I am incredibly bad at blogging. Ihave been journaling though so ill maybe write a blog review some day, we'll see. My time in Zambia seemed to fly by, we spent our final six weeks writing our dissertations, which was difficult being constantly surrounded by travellers and the sunshine, but we succeeded.
On travel up to Tanzania Ash and I decided to spend 10 days in Malawi, this was a truely beautiful country and I would definately like to return some day for a longer period. Any country I have been to in Africa i have met amazing people but there was something special about the people in Malawi. We spent the time mainly by Lake Malawi, nkata bay.
Currently in Zanzibar, been here for a week now, very chilled out. We met Amy and Heather (friends from uni) here which has been nice to catch up. I have to pinch myself sometimes, for example last night, sitting under a palm tree on a swing looking over the white sand and crystal clear blue sea, sipping on a beer and chatting to my mum on the phone. Is this really third year uni? Yes! (Well the uni part has finished, but the thought that people are at home studying for exams makes me wonder how im gona cope next year...hmmm)
After Zanzibar we are doing a bit of travelling in Tanzania, and contimplating climbing Mount Kilimonjaro if we can get it for a decent price. After Tanzania we are off to Rwanda. James Draper will have joine us by this point and i think the plan is to do a bit of work tehre (not sure what) as well as seeing some volcanoes. Then we are off to my second home- Uganda. Really looking forward to getting back to Uganda and visiting the school and orphanage I worked in on my gap year as well as meeting up with all the guys from Emmanuel.
Having an amazing time, meeting lots of people and seeing amazing sights, bla bla bla all the usual travel chat. I am truely grateful though!
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Oh Africa
Oh Zambia. Back an Africa again, and as always it just feels like being home. What I have seen of Zambia so far has many similarities to Uganda, which is why perhaps it feels so familiar to me.
Almost six weeks in already, time seems to be flying by. I don’t want time to go by too fast, so I am trying to appreciate and make the most of everyday. Our days are busy yet we still seem to have time. In Africa there is no concept of time, no hurry. It is so nice to be in this environment, in contrast to the hectic few weeks I had back home before I came out.
Our days start early, usually around 6.15. We are currently teaching from 7-12.15 ever morning in a grade six class. We have just finished three weeks in a grade 4 class. I love waking up in the morning to the sun, and of course 45 little smiley faces. Having ‘mzungu’ teachers is quite a novelty so the pupils usually respond well. They are aware however that we wont ‘beat them’ which is common amongst most of the teachers here, so they chance their arms a bit at times but it all adds to the fun. In our experience, from observing teachers teach, although they are dedicated to their job, the children receive little praise and little encouragement. We have found they often stall a lot before beginning work, especially when we try to more creative things with them and we have come to learn that this is because they are so scared of getting things wrong, at this often results in corporal punishment. We have learnt that the government have actually banned all forms of corporal punishment however this seems to make little difference in the classroom. So its been an absolute delight to be able to add a little fun to lessons, encourage pupils with a smile, try and get them to think a little for themselves and if nothing else show them that learning can be fun.
On Mondays and Thursday afternoons we go to an orphanage about 15mins away and teach English to the children. This usually involves lots of games and messing about, its great having the opportunity to get to know children on a less formal basis than the classroom. All of the children are orphaned or were street children. I don’t yet know any of their stories but I know behind each of them is a story. It’s a privilege to be able to spend a little time with them each week, play a little part in their lives, and try my best to show a little love.
On Tuesday and Friday afternoons I coach netball. This is fun considering they have one ball (sometimes none), no bibs, a pitch which has no markings and it half grass and half sand and of course lots of girls who have trouble understanding my accent. I love it! Always proves to be entertaining and fun. Usually there seem to be about 30 people lingering around spectating, shouting things I don’t understand, and im pretty sure much of what they are shouting involves making fun of the crazy white girl. Again I love it.
We are staying on a local backpackers lodge –Jollyboys. Everyday we meet new and interesting people from all over the world. Many travelling, some working. What has hit me though is the willingness of people to play their part and help. We have met nurses, social workers and many people working for the Red Cross, all here to do a little to help.
We do of course have a little spare time to ourselves which so far has involved activities such as walking with lions. Next stop- Elephant ride!
Almost six weeks in already, time seems to be flying by. I don’t want time to go by too fast, so I am trying to appreciate and make the most of everyday. Our days are busy yet we still seem to have time. In Africa there is no concept of time, no hurry. It is so nice to be in this environment, in contrast to the hectic few weeks I had back home before I came out.
