God's Providence...

That's right this entry is going to touch on God's providence. How is God looking out for me? This might be a silly example but it's very fresh in my mind.

Tonight while I was at work someone walked out on their bill. This happens more times than you'd like to see in the restuarant business. What these miscreants usually don't understand is that the servers are accountable for the bill and it comes out of our hard earned money.

As I mentioned earlier some young guy (probably 19 or 20) and his girlfriend walked out on their bill tonight leaving just $4 on a $14.80 bill. The people who leave a few dollars are the ones who think they are being sooooo smart. Leave a little money so it looks like they've paid up, and then the server doesn't think too much about it until they've already raced out the door.

Where does God's providence come into this you might ask. For starters I was only taken for $10.80, it could have been a much larger sum out of my pocket. Secondly, this guy wasn't so smart, he left in his seat a receipt from Blockbuster video with his name on it.

Blockbuster was kind enough to work with us on getting his phone number, but unfortunately that was a disconnected number. The disconnected number was a surprise to both Blockbuster and us, seeing as the fact that he just signed up membership to Blockbuster that very evening.

I was the first one to try the number and realize it was disconnected. This really didn't discourage me though, I still had his name and at any moment I could pick up the phone and call the police. I know that there are plenty of view points out there as to what you think I should have done in the situation...I mean somebody stole from me and I had his name.

I didn't call the police, but I did visit Blockbuster after work (it was right across the street). I felt a certain responsibility to inform them that he had given a disconnected number. I also knew from talking with the table that they weren't happy with another video store because of interest they had accrued due to late fews.

The ladies at Blockbuster were so nice to me (again God's providence). They were thankful over the phone number issue and made a note in their computers that they needed a correct number. They also volunteered making another note on my behalf stating, "Jenn from Chili's says Hi, she would also appreciate it if you could pay the remainder of your bill $10.80. A tip would also be nice, Marcus!"

I might never see that money and that's okay (I mean it's only money). But it does make me smile to think that every time this young guy goes to rent a video he's going to be reminded of my little message. This to someone who thought they were being smart and cool, getting away without paying their bill.

This whole episode tonight has made me stop and think of all the years I've waited tables and they people who've walked without paying. God's providence has been with me, for it really hasn't happened all that much to me (though I've seen it happen to others plenty). Only one other time sticks out clearly in my mind. It was a married couple and they ordered so much between the two of them. I left the check at their table and then had to check in the back for another tables order. By the time I was back they were gone and leaving me with a $80.00+ bill.

At the time I wanted to cry. I hadn't even made that much money that night. I was going to be stuck giving over all my earning from the shift and then some. It was then that I noticed the nice leather jacket the man left behind. I mean it was top quality, worth far more than $80.00. Well, again with God's providence, here I had lost out on $80.00 cash, but I had a jacket I could sell on eBay for a hundred or more.

I took the jacket and the bill back to the manager explaining the situation and my plans (we had a good laugh about stupid criminals). About two hours later though the same man walks through the door looking for his jacket in the booth. He had the nerve to come up to me asking if I had seen his jacket (I will admit he did so with some nervousness).

At the time I smiled and took pity on the man. I explained how we keep all lost and found in the back office and I would have a manager look for it. I then went back and explained the situation to the manager he came out with the jacket and the bill. I don't know what was said but in the end the man left with his jacket and the manager had the bill paid. God's PROVIDENCE!!!

Whatcha Got There?

Recently I was reading in one of my friend's blogs (YEAH Maija). She went into an account of the contents of her purse. This reminded me of a time when I was younger and was told that you could learn a lot about a person from examining their wallets.

Well avid readers you're about to learn some interesting stuff about me, here's the list of what is in my wallet at this time:

Car insurance card.
Health insurance card.
Utah state tax commission - sales card.
Utah Lighthouse Ministry business card.
Bank account numbers for VA account (probably could take that out at this time).
Preferred Savings card to the Albertsons Grocery Store.
The City Library Card.
The Salt Lake County Library Card.
Blockbuster membership card.
KOHL's card.
VA state driver's license.
A handwritten discription of me composed by the Weaver's (my Church back in Virginia) Young Adult group - I even still reconize the handwritting of the person who was asked to write the list (thanks Kyle Yoder).
Check book.
Bank cards.
Credit card.
AND change, but NO paper currency.

I don't know what all that says about me, but I'll leave it up to you all for the assumptions.

A Favor for Brendan...

That's right Brendan...here's that favor you requested, I'm posting an entry. You'd think I could let a week go by without posting an entry, but NO, some people have insatiable curiosities and have to know what's going on in my life at all times. Either that reason, or they're just bored and need some reading material : )

I had been thinking since last evening that I should post another entry. It just so happens that something interesting happened last evening and is entry worthy (atleast in my opinion).

My young adult group from Church got together for a Christmas dinner last night. It was a fairly simple evening. We visited, ate, discussed the study book we're working through, and finally played some fun get to know you games. The reason for the get to know you games is that our group is newly formed and though most people have known each other for years (and in some cases are related) there are the few of us that are new to the Church and the people in it.

For me the evening really didn't get started until we played our last game. That's when I was finally able to relax and really open up with everyone. The game was simple, we were each given a piece of paper with about 12 questions on it to answer. Once we had written our responses we turned the paper in to the designated leader (with no name attached to the sheet) and then he shuffled up the papers. A paper was picked the responses read aloud and then everyone tried to guess who it was who had written that about themselves.

The questions were plenty of fun and really started to give each of us a good idea as to who the people in the group really were (meaning their personalities). I learned things about my new friends that I never would have guessed at before.

The two most favorite questions on the sheet seemed to be, "What's your most embarrassing moment?" and "What is the craziest thing you ever done?"

For me the answers were one in the same. It was the time I went skinny dipping (with some of my female friends mind you) at the Highland Retreat camp pool. What was so embarrassing about this crazy act is (you guessed it) we were caught.

Of course everyone in the young adult group wouldn't settle for my short written answer they had to hear the whole story. Needless to say there was plenty of laughter over the story.

By the end of the evening several of the group members seemed more relaxed around me than they've ever been. A couple of them couldn't stop mentioning how they never would have guessed that about me. That kept saying how quiet and reserved I always seemed and they never would have thought me capable of something as outgoing as skinny dipping.

Hmmmm...these comments really got me thinking. For starters....PULEEZE....ME quiet and reserved....I think not. What kind of impression am I giving people here, but I've certainly never seen myself as a quiet and reserved kind of person.

Secondly....I think the whole Mennonite stereotyping is coming into play here. Most people out here don't have much experience with Mennonite communities. There is a certain mental image that comes to mind when someone mentions the word Mennonite and I've been telling people how I belong to that community. I'm afraid that even those people in my young adult group think I'm some conservative little mennonite farm girl and how they have to be on their best behavior around me or I'll be offend.

I guess I'll just have to work one shaking them from that image of me ; ) This could be fun!!!

Shots of Dr. Pepper...

For those of you who might be some what out of my social loop (more or less how I spread the news concerning my life events) I'm now back at Chili's. You'd think that three years there had been enough, but not so.

Truth be told I sought out this position so that I might have a better work schedule. Now I have more weekday and morning hours free. In fact most of my shifts are evening ones, so usually I don't have to be at work until 4:00 or 5:00 pm.

The downside in this whole equation is that I'm still occupied in the morning hours with research and writing. This means I'm still up at a decent hour and greeting the day. Lately though rising hasn't been the problem it's how I've been greeting the new day that gets me. I've been rather a grump. Why you ask? Well I work evenings and this usually means I'm not home until 11:30 or midnight, sometimes even later.

One would think I could go straight to bed (especially seeing as I'm usually dead on my feet), again not so. I'm sure servers the world over will tell you how a certain amount of time is required after each shift in order to wind down.

When you spend your working hours running around filling this order or refilling another you can't automatically shut yourself down and fall into bed...it's quite impossible. It usually takes me a good 1.5 to 2 hours to quiet myself enough to finally fall asleep.

That's usually around 1 or 2 am and then I find my alarm sounding off at 8 am the next morning. This is not at all pleasant for me since I am and always have been a 8 to 9 hour sleep kind of girl. Sure I can handle one or two nights of sleep than perfect sleep, but as those nights begin to add up I start to become one BIG grump.

Okay so there is no simple solution to this predicament. I guess my body will eventually adjust to a few less hours of sleep a night. When I was in college it adjusted (though back then I spent most of my holiday time sleeping).

I will be doing one thing in the next couple of weeks and that is knocking off the Dr. Pepper shots. It just so happens that at Chili's servers are required to use cone cups if they are thirsty (about the serving size of a shot). I tend to be quite taken with the Dr. Pepper since it's the one thing that gives me the added energy and pep for my shift. I think though if I cut out the Dr. Pepper maybe (just maybe) I could decrease the wind down time I need at the end of my shift. Who Knows!!!

They Came From Afar...

The group of people over to your left made the long trek from Virginia to Utah to be with me for the Thanksgiving Holidays. By long trek I mean a nice three hour drive to the airport, and once flying they had to make a stop to change over planes. They also made this journey at an impossibly early hour of the morning and forgoed much sleep. For all of this I'm grateful : )

The beautiful sunset for the group picture was out by the salt flats near Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake. (Looks like one of those fake backdrops doesn't it?) It's a particularly beautiful place.

