Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Happy 5 Year Anniversary!
For the last couple years we've done a little self-photo shoot on our anniversary, so here are a few shots from this year.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Can I get that without meat, Please?
There are many, complex reasons that Michael and I have chosen to give up meat, at least for now. A few reasons include economics, sustainability, and health. This article is yet another reason why we have chosen to stay away from meat, especially ground beef.
Warning: Details in this article of how ground beef is produced may be disturbing to your meat-eating psyche.
Warning: Details in this article of how ground beef is produced may be disturbing to your meat-eating psyche.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Summer Pictures
I've been terrible about keeping up to date on this blog, but I wanted to post some pictures from the past few months.
In early August we went to a Cubs vs. Rockies game with our friends, the Bunces. We met the Bunces when we were living on the Oregon coast, but have stayed in touch over the years. They recently moved to Kansas, so they drove to CO for the weekend so we could attend the game. Being huge Cubs fans, they (meaning Josh) brought us Cubs shirts to wear. The funny Tom Sawyer hat was the free gift they passed out to all ticket holders.
Then of course there were a lot of pictures taken while we were living with Tim and Amy, mostly pictures of our niece Isabelle. Here's a montage of a few pictures with Isabelle this summer, and by a few I mean a lot.
Painting a frame for Buela (Grandma Bev). She has the Chapman/Ankeny-tongue-out-while-concentrating.
Photo Booth with "Butta" (Aunt Melissa)
In early August we went to a Cubs vs. Rockies game with our friends, the Bunces. We met the Bunces when we were living on the Oregon coast, but have stayed in touch over the years. They recently moved to Kansas, so they drove to CO for the weekend so we could attend the game. Being huge Cubs fans, they (meaning Josh) brought us Cubs shirts to wear. The funny Tom Sawyer hat was the free gift they passed out to all ticket holders.
Then of course there were a lot of pictures taken while we were living with Tim and Amy, mostly pictures of our niece Isabelle. Here's a montage of a few pictures with Isabelle this summer, and by a few I mean a lot.
Painting a frame for Buela (Grandma Bev). She has the Chapman/Ankeny-tongue-out-while-concentrating.
Photo Booth with "Butta" (Aunt Melissa)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Office Time
I interviewed last week for a job working at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary as the Administrative Assistant to the President and Director of Advancement. The interview went well, and they actually called me back later that day to begin reference and background checks, so I was feeling pretty hopeful about it.
Today I was offered the position, and I am going in tomorrow to begin orientation. There are some important meetings next week that the president would like me at, so that's why I'm starting so quickly.
The position is part-time. It used to be a full-time position, but due to cutbacks it's been reduced. At first I was feeling hesitant about only working part-time, but I've grown to like the idea. I've been surprised at how much I've been enjoying running errands, having the afternoons at home to relax, work-out, and get dinner ready. I think this will work well for now.
I'm looking forward to the job. There's been no one in this position for the past year. Actually, the old president resigned a year ago, and this new president has been interim until now, so there are some changes going on in the office. I will be working in a beautiful old house on the second floor, and I have a nice big office to myself, connected to the President's office. I'm excited to use my administrative skills to be organized and to help keep track of schedules and all the other tasks they will be throwing at me rather quickly. It sounds like there's been a need for someone to be back in this position, and I'm excited to work hard and do my best. I'm also thankful for this job, because there really aren't a lot of jobs out there right now, and the location and position I'll be in is perfect for where we are living. I've been slightly bummed out lately as I read all of my teacher friends' Facebook updates about starting school again and setting up their classrooms for their students, so I'm happy to have a job to focus on again. I'd love to be teaching, but I know this is where the Lord has us right now, and I'm ready for it.
Today I was offered the position, and I am going in tomorrow to begin orientation. There are some important meetings next week that the president would like me at, so that's why I'm starting so quickly.
The position is part-time. It used to be a full-time position, but due to cutbacks it's been reduced. At first I was feeling hesitant about only working part-time, but I've grown to like the idea. I've been surprised at how much I've been enjoying running errands, having the afternoons at home to relax, work-out, and get dinner ready. I think this will work well for now.
I'm looking forward to the job. There's been no one in this position for the past year. Actually, the old president resigned a year ago, and this new president has been interim until now, so there are some changes going on in the office. I will be working in a beautiful old house on the second floor, and I have a nice big office to myself, connected to the President's office. I'm excited to use my administrative skills to be organized and to help keep track of schedules and all the other tasks they will be throwing at me rather quickly. It sounds like there's been a need for someone to be back in this position, and I'm excited to work hard and do my best. I'm also thankful for this job, because there really aren't a lot of jobs out there right now, and the location and position I'll be in is perfect for where we are living. I've been slightly bummed out lately as I read all of my teacher friends' Facebook updates about starting school again and setting up their classrooms for their students, so I'm happy to have a job to focus on again. I'd love to be teaching, but I know this is where the Lord has us right now, and I'm ready for it.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Armpit of California
There's a lot I could write about. We've been in Fresno for almost two weeks now. A few things about Fresno that I'm excited about:
-Today I made $1.81 taking my boxes and other recyclable materials to one of the local recycling plants. I'm happy to have discovered that Fresno is a very recycle-friendly town. There are places everywhere that recycle everything from the usual bottles and newspaper to metal, wood, and just about anything you can think of.
-Farmer's Markets and fresh fruits and vegetables. Today I learned that if we tried a bit, we could basically buy all of our food (except coffee) from within 200 miles or so, meaning it's very easy to buy locally. We are right in the middle of a beautiful fruit region, especially oranges and peaches, as well as a variety of other items such as raisins, nuts, and rice.
-It's warm here. It's been about 100 degrees every day since we've been here. Granted, that's very hot, but it also means the sun is out a lot, which makes me happy. Plus, we have a pool right outside our apartment unit.
-This town is bike friendly. Michael has been riding his bike to work, and there seem to be decent bike lanes and bike trails.
-Almost every gas station in town offers cheaper gas if you pay cash. This is one more incentive for us to continue our Dave Ramsey-style budget and finances by living on our budgeted cash each month.
-Fresno has been called the "armpit of California," and partly this is because of how close we are to so many things (but also because an armpit usually stinks, and a lot of people could write a list of reasons they don't like Fresno.) We are within an hour or two of the mountains and Yosemite National Park. We are only a couple hours to the beach. We are less than four hours to Disneyland.
-We are in a very multi-cultural area. There are a lot of Africans, Mexicans and other Hispanics, as well as people from a lot of other countries. This means on a daily basis we get to interact with people from all over the world. It also means there is a variety of ethnic restaurants to choose from. We've already eaten at an Ethiopian restaurant and a Lebanese restaurant. We can see how the Lord has used our time in Africa to prepare us for being here. Now that we've been to Africa we can better understand African culture and thus African ways of thinking and working, which helps us empathize and have patience that we might not otherwise have or understand.
-We are happy to have found a decent apartment and a place to call home. We've met some great people already, and have a lot of peace about being here. We are still getting used to the heat, and to the layout of the city, but Fresno is already beginning to feel like home.
-Today I made $1.81 taking my boxes and other recyclable materials to one of the local recycling plants. I'm happy to have discovered that Fresno is a very recycle-friendly town. There are places everywhere that recycle everything from the usual bottles and newspaper to metal, wood, and just about anything you can think of.
-Farmer's Markets and fresh fruits and vegetables. Today I learned that if we tried a bit, we could basically buy all of our food (except coffee) from within 200 miles or so, meaning it's very easy to buy locally. We are right in the middle of a beautiful fruit region, especially oranges and peaches, as well as a variety of other items such as raisins, nuts, and rice.
-It's warm here. It's been about 100 degrees every day since we've been here. Granted, that's very hot, but it also means the sun is out a lot, which makes me happy. Plus, we have a pool right outside our apartment unit.
-This town is bike friendly. Michael has been riding his bike to work, and there seem to be decent bike lanes and bike trails.
-Almost every gas station in town offers cheaper gas if you pay cash. This is one more incentive for us to continue our Dave Ramsey-style budget and finances by living on our budgeted cash each month.
-Fresno has been called the "armpit of California," and partly this is because of how close we are to so many things (but also because an armpit usually stinks, and a lot of people could write a list of reasons they don't like Fresno.) We are within an hour or two of the mountains and Yosemite National Park. We are only a couple hours to the beach. We are less than four hours to Disneyland.
-We are in a very multi-cultural area. There are a lot of Africans, Mexicans and other Hispanics, as well as people from a lot of other countries. This means on a daily basis we get to interact with people from all over the world. It also means there is a variety of ethnic restaurants to choose from. We've already eaten at an Ethiopian restaurant and a Lebanese restaurant. We can see how the Lord has used our time in Africa to prepare us for being here. Now that we've been to Africa we can better understand African culture and thus African ways of thinking and working, which helps us empathize and have patience that we might not otherwise have or understand.
-We are happy to have found a decent apartment and a place to call home. We've met some great people already, and have a lot of peace about being here. We are still getting used to the heat, and to the layout of the city, but Fresno is already beginning to feel like home.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Fresno Here We Come
We're packed up. Michael is getting the U-haul as I write this. We have mixed feelings about going. We are so very excited about starting this next phase in our lives. I can't begin to explain what a relief it is to go from not only being unemployed, but working random jobs over the past few years, to having a job with benefits and a salary and a sense of permanence. We are excited to begin looking for an apartment or house to rent. We feel lucky that the cost of living in Fresno is not terrible (especially after living near Philadelphia). Michael is excited to start his new job, officially two weeks from today. We are ready to settle down somewhere and be able to find a church home, and to just know we are staying in one place for a little while.
We are feeling sad about leaving Colorado, especially because we've had a great time living with Tim and Amy, and our niece Isabelle. Isabelle knows us and we just have so much fun with her, as she is daily learning new words and fun mannerisms. At least we have Skype, but we will miss her/them.
So, we will be heading out early tomorrow morning. We're planning on stopping somewhere in Utah the first night, and then finishing the trip on Thursday. Google maps says its about 17 1/2 hours, but since we're pulling a U-haul trailer it will take quite a bit longer. We had to replace our tires on our car today, so hopefully that will be the only glitch in our travels.
We are feeling sad about leaving Colorado, especially because we've had a great time living with Tim and Amy, and our niece Isabelle. Isabelle knows us and we just have so much fun with her, as she is daily learning new words and fun mannerisms. At least we have Skype, but we will miss her/them.
So, we will be heading out early tomorrow morning. We're planning on stopping somewhere in Utah the first night, and then finishing the trip on Thursday. Google maps says its about 17 1/2 hours, but since we're pulling a U-haul trailer it will take quite a bit longer. We had to replace our tires on our car today, so hopefully that will be the only glitch in our travels.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Moving! Again!
Well, it's been a while since we've written on our blog.
To be honest, there hasn't been a lot to write about. We've been living in Colorado Springs and looking for employment. We have had a lot of fun living with Michael's sister and husband, and our niece Isabelle. But, from the job hunt end of things, it's been mostly discouraging and frustrating.
I applied to almost thirty jobs in town. I interviewed for a few. I was offered a job as a building substitute in an elementary school, but felt I should turn that down. Last week I was called back for a second interview for a middle school social studies job in town, and was offered the job. I was very excited, but I got the call from the principal at the same time Michael was on the phone doing an interview with MCC (Mennonite Central Committee).
