During the holiday break in April, Courtney and I first spent a couple of days visiting our friend in Johannesburg and then travelled on to Nairobi, Kenya to catch a bus to Arush, Tanzania for a six hour ride across open country and through small towns where we could get a really clear view of real, daily life in eastern Africa. The colourful clothing of the many Masaai people, mingled with the cattle and goats along the roadway was brilliant. Many of the herds led by only a young boy, anywhere from five to twelve years old. We passed markets, businesses, bicycles, donkey carts, cars and numerous small taxi - buses. We could feel a very different feel in the air than from our time in South Africa. There was a reality to this taht we had not yet experienced. Arusha was amazing, as was the safari we took in the largest crater in the world. Magnificent beasts and beauty! The visit we took through a Masaai village was very interesting and moving. After a few days we moved on to Nairobi, returning on the bus with more interesting sights to see. In Nairobi we visited the Masaai market. Most enlightening. We toured the elephant orphanage, the giraffe park and the National Park. Our final visit took us on a walk through Kibera, the largest slum in Africa of 2 to 3 million people. This was an experience we will never forget as we were toured by a young lady, an amazing young lady, who lives and volunteers in Kibera. She took us on a tour through her own living quarters among many varied aspects of this area. To get the full effect of one of the world's worst problems still existing look up Kibera online to see for yourself as words can not discribe this as it needs describing. It was clear to me that the animals we saw in many situations lived better than these people who have been left and ignored by their government. I don't know where one would begin to fix this tragedy.
We hold every minute of that trip sacred. We are so lucky.
Marriage
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Faith
Someone, a teacher, here in South Africa told me, one day, that "faith: is a very personal thing! She follows Buddhism, which is most definitely in the minority here in Queenstown.
In the two months that we have been here I have observed many examples of "Faith". First thing every morning, at school, all teachers meet together to have a few moments, at the beginning of their day, to share "devotion"; a brief reading, joining faith in God and values together in some form of "food for thought". These readings are often from a book which is read by someone different each day. Every now and then, an individual may ask to read something that they personally have found that touches them and would like to share it with the group. Usually these readings have positive aspects to them that could be applied to anyone's life, regardless of the religious base they hold.
Following the reading all are asked to pray! As this one woman, following Buddhism, was always the only one, other than myself, that kept her eyes open, we began to build a bond through this similarity. When I approached her about remaining "wide-eyed", she told me that "faith is a personal thing" and she doesn't feel that this should be expected of her. As the basis for these rituals are Christian based, I being Jewish, also do not following in this praying practice. However, having said that, I do find that there are many potential aspects of value in this daily gathering ritual. One value I find in this practice is the daily joining together of a staff to first, build a social, community-like bond with colleauges, second, to hear some thoughtful idea that may be helpful in your approach to the world through some positive means throughout the day, and, third, to have a calm, peaceful moment, regardless of how your day may have begun, before interacting with the students. Much of the lives and teachings are based in a "Christian doctorine" and clearly the children adhere to these practices in most aspects of their lives, in and out of school. Queenstown has many signs pointing to its religious base, regardless of the sect followed, as the stores close on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and don't open Sunday mornings until after noon as most people are in church. Saturday nights are very quiet as well.
As Courtney and I had an opportunity to be guests at a Pentecostal church for a Xhosa engagement ceremony, we, luckily, had another "faith" experience. While there are many varieties of faith here in South Africa, they are equally strong in their beliefs and pratices that are based on values and traditions handed down for many generations. This ceremony was ripe with singing and praising of God with a deep rooted faith and clearly a high emotional impact. No matter the individual and personal views of each member of the congregation, it appeared that the woes of the past week were being released and a preparation and strength for the coming week was real. The energy and faith that was clearly shown both in the faces and emotions of the congregants filled the room at a high level of sound and actions. There appeared to be a struggle between fear and respect within them in their feverish pitch. I internally questioned whether these were strong beliefs of personal support or did they hold captive the deep believers of such faith? I wondered if these beliefs enrich the lives of the believers or restrict them from thinking critically for themselves or from experiencing the world as a whole????