So my guests arrived on Wednesday morning. The rest of that day was spent catching up on rest, taking a drive out in the country, a buying our Thanksgiving groceries. The following day (Thanksgiving Day) was spent preparing our meal for late afternoon. They ate late afternoon, how peculiar you say. Well, our timing was for good reason, we had a Utah Grizzlies hockey game we had to catch later that evening. I say you don't want to be late for hockey, that would be such a shame. And now since I'm a local to Salt Lake I had to be there to cheer on the Grizzlies, who won the game that night.

On to Friday in my recounting of the Holiday. It was Friday that we met my good friend Maija and her Aunt Annie for a tour of Temple Square. We not only got the perspective of the Sister Missionaries who lead the tours, but it was interesting to hear what Maija and her Aunt had to share throughout. Later in the day us girls went out for lunch and then shopping. My good ol' brother Brent had seen some dealerships along the way that he wanted to check out. He went off on his own for a while (I think shopping falls under too girly).

We all met back up later to go home and relax ourselves for a while before we had to return downtown for the Temple Square Lighting Ceremony and a very nice dinner. That's exactly what we did later in the evening, we strolled Temple Square looking at the 300,000 lights they had on display and then it was off too dinner at the Melting Pot (fondue...yummy). ***The above photo is of the SLC Temple during the light display of Temple Square***

Saturday was all about snow and driving. As a group we drove down south to Provo and saw where Maija lived and then she took us to one of her job sites (The Quarry - an indoor climbing wall). Later we traveled from Provo northeast to Park City (through the Provo Canyon). That is a spectacularly beautiful drive when traveling through Provo Canyon. Once in Park City it was out to lunch and then some more shopping. We really didn't stay in Park City long because it's a fairly cold place to be at this time of year. It's a good 3,000 feet higher in elevation than Salt Lake City and that tends to make a good 10-15 degrees cooler as well. The genius in the following photo thought it would be fun to sit next to the cold metal bear. She realized a second too late that the bench was also metal and very cold as well. She regretted her impulsive actions for the following five or so minutes after the picture and her bottom was thawing out.

LESSON LEARNED!!!

No pictures from Sunday I'm afraid. Our group went to Church that morning and then out to eat with some of the Church members afterwards. Then it was quickly home again to finish packing and off to the airport. End of trip as far as I'm concerned, but for my guest it was another whole 15 hours before they were done with traveling. AND for that I am grateful to them for coming anyways : )

Final Tribute to Africa...

May 28th...

This morning they took us to a black high school in the township of Khayelitsha. It was a very interesting day because no one knew what to expect. When we arrived at the school many of the students were standing outside their classrooms. We were to find out that some of the teachers just decided not to show up that day. The students say that is a problem they often face.

These high school students had plenty of questions to ask us...here is just a few examples:

"Do you have shacks where you live?"

"What is AIDS like in America?"

"How do we become as powerful as America?"

Sometimes I felt like I didn't have good answers for them. Each question and answer made me realize just how much I have to be thankful for.

We traveled for some lunch and then back the school again. Once at the school we heard the school's award winning choir perform and then their drama team.

The drama was very moving. It was about an African King who went to study at the university and lost touch with his identity, roots, and heritage. It ended with a rousing version of, "If I believe and you believe..." After the performance the school treated us to lunch (man why did we go out for lunch?)

We then headed onto the bus (van) and went to check on the scuba diving arrangements. It turns out that none of us are qualified to dive. The instructor was a wonderful host though and told us all about his scuba diving outreach. He also quickly prepared a wonderful meal for us (third lunch of the day). I was amazed by his generosity and want to always be that way myself.

We then dropped H. off at his house and our guides told us that they were taking us students out for some night life. It was a very long night and I wasn't feeling all that well. As the night progressed on I began to feel worse and worse. Eventually we were piled into the van to be taken home. After visiting with our host sisters for a while R. and I were able to finally find sleep.

I forgot to mention earlier that the police even made a big deal about us this evening. They blocked off an intersection for our van. They also cleared out a bar that we might have a safe place to party. It is very strange to be treated like celebrates just because we're American.

May 29th...

This morning I woke up in Khayelitsha only to be left alone in our host families' home. The girls went off to Saturday classes and R. and I were left to watch "Generations" a South African soap opera. I grew very bored and annoyed with the television and was happy to turn it off for the silence of the book I was reading.

Eventually the family came back and we ate a late lunch together. Then it was off to our next family home stay. We were moved from black families to coloured families. The former EMU student (and South African native) named John arranged for our family stays. Our group really got split up for places all over Cape Town. While waiting for my family John and Emily (John's wife) played the Mennonite game with me. It turns out that John knew exactly where I lived and even knew my Dad. It felt really good to be making connections with home. I think we all are getting a little anxious to be on our way home.

After some time my host family arrived and S. and I left together. We are living with Graham and Elaine Cupido and their two girls Khaylin and Stacey. This couple is very active as youth sponsors at the Lofdal Baptist Church.

We were almost immediately taken to the Church for a youth meeting. This was an area gathering of youth and a very exciting time. I longed for our youth at Weavers to be able to experience the excitement of the South African youth. Their love for the Lord came out in song, dance, and dramas. The meeting lasted almost four hours and I loved every minute of it. S. and I were even called on to come up front and share out testimonies (now is that ever a story).

After the meeting we arrived home and continued on through the evening in visiting with our family. Both Graham and Elain are night owls so they were in no hurry to go to bed. This couple is one of the busiest I've ever met, plus they raise two very active girls.

May 30th...

This morning is Sunday and that means we headed back to Church. The service was an usual one because of all the extra youth around. It was also different due to the fact that it was both in Afrikaans and English. The sermon was a true hell fire and brimstone one with an alter call at the end. The service the evening before had been an interesting one for me this one was fairly boring. It was also a very long three hour service.

After Church we met up with some of the others from our group at a potluck. Our group is so scattered through out Cape Town that not everyone was there. After the meal I assumed that Sabrina and I would be taken back home. Instead a good portion of our group was taken to the mall and then to the casino for ice skating. I had such a wonderful time on the ice, I didn't want the time to end.

Eventually though we were taken back to our host family.

May 31st...

My stay here in Cape Town is helping me come to terms with the fact that time is relative. My host family is subtly helping me understand that relationships are more important than schedules. The plan for this morning was to meet at John's home at a certain time to go and visit his daughter's school. Graham heard and agreed to these plans, but he was more interested in taking S. and I out for breakfast. It all turned out alright because John himself was an hour late. All of this African time has taught me to always be prepared for everything and to be up for anything.

The school was a very interesting experience it was definitely the most well off than any we had previously visiting in our travels. Though the teachers informed us that it was a relatively poor school. It was a primary school with blacks, coloureds and whites. For the teachers this comes with challenges, such as language and poverty. The children here were very well behaved and organized. The principle of the school was very generous with us in giving of her time and also in serving us tea and coffee.

The girls walked us home from school and we were served fish and chips for a late lunch. Eventually Elaine and Graham picked us up and we all ran errands for the evening meal. The whole family went a relatives home for a 9:00 dinner of potjie. Prepared in a dutch oven with oil, garlic, onions, potatoes, tomato stew, chicken, pork, salt (and maybe a few other ingredients). This is a very popular dish in South Africa.

The conversation was very good that evening and I learned about the "West Cape Smile." It turns out that it is the fashionable thing here in the area to have the top front four teeth removed. The denture industry is in high demand for designer teeth to replace them. It is also quite acceptable to leave the gap there. People are very proud here of their missing teeth and pay good money to have them removed.

June 1st...

Today was a day of much confusion and frustration. I was proud of myself for taking it all in stride. When others in the group complained I told myself not to take on their comments, but to just enjoy the moment.

It all started with the bus being several hours late in picking up the group. Then it took quite some time to gather all the students from their various locations. Eventually we all made it to the Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison in Cape Town.

Being at the prison was an eye opening experience for me. The prison was over crowded by one hundred and seventy-six percent. As a group we went into two different cells. The first didn't seem so crowded, but the second was a different story. Where only twenty should have been there were seventy-nine men.

We visited the juvenile prison and most the youth there were still waiting to be sentenced. The average wait is two to four years for a trial.

The food there is another issue the prisoners are served breakfast and the lunch and dinner together. The food looked really disgusting too. It was the incentive I needed never to end up in a South African jail.

After our prison visit we went out to Boulders to check out the penguins. I learned an important lesson about penguins, they are stinky, smelly animals.

Shortly after we left for Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope), but it was so expensive that we only saw it from a distance.

Next on our agenda was a very long ride home. The bus was crowded and it took almost three hours to get people home. Eventually Graham came from S. and I and took us out for ice cream and chips (french fries) at 11:00 p.m. Talk about random eating habits.

June 2nd...

This morning S. and I quickly packed to leave our host family. Before arriving at John's home Graham took us out for breakfast again. He reminds me a lot of my own Dad who would rather go out for a meal than have to fix one for himself.

