Monthly Archives: July 2013

Planning

Hillary Merwin
Hillary Merwin
Colombia 2013
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This week I got a deeper look into what Fundación Comunidad Viva is all about–from the inside!

Bright and early at 7am, the staff gathered around a delicious Colombian breakfast of huevos pericos (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and onions) and coffee (of course, this is Colombia). I felt privileged enough to be one of them and to be able to give my input into what the foundation’s work would look like this year.

Leading the meeting, Jorge told us that he wanted Comunidad Viva to focus in on three main areas. While the foundation has a wide range of programs, we’ve realized that three of them are extremely effective and we want to center our work around those.

1. Supervacas

This is the series of vacation bible schools the foundation puts on to reach out to children in the community, and consequently their parents, too! Comunidad Viva currently holds a Supervacas in the town of Pacho and two neighborhoods in Bogotá. Last June, we had a Supervacas in Pacho and are planning another for late November, as well as another one in Bogotá in October (both of which I will be one of the main people in charge!). These weeklong events are an amazing way to get to know the kids and families in the community. Each week consists of amazing crafts (the last Supervacas, we built a cardboard car!), lessons, music, and lots and lots of dancing.

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2. Programa de Ayuda Extraescoler (PAE)

This is the after school tutoring program that will start up again this Tuesday! PAE will be one of my main responsibilities, not just as a tutor but as an overseer of the program, too (looking for ways to improve it, researching new materials, planning field trips, managing volunteers etc.). Kids come to the program every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-5 and meet with volunteers to get help with their homework. We also do lessons, readings, and take the kids on a field trip in the beginning of the session and–for those who’ve received enough tokens based on attendance, behavior, etc.–another trip at the end of the program.

Jorge asked if I would help plan the first trip. Even though I was nervous to call the museum and set up the trip, my Spanish proved to be good enough and I successfully planned a time for the kids to go to the museum! I’m excited for the program to start next week and to get to know some more kids in the Prado neighborhood.

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3. La Cueva

This word, meaning “the cave” is the name of the orphanage that the foundation started for orphans who turn 18 and are essentially kicked out of the state-run system and have no where to go. Jorge and Ginny’s old apartment in the Prado neighborhood is now used as a transitional home for 4 guys who are working and studying hard to get through college. Some of them have even received scholarships to study and are thriving in this independent living situation. It’s been a blessing getting to know some of these guys and while Jorge is the main overseer of this particular program, it’s exciting getting to see it grow as we continue to invite new faces into the house.

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In addition to planning, this week also consisted of some grunt work to prepare the church to host the tutoring program next week. Rooms were cleaned, offices were organized. My particular project was to wrap up some of the mattresses from our Pacho trip to prepare them for storage. I’d say I did a pretty good job.

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The week was full of other planning meetings as well as brainstorming sessions for planning the new church/nonprofit in the downtown area. Looking forward to getting more things rolling next week!

Adventures in Namibia

Lindsey Ricker
Lindsey Ricker
South Africa 2012-2014
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About a month ago, I was able to take a week off work to go on a road trip through Namibia. My trusty co-adventurers included my housemate Kyle, my dear friend Mmamohau, her comrade Mandisa, and another American, Alison. Our road trip started strong with some Coldplay and Matt Kearney jams, aubergine pâté, and a luxurious first night at Ai-Ais hot springs resort. However, our timing was not ideal since several of my fellow Connect-123 interns left for home during our trip. Before we left, they indignantly joked, “Why would you choose Namibia over us? It’s just a bunch of sand!”

 

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Our strong start unfortunately did not last long. We quickly noticed that there was a scarcity of petrol stations. The majority of time on our second, third, and fourth day was spent rather slowly as we carefully took on one gravel ‘highway’ after another. At one low, low, low point we realized that we had only driven 20km in an hour—20 kilometers, not miles. Nevertheless, we persevered through the tough times with games and entirely too much Matt Kearney.

 

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After driving one day, we decided that we could carry on no further and stopped for the night at an accommodation in the middle of the desert. We were desperate and slightly low on petrol, so we said we would take whatever rooms they had available. My friend Alison and I got stuck in a couple’s room, which wasn’t an issue except for the fact that there was not wall in between the bedroom and the bathroom. We recovered by making s’mores outside on the campfire whenever one of us needed some privacy.

