I don't think I could ever leave the Orphanage without some positive experience each time I go there.
(Some US short term volunteers came to Guyana and we entertained them... We were playing dominos, something we do often here!!)February
Mercy Wings had their 11th Anniversary and I was able to take part in the Church service and lunch afterward. It was a good day and Father Edwin the priest who gave a talk helped me to remember to look at the light even among darkness. He told us all that their is always hope and we can never give up on that.
(My girls in the Computer room!)I took stickers to the boys for Valentines day and I learned that there is nothing better than have 20 little boys for a Valentine.
Masharmani, Republic Day, was a great celebration had by all. (Equivalent to our Fourth of July) We watched a parade, we danced a little and we stayed out late enjoying the celebration of the nation! I even went to the Mash celebration during the weekend in one of the outer districts (Berbeice). It was a much smaller celebration but fun was still had by all. I learned that the Guyanese really do know how to celebrate well!!
Blessings of Life in Guyana
1) Community... I have learned to rely on two other very wonderful and beautiful women. I will always cherish their friendship and I look forward to the rest of our time together.
(Me, Audrey, and Sarah)2) Warmth of the Guyanese Sisters.... I will always be thankful for the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana. I have learned to find love in them in hundreds of different ways
3) Simplicity... Life here can be much more simple than my life in the states in some aspects. I don't have to worry about the pressure of my future. Here I get to focus on my every day life and live life each day - Let tomorrow hold its own worries.
4) Warmth of Guyanese People... At first I never thought I would fit in here, however I have found many people here who treat me as if I was also part of their family. I have a great community of friends who help me when I feel homesick. I feel very supported and feel like I always would have someone to turn to in a time of need.
5) Self Growth... They say that there are many points in a persons life in which they question everything that they once believed. Guyana has helped me to change my view of the world and question my current beliefs of the world. Its good to be streched and challenged because that is the only way we grow.
6) The food... Guyana has some of the best fresh fruits in the world. I will never enjoy a pineapple as much back home as I do here. Also I can get 10 mangos for $5 US!!! Fruit is plentiful, wonderful and cheap. Even other than the fruit I have learned to love many Guyanese foods such as Chicken Curry, Cook-up, and Puri!!
7) Spiritual Growth... Coming into a city where everything is always moving I have had to learn to find God among the noise and chaos. I have had to learn to let my everyday actions become a prayer because sometimes its hard to find time to stop and sit down for prayer. I have learned that no matter how difficult life is turning away from prayer only hurts you more than helps you. Coming to Guyana reminds me of the story about Mother Teresa. One day there were twice as many people in line at the soup kitchen she was working at and one of the sisters insisted that they cut out the hour of prayer and continue to work, Mother Teresa then instituted an extra hour of prayer that afternoon, Not only did they get all of the work done after prayer but they also had time left over. Sometimes we think we know what we need to do in order to finish everything. However, I wish that we would see if we give the time to God he will be faithful to us and make sure things follow through. The majority of the time with prayer one of the greatest problems is just showing up. I've learned no matter where you are in the world showing up for prayer is the most important part of the day.
8) Sea Wall... I enjoy spending time walking and sitting on the sea wall. The ocean may be brown but there is always something calming about a large body of water.
Well I feel this has been an adequate covering of the basics of my last six months. I wish that I could completely capture what I have experienced here but that would take me a couple more hours. To end I would just like to say the most important thing I have learned since being in Guyana and that is that life can be difficult and hard but you are the one who decides what you will do with the difficulty. No one was ever promised or granted a simple or easy life. However you can still enjoy life amid all the turmoil. If life rains on you learn to dance in the rain. I hear the music of life here and rather than being a wall flower I've decided to dance. Let me tell you dancing is much more fun than bracing the wall.
May God Bless and Keep you,
Love,
Ashley Ann
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope your past week was good as mine was rather rubbish. We had a series of unfortunate events unfold before us and the week was a rough one. I wish that I had better news but it is what it is. Monday was a tough day but I did learn one good thing and that is even under a large amount of stress our community still weathers the storm together. We even tried to make a good time that day by treating ourselves to pizza. We don't normaly do that but we thought we could use a lift that day.
