Ernie

Found by my friend, Steven Athay, this is an excellent graphic by Chris Bishop (a Creative Director for PBS Kids) of why we should all be working harder to save PBS.

Friends, my first word was Ernie. Don't tell me PBS hasn't done something for you too ...
For more information on what you can do to help save PBS visit http://www.170millionamericans.org/ 

Think of our future generations & take a minute to write a letter. Call your representative. Sign a petition.
You count. & frankly, wouldn't be able to count, or spell, or share - if not for PBS.

Arab World Test

In our country - the Middle East/North Africa/Arab World floods our nightly news: Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Sudan, Afghanistan etc.

We've heard of the countries, we know the racist jokes, we are familiar with the stereotypes (don't lie- I say desert you think Aladdin, camels & terrorists). Many around us unfairly fear the Arabic language, tanned skin & dark hair/eyes, dare I say Muslims?! But tell me, do you even know where these countries are?

Can you recognize that more than terrorism and riots - this part of the world is unique, beautiful, full of culture, passion, history and human beings much like yourself?

I challenge you all to take this 'rethinking schools' Middle East Map Quiz & test your knowledge on the geographic of an area we feel so comfortable slamming. If you don't make more than 5 mistakes, I'll send candy. & while you're at it - do a little research on a country or two, you'll be awed.

PS: This is dedicated to Dr. Hsain Ilahiane, my professor of Contemporary Muslim Societies - who made us take a killer quiz like this: all. those. 'stans'.

Photos & Idea via:  Invisible Children and Wikipedia Arab World

It Gets Better

If you have the Internet - you've probably heard about Fort Worth City Councilman Joel Burn's video speaking out to youth in the GLBT community. Sending the message that IT GETS BETTER. 

When I saw how much the video had affected my dear friend Kimberly Hope Athay I decided it was time  to make the 13 minute commitment to watch it myself. Because Kim - she has a good sense for important things. Here you be. Watch it. Think about it. & I added in another for good measure, because today - I too needed someone to tell me - It Gets Better. 

Ready for a Rant?

DISCLAIMER: If you're not in the reading mood - skip to the second half. 
Tonight. I* almost didn't go. I'm tired of being alone. I'm tired of venturing to events alone. For paying for parking alone. I'm tired of being the loner the corner. Tired of creeping people out by attaching too quickly - talking too much - trying to force/flatter people into being my BFF - & if not forever, at least the evening.

I almost didn't go. I went in circles around Dinkytown trying to find free parking. It was a failed attempt. I was going to have to fork over an hour of pay for a mere two hours of parking.

I almost didn't go because I walked in the wrong direction. With my phone (aka safety net) sitting where I accidently left it - the driver's seat of my car.

I paid an hours worth of pay for parking. & I was arriving late (from walking out of the way) to an event where I knew full well I'd be the girl hangin' solo in the corner.

But, Alhamdulillah I went to the Not for Sale sponsored event at Bordertown Coffee to listen to James Stewart lecture on what it means to be an an abolitionist. The twist - Stewart is a historian and his claim to fame is expertise in the US abolitionist movement during the transatlantic slave trade. Back in the days of the civil rights movement when he was 23 and in college - he asked - how did we get here? How did we get to this movement? & has spend the last 45+ years figuring it out. & has been quite successful.

So why is Mr. Stewart is a bit annoyed? Because he has spend his entire career studying the grassroots and political movements that eventually abolished slavery ...no regrets... BUT today - there are double the amount of slaves in the world in comparison to time of the transatlantic slave trade. Yes, I said DOUBLE. 27 million enslaved people today. So this guy - abandoned the Historian way - and started using his knowledge of history to bring awareness/progression to the future. Because even if you don't understand modern day slavery - we must question - where are the lines between slaves and oppressed persons?

Are you catching the drift that I love anyone who motivates me? Therefore, I love this man. His humor. His drawl. His analogies. e.t.c.

Stewart asked as all to become abolitionists. Not half hearted abolitionists. Not tomorrow. But today. This is where I wish I could quote/would have taken better notes - ready for ramble? He said that in all his studies, all his books, travels and research he found it was the committed, full on abolitionists that found success. The people like Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and John Brown weren't all that different from you and I - but they, they woke up abolitionists. They brushed their teeth as abolitionists. They wanted slavery to be abolished yesterday.

He asked us to look at the person next to us - and truly imagine owning them. He asked us to close our eyes and imagine being the forced prostitute, child solider, enslaved laborer - and attempt to feel owned the way in which they do. Afterwards, can you really feel comfortable with what's going on around the world?

