Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Greetings from Vitoria!
Hello to all...a new adventure, this time in Spain, near Bilbao....staying for now in a small hamlet called Aborniko....it is between Bilbao and Vitoria. I have been busy with homework, walking in the woods, walking along the river in Bilbao, and today treated to a traditional Spanish lunch, which includes wine on the way to the restaurant, a 4 course meal, more wine....nice.....I will try an post a photo of my sepia, loosely translated to sqid, or whole calamari.....
The course starts Friday - it full at 50 participants with a waiting list if cancellations! Great, all around! Will try and post my favorite photo so far....it was as if the sheep knew they were being photographed! Hope everyone is well...more later, I am sure!
- joan
...bummer, it said it was "done," but it didn't go....will try another time!
The course starts Friday - it full at 50 participants with a waiting list if cancellations! Great, all around! Will try and post my favorite photo so far....it was as if the sheep knew they were being photographed! Hope everyone is well...more later, I am sure!
- joan
...bummer, it said it was "done," but it didn't go....will try another time!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Coming to a close...
July 23, 2010
Well, can any of you reading believe that it was 4 weeks ago that I posted a blog from LAX? Crazy – that’s what I think. I sit here alone at my dining room table, listening iTunes, having gone through my photos – WOW!, that about sums it up – As you can see, Kim, the expression doesn’t change much from Russia, clearly just the context.
Ethiopia has been a clash of cultures for me – it is so hard to describe and I hope those of you that see my photos will get some sense of what I mean. Now I have seen burros and oxen on the streets in Honduras, but clearly here old meets new has a whole new meaning. I will truly miss the morning herds of goats/sheep, burros hauling goods, random goat and kids (baby goats that is) waiting to cross the street, or lying catching some warmth of the sun, oh, and I can’t forget walking to the taxi with a small herd of cattle – I have a great shot of Neeha with the cattle – it was our first week, and what fun we had with that!
Tuesday and Wednesday Yemamu went out to Foster with me to do trainings in several of the rooms with the caregivers. They asked some good questions and were very open to suggestions. They have been watching me, trying things as I was there, but I was finally able to explain the “why” behind the things we had been doing. There were a lot of discussions about reflux (this is a huge problem with the majority of the kids), positioning, encouraging vocalizations, and play activities. I also spent two ½ days (this week) at Kebe Tsehei, mostly in the baby room. Oh how I wish the babies would be held to be fed. Some of them are, usually the tiniest – but of course as I type this I remembered they got a brand new baby (one day old) and I was sad to see that for that baby they were already propping the bottle…of course that means no burping, constant spitting up then with any position change, poor positioning (due to always being on your back and head cranked to the side to get and maintain the bottle), and all that good stuff…
Yesterday and today have been emotionally draining – yesterday was my last day at Kebe Tsehei. Clearly that was harder for me than leaving Foster – there are so many babies (not to mention the other 100+ kids) there – the majority will more than likely grow up there, or move to another orphanage when they reach age 8. Though some will be adopted – as some get transferred to Foster, and I met several families from Ireland and Australia who are adopting from there (hooray!). At least at Foster, the majority will end up in homes (in the U.S.) and the overall environment is far different (to the positive). I grew a little attached to a little girl, Mahlet (sounds like Mahilet, with a long i); it means nighttime prayers. The caregivers “picked her out” for me (after I had been holding her) as she was about as fair-skinned as I am! With the exception of her dark eyes, I have to say, we look quite good together. When I would walk by her crib she would see me and raise both hands…she is about 3 or 4 months old...so sweet. Last week she was sick, and this week, much better – and of course, how ironic is this, she has difficulty with feeding – not such a coordinated suck…go figure. Anyhow, so of course when I left yesterday, that was much harder – I had done (up until this week) of not really favoring any of the kids, etc….Well, I tried, unsuccessfully. I asked Alex (the PT) to keep an eye on her for me…
The caregivers today were so very sweet and forth coming with their appreciation for my time (and Mark and Neeha, too – you were missed!) – I had Yemamu with me so that he could translate as I said my thank-yous and good-byes… and for them, they could express themselves. I think for me personally the biggest compliment was that they said they had not had a volunteer come through that spent so much time with them (the caregivers), interacting with them, helping them, and taking time to get to know how things worked, etc within the houses. This to me means my approach and the advice/suggestions were taken well. They all hoped I would return next year and do more trainings. They appreciated all that they were shown and are looking forward to the activities that I said I would work on and send to get translated. I will also work on updating the donation list to get some more age-appropriate toys that will facilitate many of the developmental skills, along with a few other suggestions. It is all very exciting to see the care and interaction between the caregivers and babies/children. I rarely saw an unhappy caregiver (really I can only think of one occasion).
