One Year in Guyana

Dear Family and Friends,

I can't believe that I have been in Guyana for over a year. I decided that it would be good for me to reflect back on the past year because one year really is a huge milestone. A year of my life has been spent outside of the USA and I feel as if it has only been a few months. I have decided to do a small monthly overview of life here and then just some general reflection on how I have changed in the past year. I posted a blog six months ago that was six months in Guyana - and yes, it is the same first six months, so forgive me if you have read it already :)!



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!!

March

Phagwah the holiday where 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! We spent the day running around getting glitter and dye all over ourselves and our friends. It was one of the highlights of Guyana.

Other than that we had our annual Lenten retreat. I really learned at this retreat just how much I appreciate Audrey and Sarah. As a community we laughed together and we grew together. I will never forget the three hour walk I took with them on the Seawall during that retreat. I felt fully accepted and completely loved by two other very wonderful people.

April

First of all April was an awesome month because it began with Audrey’s birthday. We all had a really great time going out for her birthday and dancing the night away. Let me tell you Audrey really knows how to move!

Easter here was a really good experience. On Easter Monday everyone goes out to the sea wall and fly kites. We also went out with the boys to fly kites which was also really great. I really enjoyed spending Easter here. It was really laid back but at the same time good. There was no Easter Bunny - but there were plenty of kites.

My favorite Audrey Picture

Watching the Kites together...

Audrey’s family also came in April which was a big blessing to have visitors from the states. I was really encouraged by the fact that Audrey’s family seemed to care so much about Sarah and I and it gave me a second wind.

There was a mini bus strike in April for a couple of days which made getting to work interesting and made me appreciate the drivers and conductors for all they do.

In April we took another creek trip – I thought I would post Audrey’s reflection from her one year news letter of her experiences at the creek:

“Sunday creek trips are definitely part of the Guyanese experience, and they are always an adventure.  Ashley befriended one of her student's families around Christmastime and we have all become good friends since then.  The mom's name is Aunty Vanni and she has 2 sons, a daughter, and an adopted nephew who are all around our age.  So whenever they plan a creek trip, they always invite us now! 

A typical creek day starts with a departure time of 11am.  We arrive at Vanni's house around 11 where they are still in the process of cooking all of the food for the day (a giant tub of rice, roti, curry, cook-up, etc.)  Around noon, the minibus arrives.  At 12:30 we start loading into the bus, and around 1:30 everyone has finally arrived and squeezed into the bus.  We speed out of town, usually making at least 1 or 2 stops along the way for various people and/or items.  After a 45 minute drive, we finally arrive at the creek!  The rest of the day is filled with eating, swimming, soccer, listening to music, dancing, and liming (hanging out).  The guys usually entertain themselves for at least 2 hours by running and jumping/diving into the water, one right after the other in a continuous line.  I think the fact that they almost land on each other every time is why they think its so much fun!

FYI, the water in the creeks is called "black water."  This is because dead leaves from the rainforest trees drop into the creek and leach tannins into the water, which make it look exactly like iced tea.  When the water is smooth, it has a perfectly clear reflection in it of the sky, clouds, and trees because it's so dark.”

May 

Another excerpt from Audrey begins May:

“At the beginning of May we had a little mishap at our house (there's always something going on!)...  there's a busy highway right outside our house with a sharp curve in it, and a police jeep was coming around the curve too fast, lost control, ran through our front gate, and rammed into the side of the house downstairs, right beneath my bed.  So at 7am as I was enjoying a nice sleep, I was jolted out of my slumber by the sound of squeeling tires, the shattering of glass, the shaking of the house, and the smell of gasoline.  Needless to say I was pretty freaked out and ran outside to see what had happen.  Luckily nobody was hurt.  After this, 2 hours of ridiculousness ensued in which a total of about 20 police officers were all pointlessly sitting around in front of our house doing nothing... no wonder the police are never available when you actually need them!  A picture of our house was on the front page of the paper the next day though which was exciting.  The police officer that was driving claimed that a dog ran into the road and he had swerved to miss it, but I had plenty of people tell me that he had to have been speeding and was probably drunk.  Who knows...”

Other than this craziness our director Lisa came back into country and we had our transition retreat. It was good to reflect on being gone for so long and start to begin to get ready for a second year in Guyana. 

Henrietta a friend of mine left in May. I was so glad to have met Hen and she made my days in Guyana very bright. Her now fiance is working here with ODI (overseas development international, i believe) and she came to be with him. She helped to volunteer at the orphanage and the boys all loved her sooo much. I know Audrey was glad to have her helping out! Hen is always a person who you can be completely honest with, no judgements. I miss her. 

My birthday and family coming to Guyana were both at the end of May and I want you to know it was one of the BEST experiences I have yet to have. It was great to see my sister interacting with my friends and co-workers and then have the rest of my family join a week later! I was glad to share my life here with my family. I can now say that I really do miss them very much and as everyone in Guyana keeps telling me I must be really loved to have people come all the way from the states to visit me!! I have an entire blog post full of our adventures if you like to read in deatil. (Click me for family adventures!) We hung out, went to my jobs, went adventuring in the jungle, saw the largest single drop waterfall in the world and had many good meals and laughs!

June

One of my highlights from June was that I took a day and cooked for my friends. I have a family as Audrey mentioned above that I spend quite a bit of time with and instead of me going over to them empty handed I ended up making some good Italian food and bringing it to them. The day was spent eating, sitting, talking and napping. It’s the small things for me in Guyana that have the biggest memories.

I would also like to say that June was Sarah’s birthday and once again we had a great time. We never cease to enjoy going out together. Sarah came home from work and said she was too tired and that we were just going to chill at home... but after some bread and a rum and coke Sarah decided we needed to celebrate! No objections here!