On Wednesday it was Masharmani here. It is the Republic day of Guyana. I stood in the sun for a long time but don't worry I wore plenty of sun cream!!! There was an all day parade and an all night party. We all had to work the next day so we went home early but we still had a great time. I was a little disapointed that I didn't have a camera because it had been stolen but it just made me more gratful for being here for two years so next year I can take many more pictures!
Check out this site for a better description of Mash
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashramani?wasRedirected=true
Well anyway this post is short because tomorrow I am creating a special six month blog post with possible pictures!!! Get excited!!!
Always remember that everyday is a good day some are just better than others,
Love,
Ashley Ann
I hope your past week was good as mine was rather rubbish. We had a series of unfortunate events unfold before us and the week was a rough one. I wish that I had better news but it is what it is. Monday was a tough day but I did learn one good thing and that is even under a large amount of stress our community still weathers the storm together. We even tried to make a good time that day by treating ourselves to pizza. We don't normaly do that but we thought we could use a lift that day.
On Wednesday it was Masharmani here. It is the Republic day of Guyana. I stood in the sun for a long time but don't worry I wore plenty of sun cream!!! There was an all day parade and an all night party. We all had to work the next day so we went home early but we still had a great time. I was a little disapointed that I didn't have a camera because it had been stolen but it just made me more gratful for being here for two years so next year I can take many more pictures!
Check out this site for a better description of Mash
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashramani?wasRedirected=true
Well anyway this post is short because tomorrow I am creating a special six month blog post with possible pictures!!! Get excited!!!
Always remember that everyday is a good day some are just better than others,
Love,
Ashley Ann
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Rat vs. Dog
Hello Everyone,
I began the week by a really good adventure to a small town called Linden. It is about an hour drive away. It was really good to get outside of the city for a while and just enjoy the scenery. There wasn't a whole lot to see in Linden but I did see the Bauxite mine and I got to walk around in quiet. I guess noise is something that I have become very accustom to. It was good to be reminded of serenity. When we got back home we all took a good nap. That night we went over to the Mercy Boys home because Sister Noel and Sister Celine Marie were throwing a birthday party for two of the boys there. We sat around ate Chinese food and talked. It was a good night!
Monday was Valentines day as I am sure you are all aware and I ended up having about 23 Valentines. Ha... don't worry they were all under the age of 10. I went up to the Orphanage with some heart stickers I was sent. The boys loved the stickers and pretended that they were tattoos. It was all good until I turned my back and one of the boys jumped on me and broke my necklace. I have had a pretty down week since then because it is the same necklace I wear every day for the past 7 years. Its not the chain itself but rather the items on the chain. I also lost my crucifix because when I put everything into my bag somewhere between the Orphanage and home the crucifix got lost. But what can you do... no crying over spilt milk right?
Tuesday was pretty normal typical days until Tuesday night. This is because Wednesday was a holiday and one of friends was throwing a small get together Tuesday night since no one had to work. It was really fun. She made homemade pizzas and everyone either sat around talking or was playing cards. It was a really laid back night. On Tuesday night one of my friends let me use her skype so I was able to talk to a good friend from back home. I hadn't spoken to him for an extended period of time since I had been here in Guyana. This was a huge blessing for me. There are people in your life who are put there to help keep you in check and he has always been that person for me. Just talking with him helped me to remember my priorities in life and to see the good in everything. He will, God willing, be ordained a priest in 2012 and it was really good to hear how that journey was going. :) Also talking to people you love helps you to feel less homesick!