Maybe it was easier back in the day. Slavery was visible. It was acceptable. There were records. There was something/one to fight. Today, the average person cannot stand up to a trafficker, we're dealing with the secrecy of the Internet, there is no opposition, the industry is HUGE, slavery is not in our faces. But slavery is in our world, in our state, in our city. It is in our products. Our chocolate. Our coffee. Slavery is still everywhere.

Welcome Non-Readers: 
So what? What do you do? How can you even start to end something so gigantic. & the answer is - what you're good at. This is where I got excited. Because it doesn't take someone powerful and famous to make a change. Anyone can be and act as an abolitionist. Because the only way modern day slavery will ever come to an end - is if we can create a movement. If we can start seeing human beings. It can end if its demise is engrained in our everyday. If we can agree - that it should have been obsolete yesterday.

Some people, can go out and be committed lawyers for victims of human trafficking. Others can write heart-wrenching/warming pieces about slavery today. Myself - I can educate my blog readers & refugee co-workers/clients & beyond! You - could choose to read a book on modern-day slavery. Or donate a book to a library, a high school. Not a reader? Watch a documentary on modern-day slavery - then pass the title on. Watch it with friends. Are you an artist? Create. Are you teacher? Teach. Are you a crazy person? Do something crazy. Bring your talents and abolitionism together. It's possible. & together - everyone teamed with their passions/talents - can create a movement. We can end it. Because we've done it before.

& so. When I left. I wasn't alone. At least my parking spot was an hour's pay rather than a week, or the value of my sold body. I left part of a group. A movement. & with that friends will eventually come. & until then - at least I have my voice and freedom. & some energy. Come on. Call yourself an abolitionist.

*my apologies for the whinny I I I I I talk, but it got better, right?

Imagine

"If you choose to use your status and influence to raise your voice on behalf of those who have no voice; if you choose to identify not only with the powerful, but with the powerless; if you retain the ability to imagine yourself into the lives of those who do not have your advantages, then it will not only be your proud families who celebrate your existence, but thousands and millions of people whose reality you have helped change. We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better."

- J.K. Rowling, The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination

(Read the entire 2008 Commencement Address here, its an order.) 

Jess in Ghana

To end my week of blogging celebrations, I'm unveiling a new blog segment - thattttt doesn't have a name yet. :) Each month, I will be interviewing a friend (colleague, relative, etc) about one of their travel experiences. I've been blessed with some outstanding/adventurous friends, and it would be simply evil to keep them to myself. 

It only feels right that my first interviewee is the beautiful, selfless, up-for-anything, faithful - Ms. Jessica Crawford. You may recognize her name because Jess was my Rwandan roommate/partner in crime, IRIS co-worker, and continues to be one of my closest friends. She is my go-to girl for inspiration, motivation, and anything travel-related. I can always count on Jess for good conversation and together we've consumed gallons of coffee, tea ... and wine. The Rwandans thought we were sisters - and I think on some level they were right. & now ... I'll let you fall in love with her: 

Where did you go (where IS it), how long was your visit, and why? 

I studied abroad for 5 months at the University of Ghana in West Africa (in between Togo and Cote d'Ivoire and right under Burkina Faso). The University is located in Legon, a small "suburb" of the capital city of Accra.  

Cultural facts, please: 

Ghana’s population is around 24 million. I would say that most of the country is Christian, although there are a number of Muslims. Most people still hold on to some traditional beliefs as well. Adinkra symbols are used to express different emotions or communicate wisdom or lessons (i.e. the gye nyame symbol mans “accept God” and is prominently displayed on posters, taxis, businesses, etc)

The food is spicy! They use a tiny red pepper in almost all of their foods, so not a lot of variety but very spicy. My very favorite dish was red-red; beans cooked with lots of pepper with a side of fried plantains. Yum! Other traditional dishes are kenke, fufuo, and banku – each made with either ground up cassava, maize, or plantains. It comes out as a mushy ball (sort of like sticky mashed potatoes) and you just pick off pieces with your fingers and dip it in soup. Messy, but so so good!

The easiest way to get around in Ghana is on tro-tro’s, their public transportation system. It’s surprisingly efficient and very cheap! A ride on a tro usually consists of very close quarters, marriage proposals, trays of dead fish in your lap, and an occasional goat nibbling at your ankles. Definitely miss the tro-tro’s!