Our days start early, usually around 6.15. We are currently teaching from 7-12.15 ever morning in a grade six class. We have just finished three weeks in a grade 4 class. I love waking up in the morning to the sun, and of course 45 little smiley faces. Having ‘mzungu’ teachers is quite a novelty so the pupils usually respond well. They are aware however that we wont ‘beat them’ which is common amongst most of the teachers here, so they chance their arms a bit at times but it all adds to the fun. In our experience, from observing teachers teach, although they are dedicated to their job, the children receive little praise and little encouragement. We have found they often stall a lot before beginning work, especially when we try to more creative things with them and we have come to learn that this is because they are so scared of getting things wrong, at this often results in corporal punishment. We have learnt that the government have actually banned all forms of corporal punishment however this seems to make little difference in the classroom. So its been an absolute delight to be able to add a little fun to lessons, encourage pupils with a smile, try and get them to think a little for themselves and if nothing else show them that learning can be fun.
On Mondays and Thursday afternoons we go to an orphanage about 15mins away and teach English to the children. This usually involves lots of games and messing about, its great having the opportunity to get to know children on a less formal basis than the classroom. All of the children are orphaned or were street children. I don’t yet know any of their stories but I know behind each of them is a story. It’s a privilege to be able to spend a little time with them each week, play a little part in their lives, and try my best to show a little love.
On Tuesday and Friday afternoons I coach netball. This is fun considering they have one ball (sometimes none), no bibs, a pitch which has no markings and it half grass and half sand and of course lots of girls who have trouble understanding my accent. I love it! Always proves to be entertaining and fun. Usually there seem to be about 30 people lingering around spectating, shouting things I don’t understand, and im pretty sure much of what they are shouting involves making fun of the crazy white girl. Again I love it.
We are staying on a local backpackers lodge –Jollyboys. Everyday we meet new and interesting people from all over the world. Many travelling, some working. What has hit me though is the willingness of people to play their part and help. We have met nurses, social workers and many people working for the Red Cross, all here to do a little to help.
We do of course have a little spare time to ourselves which so far has involved activities such as walking with lions. Next stop- Elephant ride!
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Having a bit of spare time between class I have decided to post a blog as I haven't done so since August. Life is busy, I find myself running around meeting different people, running between uni, belfast, lurgan, church and the occasional jobs which I have been picking up and dropping off over the last few months.
Its coming into winter and I always feel myself feeling down in the dumps this time of year. I LOVE SUMMER! I'm just not a winter kind of person, I don't like cold, wet, wrapping up warm etc etc. I do like Christmas lights though thats about it. Ok so ill stop complaining now but I decided to do a bit of research
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a type of winter depression that affects an estimated half a million people every winter between September and April; in particular during December, January and February.
You can find more information and treatments on www.sada.org.uk
Half a million people!! Ok so maybe I'm over reacting a bit but there is definately something about summer time that makes me happier. However I am determined not to get let S.A.D. defeat me this winter and I will remain happy in the midst of the dark, cold, wet nights.
Lets beat the winter blues.
On an up note Im off to Zambia on the 26th of Janurary. Myself and my wonderful friend and housemate Ashleigh will set off and spend 4 months teaching and studying in Livingstone. We are then meeting a few friends in Tanzania for a month of traveling before I will meet up with Church in Uganda for the month of July. So im jetsetting again. I really am grateful for all the opportunities I have been given to go to different countries (especially Africa) and can't wait for the adventures and journies that are ahead.
Its coming into winter and I always feel myself feeling down in the dumps this time of year. I LOVE SUMMER! I'm just not a winter kind of person, I don't like cold, wet, wrapping up warm etc etc. I do like Christmas lights though thats about it. Ok so ill stop complaining now but I decided to do a bit of research
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a type of winter depression that affects an estimated half a million people every winter between September and April; in particular during December, January and February.
You can find more information and treatments on www.sada.org.uk
Half a million people!! Ok so maybe I'm over reacting a bit but there is definately something about summer time that makes me happier. However I am determined not to get let S.A.D. defeat me this winter and I will remain happy in the midst of the dark, cold, wet nights.
Lets beat the winter blues.
On an up note Im off to Zambia on the 26th of Janurary. Myself and my wonderful friend and housemate Ashleigh will set off and spend 4 months teaching and studying in Livingstone. We are then meeting a few friends in Tanzania for a month of traveling before I will meet up with Church in Uganda for the month of July. So im jetsetting again. I really am grateful for all the opportunities I have been given to go to different countries (especially Africa) and can't wait for the adventures and journies that are ahead.
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Take me home country roads...
