I arrived in Addis Ababa late Friday night. It was awesome to meet Joy who’s another JDC volunteer working in Ethiopia. The next working we got up and went for breakfast at a café close to her house. That’s where I fell in love…with an amazing drink that is. It’s a juice that has 4 layers, 2 of mango, 1 of strawberry, and 1 of avocado. I’m not going to talk about it too much because there will be a whole blog devoted to its deliciousness! After the café, I visited one of the places where Joy works and one of the JDC’s projects in Ethiopia, the Mother Theresa Clinic. When we arrived I got a tour of the facility. There were many people there of all ages with a variety of sicknesses. I was impressed with the general cleanliness of the place and attitudes of the people. After the clinic I went on a driving tour of Addis with the JDC’s driver. I knew very, very little of the history and culture of Ethiopia. It was awesome to have my own personal tour and chance to ask lots of questions. It’s currently a holiday here. It’s Easter and people here go all out for the celebration. People here do not eat meat for the 55 days leading up to the holiday. Night is the first time that they are able to eat meat. I saw the funniest sight as 40 people were pushing and shouting as they we trying to buy a live chicken out of the back of a truck. I saw many statues commemorating battles and past kings. I went to a touristy area and walked into the shops. Outside the stores there were many young kids selling gum. I enjoyed seeing this and was happy to give them 5birr for the gum. There are so many kids begging on the streets here and it’s nice to see some learning to work hard for money and not to beg. Most of the stores had grass all over the floor and I got confused by this. I found out that’s it’s a traditional Easter decoration. There were so many cows just walking on the street that were being sold for the holiday. I also saw many sheep. They were not there to be sold; they are the most environmentally friendly lawn-mowers! What an awesome sight to see! The man that I was with spoke wonderful English and I learned a lot about the country and Addis.
At night I went out for traditional Ethiopian food. I have to say though that I’m not a fan of injara, the traditional spongy soft flat bread. I did really enjoy the other food…and of course I bought another sprite juice. After dinner I went to a hotel to check my email. I was getting ready to leave and they invited me to stay for a traditional coffee ceremony which is part of the Easter celebration. They told me it would start in 20 minutes and in true African fashion it began over an hour later. It was ok though, I was entertained by a man from Japan doing card tricks and talking with workers at the hotel. For the ceremony incents were burned, they roasted the coffee beans over a small fire, and we ate lots of popcorn! From talking with someone the ceremony seemed like a way to bring people together. People invite other into their homes for the ceremony and visit many friends at their homes to take part in the ceremony.
When I arrived back at the house, Lily had arrived…Happy Birthday Lily!!!!!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Sometimes I Just Want to be Invisible!
Before I left for my trip, Solomon and I had dinner together in Rubona. I was tired after as I walked home. I was walking slowly with my head down thinking about my upcoming trip when I heard loud squeaky voices yelling….hello, hello, hello! I turned around and saw 3 young girls around 10 years old running after me. They ran up to me and began talking to me in all the English that they know. I enjoy these encounters but they become exhausting. I can’t go anywhere in Rwanda without being shouted at. Sometimes I just want to be invisible. I wish that I could take Harry Potter’s invisible cloak and just drape it over myself whenever I just didn’t want to be seen. I think one of the reasons that I’m most looking forward to Israel is the ability to just blend in and become invisible in a crowd. I think that it’s official…I never want to be famous…I don’t want people always watching me.
Chag Pesach Sameach!
Pesach is one of my favorite Jewish holidays for many reasons….for the traditions, emphasis on learning, and the food. This year had all of those aspects which made for a wonderful celebration.
I arrived in Kigali on Friday and went to a presentation that one of my friends worked on for work. He was doing research on child headed households. I arrived a little late but had the opportunity to hear testimonies from some people. The one that touched my heart the most was this 14 year old who looked in his 20s who was responsible for 6 kids…he’s a kid himself and having to watch over others.
On Sunday afternoon we began cooking. It was fun hanging out with Lily, Mara, and Suzie as we cooked. They did a wonderful job shopping and preparing for the event. We were cooking for 30 people with no oven, just a 2 burner stove, and a small propane camping stove. Every task was organized and determined what would be cooked at which time. Most of the cooking was done on Monday afternoon. I cooked stir fry, a sweet carrot dish, and cabbage salad.