Wednesday was a Muslim holiday which meant that we didn't have to work. I enjoyed some good quality sleep and then we went for a walk in the "Gardens". It was a nice area and it was good to just take a nice long walk. Attached to the Gardens is a Zoo. This is where I happened to see an Anaconda. For all of those who saw my facebook status - I guess maybe I should have made it a little bit more clear that I saw the Anaconda in the Zoo rather than the wild but after it was up it was too funny to take back down. However, it is true that Anacondas live in Guyana and are pretty common in the jungle - but not the city. The zoo was interesting but also kind of sad. There are not a ton of animals but there are definitely not the same precautions taken as there are back home. I watched some people feed a monkey some pringles. I now know why you are not suppose to feed the animals. After that we went home and spent a good relaxing night at home.
Thursday is always one of my favorite days at School because I especially enjoy the computer classes that I teach. It was a good day overall because I then got to help out in the Day Care to prepare for the Children's parade the next day. This coming Wednesday is Mashramani which is Republic day here. (Another holiday!! :)) So there are huge celebrations on Wednesday but they already began on Friday starting with the Day Care parade. It was a good afternoon. After work we ended up going out to dinner with someone that had invited the three of us out to talk about our work. When we got to the restaurant it was so cold because of the AC I was covered in goosebumps all night. I had on jeans and even my legs were cold. It was probably around 70 degrees or something but it felt like a freezer!!!!!!
Friday was great because I got to go help out with the Children's parade that I prepped for. I did get a lot of sun but I applied sunblock about every two hours so I prevented myself from getting burnt! :) It was a great day and the children were all so cute. After that I went to go see a lady who sells food in town that I know pretty well. I enjoy sitting with her and her family. It is always a lot of fun to people watch in town. Its really fun just to sit around and talk. They have begun to become my family away from my family. They are always joking with me and on Tuesday the mother brought to town a bowl of some Guyanese food that I haven't tried before. It was really good.
Friday night I spent going to a birthday party and then we went to Karaoke. It was a really laid back night but we all need those. I got to have a good talk with my Guyanese girl friend who came with us. She was talking with Audrey and I about all kinds of things and it felt like a really good girls night!! :)
Well - I guess that is the week for me. I feel sometimes that this can be so logistical and other times rather just thoughts. But it is what it is. I did find a quote this week that said: "The hardest thing in life, is letting go of what you thought was real". I feel like this describes the thoughts that have been running through my head. These thoughts were directly related to how I have many stereotypes in my head I view as real but that I need to question. If you were to walk down the road and see a dead rat you would probably say "ewww gross...". However, if you were to then see a dead dog you would probably say "ooh poor dog...". However they are both animals, they both eat, breath, sleep, and reproduce. Yet they have different habits, they look different, and one is more socially acceptable. But why is the rat more gross? Is it because of a choice of their own or simply because of the nature they were born into. A friend of mine brought this to me and it really helped me. I hope that it makes you think a little bit because we are all guilty of stereotyping people. I will be the first to admit they I have stereotyped hundreds of people within my life - I am working on that here and I feel as if it is helping me to enjoy life just a little bit more. The dog is a dog a rat is a rat neither chose that life but the world would be a different place without both.
Anyway - I hope you have a good week!
Love and Prayers,
Ashley Ann
I began the week by a really good adventure to a small town called Linden. It is about an hour drive away. It was really good to get outside of the city for a while and just enjoy the scenery. There wasn't a whole lot to see in Linden but I did see the Bauxite mine and I got to walk around in quiet. I guess noise is something that I have become very accustom to. It was good to be reminded of serenity. When we got back home we all took a good nap. That night we went over to the Mercy Boys home because Sister Noel and Sister Celine Marie were throwing a birthday party for two of the boys there. We sat around ate Chinese food and talked. It was a good night!
Monday was Valentines day as I am sure you are all aware and I ended up having about 23 Valentines. Ha... don't worry they were all under the age of 10. I went up to the Orphanage with some heart stickers I was sent. The boys loved the stickers and pretended that they were tattoos. It was all good until I turned my back and one of the boys jumped on me and broke my necklace. I have had a pretty down week since then because it is the same necklace I wear every day for the past 7 years. Its not the chain itself but rather the items on the chain. I also lost my crucifix because when I put everything into my bag somewhere between the Orphanage and home the crucifix got lost. But what can you do... no crying over spilt milk right?