I also got to spend time (during a coffee ceremony they had for me) at one of the foster homes having general conversations (thanks to Yemamu) and they (the caregivers) were able to ask questions in general. As they came through in “shifts” (taking turns leaving the room to come down to tell me thank you), one of the caregivers (I thin she was the head caregiver of the house) said she often heard the caregivers talking about me – then specified “in a good way, all good things” that I was doing, helping them with in the rooms. She thought that was important because the information was being passed on to the other shifts. Great! Other topics that came up included when you are stressed or had an argument with someone and then you are caring for the children, can they tell (yes, the baby can pick up when you are stressed), is there a difference in development when you have a c-section vs. vaginal birth, they had heard of mother’s pumping their milk (vs. breastfeeding) and wondered why and if the baby still was able to breastfeed. All questions it seemed they had wanted to know, but no one to ask.
Liana left tonight. I will make one more hike to Limetree tomorrow morning for some great coffee and fresh fruit….submit my homework, post this blog, and Yemamu will come by so I can help him with some things on email for his application process to a seminary school in Kentucky (that will be interesting – Ethiopia to Kentucky! Wow-) anyhow, then getting some last minute souvenirs, packing, and that is about it. Will probably get to the airport extra early so as Amid has offered to drop me there, and then he will get to the gym. How lucky I am to have had Amid and Yemamu. I couldn’t have gotten to all the places without them or gone to the South – I am grateful for my new friends.
So, in closing, add another country I would like to return to – oh, which reminds me, I am a bit obsessed with all of the UN (United Nations) and WHO (World Health Organization) vehicles driving around….and there is a Medicines sans Frontires (Doctors Without Borders) on my street!!!!! How can I get a job with any of them!? Anyone know? Hmmm….Now that would be something!
Okay – I should get back to schoolwork – have to get a posting ready for tomorrow. I sign off with a heavy heart, but at the same time looking forward to coming home to see family and friends (and Winston and Minina) – maybe not so much the grind of work, school, and teaching, but 1 year down, two to go, right? Light at the end of that tunnel…then I can get to another tunnel (did I mention the UN or WHO or Drs. Without borders? Ahahhaha) – okay, time to sign off…thanks for following along, thanks for the comments (kim, thanks again for sending them) – they often made my day!
Your support, encouragement, and kind words (and regular emails from people) were and are definitely appreciated. I will try and post some photos to the blog after I return home. The internet connection was so slow here it would’ve taken a painfully long time; so stand by for photos…The next adventure is Spain, in the fall (November) – a little more glamorous, as I am teaching a feeding course, staying in a hotel, and hopefully staying for a few days to see some things….I’ll keep you posted ….then I think it isn’t until spring, which will be a return to Honduras…..hooray!
Thanks again – it has been great writing and posting….until next time….joni
Well, can any of you reading believe that it was 4 weeks ago that I posted a blog from LAX? Crazy – that’s what I think. I sit here alone at my dining room table, listening iTunes, having gone through my photos – WOW!, that about sums it up – As you can see, Kim, the expression doesn’t change much from Russia, clearly just the context.
Ethiopia has been a clash of cultures for me – it is so hard to describe and I hope those of you that see my photos will get some sense of what I mean. Now I have seen burros and oxen on the streets in Honduras, but clearly here old meets new has a whole new meaning. I will truly miss the morning herds of goats/sheep, burros hauling goods, random goat and kids (baby goats that is) waiting to cross the street, or lying catching some warmth of the sun, oh, and I can’t forget walking to the taxi with a small herd of cattle – I have a great shot of Neeha with the cattle – it was our first week, and what fun we had with that!
