Hi from Gail, 27 DECEMBER 2010
Merry Christmas to all of you from beautiful, green, warm Swaziland !
We did have a blessed Christmas here, even though we certainly missed the traditions of home, and especially spending time with family and friends. One of the things I looked forward to as a Peace Corps Volunteer was the slower pace of life. Yes, the daily tasks are much more labor intensive here, but the rhythm of life beats at a different pace. We’d heard that everything pretty much “shuts down” for at least 2 to 3 weeks over the Christmas/New Years holiday. That’s true for most of Swaziland, but not here at the orphanage/farm. I’ll give you a recap of the highlights of the past 2 weeks & you can see for yourself.
A fellow volunteer in a nearby community had been approached to help start up a preschool, using an existing church building. She, of course, contacted me, since I’m actively teaching in an existing preschool. Once they found a local woman who was willing to train as a preschool teacher, and realized that their school should begin in January when the new school year begins, suddenly, I was preparing a preschool training curriculum! That is lightening speed for anything like this to get done, so I was a bit skeptical that it would come about, esp. since transport to our farm is not direct. To make a long story short, all the parties showed up and we had 3 days of preschool observation & training from Dec. 13 – 15. In the middle of that, we had an extensive meeting with our Peace Corps supervisor regarding our lives as volunteers, how we’ve integrated into our community, future projects, etc
.
Then, on Dec. 16, our childrens home was visited by a local group who wished to present a donation.. Of course, that required a frenzy of cleaning & preparing food for our visitors. A heavy downpour didn’t help our efforts, but it all went smoothly. That afternoon we all baked Christmas cookies together – the kind you cut out and ice. It was great fun, and very messy.
All during this time, we’d also had rehearsals for the annual Christmas play. Michelle adapted it from a Christmas story which was told through the eyes of the innkeeper who keeps getting woken up by all the visitors: Mary & Joseph; a bright star & angels; shepherds, three kings. We had our first performance on Sat. Dec. 18. However, during the day, we were cooking food for the next day’s church luncheon for the 75-100 church members. (The orphanage had received a donation to provide the meal, we just needed to provide the manpower). The kids helped with the cooking. The play was lots of fun & all the kids performed well, sang loud and remembered their lines, thanks to the capable direction/leadership of Michelle. Of course, we had treats/food afterwards.
Then, on Sunday, it was pack up the food and load everyone in the van for church. We had a shortened service (only 1 ½ hrs.) so that the kids could perform their play for the congregation & sing some songs. We haven’t heard any African Christmas songs, but sing all the traditional songs we sing: Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Joy to the World. Luckily, I haven’t heard Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, but do hear Jingle Bells, White Christmas, etc. that seem so out of place, but that’s the way it is. It is summer here, and the church likes to focus on the kids at Christmas, so they rented a giant inflatable water slide for them to enjoy while we heated up the food. You’ve never seen kids change clothes so fast and jump on. Since we had at least 50 kids – it became a human slide, with kids from top to bottom all sliding together, grinning from ear to ear and having a ball. Luckily we had an hour or so before the skies opened up with rain, thunder & lightening, so we had to shut it down a bit earlier than planned. Then we all enjoyed the feast – chicken stew, fried sausage, beef stew, rice, cornmeal porridge, cole slaw, beet salad, tossed salad, rolls, cake, pudding & fruit for dessert. What a day.
On Monday 20 Dec, another volunteer and I went into down to purchase food to put in gift buckets (much more practical here than baskets) for the staff, and for outreach to orphans and vulnerable children in the community, compliments of another generous donation. That was a bit frenzied, because everyone was doing their Christmas food shopping that day & the stores were packed. The heavy shopping generally happens in this last week before Christmas, because that’s when everyone receives their Christmas bonus. In general, there’s limited gift shopping, but lots of eating & drinking associated with Christmas and New Year’s. The next day we assembled 90 buckets, and Peter took some of the older kids to help distribute to the community.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Ambassador, his wife and the Swaziland Peace Corps Director came for a tour of the childrens home – hence, more cleaning of children & rooms. Then the 7 of us were treated to a lovely luncheon at a nearby hotel/casino. It was nice to sit and relax and enjoy adult conversation. When we returned to the orphanage that afernoon, Peter & Michelle then had the farm staff Christmas supper – complete with gift buckets, pay day, etc.
On Thursday, I braved the public transport to travel north to the main city of Manzini to finish shopping for the kids. I was looking for items to fill sewing baskets for the girls, which was the main gift from Peter and Michelle. In addition, I was looking for something small to give from Mike & me. Even in the main town, choices are limited, and in hindsight, it was a bit crazy to go there 2 days before Christmas, but we got it all done, and even made it to a craft center to shop for ourselves. Unfortunately, that delayed our departure a bit, and we got home a bit later than planned.
Christmas Eve was spent wrapping presents – just like at home, except it was sunny & hot. We only have 1 Christmas CD, so Johnny Mathis got played a lot that day. At noon, we were invited up to Peter & Michelle’s, along with all the kids, for a Christmas braii (barbecue). It felt like 4th of July – sitting in the bright sun & eating brats. The kids performed the play again for the visiting family members, and opened some of their gifts.
Churches don’t have services on Christmas Eve, but rather on Christmas morning. So – we met the kids early (8 am) for more gift opening, Christmas Day, and then went to church. After church was over, we thanked the pastor for the water slide fun the previous week & he had not returned it, since the rental company was closed for the holidays! Then he asked if we could take it back to the orphanage to use for a few days. Of course we said yes, and crammed it into an already packed full van, and had great fun Christmas afternoon with the kids, and all the family visiting, slipping & sliding down the water slide. The day ended with the volunteers getting together for appetizers and a fun game of hearts.
(annotation from Mike on 28 Dec)
Finally, on Mon Dec 27 we traveled back up to north of Piggs Peak to visit with the family that hosted us June 28 to Aug 26. You might remember that we are working in SW Swaziland, and our training/host family is in NW Swaziland, about 100 miles away. The journey went like this….left our house at 5AM and walked 45 minutes to town to the “bus rank”—bus station. Thankfully it was dry, overcast, and a nice pleasant early morning walk. We caught the first bus North, thought it might leave as early as 6:00Am, but it left at 6:25AM. About 20 miles North the road was washed out and we were detoured—not bad, took an extra 20=30 minutes. Gail said it had been washed out last Thursday when she went shopping …this means the MAIN north –south highway in the country has been washed out for a least a few days….by 7:50AM we had arrived at “the T junction”……..just a crossroads where we left the bus, and got on a small mini-bus for the 40 minute ride into capital city of Mbabane. Arrived at Mbabane bus rank at 8:30AM after traveling a total of about 60 miles in 3 and half hours…….caught another mini-bus North to Piggs Peak, arriving Piggs at 9:30AM. Then hopped on more mini—bus for the last 10-12 miles north of Piggs Peak to our homestead…….this was on mainly dirt road, and due to recent weather, rains, lots of stops, etc…took about 90 minutes…arriving about 11AM. So simple as that we traveled about 100 miles in 6 hours !! And on five different modes of transport, including feet ! And of course carrying lots of stuff as gifts. We stayed only until 2PM, as we needed to get back to the Childrens Home by 7PM—dark—and were fortunate to catch an express bus from Mbabane south, and so it “only” took us four and half hours to get home. A long day, but a good day. This is just a taste of what our travel will be, back to the USA in a couple weeks……we are looking forward to the journey, but after yesterday we do need to “rest up”.…
Just a “typical” few days for us, but definitely not the typical Peace Corps experience. Hope you all had a peaceful and meaningful Christmas. We can not wait to see the grandkids ( and many of the rest of you too !!) in less than three weeks !!
Love, Gail & Mike
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
"Its the Holiday Season...At least It Is By the Calendar"
Greetings again to all……….I write this on 15 December, well into the the twelve days of Christmas, and also what must certainly be the heart of the Christmas holiday season. At least it is as I glance at the calendar. And here too we have the steady stream of Christmas carols on the radio, and being sung in practiced Christmas plays, and by children, parents, and families. And there are some traditional Christmas foods like cakes, and sweets—and we are told that milk sales will be down as people buy more soft drinks, and alcohol…and there are plenty of Christmas decorations up in the local retailers---Christmas trees, trimmed, and garlands, and “Merry Christmas” signs—still “Merry Christmas” here…….and lots of holiday promotions. We even sent out Christmas cards, to the USA to friends/ family. And children do look forward to receiving gifts, and adults look forward to seeing loved ones, and spending time together. So I guess it really is the Christmas season……just is hard for Gail and I to wrap our head into it, as we are starting into African summer, the sun is up at 4:30AM, and our days are either hot/ sunny, or a little wet, misty, cooler…….and people are definitely doing lots of outdoors stuff instead of dealing with snow, weather, car troubles, etc. Perhaps this will finally give us a chance to really experience the meaning of Christmas, since the seasonal clime and happenings are gonna be upside down, from our usual expectations. And yes it is incredibly busy time here at the childrens home.
The last day of school was Friday December 3. This is a bit of a misnomer, as we are starting to learn about the public school academic calendars here. Officially last day was to be Friday Dec 10………then about November 15 there was a notice in the newspaper, that the date had been changed to Dec 3…..no explanation, and from all my sources this is quite normal…….an entire week had been knocked off the calendar, at the last minute. For all the schools across the country. But wait, theres more. Friday Dec 3 was the day the children went to collect report cards for the third term. They had NO SCHOOL that week. Also for the two weeks prior, they were writing exams, so there was no teaching being done…….so truly last day of school was Friday Nov 12……even though announced public academic term was to end Dec 10. Interesting to me how we so quickly chopped a MONTH off the academic term. And the next term in January is announced officially to start 18 January—but everyone says that will get pushed back at least a week, to say 25 January…so all of a sudden we have school break from about 12 November to 25 January…..and remember we have three academic terms in a calendar year so we have three school breaks. I am told this is the longest break of the year, but seems to me the kids here spend a lot less time in school learning than in USA, and a lot less than publicly announced.
So I went with the 14 children on Dec 3 to get the school reports. A nice walk to school early in the am…then a morning assembly outdoor at the school, led by the head teacher, with songs, prayers, and announcements. Then all the children from the school were dismissed to individual classrooms. We stood on line outside the class rooms, and waited for our one-on –one conference with each teacher. The teacher sat at a desk just inside the classroom door……and when our turn we met with teacher, got the report card, had a few words, and moved on. In addition to getting A’s, B’s, C’s etc in each subject, each is ranked where they place in their classroom…..for example if Mike is in a second grade classroom, with 45 children, at the bottom of the report card it is stated “Mike has placed in position 7 out of 45 children “……..this position is pretty important, and all kids know how they stand, and how the other kids are positioned. Seemed to me pretty interesting that from Grade One, this ranking takes place, every term, every grade. The children from our site did very well for third term, all except one being promoted to next grade, and all except two passing for the third term. We walked home.
Dec 4. Saurday. Warm, clear, sunny. We went SWIMMING ! In a pool ! This was a spur of the moment decision, and as we had been granted access to a private pool, at a private home……and the weather was good……about 2PM we dropped everything, grabbed the 23 kids, and off we went for a couple hours. A great time was had by all, but only 3-4 of the children able to swim, so we spent much of the time teaching some swimming, and simply having fun in the cool clean water. Kids are kids are kids when it comes to swimming on a warm day !
Monday 6 Dec—Georges 50th Birthday !!—Happy Birthday George, I actually have bought you a gift I will bring to Columbus in Jan. I traveled to Manzini for an organizational meeting for Junior Achievement. This seems like a good time to comment on police roadblocks. In the first 30 kilometers we traveled, we were stopped FOUR times by police roadblocks, and TWICE at speed traps. Seems the Royal Swazi Police have quotas to meet, just like the highway patrol in the USA. And end of the year fast approaching. But the police roadblocks are actually a GOOD idea, although not one every 5 miles !!! What happens is that the police do set up a road block, and you are required to pull over. The police check the papers—auto registration, driver license. Then they check that the vehicle is working properly….lights, horn, directional signals, emergency brake, etc. Then they count passengers to make sure the vehicle is not over loaded…..if any of the above is bad, you are issued a citation, with a fine. Actually seems to me like this would not be a terrible idea in the USA. Random roadblocks, infrequently, to try to keep “unroadworthy vehicles” off the road. The whole process only took 5 minutes, albeit a little irritating with four stops in 18 miles.