Most difficult cultural adjustments: 

My situation might be a little different than others I was with. My most difficult cultural adjustment stems from an experience I had – I encountered a pretty scary situation the first night I was in Ghana which destroyed my trust in the people. While I usually approach situations trusting until proven otherwise, I started my time in Ghana with a wall built up to the people. I didn’t necessarily even realize it was there until it started to break down and I realized how much I had been shutting out and refusing to let myself love or discover. So I would say learning to trust was my most difficult hurdle, one I did not think would be a problem for me.

Favorite story: 

Such a hard question! There are so many things that flashed through my head when I read this! The one that probably baffles me the most and still gives me chills a little bit though: For a couple weeks I’d been trying to get together with a man that I had only been introduced to on facebook but was a Chiropracter who had attended Palmer Chiropractic in Davenport. We were ‘introduced’ (via facebook) because of a trip I’d taken to Madagascar and his hope to initiate his non-profit there. It hadn’t worked out yet though and I had basically given up hope that it would.

My friend Ryan and I headed to beach miles outside of town one day. We’d never been there and it ended up being quite the trek to get there. By the time we arrived it had clouded over but we were still determined to spend some time by the ocean. There were only three other white people on the beach. Would you believe that it was Jay, the chiropractor and some of his coworkers?!

I ended up telling him about this children’s home that I’d hung out at a couple times. One of my last weekends there I showed him where it was and introduced him to the kids and the staff. The adjusments he made that day on the children made huge differences! He ended up moving back to the area a few months later and did regular adjusments on the children and community members in the area. All stemming from a chance meeting on a beach in Africa :).

Trip highlight: 

Again – so hard! Three things popped in to my head, I hope you don’t mind if I quickly share them all... Easter Sunday a few of us spent the day at a Leprosarium on the outskirts of Accra. A leprosarium is a home for lepers, only a few of them still exist. It was incredible to spend the day hearing their stories and seeing how they live. They were possibly some of the most generous people I have ever encountered and had such a positive and refreshing outlook on life. It was truly beautiful.

I worked at a children’s home in the Volta Region of Ghana called Hardt Haven Children’s Home (www.hardthaven.org) It is an incredible facility for children with HIV/AIDS. I fell in love with the kids there and learned so much from them. It was definitely the hardest saying bye to them.

Finally, a few friends and I took a couple weeks off of school and made our way up through Burkina Faso, in to the Dogon Country in Southern Mali, and ended up in Timbuktu, on the edge of the Sahara. Besides seeing AMAZING sights and meeting wonderful people, we all learned a lot about each other, ourselves, and the cultures we traveled through.

What did you learn about yourself?

I came away with an intense confidence in myself, that I had never possessed before. My semester there allowed me to discover so many things about myself. Everything we did just tested our limits so much. Before, when I had been uncomfortable emotionally or mentally I was able to count on my physical surrounding or material possessions to provide comfort. Or when I was uncomfortable physically I could count on my emotional stability to calm me down. However, it’s when both of those things are taken away, when you’re neither emotionally or physically comfortable that you’re really tested and able to discover so much about yourself.

Favorite Souvenir: 

Hmm..couple options. Either a bomb leather bag I got for a  steal on the beach in Kokrobite or the ring that our friend Abua made for me in Timbuktu inscribed with a traditional Tuareg good luck symbol.

Essential travel item: 

Journal – don’t dare try to travel without one.

Where next? 

Excellent question! I’m in the process of applying for some internships either in DC or California. Meanwhile, I’m waiting to hear back from the University of Leeds in England where I would complete my Masters in Global Development and Education. So, we shall see!

What is something you wish the WORLD knew about Ghana? 

I just want to take everyone I know there! They are a welcoming and loving culture; they see everyone as their brother and sister.

After coming back though, I was introduced to an issue that I wasn’t aware of during my stay there. Ghana is one of the world’s major suppliers of cocoa. However, child labor is still prominent on the cocoa plantations. Children are kidnapped, purchased, or coerced in to working on these farms; often the children are from neighboring Burkina Faso or Mali, a little farther north. I was mortified when I learned about it and could not believe that I lived so close to that and didn’t even know.

THANK YOU JESS! 

I hope you all enjoyed the first of many travel stories!! Happy weekend to all... xoxo

EducationalEntertainment

Since I've returned from Cairo, I've been attending monthly Refugee Health Task Force meetings put on by the MN Department of Health (I am so grateful that they let a young, un-affiliated kid like me join). I've learned a lot about immigrant/refugee issues in the Metro and made some excellent contacts. Today's meeting was extra special -- when I walked into the room and it smelt like Leah Keino's kitchen I knew it was going to be good -- The Annual Task Force Film Festival / Ethnic Pot Luck Party!