 The only major thing that happened was our school took a field trip to a prison. Its amazing how much compassion I found having a heart to heart with someone who was convicted of murder. It reminded me that forgiveness and compassion are really a gift and a skill that we must constantly be working on. Going to the prison really helped my students to see that there are real consequences for their actions and that freedom is the most important thing we all have.


July

 In July Mercy wings closed and all of my beloved students graduated. It was a rush of emotions for me having been with them for the entire year. They made so many changes and I felt like they were different people from the beginning to the end. I know that at least I was a different person than the person who had entered the gate in September. Graduation was bittersweet, I was glad to see them all move on but at the same time I was sad because they had become so much a part of me and my experience here. 

Another thing that happened is one my friends was in an accident which really changed my perspective on life here in Guyana. Life is short and we can never forget that. 

Audrey, Ashley and Ryan

I started to teach a computer class with Audrey and a new volunteer Ryan who was here for six weeks. We taught from 9-12 and the other days of the week I worked at the hospital.  Teaching kids in the summer was a nice new break from the teens. I do miss teaching small children. 

August 

And finally August... One of my highlights was that Audrey and I went to a Mavado concert. Mavado is a Jamaican artist and his music is very popular here. It wasn't so much the concert but at the end of the concert Audrey and I were talking about how we felt very comfortable with everything going on. I guess a year ago being in a large crowd with music and all the newness would have driven me crazy and the concert made me realize how adapated I really have become. 

We celebrated one year in Guyana by going out to a Brazilian restaurant that left us all stuffed and happy. Sarah had friends come to visit. 

The best two parts about August was I took two different trips. The first trip was to Santa Rosa which is an Amerindian Mission where one of my co-workers lives. I went with three other ex-pats. I actually had a lot of fun just getting away and seeing the beautiful landscape.  

Coconut at Santa Rosa

Look Mom, I can use a Machete!

And finally I had one of the best experiences I have ever had in Guyana at a Hindu Wedding. One of my students Naameshawari invited me to black bush for her sisters wedding. I will remember this weekend for the rest of my life and I will always be grateful for how life changing this experience was. Her family was warm, welcoming, and made me feel so much like at home. (Except we didn't have electricity, just a generator, and no running water...maybe that's the point home doesn't need to be extravagant!)  I could go on for a long time but you can read more about my experience here: (Hindu Wedding) 

General Reflections 

Faith: 

I have learned so much when it comes to living out my faith life. I have had to learn how to make each and every action of my day a prayer. So many times by the end of the day I am just exhausted and fall to sleep before I even think about praying. After a while I realized I could be waiting to pray at the end of the day but look at how God is speaking to me at each moment. To say a silent prayer while talking with a student or just to know that God is there when I am playing with the boys. I feel very much that I am walking with God during this journey and I feel at complete peace that I am where I am meant to be. I very much enjoy the masses in Guyana and have found myself fond of the music. I am going to miss the songs that are only popular here when it is time to go back. One of my favorite lines that has been a constant prayer in my head through my time here goes: "I forgive you, I love you, You are mine, Take My hand, Go in peace, sin no more, Beloved one". I often feel like God is speaking that to me while I am here. So often I mess up and do the wrong thing, but here I have learned that its okay - God loves me. For some people knowing God loves them is natural - for me this is difficult as I have always been a rules person and more focus on right and wrong rather than love. Guyana has helped me to focus on accepting the Love of God.

Personal Growth:

I think if there is one way that I have grown in Guyana more than any others it is that I have learned to stop stressing over the small things in life. I used to get worked up over all the small things and now I realize that doing that is just going to make me old fast. I am comfortable with exactly who I am. Yes there are things wrong with me and I always need to grow, but if I continue to look at everything and get worked up about it then I am wasting time. Things will change as I work on them - so why beat yourself up. I've also learned that its not the scars in your life that make you different from other people its the gifts that you have to offer the world that make you unique. I used to focus too much on the negative when now I realize life is too short. One ounce of happiness is worth a thousand pounds of sadness when serving God. Its impossible to always be happy - but its when we continually choose to be sad and focus on the negative because its whats comfortable that we get out of control. I get frustrated and sad just like a normal person but I now realize that the struggles are not something I should identify with, rather I should identify with the fact that I am strong enough to overcome the obstacles that are thrown my way. :)


Community: 

Sarah and Audrey have by FAR been one of the greatest blessing I have received in the past year. They are always there for me and I love them dearly.  They work to understand and grow with me. I feel that Audrey put our community very well in her one year letter and once again I am going to copy from her:

" Community living has continued to go wonderfully!  Sarah, Ashley, and I have officially made it one year without having a fight!  Amazing, right?  Although we do tend to get along pretty well, it still takes time and energy to make sure things work out as well as they have.  Honestly, Ashley and I are complete opposites, and when we first met we thought we were going to hate each other.  But through community living, I've learned that it's possible to live with and even love your complete opposite-- you just need to have faith, patience, and understanding with each other at all times.  I really think this is what has enabled us to get along so well and form such strong bonds with one another.  Living in community has also taught me when to have control and when to let go and let someone else have the control.  So maybe Ashley doesn't cook spaghetti the way I normally would or Sarah doesn't do the dishes my way, but really, these things aren't worth getting worked up about... you just have to let it go.  Ashley and I taught computers together this summer, and our ability to sit on the sideline and let each other take control at different times during the course is really what enabled us to survive teaching together for 5 weeks."

"You've got troubles, I've got 'em too. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. We'll stick together to see it through cause you've got a friend in me."
- Randy Newman


General Feelings: 

I feel at home in Guyana. Its hard to believe sometimes that things are different here than they are back home. I was picturing my house back home the other day and I thought to myself: "Wait... there are no bars on my bedroom window back home". I feel like in my mind the two worlds get collided a little bit. The other day I had the opportunity to take a hot shower. As I was in the shower I had to wash my face and I got quite distraught because it was too hot. I realized then it was luke warm at best and just turned it completely to cold. Its going to be an adjustment back. When I walk down the streets I see people I know often and I always feel like I am running into someone. People here don't call out "white girl" nearly as often when we walk around town because we are normal now. If you see the same person walking around the market every day eventually its nothing new and that transition has made me feel even more at home here. I do miss home but at the same time I feel like now I will always have two homes. Guyana will always have a special place in my heart and I do feel like I have finally adjusted to live here completely. The other day I hadn't had rice in two days and I started to crave it... I HATED rice when I first came to Guyana. Time can really change anything.