Finally, I conclude today with the story of the cat that ate the canary. As we are on a farm there are plenty of “farm cats” hanging about…doing the cat thing of drinking saucers of milk, mousing, and generally being cats…..a couple days ago in the afternoon I was walking back from the childrens home, and was arriving at our house –which we have affectionally come to call the “Green Cottage”….just as I arrived I noticed a very small, very oddly colored—brown on the bottom half, and bright, bright pumpkin orange on the top half—bird hopping/ flittering about in front of the house. This is all quite normal as we are in Africa, and we see plenty of wild and crazy flora, fauna daily. Anyhow, I paused a moment to admire the pretty little bird in the “Cleveland Browns “ uniform, when out of the corner of my eye comes a cat, and just like that, half the bird had disappeared into the cat mouth, and the other half was wriggling around outside. In another couple seconds the bird was gone. I had no time to lament the passing of this pretty little bird, that I wished was still alive….because I quickly realized that we are now living in a much more blended environment—nature, animals, plants—than we had ever before. Sure we have all seen cats eating birds—in cartoons—and we know intellectually that it has to happen. And I suppose had I grown up on a farm in the USA, I would have seen, felt this natural blending…..but now, on a farm in Africa we see lots of stuff daily, like the cat eating the canary..and cows giving birth to calves, etc.….and while sometimes what we see, experience is a little disconcerting, and makes us a little sad……most of it is just life.
I suppose we will get to this blog a least once before Christmas, but Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all. It goes without saying that the hardest part –really only the hard part—of being here is being away from our families, and friends, and we do miss everyone, and think about YOU ALL, every day. And as we bear down on Christmas Day in Africa…it is getting a little harder. Take care.
Oh and yes---Troy thanks for the call the other nite. GREAT to hear you, and talk with you. !!
Sala Gahle ! ( Stay Well !)
The last day of school was Friday December 3. This is a bit of a misnomer, as we are starting to learn about the public school academic calendars here. Officially last day was to be Friday Dec 10………then about November 15 there was a notice in the newspaper, that the date had been changed to Dec 3…..no explanation, and from all my sources this is quite normal…….an entire week had been knocked off the calendar, at the last minute. For all the schools across the country. But wait, theres more. Friday Dec 3 was the day the children went to collect report cards for the third term. They had NO SCHOOL that week. Also for the two weeks prior, they were writing exams, so there was no teaching being done…….so truly last day of school was Friday Nov 12……even though announced public academic term was to end Dec 10. Interesting to me how we so quickly chopped a MONTH off the academic term. And the next term in January is announced officially to start 18 January—but everyone says that will get pushed back at least a week, to say 25 January…so all of a sudden we have school break from about 12 November to 25 January…..and remember we have three academic terms in a calendar year so we have three school breaks. I am told this is the longest break of the year, but seems to me the kids here spend a lot less time in school learning than in USA, and a lot less than publicly announced.
So I went with the 14 children on Dec 3 to get the school reports. A nice walk to school early in the am…then a morning assembly outdoor at the school, led by the head teacher, with songs, prayers, and announcements. Then all the children from the school were dismissed to individual classrooms. We stood on line outside the class rooms, and waited for our one-on –one conference with each teacher. The teacher sat at a desk just inside the classroom door……and when our turn we met with teacher, got the report card, had a few words, and moved on. In addition to getting A’s, B’s, C’s etc in each subject, each is ranked where they place in their classroom…..for example if Mike is in a second grade classroom, with 45 children, at the bottom of the report card it is stated “Mike has placed in position 7 out of 45 children “……..this position is pretty important, and all kids know how they stand, and how the other kids are positioned. Seemed to me pretty interesting that from Grade One, this ranking takes place, every term, every grade. The children from our site did very well for third term, all except one being promoted to next grade, and all except two passing for the third term. We walked home.
Dec 4. Saurday. Warm, clear, sunny. We went SWIMMING ! In a pool ! This was a spur of the moment decision, and as we had been granted access to a private pool, at a private home……and the weather was good……about 2PM we dropped everything, grabbed the 23 kids, and off we went for a couple hours. A great time was had by all, but only 3-4 of the children able to swim, so we spent much of the time teaching some swimming, and simply having fun in the cool clean water. Kids are kids are kids when it comes to swimming on a warm day !
Monday 6 Dec—Georges 50th Birthday !!—Happy Birthday George, I actually have bought you a gift I will bring to Columbus in Jan. I traveled to Manzini for an organizational meeting for Junior Achievement. This seems like a good time to comment on police roadblocks. In the first 30 kilometers we traveled, we were stopped FOUR times by police roadblocks, and TWICE at speed traps. Seems the Royal Swazi Police have quotas to meet, just like the highway patrol in the USA. And end of the year fast approaching. But the police roadblocks are actually a GOOD idea, although not one every 5 miles !!! What happens is that the police do set up a road block, and you are required to pull over. The police check the papers—auto registration, driver license. Then they check that the vehicle is working properly….lights, horn, directional signals, emergency brake, etc. Then they count passengers to make sure the vehicle is not over loaded…..if any of the above is bad, you are issued a citation, with a fine. Actually seems to me like this would not be a terrible idea in the USA. Random roadblocks, infrequently, to try to keep “unroadworthy vehicles” off the road. The whole process only took 5 minutes, albeit a little irritating with four stops in 18 miles.
Finally, I conclude today with the story of the cat that ate the canary. As we are on a farm there are plenty of “farm cats” hanging about…doing the cat thing of drinking saucers of milk, mousing, and generally being cats…..a couple days ago in the afternoon I was walking back from the childrens home, and was arriving at our house –which we have affectionally come to call the “Green Cottage”….just as I arrived I noticed a very small, very oddly colored—brown on the bottom half, and bright, bright pumpkin orange on the top half—bird hopping/ flittering about in front of the house. This is all quite normal as we are in Africa, and we see plenty of wild and crazy flora, fauna daily. Anyhow, I paused a moment to admire the pretty little bird in the “Cleveland Browns “ uniform, when out of the corner of my eye comes a cat, and just like that, half the bird had disappeared into the cat mouth, and the other half was wriggling around outside. In another couple seconds the bird was gone. I had no time to lament the passing of this pretty little bird, that I wished was still alive….because I quickly realized that we are now living in a much more blended environment—nature, animals, plants—than we had ever before. Sure we have all seen cats eating birds—in cartoons—and we know intellectually that it has to happen. And I suppose had I grown up on a farm in the USA, I would have seen, felt this natural blending…..but now, on a farm in Africa we see lots of stuff daily, like the cat eating the canary..and cows giving birth to calves, etc.….and while sometimes what we see, experience is a little disconcerting, and makes us a little sad……most of it is just life.
I suppose we will get to this blog a least once before Christmas, but Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all. It goes without saying that the hardest part –really only the hard part—of being here is being away from our families, and friends, and we do miss everyone, and think about YOU ALL, every day. And as we bear down on Christmas Day in Africa…it is getting a little harder. Take care.
Oh and yes---Troy thanks for the call the other nite. GREAT to hear you, and talk with you. !!
Sala Gahle ! ( Stay Well !)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
OF THANKSGIVING, OHIO STATE-MICHIGAN, ADVENT SUNDAY, CUTTING GRASS...AND A LEOPARD ON THE LOOSE !!
Of Thanksgiving, Ohio State—Michigan, Advent Sunday, Cutting Grass…And a Leopard on the Loose !
Hi Again from Swaziland, it’s Mike. I write this 5:30AM on 5 December, and must apologize for being a little tardy……..but we have been busy the last couple weeks as you will soon learn.
Thursday 18 November we traveled to Mbabane for our Peace Corps “In Service Training Conference” with the 33 other Volunteers that came to Swaziland with us in June. It was good to see everyone again after being “on-site” for three months, and good to see the training/ Peace Corps staff, and also good to get to the capital city of Mbabane, and see the “bright lights”. The purpose of this training conference was a time for a little reflection, resource sharing, and officially give us some more tools for our tool kit, and to mark the end of our integration into Swaziland life. It was a week of meetings, and all in all good, though after a couple days Gail and I would have been happy to return to our site.
The “big event” of the week was Thanksgiving at the residence of the United States ambassador to Swaziland on Thursday 25 November. We all had great expectations, and these were met, no exceeded !! All Peace Corps Volunteers were invited, as well as embassy staff, so it was a big party. Food preparation was done weeks in advance by staff, volunteers, and hired Swazis. At 1PM we left our conference hotel in a tour bus, just like any old group of tourists…………for the 15 minute drive to the residence. The event was typical “good ole American” Thanksgiving with turkey ( 9 turkeys !), stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, etc etc. I think you get the picture. There is a swimming pool at the residence, so many of the Volunteers took the opportunity to swim, relax as the weather was sunny and warm. The event was truly a nice way to spend Thanksgiving, away from family and friends, and ended all too soon at 4PM, probably to keep the PCV’s from getting too comfortable with the party ! Thank you much Ambassador Irving !
Saturday November 27 was the Ohio State-Michigan football game, and while all Buckeye fans ( I guess fans of the team up north also) know this rivalry has become a bit one sided in recent years, we looked forward to THE GAME. I have had an ongoing wager for the last 25 years, every year with a couple fans. We always talk the week of the game, and perhaps I should say “trash-talk” a little bit….then exchange a $ 5 bill, based on the results. Believe it or not, on Monday 22 November at 8PM Swazi time(1PM EST) we held our annual trash talk conference call. Thanks for participating Jeff Gibbs, and Andy Lietz ! It was great to hear your voices !, And Andy thanks for the check—posted to me on 18 November, 10 days BEFORE the game I might add. I actually got up about midnite on the 27th just to check the world wide web to see the game score. In case you have hot heard—HAH !—Ohio State won 37-7. GO BUCKS !
Sunday 28 November. Gail and I looked forward to this day, as our Peace Corps host family, counterparts were to take us to church in South Africa, and an afternoon concert of the Drakensberg Boys Choir. We left about 8AM for the trip into South Africa, crossing the border, and arriving at church in time for the service. The church/ grounds were beautiful, the service very nice—and in English too. We realized at the beginning of the service it was the first service of the Advent and in fact, an advent wreath, candle was lit—just like at home. Truly felt quite nice to be in an English speaking church, with the start of advent, although glancing out at the warm African sun, in late November was a little odd. Anyhow, Advent Sunday, in South Africa, in church. Seems pretty normal to us now.
The choral concert was wonderful, well attended by hundreds, in a very nice assembly hall. We did not realize until we arrived—that is was their annual CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Just does not seem like the season to Gail, and I as African summer is coming along. Anyhow, the boys—sixty strong—gave a very good performance with holiday tunes from South Africa, all of Africa, and even many Gail and I knew. The last song was “Silent Night”, with the audience joining in, and with the boys all lighting, holding lit candles—just like at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio on Christmas eve. Even though it was 4PM in the afternoon, in Africa, and hot, it felt a little bit like home.
Returning home from the concert we did something a little wild, and crazy for our life in Africa…we cut the grass !! Just like at home. We do have some grass around our house, and as summer comes along it is getting higher, higher…just like April in Columbus. Finally the children on the farm asked if we needed to cut our grass, and I said yes…and the next thing I know….they show up with an electric lawn mower. It worked perfect, and only took about 30 minutes, and definitely needed to be cut, and looks great. Funny thing, in Columbus the LAST DAY I would cut grass was traditionally the day of the OSU-Michigan football game. Here –in Africa—this is the FIRST DAY to cut. I wonder if my last cutting will be in April………
The last day of school for the primary school kids was Friday 26 November….and they do not go back until 18 January……so we call this time the “Holiday Period” and prepare activities for every morning, afternoon to keep the children busy, occupied, productive, and growing. Sometimes we do crafts, recreation, study, reading, community activities, etc. I think you get the drift. Gail runs the pre-school on a lightened program, from 9AM to 10:30AM, but the other 18 kids need stuff to do ! Anyhow, Tue-Thurs a.m. 30 Nov to 2 Dec…I walked in to the Primary School with the six oldest children to clean/ paint school rooms. We got 8 classrooms done in three days –working mornings—and were pretty tired/ proud/ happy with our efforts, accomplishments. The walk is about 45 minutes one way, and thankfully we stored the supplies at the school so did not need to carry. The big surprise however was that on Tuesday morning, while painting about 11AM, I got a call from the Peace Corps Security officer….seems there is a WILD LEOPARD on the loose, and while it had been sited about 14 miles from our site, he wanted to make sure we were warned to be on the alert…..and here we are walking back/forth to the school daily ! This is not an animal escaped from some zoo, but actually a wild animal. Everyone here is pretty secure because we know leopards hang out in trees, from where they pounce….and we live in mainly pastures, savannahs, and grasslands…so we feel safe. Needless to say a little disconcerting. I guess it would be like in the USA getting a notice about a wild grizzily bear. Not sure what we will do if we stumble upon the leopard, or it finds us….but at least now we know about it ….
This entry has been far too long, and I am sure too boring to all, so I will sign off. Mary and Ellen—thanks for calling last evening you sounded great to our ears….and our best, and love to all in the USA…..and Grandad take care of yourself, we will see you in January.
Sala Gahle ! ( Stay Well !)
Gail and Mike
Hi Again from Swaziland, it’s Mike. I write this 5:30AM on 5 December, and must apologize for being a little tardy……..but we have been busy the last couple weeks as you will soon learn.