The engagement ceremony was an interesting tradition where a young man proposes to his future partner in front of his family, his pastor, and all of the congregation as a whole community of joy and acceptance. The concept of commitment is huge in this instance. This is clearly meant to be a permanent partnership! Much to consider!
We also had the good fortune to be included in the celebration meal at the family home following the ceremony. Singing in the native Xhosa language was a central part of the festivities as was continual praise and focus given to God and the gratitude given for the blessings of the day.
Another most amazing day in South Africa! Our lives and our joint memories are once again broadened. Being married our thirty-one years this May, and having parents that have been married 69 (my parents) and 52 (Courtney's parents) years has given us many joint memories already as a strong base for our partnership. We look to continue building as many joint memories as possible in our future years together.
In the two months that we have been here I have observed many examples of "Faith". First thing every morning, at school, all teachers meet together to have a few moments, at the beginning of their day, to share "devotion"; a brief reading, joining faith in God and values together in some form of "food for thought". These readings are often from a book which is read by someone different each day. Every now and then, an individual may ask to read something that they personally have found that touches them and would like to share it with the group. Usually these readings have positive aspects to them that could be applied to anyone's life, regardless of the religious base they hold.
Following the reading all are asked to pray! As this one woman, following Buddhism, was always the only one, other than myself, that kept her eyes open, we began to build a bond through this similarity. When I approached her about remaining "wide-eyed", she told me that "faith is a personal thing" and she doesn't feel that this should be expected of her. As the basis for these rituals are Christian based, I being Jewish, also do not following in this praying practice. However, having said that, I do find that there are many potential aspects of value in this daily gathering ritual. One value I find in this practice is the daily joining together of a staff to first, build a social, community-like bond with colleauges, second, to hear some thoughtful idea that may be helpful in your approach to the world through some positive means throughout the day, and, third, to have a calm, peaceful moment, regardless of how your day may have begun, before interacting with the students. Much of the lives and teachings are based in a "Christian doctorine" and clearly the children adhere to these practices in most aspects of their lives, in and out of school. Queenstown has many signs pointing to its religious base, regardless of the sect followed, as the stores close on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and don't open Sunday mornings until after noon as most people are in church. Saturday nights are very quiet as well.
As Courtney and I had an opportunity to be guests at a Pentecostal church for a Xhosa engagement ceremony, we, luckily, had another "faith" experience. While there are many varieties of faith here in South Africa, they are equally strong in their beliefs and pratices that are based on values and traditions handed down for many generations. This ceremony was ripe with singing and praising of God with a deep rooted faith and clearly a high emotional impact. No matter the individual and personal views of each member of the congregation, it appeared that the woes of the past week were being released and a preparation and strength for the coming week was real. The energy and faith that was clearly shown both in the faces and emotions of the congregants filled the room at a high level of sound and actions. There appeared to be a struggle between fear and respect within them in their feverish pitch. I internally questioned whether these were strong beliefs of personal support or did they hold captive the deep believers of such faith? I wondered if these beliefs enrich the lives of the believers or restrict them from thinking critically for themselves or from experiencing the world as a whole????
The engagement ceremony was an interesting tradition where a young man proposes to his future partner in front of his family, his pastor, and all of the congregation as a whole community of joy and acceptance. The concept of commitment is huge in this instance. This is clearly meant to be a permanent partnership! Much to consider!
We also had the good fortune to be included in the celebration meal at the family home following the ceremony. Singing in the native Xhosa language was a central part of the festivities as was continual praise and focus given to God and the gratitude given for the blessings of the day.