So now, with a strong urge to buy plane tickets to Africa and a lentil/rice filled belly... I'll share with you the titles of documentaries/films that we either watched clips from or simply discussed briefly. Each title is linked so you can easily find more information: 

Middle East/Asia

Blindsight: The story of six Tibetan teens who climb a mountain near Everest, a feat in itself, these teens are blind.  

Born into Brothels: Follows a few children living in brothels within the red light district of Calcutta, India. Each is given a camera and lessons on photography, a powerful film about how children see the world. (Probably my favorite documentary from today - the children are beautiful and talented - it's a heart-wrenching story. I'm anxious to see the whole film). 

To See If I'm Smiling: The story of young girls drafted into the Israeli military. 

I Know I'm Not Alone: Musician Michael Franti travels to Palestine, Israel, and Iraq to look at the human cost of war.
Found: "An impressionistic journey told through old photos, text, animation and home movies, begings with Toronto poet Souvankham Thammavongsa discovers her father's discarded scrapbook that documents the family's escape from Laos in the 1970s"
The Story of the Weeping Camel: Part documentary part film, it's the story of a family of herders in Mongolia and the troubles they face when a camel mother rejects her newborn calf.
Tuya's Wedding: A story about a Mongolian woman shepherd.
The Betrayal: Oscar nominated and a 23 year project, it's the story of one family's forced move from Laos to New York city after the secret US air-war with Vietnam brought violence and chaos to the area. 

Africa

Black Gold: A Film About Coffee & Trade, the film follows impoverished Ethiopian coffee growers and their fight for a fair price. 

Munyurangabo: A Rwandan genocide orphan travels the country to avenge his father's death.

Sisters in Law: Two sisters in the Cameroon use law and justice to help the abused women of the village. 

What are we doing here?: Three brothers and a cousin travel from Cairo to Cape Town to see where the billions of dollars in world aid is really going. (Extremely powerful, educational, emotional, and shocking. I'm hunting this one down for sure - 30 minutes wasn't enough). 

I'm Not Black, I'm Coloured: An educational and historical look at race in Cape Town, South Africa.
Rough Aunties: Follows a group of women who protect and care for abused, neglected, and forgotten children in Durban, South Africa.
Pray the Devil Back to Hell: The Story of Liberian women who worked and prayed to bring peace to their country by protesting a civil war tearing apart the country.

Worldwide

Half the Sky: A movement to empower the world's women, and to end human trafficking, forced prostitution, and gender-based violence. (The Half the Sky movement is more well-known for it's novel form, written by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn).
* Sacred Heart, The Rice, and The Chosen Child were three other films that were mentioned today, but I couldn't find information on them.

You probably won't find these titles in your nearest Redbox, but try your local library! It's raining outside, the perfect time to cuddle up and learn. Happy viewing! 

Attending.

An FYI for those in Minnesota (or who like last minute road trips):

"Immigration and Human Trafficking" presentation being presented by Bukola Oriola, a survivor of human trafficking from Nigeria and Linda Miller, Executive Director of Civil Society.

Sponsored by the Multi-Cultural Student Center and the Center for Century College Annual Student Success Day.

Wedesnday, March 17th, 2010
11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

West Campus, Room W3170
3300 Century Ave. N.
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

* free, open to all.

love this!!

Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) has created a quiz focusing on International Women's Day. It is fun and full of interesting/surprising facts about women around the world.

Take it here: IRIS International Women's Day Quiz

equality for all.

All around the world today people are celebrating International Women's Day.

Dating back to 1909, it is a day to appreciate, respect, love, and celebrate the women of the world. In some countries March 8th is a mixture of Valentine's/Mother's Day; where men give flowers, sweet notes, and extra love to the women around them. Though most people observe the day through a highly charged awareness raising, political, and social change lens. Because no matter how far we've come- women are still not treated as equals in our world.

This 2010 many are fighting to spotlight the issue of violence against the world's displaced women. A displaced person is one who has been forced to move from their native home due to discrimination, violence, persecution, etc. Women and children make up the majority of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and Refugee Camp populations. In these camps women are often the victims of extreme violence which includes but isn't limited to: rape, genital mutilation, slavery, and murder. Gender based violence is one of the world's leading issues today.

I realize that sometimes these issues feel untouchable. One of the easiest/best ways of making changes in the world is to let congress know how you feel. THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: DO SOMETHING. Women Thrive Worldwide did most of the work for you even: click here & tell your congressperson you want to see the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) passed.

Women are our future. It starts with empowering and educating the world's women (equally important is educating yourself about world issues). Greg Mortenson the author of Three Cups of Tea says it best, "You can hand out condoms, drop bombs, build roads, or put in electricity, but until the girls are educated a society won't change."