The bus eventually arrived at John's home for us. It took us to our next destination in Cape Town, which was the hostel Ashanti. Being back with the group is a nice feeling. Here we are a fairly large group with so many different personalities. It's been a little shocking how we have bonded together. It'll be interesting to see how connected we stay in the following months or years.

At Ashanti life became much more our own will. For dinner H., K., H., and I went to an Asian restaurant and I had the best sweet and sour chicken ever.

Trying to fall asleep was quite a struggle. The bar in this hostel is right over our room and the music and footsteps make it really impossible to sleep. This is quite a party hostel.

June 3rd...

This morning I woke up after an awful night's sleep. R. and I traveled to the Holocaust Center here in Cape Town. The pictures weren't nearly as graphic as those you see in the Washington D.C. Holocaust Museum, but they showed a horrific history. The tour was also much shorter, it probably took one hour to view the entire exhibit.

What I found interesting was the introduction of the exhibit that examined the similarities between apartheid and the holocaust. So often leaders in the South African Nationalist Party were educated in Germany. It explains the similarities between segregation of black and white and the segregation of jew and gentile.

After the museum we went out for lunch at a cute little muslim cafe. There I had a true South African sandwich called a Gatsby. Mine was made with chicken curry, lettuce, tomato, mayo and chips (french fries). It was probably the best thing I eaten since coming here.

Then it was off to do a little shopping in the market. I'm starting to get better at bartering, but I'm still not very good. I don't want to cheat people, so I give in a little high.

I stayed at the hostel for dinner. And went out with the the group later for a drink. All in all it was a fairly relaxing evening.

June 4th...

This morning R. and I went down to the market and sat for almost three hours while our hair was being braided. I learned an important lesson, never believe the braiders when they tell you it will only take forty minutes.

Immediately after we both did some massive shopping at the market. I had a shopping list and stuck to it getting everything I wanted. I believe my family will be impressed with their gifts.

All the shopping took us late into the afternoon. Once back at the hostel we met up with the Table Mountain hiking group. They had such wonderful experiences to share.

Later in the evening we went as an entire group to a restaurant called "Mama Africas." It was such delicious food and very fancy too. I ordered the smoked chicken salad...YUM!

On the walk back to the hostel B. and I stopped off at "Mugg and Bean" for some chocolate cake to go. A few of us stayed up for a short while eating cake and visiting, then it was off to bed.

June 5th...

I woke up this morning to rain. Today is the first real bad weather day since we arrived in Africa. It was a little upsetting since most of us were given extra money by H. and wanted to spend it at the market. Now because of the rain the market is closed and no one is sure how to spend their money.

I went around to some indoor shops in the morning and all I found were some postcards. I made the decision not to spend my money on alcohol like some people in our group, instead I'm going to get some candy to give out to my youth kids back at Weavers.

The rest of the afternoon was spent watching movies. In the evening almost the entire group went to the Mexican Kitchen, except for B., M., and I. The three of us went to St. Elmo's for dinner. It was a very pleasant experience to spend time in a small group.

After dinner I spent the majority of the evening with B., and M. A memorable M. quote came out of the evening.

***Edited out Quote...not as funny as I first thought it was***

This quote came out of the frustration of having his shirt stolen on top of sixty-eight rand.

I went to bed early to be well rested for our flight back home tomorrow.

June 6th...

Another rainy morning in Cape Town. Today though is Sunday and we fly out this afternoon.

I had extra rand I had to use up, so I got myself a calling card. I called home and woke Dad up, but he still sounded happy to hear from me. It sounds like everything has been well while I've been away. I'm excited to share my stories and pictures with everyone.

THE END

Not Done with Africa Yet...

May 24th...

Today we drove about five hours to Stellenbosh, South Africa. The majority of our day was spent in traveling. Once we arrived at our destination the time was spent settling in to our accomendations.

A small group of us decided that we wanted Italian for dinner. We made our way to the only Italian restaurant in Stellenbosh. There the owner began giving us attitude from the about the moment we walked in the door. M. got frustrated easily and gave attitude back and we were quickly asked to leave. I don't remember when I've been so embarassed.

We ended up dining at "De Akker" the third oldest pub in South Africa. The food was great there but the service was a little slow. So far I have not been all that impressed by Stellenbosh.

May 25th...

Some in our group left this morning for wine touring. Stellenbosh is famous for its wines and its a cultural experience being here. Those of us who didn't want to go wine touring went to visit Stellenbosh University. It was such an impressive university, it had a mall for a food court. It was also interesting to hear the english and africaans used on the campus. This is a place I would want to study at. I realize this next comment is not very scholarly or something I'll use in my paper to H., but I have to say the men on this campus are all so very good looking. The Afrikaan men are very well built and it's easy to see why they make such good rugby players. Too bad I don't like those body builder types, oh well, it's not like I'm going to be studying at Stellenbosh University any time soon.

M. and I did a little shopping together. It was good spending time with a friend who I find easy to talk to. The rest of the afternoon was spent back at the hostel reading.

For dinner I made my own food basotho style. It was rice, gravy and hot dogs. Then for dessert K., S., and I went to a dessert restaurant called the "Naked Truth." I had a piece of chocolate cake that was to die for. The service was even great and the atmosphere was even better.

Earlier in the evening I had a chance to talk with M. over event taking place on this trip. It felt good to vent with someone.

May 26th...

For the most part today was reather boring. I spent the morning shopping with K., and S. at some of the better stores in Stellenbosh. The afternoon was spent reading and hanging around the Stumble Inn.

There was some conflict today about H. traveling to the beach with only part of the group. The beach does not interest me so I felt unaffected by the argument.

I went out to dinner at a high scale seafood restaurant called the "Fishmonger." It was different for me to be at a ritz place like that and be able to afford everything (great exchange rate).

After dinner I went with part of our group to the pub crawl organized by the Stumble Inn. We went to four bars and had a shot at each plus other drinks that we purchased. Someone in our group had several shots before we even left and was pretty far gone. He made an amusing drunk compared to those who don't, he kept making comments like, "NEXT!!" I was tired and not feeling good by the end, but it still was a fun night.

May 27th...

This morning we took our time getting ready because in the afternoon we are heading out for our next home stays.

We are all leaving with some uncertainty because we are not sure what to expect. And when we did arrive our plans were completely out of our control. Instead of staying with one family for the week we were being place with two different families. Our first family would be black and we would be living in Khayelitsha (the second largest township in South Africa).

Before meeting our families though we were expected to sit through some dancing routines. The dancing was done by youth from the Hope Center. The Hope Center also hosted the Way of Life Church, which is very active in the community.

Eventually we arrived at our respective host families. The house was very busy when R. and I arrived there. A group of teenage girls were here waiting for our arrival. It was a very busy evening of ansering questions, dancing and listening to their teenage escipades.

A few of the girls needed to go to the store for a few items and they took me with them. Before we even left they had me take off my earrings and take all money out of my pockets. I was followed in the streets for being a white person (a little unsettling having that kind of popularity because of the color of my skin). With my friends I was quite safe, but they told us stories of crime in Khayelitsha.

In Memory Of...

My Aunt Irene passed away on Sunday, she had cancer. Her funeral was today and I would have liked to have been there, but being that I'm out in Utah it wasn't quite feasible. I did have a chance to talk with my Mom today, and we spent some time remembering the fun things about my aunt.

As far as I'm concerned my Aunt Irene was a free spirit for her generation. She taught me a good bit about living life fully. For starters, I learned that you're never too old to learn something new. My aunt didn't learn to drive until she was in her 70's. Of course at the time I didn't see it as a great accomplishment, for she was the slowest driver you'd ever find yourself behind. Riding with my aunt meant making frequent stops along the side of the road to allow the half dozen to a dozen irate followers to pass. The point here was not how accomplished (or unaccomplished) she was at the skill of driving, it's that she got out there and did it.

My Aunt Irene (along with my Aunt Beanie) took my sister and I on a day trip up to Hot Springs when we were children. I always remember getting up to the springs and changing into my bathing suit to go swimming in the naturally heated water. There were two bath houses there one for men and another for women, each in separate and private areas. Of course we were in the one for women and upon entering I was surprised (in a very childlike fashion) to see women swimming without there swimsuits. Then to my greater astonishment my two aunts take off there towels and instead of swimsuits they were naked too. I had never heard of swimming without any clothes on and was completely shocked. My aunts enter into the water, and then my aunt Irene looks up at me and my sister still standing there wondering what to do, and she tells us not to worry that it's okay to skinnydip.

The message didn't take hold that particular day, but later in my high school days I certainly remembered it, "it's okay to skinnydip." I'm grateful for my aunt Irene who gave me that valuable bit of information.

I could dig up all sorts of wonderful memories about my aunt Irene, from her teaching me to sew pockets, to our walks together, to just playing her very child friendly basement. She was a very special woman and she'll always be remembered in my heart. Aunt Irene I looked forward to the day when we meet again in God's presence. BLESSINGS!!!

Back to Africa...

May 20th...

Today we left Lesotho for South Africa and there was some definite sadness as I hugged my two host sisters goodbye. They were so happy for us (to be traveling), which is so amazing considering they will probably never see the places we will on this trip.