Sometime at the end of June Michael got a call from MCC about a possible job opening at their west coast branch in Fresno. Michael had applied for a job with MCC in Washington D.C. last spring, but we decided it wasn't going to work for us financially and otherwise. Somehow this branch got Michael's resume and information and wanted him to apply for an opening with them. We hesitated at first, partly because we had just moved to Colorado and partly because we had a lot of other job applications out, and partly because we weren't sure if this would be too similar to the situation in D.C. Well, it turned out it wasn't, and Michael applied.
So, a week ago when Michael was on his phone interview, I wrote "I got the job!" on a sticky note and put it in front of him while he was answering a question. I was excited, but also knew that this job in Fresno was a good possibility. We basically had to get some kind of assurance from MCC that Michael was a top candidate and/or going to get the job before I felt alright with turning down a job offer, but I knew I needed to let the principal know quickly. We talked it through and felt at peace about me turning down a job offer here.
Today, Michael got the official word that he got the job!
So, we'll be moving rather quickly; he will be starting on September 1st. I have a phone interview tomorrow morning for an office job in the Admissions office at Fresno Pacific University. Michael's offices will be on that same campus, so we are really hoping and praying I get this job, because it would mean only needing one car and being able to commute to work together. I've decided not to try to pursue a teaching job in California. I already have three teaching licenses (PA, CO, and OR), and don't really feel like trying to get #4 quite yet.
We feel so blessed that the Lord has so clearly guided us up to this point, with Michael getting a job that he didn't even initially apply for, and all the doors here closing. We're really looking forward to settling down somewhere for a little while. This is the first time since we've been married that there is no end date in sight.
To be honest, there hasn't been a lot to write about. We've been living in Colorado Springs and looking for employment. We have had a lot of fun living with Michael's sister and husband, and our niece Isabelle. But, from the job hunt end of things, it's been mostly discouraging and frustrating.
I applied to almost thirty jobs in town. I interviewed for a few. I was offered a job as a building substitute in an elementary school, but felt I should turn that down. Last week I was called back for a second interview for a middle school social studies job in town, and was offered the job. I was very excited, but I got the call from the principal at the same time Michael was on the phone doing an interview with MCC (Mennonite Central Committee).
Sometime at the end of June Michael got a call from MCC about a possible job opening at their west coast branch in Fresno. Michael had applied for a job with MCC in Washington D.C. last spring, but we decided it wasn't going to work for us financially and otherwise. Somehow this branch got Michael's resume and information and wanted him to apply for an opening with them. We hesitated at first, partly because we had just moved to Colorado and partly because we had a lot of other job applications out, and partly because we weren't sure if this would be too similar to the situation in D.C. Well, it turned out it wasn't, and Michael applied.
So, a week ago when Michael was on his phone interview, I wrote "I got the job!" on a sticky note and put it in front of him while he was answering a question. I was excited, but also knew that this job in Fresno was a good possibility. We basically had to get some kind of assurance from MCC that Michael was a top candidate and/or going to get the job before I felt alright with turning down a job offer, but I knew I needed to let the principal know quickly. We talked it through and felt at peace about me turning down a job offer here.
Today, Michael got the official word that he got the job!
So, we'll be moving rather quickly; he will be starting on September 1st. I have a phone interview tomorrow morning for an office job in the Admissions office at Fresno Pacific University. Michael's offices will be on that same campus, so we are really hoping and praying I get this job, because it would mean only needing one car and being able to commute to work together. I've decided not to try to pursue a teaching job in California. I already have three teaching licenses (PA, CO, and OR), and don't really feel like trying to get #4 quite yet.
We feel so blessed that the Lord has so clearly guided us up to this point, with Michael getting a job that he didn't even initially apply for, and all the doors here closing. We're really looking forward to settling down somewhere for a little while. This is the first time since we've been married that there is no end date in sight.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Free T-Shirts in 45 kilometers
Tonight we decided to go for our second Coloradan Adventure.
We drove downtown, hopped out of the car, and started running (we were a little late so we missed the official starting point).
The event is put on by Jack Quinn's Running Club, which is an Irish pub and restaurant that hosts a 5K every week of the year. I don't know how many people ran tonight, but last week there were 933 runners. The starting and ending point of the loop is the restaurant. After the run, everyone goes upstairs for free appetizers (spaghetti, salad, garlic bread) and a lot of people drink a cheap pint of beer. (Personally, I don't like beer, but if I did, I can't imagine downing a pint right after a 5K run.) We waited too long to grab food and it was mostly gone, so we went next door to Chipotle, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.
Our new goal is to run the loop nine more times so we get a free Jack Quinn's t-shirt. So, we may try to run this on Tuesday nights and the Manitou Incline on Thursday mornings. I was pretty happy with my time, but I definitely felt the altitude more than I did last Thursday hiking the Incline.
We're doing our best to adapt to the Coloradan lifestyle. :)
We drove downtown, hopped out of the car, and started running (we were a little late so we missed the official starting point).
The event is put on by Jack Quinn's Running Club, which is an Irish pub and restaurant that hosts a 5K every week of the year. I don't know how many people ran tonight, but last week there were 933 runners. The starting and ending point of the loop is the restaurant. After the run, everyone goes upstairs for free appetizers (spaghetti, salad, garlic bread) and a lot of people drink a cheap pint of beer. (Personally, I don't like beer, but if I did, I can't imagine downing a pint right after a 5K run.) We waited too long to grab food and it was mostly gone, so we went next door to Chipotle, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.
Our new goal is to run the loop nine more times so we get a free Jack Quinn's t-shirt. So, we may try to run this on Tuesday nights and the Manitou Incline on Thursday mornings. I was pretty happy with my time, but I definitely felt the altitude more than I did last Thursday hiking the Incline.
We're doing our best to adapt to the Coloradan lifestyle. :)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Our First Coloradan Adventure
View from the Parking Lot.
This morning Michael and I hiked the Manitou Incline with Tim, our brother-in-law.
We didn't really know what we were getting into, except that a hiker died on Sunday from a heart attack as he climbed.
It was tough, but rewarding at the top. What a view! And we were both really pleased with our times. Michael did the climb in less than 39 minutes, and I finished in less than 48. The incline is one mile with a very steep grade (just look at the pictures), and the trail itself was an old cog railway, so there were some steep steps. The trail back down is another four (just a regular path). We're thinking we may join Tim and his co-workers every Thursday morning.
Fired up and ready to go at the bottom.
It's a loooooooong way up there. Plus, the "top" you see here is a false summit. You get to that point and still have another quarter of the trail to hike. Fortunately, Tim warned us or we would have been pretty surprised.
Only a few more steps...
The Summit! We did it!
And now for the decline.
Hiking back down.
If you don't feel like this at the end, you're crazy. Sort of like the people who reached the summit, ran to the bottom, and hiked the Incline a second time. Or, the guy who got to the top and lit up a cigarette.
So, if anyone comes to visit us we know where to take you! We felt initiated into the intense outdoor life of Coloradans.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
We're in Colorado
I can't say an exact number, but there have been plenty of times over the past two months when I've thought of a blog post, or thought of an update that I've wanted to write on our blog. It just never happened.
I could try to catch up over the past two months, but I think it would be almost impossible.
Highlights?
Returned from Africa.
Lived with our pastor's family for two weeks.
Moved into our own apartment.
I worked as a substitute.
Michael volunteered at an organization in downtown Portland.
Michael found a lot of odd jobs and applied for jobs all over the country.
None of the said jobs worked out, and we reevaluated our current living situation.
We decided to move to Colorado Springs and live with Michael's sister.
We went to Costa Rica for a week.
After Costa Rica, we decided to push up moving a couple weeks to get here for potential job interviews. We packed up and headed out a week later.
After two days of driving, we made it on Monday night.
We're mostly unpacked and settled in, and praying for jobs.
I guess it wasn't impossible to summarize the last two months. More to come.
I could try to catch up over the past two months, but I think it would be almost impossible.
Highlights?
Returned from Africa.
Lived with our pastor's family for two weeks.
Moved into our own apartment.
I worked as a substitute.
Michael volunteered at an organization in downtown Portland.
Michael found a lot of odd jobs and applied for jobs all over the country.
None of the said jobs worked out, and we reevaluated our current living situation.
We decided to move to Colorado Springs and live with Michael's sister.
We went to Costa Rica for a week.
After Costa Rica, we decided to push up moving a couple weeks to get here for potential job interviews. We packed up and headed out a week later.
After two days of driving, we made it on Monday night.
We're mostly unpacked and settled in, and praying for jobs.
I guess it wasn't impossible to summarize the last two months. More to come.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Home Sweet Home
We're home!
We had a great time relaxing and transitioning back to western culture with our friends in Germany over the weekend.
We arrived at PDX Monday with all of our luggage, a definite praise, and are settling back into life here in Newberg.
Our plan for the next couple of months is to find an apartment, which we think we've found (also a huge praise because it is month-to-month and we don't have to sign a lease), while I work and Michael continues to work on job applications.
Fortunately, I am still in the substitute systems here and already worked my first sub job yesterday (despite some jet lag still lagging...) We are hoping I will be able to work a lot throughout the rest of the school year, so hopefully a lot of teachers will be using their sick days and personal days.
Michael has applied to development-type jobs all over the country, and we are waiting to see where the Lord will lead us next. The first thing we heard on the radio when we got into our car on Monday was about how Oregon's unemployment rate is up to 12%, the highest in years, and one of the highest in the entire country. It was a great "welcome back to Oregon" moment for us. Our prayer for now is that something will open up that will be a good use of Michael's skills, knowledge, and degrees.
In the meantime, we are thankful to be back to our home church, where we've already felt so welcomed and taken care of (including a place to stay while we find an apartment). We are continuing to process our time in Rwanda and all the ways the Lord has spoke to us, stretched us, and challenged us, and will continue to share some of those thoughts as they come.
We had a great time relaxing and transitioning back to western culture with our friends in Germany over the weekend.
We arrived at PDX Monday with all of our luggage, a definite praise, and are settling back into life here in Newberg.
Our plan for the next couple of months is to find an apartment, which we think we've found (also a huge praise because it is month-to-month and we don't have to sign a lease), while I work and Michael continues to work on job applications.
Fortunately, I am still in the substitute systems here and already worked my first sub job yesterday (despite some jet lag still lagging...) We are hoping I will be able to work a lot throughout the rest of the school year, so hopefully a lot of teachers will be using their sick days and personal days.
Michael has applied to development-type jobs all over the country, and we are waiting to see where the Lord will lead us next. The first thing we heard on the radio when we got into our car on Monday was about how Oregon's unemployment rate is up to 12%, the highest in years, and one of the highest in the entire country. It was a great "welcome back to Oregon" moment for us. Our prayer for now is that something will open up that will be a good use of Michael's skills, knowledge, and degrees.
In the meantime, we are thankful to be back to our home church, where we've already felt so welcomed and taken care of (including a place to stay while we find an apartment). We are continuing to process our time in Rwanda and all the ways the Lord has spoke to us, stretched us, and challenged us, and will continue to share some of those thoughts as they come.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Hitching in Kigali
This weekend our Burundian friends came to visit. We had a great weekend showing them around.
