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
Saturday, October 30, 2010
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
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