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Although we had some rough patches, the encounters we had with nature in Namibia made the trip entirely worthwhile. Highlights of our trip include a hike up Dune 45 in Sossusvlei (one of the highest sand dunes in the world), a glimpse at Deadvlei (a petrified forest in the desert), Fish River Canyon (the world’s second largest caynon), a camel ride through the desert, a tour of a ghost town (with houses covered in sand), wild animal sightings everywhere (including horses, antelope, zebra, and warthogs), and a drive by Orange River.

 

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The entire trip I was craving a braai (South African cookout), and I finally had my wish granted on the last night. Our last accommodation was on a farm called the White House, which we thought was too ironic to pass up. Unfortunately, it was basically the opposite style of our first lodging. The rustic nature of the White House was exasperated by Mmamohau and my illnesses. When we returned home, Mmamohau learned that she had bronchitis and I had food poisoning or the equivalent. This lead to a slightly rocky ending, but jolly camaraderie and Lord of the Rings themed accommodation in Windhoek (called Rivendell) made food poisening slightly less painful.

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In the end, I decided that if I ever consider marriage with a life partner, then we must go on a road trip to Transkei or Namibia to test our love and see magnificent landscape.

Spunănd “La Revedere” [Saying “Until Next Time”]

Sarai Gal-Chis
Sarai Gal-Chis
Romania 2013
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Departures are so hard. Having to say goodbye to someone that you’ve spent every day with for almost 3 months is not easy. Now multiply that by the number of girls I spent everyday with...

We had such a beautiful last week together! I got to spend a lot of personal time with the girls working alongside them, visiting the city with them, and specifically making time to talk and just be with each of them before I left.

We made jam and cracked nuts [the Romanian way]...1075778_10201649135736893_1111101987_n 1010839_10201649136416910_791346690_n

...took care of our chickens and bunnies...

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...played music and sang our hearts out...

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... took a trip to Ciuperca to see the entire city and just talk and enjoy the hike...

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... invaded a sunflower field, just for fun..

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...I surprised them with a sleepover and American-style pancakes for breakfast the next morning...

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... As they surprised me with my favorite meal as well as some heartfelt wonderful gifts!! (hopefully I will have pictures of them to post later!)

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I will miss their smiling faces, big hugs, and amazing hearts immensely. I can’t believe how quickly the summer flew by! They tell me to stay and come back, and I’m praying that I’ll have the opportunity to do that in the future. Until then, I can’t wait to keep seeing them grow in maturity and as adults- they have so much potential in them and I want them to use it! They know that their Mami loves them, and sends a huge hug to all her girls... until we meet again.

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Winter Excursions

Lindsey Ricker
Lindsey Ricker
South Africa 2012-2014
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Hail in Bo-kaap

Hail in Bo-kaap

I have finally surrendered to Cape Town winter and accepted that it is here. After going to a Cape Malay cooking class, I walked out of my teacher’s house in Bo-kaap to find a massive hail storm–an unusual event for Cape Town. The cooking class I attended is located in a Cape Malay woman’s house, where she teaches tradition recipes. In two classes, I learned how to make chicken curry, roti, samosas, chili bites, and swiss cake rolls.

As you can see in the picture above, the Bo-kaap community is composed of rows of brightly colored houses. The historical Cape Malay architecture remains along with many Cape Malay residents as well. Bo-kaap is one of the few areas where oppressed people where not forcibly removed during apartheid.

According to the Iziko Slave Lodge in Cape Town, many of the Cape Malay people came to Cape Town because they were human trafficked through the slave trade industry. Later, many of the women became indentured servants and worked as domestic laborers. Then apartheid government oppressed Cape Malay people, along with many others, through legislation, which was finally abolished in 1994 with the first democratic election in South African. However, like many formerly oppressed communities, many of the Cape Malay peoples’ rights remain socially and economically neglected and abused.

As the writers of the South African constitution were composing the Bill of Rights, they recognized that not all citizens would immediately have their rights protected. The philosophy they adopted is called progressive realization of rights, which is a gradual reconciliation of past conflict to future equality. There are so many systemic flaws in South African government and social institutions that it would be impossible to resolve all human rights issues in 1994, 2004, or anytime in the near future, realistically. Therefore, rights are categorized in a sort of hierarchy to determine which rights have to be addressed the most urgently. The SAHRC prioritizes children’s rights and other vulnerable groups such as older persons, women, detained persons and disabled persons. However, different human rights violations correspond to the mandates of individual regulatory bodies.