Thursday 18 November we traveled to Mbabane for our Peace Corps “In Service Training Conference” with the 33 other Volunteers that came to Swaziland with us in June. It was good to see everyone again after being “on-site” for three months, and good to see the training/ Peace Corps staff, and also good to get to the capital city of Mbabane, and see the “bright lights”. The purpose of this training conference was a time for a little reflection, resource sharing, and officially give us some more tools for our tool kit, and to mark the end of our integration into Swaziland life. It was a week of meetings, and all in all good, though after a couple days Gail and I would have been happy to return to our site.
The “big event” of the week was Thanksgiving at the residence of the United States ambassador to Swaziland on Thursday 25 November. We all had great expectations, and these were met, no exceeded !! All Peace Corps Volunteers were invited, as well as embassy staff, so it was a big party. Food preparation was done weeks in advance by staff, volunteers, and hired Swazis. At 1PM we left our conference hotel in a tour bus, just like any old group of tourists…………for the 15 minute drive to the residence. The event was typical “good ole American” Thanksgiving with turkey ( 9 turkeys !), stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, etc etc. I think you get the picture. There is a swimming pool at the residence, so many of the Volunteers took the opportunity to swim, relax as the weather was sunny and warm. The event was truly a nice way to spend Thanksgiving, away from family and friends, and ended all too soon at 4PM, probably to keep the PCV’s from getting too comfortable with the party ! Thank you much Ambassador Irving !
Saturday November 27 was the Ohio State-Michigan football game, and while all Buckeye fans ( I guess fans of the team up north also) know this rivalry has become a bit one sided in recent years, we looked forward to THE GAME. I have had an ongoing wager for the last 25 years, every year with a couple fans. We always talk the week of the game, and perhaps I should say “trash-talk” a little bit….then exchange a $ 5 bill, based on the results. Believe it or not, on Monday 22 November at 8PM Swazi time(1PM EST) we held our annual trash talk conference call. Thanks for participating Jeff Gibbs, and Andy Lietz ! It was great to hear your voices !, And Andy thanks for the check—posted to me on 18 November, 10 days BEFORE the game I might add. I actually got up about midnite on the 27th just to check the world wide web to see the game score. In case you have hot heard—HAH !—Ohio State won 37-7. GO BUCKS !
Sunday 28 November. Gail and I looked forward to this day, as our Peace Corps host family, counterparts were to take us to church in South Africa, and an afternoon concert of the Drakensberg Boys Choir. We left about 8AM for the trip into South Africa, crossing the border, and arriving at church in time for the service. The church/ grounds were beautiful, the service very nice—and in English too. We realized at the beginning of the service it was the first service of the Advent and in fact, an advent wreath, candle was lit—just like at home. Truly felt quite nice to be in an English speaking church, with the start of advent, although glancing out at the warm African sun, in late November was a little odd. Anyhow, Advent Sunday, in South Africa, in church. Seems pretty normal to us now.
The choral concert was wonderful, well attended by hundreds, in a very nice assembly hall. We did not realize until we arrived—that is was their annual CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Just does not seem like the season to Gail, and I as African summer is coming along. Anyhow, the boys—sixty strong—gave a very good performance with holiday tunes from South Africa, all of Africa, and even many Gail and I knew. The last song was “Silent Night”, with the audience joining in, and with the boys all lighting, holding lit candles—just like at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio on Christmas eve. Even though it was 4PM in the afternoon, in Africa, and hot, it felt a little bit like home.
Returning home from the concert we did something a little wild, and crazy for our life in Africa…we cut the grass !! Just like at home. We do have some grass around our house, and as summer comes along it is getting higher, higher…just like April in Columbus. Finally the children on the farm asked if we needed to cut our grass, and I said yes…and the next thing I know….they show up with an electric lawn mower. It worked perfect, and only took about 30 minutes, and definitely needed to be cut, and looks great. Funny thing, in Columbus the LAST DAY I would cut grass was traditionally the day of the OSU-Michigan football game. Here –in Africa—this is the FIRST DAY to cut. I wonder if my last cutting will be in April………
The last day of school for the primary school kids was Friday 26 November….and they do not go back until 18 January……so we call this time the “Holiday Period” and prepare activities for every morning, afternoon to keep the children busy, occupied, productive, and growing. Sometimes we do crafts, recreation, study, reading, community activities, etc. I think you get the drift. Gail runs the pre-school on a lightened program, from 9AM to 10:30AM, but the other 18 kids need stuff to do ! Anyhow, Tue-Thurs a.m. 30 Nov to 2 Dec…I walked in to the Primary School with the six oldest children to clean/ paint school rooms. We got 8 classrooms done in three days –working mornings—and were pretty tired/ proud/ happy with our efforts, accomplishments. The walk is about 45 minutes one way, and thankfully we stored the supplies at the school so did not need to carry. The big surprise however was that on Tuesday morning, while painting about 11AM, I got a call from the Peace Corps Security officer….seems there is a WILD LEOPARD on the loose, and while it had been sited about 14 miles from our site, he wanted to make sure we were warned to be on the alert…..and here we are walking back/forth to the school daily ! This is not an animal escaped from some zoo, but actually a wild animal. Everyone here is pretty secure because we know leopards hang out in trees, from where they pounce….and we live in mainly pastures, savannahs, and grasslands…so we feel safe. Needless to say a little disconcerting. I guess it would be like in the USA getting a notice about a wild grizzily bear. Not sure what we will do if we stumble upon the leopard, or it finds us….but at least now we know about it ….
This entry has been far too long, and I am sure too boring to all, so I will sign off. Mary and Ellen—thanks for calling last evening you sounded great to our ears….and our best, and love to all in the USA…..and Grandad take care of yourself, we will see you in January.
Sala Gahle ! ( Stay Well !)
Gail and Mike
OF THANKSGIVING, OHIO STATE-MICHIGAN, ADVENT SUNDAY, CUTTING GRASS...AND A LEOPARD ON THE LOOSE !!
Of Thanksgiving, Ohio State—Michigan, Advent Sunday, Cutting Grass…And a Leopard on the Loose !
Hi Again from Swaziland, it’s Mike. I write this 5:30AM on 5 December, and must apologize for being a little tardy……..but we have been busy the last couple weeks as you will soon learn.
Thursday 18 November we traveled to Mbabane for our Peace Corps “In Service Training Conference” with the 33 other Volunteers that came to Swaziland with us in June. It was good to see everyone again after being “on-site” for three months, and good to see the training/ Peace Corps staff, and also good to get to the capital city of Mbabane, and see the “bright lights”. The purpose of this training conference was a time for a little reflection, resource sharing, and officially give us some more tools for our tool kit, and to mark the end of our integration into Swaziland life. It was a week of meetings, and all in all good, though after a couple days Gail and I would have been happy to return to our site.
The “big event” of the week was Thanksgiving at the residence of the United States ambassador to Swaziland on Thursday 25 November. We all had great expectations, and these were met, no exceeded !! All Peace Corps Volunteers were invited, as well as embassy staff, so it was a big party. Food preparation was done weeks in advance by staff, volunteers, and hired Swazis. At 1PM we left our conference hotel in a tour bus, just like any old group of tourists…………for the 15 minute drive to the residence. The event was typical “good ole American” Thanksgiving with turkey ( 9 turkeys !), stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, etc etc. I think you get the picture. There is a swimming pool at the residence, so many of the Volunteers took the opportunity to swim, relax as the weather was sunny and warm. The event was truly a nice way to spend Thanksgiving, away from family and friends, and ended all too soon at 4PM, probably to keep the PCV’s from getting too comfortable with the party ! Thank you much Ambassador Irving !
Saturday November 27 was the Ohio State-Michigan football game, and while all Buckeye fans ( I guess fans of the team up north also) know this rivalry has become a bit one sided in recent years, we looked forward to THE GAME. I have had an ongoing wager for the last 25 years, every year with a couple fans. We always talk the week of the game, and perhaps I should say “trash-talk” a little bit….then exchange a $ 5 bill, based on the results. Believe it or not, on Monday 22 November at 8PM Swazi time(1PM EST) we held our annual trash talk conference call. Thanks for participating Jeff Gibbs, and Andy Lietz ! It was great to hear your voices !, And Andy thanks for the check—posted to me on 18 November, 10 days BEFORE the game I might add. I actually got up about midnite on the 27th just to check the world wide web to see the game score. In case you have hot heard—HAH !—Ohio State won 37-7. GO BUCKS !
Sunday 28 November. Gail and I looked forward to this day, as our Peace Corps host family, counterparts were to take us to church in South Africa, and an afternoon concert of the Drakensberg Boys Choir. We left about 8AM for the trip into South Africa, crossing the border, and arriving at church in time for the service. The church/ grounds were beautiful, the service very nice—and in English too. We realized at the beginning of the service it was the first service of the Advent and in fact, an advent wreath, candle was lit—just like at home. Truly felt quite nice to be in an English speaking church, with the start of advent, although glancing out at the warm African sun, in late November was a little odd. Anyhow, Advent Sunday, in South Africa, in church. Seems pretty normal to us now.
The choral concert was wonderful, well attended by hundreds, in a very nice assembly hall. We did not realize until we arrived—that is was their annual CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Just does not seem like the season to Gail, and I as African summer is coming along. Anyhow, the boys—sixty strong—gave a very good performance with holiday tunes from South Africa, all of Africa, and even many Gail and I knew. The last song was “Silent Night”, with the audience joining in, and with the boys all lighting, holding lit candles—just like at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio on Christmas eve. Even though it was 4PM in the afternoon, in Africa, and hot, it felt a little bit like home.
Returning home from the concert we did something a little wild, and crazy for our life in Africa…we cut the grass !! Just like at home. We do have some grass around our house, and as summer comes along it is getting higher, higher…just like April in Columbus. Finally the children on the farm asked if we needed to cut our grass, and I said yes…and the next thing I know….they show up with an electric lawn mower. It worked perfect, and only took about 30 minutes, and definitely needed to be cut, and looks great. Funny thing, in Columbus the LAST DAY I would cut grass was traditionally the day of the OSU-Michigan football game. Here –in Africa—this is the FIRST DAY to cut. I wonder if my last cutting will be in April………
The last day of school for the primary school kids was Friday 26 November….and they do not go back until 18 January……so we call this time the “Holiday Period” and prepare activities for every morning, afternoon to keep the children busy, occupied, productive, and growing. Sometimes we do crafts, recreation, study, reading, community activities, etc. I think you get the drift. Gail runs the pre-school on a lightened program, from 9AM to 10:30AM, but the other 18 kids need stuff to do ! Anyhow, Tue-Thurs a.m. 30 Nov to 2 Dec…I walked in to the Primary School with the six oldest children to clean/ paint school rooms. We got 8 classrooms done in three days –working mornings—and were pretty tired/ proud/ happy with our efforts, accomplishments. The walk is about 45 minutes one way, and thankfully we stored the supplies at the school so did not need to carry. The big surprise however was that on Tuesday morning, while painting about 11AM, I got a call from the Peace Corps Security officer….seems there is a WILD LEOPARD on the loose, and while it had been sited about 14 miles from our site, he wanted to make sure we were warned to be on the alert…..and here we are walking back/forth to the school daily ! This is not an animal escaped from some zoo, but actually a wild animal. Everyone here is pretty secure because we know leopards hang out in trees, from where they pounce….and we live in mainly pastures, savannahs, and grasslands…so we feel safe. Needless to say a little disconcerting. I guess it would be like in the USA getting a notice about a wild grizzily bear. Not sure what we will do if we stumble upon the leopard, or it finds us….but at least now we know about it ….
This entry has been far too long, and I am sure too boring to all, so I will sign off. Mary and Ellen—thanks for calling last evening you sounded great to our ears….and our best, and love to all in the USA…..and Grandad take care of yourself, we will see you in January.
Sala Gahle ! ( Stay Well !)
Gail and Mike
Hi Again from Swaziland, it’s Mike. I write this 5:30AM on 5 December, and must apologize for being a little tardy……..but we have been busy the last couple weeks as you will soon learn.
Thursday 18 November we traveled to Mbabane for our Peace Corps “In Service Training Conference” with the 33 other Volunteers that came to Swaziland with us in June. It was good to see everyone again after being “on-site” for three months, and good to see the training/ Peace Corps staff, and also good to get to the capital city of Mbabane, and see the “bright lights”. The purpose of this training conference was a time for a little reflection, resource sharing, and officially give us some more tools for our tool kit, and to mark the end of our integration into Swaziland life. It was a week of meetings, and all in all good, though after a couple days Gail and I would have been happy to return to our site.
The “big event” of the week was Thanksgiving at the residence of the United States ambassador to Swaziland on Thursday 25 November. We all had great expectations, and these were met, no exceeded !! All Peace Corps Volunteers were invited, as well as embassy staff, so it was a big party. Food preparation was done weeks in advance by staff, volunteers, and hired Swazis. At 1PM we left our conference hotel in a tour bus, just like any old group of tourists…………for the 15 minute drive to the residence. The event was typical “good ole American” Thanksgiving with turkey ( 9 turkeys !), stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, etc etc. I think you get the picture. There is a swimming pool at the residence, so many of the Volunteers took the opportunity to swim, relax as the weather was sunny and warm. The event was truly a nice way to spend Thanksgiving, away from family and friends, and ended all too soon at 4PM, probably to keep the PCV’s from getting too comfortable with the party ! Thank you much Ambassador Irving !