The seder was wonderful. We had such a diverse group of people. We had a visiting family from NYC (they helped to give the sedar a warm family feeling), an Israeli student from U of Michigan and 3 of her friends, 4 Israelis living in Kigali, a Jewish friend from Canada, a Jewish man from Holland, 3 of my non-Jewish friends in Kigali, an Israeli scholar, and the volunteers from the village. Mara created a wonderful Haggadah and the sedar also included traditions from different people’s families. The sedar had such a warm feeling and I enjoyed it very much! The food was also delicious and the wine flowing.
We also had a wonderful sedar the second night. It was just a few of the volunteers and the family. We drank a little wine and did some of the main aspects of the sedar. Someone began to ask questions about the 4 children and we spent the rest of our time in a great discussion.
To next year in Jerusalem….
I arrived in Kigali on Friday and went to a presentation that one of my friends worked on for work. He was doing research on child headed households. I arrived a little late but had the opportunity to hear testimonies from some people. The one that touched my heart the most was this 14 year old who looked in his 20s who was responsible for 6 kids…he’s a kid himself and having to watch over others.
On Sunday afternoon we began cooking. It was fun hanging out with Lily, Mara, and Suzie as we cooked. They did a wonderful job shopping and preparing for the event. We were cooking for 30 people with no oven, just a 2 burner stove, and a small propane camping stove. Every task was organized and determined what would be cooked at which time. Most of the cooking was done on Monday afternoon. I cooked stir fry, a sweet carrot dish, and cabbage salad.
The seder was wonderful. We had such a diverse group of people. We had a visiting family from NYC (they helped to give the sedar a warm family feeling), an Israeli student from U of Michigan and 3 of her friends, 4 Israelis living in Kigali, a Jewish friend from Canada, a Jewish man from Holland, 3 of my non-Jewish friends in Kigali, an Israeli scholar, and the volunteers from the village. Mara created a wonderful Haggadah and the sedar also included traditions from different people’s families. The sedar had such a warm feeling and I enjoyed it very much! The food was also delicious and the wine flowing.
We also had a wonderful sedar the second night. It was just a few of the volunteers and the family. We drank a little wine and did some of the main aspects of the sedar. Someone began to ask questions about the 4 children and we spent the rest of our time in a great discussion.
To next year in Jerusalem….
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Don't Drink the Banana Beer
I have a philosophy in life that one must work hard and then play hard. For me, both are equally. You can see how I live my life that I take this to heart. I also apply this idea when I supervise others...everyone must have the opprtunity to celebrate successes.
I decided it was time to have a celebration with the farm workers for all their hard work and suggested it to Solomon. I said that everyone could come to my house for tea and some food. Solomon laughed at me as he usually does and said that the workers are grown men. He then suggested that we have a party in Rubona with beer, food, and music...I agreed that it was a good idea! On Tuesday morning at around 8 Solomon and I road to Rubona on our "pick-up." It's our bike that lately breaks everytime we ride. Solomon pedals and I sit on the back. When we were in Rubona we went to a few different places to sample the local banana beer. We even saw some people make it...after seeing it I should have known not to drink.
The party was on Wednesday and boy was it a party. The first great thing was that it rained after too long without...being on a farm, that was definitely worth celebrating! The rain flooded Solomon's house so we moved the party to a woman's house in town. Most all of the workers came. The party started slow as people sipped on fanta and banana beer. I insisted to Solomon that he bring his music. He began by playing slower Christain music and then the Rwandan hip-hop came one (which I love). I got up to dance and some of the workers followed. Those that didn't dance enjoyed laughing at me and the others dancing. We even had a large group of kids in the doorway and windows enjoying watching the celebration.
The night was AWESOME!!!! I had a great time just chilling with everyone. I realized as I sat there that these are the experiences that will make my time in Rwanda. At the end there were many speaches (you can't have a celebration in Rwanda without them!) I even spoke and told everyone that when I return from vacation that they must help me to learn kinyarwanda...the next speach I give will be done all in kinyarwanda.
I had some of the banana beer at the party and I'm still feeling it's affects 2 days after. My tummy does not like it. A lesson learned but worth it for the fun night!