Unfortunately, just because rights are categorized in certain ways, does not mean they are manifested in the intended fashion. For instance, education is not a right that is considered under progressive realization. However, while listening to a lecture sponsored by Equal Education and given from the first Constitutional Court Chief Justice, Kate O’Regan, I learned that many issues educations issues should be immediately realized, but are not. A lack of resources, limited funding, and corruption in government departments create violations of educational rights even in the new South Africa.

While Ms. O’Regan worked intensively for years in building South Africa’s Constitutional Court, she surprised me in her perspective about the role of the court system. She stated that South Africans are often too reliant on the court, especially when other branches of government fail and the courts cannot turn people away (in the same fashion at least). Ms. O’Regan encouraged grass root movements of people first understanding their rights, next recognizing when their rights are violated, and then seeking alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before litigation. Listening to Ms. O’Regan was encouraging to me as a proponent of ADR, but even more insightful was her description of when court cases are appropriate for litigation. She clarified that when cases can represent a class of people or answer questions that are quantitative rather than qualitative, then traditional court litigation is suitable.

Even though winter weather has slowed me down, I’m still finding time to explore Cape Town through cuisine and educational events.  The weather has also fostered my creativity in planning my time since I am forced to spend much of it indoors. Here’s to more cooking classes and bookstore human right events!

Moving on

Hillary Merwin
Hillary Merwin
Colombia 2013
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This week we finished up our service to the Alturo family. And what an amazing way to end this experience.

After battling an infection during the recovery process, Laura is finally able to return home. The tumor was benign and has been completely removed and the doctors are optimistic that with continued therapy, she will make a full recovery.

We spent everyday at the house this week, preparing for Laura’s return. Some hard core cleaning went down and of course, lots of cooking. We could sense a noticeable lightness when talking to Laura’s parents, who couldn’t hide this new hope of returning to their normal lives with a healthy daughter.

It looks like there’s a possibility I will get to continue visiting this neighborhood as Jorge wants me to take over and expand the Ciudad Corazón program with the children! It’s possible that I will get to meet with them once a week and plan activities and lessons, etc. I’m definitely excited about this possibility!

We are also planning on a construction project for this family, remodeling some rooms in their apartment, etc. (it would be a much needed renovation!).

This next week we will be preparing for the tutoring program to begin at the end of July–promoting it, getting volunteers, etc. It will be a nice change of pace and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the kids as they are preparing to start the new school year! I’m hoping my Spanish skills will hold up when trying to help them with their homework. I’ve already sensed a noticeable difference in my speaking skills and am excited that my Spanish is improving so quickly!

More updates to come soon with pictures!

 

 

Oportunități [Opportunities]

Sarai Gal-Chis
Sarai Gal-Chis
Romania 2013
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First of all, we finished off the retreat splendidly last week!

Besides the intense bowling and Mexican night..

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We also underwent the grand and slightly dangerous experience of go-cart racing, several rounds of bilingual games at the park, many fun and humorous hours at the strand (pool), and slept in an indoor fort that the volunteers created.

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It’s amazing to see how much the girls appreciate a retreat and break after they worked for it and earned it! It’s hard to teach them that balance oftentimes. In the orphan homes, they got accustomed to having their needs provided for without having to work for it. Now that they’re entering the real world, they want to continue having that- this is the reason why many girls leave the Beauty from Ashes program or don’t complete it. If they’re not willing to work, be responsible, and follow rules, then life  will hit them in the head they will have to step up to their role or end up on the streets. Those who realize this have had much success in the program and were also able to appreciate this retreat to the fullest!

However, it’s also hit me really hard this past week how limited our girls are due to injustice. Unfortunately, even our girls who have worked so hard to get integrated into society and have a better, brighter future are judged by their skin color and background. Employers take one look at them and don’t give them a second thought. Being in America since the age of 5, I got used to the concept of the “Land of Opportunities” and am now being reminded how harsh and unjust life is for those who don’t have these opportunities. These things fire me up, and I do everything in my power to prepare this girls for their interviews and encourage them.

One of our girls who’s been in the program the longest and is a college graduate interviewed for a position in her domain as a nurse! I so highly anticipate the day when she will take her rightful place that she’s earned in the medical field through nursing!