Tuesday and Wednesday Yemamu went out to Foster with me to do trainings in several of the rooms with the caregivers. They asked some good questions and were very open to suggestions. They have been watching me, trying things as I was there, but I was finally able to explain the “why” behind the things we had been doing. There were a lot of discussions about reflux (this is a huge problem with the majority of the kids), positioning, encouraging vocalizations, and play activities. I also spent two ½ days (this week) at Kebe Tsehei, mostly in the baby room. Oh how I wish the babies would be held to be fed. Some of them are, usually the tiniest – but of course as I type this I remembered they got a brand new baby (one day old) and I was sad to see that for that baby they were already propping the bottle…of course that means no burping, constant spitting up then with any position change, poor positioning (due to always being on your back and head cranked to the side to get and maintain the bottle), and all that good stuff…
Yesterday and today have been emotionally draining – yesterday was my last day at Kebe Tsehei. Clearly that was harder for me than leaving Foster – there are so many babies (not to mention the other 100+ kids) there – the majority will more than likely grow up there, or move to another orphanage when they reach age 8. Though some will be adopted – as some get transferred to Foster, and I met several families from Ireland and Australia who are adopting from there (hooray!). At least at Foster, the majority will end up in homes (in the U.S.) and the overall environment is far different (to the positive). I grew a little attached to a little girl, Mahlet (sounds like Mahilet, with a long i); it means nighttime prayers. The caregivers “picked her out” for me (after I had been holding her) as she was about as fair-skinned as I am! With the exception of her dark eyes, I have to say, we look quite good together. When I would walk by her crib she would see me and raise both hands…she is about 3 or 4 months old...so sweet. Last week she was sick, and this week, much better – and of course, how ironic is this, she has difficulty with feeding – not such a coordinated suck…go figure. Anyhow, so of course when I left yesterday, that was much harder – I had done (up until this week) of not really favoring any of the kids, etc….Well, I tried, unsuccessfully. I asked Alex (the PT) to keep an eye on her for me…
The caregivers today were so very sweet and forth coming with their appreciation for my time (and Mark and Neeha, too – you were missed!) – I had Yemamu with me so that he could translate as I said my thank-yous and good-byes… and for them, they could express themselves. I think for me personally the biggest compliment was that they said they had not had a volunteer come through that spent so much time with them (the caregivers), interacting with them, helping them, and taking time to get to know how things worked, etc within the houses. This to me means my approach and the advice/suggestions were taken well. They all hoped I would return next year and do more trainings. They appreciated all that they were shown and are looking forward to the activities that I said I would work on and send to get translated. I will also work on updating the donation list to get some more age-appropriate toys that will facilitate many of the developmental skills, along with a few other suggestions. It is all very exciting to see the care and interaction between the caregivers and babies/children. I rarely saw an unhappy caregiver (really I can only think of one occasion).
I also got to spend time (during a coffee ceremony they had for me) at one of the foster homes having general conversations (thanks to Yemamu) and they (the caregivers) were able to ask questions in general. As they came through in “shifts” (taking turns leaving the room to come down to tell me thank you), one of the caregivers (I thin she was the head caregiver of the house) said she often heard the caregivers talking about me – then specified “in a good way, all good things” that I was doing, helping them with in the rooms. She thought that was important because the information was being passed on to the other shifts. Great! Other topics that came up included when you are stressed or had an argument with someone and then you are caring for the children, can they tell (yes, the baby can pick up when you are stressed), is there a difference in development when you have a c-section vs. vaginal birth, they had heard of mother’s pumping their milk (vs. breastfeeding) and wondered why and if the baby still was able to breastfeed. All questions it seemed they had wanted to know, but no one to ask.
Liana left tonight. I will make one more hike to Limetree tomorrow morning for some great coffee and fresh fruit….submit my homework, post this blog, and Yemamu will come by so I can help him with some things on email for his application process to a seminary school in Kentucky (that will be interesting – Ethiopia to Kentucky! Wow-) anyhow, then getting some last minute souvenirs, packing, and that is about it. Will probably get to the airport extra early so as Amid has offered to drop me there, and then he will get to the gym. How lucky I am to have had Amid and Yemamu. I couldn’t have gotten to all the places without them or gone to the South – I am grateful for my new friends.
So, in closing, add another country I would like to return to – oh, which reminds me, I am a bit obsessed with all of the UN (United Nations) and WHO (World Health Organization) vehicles driving around….and there is a Medicines sans Frontires (Doctors Without Borders) on my street!!!!! How can I get a job with any of them!? Anyone know? Hmmm….Now that would be something!
Okay – I should get back to schoolwork – have to get a posting ready for tomorrow. I sign off with a heavy heart, but at the same time looking forward to coming home to see family and friends (and Winston and Minina) – maybe not so much the grind of work, school, and teaching, but 1 year down, two to go, right? Light at the end of that tunnel…then I can get to another tunnel (did I mention the UN or WHO or Drs. Without borders? Ahahhaha) – okay, time to sign off…thanks for following along, thanks for the comments (kim, thanks again for sending them) – they often made my day!