Saturday November 27 was the Ohio State-Michigan football game, and while all Buckeye fans ( I guess fans of the team up north also) know this rivalry has become a bit one sided in recent years, we looked forward to THE GAME. I have had an ongoing wager for the last 25 years, every year with a couple fans. We always talk the week of the game, and perhaps I should say “trash-talk” a little bit….then exchange a $ 5 bill, based on the results. Believe it or not, on Monday 22 November at 8PM Swazi time(1PM EST) we held our annual trash talk conference call. Thanks for participating Jeff Gibbs, and Andy Lietz ! It was great to hear your voices !, And Andy thanks for the check—posted to me on 18 November, 10 days BEFORE the game I might add. I actually got up about midnite on the 27th just to check the world wide web to see the game score. In case you have hot heard—HAH !—Ohio State won 37-7. GO BUCKS !
Sunday 28 November. Gail and I looked forward to this day, as our Peace Corps host family, counterparts were to take us to church in South Africa, and an afternoon concert of the Drakensberg Boys Choir. We left about 8AM for the trip into South Africa, crossing the border, and arriving at church in time for the service. The church/ grounds were beautiful, the service very nice—and in English too. We realized at the beginning of the service it was the first service of the Advent and in fact, an advent wreath, candle was lit—just like at home. Truly felt quite nice to be in an English speaking church, with the start of advent, although glancing out at the warm African sun, in late November was a little odd. Anyhow, Advent Sunday, in South Africa, in church. Seems pretty normal to us now.
The choral concert was wonderful, well attended by hundreds, in a very nice assembly hall. We did not realize until we arrived—that is was their annual CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Just does not seem like the season to Gail, and I as African summer is coming along. Anyhow, the boys—sixty strong—gave a very good performance with holiday tunes from South Africa, all of Africa, and even many Gail and I knew. The last song was “Silent Night”, with the audience joining in, and with the boys all lighting, holding lit candles—just like at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio on Christmas eve. Even though it was 4PM in the afternoon, in Africa, and hot, it felt a little bit like home.
Returning home from the concert we did something a little wild, and crazy for our life in Africa…we cut the grass !! Just like at home. We do have some grass around our house, and as summer comes along it is getting higher, higher…just like April in Columbus. Finally the children on the farm asked if we needed to cut our grass, and I said yes…and the next thing I know….they show up with an electric lawn mower. It worked perfect, and only took about 30 minutes, and definitely needed to be cut, and looks great. Funny thing, in Columbus the LAST DAY I would cut grass was traditionally the day of the OSU-Michigan football game. Here –in Africa—this is the FIRST DAY to cut. I wonder if my last cutting will be in April………
The last day of school for the primary school kids was Friday 26 November….and they do not go back until 18 January……so we call this time the “Holiday Period” and prepare activities for every morning, afternoon to keep the children busy, occupied, productive, and growing. Sometimes we do crafts, recreation, study, reading, community activities, etc. I think you get the drift. Gail runs the pre-school on a lightened program, from 9AM to 10:30AM, but the other 18 kids need stuff to do ! Anyhow, Tue-Thurs a.m. 30 Nov to 2 Dec…I walked in to the Primary School with the six oldest children to clean/ paint school rooms. We got 8 classrooms done in three days –working mornings—and were pretty tired/ proud/ happy with our efforts, accomplishments. The walk is about 45 minutes one way, and thankfully we stored the supplies at the school so did not need to carry. The big surprise however was that on Tuesday morning, while painting about 11AM, I got a call from the Peace Corps Security officer….seems there is a WILD LEOPARD on the loose, and while it had been sited about 14 miles from our site, he wanted to make sure we were warned to be on the alert…..and here we are walking back/forth to the school daily ! This is not an animal escaped from some zoo, but actually a wild animal. Everyone here is pretty secure because we know leopards hang out in trees, from where they pounce….and we live in mainly pastures, savannahs, and grasslands…so we feel safe. Needless to say a little disconcerting. I guess it would be like in the USA getting a notice about a wild grizzily bear. Not sure what we will do if we stumble upon the leopard, or it finds us….but at least now we know about it ….
This entry has been far too long, and I am sure too boring to all, so I will sign off. Mary and Ellen—thanks for calling last evening you sounded great to our ears….and our best, and love to all in the USA…..and Grandad take care of yourself, we will see you in January.
Sala Gahle ! ( Stay Well !)
Gail and Mike
Saturday, November 27, 2010
ThanksGiving In Swaziland
Hi everyone, 25 November 2010
Happy Thanksgiving. Our Peace Corps group that arrived in June is back in the capital city of Mbabane for a week of In-Service Training. I'm sure you're thinking – didn't they just finish 2 mos. Of training – when are they ever going to get to work? Actually all of this front end info really helps us to be more effective volunteers in creating sustainable growth – change that lasts long after we've departed. We can come in and quickly change things how we think they should be, or we can spend the time getting to know the culture, language, ways things are done etc. and then work within the system to be a catalyst for the change that the community all wants to happen. That takes time, networking, and communicating. Peace Corps has learned some things in the past 50 yrs and this is now their model world-wide.
Although we'll be missing our family on Thanksgiving, at least our group will be together, to ease that loneliness. The country director has invited us all to eat with her at the Ambassador's house. The total number of volunteers
in country is about 70, so it should be fun.
I promised to tell you some about the schools. Our kids get up at 5:00 a.m in order to be dressed, washed, beds made, fed and out the door at 6:15 to walk the 45-50 min. to the Primary School in town. School begins at 7:20, and continues until 1:30, with a ½ hr. break around ll:00 or so. There is no formal lunch break. Some kids pack or buy a snack for break time, but our kids usually wait to eat their main meal when they get home around 2:30.
There are government run schools throughout the country, but no buses, so most kids walk. The government has just begun to provide”free” education and has started at the 1st and 2nd grade levels. All other grades require a fee – which is relatively small for primary grades, and gets higher for high school. Still, it was enough to prohibit some from sending their kids to school. The classes are quite large – most average 50 to a classroom, with the 1st and 2nd grades at 60. The schools are constructed of cement block, have doors, windows and a corrugated iron roof. The classrooms are sparce, wooden benches and tables, a chalkboard up front and little else. Most learning is by rote and repetition. They do have textbooks and are offered a variety of subjects: Math, Science, English, SiSwati, Social Studies, and Religions Education, even at the first grade level. However, we've discovered that no one is taught to think or reason. There are few books published in SiSwati for pleasure reading at any level. All subjects are taught primarily in English, so the kids become bilingual at an early age. We've noticed that there's little interest in reading for pleasure even when books are available. So, that's one of our goals is to introduce interesting, recreational reading to the kids we're in charge of, and hope it sticks. Secondly, we've noticed even 6th and 7th graders who still count on their fingers for math. They never had to “learn the math facts” - except the process. So, again, Mike & I want to see if we can at least drill a few math facts into these kids while we're here. We have a captive audience, we've built positive relationships, and have a great learning environment, so hopefully we've have some success. We've noticed that many of these kids, who've had lots of turmoil in their lives prior to coming to the children's home, have difficulty learning in traditional ways. There's no such thing as “special ed” in individual schools – just 1 school for the deaf, 1 school for the blind, and one school for severe mental handicaps. So, we've already seen some progress during our tutoring sessions and will keep on plugging away.
Gotta go to class. Don't eat too much turkey. I hear we'll be eating turkey, but know stuffing will be different, since I have yet to see any celery here.
Love to you all, Gail & Mike
Happy Thanksgiving. Our Peace Corps group that arrived in June is back in the capital city of Mbabane for a week of In-Service Training. I'm sure you're thinking – didn't they just finish 2 mos. Of training – when are they ever going to get to work? Actually all of this front end info really helps us to be more effective volunteers in creating sustainable growth – change that lasts long after we've departed. We can come in and quickly change things how we think they should be, or we can spend the time getting to know the culture, language, ways things are done etc. and then work within the system to be a catalyst for the change that the community all wants to happen. That takes time, networking, and communicating. Peace Corps has learned some things in the past 50 yrs and this is now their model world-wide.
Although we'll be missing our family on Thanksgiving, at least our group will be together, to ease that loneliness. The country director has invited us all to eat with her at the Ambassador's house. The total number of volunteers
in country is about 70, so it should be fun.
I promised to tell you some about the schools. Our kids get up at 5:00 a.m in order to be dressed, washed, beds made, fed and out the door at 6:15 to walk the 45-50 min. to the Primary School in town. School begins at 7:20, and continues until 1:30, with a ½ hr. break around ll:00 or so. There is no formal lunch break. Some kids pack or buy a snack for break time, but our kids usually wait to eat their main meal when they get home around 2:30.
There are government run schools throughout the country, but no buses, so most kids walk. The government has just begun to provide”free” education and has started at the 1st and 2nd grade levels. All other grades require a fee – which is relatively small for primary grades, and gets higher for high school. Still, it was enough to prohibit some from sending their kids to school. The classes are quite large – most average 50 to a classroom, with the 1st and 2nd grades at 60. The schools are constructed of cement block, have doors, windows and a corrugated iron roof. The classrooms are sparce, wooden benches and tables, a chalkboard up front and little else. Most learning is by rote and repetition. They do have textbooks and are offered a variety of subjects: Math, Science, English, SiSwati, Social Studies, and Religions Education, even at the first grade level. However, we've discovered that no one is taught to think or reason. There are few books published in SiSwati for pleasure reading at any level. All subjects are taught primarily in English, so the kids become bilingual at an early age. We've noticed that there's little interest in reading for pleasure even when books are available. So, that's one of our goals is to introduce interesting, recreational reading to the kids we're in charge of, and hope it sticks. Secondly, we've noticed even 6th and 7th graders who still count on their fingers for math. They never had to “learn the math facts” - except the process. So, again, Mike & I want to see if we can at least drill a few math facts into these kids while we're here. We have a captive audience, we've built positive relationships, and have a great learning environment, so hopefully we've have some success. We've noticed that many of these kids, who've had lots of turmoil in their lives prior to coming to the children's home, have difficulty learning in traditional ways. There's no such thing as “special ed” in individual schools – just 1 school for the deaf, 1 school for the blind, and one school for severe mental handicaps. So, we've already seen some progress during our tutoring sessions and will keep on plugging away.
Gotta go to class. Don't eat too much turkey. I hear we'll be eating turkey, but know stuffing will be different, since I have yet to see any celery here.
Love to you all, Gail & Mike
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Travel Plans from The Swaz to USA--Fun, FUn, Fun
BLOG11062010
Hi Everyone, “Sawubona” and Greetings from “The Swaz”---
I think some of you know that Gail and I are new Grandparents (!) and perhaps some of you know that we are planning a little visit back to the “good ole US of A” in mid January to see the new grandchildren, as well as catch up with family and friends.
In this posting, I will describe how we are going to return to DC to see John, Mary, and the grandkids………and I think you will agree that the trip is going to challenge even the veteran travelers we are.
We depart 8PM Africa time from Johannesburg, South Africa on jet destined for NYC/JFK. .
That sounds easy except that we are 5 hours from Jo’burg, by car, and essentially there is no scheduled public transportation service from where we live to Jo’burg. So here is the game plan….
1) Depart our house at 6:15AM………and get a ride into town –with our 4 big suitcases—to the public bus station. The station is open air---pray for no rain, as it will be the heart of African summer and also the rainy season. At the bus station arrange for a ride in a “kumbi”—think Passenger van……to Jo’burg. The van will start loading at 7AM, but no set departure time……it leaves when full—and I mean full !!—and we are hoping to depart by 10 or 10:30 AM for the 5 hours approx to Jo’burg. The van will be hot, overcrowded, maybe wet, but with a little luck we will depart, and get to the South African border—and cross into South Africa. Let’s say we leave at 10AM, we are still in good shape for our 8PM flight. Except…..the transportation does not go to the airport…so our choices become: 1) Try to “arrange” with the driver to take us by the airport if we “grease his palms”, or 2) Get a local cab in Jo’burg—extremly expensive, and extremely unsafe—to take us to airport from wherever we get dropped. And remember, we are hot, maybe wet, and got the luggage. And by the way did I mention we have NOT got cell phones that work in South Africa ? We got phones for Swaziland and when you cross the border, uh-oh !! Yikes ! Let’s assume all goes well, we do make it to the airport, and get checked in, thru passport control, to the gate for the 8PM flight.
2) Flight is 17 hours total time. But I bet the most fun will be when we land half way thru—after 8 hours—in Dakar, Senegal for refueling, and we are kept on the tarmac, not allowed to depart the plane, for 2+ hours while refuel. And of course it is 4AM Africa time and probably 90 degrees. If all continues well, we get back to 35,000 feet…fly for 8 hours, and land at NYC/JFK…..at 7:40AM Eastern Time, but to our bodies it is 3:40PM. We now must collect those 4 BIG suitcases, clear customs, and find our way to the gate for our 10AM flight to Washington, Dulles. Flight leaves JFK, lands at Dulles at 11:40AM. We collect our four big suitcases, and figure out how we will get to Mary’s, and by the way….remember we left African summer, 90 degrees/wet…and have flown into mid-winter in the DC area. And of course our Swazi phones will not work in the USA, either !