Another most amazing day in South Africa! Our lives and our joint memories are once again broadened. Being married our thirty-one years this May, and having parents that have been married 69 (my parents) and 52 (Courtney's parents) years has given us many joint memories already as a strong base for our partnership. We look to continue building as many joint memories as possible in our future years together.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Musings
What is it that makes some people strive beyond every possible bolder that lays in their life's path? What is it that makes some people push past the barriers of their lives? What is it that makes some people different than the rest of those around them? Why do some people excel to greatness while others from like experiences do not? What is it that gives some people the key to delve into their soul to find the value of life itself? Who is Mandela? What can possibly be life's true purpose? Is it touching the life of one, two or maybe more other people? Is it to enrich your own life? Is it just " to be", to be counted as one of the many great accomplishments of the world? Where and when does a hero begin? How does a villain grow? How is it that some are the best and some the worst? Is it possible that "better" can sometimes be better than best? Is poverty a choice? Where does hope live? What is stamina?
As far as I can tell, the glass is more than half full. It is overflowing!
As far as I can tell, the glass is more than half full. It is overflowing!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Contrasts
Queenstown, South Africa is full of contrasts from the lush flatlands surrounded by mountains, the hot, sunny days intermittent with cool, rain showers, the mixing of cultures in the various neighbourhoods to the more culturally defined areas. While shopping areas are open to all, economics play a large role in participation. In most cases the economic divide is also cultural. Opportunitities are most evident yet some barriers are still hard to conquer. In the schools, the lack of resources in some is most apparent. There is a great need of resources here in order to level the playing field for full future success.
Throughout the history of South Africa there have been distinctions made between four basic groups of people, the Indian, the Blacks, the Coloured and the Whites. Now, although time has brought many changes those four groups, while able to live and travel anywhere freely, social events have not yet entirely woven together.
Courtney and I have had the good fortune to be included in a wide variety of activities and events here in South Africa as a whole. Being a mixed couple and from Canada has afforded us opportunities others may not have been lucky enough to experience. As a result of this good fortune we are able to see the past, and present, from many points of view. While barriers have begun to breakdown somewhat much is still developing. Personal freedoms are evident yet internal and subtle biases and outlooks linger on. This process will take a long time.
The hope of greater barrier breaking lies within the schools, within the level of education that all students are entitled to, the formal training that all teachers, in both public and private schools, must have and particularly within the Ministry of Education and its checks and balances regarding Human Rights within its mandate.
Contrasts in philosophy cling to some past discipline practices which conflict with needed understandings in respect to the dignity of all children and the valuing of their worth. Encouraging them to think and to share their knowledge through collaboration, debate and dialogue is slow to reach its importance.
Jobs and wages need to improve to allow families to work closer to home to ensure that the children grow up with a strong sense of family as many parents are forced to work far from home,even in other cities to be able to afford their children's schooling and in many cases their boarding fees as their schools are also far from home. Those children living at home are often cared for by grandparents or extended family.
While the struggles continue, actualizing full potential is within grasp. I am grateful to be a small part of helping to bring that reality closer. Courtney's and my contributions to date have been well received.
We love this country and its people!
Throughout the history of South Africa there have been distinctions made between four basic groups of people, the Indian, the Blacks, the Coloured and the Whites. Now, although time has brought many changes those four groups, while able to live and travel anywhere freely, social events have not yet entirely woven together.
Courtney and I have had the good fortune to be included in a wide variety of activities and events here in South Africa as a whole. Being a mixed couple and from Canada has afforded us opportunities others may not have been lucky enough to experience. As a result of this good fortune we are able to see the past, and present, from many points of view. While barriers have begun to breakdown somewhat much is still developing. Personal freedoms are evident yet internal and subtle biases and outlooks linger on. This process will take a long time.
The hope of greater barrier breaking lies within the schools, within the level of education that all students are entitled to, the formal training that all teachers, in both public and private schools, must have and particularly within the Ministry of Education and its checks and balances regarding Human Rights within its mandate.