On Saturday we were walking down to the taxi park to grab a mutatu (bus) into town. Buses cost around 30 cents, so it's our transportation of choice. We weren't quite to the station and a guy pulled up to an intersection and offered us a ride asking, "Where are you going?" My immediate response was, "No thanks, we don't need a taxi." He told us he wasn't a taxi and was just offering us a ride into town. If we had been going to town we would have probably declined still, but we had decided to venture off the beaten path to a part of town (up a huge hill) where buses don't go. The four of us hopped in and met Arthur, a Rwandan man who was living in Dallas, Texas since the genocide, but returned 6 months ago. We found out that he manages the Union Trade Center (the most high end retail building in Rwanda)... so he's clearly doing well. He was happy to take us up the crazy hill and drop us where we needed to go. We got out of the car amazed that we had just experienced our first free ride from a stranger.
Fast-forward 8 hours past all of the shopping, bartering, walking, coffeeing, and taxiing we did, to the other side of the city and the nicest Italian restaurant in town. As we finished up dinner we made our way to the very busy street (that Parliament, all embassies, and various government ministries occupy) to flag down a cab home. We waited and waved our hands, but only motorcycles were stopping (no thanks). Finally a car pulled a u-turn around the median and pulled over. "Can I help you?" the man said through the window. "Are you a taxi?" I asked. "No I'm not a taxi, I'm just offering to help you."
What? Twice in one day?!?! This is crazy.
We weren't going to turn this one down since there was no prospect of catching a cab. We shook Antoine's hand and told him where we were going. After a brief stop at the pharmacy for some aspirin, Antoine informed us that he works for the UN in the area of water resource management. I basically flipped out in the passenger's seat since the busines I'm working with is struggling to solve its water issues. I asked if he does anything with irrigation. He told me he specializes in irrigation and swamps (again, exactly what the business is dealing with). He was happy to give me his number and offered to give any advice that would be helpful. Then he informed us that on the side of his UN work, he has written computer software to help businesses calculate VAT (sales tax)........ yet another issue we're in the middle of solving.
I told him I think God wanted him to pick us up. That's when he flipped out. "You Christian? I am Christian. I'm saved," he informed us.
Twice in one day, no thumbs were ever pointed into the street.
On Saturday we were walking down to the taxi park to grab a mutatu (bus) into town. Buses cost around 30 cents, so it's our transportation of choice. We weren't quite to the station and a guy pulled up to an intersection and offered us a ride asking, "Where are you going?" My immediate response was, "No thanks, we don't need a taxi." He told us he wasn't a taxi and was just offering us a ride into town. If we had been going to town we would have probably declined still, but we had decided to venture off the beaten path to a part of town (up a huge hill) where buses don't go. The four of us hopped in and met Arthur, a Rwandan man who was living in Dallas, Texas since the genocide, but returned 6 months ago. We found out that he manages the Union Trade Center (the most high end retail building in Rwanda)... so he's clearly doing well. He was happy to take us up the crazy hill and drop us where we needed to go. We got out of the car amazed that we had just experienced our first free ride from a stranger.
Fast-forward 8 hours past all of the shopping, bartering, walking, coffeeing, and taxiing we did, to the other side of the city and the nicest Italian restaurant in town. As we finished up dinner we made our way to the very busy street (that Parliament, all embassies, and various government ministries occupy) to flag down a cab home. We waited and waved our hands, but only motorcycles were stopping (no thanks). Finally a car pulled a u-turn around the median and pulled over. "Can I help you?" the man said through the window. "Are you a taxi?" I asked. "No I'm not a taxi, I'm just offering to help you."
What? Twice in one day?!?! This is crazy.
We weren't going to turn this one down since there was no prospect of catching a cab. We shook Antoine's hand and told him where we were going. After a brief stop at the pharmacy for some aspirin, Antoine informed us that he works for the UN in the area of water resource management. I basically flipped out in the passenger's seat since the busines I'm working with is struggling to solve its water issues. I asked if he does anything with irrigation. He told me he specializes in irrigation and swamps (again, exactly what the business is dealing with). He was happy to give me his number and offered to give any advice that would be helpful. Then he informed us that on the side of his UN work, he has written computer software to help businesses calculate VAT (sales tax)........ yet another issue we're in the middle of solving.
I told him I think God wanted him to pick us up. That's when he flipped out. "You Christian? I am Christian. I'm saved," he informed us.
Twice in one day, no thumbs were ever pointed into the street.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Culturisms #8, 9, and 10
Culturism #8-Modesty
In Rwanda, it is immodest for a woman to show her knees. It's no problem, however, to nurse your child in public, during meetings or during a church service (without any covering). Children are fed this way for as long as possible, and it's common, especially as you get out into the countryside, to see kids who are walking around still nursing. They just walk up to their mom, lift up her shirt, and start in on their meal. I know this because I've seen it myself.
Culturism #9-Rain
When it rains here in Kigali, it is a great excuse to stay put. Yesterday, I had only two students show up to class because it was raining, and these two work at the school. I asked one student why Rwandans are afraid of the rain, and he said that when he was in primary (elementary) school, he remembers his teacher telling the students to never go out in the rain. He thinks it could be to keep clothes nice (See blog post with Culturism #6-Clothes). All I know is that I have to have an alternate lesson plan on rainy days because I know I will have many absent students.
Culturism #10- Dogs
Many, many Rwandans are afraid of dogs. As a result, dogs make great guards. Within our small compound there are four dogs. The Thomases have two dogs, and the school has two. Rwandans who need to speak to the Thomases will often stand outside the gate/fence because they are afraid of the dogs barking. Once, when our internet was down, a man came to fix it. He came into the house, and we left the door open. The man just stared out the door at the dogs and wouldn't move until we closed the door. Another time, a friend needed to speak to the Thomases, and I told him to go over to their house because I thought they'd be home. He said, "But, they have dogs!" I tried to assure him that the dogs wouldn't harm him, but he wasn't convinced.
In Rwanda, it is immodest for a woman to show her knees. It's no problem, however, to nurse your child in public, during meetings or during a church service (without any covering). Children are fed this way for as long as possible, and it's common, especially as you get out into the countryside, to see kids who are walking around still nursing. They just walk up to their mom, lift up her shirt, and start in on their meal. I know this because I've seen it myself.
Culturism #9-Rain
When it rains here in Kigali, it is a great excuse to stay put. Yesterday, I had only two students show up to class because it was raining, and these two work at the school. I asked one student why Rwandans are afraid of the rain, and he said that when he was in primary (elementary) school, he remembers his teacher telling the students to never go out in the rain. He thinks it could be to keep clothes nice (See blog post with Culturism #6-Clothes). All I know is that I have to have an alternate lesson plan on rainy days because I know I will have many absent students.
Culturism #10- Dogs
Many, many Rwandans are afraid of dogs. As a result, dogs make great guards. Within our small compound there are four dogs. The Thomases have two dogs, and the school has two. Rwandans who need to speak to the Thomases will often stand outside the gate/fence because they are afraid of the dogs barking. Once, when our internet was down, a man came to fix it. He came into the house, and we left the door open. The man just stared out the door at the dogs and wouldn't move until we closed the door. Another time, a friend needed to speak to the Thomases, and I told him to go over to their house because I thought they'd be home. He said, "But, they have dogs!" I tried to assure him that the dogs wouldn't harm him, but he wasn't convinced.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Simplicity: Food
The idea of living a life of intentional simplicity has been on my mind lately. I don't have it anywhere close to figured out (and I'm sure I won't ever have it all figured out), but I have been thinking about how Michael and I can live more simply. It begins with the following, in regards to food:
For the first time Michael and I have chosen real New Year's Resolutions. The purposes behind them are many.
The first Resolution is to not eat meat. While in in Philadelphia last year we began to toy with the idea of becoming vegetarian. Now, I could go into the multiple reasons and thoughts behind this with all the statistics to back it up, but I won't. I will give an overly simplistic reason, and that's that a lot of resources go into feeding cattle, specifically and especially in the United States beef industry, and these resources could spread a lot further to feed a lot more people if they weren't used on cattle. As we began looking at this idea, I also began to read about the meat industry in general, and the slaughterhouses, chicken farms, and even pig farms, and I was, frankly, disgusted. Again, I'll spare you meat-lovers the details (for now), but I am just not convinced that eating meat from these places is being a good steward of resources, let alone the issue of treating not only animals humane (which is a big argument for many vegetarians, but truthfully is not something I'm as convicted about), but the people who are working for minimum wages in absolutely horrific conditions in places like American slaughterhouses.
Because of the way meat is raised here in Rwanda, and the low levels of meat that are used, we have chosen to eat meat when it is presented to us and not be legalistic about this personal choice. We do plan to stick to this no-meat regimen when we return to the States.
Our second Resolution is to not eat desserts...all year. Yes, we are crazy. Actually, there are specific reasons behind this choice as well. I am a sweet tooth. A HUGE sweet tooth. And, I have realized that when it comes to most foods, but especially sweets/desserts, I have virtually no self-control. I just can't stop eating them and daily, sometimes hourly, crave sweets. In the past few years I've attempted to give up sugar and/or sweets at various times, but have always failed. I usually give up after a few days, deciding it's not necessary or that I can just try to limit my consumption, or that I can't do it when my husband is eating Tillamook ice cream in front of me while I'm watching and drooling and trying to abstain. This inability to give up sweets began to convict me that maybe I really do have an issue with self-control, almost as a spiritual issue. I began to see it as more like a fast, where I give it up to practice a spiritual discipline. So, this time, Michael has agreed to join me on this quest for self-control. We have made it almost three months without eating a single dessert, though the opportunity has presented itself to us many times. Of course, the health aspect is an added bonus, but not the main purpose for this fast.
So, as we have been processing what it's been like to not eat meat or sweets, I have also started to be convinced that there are many issues revolving around the types of food we eat and how to be better stewards of food. I recently came across a cookbook put out by the Mennonites, called "Less is More." It has many articles about the over-consumption of food, especially processed food and sugar, and how it is really poor stewardship to be hooked on convenient packaging and quick "easy" meals that cost a fortune compared to buying in bulk, planning, and preparing meals that are healthy and don't require a lot of ingredients. I even thought recently that something as simple as not taking seconds or eating appropriate portions of food is not only healthier, but better stewardship of food resources as well as money (having enough leftovers for another entire meal saves money, food, and time).
I'm still working out some of these issues, but I'm thinking about them. And, I am looking forward to buying this cookbook when I get home. If you're interested in any of this, I definitely recommend this cookbook. Besides recipes, 1/3 of the 1976 cookbook is devoted to explaining these issues and the Christian responsibilities of eating simply. As the website says, the book was, "written to challenge North Americans to consume less so others could eat enough."
For the first time Michael and I have chosen real New Year's Resolutions. The purposes behind them are many.
The first Resolution is to not eat meat. While in in Philadelphia last year we began to toy with the idea of becoming vegetarian. Now, I could go into the multiple reasons and thoughts behind this with all the statistics to back it up, but I won't. I will give an overly simplistic reason, and that's that a lot of resources go into feeding cattle, specifically and especially in the United States beef industry, and these resources could spread a lot further to feed a lot more people if they weren't used on cattle. As we began looking at this idea, I also began to read about the meat industry in general, and the slaughterhouses, chicken farms, and even pig farms, and I was, frankly, disgusted. Again, I'll spare you meat-lovers the details (for now), but I am just not convinced that eating meat from these places is being a good steward of resources, let alone the issue of treating not only animals humane (which is a big argument for many vegetarians, but truthfully is not something I'm as convicted about), but the people who are working for minimum wages in absolutely horrific conditions in places like American slaughterhouses.
Because of the way meat is raised here in Rwanda, and the low levels of meat that are used, we have chosen to eat meat when it is presented to us and not be legalistic about this personal choice. We do plan to stick to this no-meat regimen when we return to the States.