Things I've Learned: 

1) Don't be too trusting. I've always been too trusting in my life and here in Guyana that has been a little dangerous at times. I have found that there really can be wicked people in the world and I now feel more confident that I am always thinking on the cautious side. My grandpa told me when I left Guyana that I always need to be thinking of "is this safe" - I feel he would be proud as today I feel I am very aware of my surroundings and what is going on. I feel that this is even more important now that I am used to things here and it could be easy to get complacent.

2) Its not the end of the world. Yes, things will go wrong, people will hurt you, lie to you and manipulate you. The thing is at the end of the day when I lay down in my misquito net the only other person there is God. At the end of the day and at the end of my life its just between me and Him. So i've learned it's not the end of the world and when someone hurts me - well they have to answer to God for their actions so I will let Him stress about it. I'm not going to waste my life and energy - then they just take even more away from me.

3) I'm not always right. Pride gets into the way so many times and often we always think we know best. Guess what we don't. We are not always right and quite often we are wrong. Start admitting when you are wrong and it will make life MUCH EASIER. Trust me. Also it will help you to grow in your faith because you then realize you have to rely on someone other than yourself.

4) My family will always be there for me, no matter what.

5) Ice cream is amazing and I do miss it - :)

6) You don't have to be in South America to be doing really great things. You can do really great things right where you are every day. Bored? Go to http://www.freerice.com/  - Need to buy a nice gift... order from a social justice webiste like http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca/ or http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1
 - Don't use the internet often? Then take some time to go and do something for your local charity. I was really provoked in thought by my grandparents who really love animals so they donate to the humane society. It made me think - hey - why don't people just do something that they like which could also turn to good. It was easy for them because it included something they are passionate about. I very much am inspired when people follow their passions no matter what they are.
So maybe you like to cook or bake... find a friend, a family, or someone who needs something to eat. Maybe once every six months try and do one of your favorite things to help someone in need. It doesn't have to be someone poor or dying it could be someone who has everything they need in the world but is lacking love. Mother Teresa talks about how being impoverished from the lack of love is the worst kind of poverty. I might be able to fight literal poverty but there are so many types of poverty in the world and yet so few people fighting the battle. 




Friendships:

When I left the US a year ago I thought that I knew exactly who I would keep in contact with and exactly who would be there for me. If you were to tell me today those who are important to me now I would be surprised and slightly confused - but in the end its all for the best. I have learned that in order to keep up international friendships both people need to put in quite a bit of effort and this can be both tiring and draining. Amid the friendships that have gone through the cracks I have found some solid friendships I am now convinced will last a lifetime. My experience here has taught me how we must be conscious in life and fight for those who we find important.
I always think its important in life to take time to thank those and acknowledge those who have really helped you and so I wanted to take a moment to do that.

First of all I need to thank Erica Riestenberg for her constant support. More than any other friend I have Erica is a constant sense of support from the states and I don't know where I would be without her. Brandon and Tasha Lehner also deserve very big thanks in many ways. I know that I always have their thoughts and prayers but also for being there for me when I needed help. I want to thank any friend who I may have reached out to for various reasons and for all of the help that I have received. I will always be indebted to those who have made my past year hear a wonderful experience.

I would also like to thank the international friends I have met here in Guyana. A special thanks to: Wai Wai - a close friend who always provided a listening ear and an open heart when I needed it. I will miss my coffee dates with her as she is now in Atlanta. Andrew - for being a true brother to me. Whenever I have a rough day I know I can turn to him for a laugh, a good talk, family guy, or cookies! :) Anna and Hen who I have already mentioned in this blog, Dustin for letting me wash all my clothes when I broke out in hives with a washer and a dryer! Gabe for letting me be ridiculous and loving me all the same. Dave for being interested in my work and getting involved with the orphanage himself!

Family:

My family has been by FAR the BIGGEST support throughout my experience in Guyana. Not only did some of them come to visit me here they are always willing to help me out. I have received so much love from them all I could never repay them.Many of my family members I have mentioned in previous blogs - so for those who already got a shout out, sorry, you had your turn :)


One of the biggest blessings is the my Auntie Deb sends me many many greeting cards. I don't think people realize how much it means to get a piece of mail here in Guyana and on many rough days I am greeted by a card from her. It doesn't take my energy to send a card - it just takes commitment and she has committed herself to making my journey in Guyana a little bit brighter.


Another really HUGE blessing in my life is my Auntie Annie who has helped me to keep in touch with the world back home through pictures and letters. When she came to visit me she brought me a great album! My Auntie Annie supports me in so many unsaid ways - and I will forever be grateful and will end up taking care of her and my dear Uncle Warren when they are old. See its in my blog now, so you have proof I said it! :) I know they area always there for me.


I've always been a mommy's girl - and well I don't know what I would do without her. It was recently her birthday and I never got to give her a shout out - She is a great mother. Not because of what she taught me but because she always encouraged me to be who I wanted to be. She never forced me to be something I wasn't and no matter what I choose to do with my life I know she will always be behind me!


I have so many other family members who support me that this blog would get way to terribly long and boring. I am forever thankful for my family and look forward to getting back to them next year! I have a lot to catch up on and a lot of new recipes to share!

And finally to a close! 

Well I guess I have written quite a lot here and I hope that you can see my life here is going well. Know that I continue to pray for my family and friends back home. In a year I will be back with you all and I am very much looking forward to that day. Until then I will be with you at Mass, Jesus unites us all. You have my thoughts, prayers and love.