Your support, encouragement, and kind words (and regular emails from people) were and are definitely appreciated. I will try and post some photos to the blog after I return home. The internet connection was so slow here it would’ve taken a painfully long time; so stand by for photos…The next adventure is Spain, in the fall (November) – a little more glamorous, as I am teaching a feeding course, staying in a hotel, and hopefully staying for a few days to see some things….I’ll keep you posted ….then I think it isn’t until spring, which will be a return to Honduras…..hooray!
Thanks again – it has been great writing and posting….until next time….joni
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Really? My last week? How can that be…
July 16, 2010
.
It has been a while since my last blog but as you know, that means things have been busy. Mark got off to the airport okay on Tuesday night. Sure miss having another therapist brain around. I have split my time this week between Foster and Kebe Tsehei. We (Mark and I) went out there on Monday, which turned out to be the celebration of the opening of their new building (funds donated by Italian and Spanish groups). What a huge change. They are not fully moved in, but all of the officials were there, media (Mark and I am sure were on some sort of t.v. report, newspaper print, or something somewhere!) – it was complete with coffee ceremony, Coca-cola, bananas, bread, popcorn, and candy. I cannot wait for the children to move in (as of Thursday, they were not yet moved in), as the new building has so many windows to let light in, bathrooms and showers, and much more space.
I have completed some more developmentals and continued to work with the children at Foster. The kiddos seem to be getting some tummy time, but not yet enough, and some play, but really needing some more cause/effect and/or interactive play. I will try and help come up with a list of suggested toys that the families can bring and get in developmentally appropriate toys in the appropriate rooms (e.g., no matchbox/hotwheels cars or Playdoh in the 6-9 month old rooms). Everyone means well, I think they just don’t know and/or are using what they have.
Reflux is everywhere, which seems to be a vicious cycle…all of the babies are held for their feedings, which is great, but often not burped, and then after feeding placed on their backs (flat) in their cribs so that they (the caregivers) can then feed the next kiddo. So, then reflux, spitting up/vomiting, coughing, and well, what I think congestion. Again, another “project” I would love to help with and take on, to help prevent some of this – this, along with the tummy time, and some more upright play opportunities would help strengthen those trunk/abdominal muscles which in the end will help with the reflux. Overall, all of the babies are happy, and very social, engaging and it is very, very evident how the culture here lends to taking care and loving the babies. There is no shortness of smiles, laughs, or giggles. I will work this week with some training/input on positioning; play opportunities, and increasing some language opportunities.
The weather has had some nice periods of sunshine. Liana and I even got a little sunburned yesterday at lunch. It isn’t so bad today, but let’s just say you could see the sleeve line from my t-shirt and my nose was a little pinker than usual! We have had some really good rains and thunderstorms, which I love, as long as I am not trying to walk home. Yesterday and the day before I was really lucky in that one, I was in a taxi (mini-bus) for the down pour and then this morning got to Limetree before any rain. The trick will be to get back home before the rain.
Not much else, just working on some homework today, but can’t seem to get Blackboard to load, so I can’t post my assignment. Bummer – will have to try a café later, but probably not here for free! : ) Okay, more next time. Hope everyone is doing well, thanks for the comments, and to Kim for sending them on! I love reading them, and they add lots of smiles; can’t comment back, as I can’t “see” the blog…so, there you have it! Talk to you soon!
.
It has been a while since my last blog but as you know, that means things have been busy. Mark got off to the airport okay on Tuesday night. Sure miss having another therapist brain around. I have split my time this week between Foster and Kebe Tsehei. We (Mark and I) went out there on Monday, which turned out to be the celebration of the opening of their new building (funds donated by Italian and Spanish groups). What a huge change. They are not fully moved in, but all of the officials were there, media (Mark and I am sure were on some sort of t.v. report, newspaper print, or something somewhere!) – it was complete with coffee ceremony, Coca-cola, bananas, bread, popcorn, and candy. I cannot wait for the children to move in (as of Thursday, they were not yet moved in), as the new building has so many windows to let light in, bathrooms and showers, and much more space.
I have completed some more developmentals and continued to work with the children at Foster. The kiddos seem to be getting some tummy time, but not yet enough, and some play, but really needing some more cause/effect and/or interactive play. I will try and help come up with a list of suggested toys that the families can bring and get in developmentally appropriate toys in the appropriate rooms (e.g., no matchbox/hotwheels cars or Playdoh in the 6-9 month old rooms). Everyone means well, I think they just don’t know and/or are using what they have.