Our second Resolution is to not eat desserts...all year. Yes, we are crazy. Actually, there are specific reasons behind this choice as well. I am a sweet tooth. A HUGE sweet tooth. And, I have realized that when it comes to most foods, but especially sweets/desserts, I have virtually no self-control. I just can't stop eating them and daily, sometimes hourly, crave sweets. In the past few years I've attempted to give up sugar and/or sweets at various times, but have always failed. I usually give up after a few days, deciding it's not necessary or that I can just try to limit my consumption, or that I can't do it when my husband is eating Tillamook ice cream in front of me while I'm watching and drooling and trying to abstain. This inability to give up sweets began to convict me that maybe I really do have an issue with self-control, almost as a spiritual issue. I began to see it as more like a fast, where I give it up to practice a spiritual discipline. So, this time, Michael has agreed to join me on this quest for self-control. We have made it almost three months without eating a single dessert, though the opportunity has presented itself to us many times. Of course, the health aspect is an added bonus, but not the main purpose for this fast.
So, as we have been processing what it's been like to not eat meat or sweets, I have also started to be convinced that there are many issues revolving around the types of food we eat and how to be better stewards of food. I recently came across a cookbook put out by the Mennonites, called "Less is More." It has many articles about the over-consumption of food, especially processed food and sugar, and how it is really poor stewardship to be hooked on convenient packaging and quick "easy" meals that cost a fortune compared to buying in bulk, planning, and preparing meals that are healthy and don't require a lot of ingredients. I even thought recently that something as simple as not taking seconds or eating appropriate portions of food is not only healthier, but better stewardship of food resources as well as money (having enough leftovers for another entire meal saves money, food, and time).
I'm still working out some of these issues, but I'm thinking about them. And, I am looking forward to buying this cookbook when I get home. If you're interested in any of this, I definitely recommend this cookbook. Besides recipes, 1/3 of the 1976 cookbook is devoted to explaining these issues and the Christian responsibilities of eating simply. As the website says, the book was, "written to challenge North Americans to consume less so others could eat enough."
Friday, March 20, 2009
Goma Pictures
I finally posted a few pictures from our trip to Goma, DRC for the wedding we went to. Click here.
We're still here
I've been feeling slightly guilty about not writing on our blog in a while. There have been a lot of things that I've thought to write about, but then we don't have internet for a few days, or Michael has to use the computer for work, or I have to plan lessons, and it just hasn't happened as intended.
So, I will have to settle for a general update for now.
We leave Rwanda three weeks from yesterday. The time is drawing near quickly, and we are experiencing a whole range of emotions:
Anxious. We are anxious because as of now, we have absolutely no idea what we will be doing when we return to Oregon. We have no housing lined up, and we're unsure of where to settle. I can immediately return to subbing in the Newberg/Sherwood area, so that's the one piece we sort of have figured out.
We are also trying to discern longer-term plans, jobs, where to live, etc., and at this point have no real news to share. We'd love to share with you our processing individually if you are interested.
Sad. At times teaching English has been tough, especially with little materials to use. Thus, at times I've been looking forward to being finished with teaching. But, this week I've realized that I will really miss my students and my daily interactions with them for the past two and a half months. I'm TERRIBLE at saying good-bye and I always cry. It will be sad to leave a place that has become comfortable in its own way. Saying good-bye here also means facing the unknowns of the future.
Busy. Because our time here is ending, we have loose ends to tie up. I have been working on gathering what lessons I have taught to pass on to the new teacher who will be replacing me. A woman from Kenya will be taking over my class, and I'm still working to convince my students that they can learn English from an African, as they are hesitant to believe they can learn English from someone other than a white person. Next week is my last week of teaching both at the missionary school and English.
Torn. We are trying our best to stay present to where we are now, that is, here in Rwanda. Though there are a lot of details to work out for a few weeks from now, we don't want to ignore the next few weeks of work and ways God will continue to speak to us here.
Looking forward to rest. After our final week of school this coming week, our friends from Burundi, Jim and Karri, will be visiting us for a couple days. Then, we will leave for Kumbya for the week. We are excited to have a week to slow down, rest, process, and reflect on our time here in Rwanda and how we feel the Lord is speaking to us. After Kumbya we will have a few days to pack and prepare to leave. It also happens that the week we are leaving is the Genocide Memorial week, so it will be interesting to be here for that. (From what we've heard, this means no celebrations of any kind can happen, and many speeches and rallies take place at the National Genocide Memorial here in Kigali).
We leave Rwanda on April 9, and will spend a few days in Germany visiting friends from college, Stephanie and Luke. We arrive back in Portland on Monday, April 13.
Blessed. The other day I was reflecting on all the support we have. We have been overwhelmed at times by the love and support, the prayers, and of course the financial blessings that have allowed us to spend this time in Rwanda. We have over 90 individuals or couples who have invested in us financially, and many more who've invested time to pray for us and our time here. We are so thankful for each of you and your involvement in this life-changing experience.
I've been thinking a lot about some of the lessons I know we've learned since being here, but I will have to save those for other posts. We realize that we will continue to discover ways that the Lord has used this time to teach us for a long time to come. At least, this has been our past experience.
Our prayer for the next 20 days is that the Lord would give us clarity regarding our future, and that we would continue to trust Him and be open to what He wants to teach us while we're still here.
So, I will have to settle for a general update for now.
We leave Rwanda three weeks from yesterday. The time is drawing near quickly, and we are experiencing a whole range of emotions:
Anxious. We are anxious because as of now, we have absolutely no idea what we will be doing when we return to Oregon. We have no housing lined up, and we're unsure of where to settle. I can immediately return to subbing in the Newberg/Sherwood area, so that's the one piece we sort of have figured out.
We are also trying to discern longer-term plans, jobs, where to live, etc., and at this point have no real news to share. We'd love to share with you our processing individually if you are interested.
Sad. At times teaching English has been tough, especially with little materials to use. Thus, at times I've been looking forward to being finished with teaching. But, this week I've realized that I will really miss my students and my daily interactions with them for the past two and a half months. I'm TERRIBLE at saying good-bye and I always cry. It will be sad to leave a place that has become comfortable in its own way. Saying good-bye here also means facing the unknowns of the future.
Busy. Because our time here is ending, we have loose ends to tie up. I have been working on gathering what lessons I have taught to pass on to the new teacher who will be replacing me. A woman from Kenya will be taking over my class, and I'm still working to convince my students that they can learn English from an African, as they are hesitant to believe they can learn English from someone other than a white person. Next week is my last week of teaching both at the missionary school and English.
Torn. We are trying our best to stay present to where we are now, that is, here in Rwanda. Though there are a lot of details to work out for a few weeks from now, we don't want to ignore the next few weeks of work and ways God will continue to speak to us here.
Looking forward to rest. After our final week of school this coming week, our friends from Burundi, Jim and Karri, will be visiting us for a couple days. Then, we will leave for Kumbya for the week. We are excited to have a week to slow down, rest, process, and reflect on our time here in Rwanda and how we feel the Lord is speaking to us. After Kumbya we will have a few days to pack and prepare to leave. It also happens that the week we are leaving is the Genocide Memorial week, so it will be interesting to be here for that. (From what we've heard, this means no celebrations of any kind can happen, and many speeches and rallies take place at the National Genocide Memorial here in Kigali).
We leave Rwanda on April 9, and will spend a few days in Germany visiting friends from college, Stephanie and Luke. We arrive back in Portland on Monday, April 13.
Blessed. The other day I was reflecting on all the support we have. We have been overwhelmed at times by the love and support, the prayers, and of course the financial blessings that have allowed us to spend this time in Rwanda. We have over 90 individuals or couples who have invested in us financially, and many more who've invested time to pray for us and our time here. We are so thankful for each of you and your involvement in this life-changing experience.
I've been thinking a lot about some of the lessons I know we've learned since being here, but I will have to save those for other posts. We realize that we will continue to discover ways that the Lord has used this time to teach us for a long time to come. At least, this has been our past experience.
Our prayer for the next 20 days is that the Lord would give us clarity regarding our future, and that we would continue to trust Him and be open to what He wants to teach us while we're still here.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Burundi
We got back on Monday from long weekend visiting our friends Jim and Karri in Bujumbura, Burundi.
It was a 7 hour bus ride from Kigali to Buja, but the bus was pretty nice. I mean, it was titled Belvedere Bus Lines, you can't get much classier than that.
We had no troubles at the border, and since we had made friends with a group of people on the bus, we know that if we had had problems, they would have had our back. This group was hilarious. At one rest stop everyone piled off the bus to get roasted maize (corn cobs) and goat shish-kabobs, at 8:00 in the morning! When they got back on the bus the leader of the group walked up to Melissa, snapped off half of his roasted maize, and handed it to her. They clearly wanted to take care of the white folk.
Bujumbura is located on the shore of a huge lake. When approaching the city you are driving in the windy hills, and then suddenly everything flattens out and you see the city on the edge of the lake. It is the flattest piece of land I've seen in East Africa.
We arrived at the station to find Karri waiting for us. Karri was in my cohort at Eastern, and since there was only 11 of us in the cohort, we got to know each other real well. It was really good to see her. We walked to their local coffee shop to meet up with Jim, and then on to their offices. It was great to see what life has looked like for them for the last 6 months. Karri and her husband, Jim, both work for World Relief. Karri works in their microfinance bank, Turame. And Jim works with them doing various ministry-related jobs, teaching music, preaching, working with youth, etc.
We caught a cab to their house, freshened up, and then headed out to Khana Kazanas, an unbelievable Indian restaurant that just relocated to Buja from Kigali. I ordered some sort of green goo (on the owners recommendation) and it was to die for.
Saturday we went to the beach and played volleyball ALL AFTERNOON... it was glorious. There were about 30 expatriates that had gathered to play a tournament. These people were from the U.S., France, Austria, England, Spain, Australia and plenty of other places. It was shocking to be around so many white people in one place. I suffered a bit of reverse culture shock (Why aren't there any Africans around like I am used to? Why is so much English being spoken?) but then settled in as the tournament began. The team Jim and I were on came in third, just beating out Melissa's team. We had a blast.
That night we ate at a very cool new restaurant on the beach overlooking the water. A thunderstorm rolled in over the lake and we got to just sit and experience the storm while we waited for our food. It was a great night.
Sunday we went to church with Jim and Karri and we got to hear Jim preach. He gave a great and challenging sermon and Melissa and I really appreciated worshiping there with that group.
After church we went out for some amazing pizza (something we really miss) and then crammed 9 people into a Toyota Camry (plus a guitar) to get home. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening talking and catching up with Jim and Karri. It was so great to just chat late into the night.
We grabbed some tea and croissants early the next morning and hopped back onto the trusty Belvedere for our trek home. Besides the 30 minute delay due to a roadblock (caused by a car that was lodged under a semi), we had a smooth and uneventful ride home. And stopped again at the same place for maize and goat kabobs... this time we expected it and bought some Fanta.
We had a great time with some great friends, and fortunately they are coming in a couple of weekends to visit Kigali.
It was a 7 hour bus ride from Kigali to Buja, but the bus was pretty nice. I mean, it was titled Belvedere Bus Lines, you can't get much classier than that.
We had no troubles at the border, and since we had made friends with a group of people on the bus, we know that if we had had problems, they would have had our back. This group was hilarious. At one rest stop everyone piled off the bus to get roasted maize (corn cobs) and goat shish-kabobs, at 8:00 in the morning! When they got back on the bus the leader of the group walked up to Melissa, snapped off half of his roasted maize, and handed it to her. They clearly wanted to take care of the white folk.