Ashley Ann

Will try to upload more photos soon! Check out my sisters facebook pictures from when she came to Guyana!! 

Hindu Wedding

Dear Friends and Family,

I come to you after one of the best long weekends I have ever had. Last weekend I began an epic journey which taught me a lot about the countryside of Guyana and about life.

Last Friday around eleven o'clock I took a taxi over to my student Darshini's house. Once I arrived I met her family and we took a taxi to the bus park. At the bus park we had to catch a bus going all the way to Berbice.  

Map of Guyana

If you look on the map I was somewhere between New Amsterdam and Corriverton - closer to Corriverton. (Look at the north east boarder with Suriname) The area where we went was called Black Bush and we had to take two different buses which in total cost about 10 US dollars. Black Bush is an area with basically trees and rice fields. The area is very rural and even when we got off the bus we had about a 1/4 mile walk down a VERY uneven dirt road to their house.

Crossing the Berbice River!

Some "bush" I got on camera while in the very packed bus!!!

When we arrived on Friday afternoon I was very happy to be finished traveling. I was looking around from Naameshawari my student and I didn't see her. Soon enough she came down the stairs but her hands were all full of cups. She quickly went and put the cups down and came to give me a huge hug. I had missed her very dearly while she has been gone away.

Getting to her house really made me appreciate the Guyanese hospitality because as soon as I was there they gave me ice cold water and a big bowl of potato curry. I have always loved curry and was excited for my first dish. Little did I know that  I would be eating curry for almost every meal until I reached back to GT.

First Meal of Curry

After I finished eating Naameshawari was over cleaning garlic. I decided to go over and sit and help her. It was really difficult for me to understand that accent of the people around me. They say that even people who grow up in Georgetown (GT) have a hard time understand people here in the bush. I swear I must have cleaned about 5 whole bulbs of garlic and it was not me alone cleaning. After I finished cleaning they all kept telling me that I could go bathe and relax. I went and bathed, Guyanese bathe much more often than Americans - most people take at least two showers a day! When I had finished with that I put my jeans on and got ready for the swarm of mosquitos. I couldn't believe how terrible they were!

Just a small amount of garlic that we used throughout the weekend!! 

During the afternoon I met Shanta, Naamashwari's sister, Shanta was the bride to be and I tell you she was a very beautiful young lady. Shanta is 18 years old and he now husband is 25 years old. Shanta seemed so interested in me and what I was doing here in Guyana and I felt a little bit guilty because she was the one getting married and I was curious about everything with her and her now husband. She shared with me that she had met him six times previously and he had come to her family asking for her hand in marriage, just like an arranged marriage basically. She said that she was nervous but excited. I could sense a little bit of fear in her eyes, but at the same time her excitement seemed genuine.

(If I say something that isn't true about Hinduism or their weddings, I apologize, I am speaking of my experience and the information that they gave me when I asked)

This Hindu wedding was four days long and it began that night. The bride has to be rubbed in dye seven times before the wedding and they pounded the dye and then began rubbing her in the dye. That night they had the beginning of their prayer service. The Pandit, similar to a priest, came and they had to place the flags in the ground. At major Hindu prayer services/events they have flags that are put up and then aren't taken down unless they come down naturally. The prayer service that night took place out on the road where they lite a fire. I really am not going to write much about the prayer service because I didn't understand - but at the end I was fed Mah Tai an AMAZING fried pastry. It was one of the best that I had ever had. They passed out enough Mah Tai and Parasat (Another indian sweet food) and we all sat around. After that Naameshwari came and gave me some more potato curry before I went to bed. We sat around and talked and then went to bed.

The sleeping situation was a little bit intense. We had one bed about a little bit smaller than a full size bed and well it was me, Naameshwari and her little six year old brother. We ended up having to sleep in some pretty awkward angles so that we weren't touch the net yet we weren't sleeping in a complete ball. Let me just say that I woke up quite a few times during the night. The end of night came early because I began to hear music playing around 5am. When I got up around 6:15 everyone was up and moving around the place. Cooking had already begun. I went and "bathed" again. After that I was given tea for breakfast. When people in Guyana say that they drink tea it does mean something hot but not necessarily just black tea. It could be coffee or hot milk... etc. Anyway, after that I went upstairs and just relaxed. People began getting ready for the next prayer service which is called a Jhandi.

(What is a Jhandi?::   Jhandi is a spiritual devotion done by Hindus and is very popular in Guyana and Trinidad though it's practiced by some communities in India also but not very popular there.
It is generally performed by a Pundit and there are singing of devotional songs and blessings asked for the one who initiates the ceremony.....and oh, yea. delicious puri and halwa (prasad) must be served after.)

 Anyway, I thought that the prayer services would be very interactive but really the only people who were involved were the mother, the bride and a few other girls who were watching closely. A lot of the people in the background were just watching and or continuing to cook. The one part that did involve other people was a small blessing with smoke. Different people would walk around with a pan full of different items and circle it around the person they were blessing. (Pictures below)

After the Jhandi I went upstairs to take a nap because I was exhausted since I didn't sleep much the night before. When I woke up I went downstairs and they were cutting up katahar (Katahar/Jackfruit - Click Me!). This was to be used in curry the next day. I was going to help but they all stopped me because I guess  it stains your fingers and they didn't want me to walk around with stained fingers. I keep offering but after a while I just sat there. Later on they began to make puri for the next day. Puri is a flat Indian bread that they were going to serve with sweet rice. (they also serve it will many other things)  I was standing around watching but after a few minutes they gave me a rolling pin and told me to "bail". I was made fun of a little bit out of kindness and then congratulated when I finally got one the right size and shape. After a few I stopped "bailing" the puri and started to flatten them with my hand so it was easier for the rollers to begin "bailing". I stayed with this job for probably an hour and half! My hands were exhausted when we finally finished.