Reflux is everywhere, which seems to be a vicious cycle…all of the babies are held for their feedings, which is great, but often not burped, and then after feeding placed on their backs (flat) in their cribs so that they (the caregivers) can then feed the next kiddo. So, then reflux, spitting up/vomiting, coughing, and well, what I think congestion. Again, another “project” I would love to help with and take on, to help prevent some of this – this, along with the tummy time, and some more upright play opportunities would help strengthen those trunk/abdominal muscles which in the end will help with the reflux. Overall, all of the babies are happy, and very social, engaging and it is very, very evident how the culture here lends to taking care and loving the babies. There is no shortness of smiles, laughs, or giggles. I will work this week with some training/input on positioning; play opportunities, and increasing some language opportunities.
The weather has had some nice periods of sunshine. Liana and I even got a little sunburned yesterday at lunch. It isn’t so bad today, but let’s just say you could see the sleeve line from my t-shirt and my nose was a little pinker than usual! We have had some really good rains and thunderstorms, which I love, as long as I am not trying to walk home. Yesterday and the day before I was really lucky in that one, I was in a taxi (mini-bus) for the down pour and then this morning got to Limetree before any rain. The trick will be to get back home before the rain.
Not much else, just working on some homework today, but can’t seem to get Blackboard to load, so I can’t post my assignment. Bummer – will have to try a café later, but probably not here for free! : ) Okay, more next time. Hope everyone is doing well, thanks for the comments, and to Kim for sending them on! I love reading them, and they add lots of smiles; can’t comment back, as I can’t “see” the blog…so, there you have it! Talk to you soon!
Monday, July 12, 2010
गोअट्स, कात्तले, हिप्पोस, एंड मोंकेय्स - ओह माय! Goats, Cattle, Hippos, & Monkeys – oh my!
July 11, 2010
Hello – when I last left you I think we were getting ready to head south to Awassa for three days. We all took Friday off to travel about 4 ½ hours south to the town of Awassa (Yemamu, Amid, Liana, Mark, and myself). As we headed out of Addis, the air cleared (the pollution is so bad here in the city) and it began to look like what I think I thought Africa looked like – open land with those trees that look like canopies spanning over to make a spot of shade…then came the mud huts with grass/straw roofs, cattle and goats all around and crops. I don’t think I expected to see the produce that you can find here – onions, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers (all kinds of peppers!).
Awassa was a smaller city, and with a warm feel. We stayed at this hotel with restaurants on each side (one belonging to the hotel, one a regular one)…the hotel’s restaurant had such amazing juice – it is really just purreed fruit. My favorite was the mango – of which would cost us an arm and a leg in the states (served in a large mug) and I think Mark and Liana preferred the mixed juice (papaya, guava, mango, and avocado). Don’t worry, Kim, I stayed away from the guava! The other restaurant was the Blue Nile – the food was so good (we had Ethiopian food) – Neeha, they had the best bread, and the ingera was a bit more firm, so it was really not so spongey…The best was they had this “fire pit” not so much a pit, but container (you know, like for our patios at home) but it was in the shape of a duck, so it was almost like we were sitting around a campfire – so relaxing, and just sitting spending time with friends. That was great. We went out to this club (live band) – and well, we “furengis” (foreigners) don’t last so long into the night, so the boys (Amid and Yemamu) brought us back to the hotel for some shut eye, while they went back out….
So, now enter Saturday…..we headed to Lake Awassa and we went on a boat to go find the hippos! Yes, can you believe it! It was almost like National Geographic – you know, old wooden boat with oars and a small motor, complete with a Rastafarian “captain” – crazy! Off across this lake we went, I think a bit skeptical – after negotiating a price and the condition if we didn’t see hippos we didn’t have to pay…Great!…soon enough, the motor was cut and we started slowly rowing through the tallish grass….and Holy crap! All of the sudden, you see these ears sticking out of the water, then they raise a little bit, and then, ooooooh…..there’s one! There’s another one! There’s one with a baby!!! It was was very exciting! Have no fear, our Rastafarian had been doing this for 14 years, and was as “safe” as safe could be in keeping the boat at an angle, not getting too close, and all of that good stuff. The mamma hippo soon grew tired of us being in her area and it was time for us to leave….wow! I think we were all grinning ear to ear for the rest of the day….There are 4 hippo families that live in the lake – this family has about 20 all together…
We spent the rest of the day eating, playing uno (Amid and Yemamu sawm), having juice, doing homework, and then dinner (back to the Blue Nile and the flaming duck!) - then some sleep – up early Sunday to go have fish for breakfast. Fish for breakfast? Well, yes, but before the fish came the monkeys (two different kinds). Did anyone know that monkeys like pancakes? Did you know that they will follow you? Take the pancakes out of your hands? If you are the monkey whisperer (I was not, don’t worry) they will even sit on your shoulder! It was so cool! Crazy….Next came these insanely large birds – very stork like, and wish I could post a picture. I have plenty and some video. These birds like peanuts – their wingspan had to be at least 7 feet. I think Amid is nearly 6 ft. and they came up past his waist when they were standing up….Oh, the fish – so, I thought my tilapia was fresh in Honduras – try bringing it from the net of the fisherman directly to the oil in the pan over hot coals, and then smack dab on your plate (picture a serving tray with 7 fish on them, too hot to pick up - us sitting on makeshift benches under a tarp, and a sweet little girl (about 10 ) selling fresh limes to squirt on them – oh and have I mentioned you eat with your fingers here, and oh, yes, only with your right hand. So, me the girl who won’t order ribs at home because I don’t like to get my fingers messy….well, let’s just say I am looking forward to going to Beachwood BBQ when I get home. I think I am now over the messiness! It was great.