Needless to say, if we make it safe and sound to Mary’s, with all our stuff, dry and warm, and on time—after traveling for 38 hours ( remember Africa is 7 hours ahead of DC, so if we get to the Grandkids by 1PM….that is 8PM to our bodies)….please allow us to be a little “grumpy” shall we say….or at least have on hand several icy cold American beverages…as we have not had ice in a drink since 25 June…
The return trip home—wow, did I say home ?-- is a straight fly from DC to Jo’burg…but we still get to have the refueling fun in Dakar……and since we lose 7 hours…….we leave at 5PM one day, land Jo’burg at 5PM the next day, and since it seems you can not travel much after dark in Africa, we will spend the night in a hotel in Jo’burg……and then travel back to Swaziland—by land--- on the third day----total travel time for the return about 40 hours………but on the clock it will be 48 hours.
So I guess suffice to say, those that complain loudly about air travel in the USA, should give Africa travel a try, and then see if you feel like complaining. I might add if there are any “glitches” ( weather, flat tires, illness, border crossing problems, etc.) in the above plans, then we got some issues that will certainly tax our always high spirits.
All that said we are VERY MUCH looking forward to seeing the Grandkids for the first time, and catching up with everyone else. And being with those grandkids, and our kids, and all the family will make every moment of the above described adventure well worth it.
That’s all for now, as we say in the Swaz---“Sala Gahle” ( Stay Well)
Mike
Hi Everyone, “Sawubona” and Greetings from “The Swaz”---
I think some of you know that Gail and I are new Grandparents (!) and perhaps some of you know that we are planning a little visit back to the “good ole US of A” in mid January to see the new grandchildren, as well as catch up with family and friends.
In this posting, I will describe how we are going to return to DC to see John, Mary, and the grandkids………and I think you will agree that the trip is going to challenge even the veteran travelers we are.
We depart 8PM Africa time from Johannesburg, South Africa on jet destined for NYC/JFK. .
That sounds easy except that we are 5 hours from Jo’burg, by car, and essentially there is no scheduled public transportation service from where we live to Jo’burg. So here is the game plan….
1) Depart our house at 6:15AM………and get a ride into town –with our 4 big suitcases—to the public bus station. The station is open air---pray for no rain, as it will be the heart of African summer and also the rainy season. At the bus station arrange for a ride in a “kumbi”—think Passenger van……to Jo’burg. The van will start loading at 7AM, but no set departure time……it leaves when full—and I mean full !!—and we are hoping to depart by 10 or 10:30 AM for the 5 hours approx to Jo’burg. The van will be hot, overcrowded, maybe wet, but with a little luck we will depart, and get to the South African border—and cross into South Africa. Let’s say we leave at 10AM, we are still in good shape for our 8PM flight. Except…..the transportation does not go to the airport…so our choices become: 1) Try to “arrange” with the driver to take us by the airport if we “grease his palms”, or 2) Get a local cab in Jo’burg—extremly expensive, and extremely unsafe—to take us to airport from wherever we get dropped. And remember, we are hot, maybe wet, and got the luggage. And by the way did I mention we have NOT got cell phones that work in South Africa ? We got phones for Swaziland and when you cross the border, uh-oh !! Yikes ! Let’s assume all goes well, we do make it to the airport, and get checked in, thru passport control, to the gate for the 8PM flight.
2) Flight is 17 hours total time. But I bet the most fun will be when we land half way thru—after 8 hours—in Dakar, Senegal for refueling, and we are kept on the tarmac, not allowed to depart the plane, for 2+ hours while refuel. And of course it is 4AM Africa time and probably 90 degrees. If all continues well, we get back to 35,000 feet…fly for 8 hours, and land at NYC/JFK…..at 7:40AM Eastern Time, but to our bodies it is 3:40PM. We now must collect those 4 BIG suitcases, clear customs, and find our way to the gate for our 10AM flight to Washington, Dulles. Flight leaves JFK, lands at Dulles at 11:40AM. We collect our four big suitcases, and figure out how we will get to Mary’s, and by the way….remember we left African summer, 90 degrees/wet…and have flown into mid-winter in the DC area. And of course our Swazi phones will not work in the USA, either !
Needless to say, if we make it safe and sound to Mary’s, with all our stuff, dry and warm, and on time—after traveling for 38 hours ( remember Africa is 7 hours ahead of DC, so if we get to the Grandkids by 1PM….that is 8PM to our bodies)….please allow us to be a little “grumpy” shall we say….or at least have on hand several icy cold American beverages…as we have not had ice in a drink since 25 June…
The return trip home—wow, did I say home ?-- is a straight fly from DC to Jo’burg…but we still get to have the refueling fun in Dakar……and since we lose 7 hours…….we leave at 5PM one day, land Jo’burg at 5PM the next day, and since it seems you can not travel much after dark in Africa, we will spend the night in a hotel in Jo’burg……and then travel back to Swaziland—by land--- on the third day----total travel time for the return about 40 hours………but on the clock it will be 48 hours.
So I guess suffice to say, those that complain loudly about air travel in the USA, should give Africa travel a try, and then see if you feel like complaining. I might add if there are any “glitches” ( weather, flat tires, illness, border crossing problems, etc.) in the above plans, then we got some issues that will certainly tax our always high spirits.
All that said we are VERY MUCH looking forward to seeing the Grandkids for the first time, and catching up with everyone else. And being with those grandkids, and our kids, and all the family will make every moment of the above described adventure well worth it.
That’s all for now, as we say in the Swaz---“Sala Gahle” ( Stay Well)
Mike
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Random Thoughts from Swaziland
Hi Friends & Family,
Its Gail and Mike from Swaziland again, Sat 30 Oct. And believe it or not, we got up today, and this is our first totally free nothing planned day, since we arrived in Swaziland June 28. Sunup is now about 5:10, which means it is getting light around 4:45AM, and still about 6 more weeks until the solstice DEC 21 ..evenings a little longer, but still by about 6:45PM or so, it’s dark, and we are pulling the curtains, and hunkering down for the evening……….so as you understand, seems to us the rhythm of Africa—at least for us, where we live is up EARLY, and to bed early……
Hi from Gail – In addition to the everyday goings on at the farm/children’s home, Peter & Michelle (the owners/directors) are involved in many outreach programs in the community. One of those involves helping a group of home health care women, who deliver care and medicine to those unable to get to clinics. They are paid very little and provide a vital need for many in the rural areas. So, Michelle and another Peace Corps volunteer have helped them organize a cooperative and taught them to make the paper bead necklaces, earrings, and other items for sale. These women are remarkably creative and come up with their own style once a technique is shown to them. I have come into the picture because Michelle had some fabric off-cuts donated to her by a local garment factory. She purchased 3 Singer sewing machines with donated money and I’ve been using one of them to create some purses, and have plans for other items, which these women can also learn how to make. Now, these machines are hand-crank, so as to be used without electricity. They are quite heavy & sturdy (made in China), but it’s taken some getting used to – you guide with only your left hand and crank with your right.
Several of the women have access to sewing machines themselves, and were very excited when I showed them the samples, patterns made out of old newspaper, and partially made items. I’m anxious to go to their next meeting to see what they’ve created.
Peter and Michelle have broken ground on an Education Center here on the farm. I’ll tell you more about that in a future blog, but the plans are to set up the sewing machines in the center, as well as use it for an expanded preschool, computer lab, and study space.
Michelle and Jen (the other PCV), have been marketing the items at various local craft fairs. They planned to go to the nearby South African town of Piet Retief last week, but when Jen was unable to go, I got the opportunity to do so. It was quite an experience crossing the border – first you go through a vehicle check at the Swazi side, then you must park your car and go into a building to have your passport stamped. Then you go to the South African side and must again exit your vehicle and go into a building to have your passport stamped and then go through a vehicle check. The whole process took about 30 min. The landscape of that part of South Africa looked the same, but the town of Piet Retief had a totally different feel – much more modern looking, and many more white people than I’ve been used to seeing. This craft fair was a fund-raiser for a church sponsored orphanage, which houses about 80 children. It was a cold & rainy day, so we didn’t have much success in sales, but had an enjoyable outing nonetheless. It was interesting to note how s
Its Gail and Mike from Swaziland again, Sat 30 Oct. And believe it or not, we got up today, and this is our first totally free nothing planned day, since we arrived in Swaziland June 28. Sunup is now about 5:10, which means it is getting light around 4:45AM, and still about 6 more weeks until the solstice DEC 21 ..evenings a little longer, but still by about 6:45PM or so, it’s dark, and we are pulling the curtains, and hunkering down for the evening……….so as you understand, seems to us the rhythm of Africa—at least for us, where we live is up EARLY, and to bed early……
Hi from Gail – In addition to the everyday goings on at the farm/children’s home, Peter & Michelle (the owners/directors) are involved in many outreach programs in the community. One of those involves helping a group of home health care women, who deliver care and medicine to those unable to get to clinics. They are paid very little and provide a vital need for many in the rural areas. So, Michelle and another Peace Corps volunteer have helped them organize a cooperative and taught them to make the paper bead necklaces, earrings, and other items for sale. These women are remarkably creative and come up with their own style once a technique is shown to them. I have come into the picture because Michelle had some fabric off-cuts donated to her by a local garment factory. She purchased 3 Singer sewing machines with donated money and I’ve been using one of them to create some purses, and have plans for other items, which these women can also learn how to make. Now, these machines are hand-crank, so as to be used without electricity. They are quite heavy & sturdy (made in China), but it’s taken some getting used to – you guide with only your left hand and crank with your right.
Several of the women have access to sewing machines themselves, and were very excited when I showed them the samples, patterns made out of old newspaper, and partially made items. I’m anxious to go to their next meeting to see what they’ve created.
Peter and Michelle have broken ground on an Education Center here on the farm. I’ll tell you more about that in a future blog, but the plans are to set up the sewing machines in the center, as well as use it for an expanded preschool, computer lab, and study space.
Michelle and Jen (the other PCV), have been marketing the items at various local craft fairs. They planned to go to the nearby South African town of Piet Retief last week, but when Jen was unable to go, I got the opportunity to do so. It was quite an experience crossing the border – first you go through a vehicle check at the Swazi side, then you must park your car and go into a building to have your passport stamped. Then you go to the South African side and must again exit your vehicle and go into a building to have your passport stamped and then go through a vehicle check. The whole process took about 30 min. The landscape of that part of South Africa looked the same, but the town of Piet Retief had a totally different feel – much more modern looking, and many more white people than I’ve been used to seeing. This craft fair was a fund-raiser for a church sponsored orphanage, which houses about 80 children. It was a cold & rainy day, so we didn’t have much success in sales, but had an enjoyable outing nonetheless. It was interesting to note how s
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
MIKES BDAY, and Cooking Cakes !
Hi Friends & Family,
Greetings—again—from The Swaz !!
We celebrated Mike’s birthday in fine fashion, especially since it coincided with a birthday celebration of one of the children here at the children’s home. From what I’ve been able to gather, in general, birthdays are not regularly celebrated in Swaziland as we do in the states. Certain birthdays have significance, and might be honored, yet, depending on the family situation, there may or may not be a party, or even a cake. Most families do not have an oven, so a cake would mean a trip to town to purchase one. In the grocery store, I’ve noticed that cakes are often sold by the slice, since a whole cake would be too expensive for many to buy.
But, the directors at our children’s home, Peter & Michelle, decided that each child would have a birthday party. Since there are 23 children here now, they have a party once or twice a month on a Sunday afternoon. Even if there are 2 or 3 children, each one gets a cake, a few small presents and then sandwiches, juice, popcorn, & candy are served to all. We played games – mostly relay races, since the age range is so great. Then it later turned into a pick up soccer game. It was a lovely time, relaxed, fun and most of all, each child feels special on that day. Sadly, Michelle shared with us that she really isn’t sure of the birthday of some of the kids, so they just designate a day for them.
Fortunately, in our house, I do have an oven, so I tried my hand at baking a chocolate cake. Even without a mixer, and having to convert measurements (they use grams), it turned out surprisingly good. I also helped with the party by providing egg salad sandwiches. I’ll have to make deviled eggs sometime, as I’m sure they’d be a hit.
The 4 older girls came over and helped me ice the cake and make the sandwiches. They love learning new ways to cook & prepare food. I introduced them to the taste of lentils and rice, and took some over to their housemothers. Thankfully, everyone liked it, so now they have another way to economically yet nutritiously prepare food for all the kids.
Mike & I are continually amazed at the great variety of food available here, yet most are content to prepare their maize meal porridge day after day.