The drive into South Africa was long and bumpy. There was some motion sickness going on, especially for M. We had to pull the bus over for him to throw up. It was rather amusing to watch him bring breakfast back up, while at the same time friendly waving to the basotho persons who were watching him from a side dirt road. I have to say M. is friendly to an extreme.

We were on the road for about seven hours before we arrived at the Zebra National Park in South Africa. Once we arrived into the park I moved into our comfortable little home with my new roommates; K., R., K.

Shortly there after we took a tour of the park and saw many new animals. Eventually, we even saw some zebras, but that took awhile.

After our tour we came back and made dinner of spaghetti and bread. Then there was plenty of great desserts. I'm really enjoying spending time with other people in our group.

I'm looking forward to the next part of our trip and all the tourists attractions. Again I am especially looking forward to the phone and internet access. I have been in my own little world here and I'm anxious to know what is going on around me.

Today in our travels I saw my first white children of Africa. It seemed very strange to see them playing there by the side of the road.

May 21st...

This morning we headed out away from Zebra National Park for Plettenberg Bay. It was a nice long trip, but fortunately not as long as the day before. We were able to see a lot of great sites along our journey. Our passenger bus passed by the world's biggest bungy jump. It was completely insane how long the jump was. You'll never find me going back there to take the fall.

Once we arrived at the beach a good number of us made our way to the computers. I was happy not to receive any disturbing news from home. After I spent time online it was off to the beach. The view was absolutely incredible with the coast line and the mountains. The water was very cold, but I can now say I've been in the Indian Ocean.

It is different being here at Plettenberg Bay. There is definitely a dividing line between the "haves" and the "have nots". I also don't feel quite safe here and more often than not I like to have one of the guys walk with me.

We went out to dinner (a group of four girls) and while walking back some drunk men were calling after us. I can't imagine living in that environment of fear for most of my life. As it is I'm already a little stressed out.

May 22nd...

This morning started very early for me when a naked drunk man walked in to our room (there was six of us females sharing a room) and climbed into bed with J. I first woke to someone entering the room and thought it was L. trying to get into the bunk over mine after going to the restroom. I went back to sleep when the person moved on and then woke again to J. telling someone they had the wrong room and to get out. J. ran from the bed, and N. ran to get H. The problem was that H. was in another building and she came back with four of the guys (yeah for EMU boys) and our bus driver. I stayed in my bed with the blanket over my head simply terrified, as this guy in the bunk over made noises and disturbed us all. I remember feeling so much better when I looked up and there were the boys standing in the doorway. They got this strange man to leave and it turns out he worked for the hostel.

When H. heard of the situation I felt that he handled it very well. Even later in the evening he brought the group together to talk about the incident and stress understanding on the guy's part. I appreciate the sensitivity that most of the guys had over the situation, especially to how vulnerable we ladies felt on the issue.

For me the morning was spent shopping and going out for lunch with R. It was a really relaxful afternoon and helped to take my mind off the earlier events of the day.

During the afternoon hours I decided to walk down to the beach and since no one was available to go with me I went by myself (It was daylight and a very public street). This decision sparked some controversy by a few members of the group, especially after earlier events. Now I'm starting to wonder what sort of level of precaution is good and what is letting fear take to much to hold. I refuse to let fear rule my life.

We had dinner down by the beach. The view was gorgeous, the food excellent and the drinks a little strong for my liking. I loved every minute of it, until I went to the restroom. I was in the bathroom when a guy with dark hair began talking to me through the window. He had been watching me and decided to make me aware of his presence. I felt like all my privacy had been invaded that day and I just broke down. So much for my previous thoughts this afternoon over not letting fear take over.

It was on the walk back to the hostel that I really had a break down over the awful things of the day. I felt as if the man from the window was still watching me, and I couldn't stop from shaking. I couldn't calm myself down until we were back to the hostel and H. held me while I cried, it was like being home with my Dad.

Later that night some of our group went out dancing. I made a point of going, just to get my mind off of the rest of the day. Turns out the evening ended on a really high note and out group had a lot of fun.

May 23rd...

This is Sunday morning and we are leaving Plettenberg Bay for Outsdoorn, South Africa. The drive was only about two hours, but it was enough to see the injustices of what apartheid has brought to this country (even ten years after it's been abolished)

It's hard to drive by tin homes (townships) on the outskirts of towns and then see the wealth of each town. These people who were once forced to live in these homes and are still unable to afford differently. To live in such poverty, in home that are not even constructed properly.

Apartheid...I can't even imagine the anger some must have had (and maybe still do), to be denied so much based on the color of their skin. Then to see the peace these people practice and know once the system of colored segregation was gone. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.

Today we went to the Ostrich farm. It was an interesting experience. I was able to sit on an ostrich and take lots of cool pictures.

That evening back at the hostel we ate a delicious meal of Ostrich steaks and sausages . Ostrich tastes a lot like beefs without all the fat...yum.

Cowboy Poetry and Buckaroo Fair...

This past Saturday was spent at the Cowboy Poetry and Buckaroo Fair, held in Heber City, Utah. I had a marvelous time there, and enjoyed meeting some new friends and hanging out with others I've known for awhile. The picture to the right was of the Bar J Wranglers, a western group from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. These guys harmonized so well together, plus they are each talented instrumentalists in their own right.

Not only were these guys about their music they also added plenty of humor to the show. I was out right laughing most of the time. The picture to the left is of "granny". She sure was the ugliest woman I ever saw, the facial hair sure didn't help her image ;-)

These guys mentioned that they have a seasonal dinner theater up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It's operational only during the summer months and they tour the rest of the year. I've never been to Jackson Hole, but if I'm ever there I most definitely want to see the Bar J Wranglers again.

Hope You Ain't Tired of Hearing About Africa???

May 17th...

Today is Brent's birthday and in our group it is N.'s as well. This morning we left the village and headed back to the lodge. I really didn't feel like I belonged at the lodge, the village sort of became my home. We unpacked our belonging and then it was off to the clinic garden for work.

To be honest I wasn't really looking forward to the work and becoming a human plough once again, especially since I knew it would be Wednesday until we finished. I kept reminding myself that I should be thankful for my health and strength that I was able to do such work. H. had promised us a surprise and I was really hoping that it was a horse and plough. We were almost finished when I heard the distant sound of an engine. Then over the hill appears a Ford tractor and plough. I was filled with such awe and thankfulness. At home a tractor would never have impressed me, but here in Lesotho it is a thing of wonder.

This afternoon we traveled to the cultural museum near the lodge. It was a very well done in that it showed the traditional rondavel with added gardens. It was started by a local basotho man who wanted to share his cultural history with others. For being locally done and funed I thought it was very impressive. I especially enjoyed the plant that was thought to clean your ovaries (who ever thought of such a thing).

Everyone seems very thankful to be back in the comforts of the lodge. I still feel though as if I don't quite belong here. It's like I should be getting my water and heading back to the village.

Last night it rained for the first time since we have arrived here in Lesotho. It followed with a brief shower later today. The sky and the thunder promise more rain tonight. This is wonderful for these people who are living in almost constant drought.

May 18th...

This morning I awoke feeling much better from last night's upset stomach.

I am very thankful here of late for simple little luxuries. Like the breakfast this morning of eggs, bacon, toast and hot tea. I'm also resolved that out of my thankfulness I will rejoice more in my life.

This morning morning we traveled to the clinic with water bottles full and we were back in a half an hour with empty water bottles. The planted onions and lemon trees are very happy though.

I plan on spending the rest of my afternoon reading and studying. Even a little visit to the handicraft store.

Later afternoon I spent at m'e Theresia's we had some very good laughs, but none better than over impressions. They do this really great impression of the "princess".

Before going to bed D. was emphasing the importance of relationships in the group. I sat back and listened with doubt because I don't see important relationships coming out of this group (at least not for me). I even value the relationships with the village more highly than some in our group.

***Important Post Script that was not included in original journal***

Some of my most valued friendships came out of this cross cultural experience. I want any of you reading this to understand that the previous paragraph was one of those instances where I was completely wrong and have no justifiable excuse for my opinion at that time.

May 19th...

Today is our last day at the lodge in Lesotho and I'm preparing to leave with some sadness. I'm also becoming more and more excited about traveling on to South Africa. I'm most excited about hooking up with internet access and connecting with home. As much as I'm concerned with home events I'm sure my family is really anxious about my welfare. My friend are probably ready to hear word from me by now.

Today is being spent in preparations to leave and in studying for our two quizzes tonight. I also have my group presentation to prepare for. On top of all this I'm trying to make time for my host family.

I went out into the village for lunch and was followed around by a couple of basotho men that wanted to marry me. I made it back to the lodge with ausi (sister) Justinna, because she didn't like these guys following me around.

I'm sure I did better on the book quiz than I did on my sesotho quiz. Then we had our usual steak dinner and I had papa one last time. I had a pretty nasty headache all during the meal. It wasn't more than a couple advil could handle.

We ended up not giving our group prsentation because H. was not feeling well. I choose to finish packing and go to bed early.

Keeping With the Africa Trend...

May 15th...