On the way home we went to these hot springs and pool filled by the hot springs – Let’s just say, Liana, Mark and I were about as white as white can be there…one guy was even videoing Mark! It was so funny – look for him as we have a suspicion he will end up on Ethiopian YouTube! Ahahhaa! Our drive to and from Awassa was filled with lots of swerving, stopping, and waiting for burros, cattle, or goats - oh, and not to mention people – Amid is an amazing driver both here in the city and across the country – I though watching for deer was bad – that is nothing!
Okay, so you may be wondering about my bites (thanks for everyone’s concern)…the “old ones” are healing, though still pretty red; the blisters (5 main ones) 2 got accidently popped (ouch and ick!) and three are still there…Dr. Makeeas asked me today, and he saw them; wrote me a prescription (on the back of a developmental eval – would like to try that in the States)….and Amid took me to the pharmacy tonight to get the cream. He wrote for an antibiotic cream in case they have a secondary bacterial infection. I’ll use it 2x/day…..Thanks Dr. Makeeas.
So other than a day of work today (will have to write about that later, as it is almost 8 pm and I need to get home to have dinner) – all is well. I have definitely found my work routine, and have gone through (with mark) about 13 of the 16 developmentals. Will finish them up tomorrow…and go over some others with Michael, to give him some pointers, and some other things to look for…..All is well – hope everyone is doing well, too….xo
Hello – when I last left you I think we were getting ready to head south to Awassa for three days. We all took Friday off to travel about 4 ½ hours south to the town of Awassa (Yemamu, Amid, Liana, Mark, and myself). As we headed out of Addis, the air cleared (the pollution is so bad here in the city) and it began to look like what I think I thought Africa looked like – open land with those trees that look like canopies spanning over to make a spot of shade…then came the mud huts with grass/straw roofs, cattle and goats all around and crops. I don’t think I expected to see the produce that you can find here – onions, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers (all kinds of peppers!).
Awassa was a smaller city, and with a warm feel. We stayed at this hotel with restaurants on each side (one belonging to the hotel, one a regular one)…the hotel’s restaurant had such amazing juice – it is really just purreed fruit. My favorite was the mango – of which would cost us an arm and a leg in the states (served in a large mug) and I think Mark and Liana preferred the mixed juice (papaya, guava, mango, and avocado). Don’t worry, Kim, I stayed away from the guava! The other restaurant was the Blue Nile – the food was so good (we had Ethiopian food) – Neeha, they had the best bread, and the ingera was a bit more firm, so it was really not so spongey…The best was they had this “fire pit” not so much a pit, but container (you know, like for our patios at home) but it was in the shape of a duck, so it was almost like we were sitting around a campfire – so relaxing, and just sitting spending time with friends. That was great. We went out to this club (live band) – and well, we “furengis” (foreigners) don’t last so long into the night, so the boys (Amid and Yemamu) brought us back to the hotel for some shut eye, while they went back out….