That evening there was a large party at the house! Loud music, plenty of food, drinks and lots of fun was had! There was a ton of dancing and tons of noise. I didn't feel so well around 9pm and I went and laid down. I must have been exhausted from the heat and travel because I passed out until around 11:30 pm. The music was SO LOUD and I was completely asleep. After I went back down and the party was still going strong like I had missed nothing! I don't remember exactly when I went to bed but it was a late night.

The next morning I woke up around 6 to a lot of noise and went to bathe around 6:15. When I bathed I was made fun of for "waking up so late". I laughed because back home people (my crazy uncles who wake up at dawn) used to make fun of me for sleeping in, but I have never been made fun of for sleeping in until 6am!

The day of the wedding was craziness - people getting ready - music playing and lots of energy. The wedding was suppose to begin at 10:00 am and the people who were to get the bride ready weren't even there until 10:30. The wedding probably began a little bit before noon and was finished around one thirty. The wedding was not interactive with the crowd at all and like the day before it was like the wedding was going on in one place and everyone else was either spectating or doing their own thing. If you look below the pictures where the bride is in yellow is the actual wedding ceremony.

After the wedding the passed out SEVEN CURRY!! This was probably my favorite part of the whole wedding. Seven curry are seven different vegetable curries served at the end of a religious hindu ceremony called a jhandi. They are traditionally pumpkin, bagee (spinach), catahar, potato/ channa (chick peas), balange (eggplant) and edoe, dahl and mango.  It is also tradionally served on a water lily leaf and eaten with your fingers.

After the wedding there was a lot of dancing. During the wedding the bride was wearing a traditional Indian Shari and after the wedding she goes up and changes into a traditional wedding dress. When she is finished dressing she comes down and the whole grooms family plus the bride leave to go to the grooms house. The brides family stays at the house and parties all night even though she is gone.

This is exactly what we did, we hung out - partied and had fun. That night I went upstairs at one point to find Naameshawari and Darshini. They were laying on their bed talking on the phone. I laid down with them and we ended up chatting for a really long time. We had some really deep discussions about what it means to be different colors in skin and how sometimes even if you love someone you can't marry them because they aren't the same race. It was a beautiful thing to hear their deep concerns but also sad to think about the fact that they feel there are so many racial boundaries in this world. It made me really appreciate the small things in life - the conversations that help you to remember to feel alive.

When I went downstairs everyone was continuing to dance but I really was exhausted. There were many young children around and I found that young children are the perfect excuse to not having to dance. I picked up one little infant and her dad said how she doesn't normally like strangers so I was very happy when she sat with me for so long. I feel like offering to cook and playing with children is the best way to integrate yourself into the culture. I love small children.! :)

Monday morning the brides family has to go and collect back the bride from the grooms family. The bride comes back home and is returned to her husband the coming sunday when they will begin their life together. We got ready that morning to go and collect the bride. We had to collect her before 12 pm or the grooms family had the right to keep her until the next day.

I want to say that the trip to go and collect the bride was one of the most epic adventures ever. We had to all cram into cars like a bunch of sardines in a car. Then when we were driving they were playing Indian music so loud I don't think that I was even able to hear myself think. Once we had driven for a good 45 minutes one of the guys pulls over and asks the guy behind us if anyone knows where we are going. No one knows exactly the place we are going - but somehow we got into a store that knows where we are going and we end up being only about three miles away. By the time we get to the place everyone has somehow come together and I deem it a semi miracle.

When we got their they gave us stuff to drink and before we left we were fed more CURRY. Guyanese are always so hospitable and well, I was glad to have some more food and drink. This time we had mutton (lamb) curry. This was the first time I have ever had it - it tasted pretty good even though I was skeptical. After I had finished eating I saw that there was a bowl of stuff sitting on the table that looked pretty good. I asked one of the girls that I knew what it was and she said just taste it. She took a big spoonful and put some in my mouth. As I was chewing it I thought to myself: "Hmm... this does taste pretty good". When I asked her what it was she told me it was the guts of the lamb. I almost immediately started to vomit and it took every ounce of self control that I had to control my reaction. I walked away while coughing and was able to swallow the food I once thought was good. It shows you just how much your mind has control over your gag reflex.

After we collected the bride we made the long drive back to the house. The rest of the day was filled with more eating and hanging out. I was glad to just spend the day relaxing. I even had some food that wasn't all curry which was a nice change. Don't worry, there was still some curry involved, just not all curry.

Tuesday morning I woke up early and bathed. We helped to clean up and then we just hung out until lunch was done being cooked. They made duck curry for lunch. Normally I don't see the whole process but this time I was able to see the beginning, the live duck, and eat the end - a nice curry. I wasn't so sure how I felt about all of this because I had grown quite attached to the cute ducks but in the end at least it made a tasty lunch.

While I had some free time that morning I was lying on the bed upstairs talking with the bride. She showed me the little diary that she had and told me that I was free to read it. In one of her entries she was writing about how she wished more than anything that she could be close with God and that God would be close with her. She had such a deep desire for God and for the goodness of her family that it was very moving. For me this was a very eye opening experience because so often we write off other religions as if they don't have any truth or goodness. I had earlier also watched the brides mom sit and pray for the bride. It was such a beautiful thing. The desire for truth and beauty was so obvious it was hard for me to believe that God didn't hear their prayers just because they were Hindu.

I was talking to one of my friends about this experience and I was sharing with him how beautiful the world would be if all conversion of religion was focus around love rather than being right or wrong. The bride, her mother and all involved with this wedding wanted love to prevail through their lives. If only we could all focus on what our true desires are when it comes to religious motivations I feel there would be so many less arguments. We forget that ultimately we are searching for Love above all else. 

Leaving was sad but at the same time I was once again ready to get back to Georgetown. When I got back the rest of the week was spent greeting my new roommate Meg. She came into Georgetown early Wednesday morning and Audrey and I went to the airport to pick her up. She moved into our house friday night and things have been going smoothly since. I had to work during the day on Saturday but on Saturday afternoon I took her around town some and it was good to show her different things around town.