Contrasts in philosophy cling to some past discipline practices which conflict with needed understandings in respect to the dignity of all children and the valuing of their worth. Encouraging them to think and to share their knowledge through collaboration, debate and dialogue is slow to reach its importance.
Jobs and wages need to improve to allow families to work closer to home to ensure that the children grow up with a strong sense of family as many parents are forced to work far from home,even in other cities to be able to afford their children's schooling and in many cases their boarding fees as their schools are also far from home. Those children living at home are often cared for by grandparents or extended family.
While the struggles continue, actualizing full potential is within grasp. I am grateful to be a small part of helping to bring that reality closer. Courtney's and my contributions to date have been well received.
We love this country and its people!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Paradise Found
I thought I knew what beauty was until now! Beauty is standing on the top of a mountain on a warm and sunny day with the breeze blowing in your hair while you look down on the valley below where you actually live, only five minutes away. Beauty is wandering through a game reserve finding one animal after another. Beauty is watching the statuesqe grouping of giraffes defying you to come closer. Beauty is a rhinoceros standing in front of you. Beauty is seeing zebras playing without a care. Power and beauty surrounded us Saturday morning when, on the spur of the moment, we decided to visit the natural game reserve behind where we live. Breath-taking views mixed with a multitude of animal species. Just another typical day in Queenstown, South Africa! The magnificence, grace and frolicking nature of these animals is beyond belief. The peaceful coexistence of this animal community is miraculous.We are humbled by every new episode. Our good fortune to share these experiences in our lifetime is incredible. Thank you Mother Nature!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Amazing Journey
Just new at this! Be patient! My husband, Courtney and I are presently in Queenstown, South Africa volunteering in a school providing special education support as well as professional development for teachesr. First we landed in Johannesburg in mid January. Great bonus for us, after meeting a woman from Joburg on our plane from Amsterdam was taht she took us everywhere and introduced us to many of her educator friends. Wewere able to get not only a good snapshot of Joburg but also of education in South Africa as she had previously been an educator and now she works for the municipal government in Gauteng.
Amazing to stand in the house where Nelson Mandela lived. To see where and to learn about the struggles he and his peers endured. To be standing where he hid when the police would come looking for him, Very powerful! Very moving!
Once in East London and taking our ride to Queenstown, two hours north to our destination for the next six months we could begin to get a sense of this gorgeous, mountainous terrain.
Arriving at ourlocation, an amazing B& B, Heritage House, was incredible. All of the people we have met so far have been extraordinarily outgoing, friendly and most accommodating. We must be in Heaven for real!
We had two days to get settled, two more days to meet all the teachers and then school opened. Meeting the students was a highlight. All fresh and excited about beginning a new school year all in their beautiful red and blue uniforms. Connections with teachers were quickly made and we were off on an incredible journey into the lives of people halfway acound the world, feeling as if we have been here forever.
It always amazes me,no matter where we have travelled, of the many similarities in the midst of many diiferences that exist. Imagine discussing the "toothfairy" with grade twos here, as at home! Amazing!
Amazing to stand in the house where Nelson Mandela lived. To see where and to learn about the struggles he and his peers endured. To be standing where he hid when the police would come looking for him, Very powerful! Very moving!
Once in East London and taking our ride to Queenstown, two hours north to our destination for the next six months we could begin to get a sense of this gorgeous, mountainous terrain.
Arriving at ourlocation, an amazing B& B, Heritage House, was incredible. All of the people we have met so far have been extraordinarily outgoing, friendly and most accommodating. We must be in Heaven for real!
We had two days to get settled, two more days to meet all the teachers and then school opened. Meeting the students was a highlight. All fresh and excited about beginning a new school year all in their beautiful red and blue uniforms. Connections with teachers were quickly made and we were off on an incredible journey into the lives of people halfway acound the world, feeling as if we have been here forever.
It always amazes me,no matter where we have travelled, of the many similarities in the midst of many diiferences that exist. Imagine discussing the "toothfairy" with grade twos here, as at home! Amazing!
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