So, now enter Saturday…..we headed to Lake Awassa and we went on a boat to go find the hippos! Yes, can you believe it! It was almost like National Geographic – you know, old wooden boat with oars and a small motor, complete with a Rastafarian “captain” – crazy! Off across this lake we went, I think a bit skeptical – after negotiating a price and the condition if we didn’t see hippos we didn’t have to pay…Great!…soon enough, the motor was cut and we started slowly rowing through the tallish grass….and Holy crap! All of the sudden, you see these ears sticking out of the water, then they raise a little bit, and then, ooooooh…..there’s one! There’s another one! There’s one with a baby!!! It was was very exciting! Have no fear, our Rastafarian had been doing this for 14 years, and was as “safe” as safe could be in keeping the boat at an angle, not getting too close, and all of that good stuff. The mamma hippo soon grew tired of us being in her area and it was time for us to leave….wow! I think we were all grinning ear to ear for the rest of the day….There are 4 hippo families that live in the lake – this family has about 20 all together…
We spent the rest of the day eating, playing uno (Amid and Yemamu sawm), having juice, doing homework, and then dinner (back to the Blue Nile and the flaming duck!) - then some sleep – up early Sunday to go have fish for breakfast. Fish for breakfast? Well, yes, but before the fish came the monkeys (two different kinds). Did anyone know that monkeys like pancakes? Did you know that they will follow you? Take the pancakes out of your hands? If you are the monkey whisperer (I was not, don’t worry) they will even sit on your shoulder! It was so cool! Crazy….Next came these insanely large birds – very stork like, and wish I could post a picture. I have plenty and some video. These birds like peanuts – their wingspan had to be at least 7 feet. I think Amid is nearly 6 ft. and they came up past his waist when they were standing up….Oh, the fish – so, I thought my tilapia was fresh in Honduras – try bringing it from the net of the fisherman directly to the oil in the pan over hot coals, and then smack dab on your plate (picture a serving tray with 7 fish on them, too hot to pick up - us sitting on makeshift benches under a tarp, and a sweet little girl (about 10 ) selling fresh limes to squirt on them – oh and have I mentioned you eat with your fingers here, and oh, yes, only with your right hand. So, me the girl who won’t order ribs at home because I don’t like to get my fingers messy….well, let’s just say I am looking forward to going to Beachwood BBQ when I get home. I think I am now over the messiness! It was great.
On the way home we went to these hot springs and pool filled by the hot springs – Let’s just say, Liana, Mark and I were about as white as white can be there…one guy was even videoing Mark! It was so funny – look for him as we have a suspicion he will end up on Ethiopian YouTube! Ahahhaa! Our drive to and from Awassa was filled with lots of swerving, stopping, and waiting for burros, cattle, or goats - oh, and not to mention people – Amid is an amazing driver both here in the city and across the country – I though watching for deer was bad – that is nothing!
Okay, so you may be wondering about my bites (thanks for everyone’s concern)…the “old ones” are healing, though still pretty red; the blisters (5 main ones) 2 got accidently popped (ouch and ick!) and three are still there…Dr. Makeeas asked me today, and he saw them; wrote me a prescription (on the back of a developmental eval – would like to try that in the States)….and Amid took me to the pharmacy tonight to get the cream. He wrote for an antibiotic cream in case they have a secondary bacterial infection. I’ll use it 2x/day…..Thanks Dr. Makeeas.
So other than a day of work today (will have to write about that later, as it is almost 8 pm and I need to get home to have dinner) – all is well. I have definitely found my work routine, and have gone through (with mark) about 13 of the 16 developmentals. Will finish them up tomorrow…and go over some others with Michael, to give him some pointers, and some other things to look for…..All is well – hope everyone is doing well, too….xo
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
गेत्तिंग इन थे ग्रूवे Getting in the groove…
Wednesday July 7, 2008
Okay, well, the dinner show was good. Neeha and I requested bread to eat with our food vs. the ingera – we had just had enough of the ingera. It is hard to explain. My understanding is that ingera is a grain (though I really need to look it up) and it is somewhat fermented tasting, and a little sour, and very spongy – hmmm….white bread worked just fine. The dancing was great – they were traditional dances (and songs) from the different regions of the country. All around a good time.
Monday we headed back out to Kebe Tsehei and worked with Alex – who works as a PT here in country (he is Ethiopian). We got a list of what they needed (formula and medicine) and Neeha’s parents had given her some money to donate so she is buying formula with that and I will donate some medicines this week once I get the list. We then went out to this hospital that is for people with TB and Leprosy. It was like walking into an OT textbook! We visited the “shop” where the patients embroider, weave (on these huge looms), spin yarn (by hand), and use wax patterns to iron patterns onto the cotton cloth (woven downstairs) to then embroider….it was fascinating and amazing. The people were great – and talking about adaptive skills. I don’t think I have seen someone with literally ½ length fingers and thumb embroider. Wow….it definitely makes you appreciate things here.