Ms.

Just read an old issue of Ms. magazine from COVER to COVER.
I'm in love.

So. Now the question is - do I buy a subscription and support the cause oooor save some trees/my bank account and rely on the Red Wing public library...

Something to do today: admit you are a feminist; it simply means you believe that men and women are equal folks!

TV and Caffeine

Things I've been trying to cut back on: negativity, TV, worrying, sleeping too late, and caffeine (the hardest and most commonly failed).

It's not even noon and I've already failed TV.

& while most commercials get little to no attention from moi... one did. It was for Pepsi's Refresh Project. I did some more research and it's really neat. Basically, Pepsi is giving away millions of dollars monthly to individuals, business, and non-profits who want to/are making a positive impact on their community; within the categories of Health, Art & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods, and Education. Anyone can submit an idea and anyone can vote!

I realize I'm always pumping out websites for people to check out... but take a minute to see what people around the country are trying to do for their communities!

RefreshEverything

My whole point is this: Find a Cause.

I personally put a lot of my energies into the issues of women, cultural awareness, and refugees. What do you feel passionate about? What changes in the world do you want to see. & what are you doing to make it happen?

Something to DO today: examine your passions.

that Pepsi commercial made me want some caffeine...

UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS

February's here. Time to start talking vaginas.

Yes, yes, check it again, I said vaginas.

Now, as a lover of love, I LOOOOVE me my valentines day. Just what the depressing month of February needs; glittery hearts, secret admirers, romantic comedies, dark chocolate, and looooove in the air.

But for millions of women and girls worldwide, it is not love, but violence that consumes daily life.

Eve Ensler, the author of works such as The Vagina Monologues, The Good Body, and Insecure At Last, started the movement known as V-Day. The most common way to support V-Day is to attend a Vagina Monologues performance or Ensler film showing near you! Ames M-Shop, I'll be seeing you Friday, February 12th! (Cheering on my beautiful friends Kimmy and Christelle!)

I know it sounds scary. Really, I do. I was scared too, but after my first show in 2008 I went home and wrote this to my aunties, mommy, and friends:

"On Valentines Day, Megen and I went to the Vagina Monologues. ALL you females in the house- find a performance somewhere AND GO. Bring the men. Sounds scary- sounds too feminist or awkward - but it is fabulous. We laughed. We cried. We really did feel empowered and educated. We went home wanting to scream VAGINA! ... not. even. kidding. Really. GO! GO! GO!"

You will not find man haters, flaming bras, or tampons.

Instead, expect to sit in an atmosphere of love. Expect to hear stories of both confusion and understanding, of peace and violence. Expect to leave inspired. Expect to feel sexy and proud to be a woman (or a man who appreciates women). Expect to laugh, cry, and go, mmmhmmm. & if you're in Ames, expect chocolate vaginas for sale.

Ticket proceeds are donated to local women's shelters/organizations and also support V-Day's spotlight area. 2010's spotlight is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where rape, forced prostitution, kidnapping, and other gender-based horrors are a daily threat to women and girls. This Valentines season, don't forget about the women and girls around the world who need our dire help. Take time during this dreary month to learn more about the V-Day movement because us Vagina Warriors aren't going anywhere "Until the Violence Stops".

(read more about V-Day from: www.vday.org where you can also find more information on Eve Ensler, her mission, ways to participate, and your nearest V-Day performance)

V-day's mission:

V-Day is an organized response against violence toward women.

V-Day is a vision: We see a world where women live safely and freely.

V-Day is a demand: Rape, incest, battery, genital mutilation and sexual slavery must end now.

V-Day is a spirit: We believe women should spend their lives creating and thriving rather than surviving or recovering from terrible atrocities.

V-Day is a catalyst: By raising money and consciousness, it will unify and strengthen existing anti-violence efforts. Triggering far-reaching awareness, it will lay the groundwork for new educational, protective, and legislative endeavors throughout the world.

V-Day is a process: We will work as long as it takes. We will not stop until the violence stops.

V-Day is a day. We proclaim Valentine's Day as V-Day, to celebrate women and end the violence.

V-Day is a fierce, wild, unstoppable movement and community. Join us!

Thank You Ensler and Kingsolver

Tilde and I had a long conversation about what it takes to appreciate Cairo. We concluded that one 'simply' needs to have a passion for culture, an open/flexible mind and person, and an ability to see beauty in the smallest of things.

A Beauty In:

The glimpse of a leopard print shirt under the full covering of a niqab.