Bujumbura is located on the shore of a huge lake. When approaching the city you are driving in the windy hills, and then suddenly everything flattens out and you see the city on the edge of the lake. It is the flattest piece of land I've seen in East Africa.
We arrived at the station to find Karri waiting for us. Karri was in my cohort at Eastern, and since there was only 11 of us in the cohort, we got to know each other real well. It was really good to see her. We walked to their local coffee shop to meet up with Jim, and then on to their offices. It was great to see what life has looked like for them for the last 6 months. Karri and her husband, Jim, both work for World Relief. Karri works in their microfinance bank, Turame. And Jim works with them doing various ministry-related jobs, teaching music, preaching, working with youth, etc.
We caught a cab to their house, freshened up, and then headed out to Khana Kazanas, an unbelievable Indian restaurant that just relocated to Buja from Kigali. I ordered some sort of green goo (on the owners recommendation) and it was to die for.
Saturday we went to the beach and played volleyball ALL AFTERNOON... it was glorious. There were about 30 expatriates that had gathered to play a tournament. These people were from the U.S., France, Austria, England, Spain, Australia and plenty of other places. It was shocking to be around so many white people in one place. I suffered a bit of reverse culture shock (Why aren't there any Africans around like I am used to? Why is so much English being spoken?) but then settled in as the tournament began. The team Jim and I were on came in third, just beating out Melissa's team. We had a blast.
That night we ate at a very cool new restaurant on the beach overlooking the water. A thunderstorm rolled in over the lake and we got to just sit and experience the storm while we waited for our food. It was a great night.
Sunday we went to church with Jim and Karri and we got to hear Jim preach. He gave a great and challenging sermon and Melissa and I really appreciated worshiping there with that group.
After church we went out for some amazing pizza (something we really miss) and then crammed 9 people into a Toyota Camry (plus a guitar) to get home. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening talking and catching up with Jim and Karri. It was so great to just chat late into the night.
We grabbed some tea and croissants early the next morning and hopped back onto the trusty Belvedere for our trek home. Besides the 30 minute delay due to a roadblock (caused by a car that was lodged under a semi), we had a smooth and uneventful ride home. And stopped again at the same place for maize and goat kabobs... this time we expected it and bought some Fanta.
We had a great time with some great friends, and fortunately they are coming in a couple of weekends to visit Kigali.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Goma
Two weekends ago we traveled to Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to attend a wedding of a f/Friend of the Thomases. It is a 3 hour drive from Kigali to the North. The northern province of Rwanda is beautiful, it is where Akagera Park is (where the gorillas live) and where you can catch a glimpse of some impressive volcanoes.
We arrived in Gisenyi, a Rwandan town that is on the border, and met up with the group of pastors that we would travel to Goma with. We walked across the border (with no problems) and got picked up on the DRC side by someone from the wedding.
Goma, even though it directly borders Rwanda, is a very different place. It was clearly more impoverished. It was a dirtier place, and was constantly bustling with chaos. I noticed myself become physically uncomfortable once we crossed the border. It made me see how safe I have come to feel in Rwanda.
We first went to the legal/civil ceremony. This was held at some government offices and it was a communal gathering of about 7 couples. We waited there for hours, just watching some drunk old women play a drum and sing, all while being watched ourselves by at least 20 children standing less than a foot away from us. It was an interesting experience.
Then we made our way to the church for the religious ceremony. We got hauled up on stage to sit with the pastors. It was very interesting being the "guests of honor," even though we knew no one, especially the bride and groom. They even had us stand up and say hello from America. So America, you have now said hello to 150 people in Congo.
After the ceremony (which was full of dancing, drumming, sermons, and yet again, staring children), we walked to a school nearby for the reception. We were served a meal (just the white people and the pastors). After we ate we watched the bride and groom cut the cake, pour Fanta in each other's mouths, and then play "Simon Says" with the DJ. It was all very surreal mix of Western and African customs.
We had to hurry back to get across the border before it closed for the night. We had no problems getting back across and we were thankfully back in Rwanda.
We stayed in a great guest house that night and visited Gisenyi Friends Church the next day (and yet again, were asked to sit on stage).
The trip to Goma was a great experience. It is a place that has always intrigued me since it has been in the news so frequently over the years. I'm just glad we made it home to Kigali safely.
We arrived in Gisenyi, a Rwandan town that is on the border, and met up with the group of pastors that we would travel to Goma with. We walked across the border (with no problems) and got picked up on the DRC side by someone from the wedding.
Goma, even though it directly borders Rwanda, is a very different place. It was clearly more impoverished. It was a dirtier place, and was constantly bustling with chaos. I noticed myself become physically uncomfortable once we crossed the border. It made me see how safe I have come to feel in Rwanda.
We first went to the legal/civil ceremony. This was held at some government offices and it was a communal gathering of about 7 couples. We waited there for hours, just watching some drunk old women play a drum and sing, all while being watched ourselves by at least 20 children standing less than a foot away from us. It was an interesting experience.
Then we made our way to the church for the religious ceremony. We got hauled up on stage to sit with the pastors. It was very interesting being the "guests of honor," even though we knew no one, especially the bride and groom. They even had us stand up and say hello from America. So America, you have now said hello to 150 people in Congo.
After the ceremony (which was full of dancing, drumming, sermons, and yet again, staring children), we walked to a school nearby for the reception. We were served a meal (just the white people and the pastors). After we ate we watched the bride and groom cut the cake, pour Fanta in each other's mouths, and then play "Simon Says" with the DJ. It was all very surreal mix of Western and African customs.
We had to hurry back to get across the border before it closed for the night. We had no problems getting back across and we were thankfully back in Rwanda.
We stayed in a great guest house that night and visited Gisenyi Friends Church the next day (and yet again, were asked to sit on stage).
The trip to Goma was a great experience. It is a place that has always intrigued me since it has been in the news so frequently over the years. I'm just glad we made it home to Kigali safely.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Visit to Burundi
Tomorrow we are taking a seven hour bus ride to Burundi to visit our good friends, Jim and Karri, who have been there since last fall working with World Relief. Karri was in Michael's cohort at Eastern last year, and we had a lot of fun with them. We are really looking forward to seeing them and seeing another country. We will return on Monday.
Culturisms #5 , #6, and #7
#5 Shoes
We've noticed how important it is to have clean, freshly polished shoes. At the wedding we went to last weekend, everyone had to make sure their shoes were polished and shiny. People here may have one nice outfit that they wear on special occasions, but, they will always have shiny shoes. Our roommate, Mel, said that the other day she was going into town with her language helper, and her language helper asked her why she hadn't cleaned her shoes before they left. She was a bit taken aback.
#6 Clothes
It is important to dress well here in order to show your worth. For example, when we were in Kumbya a few weeks ago, there was an entire team of people from EMI (Engineering Ministries International). All but one were North American (we egocentric citizens of the USA want to say Americans, but we must include Canadians here). Because we were on a lake, and the team had to tromp around in the woods and work in a rustic cabin, they were always dressed in casual clothes, usually jeans and a t-shirt. The one man from Uganda was dressed every day in nice slacks, a collared shirt, and shiny shoes (we would call it business attire). It was pointed out to us that in this culture you must dress well to prove you are intelligent and capable. The North Americans did not care about dressing nicely, they dressed how they needed to to get the job done. This is not to say that dressing well and/or expensively is not important in America. It is often seen as important, often to show wealth, but, it seems to be on another whole level here.
#7 Cell phones
Along with nice shoes, cell phones are prized possessions. Most of the missionaries here have old, beat-up phones, while many of the Rwandans have new, shiny phones. In America some of the poorest people have televisions. Here, it seems that most people we come into contact with have a cell phone. Granted, some of the very poor in the countryside don't have phones, but it seems like most people have them. We've even seen Rwandans cleaning their cell phone battery, something I've never done in the almost ten years that I've owned a cell phone. Most Rwandans will call and try to talk for as short of a time as possible, so they don't have to pay for extra minutes. Many times they will call a mzungu (white foreigner) and hang up before anyone answers, hoping and expecting the person to call back. Some have been known to call multiple times, to try to get you to return the call. We heard recently that there is a new verb in Swahili that means "to beep," which is the action of calling and hanging up before someone answers.
We've noticed how important it is to have clean, freshly polished shoes. At the wedding we went to last weekend, everyone had to make sure their shoes were polished and shiny. People here may have one nice outfit that they wear on special occasions, but, they will always have shiny shoes. Our roommate, Mel, said that the other day she was going into town with her language helper, and her language helper asked her why she hadn't cleaned her shoes before they left. She was a bit taken aback.
#6 Clothes
It is important to dress well here in order to show your worth. For example, when we were in Kumbya a few weeks ago, there was an entire team of people from EMI (Engineering Ministries International). All but one were North American (we egocentric citizens of the USA want to say Americans, but we must include Canadians here). Because we were on a lake, and the team had to tromp around in the woods and work in a rustic cabin, they were always dressed in casual clothes, usually jeans and a t-shirt. The one man from Uganda was dressed every day in nice slacks, a collared shirt, and shiny shoes (we would call it business attire). It was pointed out to us that in this culture you must dress well to prove you are intelligent and capable. The North Americans did not care about dressing nicely, they dressed how they needed to to get the job done. This is not to say that dressing well and/or expensively is not important in America. It is often seen as important, often to show wealth, but, it seems to be on another whole level here.
#7 Cell phones
Along with nice shoes, cell phones are prized possessions. Most of the missionaries here have old, beat-up phones, while many of the Rwandans have new, shiny phones. In America some of the poorest people have televisions. Here, it seems that most people we come into contact with have a cell phone. Granted, some of the very poor in the countryside don't have phones, but it seems like most people have them. We've even seen Rwandans cleaning their cell phone battery, something I've never done in the almost ten years that I've owned a cell phone. Most Rwandans will call and try to talk for as short of a time as possible, so they don't have to pay for extra minutes. Many times they will call a mzungu (white foreigner) and hang up before anyone answers, hoping and expecting the person to call back. Some have been known to call multiple times, to try to get you to return the call. We heard recently that there is a new verb in Swahili that means "to beep," which is the action of calling and hanging up before someone answers.
Friday, February 27, 2009
A glimpse at the DRC
Tomorrow morning we are traveling to Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We were invited to go to a wedding and I'm looking forward to experiencing an African wedding. Goma is only one kilometer from the border of Rwanda and is 13-18 kilometers south of a recently active volcano. It is also on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, (which is 1,040 square miles) the same lake we visited a few weeks ago, except we were on the far southern side.
We will be in the far east of the DRC, very near where the war and trouble has happened that you may have heard about in the news recently. So, it is a little nerve-wracking to be traveling there, and crossing that border, because we have grown accustomed to the general safety that is unique to Rwanda. Also, there has been a little more commotion in Goma these days because a joint DRC-Rwandan military group has been in Goma for a few weeks to attempt to "flush out" the Hutu militia who have been causing problems and attacking civilians in the countryside near where we are going. The purpose is to get these Rwandan rebels to head back to Rwanda.
We wouldn't be going if we had any worries, and we are traveling with people we trust. You can pray that we have a safe and uneventful trip.