I decided it was time to have a celebration with the farm workers for all their hard work and suggested it to Solomon. I said that everyone could come to my house for tea and some food. Solomon laughed at me as he usually does and said that the workers are grown men. He then suggested that we have a party in Rubona with beer, food, and music...I agreed that it was a good idea! On Tuesday morning at around 8 Solomon and I road to Rubona on our "pick-up." It's our bike that lately breaks everytime we ride. Solomon pedals and I sit on the back. When we were in Rubona we went to a few different places to sample the local banana beer. We even saw some people make it...after seeing it I should have known not to drink.
The party was on Wednesday and boy was it a party. The first great thing was that it rained after too long without...being on a farm, that was definitely worth celebrating! The rain flooded Solomon's house so we moved the party to a woman's house in town. Most all of the workers came. The party started slow as people sipped on fanta and banana beer. I insisted to Solomon that he bring his music. He began by playing slower Christain music and then the Rwandan hip-hop came one (which I love). I got up to dance and some of the workers followed. Those that didn't dance enjoyed laughing at me and the others dancing. We even had a large group of kids in the doorway and windows enjoying watching the celebration.
The night was AWESOME!!!! I had a great time just chilling with everyone. I realized as I sat there that these are the experiences that will make my time in Rwanda. At the end there were many speaches (you can't have a celebration in Rwanda without them!) I even spoke and told everyone that when I return from vacation that they must help me to learn kinyarwanda...the next speach I give will be done all in kinyarwanda.
I had some of the banana beer at the party and I'm still feeling it's affects 2 days after. My tummy does not like it. A lesson learned but worth it for the fun night!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Experiencing the Roller Coaster
I just went to check my posts and I couldn't believe how long it has been since I wrote a post...too long! There are so many things that have been happening not to write. I have though written a list of topics that I want to blog about so hopefully soon you will be more about life here. Next week I'm headed to Ethiopia and Israel so there are many adventures ahead!
This night's post needs to be written about one of the things that has been distracting me from writing in my blog...a book. I got the book from the library here and it was recommended to me by one of the volunteers. It's called a A Fine Balance and it's a 600 page book depicting life of 2 tailors in 21st century India. It portrayed the ups and downs of the life of these 2 men and the people who interact with them. It was a roller coaster ride for them. It seems to be fitting for me to be reading this book, as I'm experiencing my own ride. It's nice to ride someone else's train...even if it's fiction. It helps to put life in perspective. It's a bit heavy and I'm feeling its affects after finishing the read.
I tried to explain the book to one of my close Rwandan friends and all he could say was that would never happen. I tried to explain that it was historical fiction and similar things happened to many people during that time in Africa. He was making fun of me for taking the book so seriously...it bothered me at the time and I couldn't figure out why. I finally realized why his comments affected me as they did. My friend has also experienced many hardships in life from the genocide. He had to flee his home during the genocide. I've only learned parts of his story. From what I learned, his father and 2 sibling died in the conflict. He even returned home to find his home destroyed. I'm sure there are many books written about the genocide that people read and say that it could never happen. I even hear and read storied and think to myself there's no way anything like that could ever happen...people are just not that cruel. Everyone has their own history...some are not always as easy as others.
I'm learning first hand accounts of the hardships of living here. It's part of my roller coaster ride. It's hard when workers on the farm come up to me and ask for money not because they want something but because if they don't have the money, they won't eat that day. It's hard knowing that reality from people who I not only work with but have become my friends and people that I spend my day working and laughing with. The reality is not always easy. It's hard to describe accept for being heavy. Sometimes I wish the weight would lighten. It does fluctuate as I'm embarking on the ride. There have also been many ups on my ride here which help to balance the heaviness and loneliness that's inevitable from living somewhere so far from home. I love being here and experiencing everything.
This night's post needs to be written about one of the things that has been distracting me from writing in my blog...a book. I got the book from the library here and it was recommended to me by one of the volunteers. It's called a A Fine Balance and it's a 600 page book depicting life of 2 tailors in 21st century India. It portrayed the ups and downs of the life of these 2 men and the people who interact with them. It was a roller coaster ride for them. It seems to be fitting for me to be reading this book, as I'm experiencing my own ride. It's nice to ride someone else's train...even if it's fiction. It helps to put life in perspective. It's a bit heavy and I'm feeling its affects after finishing the read.