Piles of fruit for sale on the street; the greens of mangoes, oranges (ironic, I know), apples, peppers, and pears.

Call to prayer, 5 times a day when millions (billions around the world) take a pause in their day to drop everything and praise their God. I see it as the only consistent thing in Cairo (other than bad traffic), it comforts me.

Mostly, I see beauty in strength. In Khalda and her friends (along with the entire Sudanese community) who face daily racism, but continue on with smiling faces. In the elderly who shuffle their way around this chaotic city. In the sweat of people who work hard for minimal pay.

The women here, amaze me. I personally struggle daily with my lack of freedoms due to my sex. I get so angry about my inability to roam, dress, speak, and stare freely. Cat call after cat call, stares that burn, and a constant awareness that I'm female- by the end of the day I'm exhausted. Granted, I face a different kind of harassment than Egyptian women because I am foreign. I am young, American, and in the minds of young Egyptian males I am Angelina, Jennifer, Britney, and Beyonce combined. Yet, through all the oppression when I enter the women's cart on the metro I'm surrounded by smiles, laughter, respect, style, and love.

Today tutoring I got to meet three inspirational women. Ask me their names and I will not remember them. Ask me about their smile - and I'll do my best to describe it. All three of the women came in today, simply to talk. To practice their skills in English.

First there was the woman who works at the Cairo Opera House. She is an artist who finds happiness in the warmness of orange, yellow, and red. She lives with her mother and it is obvious she wants more, but doesn't complain. Instead she talks about her job and friends. She talks about her dreams to travel, because when she travels she feels alive.

Then there was the young Somali woman. She studies both Arabic and English to be a Social Worker. She is one of two Somali students in her class at Cairo University. Her daily 45 minute trip each way to school doesn't bother her, because here she feels safe. There is no one trying to hurt her in Cairo, no killing on the streets, a constant fear of violence does not exsist. So she complains about nothing.

I got to end my time with a middle aged single mother from Eritrea. I was able to sit beside a woman who would do anything for her children. She didn't understand a word I said in English, or a word in Arabic. She lives with only her children and a constant state confusion and fear. She knows though, that education is her key to survival. So she goes to English classes twice a week, and goes home to immediately teach her children. They teach her the Arabic that their young minds pick up so easily. She holds onto her native tounge also - her children are learning three languages.

These three women were all inspirations, to just keep - keeping on. They were all scared. Scared of being alone, of language, of homework, of the city, of the heat, of their past experiences, of what is still left. Yet, each talked about their mothers and Oprah. About their dreams and passions. Each of them had a smile on their face and in their eyes.

How can I not fall in love with a city when it holds so many surprises and so much beauty?
One just has to search for it a little harder here, but hey, welcome to the Middle East.

Last Week

I promised a gushing about Gisimba ... here goes (with a “little” extra)

There are three main components of our Service-Learning Trip in Rwanda. 1. Is to experience/immerse ourselves in the culture of Rwanda. 2. Is to observe the education system in post-genocide Rwanda. 3. To start up a community service project with a Rwandan organization that can be continued throughout years to come.

I think I've made my immersion into Rwandan culture very clear. As I am unable to go one day without proclaiming my love for this tiny country at least 15 times. My latest adventure was the Man U/Cheslea football game. OHHH, do these Rwandans love their football...soccer. It was seriously all anyone would talk to us about all day Wednesday. By noon everyone in our group decided we'd cheer for Man U... mostly because we wanted to get KIE Professor John (an avid Cheslea fan) flustered. :) The game was so much fun. We watched it in the outdoor cafe/bar area of our hotel, Chez Lando. I've never seen it so packed. The evening was hours and hours of football, yelling (in Kinyarwanda and French), beer, and cramped necks. Even though towards the end of the game, Dominick was trying to get Jess and I to stop nodding off and just go to bed... I'm VERY happy I was able to hold out- and stay up for the very end (after two 15 minute overtimes and a kick off thingy – please do not judge my lack of soccer knowledge, even half way around the world I still know nothing about athletics) The end brought: crying & screaming men (both happy and sad), the removal of shirts, broken glass, jumping, dancing, singing, and forced removal of some individuals from the bar. Being a halfway-ish point in the trip- the excitement was very uplifting and very needed.

As for schools... this week we were able to visit a few more schools, but the one most dear to my heart was Fawe Girls School. They were lovely girls and soooo excited to see a group of women from the States. They believed (wrongly) that we knew all the answers to all their questions: about University, boys, and life in general. We did our best to answer all the questions – hopefully no young minds were ruined by our ways. We were welcomed with open arms into their school, and everyone was so kind. The school specializes in mathematics and science, but I was able to sit in on both a French and Kinyarwanda class.