Unfortunately the last few days have been in and out of the hospital. On Saturday night I ended up breaking out in hives that basically have been coming and going. I have spent quite a number of hours at Mercy hospital. I don't need to give too many details but I do ask for your prayers. Pray that we are able to figure out what exactly I am allergic to and that it isn't something more serious. I have been sleeping a lot which is exactly what the doctors say that I need. This is my one trip out of the house to get back into the swing of things. I just keep staying positive and hope that these new meds will work! I hope next week to give you an update on the end of one year. Can you believe that I have already been in Guyana for a YEAR?!!

Know of my prayers for you.
Much Love,

Ashley Ann

My Henna

The Bride and her youngest brother

Naameshawari and Me!

Prayer Service Friday Night

Passing out Mai Thai and Parasat after the prayer service on Friday

Mai Thai!! :) AMAZING

Putting on my Shari for the Jhandi on Saturday morning!

Shari on!

Jhandi - Mother and Daughter praying with Pandit

This plate had a small fire and they would walk around and bless different people there, this was a small girl giving Darshini, my student, a blessing after the Jhandi 

My First serving of Seven Curry!

Sweet Rice - Rice, condensed milk, raisins and sugar!!

Making Puri

Look Mom! I can make Puri Now!

Frying the Puri over a large fire!

The garlic I was trying to break open did NOT want to cooperate!

Naameshawari, her Aunt, and Darshini

The bride dancing on Saturday night

The house where everything took place - from a distance!

My hair for the wedding!

Naameshawari getting ready for the wedding!

Naameshawari and her sister the bride, Shanta

Me and My Shari for the wedding

Cute Child at the wedding

Me and Naameshawari at the Wedding

Darshini's brother Latchman

Wedding!

Wedding Ceremony!

Beautiful Shari Design

Beautiful Bride

Brides smallest brother

Gotta love children!

Bride after wedding - leaving for the Grooms house!

Happy Couple!

Me and Naameshawari Again

Me and Darshini 

Picking up the bride at the grooms house Monday morning!

Bride returning to us!

Dancing at the Grooms house - There was always a lot of dancing!

Suriname!! I saw it - If you see the tree's in the distance - thats suriname!

Marie and Phillip come to Guyana!!

Hello There!

I am writing my blog a little bit early this week because I will be going to a HINDU WEDDING TOMORROW/SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY!  Who's excited.... me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to write all about it and put up awesome pictures.

This week has been kind of a roller coaster. I was pretty down on Tuesday when I had to go into work at the hospital. As I was working I was talking to a patient and he was telling me about another friend he knows who has HIV but doesn't want to start treatment. He told me he thought they didn't want to start treatment because they were ashamed to admit to themselves what was going on in their body. He said they have a choice they can choose life or they can choose death. He says: "I choose life". It really hit me, sometimes we are the ones inhibiting ourselves from choosing life. I was thinking about a verse in the book of Deuteronomy which reminded me of this: "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" This patient helped me much more than I could have ever helped him. Choose the good even though sometimes our human nature likes to wallow in the bad. 

That afternoon I saw another patient who is one of my favorites. He said that last time he came into clinic he was looking for me but he couldn't find me. I was really happy to hear an update on his life and just chat with him. He was doing MUCH better than the last time I saw him and to me it was such a relief to see improvements in someone when sometimes all I see is the bad.

After that I thought my depressed mood would surpass but once I walked out of work it slowly started creeping back up on me. I don't know what it was. We went out for dinner with Sarah's friends Phillip and Marie who are visiting from the states. It was really great to have a chance to go and have a nice dinner with beautiful company. Marie and Phillip are a married couple and they reminded me by their love for each other God's love for us. I think they are a perfect example of living love to others. After dinner we ended up going to a rum shop with our friend Ryan who Audrey and I taught computer class with. It was fun and eventually we ended up at Karaoke. I sang complicated by Avril Lavigne. I am normally not the one to sing, but it was fun I guess.

Last night I still was in a sour mood when Audrey and I went over to a friends house just for fun. Audrey made dinner for us all and when she came back from the grocery store she brought me a surprise - CHEESE! I felt better knowing that someone knows the small things in life that can bring you joy. I am very blessed to have such wonderful community members.

Today I met with my student who took me to get my hand done in henna and to buy a Shari for the wedding. When I got home I did some stuff to get ready for the school year and then had a chat with a friend. I don't know what it was but that person always has the ability to bring peace into my life no matter how stressful I feel. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I am glad to say that I now feel much better. Bad feelings gone!


I was thinking about how it is now the end of our community of three and into our community of four. I was to thank Audrey and Sarah for all of the grace they have given me this year. We have stood united through so many different trials and it is because of them that I am a better person that I was a year ago. I came into MVC praying that we would get along - and now I am thanking God for two of my best friends.

I think of them as family because we stand untied. I sometimes hate the phrase: "Well its their life, whatever is best for them is best for them." Families and communities need to stand untied on decisions. If they don't stand together there is going to be tension and anger. If we were were all just islands - it would be fine - but our decisions impact other people and we need to be conscious of this. Sometimes we are unwilling to listen to other people and understand their perspective. A family divided only breeds hate - not love. Make decisions based on whats best for everyone in the situation and remember to listen, we all have problems with listening. Speak your truth, listen to the truth of others and be open to a new outcome.

Can't wait to tell you about my Hindu experience!!

Love and prayers,

Ashley Ann

Summer Classes Finished!!

Friends and Family,

Hello! I greet you after one very long week. Last weekend I went to Santa Rosa with three of my friends. Santa Rosa is an Amerindian village in the interior. We left on Saturday morning at 6am and returned home monday morning. Our trip was really fun and relaxing. Santa Rosa is a village where there is both beautiful savannah and yet jungle! When we arrived at Santa Rosa we relaxed and went over to the village police. We met up with some friends and had a "bush cook" - we threw a bunch of stuff in a pot and cooked it. It was a fun evening where we all sat around cooked and ate.