I tried to explain the book to one of my close Rwandan friends and all he could say was that would never happen. I tried to explain that it was historical fiction and similar things happened to many people during that time in Africa. He was making fun of me for taking the book so seriously...it bothered me at the time and I couldn't figure out why. I finally realized why his comments affected me as they did. My friend has also experienced many hardships in life from the genocide. He had to flee his home during the genocide. I've only learned parts of his story. From what I learned, his father and 2 sibling died in the conflict. He even returned home to find his home destroyed. I'm sure there are many books written about the genocide that people read and say that it could never happen. I even hear and read storied and think to myself there's no way anything like that could ever happen...people are just not that cruel. Everyone has their own history...some are not always as easy as others.
I'm learning first hand accounts of the hardships of living here. It's part of my roller coaster ride. It's hard when workers on the farm come up to me and ask for money not because they want something but because if they don't have the money, they won't eat that day. It's hard knowing that reality from people who I not only work with but have become my friends and people that I spend my day working and laughing with. The reality is not always easy. It's hard to describe accept for being heavy. Sometimes I wish the weight would lighten. It does fluctuate as I'm embarking on the ride. There have also been many ups on my ride here which help to balance the heaviness and loneliness that's inevitable from living somewhere so far from home. I love being here and experiencing everything.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Chicken Expert...who would have thought?
It's been awhile since I have posted on the blog. I've been very busy and time seems to fly. I have many projects on the farm. The main projects that I’m devoting my time to are installing an irrigation system, creating a chicken business, and finding and cultivating an area for the 16 families to have their own area to farm. The chicken business is the project that will generate a lot of money for the village. I’m learning more about chickens then I ever thought possible. Who knew that I would go to Rwanda and return an expert on raising chickens…I sure didn’t! I’m creating a business plan and marketing materials for the business. Right now the plan is to bring 2,400-3,000 birds…I’m going to have lots of babies now. I’ve been meeting with an Israeli man in Kigali and learning the whole process of raising hens. We also had some visitors come two days ago that are creating a hens laying egg business with about 10,000 chickens. These men work for Tyson Chicken and an NGO called Bridge to Rwanda. The man from Tyson gave me so much useful information. I learned that the most important way to know the health of the flock is by the uniformity of the size of the birds. You also have to have the same person caring for them or they can get depressed. They are going to be such a great contact and opportunity for me to learn more. I showed them around the village…they were so impressed and it made me realize how special this place is…it’s nice to have people come to remind me.
The man who cares for the chickens is one of my favorite workers to interact with on the farm. He’s an older man that usually wears shirts that are practically down to his knees. I’ve never admired someone so much that I don’t even speak the same language. You can tell that he hasn’t had the easiest life but he’s one of the sweetest people. As I said, we don’t speak the same language but I enjoy conversing with him through hand gesters, grunts, and a little Kinyarwanda. I’ve gotten good at guessing what people are saying based on the context. He works more hours than anyone on the farm. He spends lots of the day collecting grass for the hens. There’s a special kind here that helps to make the yoke yellow (the Rwandans dislike what they call “modern” chickens which usually have white yokes but by giving the grass, they will turn yellow). I love watching him bring in the grass. The hens follow him around until he gives them the grass.
Last night all the volunteers had a meeting at the director’s house. He said, “You know Amy that you have the best job in the village.” I totally agree!
The man who cares for the chickens is one of my favorite workers to interact with on the farm. He’s an older man that usually wears shirts that are practically down to his knees. I’ve never admired someone so much that I don’t even speak the same language. You can tell that he hasn’t had the easiest life but he’s one of the sweetest people. As I said, we don’t speak the same language but I enjoy conversing with him through hand gesters, grunts, and a little Kinyarwanda. I’ve gotten good at guessing what people are saying based on the context. He works more hours than anyone on the farm. He spends lots of the day collecting grass for the hens. There’s a special kind here that helps to make the yoke yellow (the Rwandans dislike what they call “modern” chickens which usually have white yokes but by giving the grass, they will turn yellow). I love watching him bring in the grass. The hens follow him around until he gives them the grass.
Last night all the volunteers had a meeting at the director’s house. He said, “You know Amy that you have the best job in the village.” I totally agree!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Crazy Foreigner
Sometimes I wonder how things actually get done around here. I went to a meeting today and after everyone was at least 15 minutes late, people talked more about the process of the meeting instead of the topic at hand. Also whenever I go to Kigali on business a 3 hour trip…turns into 5 or 6. I’m learning that’s just how it is around here. I’m learning how not to get frustrated when things don’t happen as you hope or plan.