Tuesday was pretty normal typical days until Tuesday night. This is because Wednesday was a holiday and one of friends was throwing a small get together Tuesday night since no one had to work. It was really fun. She made homemade pizzas and everyone either sat around talking or was playing cards. It was a really laid back night. On Tuesday night one of my friends let me use her skype so I was able to talk to a good friend from back home. I hadn't spoken to him for an extended period of time since I had been here in Guyana. This was a huge blessing for me. There are people in your life who are put there to help keep you in check and he has always been that person for me. Just talking with him helped me to remember my priorities in life and to see the good in everything. He will, God willing, be ordained a priest in 2012 and it was really good to hear how that journey was going. :) Also talking to people you love helps you to feel less homesick!
Wednesday was a Muslim holiday which meant that we didn't have to work. I enjoyed some good quality sleep and then we went for a walk in the "Gardens". It was a nice area and it was good to just take a nice long walk. Attached to the Gardens is a Zoo. This is where I happened to see an Anaconda. For all of those who saw my facebook status - I guess maybe I should have made it a little bit more clear that I saw the Anaconda in the Zoo rather than the wild but after it was up it was too funny to take back down. However, it is true that Anacondas live in Guyana and are pretty common in the jungle - but not the city. The zoo was interesting but also kind of sad. There are not a ton of animals but there are definitely not the same precautions taken as there are back home. I watched some people feed a monkey some pringles. I now know why you are not suppose to feed the animals. After that we went home and spent a good relaxing night at home.
Thursday is always one of my favorite days at School because I especially enjoy the computer classes that I teach. It was a good day overall because I then got to help out in the Day Care to prepare for the Children's parade the next day. This coming Wednesday is Mashramani which is Republic day here. (Another holiday!! :)) So there are huge celebrations on Wednesday but they already began on Friday starting with the Day Care parade. It was a good afternoon. After work we ended up going out to dinner with someone that had invited the three of us out to talk about our work. When we got to the restaurant it was so cold because of the AC I was covered in goosebumps all night. I had on jeans and even my legs were cold. It was probably around 70 degrees or something but it felt like a freezer!!!!!!
Friday was great because I got to go help out with the Children's parade that I prepped for. I did get a lot of sun but I applied sunblock about every two hours so I prevented myself from getting burnt! :) It was a great day and the children were all so cute. After that I went to go see a lady who sells food in town that I know pretty well. I enjoy sitting with her and her family. It is always a lot of fun to people watch in town. Its really fun just to sit around and talk. They have begun to become my family away from my family. They are always joking with me and on Tuesday the mother brought to town a bowl of some Guyanese food that I haven't tried before. It was really good.
Friday night I spent going to a birthday party and then we went to Karaoke. It was a really laid back night but we all need those. I got to have a good talk with my Guyanese girl friend who came with us. She was talking with Audrey and I about all kinds of things and it felt like a really good girls night!! :)
Well - I guess that is the week for me. I feel sometimes that this can be so logistical and other times rather just thoughts. But it is what it is. I did find a quote this week that said: "The hardest thing in life, is letting go of what you thought was real". I feel like this describes the thoughts that have been running through my head. These thoughts were directly related to how I have many stereotypes in my head I view as real but that I need to question. If you were to walk down the road and see a dead rat you would probably say "ewww gross...". However, if you were to then see a dead dog you would probably say "ooh poor dog...". However they are both animals, they both eat, breath, sleep, and reproduce. Yet they have different habits, they look different, and one is more socially acceptable. But why is the rat more gross? Is it because of a choice of their own or simply because of the nature they were born into. A friend of mine brought this to me and it really helped me. I hope that it makes you think a little bit because we are all guilty of stereotyping people. I will be the first to admit they I have stereotyped hundreds of people within my life - I am working on that here and I feel as if it is helping me to enjoy life just a little bit more. The dog is a dog a rat is a rat neither chose that life but the world would be a different place without both.
Anyway - I hope you have a good week!
Love and Prayers,
Ashley Ann
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