We’re having a Peace Corps couple come visit this afternoon. They’ll spend the night and then he and Mike will travel to Mbabane for a meeting, while she stays with me tomorrow to get a chance to see what my days are like.
And we still get almost no news, except for letters, so Thanks for Letters. For example, we did even know about the Chilean miners, until last Thursday—a couple days after they were rescued!. Thankfully, we are totally out of the election din in the USA. I am sure you understand as we have no tv, no radio, no magazines, no news papers. Basically, 100% of what hear about is from letters, and word of mouth.
Bye for now. Gail & Mike
Greetings—again—from The Swaz !!
We celebrated Mike’s birthday in fine fashion, especially since it coincided with a birthday celebration of one of the children here at the children’s home. From what I’ve been able to gather, in general, birthdays are not regularly celebrated in Swaziland as we do in the states. Certain birthdays have significance, and might be honored, yet, depending on the family situation, there may or may not be a party, or even a cake. Most families do not have an oven, so a cake would mean a trip to town to purchase one. In the grocery store, I’ve noticed that cakes are often sold by the slice, since a whole cake would be too expensive for many to buy.
But, the directors at our children’s home, Peter & Michelle, decided that each child would have a birthday party. Since there are 23 children here now, they have a party once or twice a month on a Sunday afternoon. Even if there are 2 or 3 children, each one gets a cake, a few small presents and then sandwiches, juice, popcorn, & candy are served to all. We played games – mostly relay races, since the age range is so great. Then it later turned into a pick up soccer game. It was a lovely time, relaxed, fun and most of all, each child feels special on that day. Sadly, Michelle shared with us that she really isn’t sure of the birthday of some of the kids, so they just designate a day for them.
Fortunately, in our house, I do have an oven, so I tried my hand at baking a chocolate cake. Even without a mixer, and having to convert measurements (they use grams), it turned out surprisingly good. I also helped with the party by providing egg salad sandwiches. I’ll have to make deviled eggs sometime, as I’m sure they’d be a hit.
The 4 older girls came over and helped me ice the cake and make the sandwiches. They love learning new ways to cook & prepare food. I introduced them to the taste of lentils and rice, and took some over to their housemothers. Thankfully, everyone liked it, so now they have another way to economically yet nutritiously prepare food for all the kids.
Mike & I are continually amazed at the great variety of food available here, yet most are content to prepare their maize meal porridge day after day.
We’re having a Peace Corps couple come visit this afternoon. They’ll spend the night and then he and Mike will travel to Mbabane for a meeting, while she stays with me tomorrow to get a chance to see what my days are like.
And we still get almost no news, except for letters, so Thanks for Letters. For example, we did even know about the Chilean miners, until last Thursday—a couple days after they were rescued!. Thankfully, we are totally out of the election din in the USA. I am sure you understand as we have no tv, no radio, no magazines, no news papers. Basically, 100% of what hear about is from letters, and word of mouth.
Bye for now. Gail & Mike
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
OUR GOING TO CHURCH TIMES !!
Hi Everyone !
First things first – our grandchildren, Hatcher and Lavinia progressed in growth and development far faster than was predicted, and after only 2 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, they are both home – not bad considering they were 6 weeks premature. Mary and John report that so far, all is going well. John will be home for the next 2 weeks, and then, John’s mother will be coming to help during the week. I’m most grateful to her and to all the others who will be there in my stead, until I can return stateside for a visit. That will happen sometime in January – and I plan to spend my entire 10 day visit in D.C. holding babies.
Mike & I are still surprised at how different our reality in Swaziland is vs. our expectations. First, before we left the USA we didn’t think we’d ever really get cold in Africa. Well, so far, we’ve never been really hot, and frequently we have been chilled, and just about every night still sleeping under blankets. It’s still “spring”, so I’m sure the hot weather is coming, but even on the warm days, the nights are cool. This after three and a half months in Africa.
I thought you’d like to hear more about what church is like in Swaziland, since around 85% are Christian, and most seem to be actively involved in their faith. On Sundays, you’ll see many groups of women, some men, and children – all dressed in their best – walking to their services. The predominant denomination is some form of Zionist, or Pentecostal, although there’s everything in between. We’ve seen various “uniforms” from certain churches, usually identifying church leaders. We’ve also watched groups of men carry the pews down the road to their building for worship – now that’s dedication. Our first church service was at our first homestay. We walked about 1 ½ miles down the road and up a gravel path. The church was very simple – concrete block walls, tin roof, no electricity, a simple altar in front. The men sat on one side, the women on the other. The singing was amazing – usually led by a song leader, but everyone joins in loud and clear. There’s no piano or instrumentation, just voices. There’s lots of repetition, and just when you think it’s over, they begin again. Since the service was in SiSwati, the pastor had a teenager sit with Mike & me to interpret. The service lasted 3 ½ to 4 hrs. and that is typical. Luckily we each brought our Bibles, so we could read to pass the time.
Our next church experience was at an Anglican church in the town close to where we now live. It’s much more traditional, (but I think less typical) and feels like an Episcopal or Lutheran service back home, except, of course, in SiSwati. Luckily, the services here last 1 ½ to 2 hrs., so that now seems short. They follow the Book of Common Prayer and keep to the lectionary of a prescribed set of scripture passages according to the date. It is a rather small congregation, so when we arrive with the 23 children, we certainly make our presence known. Everyone has been extremely friendly, and we’re glad for the opportunity to meet some folks in town, since most of our time is spent at the farm with the children. It is amazing how 2 housemothers make sure all the kids are fed, in their Sunday best, even down to clean shoes, and ready to go by 8:30 a.m.
Time to go – next time I’ll talk about the schools. We miss you all, and thanks for your prayers for the health of our grandchildren. Love, Gail and Mike
First things first – our grandchildren, Hatcher and Lavinia progressed in growth and development far faster than was predicted, and after only 2 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, they are both home – not bad considering they were 6 weeks premature. Mary and John report that so far, all is going well. John will be home for the next 2 weeks, and then, John’s mother will be coming to help during the week. I’m most grateful to her and to all the others who will be there in my stead, until I can return stateside for a visit. That will happen sometime in January – and I plan to spend my entire 10 day visit in D.C. holding babies.
Mike & I are still surprised at how different our reality in Swaziland is vs. our expectations. First, before we left the USA we didn’t think we’d ever really get cold in Africa. Well, so far, we’ve never been really hot, and frequently we have been chilled, and just about every night still sleeping under blankets. It’s still “spring”, so I’m sure the hot weather is coming, but even on the warm days, the nights are cool. This after three and a half months in Africa.
I thought you’d like to hear more about what church is like in Swaziland, since around 85% are Christian, and most seem to be actively involved in their faith. On Sundays, you’ll see many groups of women, some men, and children – all dressed in their best – walking to their services. The predominant denomination is some form of Zionist, or Pentecostal, although there’s everything in between. We’ve seen various “uniforms” from certain churches, usually identifying church leaders. We’ve also watched groups of men carry the pews down the road to their building for worship – now that’s dedication. Our first church service was at our first homestay. We walked about 1 ½ miles down the road and up a gravel path. The church was very simple – concrete block walls, tin roof, no electricity, a simple altar in front. The men sat on one side, the women on the other. The singing was amazing – usually led by a song leader, but everyone joins in loud and clear. There’s no piano or instrumentation, just voices. There’s lots of repetition, and just when you think it’s over, they begin again. Since the service was in SiSwati, the pastor had a teenager sit with Mike & me to interpret. The service lasted 3 ½ to 4 hrs. and that is typical. Luckily we each brought our Bibles, so we could read to pass the time.
Our next church experience was at an Anglican church in the town close to where we now live. It’s much more traditional, (but I think less typical) and feels like an Episcopal or Lutheran service back home, except, of course, in SiSwati. Luckily, the services here last 1 ½ to 2 hrs., so that now seems short. They follow the Book of Common Prayer and keep to the lectionary of a prescribed set of scripture passages according to the date. It is a rather small congregation, so when we arrive with the 23 children, we certainly make our presence known. Everyone has been extremely friendly, and we’re glad for the opportunity to meet some folks in town, since most of our time is spent at the farm with the children. It is amazing how 2 housemothers make sure all the kids are fed, in their Sunday best, even down to clean shoes, and ready to go by 8:30 a.m.
Time to go – next time I’ll talk about the schools. We miss you all, and thanks for your prayers for the health of our grandchildren. Love, Gail and Mike
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
MIKES DIET,DIRT PATHS, AND MORE
Hi Everyone-- (it is Mike)
First, thnx to Mary for the calls,updates about the twins born on Sept 25. We are able to see the photos online, and they look great !! We also appreciate the calls, and when we do not hear,we know that " no new is good news". Of course, we REALLY wish we could see you,and the grandchildren, but that time will come.
About once a week I walk to school with the 18 Primary School kids....they get up at5AM, and leave about 6:15--6:30 for the walk to town.....the primary schoolis abnout 30--40 minutes. It always amazes me that they are up at 5, cleaned up, dressed, eat brkfst and ready to go. The kids do not leave together but in a little steady stream.....and usually by the time we get to the school we are in one big group. The weather has changed and in the last week about half of the days are misty,cool,rainy...like spring in OHIO.....and since we are walking on dirt paths, the shoes are a little muddy on our arrival. It is very important that the schoolchildren be dressed cleanly, and very well in uniforms, so of course much care is taken,upon arrival to clean up the shoes, spotless, and shining....
Now about those dirt paths, and perhaps this says more about Gail and I, than anything else......our first couple weeks in Swaziland we--and most the volunteers--would look out into the fields, and see "simply fields" often with cattle,and or chickens/ goats.........but nothing more, and nothing less. Then about week 4/5 we would look into the same fields, and notice the odd homesteads scattered about on hillsides,in valleys,on the odd dirtroad,off in the distance.......now we look into the same fields, and we see dirt paths and matted down grass paths, andwe know that all these paths lead to homesteads, or grazing fields, or schools, or shops, or churches........or whatever. I guess we are getting used to our surroundings, because it all looks as normal to us as Northam Park, and Tremont School, and the Upper Arlington Public Library. And it all makes perfect sense. To us now.
Last Friday we met with the Peace Corps Medical Officer, at our home. A routine visit to see how we were doing--which is GREAT. She did discuss with me my weight loss, you see I have probably lost about 20-25 pounds, and frankly if I get below a certain weight I suppose I will need to focus on putting on some pounds. This is all quite normal for American men I might add. The reasons are simple--NO junk food in my diet. No chips. No soft drinks. No pizza. No cookies. No cakes, etc. So anyhow, bottomline we are eating well,but I have lost some weight.....such is life.
Thats all from me for now, and yes GO BUCKS,and GO WILDCATS !
First, thnx to Mary for the calls,updates about the twins born on Sept 25. We are able to see the photos online, and they look great !! We also appreciate the calls, and when we do not hear,we know that " no new is good news". Of course, we REALLY wish we could see you,and the grandchildren, but that time will come.
About once a week I walk to school with the 18 Primary School kids....they get up at5AM, and leave about 6:15--6:30 for the walk to town.....the primary schoolis abnout 30--40 minutes. It always amazes me that they are up at 5, cleaned up, dressed, eat brkfst and ready to go. The kids do not leave together but in a little steady stream.....and usually by the time we get to the school we are in one big group. The weather has changed and in the last week about half of the days are misty,cool,rainy...like spring in OHIO.....and since we are walking on dirt paths, the shoes are a little muddy on our arrival. It is very important that the schoolchildren be dressed cleanly, and very well in uniforms, so of course much care is taken,upon arrival to clean up the shoes, spotless, and shining....
Now about those dirt paths, and perhaps this says more about Gail and I, than anything else......our first couple weeks in Swaziland we--and most the volunteers--would look out into the fields, and see "simply fields" often with cattle,and or chickens/ goats.........but nothing more, and nothing less. Then about week 4/5 we would look into the same fields, and notice the odd homesteads scattered about on hillsides,in valleys,on the odd dirtroad,off in the distance.......now we look into the same fields, and we see dirt paths and matted down grass paths, andwe know that all these paths lead to homesteads, or grazing fields, or schools, or shops, or churches........or whatever. I guess we are getting used to our surroundings, because it all looks as normal to us as Northam Park, and Tremont School, and the Upper Arlington Public Library. And it all makes perfect sense. To us now.
Last Friday we met with the Peace Corps Medical Officer, at our home. A routine visit to see how we were doing--which is GREAT. She did discuss with me my weight loss, you see I have probably lost about 20-25 pounds, and frankly if I get below a certain weight I suppose I will need to focus on putting on some pounds. This is all quite normal for American men I might add. The reasons are simple--NO junk food in my diet. No chips. No soft drinks. No pizza. No cookies. No cakes, etc. So anyhow, bottomline we are eating well,but I have lost some weight.....such is life.
Thats all from me for now, and yes GO BUCKS,and GO WILDCATS !
Monday, October 4, 2010
GRANDPARENTS !!