A few days ago Solomon and I were talking. He asked how long I will be here for and I said around 1 year. He told me that I need to stay 10 years because who is he going to laugh at if I’m gone. I was very touched by his question and response. We do laugh a lot together and have a great time. I get into rants sometimes on how things should be here or when the persistent Israeli inside of me comes out and all he does is laugh. I have my share of laughs at/with him also. There’s one instance that I wish he was there for…I even had to laugh at myself…
I’ve been trying for over 2 weeks to get sawdust for the floor of the chicken coop. We bought all of our furniture from a company in Kigali and they agreed to provide with the sawdust from the making of furniture. All we need to do is bring the sacs and they will fill them for us. I sent others to do it and it never seemed to happen. I decided to take matters into my own hands. First I went to bring the sacs and it was very easy to make happen. Others tried before and it wasn’t so easy. One of the drivers tried to pick up the filled sacs and they wouldn’t let him get them (still not really sure why not). Again I had to go to Kigali to get them. I walked into the building and was greeted by someone who worked there. I told him about the sacs and he said to wait that he would get a manager. After a few minutes I went back up to him and said that I know where to go and it I could just walk in. He said sure and I headed in. I got many stares as I walked past many workers. I walked into the area with the wood and found the sacs. I looked around aimlessly to find the man that I know speaks English. I know the workers must have been thinking who is this crazy foreigner. I asked where we should bring the car to pick them up. I was told to drive around to the back. After arriving to the back, I asked where the area with the wood was located. They looked at me as if I was crazy. They asked who I spoke to inside. I told them that I was just inside and told to drive around here. I got many blank stares. I decided again to take matters into my own hand and just walked in (normally I would not do this, but I knew I was supposed to be there). After a few minutes the security guard realized to just walked in and began to follow me. I went to get the sacs and he realized everything was okay. I was a funny scene though. After loading up the 11 full sacs, the guard asked for amafuranga (one of the few Kinyarwanda words that I know) which means money. I laughed and said oya amafuranga (no money!) and I finally got the sacs! I told Solomon the story and I course be enjoyed a good laugh.
A few days ago Solomon and I were talking. He asked how long I will be here for and I said around 1 year. He told me that I need to stay 10 years because who is he going to laugh at if I’m gone. I was very touched by his question and response. We do laugh a lot together and have a great time. I get into rants sometimes on how things should be here or when the persistent Israeli inside of me comes out and all he does is laugh. I have my share of laughs at/with him also. There’s one instance that I wish he was there for…I even had to laugh at myself…
I’ve been trying for over 2 weeks to get sawdust for the floor of the chicken coop. We bought all of our furniture from a company in Kigali and they agreed to provide with the sawdust from the making of furniture. All we need to do is bring the sacs and they will fill them for us. I sent others to do it and it never seemed to happen. I decided to take matters into my own hands. First I went to bring the sacs and it was very easy to make happen. Others tried before and it wasn’t so easy. One of the drivers tried to pick up the filled sacs and they wouldn’t let him get them (still not really sure why not). Again I had to go to Kigali to get them. I walked into the building and was greeted by someone who worked there. I told him about the sacs and he said to wait that he would get a manager. After a few minutes I went back up to him and said that I know where to go and it I could just walk in. He said sure and I headed in. I got many stares as I walked past many workers. I walked into the area with the wood and found the sacs. I looked around aimlessly to find the man that I know speaks English. I know the workers must have been thinking who is this crazy foreigner. I asked where we should bring the car to pick them up. I was told to drive around to the back. After arriving to the back, I asked where the area with the wood was located. They looked at me as if I was crazy. They asked who I spoke to inside. I told them that I was just inside and told to drive around here. I got many blank stares. I decided again to take matters into my own hand and just walked in (normally I would not do this, but I knew I was supposed to be there). After a few minutes the security guard realized to just walked in and began to follow me. I went to get the sacs and he realized everything was okay. I was a funny scene though. After loading up the 11 full sacs, the guard asked for amafuranga (one of the few Kinyarwanda words that I know) which means money. I laughed and said oya amafuranga (no money!) and I finally got the sacs! I told Solomon the story and I course be enjoyed a good laugh.
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