Tuesday, January 22, 2008
wellll I guess I am going to Nigeria!
So after weeks of waiting and feeling awful about the situation in Kenya, the plans have changed. Kerry and I are now going to Nigeria! It is a big shift for us, but we are looking forward to exploring a new part of Africa for us. The Sisters of Notre Dame have never had volunteers in Nigeria before, but we will be living with the sisters there until we can find our own place. We will possibly be working in schools, but we really have no idea. We are going to be pioneering this program and getting it ready for a new wave of volunteers. I am very excited about this. I haven't been able to find much infor on Nigeria, but I know it going to be an amazing experience. I know some people are worried about the political situation in Nigeria, but the Sisters wouldn't send us somewhere if it wasn't safe. As was the reason we didn't go to Kenya.
So please keep up with all the love, support and prayers cause I am leaving on Febuary 5th!
peace.
So please keep up with all the love, support and prayers cause I am leaving on Febuary 5th!
peace.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
the good and the bad...
Here is the gist of what's going on. One: I love the sisters of Notre Dame. They are hilarious. Two: My computer broke!
So firstly, I have never met such an insane, lively, funny group of women. There is a stereotype of course, that nuns are old, mean, conservative, and scary. I am sure this is based some what in truth, but the nuns that I have met over the last few days have completely changed my mind about this! Specifically I am talking about Kathleen (two of them), Sissy, Peg, Evelyn and Rosalee. These ladies are hilarious. Tonight I went over to a house where three of them live, and I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. I actually want to hang out with them in my free time, and I am sure I will (Sebastian, don't worry- I have no intentions of becoming a nun...). It is just nice to have a different image in my head, and get to know these nuns.
When Sister Kathleen (number 1) opened the door, she said, 'There's no room in the inn.' We all laughed, but then she actually closed the door on us! Then she just giggled to herself.
At one point during dinner, Sister Kathleen (number 2), turned to us and said: 'Do you know what "up-talk" is?' All of us burst out laughing, thinking she said upchuck or something worse (use your imagination...). At this point, we were all totally gone, from laughing so hard. She turned to Sister Rosalee and said, 'Really, you must have heard me talk about this!' Rosalee is hard of hearing, by her own admittance. So she turns to me and says, 'She probably told me and I just didn't hear her.' I know it is one of those things that you had to be there, but seriously folks. These are some funny ladies.
But on a slightly sadder note, I was unfortunate enough to find out that my computer has up and died. It flashes the dreaded 'questions mark' as I try and start it up. I have been doing some research on that problem, and most people and websites say that everything I have will have been lost. I am so bummed. Sooo bummed! I am just thankful that I am going to have time to figure this out while I am still in the states. This would really suck in Kenya...
I have a couple options though. I could replace the hard drive. This would cost a couple of hundred dollars. But then I am still bringing my Mac to rural Kenya, risking it being stolen or broken. And despite the horror of death of my computer, I still love it and want to salvage it if possible. The other thing I could do is buy a cheap, crappy dell laptop and use it for what I need it. I need it for microsoft word and picture storage. It would be nice if it had DVD capabilities as well. This would be about the same price, but less risky I think. I am leaning toward that option, if I can find a cheap cheap computer.
Does anyone have one????? I am hoping to find a cheap (or even free) laptop if anyone knows anything, or is feeling generous...
Soo. Here we are. I am still here. Things in Kenya look better every day. So keep praying...
Peace.
So firstly, I have never met such an insane, lively, funny group of women. There is a stereotype of course, that nuns are old, mean, conservative, and scary. I am sure this is based some what in truth, but the nuns that I have met over the last few days have completely changed my mind about this! Specifically I am talking about Kathleen (two of them), Sissy, Peg, Evelyn and Rosalee. These ladies are hilarious. Tonight I went over to a house where three of them live, and I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. I actually want to hang out with them in my free time, and I am sure I will (Sebastian, don't worry- I have no intentions of becoming a nun...). It is just nice to have a different image in my head, and get to know these nuns.
When Sister Kathleen (number 1) opened the door, she said, 'There's no room in the inn.' We all laughed, but then she actually closed the door on us! Then she just giggled to herself.