Today M'e Theresia is home and cleaning up a storm. When I try to help she stops my actions because she wasnts to do this for her daughters (well that's what she keeps telling me). This is her way of giving to us, such a beautiful gift I might add. The basotho have taught me much about giving, a truer form of giving than I've probably ever experienced. Sharing when you have almost nothing so that everyone has something. D. probably thinks I'm being carried away by this spirit, but in my heart I feel that I finally know what it means to give, as in how God wants us to.

Later in the morning we started our work in the clinic garden. It was a lot of weeding and a lot more turning of the hard earth. What I wouldn't have given for my mother's garden tiller. We still have so much work to be done. It will take plenty of our hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to finish it all.

I spent most of my afternoon by myself. I really enjoyed the hours away from people. I also really enjoyed my evening spent with friends and villagers.

I can't believe I'm less than half way through this cross cultural. It seems like so much time has passed since leaving my family. I'm actually getting anxious to hear what is happening back home. It will be really nice when I have an internet connection or I'm able to use a phone.

As much as I am surrounded by people I still feel alone here. My host family doesn't really know me and I really haven't found anyone in our group that I relate closely with. So I always feel a loneliness for family and friends.

I also feel very single here in Africa. African girls my age are usually married and maybe they have a baby or two. At the very least they are in a serious relationship. I have none of these things and it is continually rubbed in my face. Even most of the girls in our group have boyfriends they speak of frequently. And I'm constantly made aware of D. and B.'s special friendship. It is definitely all around me, making me wish the same for myself.

The funny thing is that I know I could have almost any basotho man I wanted. HaHaHa!!! They stop me in the village and tell me they love me or like last evening they yell, "I love you," for the whole village to hear. I think it has something to do with my basotho name Lerato which means love. Why can't it be this way for me in America, HeHe!!

May 16th...

Last evening several families came together to sing to a few of our group. It was a very enjoyable evening. As in basotho tradition they asked us to sing after they finished. I really enjoy the music of Lesotho and the happiness each song brings.

This morning we went to another African Independent Church. I was less impressed by this service than last weeks. I had a harder time understanding the service and was less involved. At some point I would like to understand the level of involvement compared to interest gained, nice study idea.

Today M. is sick and says he will not be coming to the mokete (feast). Poor guy he really looks like he needs his rest.

I went for water at the lodge and by chance was able to meet the Queen of Lesotho. We spoke to her of school in American. It turns out that she is a student at Colombia University and studying economics. She is very young, about twenty-eight and pregnant with her second child. She was very nice, but seemed spoiled. She said life was very busy for her in New York, what with her classes and shopping. Even her rings and earrings were huge diamonds. All of this in contrast to the poverty in the village.

Later in the afternoon we enjoyed a wonderful mokete (feast) provided by our host mothers. Then the village came together in song and dance. I have many pictures of the event, but none can capture the true African essence that I experienced.

The evening time was spent with our respective host families, ours played many card games. Notes of thanks were given and the remaining gifts. I spent time teaching the camp version of Amazing Grace to my family.

More From Africa...

May 12th...

With each passing day I'm becoming more and more at home in the village. I'm finding my way around the home and not feeling like a guest as much. As I become more self-sufficent the family treats me as one of their own.

This morning I helped by fixing and serving breakfast. It was a quiet accomplishment of mine. For me it is all about doing things the basotho way. I have all sorts of things I could say or do that would improve upon the basotho way, but I keep my mouth shut. I want to be the learner during this time not the teacher. With the exception of teaching m'e Theresia some new card games.

Later in the morning we went to the lodge to hear Michael (a white South African) speak of growing up during aparthied. His father had a government job and was forced to move because of his work with the blacks. He talks now of affirmative action that makes it really difficult for white men to find employment. Also certain black Africans would like it if the whites would return to their home country. This is a problem though because white South Africans today have been born in South Africa for many generations. They can't return because they have nothing to return to.

It is amazing to me how giving the basotho are, they often wait until we are given then they take smaller portions among themselves. So different from some Americans who are out for all they can get for themselves.

Today I washed myself from a bucket. The trick is to start with the head and work your way down the body. I would never had thought that I would ever clean myself in a bucket, but I did.

We also cleaned a whole load of clothes from the water in three buckets. The first bucket contained soap, the next was rinse water, and the last was frabric softener. It was my job to hang the clothes on the line to dry.

As part of the washing I helped to bring water from the well. I decided to carry my water bucket back in true basotho style by carrying it on my head. At first I succeeded in getting myself quite wet. Then Justinna showed me the trick of placing the bucket towards the front of my head and tilting my chin upwards.

May 13th...

This morning I asked of D. the question that has been plaguing me all week. Here in the house is another young woman, she is not treated like a daughter, but she seems to be part of the family. D. answered the question in that she is the family's servant. I'm really beginning to understand that my host family has much wealth in the midst of great poverty. Even other students from our group are impressed when entering our home. Their wealth probably has something to do with why they are able to house three students instead of two.

Last evening after dinner the family came together to sing to R. D. and myself. The harmony was perfect among them and the sesotho was beautiful in melody. After several songs they turned to us in true basotho fashion and told us it was our turn to sing to them. Since R. and D. refused to sing I sang several songs on my own. I've never really considered myself a singer I just like to sing, but I'll admit that it was a special gift to have them praise my voice, no one has ever told me that I sing well (I'll cherish the compliment even though it was probably given out of politeness).

We went to the high school this morning. It was a very unorganized affair, but you can tell that some learning is taking place. My class was studying english and we were asked to do the work along side the students. Of course this was stuff I learned back in middle school and haven't had much use for since then, so I was feeling pretty rusty and on the spot. My work was accurate though, even if I was originally unsure of the results. We were able to take plenty of pictures at the secondary school as well as the primary school near by.

D. is sick this afternoon. Her stomach is bothering her and she has a low grade fever. Mostly she is upset because she can't spend time with B.

Today unlike other days is going by very slowly. I haven't really been able to spend time with Justinna or Malesa. I've been busy with the course work of this cross cultural experience.

I'm starting to realize there is such a thing as staying busy at a slower pace. Remaining productive, yet being able to enjoy life and relationships. M'e Theresia is a wonderful example of someone who accomplishes much, yet is still focused on relationships. I'm learning that I have much in my life that is keeping me away from what is important. Television or the internet has never given me much joy or lasting memories. Relating with others and spending time in nature has brought me considerable happiness.

May 14th...

I can't believe this week in the village is almost at an end. I have learned so much about life and relationships. I have also learned to make many new foods, play new games and sing new songs. One of my favorite foods includes spaghetti and gravy. Gravy consists of diced onions and tomatoes sauted in oil. The spaghetti had a little sausage added for flavoring, I believe. A new game I learned the first evening was a mix between kick ball and dodgeball. The teams are evenly divided with one up to kick and another in the outfield. A pitcher rolls the ball to the team lined up. Someone will kick the ball in grounds/bounds. The kicking team will then run towards a line in the outfield and back. The outfiend team will recover the ball and try to hit as many kickers as possible. If hit you remain out for the inning. The sides switch if the whole team is outed or someone from the outfield catches a fly ball. There is no keeping score in this game, no winners or losers.

This morning I gave the extra clothes I brought with me away (I brought them for that express purpose). There seems to be much rejoicing by my sister Justinna. She loves clothes and fashions. I can think of many things I would like to send in a Christmas package to my family. Especially for my sisters I would like to send clothes, new clothes.

Our younger sister returned from school last evening. She was really missing her Mom so she decided to skip a day of school and have a long weekend at home. She brings a lot of life with her and many laughs. I learned last evening that she is only ten years old and going to school so far away in Maseru.

Today is a day of relaxation. We have no immediate plans until this afternoon and choir practice. I'm really looking forward to sings some sesotho songs. I feel very privledged to have been invited to join the choir while I'm here.

This afternoon I've been resting and thinking of home. At home it would be easy to steal some time for myself, here it almost seems rude. Like I should be spending time always with others, especially my host family. What I really want is to be reading my fiction book. It is very hard to find personal time here. Only a couple more days though, and this comes with mixed blessings. I enjoy my family and their company, but I feel for certain comforts and for home.

Justinna was just telling me about the "mareshi" a Lesotho gang. This gang usually is found wearing all white. The police also can beat anyone wearing all white, because they are assumed part of the gang. I learned this information after walking by such a man dressed in all white here in little ol' Malaelae.

I asked my sister Justinna this afternoon if she could go anywhere in the world where would she go. Her responses resided right in Lesotho or South Africa. She couldn't even imagine going beyond those two areas. I wonder if she has a hard time seeing past her own world, and if I don't fall into that same category sometimes.

Africa Continued...

May 9th...

Today is Mother's Day and I celebrated by moving in with my new mother. The whole day has been filled with so much, first going to Church and then moving into my new surroundings.

Church this morning was full of new sights, sounds and smells. We arrived to a building about the size of our living room. Absolutely no sitting room in the stuffy building with two small windows. The windows let in a little light, but it was still fairly dark. You really felt the spirit among all the believers. It was a very joyous celebration. The service included bible reading, prayer, song, dancing and prayer for healing. I stood near the window so I wouldn't overheat and M. kept me company. It was amazing to me how the spirit moved I couldn't understand the language, but the meaning seemed to be clear.

After Church we headed back to the lodge for our last long rest. I packed up what I would need for the village stay and it seems like so much.