3 OCT 2010
GAIL AND MIKE ARE NOW GRANDPARENTS!!! Mary delivered a healthy boy and girl on Sat. Sept. 25 around noon. Yes, they were 6 weeks premature, but weighed in at 4 lbs. And 4 lb. 10 oz., and all reports are that they are progressing nicely in the NIC Unit. Welcome Lavinia McDowell and Hatcher Canfield.
Greetings from Swaziland. I apologize for the delay in blog postings lately – our computer was out of commission & the internet café is usually closed when I go to town. So, now that we’re settled into our community I can describe our living arrangements and working conditions. We now live on a farm in the SW part of Swaziland. Several years ago, the owners decided to begin caring for some of the orphans and vulnerable children in their area. Now, they have 23 children living in 2 separate children’s homes on the farm. They range in ages from 3 to 16 yrs., both boys and girls. Each home has a house mother who cares for the day to day needs of the kids, while the owners operate their farm – about 50 head of dairy cows and a large plant nursery. The money generated from the farm helps pay for the operations of the children’s homes. They asked for Peace Corps help to help them better care for the kids as well as to help with the farm operations and the many outreach programs they are involved in around the community.
We have a separate dwelling, which is quite nicer than a typical hut. We’re not complaining. We have electricity, running water, a bathroom and a kitchen with stove and refrigerator. We do share our space with the many short term volunteers who come on mission trips to help at the children’s home. So far we’ve had a girl from England, who was here 2 months, and a couple from Tulsa who was here for 5 days. It’s been eye opening to be on the other end of the mission trip paradigm. We’ve enjoyed it all so far.
My job is more hands on with the kids – I teach preschool to the 5 younger kids each day from 8:30 to 12:30 (with a ½ hr. break). Then I tutor 6 first graders from 2:30 to 3:30. Then I tutor 3 third graders from 5 – 6 pm. In the meantime, I help with basic computer skills for those who need help. That’s my day to day stuff, but I’m also starting some sewing projects, and other community outreach things which I’ll detail at a later blog. We do accompany the kids to church on Sundays – they attend an Anglican church in town. We’re fortunate in that this church feels more like a traditional western church and only lasts 2 hrs. (many others go for 3 – 4 hrs.) Again, I’ll give you more details on church later.
Mike’s jobs are more administrative – helping with the operations of the farm – and actually learning some farm skills. Yes, these suburban raised adults are getting into the lifestyle here. He’s also helping with the record keeping for the kids – imagine keeping the medical, dental, eye, and school records straight for 23! I could barely keep track of our 4.
We life in the high plains area – so we’ve had mostly cool nights and are sleeping under blankets still, even though it’s “spring” and the days are warming up. We have lots of sunny days, and it’s still dry season. We’ve only seen a few days of light sprinkles since we’ve arrived. Yet, the trees are coming into leaf and some have bloomed. I certainly don’t miss the gray skies of Columbus, Ohio. Because of the extreme dry conditions, we’re on the lookout for fires – our owners have helped others fight some in the area since we’ve arrived. We hear it is absolutely gorgeous once the rains begin and everything turns green, but the price to pay is lots of mud.
We couldn’t be healthier or happier, although we sure to miss everyone at home.
Gotta go get ready for church. Love to all of you. Gail & Mike
GAIL AND MIKE ARE NOW GRANDPARENTS!!! Mary delivered a healthy boy and girl on Sat. Sept. 25 around noon. Yes, they were 6 weeks premature, but weighed in at 4 lbs. And 4 lb. 10 oz., and all reports are that they are progressing nicely in the NIC Unit. Welcome Lavinia McDowell and Hatcher Canfield.
Greetings from Swaziland. I apologize for the delay in blog postings lately – our computer was out of commission & the internet café is usually closed when I go to town. So, now that we’re settled into our community I can describe our living arrangements and working conditions. We now live on a farm in the SW part of Swaziland. Several years ago, the owners decided to begin caring for some of the orphans and vulnerable children in their area. Now, they have 23 children living in 2 separate children’s homes on the farm. They range in ages from 3 to 16 yrs., both boys and girls. Each home has a house mother who cares for the day to day needs of the kids, while the owners operate their farm – about 50 head of dairy cows and a large plant nursery. The money generated from the farm helps pay for the operations of the children’s homes. They asked for Peace Corps help to help them better care for the kids as well as to help with the farm operations and the many outreach programs they are involved in around the community.
We have a separate dwelling, which is quite nicer than a typical hut. We’re not complaining. We have electricity, running water, a bathroom and a kitchen with stove and refrigerator. We do share our space with the many short term volunteers who come on mission trips to help at the children’s home. So far we’ve had a girl from England, who was here 2 months, and a couple from Tulsa who was here for 5 days. It’s been eye opening to be on the other end of the mission trip paradigm. We’ve enjoyed it all so far.
My job is more hands on with the kids – I teach preschool to the 5 younger kids each day from 8:30 to 12:30 (with a ½ hr. break). Then I tutor 6 first graders from 2:30 to 3:30. Then I tutor 3 third graders from 5 – 6 pm. In the meantime, I help with basic computer skills for those who need help. That’s my day to day stuff, but I’m also starting some sewing projects, and other community outreach things which I’ll detail at a later blog. We do accompany the kids to church on Sundays – they attend an Anglican church in town. We’re fortunate in that this church feels more like a traditional western church and only lasts 2 hrs. (many others go for 3 – 4 hrs.) Again, I’ll give you more details on church later.
Mike’s jobs are more administrative – helping with the operations of the farm – and actually learning some farm skills. Yes, these suburban raised adults are getting into the lifestyle here. He’s also helping with the record keeping for the kids – imagine keeping the medical, dental, eye, and school records straight for 23! I could barely keep track of our 4.
We life in the high plains area – so we’ve had mostly cool nights and are sleeping under blankets still, even though it’s “spring” and the days are warming up. We have lots of sunny days, and it’s still dry season. We’ve only seen a few days of light sprinkles since we’ve arrived. Yet, the trees are coming into leaf and some have bloomed. I certainly don’t miss the gray skies of Columbus, Ohio. Because of the extreme dry conditions, we’re on the lookout for fires – our owners have helped others fight some in the area since we’ve arrived. We hear it is absolutely gorgeous once the rains begin and everything turns green, but the price to pay is lots of mud.
We couldn’t be healthier or happier, although we sure to miss everyone at home.
Gotta go get ready for church. Love to all of you. Gail & Mike
GRANDPARENTS !!
3 OCT 2010
GAIL AND MIKE ARE NOW GRANDPARENTS!!! Mary delivered a healthy boy and girl on Sat. Sept. 25 around noon. Yes, they were 6 weeks premature, but weighed in at 4 lbs. And 4 lb. 10 oz., and all reports are that they are progressing nicely in the NIC Unit. Welcome Lavinia McDowell and Hatcher Canfield.
Greetings from Swaziland. I apologize for the delay in blog postings lately – our computer was out of commission & the internet café is usually closed when I go to town. So, now that we’re settled into our community I can describe our living arrangements and working conditions. We now live on a farm in the SW part of Swaziland. Several years ago, the owners decided to begin caring for some of the orphans and vulnerable children in their area. Now, they have 23 children living in 2 separate children’s homes on the farm. They range in ages from 3 to 16 yrs., both boys and girls. Each home has a house mother who cares for the day to day needs of the kids, while the owners operate their farm – about 50 head of dairy cows and a large plant nursery. The money generated from the farm helps pay for the operations of the children’s homes. They asked for Peace Corps help to help them better care for the kids as well as to help with the farm operations and the many outreach programs they are involved in around the community.
We have a separate dwelling, which is quite nicer than a typical hut. We’re not complaining. We have electricity, running water, a bathroom and a kitchen with stove and refrigerator. We do share our space with the many short term volunteers who come on mission trips to help at the children’s home. So far we’ve had a girl from England, who was here 2 months, and a couple from Tulsa who was here for 5 days. It’s been eye opening to be on the other end of the mission trip paradigm. We’ve enjoyed it all so far.
My job is more hands on with the kids – I teach preschool to the 5 younger kids each day from 8:30 to 12:30 (with a ½ hr. break). Then I tutor 6 first graders from 2:30 to 3:30. Then I tutor 3 third graders from 5 – 6 pm. In the meantime, I help with basic computer skills for those who need help. That’s my day to day stuff, but I’m also starting some sewing projects, and other community outreach things which I’ll detail at a later blog. We do accompany the kids to church on Sundays – they attend an Anglican church in town. We’re fortunate in that this church feels more like a traditional western church and only lasts 2 hrs. (many others go for 3 – 4 hrs.) Again, I’ll give you more details on church later.
Mike’s jobs are more administrative – helping with the operations of the farm – and actually learning some farm skills. Yes, these suburban raised adults are getting into the lifestyle here. He’s also helping with the record keeping for the kids – imagine keeping the medical, dental, eye, and school records straight for 23! I could barely keep track of our 4.
We life in the high plains area – so we’ve had mostly cool nights and are sleeping under blankets still, even though it’s “spring” and the days are warming up. We have lots of sunny days, and it’s still dry season. We’ve only seen a few days of light sprinkles since we’ve arrived. Yet, the trees are coming into leaf and some have bloomed. I certainly don’t miss the gray skies of Columbus, Ohio. Because of the extreme dry conditions, we’re on the lookout for fires – our owners have helped others fight some in the area since we’ve arrived. We hear it is absolutely gorgeous once the rains begin and everything turns green, but the price to pay is lots of mud.
We couldn’t be healthier or happier, although we sure to miss everyone at home.
Gotta go get ready for church. Love to all of you. Gail & Mike
GAIL AND MIKE ARE NOW GRANDPARENTS!!! Mary delivered a healthy boy and girl on Sat. Sept. 25 around noon. Yes, they were 6 weeks premature, but weighed in at 4 lbs. And 4 lb. 10 oz., and all reports are that they are progressing nicely in the NIC Unit. Welcome Lavinia McDowell and Hatcher Canfield.
Greetings from Swaziland. I apologize for the delay in blog postings lately – our computer was out of commission & the internet café is usually closed when I go to town. So, now that we’re settled into our community I can describe our living arrangements and working conditions. We now live on a farm in the SW part of Swaziland. Several years ago, the owners decided to begin caring for some of the orphans and vulnerable children in their area. Now, they have 23 children living in 2 separate children’s homes on the farm. They range in ages from 3 to 16 yrs., both boys and girls. Each home has a house mother who cares for the day to day needs of the kids, while the owners operate their farm – about 50 head of dairy cows and a large plant nursery. The money generated from the farm helps pay for the operations of the children’s homes. They asked for Peace Corps help to help them better care for the kids as well as to help with the farm operations and the many outreach programs they are involved in around the community.
We have a separate dwelling, which is quite nicer than a typical hut. We’re not complaining. We have electricity, running water, a bathroom and a kitchen with stove and refrigerator. We do share our space with the many short term volunteers who come on mission trips to help at the children’s home. So far we’ve had a girl from England, who was here 2 months, and a couple from Tulsa who was here for 5 days. It’s been eye opening to be on the other end of the mission trip paradigm. We’ve enjoyed it all so far.
My job is more hands on with the kids – I teach preschool to the 5 younger kids each day from 8:30 to 12:30 (with a ½ hr. break). Then I tutor 6 first graders from 2:30 to 3:30. Then I tutor 3 third graders from 5 – 6 pm. In the meantime, I help with basic computer skills for those who need help. That’s my day to day stuff, but I’m also starting some sewing projects, and other community outreach things which I’ll detail at a later blog. We do accompany the kids to church on Sundays – they attend an Anglican church in town. We’re fortunate in that this church feels more like a traditional western church and only lasts 2 hrs. (many others go for 3 – 4 hrs.) Again, I’ll give you more details on church later.
Mike’s jobs are more administrative – helping with the operations of the farm – and actually learning some farm skills. Yes, these suburban raised adults are getting into the lifestyle here. He’s also helping with the record keeping for the kids – imagine keeping the medical, dental, eye, and school records straight for 23! I could barely keep track of our 4.
We life in the high plains area – so we’ve had mostly cool nights and are sleeping under blankets still, even though it’s “spring” and the days are warming up. We have lots of sunny days, and it’s still dry season. We’ve only seen a few days of light sprinkles since we’ve arrived. Yet, the trees are coming into leaf and some have bloomed. I certainly don’t miss the gray skies of Columbus, Ohio. Because of the extreme dry conditions, we’re on the lookout for fires – our owners have helped others fight some in the area since we’ve arrived. We hear it is absolutely gorgeous once the rains begin and everything turns green, but the price to pay is lots of mud.
We couldn’t be healthier or happier, although we sure to miss everyone at home.