We will be in the far east of the DRC, very near where the war and trouble has happened that you may have heard about in the news recently. So, it is a little nerve-wracking to be traveling there, and crossing that border, because we have grown accustomed to the general safety that is unique to Rwanda. Also, there has been a little more commotion in Goma these days because a joint DRC-Rwandan military group has been in Goma for a few weeks to attempt to "flush out" the Hutu militia who have been causing problems and attacking civilians in the countryside near where we are going. The purpose is to get these Rwandan rebels to head back to Rwanda.
We wouldn't be going if we had any worries, and we are traveling with people we trust. You can pray that we have a safe and uneventful trip.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Culturisms #3 and #4
Culturism #3
Taking and "Borrowing"
We have learned about the interesting perspective on belongings here in Rwanda. In the U.S. there are many social and physical boundaries which are non-existent here. For example, if we need to borrow something from a friend, we would ask them if we could borrow it, letting them know that we will (try to) return it promptly when we are finished with the item. Here, if you need something and you see it, you just take it. It is not the same as stealing if you know you will use it, you simply take it without telling the person. It's not intentionally deceitful, you are just fulfilling a need. So, things just seem to disappear.
Jerry cans are a popular item. You can never have too many jerry cans for transporting water, especially in times of water shortages. The Thomases once tried to combat their lack of jerry cans by buying a large number of them, and most of them disappeared. The workers probably assumed the Thomases had more then they could use, and slowly the jerry cans vanished.
This happens with food, also. Our roommate once got out of the shower to find someone going through our cupboards, looking for who knows what? We've also had issues with houseworkers helping themselves to plenty of food or sugar from our cupboards.
We've also heard that if someone compliments you on something you are wearing, they are saying that they want that particular item.
Culturism #4
Sugar
Rwandans use no sugar in their cooking. They are constantly amazed at how much sugar we use in our cooking and baking: sauces, bread, granola, etc., not to mention desserts. When it comes to tea, Rwandans have found one place where they like sugar. And LOTS of it. Of course, they complain that our tea and coffee preferences are much too strong. For them, many could practically drink hot water with sugar (they will pour hot water through a strainer with tea and it will be very light brown: a perfect cup of tea). To this light brown liquid they will add heaping tablespoons of sugar. We've had to limit our workers' sugar usage to two tablespoons for a cup of tea. Otherwise, they would continue to heap the sugar. We have a small sugar bowl, and many times before we imposed this sugar limit we'd find the bowl emptied by two workers from their single cups of tea. We were flying through sugar! At a recent houseworker meeting, they explained to us that this is the one place where they will have something sweet, whereas we Americans like everything sweet.
Taking and "Borrowing"
We have learned about the interesting perspective on belongings here in Rwanda. In the U.S. there are many social and physical boundaries which are non-existent here. For example, if we need to borrow something from a friend, we would ask them if we could borrow it, letting them know that we will (try to) return it promptly when we are finished with the item. Here, if you need something and you see it, you just take it. It is not the same as stealing if you know you will use it, you simply take it without telling the person. It's not intentionally deceitful, you are just fulfilling a need. So, things just seem to disappear.
Jerry cans are a popular item. You can never have too many jerry cans for transporting water, especially in times of water shortages. The Thomases once tried to combat their lack of jerry cans by buying a large number of them, and most of them disappeared. The workers probably assumed the Thomases had more then they could use, and slowly the jerry cans vanished.
This happens with food, also. Our roommate once got out of the shower to find someone going through our cupboards, looking for who knows what? We've also had issues with houseworkers helping themselves to plenty of food or sugar from our cupboards.
We've also heard that if someone compliments you on something you are wearing, they are saying that they want that particular item.
Culturism #4
Sugar
Rwandans use no sugar in their cooking. They are constantly amazed at how much sugar we use in our cooking and baking: sauces, bread, granola, etc., not to mention desserts. When it comes to tea, Rwandans have found one place where they like sugar. And LOTS of it. Of course, they complain that our tea and coffee preferences are much too strong. For them, many could practically drink hot water with sugar (they will pour hot water through a strainer with tea and it will be very light brown: a perfect cup of tea). To this light brown liquid they will add heaping tablespoons of sugar. We've had to limit our workers' sugar usage to two tablespoons for a cup of tea. Otherwise, they would continue to heap the sugar. We have a small sugar bowl, and many times before we imposed this sugar limit we'd find the bowl emptied by two workers from their single cups of tea. We were flying through sugar! At a recent houseworker meeting, they explained to us that this is the one place where they will have something sweet, whereas we Americans like everything sweet.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Culturisms #1 and #2
Forgive us for not posting recently. Some days I sit down to write a post and my mind is blank. We are in a routine of work and life again for a few weeks and thus nothing has seemed significant to share.
I have been keeping a list of what I call "Culturisms" to share regarding unique cultural differences or interesting facets of Rwandan every day life. I thought I'd share a few now, and keep them coming in future installments.
Without further ado:
Culturism #1: Everywhere you look, men are holding hands (or sometimes wrists), embracing, or simply being touchy with each other. Men who are friends show their affection in this way. It is common to be standing and holding one's hand, or walking down the street holding hands/wrists. I think this is significant because I know in American culture this would shock a lot of people. In America, men who are holding hands usually have the purpose of displaying their specific type of homosexual feelings for each other. It is not only men, though, who hold hands here. Women will hold hands too. In fact, just about everyone will hold hands except a husband and wife. It is not seen as appropriate to hold your spouse's hand in public, but it's OK to stand and hold the pastor's hand as you speak for a long period of time.
Culturism #2: In this culture, it's not shameful to ask for something. Likewise, it's not shameful to say no. Let me explain. As a umuzungu (white foreigner), I am assumed to have money. Many times when we go into the city we are bombarded (as in people sometimes running at us holding goods) with offers to buy various items. But oftentimes, people are very bold in asking us for things. It doesn't happen to us as much because of the language barrier, but as I've said before, one thing most children know how to say in English is, "Give me money." We've heard stories from missionaries about Rwandans asking them for everything from money (small and large sums), to items such as a soccer ball or a tractor, or for a ride in the car across town. Strangers will simply walk up to a umuzungu and ask for these types of things. In America, there are issues of pride and humility that cause people to feel ashamed to ask for things. We have such a "I must be successful" attitude that most people are hesitant to ask for help, let alone for money or material goods. Here in Rwanda, there is no shame associated with asking. Most ask knowing the answer will probably be no, but why not ask when there is no shame and no harm done by asking?
The second part of this is for the umuzungus. "It is not shameful to say no." In American culture we can often feel guilty for walking past a homeless person who is asking for spare change, or for saying no to someone who has humbled themselves to the point of asking for help/money, etc. But here, it is appropriate to say no most of the time. Just as the people ask almost expecting a "no," we can say "no" without feeling a sense of shame for not giving to the poor. (Theoretically speaking, of course). I'm not saying we are immune to the needs of the people, and that we can ignore all that is going on. At the same time, there is such a tendency for many Africans to so completely depend on foreign/western aid that in many ways you are only contributing to that mindset to give them whatever they ask for (or think they need). This touches on part of the Transformational Development work that the Thomases are doing here in Rwanda. The idea is to get entire communities to change their way of thinking. Instead of always having a hand out in expectation, they are learning to think for themselves and to become self-reliant and community-oriented.
I have been keeping a list of what I call "Culturisms" to share regarding unique cultural differences or interesting facets of Rwandan every day life. I thought I'd share a few now, and keep them coming in future installments.
Without further ado:
Culturism #1: Everywhere you look, men are holding hands (or sometimes wrists), embracing, or simply being touchy with each other. Men who are friends show their affection in this way. It is common to be standing and holding one's hand, or walking down the street holding hands/wrists. I think this is significant because I know in American culture this would shock a lot of people. In America, men who are holding hands usually have the purpose of displaying their specific type of homosexual feelings for each other. It is not only men, though, who hold hands here. Women will hold hands too. In fact, just about everyone will hold hands except a husband and wife. It is not seen as appropriate to hold your spouse's hand in public, but it's OK to stand and hold the pastor's hand as you speak for a long period of time.
Culturism #2: In this culture, it's not shameful to ask for something. Likewise, it's not shameful to say no. Let me explain. As a umuzungu (white foreigner), I am assumed to have money. Many times when we go into the city we are bombarded (as in people sometimes running at us holding goods) with offers to buy various items. But oftentimes, people are very bold in asking us for things. It doesn't happen to us as much because of the language barrier, but as I've said before, one thing most children know how to say in English is, "Give me money." We've heard stories from missionaries about Rwandans asking them for everything from money (small and large sums), to items such as a soccer ball or a tractor, or for a ride in the car across town. Strangers will simply walk up to a umuzungu and ask for these types of things. In America, there are issues of pride and humility that cause people to feel ashamed to ask for things. We have such a "I must be successful" attitude that most people are hesitant to ask for help, let alone for money or material goods. Here in Rwanda, there is no shame associated with asking. Most ask knowing the answer will probably be no, but why not ask when there is no shame and no harm done by asking?
The second part of this is for the umuzungus. "It is not shameful to say no." In American culture we can often feel guilty for walking past a homeless person who is asking for spare change, or for saying no to someone who has humbled themselves to the point of asking for help/money, etc. But here, it is appropriate to say no most of the time. Just as the people ask almost expecting a "no," we can say "no" without feeling a sense of shame for not giving to the poor. (Theoretically speaking, of course). I'm not saying we are immune to the needs of the people, and that we can ignore all that is going on. At the same time, there is such a tendency for many Africans to so completely depend on foreign/western aid that in many ways you are only contributing to that mindset to give them whatever they ask for (or think they need). This touches on part of the Transformational Development work that the Thomases are doing here in Rwanda. The idea is to get entire communities to change their way of thinking. Instead of always having a hand out in expectation, they are learning to think for themselves and to become self-reliant and community-oriented.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Pictures at last
We have tried a few times to post pictures here on our blog, but it takes such an incredibly long time that usually the internet times out or the photo just won't upload. We have put many pictures on Facebook, but I realize that some who read this blog do not have Facebook. I recently realized I can post links to our albums, so the following links will take you to our Facebook photo albums. Click here to see pictures of our first two weeks in Rwanda, click here to see pictures of the house we live in, and click here to see pictures from our recent trip to Kumbya. Enjoy!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Off to Kumbya
Tomorrow we leave to go to a place called Kumbya. It's on a lake. And I'm looking forward to it.
About 60 years ago there was a revival in East Africa. As part of that revival, the missionaries in Burundi and Rwanda (ALL missionaries, not just Friends) decided they should have an annual conference/retreat. They bought a piece of property on Lake Kivu (the lake that borders Rwanda and the DRC) and met there every year until the war started in the early 1990s.
In the late '90s, the missionaries decided to return to Kumbya and reestablish the tradition of meeting there every summer. Each mission owns a small cabin, and everyone goes there for the annual conference, as well as periodic personal retreat/vacations.
Kumbya is now THE ONLY piece of property on the entire lake (and it is a huge lake) that is covered with natural forest. Everything else has been cut down and used for firewood or construction. It is a prime piece of property.
The Rwandan government is now eyeing that property and has told the missionaries that they must either begin using it "productively" (i.e. make some money off of it), or hand it over.
The missionaries have decided to explore the idea of making it into a retreat center/ecotourism destination. An engineering team is coming out from the States to assess what they would need to do to make it work as a commercial property.
I think the story of Kumbya is a great example of people doing ministry together well. Valuing things like community more than doctrinal differences or competition. It is also great to see that followers of Christ have been the one setting the example by taking care of creation well.