When we first arrived in the village it was a little overwhelming with all the relatives in for the funeral. M'e Theresia is dressed in morning now for the death of her eldest daughter. M'e Theresia and all the sisters have their hair shorn in morning. The sisters seem embarassed by their lack of hair. The family (extended) was staying on one more night feasting and drinking Basotho beer. No one seems terribly upset over the death of their family member.

In fact for our arrival there was singing and dancing and plenty of games. The games included the young and the old, but they were fun for all.

For dinner I was given the traditional Basotho meal...big dinners. It was chicken, boiled cabbage and papa. I was only able to finish half of my meal and my sister finished the rest. In our group only R. was able to finish his entire meal and he looked like he was suffering.

The evening ended by going to bed early and taking some pills to help sleep.

May 10th...

I awoke this morning to water being poured and realized that my m'e was standing nake before my bed and washing herself. She saw that I was awake and told me to go back to sleep, I was onoly too happy to comply. Breakfast was a great thing of bread and eggs and I was happy to eat. After breakfast I spent time washing the dishes and myself. Then it was to school to see m'e Theresia teach her students. She gave us a great lesson about composition. The lesson seemed to be in a wonderful African style with much animation. After visiting m'e Theresia's classroom we went around to the other rooms and helped with lessons and watch their lunch hour. Lunch is fixed for the students everyday and sometimes it is the only meal they will have. The students often eat their meal of papa and boiled cabbage in pencil boxes.

After school we came home to a wonderful meal of rice, mashed potatoes and curried hot dogs. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing cards, reading and journaling.

I'm still trying to find my place in this house. So far I've been able to wash dishes and make my first batch of papa. Other than that I feel more like their guest and less like part of the family. My favorite family member is M'e Theresia but she is gone so often in the day that I'm forced to be with Justinna and Peter's girlfriend. Even my favorite little sister left for school in Maseru today. I think though she was very pleased with the gifts I gave her.

May 11th...

This morning I awoke to sesotho. M'e Theresia woke us by way of, "O robeste joang?" (You slept well?) I don't think too clearly in the morning, especially when it is a foriegn language. My dreams have been mostly of home and Chili's (man that's weird), it is my escape from life here in the village.

It seems to me that most people are just trying to endure this week, rather than enjoy it. I can't say that everything is pleasant, but I am finding peace in life here. There is a peaceful, easy way of living here that some would call laziness, but I find to be living life.

One thing I've noticed is that everyone in the village is out looking after one another. If someone is in need another is willing to give. The three hundred membrs of the village is like one big family.

This morning I helped by make a traditional breakfast of "le shilly shilly." I was alone in the kitchen, with the exception of my two host sisters. I watched as they picked dead bugs out of the meal that makes "le shilly shilly"...yummmmm. When the R. and D. joined us for breakfast when it was all prepared I decided against filling them in on the dead bug incident. This was definitely a case of what you don't know won't hurt you.

Then I stood by while R. made bread dough from...flour, salt, sugar, yeast and water (nothing special). The family loved to watch on and see this sight of a man kneading dough.

Today as a group we traveled to the clinic to listen to a lecture on AIDS in Africa. About 30 percent of Lesotho is infected with the virus. That's amazing to me that 3 out of every 10 people I meet are probably infected. Education is being done and people are starting to practice safe sex. It's not enough though because there still remains a stigma about using condoms.

There also remains a stigma around the infected person. We met an elderly woman today who shared with us her experience with AIDS. Only her close family knows that she has been infected. She does not want to share with the village afraid of the stigma it would put upon her and her children. She shared with us today that her life has been made much better by a new diet, which includes...lemon, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, pronutro, ginger and brazil nuts. To have enough of these ingredients to last one month would cost around two hundred rand, which is about thirty american dollars. This kind of money is beyond the means of basotho people. For an American thirty dollars is easily spent going out for dinner. So one meal for an American is equivalent to a month of health for an African with AIDS.

The evening before m'e Theresia was telling us that the student fee was one hundred and nine rand a year. In dollars this about 16 dollars. This feel pays for the child's texts, teacher's fees and a lunch each day. Sometimes this fee is beyond the families means and the community will contribute. Often though the child will just not go to school. It is the performances by the choir and bad that help support the families that can't afford the fees.

Today we went to visit Brian and Steve in the lower village. One the way we ran into a basotho man (elderly) who spoke english very well. He asked me a very profound question (though it might not seem so to everyone) "If we are only in Lesotho a very short time why do we learn sesotho?" I replied that it is important to learn much so we are able to share much with others. I hope that wasn't too cliche? I'm afraid it was though.

This afternoon began a break in the ice with my family. Things I thoughts so differently before now seem comfortable, even the idea of using a bucket in the middle of the night instead of the outhouse. The relationships with my family are growing and I'm enjoying their company more.

My sister Justinna (the most distant) even wanted to braid my hair today. I first noticed the change when Malesa (Peter's girlfriend) said she would not leave for Maseru she didn't want to leave us. I think things became better between Justinna and myself when I helped bring up water and D. stayed back. It gave us a chance to bond just the two of us.

Africa...One Day At a Time

I'm sharing my Africa experience just as I first wrote it...not very literary I might add.

Names are being protected by only using the first letter of the first name. Understand though that there were multiple people in our group that shared this first letter, so that keeps some anonimity.

Enjoy!!!

May 3rd...

Arrived in Lesotho today and culture shock has begun to set in. The trip has seemed so long and tiring, and now I'm ready for a shower and clean clothes.

What has impressed me most about Africa so far is the relationships that seem so prevalent. These relationship are apparent in how Africans relate to one another and how they relate to our group. The attitude here seems to be very relaxed and easy-going. The Africans are truly interested in relating to each one of us.

As I came into the airport I decided to thank my customs worker in sesotho. She was more than surprised she was very happy with my effort. Her response was to help me learn new sesotho.

I was really unsure of how our group would do together. Actually I had serious doubts that most of us would get along. The beginning of our trip has proven to me that those doubts were undfounded. We have really begun to bond and support one another.

The layover in London was quite nice. We were able to see Buckingham Palace and the surrounding gardens. Two interesting events took place while we were there, a filming of a television drama and a Michael Jackson support rally/dance.

May 4th...

Greeted this morning by the African sunrise. Waking in the mountains today was liken to waking at Granddaddy Vance's farm. The birds were chirping and Africans were moving and talking.

We went for a very very long hike today. It ended up being much longer (not in distance just in time) than we had anticipated. It started with traveling through a village of the friendliest Africans and then traversing down a little goat trail.

It was down the little goat trail that R. twisted her ankle and the group had to come together to help her. Now that it's in the past I look back and realize it was a great bonding experience for us. It was such a relief though when we made it up the last hill to the village and the truck came towards us to take us home. R. had the best one liner in the back of the truck, "My hiney is happy."

May 5th...

Today we practiced sesotho in pairs and M. asked to pair up with me. It was good to be practicing.

We then went hiking on the most difficult hike yet and I became sick from the heat. It was amazing though how the group rallied around me. Even when I felt like I was holding them back.

I eded up spending the later part of the afternoon resting, while the rest of the group went to visit the village families. Everyone came back excited and filled with stories about their host homes.

The before dinner band and dancing was so African that I couldn't help but be happy. The dinner was large and they served steak again...yum.

The evening ended on a high note with drinking and card play, the group was...D., B., M., and S. It was a really fun group.

I'm still in shock that I'm in Africa. Happy to be here, yet really missing home. Life seems so hard and dirty here, and I'm use to busy and clean. We do stay busy her, but its at a slower pace. I'm glad I didn't bring my watch, because no one here is concerned with time.

May 6th...

Today was my breaking point and by early evening I was holding back tears. I was hungry and tired, but more than anything completely physically exhausted. Today was the third hike of our three day stay here and the steep incline kicked my butt. The sun was worse than the hiking itself. The sun is so intense and brutal that it makes you search for shade, of which there is none. My sun hat hasn't come off from day one, while there are those in the group who enjoy sun-bathing. I'm always searching for a nice shady spot hoping for a cool breeze.

I met my village family after the hike and it was such a pleasure to see them. I'm still not sure who all is part of the immediate family because all sorts of relatives are in for a funeral. My m'e (sesotho for mother) was especially happy to see me after having missed the first visit the day before. I was given a new sesotho name by my bo ausi (sesotho for sisters [plural]) lebisto la la ke ausi Lerato Pakela (sesotho for my name is sister Lerato Pakela). I learned that Lerato means love. It was very touching for me when my sisters named me. It was even more sweet when R. received his sesotho name abuti Toboho Pakela (sesotho for brother Toboho Pakela) Toboho means thanks [for this son].

I was a little frustrated today by the babying that everyone wanted to give me on the hike. It's really hard to be the person that holds everyone else back (not something I'm use to at all). Especially when our group is already seen as cursed on hikes. Now I'm beginning to see myself as the curse.

Today R. told our ausi (sister) that she was beautiful, and you should have seen the look of joy on her face. He had to say it three times for her to look at him she was so embarrassed, but he wanted her to believe him.