We were also able to have a brief meeting with the Minister of Education. She too was a very nice woman. We were so grateful that she was able to talk to us between meetings. She really does have a strong vision, and an even larger sense of hope for the future of education in Rwanda. Currently the main issues that need to be tackled are those of equal education, increased enrollment in secondary schools, anglophone/francophone issues, etc. Oh, and she told me I should skip out on the Peace Corps and she'd get me a job. Too bad teaching isn't my thing.
Then there is Gisimba. We were hooked up with Gisimba orphanage through Lisa Holmes from Washington State University. She did work at Gisimba along with Dominick a Rwandan student (who has been a great help and friend to our group as well) and recommended we do our service work there.

Gisimba orphanage is family run organization, and was started in the home. There are currently over 180 children ranging in age from about 2-22. Most of these children have lost parents due to the genocide, HIV/AIDS and disease, poverty, or abandonment. Ildefonse (so fun to say) is the current patron, and lives at the orphanage with the children. He is a superbly wonderful man, and Papa to more children than I think any of us could handle. There are also 'Mothers' who work with and care for the children, a social worker, and cooks.

This orphanage also has quite the past- Damas Gisimba, the current Legal Representative (owner) hid over 400 people in one building of his orphanage during the 1994 genocide. In years after the genocide he was named One of the Seven Heros of the Rwandan Genocide. He is a very quiet, caring man and I am truly honored to have met him. I cannot even imagine the things he did, and I am excited to share his story.

Even though our group tried to do research on the orphanage before arriving in Kigali, we were unable to find any information on this fascinating place. We had no idea the resources that were lacking or available. So, when we were trying to come up with some sort of community service project with the orphanage that could be both beneficial to them, as well as on-going... we decided that we would create a website for them. Both the Patron and Legal Representative were very excited about the idea, so we've all been busy interviewing, touring, and taking pictures around the orphanage. It is our hope that the website can be the first step in building a long lasting relationship with Gisimba. As well as being beneficial to both parties, and outside individuals, companies, donors, etc.

Its hard to put in words the heartbreaking/heartwarming feelings of Gisimba. The BEAUTIFUL children, the dedicated staff, dirty little Mosquito Stadium, and ol' Simba the dog.
Do not be surprised if I get off the airplane in Minneapolis with a child in my arms. I want to take them all home with me.

I am not doing ANYTHING justice in this blog, but I'm trying my best. My mind is just always all over the place processing, seeing, sensing to relay anything back to you.

[Abrupt End.]
I Miss.
Lots of Love.
PS: Has anyone found me a job in Ames for when I return? :)

Muzungu's In the Mist

On average it takes us about an hour and a half to get any food around here, and just as I was warned the Internet really doesn't always work, but "Hakuna Matata" (it REALLY DOES mean "No Worries"). I hope you haven't all missed me too much during this week of limited communication. :)

Since last Tuesday we have visited:

The Gisimba Orphanage:

I saved this section for last, as my heart is filled with love for Gisimba. But now it is time for dinner. So I will have to write later about this wonderful place.

The Gisimba Nursery School:

Unlike in the States, there is very little daycare in Rwanda. So many times, when families can afford it, they send their children to nursery school. The kids are typically 3-6 years old. We were able to visit the nursery school located at Gisimba Orphanage. The school is for both orphans and children in the community.
Jess and I were put in charge of a classroom for two min. by the time the teacher was present again- we had: a handful of children running outside, two children writing on the chalkboard, no one sitting, nearly all the kids sitting on top of their desks, every child screaming... all but one, the one who was crying in the corner. The teacher just laughed.
We all were more successful at recess, when all of us had a wonderful time playing with the kids.

The Kigali Institute of Education (KIE):

This is one of the biggest Universities in Rwanda, we didn't get to have much interaction with the students because they were taking exams. But it was a beautiful campus. We are going there a few more times in the next few weeks.

Green Hills Academy:

Is a nursery- secondary school run by a Canadian woman and her husband. It is in the top three schools in Rwanda. Its very prestigious and a lot is expected of the students. Our group was split and given tours by Mimi and Tony, the Head Girl and Boy. They were both great guides and knowledge gained was great on both ends. (The food there was good too). For about two hours in the afternoon, we were all put into different classrooms. I was with 3 year olds. There was a lot of snot, crying, confusion, and "Teacher Jeanna! Teacher Jeanna!" ... but they were cute. And I do still think so even though I think after my time with them, is the most tired I've been this whole trip.