The next day I got up and went to church at the mission church. It was really cool to see the church and all of the people there. The rest of the day was spent walking around the area, talking a nap, drinking a coconut water, opening up a coconut, and visiting my friend who I work with.

The next morning we had to leave Santa Rosa at 5:30 am because that is the only time that the boats leave. We had to take a boat, then a taxi, then another boat and then a bus. I felt like I was on a crazy adventure.

I don't have very many details for my trip other than it was just really great to get away. My co-worker/friend Marietta who grew up in Santa Rosa showed us a good time. I went by her house and she was joking with me that they have so many avacado's dropping from their trees that they throw them at the dogs for fun. :) They fed me an entire avacado and some kassava bread for dinner! Interesting combination.

As I laid in bed sunday night waiting to come back to Georgetown I felt a little bit anxious. I was ready to come back and be home. It made me feel really good because it made me realize that I really do feel at home in Georgetown. I don't feel like I need to go away anywhere - rather I find my peace exactly where I am. It was a good reassurance for me that I am where I am meant to be. We don't always find that peace in life so I am very thankful for this. Georgetown will always have a special place in my heart....


I had two last computer classes to teach and then the summer classes were finished! I was glad to finish the summer classes but now I am just realizing that just means I need to start preparing for the school year again! Before I know it September 5th will be here. Audrey and I taught the summer computer classes together and I wanted to take a moment to talk about how much I appreciate that. Audrey and I have had to both live together and work together for the past four weeks. Many times when you spend that much time with a person you find yourself getting frustrated and annoyed. Audrey and I have a very beautiful gift of being able to see the needs of others and being able to know what the other person needs. This is something that I would have never guessed because Audrey and I are exactly opposite in personality. I will always be thankful for the love and compassion she shows me on a daily basis which has allowed us to work so closely together without any problems! :)


At the hospital this week work was VERY SLOW. I don't know if it is because so many doctors are taking vacations or what - but I barely saw any patients this week. I did end up having a lot of very good conversations with my co-workers though. One day my co-workers were talking about how much we need to trust God and it was a really good motivation for me. Some of them have had to be so trusting just to get basic needs for their own families. I realize now how much doubt can inhibit our faith. Do we really believe that God will provide for us - or is it something that we are trained to say and tell ourselves. If we really believe that He will provide in a time for need why are we always so anxious about what is coming next. I feel like I am starting to learn that to truly overcome to obstacles of doubt we must learn to let go of this anxiety and be confident in hope. For me this seems impossible - but it's a process right. Let go, Let go, Let go.


Friday the orphanage boys had a sports day put on by food for the poor. Audrey and I went when we had finished teaching classes. My job was basically to take the boys to the bathroom, tie shoes, and do other things that were needed. It made me feel a lot like a mother with the ability to be able to go home at the end of a day. I really love those boys and enjoy all the time I spend with them. I feel like the more I see them the more they let down their guard and come running to you. I really enjoy being able to feel completely at ease with so many of them. When I was there some little girls came running up to me for attention while I was with the boys. I helped the little girl go wash her hands and then chatted with her. It made me realize how many children all over are just starved for attention. Just a little bit of love goes a long way - Oh but make sure you wear clothes that can get dirty... small children like to put ice cream all over their hands and then hug you.


The heat here has been very intense lately. I can't wait for the month of august to pass by and for it to begin to cool down. I don't know how accurate the weather readings are here but today it said that it felt like 104 degrees at 10:30 am. I was so hot all day and felt like I could never cool down.


Last night I went with Audrey to the Movado concert. It was a good night - I enjoy going to concerts but it is always kind of disappointing when the main artist don't sound nearly as good as you think they should. In the end it was a good night had by all. Vybz (pronounced: Vibes) Kartell was suppose to also be one of the main artists appearing at the concert. Unfortunately he ended up not coming to Guyana. This is actually the third time this has happened and I can't believe he did it again. Many people that I knew were really disappointed and ended up not going and waiting for a refund on their ticket on monday.


Anyway today I got to spend a good amount of time talking with friends and family. I got to talk to a lot of my good friends from highschool and it was a huge blessing. Talking with them makes me realize how much I have changed and also helps to ground me back to earth. Its always a good feeling to talk with someone and feel as if no time has passed by. Friendships like that are always a huge blessing.


Anyway - I hope you all have a blessed week. Please continue to pray for us as we are almost at our year mark of this journey in Guyana. Thoughts and prayers go out to you!


Love always -


Ashley Ann

Jumping railings and sweet bruises

Hola,

I feel like everyday in August gets hotter, and I hear I am not alone in this! Its crazy to think that back home summer vacation is almost over when I am just about to get a short break when summer classes finish next week.

Last weekend I chilled at home on friday night, saturday I went around town and did errands, church and went out with Sarah and Audrey. Sunday was a good day at the house just chilling out. I tried to make my grandma's saturday soup - it turned out alright, the only thing is that I added too many tomatoes, but the dumplings turned out good! :)

This week while working at the hospital I had to stay late on Wednesday to help out with the evening clinic. I was a little tired out and didn't really feel excited about staying. I saw a couple patients and then when the next came in I was completely out of energy. I asked  the person about their doctor visit they began to speak and didn't stop for a very long time. I would have thought that this would have drained my energy more than helped it - but for some reason listening to him gave me a second wind. I then thought to myself if I hadn't volunteered to stay and rather left at my normal time I would have never been able to get back this second wind. It made me very conscious of the small decision we make in life that can either make or break our day. After that each client had the same effect and by the time I was finished I felt better than when I had started the day. Sometime I wonder why I doubt myself or my energy so much - in the end it always ends up working out.