There is much more to say of the hike like the singing preschoolers that walked home with us. Or the village children we met along the way, each touch our lives. For me it was the little village boy who came and took my hand with his dirty little hand. I didn't think much of the act other than he probably wanted to hold the white woman's hand. He kept looking at me with the saddest eyes and I didn't notice much more than his face. Someone in the group then whipered in my ear that the boy must have worms or be severely malnuriated. It was then that I noticed his extended little belly, how painful it looked. His little pants kept falling down and he was constantly holding them up with his other hand. Oh how I wanted to help this little boy, but what could I do other than hold his hand and give him a hug. I'm no longer thinking of my hunger (I'm receiving two large meals a day) it is this little boy I think of, who is lucky if he gets one meager meal a day.

May 7th...

Today was a day of relaxation and I loved every moment of my free time. I did everything from walk through the village to visit the handicraft shop. I was able to journal, read, visit, clean and just have a good time. It was interesting to hear of the hike from those who went. It sounded like a good journey, but very difficult. H. described her experience as a, "butt whipping time."

Later evening was filled with taking turns sharing about our fears of the upcoming village stay. In the group of B., D., M., and I we are all a little afraid of being in the village. I know that my sesotho will be challenged as well as my eating habits (but food is a minor thing).

Today I was becoming more aware of the time people in our group spend talking about one another. It comes with real fear that they are talking about me...hope it's all good.

May 8th...

Today was a very relaxing day. After our morning meeting we had about three hours of free time. After our free time the afternoon was spent watching the horse races and hiking. This hike was special, you only had to go as far as you wanted to and turn back at any time. I made it half way up the hike before I turned around and headed back to the lodge. On the way back I was approached by a man who wanted to be my boyfriend. This was first inclination that maybe I shouldn't have turned back on my own, maybe I should have come back with someone else. I was eventually able to get away from him by enlisting the help of some children who came to me because I had candy to share with them. The whole episode has made me think twice before going out alone again. Earlier in the morning a similiar expereince took place at my host families home. I went for a visit with M. and he left me there with a man who didn't want me to leave and kept grabbing hold of my arm to keep me. It was a scary experience to be left by M. At dinner when M. heard what had taken place that day he was very worried.

continued at a later date...

Flashback: Fall 1999

That ringing! Isn't somebody going to answer the phone? I guess that leaves it up to me to answer it.

Up from my desk, out the dorm room door, down the long coridoor to the hall phone. The whole time I wonder to myself why doesn't this school upgrade and put phones in each of the student's rooms. Honestly, two hall phones for twenty girls, the math doesn't add up favorably.

In the past, one of the nineteen other girls would have raced to the phone, and saved me from the long walk to the phone. I'm never expected to have to answer the phone, my room happens to be the furthest from the phones.

It's strange this evening that the hall is so quiet, and of all people I must answer this phone that hasn't stopped ringing. Whoever is on the other line is quite persistant.

I pick up the phone, "Hello."

"Jen is that you?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"Laura."

"Laura?"

"Yes, there has been an accident."

"An accident? Is that the noise I hear?"

"Yes, there has been a bad accident. The van rolled and Maria and Russ are hurt bad."

"The van? The fifteen-passanger van?"

"Yes, it rolled and people are hurt bad."

"Maria and Russ are hurt and there are others who are hurt?"

"Yes, there are others hurt. I'm the only one that's not."

"What do you need Laura? What can I do?"

"You need to tell someone who is in charge at the school that the van was in an accident."

"Where are you at Laura?"

"We don't know. We were lost and trying to find our way back at the time of the accident."

"So you don't have any idea where you might be."

"No. Hurry though, Maria and Russ are hurt bad."

"Okay, Laura. I'll do my best to get you help. Can you stay on the line."

"No, the batttery on the cell phone is almost dead."

"Don't worry Laura I'll get you all help."

"Okay, Jen. I'll stay on the phone as long as I can, please hurry."

"I'll be back, hold on."

The earlier walk down the hall now was a run going back the way I came, taking just enough time to realize that I truly was the only one on the hall. Down the stairs I go, hoping that I have better luck finding someone on another hall. No one on the other girl's hall, this isn't looking good.

All that's left is to search the two boy's halls, even though it's not open hours. Using good judgement I'm sure this is an acceptable exception to the open hours rule. Good judgeme;nt pays off someone hears my call for help and comes out of their door. There is an instant relief of shared burden. The burden still remains though, our friends are in trouble, they need action.

My newly found rescuer knows the home number to the College President, isn't that convenient? He makes the call while I make my way back to phone I left Laura waiting on. She's gone now, her phone must have died. This is unfortunate since we still don't know where the accident took place.

The College President is now alerted to the situation, he will find these accident victims. Me and one other are small in number and the burden of care and sadness is great. Now is a time for prayer. Our prayers are for the safety of those injured, soon other students join us in prayer and our petitions increase. The story begins to circulate and even more students join in the prayer, and then the singing beings.

It's the first time I remember hearing the hymn "Healer of Our Every Ill." It's very appropriate considering the circumstances.

Later in the evening the offical word comes in, the students involved in the accident have been found. Miracously, they were found by EMT's that were holding a convention in a hotel just up the road. Each student had their very own ambulance to travel in while they were taken to a nearby hospital.

The College President was able to find them by calling around to local hospitals. School officials immediately drove out to be with the admitted students. Within time each student is released with the exception of three critically injured students. Reige will need plastic surgery to help the mess that is now his face. Russ has received a spinal injury he will walk again, but hockey is no longer an option for this star athlete. Maria has broken her spine and will never walk again.

Laura is the first released from the hospital and returned to the school. It is very late now and she immediately goes to bed. Laura is my roommate, I want to help her, but realize sleep is for the best at this time.

The next morning breakfast is about to end. Laura is still not up and I don't want to wake her. I go down to the cafeteria, maybe they'll make another exception and let me take a plate of food up to our room. This is definitely a time for exceptions, and they heap a large breakfast plate for Laura with my promise to return it. Laura is awake when I return and grateful for the food.

The College President has scheduled a special service this morning. There are no classes today, and every student comes out to give thanks to God for the lives He's saved. Laura is sitting next to me and I'm thankful that she's still alived and unharmed. I praise God for the blessing of His protection. I question though, God, why are Maria, Reige and Russ harmed so? Is it okay to question God's judgement? I don't have the answers, but rely on a faith that passes understanding. For it's in God that my peace comes from.

http://rockhay.tripod.com/worship/music/healer.htm

Feed a Cold...Starve a Fever...

I'm at home today in recovery...I'm told rest and fluids are what I need. Hmmm...you ask...what is her malady?

Well, my friends I have been diagnosed with good ol' tonsillitis. Unfortunately I've been through this before, and know the routine.

My symptoms started Tuesday evening, but I had other things going on and I sort of ignored how I felt. Then on Wednesday I thought it was a head cold that I had, and it was the congestion that was making me miserable. By Thursday I went to work so miserable I wanted to curl up in a ball and make everyone leave me alone. Eventually, my boss just told me to go home (with only two hours left in the work day). I went instead to the IHC (Intermountain Health Care) where the Doctor told me I had tonsillitis and gave me a prescription for an antibiotic (not pencillin).

I learned the last time I had tonsillitis that I have an allergy to pencillin. I had tonsillitis so severe that they were giving me pencillin shots each day for three days, plus making me take these monster pencillin pills. After a week on the pencillin I was starting to feel better from the tonsillitis only to break out in hives. I spent the next week taking baking soda baths for the hives and spreading that pink stuff over me to help with the itching. This really wasn't the most pleasant time in my life, but my parents helped take care of me like real troopers.

This time I'm all the way out in Utah and feeling miserable all by myself. It's okay though I've learned a few tricks about dealing with tonsillitis. For starters Children's Liquid Motrin is a miracle drug. Since it's already in the liquid form it hits your blood stream faster and gets to work numbing all the pain in the throat...BLESS this precious liquid. You wait a half hour after taking the Motrin and you can eat (soft foods of course) and talk (though I'm still not sure you could hear me) with hardly any pain. The Motrin in addition to the antibiotics is helping to speed along my recovery.

For all of you who are ignorant as to tonsillitis I found this helpful site for you:

http://www.faqs.org/health/Sick-V4/Tonsillitis.html

Marriage in Utah...

Okay, so I share with my family and friends from time to time that there seems to be a not so subtle pressure to date and marry young out here in Utah. I'm sure that most of you take me for my word on this subject, yet I still feel that you need further convincing.

Today I was online looking up tidbits on the history of Utah. I happened to stumble across the following site:

http://www.utahmarriage.org/

Yeppers, it's a site dedicated to dating and marriage. All I have to say, "Only in Utah." :-)

The History of Where I Live...

MURRAY CITY

Murray City, originally known as South Cottonwood, lies eight miles south of Salt Lake City between Big and Little Cottonwood Creeks. It is named for Eli Murray, territorial governor from 1880 to 1886. Although first settled in 1849, Murray was not incorporated until 1902. Its central valley location and plentiful water have allowed Murray to evolve from an agricultural to industrial to suburban community.

Murray was settled as part of the initial expansion south of Salt Lake City. Early residents in the area divided the grasslands south of Salt Lake into homesteads or parcels where they raised cattle and cereal grains. Most of the cattle provided dairy products, while wheat, corn, and some rye were grown to feed the family and animals.