Now that you've read (another) novel, I meant to simply get on here and let you all know that we will be in Kumbya for the next week and we won't be able to blog, facebook, or twitter as usual. Hopefully it will be a great time to unplug and relax.
Have a great week.
About 60 years ago there was a revival in East Africa. As part of that revival, the missionaries in Burundi and Rwanda (ALL missionaries, not just Friends) decided they should have an annual conference/retreat. They bought a piece of property on Lake Kivu (the lake that borders Rwanda and the DRC) and met there every year until the war started in the early 1990s.
In the late '90s, the missionaries decided to return to Kumbya and reestablish the tradition of meeting there every summer. Each mission owns a small cabin, and everyone goes there for the annual conference, as well as periodic personal retreat/vacations.
Kumbya is now THE ONLY piece of property on the entire lake (and it is a huge lake) that is covered with natural forest. Everything else has been cut down and used for firewood or construction. It is a prime piece of property.
The Rwandan government is now eyeing that property and has told the missionaries that they must either begin using it "productively" (i.e. make some money off of it), or hand it over.
The missionaries have decided to explore the idea of making it into a retreat center/ecotourism destination. An engineering team is coming out from the States to assess what they would need to do to make it work as a commercial property.
I think the story of Kumbya is a great example of people doing ministry together well. Valuing things like community more than doctrinal differences or competition. It is also great to see that followers of Christ have been the one setting the example by taking care of creation well.
Now that you've read (another) novel, I meant to simply get on here and let you all know that we will be in Kumbya for the next week and we won't be able to blog, facebook, or twitter as usual. Hopefully it will be a great time to unplug and relax.
Have a great week.
Monday, January 26, 2009
We are so thankful
We have officially reached our financial goal of raising $11,000! Praise the Lord!
We received an update a few days ago and if we include the amounts pledged, we have passed $11,000. The amazing part is that we have had other people email us and tell us that if we are short they are prepared to give us more money. We feel so blessed that the Lord has provided abundantly more than we have asked for. Thank you for all that have been faithful in this process.
Our prayer is that we can be good stewards of these faithful pledges and be intentional about how are time here in Rwanda is spent. Please keep praying for discernment about the future. Also, we are both keeping very busy between all of the work we are doing, and would appreciate prayer so that we will not become overwhelmed. As of now, we are feeling great and are looking forward to experiencing more of Rwanda.
We received an update a few days ago and if we include the amounts pledged, we have passed $11,000. The amazing part is that we have had other people email us and tell us that if we are short they are prepared to give us more money. We feel so blessed that the Lord has provided abundantly more than we have asked for. Thank you for all that have been faithful in this process.
Our prayer is that we can be good stewards of these faithful pledges and be intentional about how are time here in Rwanda is spent. Please keep praying for discernment about the future. Also, we are both keeping very busy between all of the work we are doing, and would appreciate prayer so that we will not become overwhelmed. As of now, we are feeling great and are looking forward to experiencing more of Rwanda.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
An Unexpected New Passion
This week we’ve been able to get into more of a routine. We have been getting up at 5:30 to work out with our roommate, Chrissy, and the Thomases, every other morning. Michael and I have always been night owls, but since we got here we have been in bed by 8:30 or so most nights.
I work in the school Tuesday through Friday, from 8 until 12. I am working individually with a couple of the girls who are in a specialized reading program. I am also teaching science and history to the younger girls (a second grader and two fourth graders). I’m really enjoying the opportunity to actually plan lessons again.
On Wednesday I went to a meeting (after a no-show from the director twice) to begin the English Program (to teach local teachers English). I sat there for almost two hours as they discussed, in Kinyarwandan, the purpose of the English program. They introduced me, as one of the two teachers (the other being the director).
On Thursday I met with the director for an hour before the first meeting. We had discussed the need for some kind of test to divide the group into beginning and advanced English speakers. I came with a plan, after doing much research online. I gave the 30 students a list of questions, orally, and had them write their answers. I asked simple questions, such as “are you married?” and “what is your job?” and a little more complex questions, such as, “what do you like to do for fun?” (Most had no idea what the word ‘fun' means). After the first part, I asked students individual questions to hear them speak so we could evaluate their speaking skills. We determined that there will be about 10 students in the beginning class and 20 in the advanced.
After finishing this first day with the students, I came home energized and extremely excited. These teachers are so eager to learn English. For many of them, their job depends on it. And for others, they lost their jobs because they cannot speak English well. The one difficult part of this all is that ONLY ENGLISH can be spoken during the entire class time. It is difficult to try to explain something in English when I can’t reference their own language for help or translating. I am forced to be very creative and clear when teaching anything.
In the States I have never really gotten excited about the idea of teaching English, or ESL (English as a Second Language), but here it is so different!
On Friday I prepared my first real lesson. We kept both groups together. I taught the days of the week, the months of the year, and basic greetings and introductions. The class went so well, and I can’t believe how much I am loving it. I feel so excited about teaching English, and feel like I am doing it well. The students were laughing and asking questions. Their homework assignment was to come with some questions for words and phrases they wanted to learn in English. This part was fascinating. I was asked geometry terms from a math teacher, what the name of a house builder is (and to explain some of the tools they use), and how to explain the steps to making tea (each of these questions came from people who will be in the advanced class).
The only disappointing part about teaching English is that I am attached to these students already, and will have to say goodbye in less than three months!
I work in the school Tuesday through Friday, from 8 until 12. I am working individually with a couple of the girls who are in a specialized reading program. I am also teaching science and history to the younger girls (a second grader and two fourth graders). I’m really enjoying the opportunity to actually plan lessons again.
On Wednesday I went to a meeting (after a no-show from the director twice) to begin the English Program (to teach local teachers English). I sat there for almost two hours as they discussed, in Kinyarwandan, the purpose of the English program. They introduced me, as one of the two teachers (the other being the director).
On Thursday I met with the director for an hour before the first meeting. We had discussed the need for some kind of test to divide the group into beginning and advanced English speakers. I came with a plan, after doing much research online. I gave the 30 students a list of questions, orally, and had them write their answers. I asked simple questions, such as “are you married?” and “what is your job?” and a little more complex questions, such as, “what do you like to do for fun?” (Most had no idea what the word ‘fun' means). After the first part, I asked students individual questions to hear them speak so we could evaluate their speaking skills. We determined that there will be about 10 students in the beginning class and 20 in the advanced.
After finishing this first day with the students, I came home energized and extremely excited. These teachers are so eager to learn English. For many of them, their job depends on it. And for others, they lost their jobs because they cannot speak English well. The one difficult part of this all is that ONLY ENGLISH can be spoken during the entire class time. It is difficult to try to explain something in English when I can’t reference their own language for help or translating. I am forced to be very creative and clear when teaching anything.
In the States I have never really gotten excited about the idea of teaching English, or ESL (English as a Second Language), but here it is so different!
On Friday I prepared my first real lesson. We kept both groups together. I taught the days of the week, the months of the year, and basic greetings and introductions. The class went so well, and I can’t believe how much I am loving it. I feel so excited about teaching English, and feel like I am doing it well. The students were laughing and asking questions. Their homework assignment was to come with some questions for words and phrases they wanted to learn in English. This part was fascinating. I was asked geometry terms from a math teacher, what the name of a house builder is (and to explain some of the tools they use), and how to explain the steps to making tea (each of these questions came from people who will be in the advanced class).
The only disappointing part about teaching English is that I am attached to these students already, and will have to say goodbye in less than three months!
Our New President
After Obama's inauguration, Michael wrote a blog post about our experience, and posted it here. (He was going to repost it here, but I thought I would provide the link for those who don't know his other blog address.) I was going to write a similar post. It seems we had similar impressions regarding the experience.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Kigali Shopping
Today we went into the city area to buy some bulk food items and run a few errands. The city is bustling with 1.2 million people in the limits during the day. There are many people walking on the side of the road, a lot of motorbikes, and large vans that serve as taxis, and this makes driving hectic and crazy at times. (I want to take some pictures one of these days, but traveling with the camera isn't always a good idea. Plus, it's not polite to take pictures of just anyone without asking them first, which is hard to do when I can't speak their language).
It was good to get an idea of what kinds of foods are available so we can figure out what to make for meals. We will be eating a lot of fruit and vegetables, rice, noodles, and there are a few soups I'd like to try. We also will be able to eat Mexican food, which is our favorite. Last night we had breakfast burritos, and we've already had pizza, too. For breakfast we have mostly eaten zucchini bread and tea, although today Agness, our houseworker, made more granola, which I'm excited about.
Today we had a typical Rwanda dish for lunch. It was cabbage and carrots, mixed in a really tasty spice (I thought it looked a little like Pad Thai because the cabbage looked like noodles), and it was served over rice, with potatoes (served as french fries). We drink a lot of Rwandan tea, which is a basic black tea brewed very strongly. I actually really like it, and don't even need to add any milk or sugar. This is a far cry from our espresso machine back home. :)
Tomorrow I begin teaching in the school, and will also start teaching English to the secondary school teachers. Today we met with a few people from the school and we scheduled to meet with the director of the English program this afternoon, but he didn't show up. Tomorrow is the first day of classes, and I'm still not exactly sure what to expect. It may just be him and me, with 19 students. There doesn't seem to be any curriculum set up, so this may be an interesting process. More to come on that.
It was good to get an idea of what kinds of foods are available so we can figure out what to make for meals. We will be eating a lot of fruit and vegetables, rice, noodles, and there are a few soups I'd like to try. We also will be able to eat Mexican food, which is our favorite. Last night we had breakfast burritos, and we've already had pizza, too. For breakfast we have mostly eaten zucchini bread and tea, although today Agness, our houseworker, made more granola, which I'm excited about.
Today we had a typical Rwanda dish for lunch. It was cabbage and carrots, mixed in a really tasty spice (I thought it looked a little like Pad Thai because the cabbage looked like noodles), and it was served over rice, with potatoes (served as french fries). We drink a lot of Rwandan tea, which is a basic black tea brewed very strongly. I actually really like it, and don't even need to add any milk or sugar. This is a far cry from our espresso machine back home. :)
Tomorrow I begin teaching in the school, and will also start teaching English to the secondary school teachers. Today we met with a few people from the school and we scheduled to meet with the director of the English program this afternoon, but he didn't show up. Tomorrow is the first day of classes, and I'm still not exactly sure what to expect. It may just be him and me, with 19 students. There doesn't seem to be any curriculum set up, so this may be an interesting process. More to come on that.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
A Lesson in Words and Culture
Today we drove into town to attend a meeting in one of the communities that Dave and Debby are doing development training in. We had to drive through a busy market, and naturally received a lot of stares and waves simultaneously.
As we drove through a tight spot between a large truck and a building, people came up to our windows and spoke to us. Though English is being taught in all the schools as of last week, many people still don't speak English (not even a simple hello is understood by many). I did learn, however, that if people do know English, they often simply know the following three phrases:
"Hello."
"Good morning."
"Give me money."
At first I thought the third phrase was too direct and commanding. I figured at least they would learn a more polite way to say it, such as, "Please can I have some money?" or "Do you have any money for me?"
But, this afternoon we had our first language lesson, and we learned that there is no word for "please" in their language. When someone wants something, they say, "Ndashaka..." which means "I want..."
As we traveled around, we saw a lot of little children follow us or stare at us through the windows. Many waved at us, and since Michael and I didn't even know how to say hello, we would simply smile and wave back. Debby saw me waving to the children and informed me that waving by touching my fingers to my palm as we often do in the States, actually means "come here." So, this whole time I thought I had been waving hello, I was actually confusing them by telling them to "come here."