I had the most amazing month in Uganda. They say a picture paints a thousand words so Ive given that a go instead of trying to express my experience in words...I love Africa everytime I go. I feel at home. I feel that I find myself, can be myself and feel a deep sense of contentment. Its hard to explain.
I continue to believe and dream that I will live there someday but in the mean time I struggle with my Christian walk back home. In many ways life seems so much more straight forward in Africa, amist the pain and suffering that is so apparent and heartbreaking. The people have perspective, hope and LOVE.
I feel myself already getting sucked back into life back home, back into material things, back into my old mindset. This frustrates me alot. I wish I could just go and live in Africa now, I would move tomorrow. However right now God has placed me juggling homes between Lurgan and Belfast. I need to find a way to practically live out my faith and enable my experiences to impact by life now and not just hope for future opportunities in Africa, and for me that is a real test which I'm struggling with.
I'm going to try to find a way so... bring on another uni year in Belfast...well until Janurary... then I'm off to Africa. Woop!!
Friday, 27 June 2008
Oh Uganda!
Oh Uganda! may God uphold thee,
We lay our future in thy hand.
United, free, For liberty Together we'll always stand.
Oh Uganda! the land of freedom.
Our love and labour we give,
And with neighbours all At our country's call
In peace and friendship we'll live.
Oh Uganda! the land that feeds us
By sun and fertile soil grown.
For our own dear land, We'll always stand:
The Pearl of Africa's Crown.
Uganda's national anthem. I like it alot, kids used to sing it every morning at school.
I have always had a heart for Africa and for some reason the country of Uganda since I was a young child. I had the great experience of two years ago spending six months in Uganda as part of my gap year. Totally fell in love with the country. Travelled around Kenya and Tanzania and have been to South Africa but Uganda definately has a special place in my heart. I leave on Sunday to spend another exciting month in Uganda. This time I am going out with Church to start building work on a secondary school as well as doing kids clubs, clinics, sports etc. I aslo hope to visit the school and orphanage I worked in on my gap year.
Just received news yesterday that I have been accepted on International Studies next year as part of my course. I applied to Zambia, South Africa, America, Hong Kong and Uganda. Uganda was not at the top of my priority list as i thought I would like to experience a different country. However, it seems Uganda is meant to be where I go next year again. So unless something changes i'll be leaving for Uganda again in Janurary for 4 months.
I think Uganda is my home. Excited?- yes!
We lay our future in thy hand.
United, free, For liberty Together we'll always stand.
Oh Uganda! the land of freedom.
Our love and labour we give,
And with neighbours all At our country's call
In peace and friendship we'll live.
Oh Uganda! the land that feeds us
By sun and fertile soil grown.
For our own dear land, We'll always stand:
The Pearl of Africa's Crown.
Uganda's national anthem. I like it alot, kids used to sing it every morning at school.
I have always had a heart for Africa and for some reason the country of Uganda since I was a young child. I had the great experience of two years ago spending six months in Uganda as part of my gap year. Totally fell in love with the country. Travelled around Kenya and Tanzania and have been to South Africa but Uganda definately has a special place in my heart. I leave on Sunday to spend another exciting month in Uganda. This time I am going out with Church to start building work on a secondary school as well as doing kids clubs, clinics, sports etc. I aslo hope to visit the school and orphanage I worked in on my gap year.
Just received news yesterday that I have been accepted on International Studies next year as part of my course. I applied to Zambia, South Africa, America, Hong Kong and Uganda. Uganda was not at the top of my priority list as i thought I would like to experience a different country. However, it seems Uganda is meant to be where I go next year again. So unless something changes i'll be leaving for Uganda again in Janurary for 4 months.
I think Uganda is my home. Excited?- yes!
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Unity
I was in Shropshire over the weekend visiting some gap year friends I haven't seen for a while- super fun! Had to fly into Liverpool so spent the day there and decided I would be the ultimate tourist and visit the Liverpool Cathedrals. Beautiful buildings.
The picture above is of the Roman Catholic Cathedral which I visited first. Although not aware of it until quite reciently growing up in a Protestant church, going to a Protestant school, having no Catholic friends made me quite ignorant towards the Catholic church and if I'm being honest thought...'They've got it all wrong all they do is go to mass, pray to Mary and confess their sins to a priest."
Although I am still confused about many doctines of belief both in the Roman Catholic Church and indeed in other Protestant denomonations (the stranny grannies have confused me!!) in spending time with different people and becoming more open minded I've for a while felt the sense of a need for unity between the Roman Catholic church and indeed Protestant denominations. Living in Lurgan in which where the different churches do come together on different occassions, I didn't quite realise the extent of peoples strongly held views until taking more of an interest in Stranmillis CU this year.