I do have a funny story to go with my work this day. When I finished working I realized my boss had locked up without saying goodbye to me, which is very odd. When I go and look I realized he locked my purse inside of his office. I ended up having to jump over a railing and try to open the office window to get my purse. In the end I was left with a very large bruise and no purse. Don't worry my other boss was the one who encouraged me to try this method so I was not in any trouble. At the end of the day someone had to come back to the office to let me in. I had some papers that I needed right away the next morning in the office so we had to get in. :) Oh life.

The summer computer class that I am teaching is still continuing to go well. I enjoy the slow pace that we are able to go at and I really enjoy working with young children. Next week friday the last finishes and when that happens I will be sad to see them go but at the same time I will be happy to have a week off!

I've been reflecting a lot this week on public transportation and the amount of time it takes to get places. Audrey and I leave the house at 7:30 each morning and reach work at about 8:30 each morning. So many things happen in that hour while we are on the bus and walking... we see people we know, we talk with people on the bus, we sit and observe the scenery. I realize that this time of the day is what gives me the opportunity to think through and reflect on my previous day. For some strange reason I really enjoy my daily commute. I always find myself fascinated by people and the craziness that goes on. I realize that if I had to do this forever I would get mighty sick of it, however for now I have learned to enjoy something that I just can't avoid.


This weekend or Sat/Sun/Mon I am taking a trip into the interior with some of my friends. I am excited to get a chance to get away from the noise of Georgetown. I realize this week that when I wake up at 5 am I really enjoy just laying in bed and listening to the silent of the city. I know that shortly the dogs will start barking or the chickens a couple houses down will start to make crazy noises. After that the cars and buses will start to drive by and honk continuously. Georgetown will never be known for being quiet - that is something I am sure of. I have had to learn to find the silence among the chaos. I do miss the silence because I feel like silence is healing for my soul - In the silent of our hearts God speaks and sometimes there are just too many noises to focus on anything.

Have a blessed week,

Ashley Ann

Long way to town

Hello All,

Another week has quickly passed. I am glad to be coming to you in good health and spirits. I hope the same goes for all of you! :)

Last weekend I am not quite sure where I left you, but I indeed had a fun weekend. I went out with a couple of friends on friday night. It was a really laid back night which was needed. One of my friends in the group was going to be leaving the country soon so it was good to spend time with him. Saturday we had a crazy wind/rain storm which left our yard slightly flooded. I ended up staying in the house until the late afternoon where I went to town and then to Mass. Sunday I spent the day hanging with some good friends. We spent the whole day talking, cooking and eating! :) It was really good to get out of the house and just have a laid back day. Sunday night we went out to the sea wall. We ended up staying out quite late because Monday was once again a national holiday. :)

Monday was emancipation day. They had a large event in the national park with lots of African dancing, food and craft. I went with a couple of my friends and we had a good time walking through. When we got into the stadium where they had the dancing the president was there. We ended up taking a picture with the president. I thought it would have been really exciting but it was just like seeing any other person. He didn't have as much security as you would have thought and anyone who wanted to could just walk up to him. Interesting difference?!

Tuesday after working we ended up having some of the orphanage boys stay the night at our house again. They are always really sweet but a lot of energy. It is good to get them out of the orphanage and give them some good one on one attention.

On wednesday this week I got on a bus which was suppose to bring me to the big market in town, Stabroek Market, I ended up somewhere near there but at the gas station filling up. I had to laugh to myself because there was no warning, no indication just a random series of turns and then a stop to fill up. It ended up being convienent for me because I was able to catch the bus to take me home from right across the street. Later that day I ended up having to go back to the big market to meet a friend. I caught another bus which was strangely filled with LARGE quanities of vegetables. When we were halfway to the big market we made another series of turns and ended up at another market called Bourda market. I just laughed as they unloaded all of the stuff and then put us back in to get to our real destination. I was really frustrated at first but then I had to remind myself I will get where I need to go, its just a little bit longer, and a little bit more comical.

Mini buses can be crazy :)

Yesterday Audrey and I ended up taking a small adventure to the city Bartica. To get there you have to take a bus/car to one city and then catch at one hour boat ride to another city. The trip itself was fine. When we got there our other friend who was with us had to go do some work at the hospital so we went and sat by the river. It was really peaceful and calming to go and sit by the water. We walked around the city when our friend finished work and then ended up eating lunch and heading back home. The last 20 minutes of the boat ride were SUPER rough. When were were in the last 30 seconds or so Audrey says to me: Waters more rough than this morning. I couldn't help but laugh - it was like she just had noticed what was really going on although we had been tossed around the boat for the last 20 minutes. I make fun of her out of love, and also out of the fact that I wasn't the one who had to go to the bathroom when the boat was throwing us around... :) Don't worry she made it!

Today I have just finished work and am not sure what the weekend will bring. I really enjoy living life without too many plans. If I ever have to, which I know I will, I will have a hard time with a planner style life.

August 4th was both my cousin Aaron's birthday and the feast of St. John Vianney. I went to daily mass to remember my two friends who are both about to enter into their last year of seminary.  The priest emphasized the importance of confession during his homily. St. John Vianney was known for sitting in the confessional for 12+ hours and people would travel from all over to have their confessions heard by him. I sometimes forget the beauty of the priest, the sacraments, and the dedication. I need to stop seeing life and church as something on sunday and remember it throughout the week.


I missed my cousin Aaron on his birthday! I spent a lot of time with him while we were growing up. I could write a ton of embarrassing stories on here - but I could never do him that. :) I remember him giving me copious amounts of catching gear and making me catch balls while he pitched to me, creating duct tape ladders on the driveway so he could train from hockey, playing goalie and countless other random activies that allowed him to practice his sports. If he ever goes professional in anything he owes me one. :)

For now - this is all. Almost to the one year mark!!! Less than one month away. Please pray for Meg Eckart our new community member who will be joining us soon!!

Love and prayers,

Ashley Ann