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Along these same lines, I was given the neatest opportunity this week: I got to share a little about my views on the previously listed injustices as well as about Romanian Orphan Ministries and my life in an interview for Digi24 Oradea, a TV show here in Romania! Whenever I was asked to do this, I had no idea what to expect, but I interviewed today and the airing is tomorrow at 7:00pm Romania Time (11:00am Central Time, 12:00pm Eastern Time) both on TV and they’re website,

http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Regional/Digi24+Oradea/

under the live tab. Through the questions that he asked me during the duration of the interview, I shared a bit of my views and pointed out injustice as an issue. I also got to tell the television world about ROM and what they do, and how I got here. My girls were so sweet when finding out about my interview: they all rushed to help with make-up, finding a taxi, and getting ready. It’s so awesome seeing what they’ve learned throughout their time at the center on how to be a good friend!

(Interview ready)

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As the older girls build character, the younger girls that are at the center daily have started wanting to be like them, and have picked up some good traits actually! When it’s been my turn to work with the little girls these past couple of days, they always want to do things that I do with the older girls: school, cleaning, feeding the animals, singing... ect- it’s so sweet! When the older girls start participating in teaching them how to do these these things that they do, the little girls love it, and it teaches them good measures of patience and how to deal with children as well. This will definitely come in as a help for the girls who have started training others at their jobs at the center/boutique.

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As the week progressed, we celebrated the big boss (Corey’s) birthday, and had to say goodbye to two of our volunteers that are headed back to the States. Saying goodbye reminded me that I only have a week left before I have to undergo the same thing! (UNBELIEVABLE)

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A Sentimental 4th of July

Lindsey Ricker
Lindsey Ricker
South Africa 2012-2014
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A slight feeling of patriotism is in the air for many Americans living in Cape Town. President Obama visited Cape Town two weeks ago as part of his State visit to South Africa. In addition to Obama’s visit, we just observed Independence Day, bringing memories from past 4th of July celebrations.

Last year, Nashvillian friends and I watched fireworks while (ironically) reflecting on what we loved most about America. Whether I knew it at the time or whether the absence of such things now made me appreciate their value—S’mores, Michael Jackson, Dollywood, chocolate chip cookie dough, Mexican food, and live blues concerts were on the top of my list. However, 4 July 2012, I was very far from what I would call patriotic.

Although after nine months of living outside of the country, my perception of the United States has shifted. I wouldn’t say that America is the greatest nation, but I have a much deeper appreciation for it now. Living in another country has given me significant insight in the strengths and weaknesses of the United States. Throughout daily life in South Africa, it is impossible not to compare the two countries and notice how different parts of life are better and worse in each place.

While I miss faster internet and the life of convenience found in the US, it is appalling how little Americans, in general, know about the world. I certainly wouldn’t say I’m suddenly an authority on international affairs, but in nine months I have been far more exposed to diverse cultures in Cape Town than my entire life in the United States. This is partially due to the fact that I’ve only lived in Tennessee, but even my education gave me little knowledge of international affairs and foreign languages.

Americans’ exposure of international affairs at a superficial level is also exasperated by the over-saturation of American affairs in international markets. The world knows so much about my culture and I know so little about the world. The best and worst qualities of American culture are on display, often making Americans completely overbearing and the object of ridicule. It is hardly fair. Luckily, I better understand the negative stereotypes of Americans and do my best to leave them unfulfilled; I even make fun of the US and Americans with my international and South African friends. However, I sometimes find myself defending my culture and feeling frustrated when people think the American experience is the same for everyone.

This phenomenon has led me to welcome time with other Americans, because I don’t have to constantly define the realities and myths of American stereotypes broadcasted to the world. While I am grateful of my time with South Africans and other foreign nationals, I look forward to the time when I do not have to explain myself for using an excessive amount of ketchup. Until then, I will value the insight I receive from viewing the US through international perspectives.

Mămicuța Noastră [Our Mommy]

Sarai Gal-Chis
Sarai Gal-Chis
Romania 2013
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Every week brings something new: this one has brought me the honor of being called Mămicuța (Mommy), a title bestowed upon me this week by my girls. While those who usually stay with the girls are away, the responsibility has been given to me, as well as another volunteer, to watch over the girls and stay with them 24/7. I’ve been living the life and experiencing what it means to run such an organization and dedicate your entire life to it. And truly, it takes dedication and sacrifice- from the moment you wake up until your head hits the pillow at night, your free second is usually never yours.