At one point during dinner, Sister Kathleen (number 2), turned to us and said: 'Do you know what "up-talk" is?' All of us burst out laughing, thinking she said upchuck or something worse (use your imagination...). At this point, we were all totally gone, from laughing so hard. She turned to Sister Rosalee and said, 'Really, you must have heard me talk about this!' Rosalee is hard of hearing, by her own admittance. So she turns to me and says, 'She probably told me and I just didn't hear her.' I know it is one of those things that you had to be there, but seriously folks. These are some funny ladies.
But on a slightly sadder note, I was unfortunate enough to find out that my computer has up and died. It flashes the dreaded 'questions mark' as I try and start it up. I have been doing some research on that problem, and most people and websites say that everything I have will have been lost. I am so bummed. Sooo bummed! I am just thankful that I am going to have time to figure this out while I am still in the states. This would really suck in Kenya...
I have a couple options though. I could replace the hard drive. This would cost a couple of hundred dollars. But then I am still bringing my Mac to rural Kenya, risking it being stolen or broken. And despite the horror of death of my computer, I still love it and want to salvage it if possible. The other thing I could do is buy a cheap, crappy dell laptop and use it for what I need it. I need it for microsoft word and picture storage. It would be nice if it had DVD capabilities as well. This would be about the same price, but less risky I think. I am leaning toward that option, if I can find a cheap cheap computer.
Does anyone have one????? I am hoping to find a cheap (or even free) laptop if anyone knows anything, or is feeling generous...
Soo. Here we are. I am still here. Things in Kenya look better every day. So keep praying...
Peace.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Praying for Peace
Peace is not the product of terror or fear.
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.
Peace is not the silent result of violent repression.
Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.
Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity.
It is right and it is duty.
-Oscar Romero
Right now I am in Baltimore, sitting in a convent, having my world rocked. The convent is also the national office for Notre Dame Mission Volunteers (me) and also the NDMV Americorps progrmam. There are also 2 sisters of Notre Dame who live here. I have nothing but the greatest respect for the women I am meeting here. The sisters who live here are hilarious and so wonderful.
Today we went to a place called Jonah House, which is a non-profit tat centers around non violence. It was amazing talking to these sisters who believed in non-violence and used it as a way of protest all over the country, even to the point of going to jail. Two of the sisters spent 3 years in prison for participating in a non violent protest! I think that is so absurd! These women actually live in a cemetery in Baltimore as caretakers. They have donkeys who graze the property, llamas who scare away the wild animals, and guiney fowl. They grow all of there own food, and believe is the holistic way of life.
But it was great talking to them about our concepts of peace and non violence. One thing that came to my mind immediatly was the paradox of peace and violence. I wonder if you can have one with out the other. I dont think so. In order to truly understand peace, you must first experience violence, only then can you make the changes. The same thing esists with love. With out hate, you can't understand love.
One thing they mentioned was how do you help people? What is social ministry, as they put it? They said that social ministry has two feet: the institution and the direct service. And the wonderful thing about these sisters and other volunteers who work in non-profits like it, is they give their whole essense to the cause. Many people just give the extras, or surplus. These women are extraordinary and have poured their souls into their work. Now, I know that not everyone can do this. But it truly is inspiring, looking at these women.
I hope that this experience can carry with me overseas, and help me to give the most service in every way that I can.
On another note, things in Kenya look like they are calming down. Everyone here, especially myself and Kerry, the other volunteer, are very hopeful. The plan for the next few weeks looks like this: I am going to stay in Baltimore and volunteer with the americorps office. I will be working in a school in South East Baltimore for kids who are living under the poverty line, the ones most likely to drop out of school and not go to college. I will basically be helping out in Art and phys. ed class, tutoring and doing whatever else they need to do for a while. At the end of the month I will be departing for some where... And as scary it is for people to realize, if the sisters in Kenya and Baltimore say it is safe to go to Kenya, I will be going. I just hope that people will support me in my decision. I know people are scared, but I know where I need to be, and it is Kenya. Obviously, we know that things are always changing, but I am just praying that things will continue to improve in Kenya, not only for myself, but for all the Kenyans who are suffering.