Dominick's Secondary School (I cannot remember the name):

It was really interesting going to this school because there were so many similarities between high schools in the US and their secondary school. The only difference was that our schools have more "stuff". Jess and I went in front of the class, it was mostly students who have 1-2 years left until University or graduation. They had a lot of great questions about universities in the US and our experienecs at ISU and in high school. Oh, and they really wanted to know who I was going to vote for.
If I ever want to find a Rwandan hubbie- this is where I need to go back to. As I seemed to have picked up an admirerer somehow. He begged that I never forget him, and called Dominick soon after we left to tell him, "Wish her a safe trip, and ask her never to forget me" ... I do not remember his name. The story is pretty funny/cute, remind me to relay when I return.

Kinigi:

This city is about two hours of Kigali, its much colder when you're closer to the moon ;) . The view just outside of our hotel room were green hills and huge volcanoes.
Kinigi is home also to the Rain forest where the gorillas live. With D as our guide, Peter as our porter, and two mysterious guys with guns as our guards... After a three hour trek, uphill, in the rain forest (I'll admit, I fell once- in the mud. AND I had a few lovely minutes of ants - biting ones- in my pants) I was able to see one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen- Gorillas. So, the animal itself maybe not the best looking, but the way they live is extremely interesting to watch.
They way that they play, and use their hands and feet. The way they communicate... it is shockingly human like. We got to watch them for about an hour. During that time the Hirwa group was snacking and getting ready for 'nap time'. We were lucky enough to see the group that has five babies! Ohmygoodnesscute.
Thankfully, some unknown but wonderful people cleaned my shoes for 500 Francs or 1 US dollar- they are cleaner then they were when I packed them. My white backpack maybe permanently brown and I may never get over my new fear of ants- but I can now say I am one of the few people who has seen (up close and personal) 12 of the 300-400 gorillas left in the world.

Gisenyi/Lake Kivu:

Paradise is only two hours and one loooong bumpy, pot hole filled road away from the Gorillas. Aloys* so kindly took us to the town of Gisenyi after we "wet ones" ourselves apres les gorillas. Gisenyi is home to the Primus beer plant, Lake Kivu, and the Congo boarder in the distance. We were spoiled and were able to relax all of Sunday. I successfully got sun burnt through two applications of sunscreen. (SPF 30 m'dears). But I'll take the newly appearing freckles and red nose with a smile as they remind me of my day on the beach and two nights of falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing into the shore.
OH! and after a nice dinner Aloys drove us to the nearby 'airport' and we were able to see a 'glowing' volcano. Its actually located in the Congo, it hasn't errupted since 2005, but you can see the red in the sky.

A rural primary school:

Rwanda claims that their education is equal throughout the country. It has not taken long to see that is not true. One our way back to Kigali this morning we stopped by a rural primary school. By the way, when I say "stopped by" I mean, we drove up the steepest, most narrow road I've ever encountered with cliffs of green and lakes on both sides. (The Plum City snowmobile path doesn't even compare to this mess).
The kids were beautiful. Although there is always the barrier of trying to communicate with mixes of messy French, Kinyarwanda, and English- a smile means the same in each language. Like in the other schools we were able to pair up and sit in on different classrooms. The P3 (about the same as 3-4 grade) students were learning "In Front of", "Behind of", "In", "In Between", etc.
After we presented the school with some gifts of books, pens, pencils, etc, the kids danced for us. Oh, they danced and they danced. ( I cannot wait to come home and show you the videos).

We've also been fortunate enough to have meals with people such as:
Robin, a women from the US who is opening a secondary school in Rwanda.
Craig, my new BFF who works for Joint Aid Management helping bring awareness of AIDS, nutrition, orphans, and women's rights in African countries.

... Only my memories and my journal can remember all the other little ways in which my five senses have experienced Rwanda. I am in love with a country. Its been hard to process everything, because are on constatnly on the go... but in the last week, everyday has brought so many wonderful experiences, I fear that soon my heart, my brain, and my body are going to fill up with too much... too much, I don't know, happiness, kindness, love, growth, knowledge ...

I hope all is well in the States. Remember to keep appreciating the litle things.

Love Love Love.

* In addition to Aloys' previous duties, he is also: our money exchanger, our phone card buyer, our alarm clock, the pot hole/speed bump avoider, reservation maker, our French/Kinyarwanda teacher, our personal "hurry up with the food" man, body guard, and according to Leah our "Faithful Friend" (I feel as if this list needs to be a reappearing segment in my blog as every day this man finds more and more ways to save us)