Gotta go get ready for church. Love to all of you. Gail & Mike
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Our life in Swaziland - Aug. 2010
Hi everyone,
Sorry for the gap in communication. I'm at the peace corps office in Mbabane and using their computers. I thought you'd all like to hear about our daily life - what we've been doing, etc. So, here goes:
What are we eating? Swaziland has an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, mostly available seasonally, but there's also South Africa so close by, that there's lots of other items imported from there. So, in a nut shell, we're eating well. For a typical breakfast we eat cereal & fruit; we pack lunch since our training center is about 5 miles from where we're currently living. So lunch is usually peanut butter sandwiches & fruit. Dinner is a bit more challenging, since we get home around 4 or 5 pm & since we don't have any refrigeration, we're cooking from scratch each night, and shopping for fresh stuff every other day. There's a small shop that's got most staple items, and there's an orange grove nearby, so we're eating lots of oranges, butternut squash, potatoes, swish chard (like spinach), and of course, rice and/or corn meal. They do eat lots of chicken here, so we're getting our protein. Actually the bigger challenge has been water.
From our homestay, the water tap is quite far away. Our family puts a 75 liter jug on a dolley and pushes it down the road 1/4 mi. then crosses the road and then goes another 1/4 mile up a dirt path to fill the drum. The water doesn't flow very quickly, so the filling process takes about 1/2 hr. Then reverse the process back down the hill. Mike & I have done it twice, but they usually insist doing it for us. Once we have water, then the fun begins. First we must boil it for 5 min. & let it cool. Then we put it through a drip filter, which takes about an hour. Then we fill our 1 liter bottle with the water, add 2 drops of bleach & we're ready to drink and cook. Luckily, for bathing and washing, we only have to fetch it.
So, most evenings are spent preparing food to eat, washing dishes, washing a few clothes, bathing & then getting ready for bed. It gets dark around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., so most of these tasks are done by the light of our single electric bulb - and often aided by our headlamps. I'm amazed at how any real work gets done here, knowing what most of the Swazi families face each day. The remarkable thing is that everyone here is always clean, well dressed, and perfectly groomed - even down to clean shoes - try that while walking on a dusty dirt road.
Now I'll tell you about how we wash clothes here. Since the water tap is so far away, our family washes in the river. We're not allowed to use the river - via peace corps - because it's probably contaminated with parasites. Two weeks ago, I watched our homestay "sister" - who's probably around 20 - wash 3 blankets in the river, while she had her 2 mos. old daughter tied to her back. Then she proceeded to put all 3 blankets into a large tub & hoist it onto her head to carry back up to the house. Swazi women are unbelieveably strong.
This past week, we traveled to where we're be posted for the next 2 yrs. for a trial 3 days. We're assigned to a faith-based orphanage in the southern part of Swaziland near a town called Nhlangano. The orphange is called Pasture Valley. We're very excited about this opportunity and will write more about it next time.
We're having a fabulous time, miss all of you, and look forward to hearing from you. Gail & MIke
Sorry for the gap in communication. I'm at the peace corps office in Mbabane and using their computers. I thought you'd all like to hear about our daily life - what we've been doing, etc. So, here goes:
What are we eating? Swaziland has an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, mostly available seasonally, but there's also South Africa so close by, that there's lots of other items imported from there. So, in a nut shell, we're eating well. For a typical breakfast we eat cereal & fruit; we pack lunch since our training center is about 5 miles from where we're currently living. So lunch is usually peanut butter sandwiches & fruit. Dinner is a bit more challenging, since we get home around 4 or 5 pm & since we don't have any refrigeration, we're cooking from scratch each night, and shopping for fresh stuff every other day. There's a small shop that's got most staple items, and there's an orange grove nearby, so we're eating lots of oranges, butternut squash, potatoes, swish chard (like spinach), and of course, rice and/or corn meal. They do eat lots of chicken here, so we're getting our protein. Actually the bigger challenge has been water.
From our homestay, the water tap is quite far away. Our family puts a 75 liter jug on a dolley and pushes it down the road 1/4 mi. then crosses the road and then goes another 1/4 mile up a dirt path to fill the drum. The water doesn't flow very quickly, so the filling process takes about 1/2 hr. Then reverse the process back down the hill. Mike & I have done it twice, but they usually insist doing it for us. Once we have water, then the fun begins. First we must boil it for 5 min. & let it cool. Then we put it through a drip filter, which takes about an hour. Then we fill our 1 liter bottle with the water, add 2 drops of bleach & we're ready to drink and cook. Luckily, for bathing and washing, we only have to fetch it.
So, most evenings are spent preparing food to eat, washing dishes, washing a few clothes, bathing & then getting ready for bed. It gets dark around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., so most of these tasks are done by the light of our single electric bulb - and often aided by our headlamps. I'm amazed at how any real work gets done here, knowing what most of the Swazi families face each day. The remarkable thing is that everyone here is always clean, well dressed, and perfectly groomed - even down to clean shoes - try that while walking on a dusty dirt road.
Now I'll tell you about how we wash clothes here. Since the water tap is so far away, our family washes in the river. We're not allowed to use the river - via peace corps - because it's probably contaminated with parasites. Two weeks ago, I watched our homestay "sister" - who's probably around 20 - wash 3 blankets in the river, while she had her 2 mos. old daughter tied to her back. Then she proceeded to put all 3 blankets into a large tub & hoist it onto her head to carry back up to the house. Swazi women are unbelieveably strong.
This past week, we traveled to where we're be posted for the next 2 yrs. for a trial 3 days. We're assigned to a faith-based orphanage in the southern part of Swaziland near a town called Nhlangano. The orphange is called Pasture Valley. We're very excited about this opportunity and will write more about it next time.
We're having a fabulous time, miss all of you, and look forward to hearing from you. Gail & MIke
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Greetings from Swaziland
Hi everyone,
Gail & Mike are alive and well in Swaziland. It's hard to believe it's been 3 weeks since we arrived. Lots has happened, so I'll try to give you a brief recap. The Peace Corps has done a great job integrating this group of 36 volunteers into the culture and lifestyle of Swaziland. We're in the far NW segment of the country - we can see the Drakensburg mts. and are very close to the S.A. border. We're in a somewhat developed quadrant of the country, but only have a small city located about 25 km. from our training center. Here's how most of our days go: up at 6:15, wash, cook breakfast, clean up & out the door at 7:15 to catch the khumbi (vans used to transport people - usually can hold 12-15 people) to the training center for 2 hrs. of language, and the rest of the day divided up between classes in personal care: health, safety, first aid, etc. HIV/AIDS info. & cultural classes. We're usually done by 4 pm & have to get home in time to start dinner before it gets dark, which is about 5:30 or 6.
Our homestay is with a Swazi family on their plot of land, which has several dwellings. We have our own "hut" which is 12'x 12' and does have a traditional thatched roof, even though it was built in 2007. We do have electricity - which is 1 electric lightbulb. We also have a peace corps issued propane stove w/3 burners. No, we do not have indoor plumbing - no one in the area does. We have a renewed appreciation for water - where it comes from, how to process it for drinking, etc. Our family has to carry it quite a ways.
I'm grateful for this 3 mos. integration time - as we'll be much more effective volunteers with this knowledge and experience behind us. It's nice to have the other volunteers in a somewhat close proximity to us living wise & we meet for classes - thus when we disperse throughout the country, we'll have this "bonding" time to help connect us. We have our first exams next week, so we're off to study. We miss you all, but are still having a hard time believing we're half way around the world. Love and blessings, Gail & Mike
Gail & Mike are alive and well in Swaziland. It's hard to believe it's been 3 weeks since we arrived. Lots has happened, so I'll try to give you a brief recap. The Peace Corps has done a great job integrating this group of 36 volunteers into the culture and lifestyle of Swaziland. We're in the far NW segment of the country - we can see the Drakensburg mts. and are very close to the S.A. border. We're in a somewhat developed quadrant of the country, but only have a small city located about 25 km. from our training center. Here's how most of our days go: up at 6:15, wash, cook breakfast, clean up & out the door at 7:15 to catch the khumbi (vans used to transport people - usually can hold 12-15 people) to the training center for 2 hrs. of language, and the rest of the day divided up between classes in personal care: health, safety, first aid, etc. HIV/AIDS info. & cultural classes. We're usually done by 4 pm & have to get home in time to start dinner before it gets dark, which is about 5:30 or 6.
Our homestay is with a Swazi family on their plot of land, which has several dwellings. We have our own "hut" which is 12'x 12' and does have a traditional thatched roof, even though it was built in 2007. We do have electricity - which is 1 electric lightbulb. We also have a peace corps issued propane stove w/3 burners. No, we do not have indoor plumbing - no one in the area does. We have a renewed appreciation for water - where it comes from, how to process it for drinking, etc. Our family has to carry it quite a ways.
I'm grateful for this 3 mos. integration time - as we'll be much more effective volunteers with this knowledge and experience behind us. It's nice to have the other volunteers in a somewhat close proximity to us living wise & we meet for classes - thus when we disperse throughout the country, we'll have this "bonding" time to help connect us. We have our first exams next week, so we're off to study. We miss you all, but are still having a hard time believing we're half way around the world. Love and blessings, Gail & Mike
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Staging in Atlanta
We're now official "trainees" and have met the 35 other volunteers in our group. So far my first impressions are very positive. We have a very diverse, accomplished, self-confident group. Best of all, there are 3 other "older" couples besides ourselves, so we're not alone in that regard. There's also 3 other "returnees", so again, we'll have much in common. Also, there's several more other older single volunteers - one of whom went to Northwestern Univ. just 4 yrs. after Mike and was in the same frat. - Fiji. Small world. Peace Corps put us up in a Wyndham hotel - quite luxurious by peace corps standards. So, we've had our "lasts" - last night in a kingsized bed, last hot shower, last Mexican dinner, last night in airconditioning, etc. etc. Still, we're so excited and ready so see what Swaziland will bring. love to all of you back home. Gail & Mike June 26, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Departure date: June 25
Dear friends,
The long goodbye is almost over. It's been a fabulous time connecting with friends and families near & far - sharing our story & hearing updates on theirs. The sister trip to Sarasota was great, but it sure was hard to say goodbye to my mom and sister, Helen. I'll have to say, we've eaten out more times these past few months than we have in the past few years, but what a memory bank we now have to take with us to Swaziland. Our "last" Sunday at Bethel church was especially meaningful. Bethel has truly become our church family, and to have the entire congregation cover us in prayer will sustain us during our absence. The Dubuc's had a lovely party to wish us, and other Bethelites who are departing for new ventures, a fond farewell.
I hope we can host such gatherings in our new home, to share the warmth and love we've received from all of you.
Thank you, thank you, current Swazi peace corps volunteers. Your YouTube videos and packing lists have been invaluable. Somehow it's a lot harder to pack this time around, but we feel pretty confident that we're bringing mostly the right stuff. Hopefully, we'll certainly be able to "make do" with whatever we forget. 80 lbs. in 2 suitcases actually is quite a lot for 1 person to bring. We're anxious to meet all of you, esp. the ones we've been bothering with packing questions.
This weekend we travel to Wash D.C. to gather with almost all of our children (Troy couldn't get off work) to be together one last time. Until then, here's hoping we get our last minute things done.. Gail & Mike
The long goodbye is almost over. It's been a fabulous time connecting with friends and families near & far - sharing our story & hearing updates on theirs. The sister trip to Sarasota was great, but it sure was hard to say goodbye to my mom and sister, Helen. I'll have to say, we've eaten out more times these past few months than we have in the past few years, but what a memory bank we now have to take with us to Swaziland. Our "last" Sunday at Bethel church was especially meaningful. Bethel has truly become our church family, and to have the entire congregation cover us in prayer will sustain us during our absence. The Dubuc's had a lovely party to wish us, and other Bethelites who are departing for new ventures, a fond farewell.
I hope we can host such gatherings in our new home, to share the warmth and love we've received from all of you.
Thank you, thank you, current Swazi peace corps volunteers. Your YouTube videos and packing lists have been invaluable. Somehow it's a lot harder to pack this time around, but we feel pretty confident that we're bringing mostly the right stuff. Hopefully, we'll certainly be able to "make do" with whatever we forget. 80 lbs. in 2 suitcases actually is quite a lot for 1 person to bring. We're anxious to meet all of you, esp. the ones we've been bothering with packing questions.
This weekend we travel to Wash D.C. to gather with almost all of our children (Troy couldn't get off work) to be together one last time. Until then, here's hoping we get our last minute things done.. Gail & Mike
Thursday, April 22, 2010
APRIL 22, 2010--Two Months Out
This is posting 1, for a new blog---"The Messick's in Swaziland". We are off to Africa June 22--the day after our 36th Wedding Anniversary, as Peace Corps Volunteers. Please be patient with us, as we get the blog off the ground.
Sooner or later there will be some real content, and photos--we hope--and depending on our access to the internet we may get this updated a lot, or a little.
One couple--Gail and Mike--one blog. If the entries are brutally short--and sometimes blunt, chances are that will be Mike on the keyboard. Gail will be writing the others.
Thnx for looking at this, and stay in touch.
Sooner or later there will be some real content, and photos--we hope--and depending on our access to the internet we may get this updated a lot, or a little.
One couple--Gail and Mike--one blog. If the entries are brutally short--and sometimes blunt, chances are that will be Mike on the keyboard. Gail will be writing the others.
Thnx for looking at this, and stay in touch.
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