I went around reading different things about the church, their mission statement, intentions for the city and the people of Liverpool and got angry at myself for ever being so ignorant towards the Catholic Church. Walked around a bit more and came across a prayer book in which I wrote a prayer for unity then walked a bit more and saw a sign saying yes-'Unity'. Walked into a little side chapel 'The chapel of Unity' to a plaque reading:
This Chapel is dedicated to Christian unity-
To the celebration of the fundamental unity which exists amoung all followers of Christ.
"There is one body, one spirit......one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all." (Ephesians 4v5)
To prayer for unity that christ prayed at the last supper.
"That they may become perfectly on so that the world may know that thou hast sent me." (John 17v25)
Later in the day I visited the Anglicain Cathedral. Another beautiful building. Again here the idea of Unity was spinning around in my head.
Yesterday I went to a service in the Clonard Cathedral on the Falls, a minister from the Church of Ireland was speaking, agian touching on the theme of unity between the Catholic and Protestant Church and how far the church had come in recent years by the fact that he was even speaking at the service. Was my second time at Mass- a strange experience but a good one. I recommend it to anyone seeking openmindness on this issue.
We all believe in the one God, one father one Lord so why the bickering and flighting amoung Churches. I quote a statement from a non believer very good friend of mine. "Christianity is just another religion which divides people." If this is the message we are giving to the world then there must be something wrong. I don't know but i'm pretty sure that this is not the way God intended things to be- Christians divided on doctrines of belief and religiousness. It's something that I'm going to try to do my upmost best not to get caught up in, however being at Stranmillis with alot of Christians from different denominations with strongly held views, it's hard not to get into discussions and debates on different matters.
Heres to Unity eh? Lets try!
Sunday, 27 April 2008
20 Lights
I had an interesting and thought provoking week and weekend.
I had an interesting hour long conversation with a guy in Stiff Kitten on Thursday night which all started with a diet coke, progressed to talking about purpose in life and ended with him trying to convice me that animals have souls. It was interesting and made me think alot. I love having conversations like this and feeling comfortable sharing my story with people. However I often feel uncomfortable when conversations turn to debates and I find my self struggling to defend my faith.
Spent Friday night in Newcastle chilling then on Saturday went to one of my favourite places on earth, Costa del Cran. I was feeling slighty down on Saturday but Cranfield as it always does brightened my mood as soon as I arrived.
At about 10 o'clock Ellen and I decided to go along the beach for a walk. We walked to the point and sat on the big rocks. The same place we used to sit years ago with our summer friends. This was our spot for bonfires late at night. Those were fun days. We sat for hours talking about old times, old friends and even though we are both 20 now and no longer in our teens nothing had really changed at all.
We talked about doubts and confusions.... (this is beginning to sound like a romantic love story- well it was quite romantic) and ended up writing a song, which still needs editing.
Being by the seaside is my favourite place to be and always makes me think about how beautiful the world is that we live in and how amazing our creator really is. It helps me get my focus back. Amist my constant confusions and sometimes doubt, when I look around at the beauty of nature I have no doubt that I believe.
Im starting to read 'God on Mute'- a book by Pete Greig. I like this quote:
I had an interesting hour long conversation with a guy in Stiff Kitten on Thursday night which all started with a diet coke, progressed to talking about purpose in life and ended with him trying to convice me that animals have souls. It was interesting and made me think alot. I love having conversations like this and feeling comfortable sharing my story with people. However I often feel uncomfortable when conversations turn to debates and I find my self struggling to defend my faith.
Spent Friday night in Newcastle chilling then on Saturday went to one of my favourite places on earth, Costa del Cran. I was feeling slighty down on Saturday but Cranfield as it always does brightened my mood as soon as I arrived.
At about 10 o'clock Ellen and I decided to go along the beach for a walk. We walked to the point and sat on the big rocks. The same place we used to sit years ago with our summer friends. This was our spot for bonfires late at night. Those were fun days. We sat for hours talking about old times, old friends and even though we are both 20 now and no longer in our teens nothing had really changed at all.
We talked about doubts and confusions.... (this is beginning to sound like a romantic love story- well it was quite romantic) and ended up writing a song, which still needs editing.
Being by the seaside is my favourite place to be and always makes me think about how beautiful the world is that we live in and how amazing our creator really is. It helps me get my focus back. Amist my constant confusions and sometimes doubt, when I look around at the beauty of nature I have no doubt that I believe.
Im starting to read 'God on Mute'- a book by Pete Greig. I like this quote:
I believe in the sun even when it isn't shining.
I believe in love when I am alone.
I believe in God even when he is silent.
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