Working with such girls not only brings the responsibilities that caring for seven full grown daughters would, but also requires an extra measure of attention that these girls need, the attention that they were never given at the orphan homes. From making food, to laundry, to any and every daily activity, you’ve gotta be there, working alongside them. Teaching them the family life must balanced with instruction in independence and responsibility. One of my girls, for example, had to find a new job today. Teaching her to grab a newspaper and call individuals or companies (opposed to wandering about aimlessly, hoping a job will somehow arise), and then make a plan of where she would go and in what order was a task. On top of that, she received a lesson on personal appearance in professional settings, such as the job interview. It’s the daily things like this that make life here such an incomparable experience, and honestly make me love it.

Since those usually in charge are on vacation for a couple of days, we decided to plan a small kind of retreat for the girls at the center- a few days for them to relax and enjoy activities they normally wouldn’t have the time to do during work and school.

We’ve taken the girls on day activities, like the movies and bowling, and still have other things, like go-carting and the pool planned!

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We try to get them to experience new things, like Mexican food, or learning how to play guitar during free time.

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They also get to enjoy the good ‘ole things we Romanians love, like our nightly volleyball games.

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And on top of it, we’re enjoying the time with our new visitor, Patricia Niculas from Atlanta, Georgia who is half Romania/ half American to top off the fun!

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It’s an honor to be called Mămicuța by these girls- to be accepted and loved by them on such a level, and to be able to show them so much love and care. Making the most of my time here is my big goal as my time is running out, and I know I’lll miss my girls immensely when the day comes that I have to say goodbye.

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A week of service

Hillary Merwin
Hillary Merwin
Colombia 2013
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This week, we continued our work serving the Alturo family while their daughter recovers from surgery.

Here’s what a typical day looks like:

10am-12pm: Maria Paula and I cook both lunch and dinner. Usually something like chicken breast, baked potatoes, a salad, plantains, etc.

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Maria Paula, an expert chef!

Smelling good!

Packing up the food!

Getting the food ready to transport

12pm-12:30pm: The long trek to the Transmilenio station. Because our apartment is up in the mountains, think lots and LOTS of stairs.

The trip down is easier than the one coming back!

The trip down is easier than the one coming back!

12:30pm-1pm: Ride the Transmilenio (bags full of food and all) to the family’s house. While I’m so thankful for this cheap source of transportation, it’s not always the most comfortable ride, to say the least. This might give you an idea:

It's a tad crowded at times

It’s a tad crowded at times

1pm-5pm: Serve lunch and watch the children while the parents spend time at the hospital with their daughter.

Liz, their other little girl

Liz, their other daughter. Love this little one!

5pm-5:30: Ride the Transmilenio back home and relax for a bit before heading to the grocery store to prepare to do it all again!

This Friday was an especially fun day. We found out that Janneth, the mother, holds a mini Ciudad Corazón every Friday in her living room. Ciudad Corazón is a program Fundación Comunidad Viva developed as a way for people in dangerous or broken neighborhoods to get to know each other and form a more solid community. Ciudad Corazón is usually a series of block parties put on by the foundation with music, food, singing, dancing, etc., then someone from the neighborhood takes it over and continues the meetings!

In Janneth’s case, she saw a need in her neighborhood amongst the children and took the initiative to start inviting them over to her apartment every Friday afternoon for a time of sharing, arts and crafts, storytelling, and even snacks!

While Janneth was at the hospital, Maria Paula and I waited to see if any kids would show up to the house. Sure enough, 5 little ones came knocking at the door and we spent the next 2 hours improvising our own Ciudad Corazón. I of course forgot to bring my camera but I can tell you there was a lot of singing and dancing to Youtube videos and crafts galore!

It was so fun getting to know the kids in this neighborhood (now that we are spending so much time here) and getting to hear their stories and everything that’s going on in their lives. All of them are close friends with Laura, too so we spent some time sharing how we all felt about her being in the hospital and our hopes for a speedy recovery!

These times have been so rewarding, getting to know the family and serving them in this way. Their little girl, Laura, had a successful surgery to remove the tumor but is now in a process of a lengthy recovery as her family awaits to hear if she needs another surgery.

We have another week and a half of serving the family after which I will move into a different role within the foundation. I am so thankful for this opportunity and excited to see what next month brings!