I can only wonder what else I'm doing that can be misinterpreted.
As we drove through a tight spot between a large truck and a building, people came up to our windows and spoke to us. Though English is being taught in all the schools as of last week, many people still don't speak English (not even a simple hello is understood by many). I did learn, however, that if people do know English, they often simply know the following three phrases:
"Hello."
"Good morning."
"Give me money."
At first I thought the third phrase was too direct and commanding. I figured at least they would learn a more polite way to say it, such as, "Please can I have some money?" or "Do you have any money for me?"
But, this afternoon we had our first language lesson, and we learned that there is no word for "please" in their language. When someone wants something, they say, "Ndashaka..." which means "I want..."
As we traveled around, we saw a lot of little children follow us or stare at us through the windows. Many waved at us, and since Michael and I didn't even know how to say hello, we would simply smile and wave back. Debby saw me waving to the children and informed me that waving by touching my fingers to my palm as we often do in the States, actually means "come here." So, this whole time I thought I had been waving hello, I was actually confusing them by telling them to "come here."
I can only wonder what else I'm doing that can be misinterpreted.
Friday, January 16, 2009
We're Here!!
Just a quick note to say we made it safely and with all our bags!
The weather is nice and warm and we are settling in nicely. This morning we got up at 5:30 and went for a brisk walk around the city, something we are hoping to make a habit.
I can already tell that not speaking the local language will be frustrating at times, as we have a houseworker, and a guard, as well as many other men working on fixing up the house at the moment. Yesterday I tried to communicate with our houseworker, Agnes. She makes a great zucchini bread and I was able to use the word "to cook" in Kinyarwandan and "bon" in french to compliment her. She understood.
We are starting our language training today, so we are looking forward to being able to at least greet people.
The school week is Tuesday through Friday, and I am really looking forward to getting going in the school on Tuesday. It sounds like I will also be teaching English Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3-5, though we're not sure if it's just me, or a group of people. We will find out on Monday. Originally we had heard that the country was requiring English to be taught in all schools beginning next January, but a week ago the officials changed their mind and decided to start it now. This meant a whole lot of teachers were fired, many of them friends of the Thomas'. Please pray for them as the situation is frustrating for many. The teachers who do know English are suddenly expected to teach everything in English to students who don't speak it.
The weather is nice and warm and we are settling in nicely. This morning we got up at 5:30 and went for a brisk walk around the city, something we are hoping to make a habit.
I can already tell that not speaking the local language will be frustrating at times, as we have a houseworker, and a guard, as well as many other men working on fixing up the house at the moment. Yesterday I tried to communicate with our houseworker, Agnes. She makes a great zucchini bread and I was able to use the word "to cook" in Kinyarwandan and "bon" in french to compliment her. She understood.
We are starting our language training today, so we are looking forward to being able to at least greet people.
The school week is Tuesday through Friday, and I am really looking forward to getting going in the school on Tuesday. It sounds like I will also be teaching English Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3-5, though we're not sure if it's just me, or a group of people. We will find out on Monday. Originally we had heard that the country was requiring English to be taught in all schools beginning next January, but a week ago the officials changed their mind and decided to start it now. This meant a whole lot of teachers were fired, many of them friends of the Thomas'. Please pray for them as the situation is frustrating for many. The teachers who do know English are suddenly expected to teach everything in English to students who don't speak it.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
All Our Bags Are Packed
And We're Ready To Go...
In a few minutes we are heading to the airport. Michael is in the other room playing with our roommates' boys one more time. We will miss the sounds of a one and two-year old running around, laughing and playing and giggling.
Mostly, it all feels surreal right now. Our money is in (we'll post final numbers after we get to Rwanda). It is such a blessing to go knowing we won't have to worry about the funds while we're there. It's also a blessing knowing that countless numbers of people are praying for us today and over the next few months.
In some ways, this trip is almost two years in the making. It was about two years ago that Michael first started looking into the MBA program at Eastern University. That's when we first learned about the internship requirement. It was about a year ago that we really started to pursue looking for an overseas placement, and it wasn't until the summertime that we really started feeling directed towards Rwanda and this experience.
The last few weeks have been filled with saying good-byes ("It's only for 3 months," I keep telling people), and a lot of small errands that have created a hectic schedule. Michael and I are feeling ready for some downtime on the airplane, and are expecting to need a few days to adjust to culture, time change, and a new pace of life.
We are excited beyond words and are looking forward to what the Lord will show us in the next few days and weeks and months.
And now it's off to the airport!
In a few minutes we are heading to the airport. Michael is in the other room playing with our roommates' boys one more time. We will miss the sounds of a one and two-year old running around, laughing and playing and giggling.
Mostly, it all feels surreal right now. Our money is in (we'll post final numbers after we get to Rwanda). It is such a blessing to go knowing we won't have to worry about the funds while we're there. It's also a blessing knowing that countless numbers of people are praying for us today and over the next few months.
In some ways, this trip is almost two years in the making. It was about two years ago that Michael first started looking into the MBA program at Eastern University. That's when we first learned about the internship requirement. It was about a year ago that we really started to pursue looking for an overseas placement, and it wasn't until the summertime that we really started feeling directed towards Rwanda and this experience.
The last few weeks have been filled with saying good-byes ("It's only for 3 months," I keep telling people), and a lot of small errands that have created a hectic schedule. Michael and I are feeling ready for some downtime on the airplane, and are expecting to need a few days to adjust to culture, time change, and a new pace of life.
We are excited beyond words and are looking forward to what the Lord will show us in the next few days and weeks and months.
And now it's off to the airport!
Friday, January 9, 2009
5 Days and counting
5 days until we leave and we are feeling ready. Friday's agenda is to pack our bags and make sure everything fits.
In some ways it feels funny to make a big deal about us leaving. We are only going to be gone for three months. But, as someone pointed out at our small group the other night, though it might be just an average few months here in the States, for us these three months will potentially be life changing, and may help determine our future one way or another. And, who knows how long we'll "be back" in April before we head somewhere else, depending on what happens over the next three months?
On another note, we received yet another financial update today. Actually, this update does not include support from this week, so we will probably get another update tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. We are now up to $10,436! We are so close to meeting our budget! I am so thankful that we will have peace of mind about this before we leave for our trip. We are so blessed by the amazing amount of support we've received, and I wish I could convey that better than in a simple thank you note in the mail or here on our blog.
But, I will try.
Thank you to all of you who are supporting us by committing to be a Prayer Partner for the next three months. Thank you to all of you who are supporting us financially. We have trusted the Lord to speak to each of you, you have responded, and God has Provided. All the glory goes to Him.
May we honor your offerings by clearly being open to the Lord's leadings over the next few months.
In some ways it feels funny to make a big deal about us leaving. We are only going to be gone for three months. But, as someone pointed out at our small group the other night, though it might be just an average few months here in the States, for us these three months will potentially be life changing, and may help determine our future one way or another. And, who knows how long we'll "be back" in April before we head somewhere else, depending on what happens over the next three months?
On another note, we received yet another financial update today. Actually, this update does not include support from this week, so we will probably get another update tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. We are now up to $10,436! We are so close to meeting our budget! I am so thankful that we will have peace of mind about this before we leave for our trip. We are so blessed by the amazing amount of support we've received, and I wish I could convey that better than in a simple thank you note in the mail or here on our blog.
But, I will try.
Thank you to all of you who are supporting us by committing to be a Prayer Partner for the next three months. Thank you to all of you who are supporting us financially. We have trusted the Lord to speak to each of you, you have responded, and God has Provided. All the glory goes to Him.
May we honor your offerings by clearly being open to the Lord's leadings over the next few months.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Wrist Incident
It's been wonderful to see how the Lord is continuing to provide.
This week has been filled with coffee dates, dinner dates, lunch dates, get-together dates, shopping for toiletries (this has involved multiple trips to the store already), and the first signs of packing for our trip.
One final requirement of EFM (our organization we are going to Rwanda through) is that Michael and I both get physicals so we can be deemed fit and healthy to travel. Michael had his physical yesterday, and he decided to ask the doctor about his wrist. A couple months ago he was playing on an indoor soccer team when he fell and landed on his wrist. He immediately stopped playing, and we left. Of course, both of our first thoughts were, "please don't be broken. We don't have health insurance." (That could be a whole different blog, but suffice it so say that it is very hard to find health insurance when one of us is working as a substitute and the other is finishing classes online.)
Well, it swelled and bruised within a couple days. He couldn't use it for much or it really bothered him. During this time he also was helping his parents move and was limited because of the strain it put on his wrist to lift furniture, etc. By this point we were figuring maybe it was fractured, but we knew that the doctor wouldn't do much because of the location.
Fast forward to yesterday. The doctor wrote an order for an x-ray, and because we chose to pay up front it only cost about $30, a huge relief. We decided to just get it done so we could have peace of mind, as it still bothers him often, though seems to be healing.
The doctor called today to report that yes, his wrist was fractured, but in a place where they wouldn't have been able to do anything if we had gone in when it first happened. The best news was that it looked to be healing completely and in just the right place, and the doctor advised us not to call an orthopedic surgeon who would tell us nothing could be done.
So we are thankful that the x-ray was cheap, and we feel peace of mind knowing he won't need any kind of surgery. Praise the Lord! This was just another way we've felt the Lord's presence this week as we prepare for Rwanda.
This week has been filled with coffee dates, dinner dates, lunch dates, get-together dates, shopping for toiletries (this has involved multiple trips to the store already), and the first signs of packing for our trip.
One final requirement of EFM (our organization we are going to Rwanda through) is that Michael and I both get physicals so we can be deemed fit and healthy to travel. Michael had his physical yesterday, and he decided to ask the doctor about his wrist. A couple months ago he was playing on an indoor soccer team when he fell and landed on his wrist. He immediately stopped playing, and we left. Of course, both of our first thoughts were, "please don't be broken. We don't have health insurance." (That could be a whole different blog, but suffice it so say that it is very hard to find health insurance when one of us is working as a substitute and the other is finishing classes online.)
Well, it swelled and bruised within a couple days. He couldn't use it for much or it really bothered him. During this time he also was helping his parents move and was limited because of the strain it put on his wrist to lift furniture, etc. By this point we were figuring maybe it was fractured, but we knew that the doctor wouldn't do much because of the location.
Fast forward to yesterday. The doctor wrote an order for an x-ray, and because we chose to pay up front it only cost about $30, a huge relief. We decided to just get it done so we could have peace of mind, as it still bothers him often, though seems to be healing.
The doctor called today to report that yes, his wrist was fractured, but in a place where they wouldn't have been able to do anything if we had gone in when it first happened. The best news was that it looked to be healing completely and in just the right place, and the doctor advised us not to call an orthopedic surgeon who would tell us nothing could be done.
So we are thankful that the x-ray was cheap, and we feel peace of mind knowing he won't need any kind of surgery. Praise the Lord! This was just another way we've felt the Lord's presence this week as we prepare for Rwanda.
Monday, January 5, 2009
As you can see, eight days to go before we leave and our list continues to dwindle (even though we've thought of more things to add). We are getting more excited everyday. Yesterday we were blessed with a commissioning prayer from our church community at Newberg Friends. Hearing their prayers for us and meant so much, and trusting that those prayers will continue will be the thing that sustains us through this trip.
Our week is booked with doctor's appointments, last meals and meetings with friends, store runs, and packing.
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