I will be anxious to write about my volunteer experience in Baltimore, and update everyone when I know more about my future.. :) Thanks to everyone who is continuing to support me and keep Kenya in your prayers.
Peace.
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.
Peace is not the silent result of violent repression.
Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.
Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity.
It is right and it is duty.
-Oscar Romero
Right now I am in Baltimore, sitting in a convent, having my world rocked. The convent is also the national office for Notre Dame Mission Volunteers (me) and also the NDMV Americorps progrmam. There are also 2 sisters of Notre Dame who live here. I have nothing but the greatest respect for the women I am meeting here. The sisters who live here are hilarious and so wonderful.
Today we went to a place called Jonah House, which is a non-profit tat centers around non violence. It was amazing talking to these sisters who believed in non-violence and used it as a way of protest all over the country, even to the point of going to jail. Two of the sisters spent 3 years in prison for participating in a non violent protest! I think that is so absurd! These women actually live in a cemetery in Baltimore as caretakers. They have donkeys who graze the property, llamas who scare away the wild animals, and guiney fowl. They grow all of there own food, and believe is the holistic way of life.
But it was great talking to them about our concepts of peace and non violence. One thing that came to my mind immediatly was the paradox of peace and violence. I wonder if you can have one with out the other. I dont think so. In order to truly understand peace, you must first experience violence, only then can you make the changes. The same thing esists with love. With out hate, you can't understand love.
One thing they mentioned was how do you help people? What is social ministry, as they put it? They said that social ministry has two feet: the institution and the direct service. And the wonderful thing about these sisters and other volunteers who work in non-profits like it, is they give their whole essense to the cause. Many people just give the extras, or surplus. These women are extraordinary and have poured their souls into their work. Now, I know that not everyone can do this. But it truly is inspiring, looking at these women.
I hope that this experience can carry with me overseas, and help me to give the most service in every way that I can.
On another note, things in Kenya look like they are calming down. Everyone here, especially myself and Kerry, the other volunteer, are very hopeful. The plan for the next few weeks looks like this: I am going to stay in Baltimore and volunteer with the americorps office. I will be working in a school in South East Baltimore for kids who are living under the poverty line, the ones most likely to drop out of school and not go to college. I will basically be helping out in Art and phys. ed class, tutoring and doing whatever else they need to do for a while. At the end of the month I will be departing for some where... And as scary it is for people to realize, if the sisters in Kenya and Baltimore say it is safe to go to Kenya, I will be going. I just hope that people will support me in my decision. I know people are scared, but I know where I need to be, and it is Kenya. Obviously, we know that things are always changing, but I am just praying that things will continue to improve in Kenya, not only for myself, but for all the Kenyans who are suffering.
I will be anxious to write about my volunteer experience in Baltimore, and update everyone when I know more about my future.. :) Thanks to everyone who is continuing to support me and keep Kenya in your prayers.
Peace.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
A change in plans...
As many people have read I am sure, Kenya is going through some rough stuff right now. In the days since the election, violence has erupted all over Kenya, including the western province, where I am supposed to be going. It is so awful to hear about what is happening there, and I am so deeply saddened for Kenya. I am also a little selfish though, because I have been preparing for this trip for so long, I want the violence to stop because I want to be there so badly.
So there have been some changes... I am still leaving for Baltimore tomorrow for training. But I will not be departing for Kenya on the 10th of January as originally planned. I am going to stay in Baltimore and volunteer with Notre Dame Americorps until the situation in Kenya becomes clear. Hopefully this will happen soon, but as is the case in these situations, nobody ever knows what is going to unfold. At the end of the month, if things are still not safe in Kenya I will have to explore other options within Notre Dame. Some of these options include staying on in Baltimore as an Americorps volunteer, and another option is possibly traveling to Peru, where the other international program is located. The Sisters of Notre Dame are also located in a few countries, so I also could have the option of going to live with sisters, even where there is not an established program. So I have many options, and hopefully everything will become clear as the month goes on. My first choice is to still go to Kenya. The program is such a perfect fit, I cant imagine not going. It breaks my heart.
So please, keep me in your thoughts and prayers. But more importantly, keep Kenya in your thoughts and prayers. They need it.
much love.
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