Construction of the Woodhill Brothers' smelter in 1869 initiated Murray's industrial history. Murray produced the first silver bars smelted in Utah in 1870. The smelters continued to dominate the local economy until the close of the ASARCO lead smelter in 1950. Business and commercial enterprise prospered along with the smelter industry. Murray was praised as a shining example of cooperation between business, industry, and government early in the twentieth century; it was hailed for its own water plant, lighting system, smelter, canning factory, flour mills, and brickyards.

Murray's industry was hard hit by the 1930s depression. The smelters began to close in 1931, and major industry had all but vanished by 1940. Murray was quick to take advantage of various federal projects to compensate for this economic loss. The city actively sought federal money to refurbish its twenty-two-acre park and buildings and to purchase an additional twelve acres of fairgrounds. By 1939 Murray was the site of the annual Salt Lake County Fair.

Even though the smelters, brickyards, and flour mills that fueled Murray's industrial economy either closed or moved between 1930 and 1950, its central location makes Murray an ideal bedroom community and area of small businesses and service industries. The present population (31,282 in 1990) is employed in office, service, and industrial jobs throughout Salt Lake Valley. From 1950 to the present, Murray's population has continued to expand and prosper.

See: Murray City Corporation, History of Murray City (1976); Raymond R. Rasmussen, History of Murray, State of Utah (1936).
David L. Schirer

Cuties and Tractors...

Okay, so you're probably wondering, who's this little cutie? Well, my friends (especially any young ladies between the ages of 16-20), this adorable tyke is my little brother when he was just a tad over a year in age. He's since matured into an outgoing young man at the age of 19, who still loves Fords.

As you can see from this photo we indoctinated those in our family to the Ford brand at a very young age. There's nothing wrong with that.

Anyway, blue is such a nice color for a tractor, and the New Holland red equally stands out. Nobody needs their tractors blending in with the crops...sheesh...who thought of green for a tractor anyway :-)

Songs of Praise...

Michael W. Smith - Prince Of Peace (You Are Holy) Lyrics

You are holy (You are holy)
You are mighty (You are mighty)
You are worthy (You are worthy)
Worthy of praise (Worthy of praise)
I will follow (I will follow)
I will listen (I will listen)
I will love You (I will love you)
All of my days (All of my days)
I will sing to (You are Lord of Lords)
And worship (You are King of kings)
The King who (You are mighty God)
Is worthy (Lord of everything)
I will love and (You're Emannuel)
Adore You (You're the Great I am)
And I will bow down (You're my Prince of peace)
before You (Who is the Lamb)
I will sing to (You're my living God)
And worship (You're my saving grace)
The King who (You will reign forever)
Is worthy (You are ancient of days)
I will love and (You are alpha, omega)
Adore You (beginning and end)
And I will bow down (You're my Savior, Messiah)
Before You (Redeemer and friend)
You're my Prince of Peace
And I will live my life for You

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
I will praise you with the harp
for your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I, whom you have redeemed.

Psalm 71:20-23

http://www.insideworship.com/library/Articles/2220/1/It_Is_Well_With_My_Soul_The_Story_Of_Horatio_Spafford.aspx

I encourage you to follow the link above to learn the true story of Horatio Spafford, a man who turned to God in praise during the worst of his life.

Comments Made...

At the end of each one of my entries there is a link that you are able to click if you're interested in leaving comments. For awhile most of the comments being made were spam and not at all interesting. Then a kind friend of mine, thanks Brendan, shared with me how word verification cuts down on the spam placed on blog sites. Since that time I haven't received a single spam comment, VERY nice.

Yesterday, there were two comments left, two genuine comments. (By the way I know when the comments are left because I receive them to my email account). The first one was made under the entry, "Almost too Many to Count..." written about a family with twenty-two children born into it. Here is the comment:

Guess Who said...
22 doesn't sound like too many to me! ;)

Well, "Guess Who" I'm taking you up on your offer, and my guess is that you're Stephanie Layman. Now, if I'm wrong the correct party better identify themselves. For if one of my friends other than Stephanie is considering having that many I need to know about it...muy pronto.

The other comment I received yesterday came late in the evening. I was sitting in my apartment enjoying a nice relaxing evening and catching up on the local Virginia news (yep, I get the DNR sent to me in Utah). When I suddenly heard a noise from my computer in the next room. It was a particular sound that I recognized, it was the you just received an email sound (I get a giddy pleasure from that sound). Being of the curious nature that I am, I went immediately to see who sent me an email. And there was my other comment for the day. It had been made under the entry, "Reasons You Might Need a Candle..." Here is the comment that was made:

Anonymous said...
"Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalms 119:105) - Just think; as that tiny candle was light to you in the blackout, Jesus is light enough to penetrate the blackest darkness. "..in Him there is no darkness at ALL". (1 John 1:5) The magnitude of that thought always blows me away.

Whoever made this comment, and this time I have no guesses as to their identity, really spoke to my heart. There is a distinct irony in these scriptures and where I was at the time. I was in fact sitting in a dark room with only the light from the computer screen and one single bright candle shining.

Sitting there I watched the small flame of the candle shine out bringing light to the room and I reflected on Jesus' light to the world. That single candle brought just enough light into the room that I could see my way in the darkness, but it didn't dispel the darkness entirely. That's what is so wonderful about Jesus, He dispels ALL the darkness and brings light into our lives, for he is the light. As my anonymous friend has shared from the book of 1 John "...in Him there is no darkness at all."

Photosite...

Since my last entry that included a link to my new photosite, I've been working diligently to improve the site.

Because of my work I actually have a new site address to give you:

http://www.jheatwole.photosite.com

This link will put you in touch with several labeled albums, so now there is a little more order to the chaos.

I've also learned that unless I want to upgrade (pay money) I only have so much room to hold photos. This means I'll be interchanging photos quite regularly. My recommendation to you my friends is that you add the link to your favorites and check it out atleast once a month, so you never miss a picture.

Reasons You Might Need a Candle...

I'm sitting here with a smile on my face as I reflect on the title I just gave this entry. Think about for a second and tell me what it sounds like to you. {long drawn out pause} Well, it reminds me of the game show Family Feud. Wouldn't it be fun to see how a survey of one hundred people would rank that question.

Reasons You Might Need a Candle:

1. Romantic Dinners
2. To Make a Room Smell Nice
3. For Light to See By

And #3 brings me to my point. Candles are most helpful to see with, especially during blackouts.

Each morning when I'm getting ready for work I like to light a candle in my bathroom close to the sink. The smell is pleasant to me and helps me wake up and greet the morning (which isn't always so easy for me). This morning I lit my customary candle (I think it was vanilla ice cream) and I went about getting myself ready for work. I was almost finished curling my hair when suddenly the lights went out...lucky me I had a candle lit so I wasn't in total darkness. Added blessing I was almost finished with my hair and curling irons take some time to cool down, so I had heat left to finish my work.

The blackout put me a few minutes behind schedule, but nothing serious. When I went outside my apartment I realized I wasn't the only one in the dark. Then when I drove down the road I realized the apartment complex wasn't the only place in the dark either, the whole community of Murray was. This blackout made driving to work this morning a little tricky, but a whole lot quicker since all the stoplights were out of order and I didn't have to worry over red lights.

Since coming to work I heard over the radio that they have the power up and running in Murray, that's good to hear because I would like light to work by when I arrive home tonight. All in all this blackout wasn't too traumatic for me...I give a lot of the credit to the nice smelling vanilla ice cream candle.

Random Tidbits...

So, last evening I was trying to accomplish the goal of posting an entry on this blogsite. Since there is obviously no entry dated for October 20th you probably realize that I was unsuccessful in my attempt. I should mention that the word "attempt" does not quite emphasize the effort put forth on my part, it would be better to write "attempts", as in the plural. For if it wasn't one thing last evening it was another, everything seemed to be out there trying to thwart me.

I'm not daunted though, I'm just patient, and here I am writing an entry this morning at work (not like I have anything else to do). The fiasco last evening with my blog had something to do with me trying to post photos. For some reason my blog is very incorporative when it comes to photographs. Since I'm not someone who likes to deal in problems I tend to work on solutions forthright. The solution I found last evening was creating another website that will deal completely with my photographs.

Originally, the plan was to post a couple photographs of my new apartment and be done with it. Then I started going through my old photographs and continued posting ones that had great sentimental value for me. The thing about this new website is that the photographs are out of order and they don't have captions, so I'm sure to confuse plenty of people. I'm looking into how to remedy this issue, but in the meanwhile here's the new site address:

http://www.jheatwole.photosite.com/jenwinker/

So after the photo fiasco with my blog, I went on to write a very lengthy entry without the benefit of photos. I was actually quite impressed with myself for the time I put into writing this particular entry and the openness of some of my admissions. Unfortunately, when I went to spell check this literary masterpiece it completely disappeared from my screen and never materialized again. And since I don't work with problems, just in solutions, there was only one thing left for me to do, go to sleep.

Now, don't you feel privledged that I took time out of my not so busy day to explain all these circumstances to you? I'd feel special if I were you ;-)