Tuesday back to Foster. It was Neeha’s last day. Sure will miss her. It was great having her on the trip! We finished up with all the babies – she headed to town and I stayed and met with Michael (in country Gladney person) – he and I went over what they do for developmentals – and hooray! I have 16 of them in my hands to do! So, after I orient Mark (PT from PA) today I will start on those. So, Neeha got off okay, and Mark arrived okay. I had to flag him down from the window outside because we were still waiting in a line outside to get in! (you have to pay 3 birr to get into the airport and they were limiting the people going in at one time) – so that was pretty funny as I am waving to this white guy with a baseball hat and backpack (hoping it is mark, as I have no idea what he looked like) – but I was correct. We got him settled and oriented to our house. I owe him big time, as he brought roach motels for us (so our friends in the kitchen can have a vacation!) and some more Benadryl for me…I got some more bites last night and now have this huge nasty blister on my leg from one of the bites…So this morning I have made a gauze donut around it and covered it with my extra large band aid…so at least if it breaks open, it has something to absorb the mess and some antibiotic in the band aid…okay time to brush my teeth and head out to Foster. Hope you guys are doing well! Thanks to Kim and Jeff I can now get my comments from the blog – so thanks! They really make my day (I can’t view my blog I can only post) – that’s how they roll! …so keep them coming and thanks for following along! Okay – time for work…
Hi again - all is well another good day at Foster (now Wed. evening and getting to the internet)....bites are still blistered - Dr. Makeeas has switched me to Claritin and to use the cortisone cream at least two times daily - will make the switch to Claritin tonight - I have 10 of them, but think I can get more here at the pharmacy if it is needed!
Foster was great today - mark and I plowed through about 5 "developmentals" today; would've done more, but two kids were sleeping and one didn't know me/us yet....
Okay, heading home now - hope everyone has a great day!
Okay, well, the dinner show was good. Neeha and I requested bread to eat with our food vs. the ingera – we had just had enough of the ingera. It is hard to explain. My understanding is that ingera is a grain (though I really need to look it up) and it is somewhat fermented tasting, and a little sour, and very spongy – hmmm….white bread worked just fine. The dancing was great – they were traditional dances (and songs) from the different regions of the country. All around a good time.
Monday we headed back out to Kebe Tsehei and worked with Alex – who works as a PT here in country (he is Ethiopian). We got a list of what they needed (formula and medicine) and Neeha’s parents had given her some money to donate so she is buying formula with that and I will donate some medicines this week once I get the list. We then went out to this hospital that is for people with TB and Leprosy. It was like walking into an OT textbook! We visited the “shop” where the patients embroider, weave (on these huge looms), spin yarn (by hand), and use wax patterns to iron patterns onto the cotton cloth (woven downstairs) to then embroider….it was fascinating and amazing. The people were great – and talking about adaptive skills. I don’t think I have seen someone with literally ½ length fingers and thumb embroider. Wow….it definitely makes you appreciate things here.
Tuesday back to Foster. It was Neeha’s last day. Sure will miss her. It was great having her on the trip! We finished up with all the babies – she headed to town and I stayed and met with Michael (in country Gladney person) – he and I went over what they do for developmentals – and hooray! I have 16 of them in my hands to do! So, after I orient Mark (PT from PA) today I will start on those. So, Neeha got off okay, and Mark arrived okay. I had to flag him down from the window outside because we were still waiting in a line outside to get in! (you have to pay 3 birr to get into the airport and they were limiting the people going in at one time) – so that was pretty funny as I am waving to this white guy with a baseball hat and backpack (hoping it is mark, as I have no idea what he looked like) – but I was correct. We got him settled and oriented to our house. I owe him big time, as he brought roach motels for us (so our friends in the kitchen can have a vacation!) and some more Benadryl for me…I got some more bites last night and now have this huge nasty blister on my leg from one of the bites…So this morning I have made a gauze donut around it and covered it with my extra large band aid…so at least if it breaks open, it has something to absorb the mess and some antibiotic in the band aid…okay time to brush my teeth and head out to Foster. Hope you guys are doing well! Thanks to Kim and Jeff I can now get my comments from the blog – so thanks! They really make my day (I can’t view my blog I can only post) – that’s how they roll! …so keep them coming and thanks for following along! Okay – time for work…
Hi again - all is well another good day at Foster (now Wed. evening and getting to the internet)....bites are still blistered - Dr. Makeeas has switched me to Claritin and to use the cortisone cream at least two times daily - will make the switch to Claritin tonight - I have 10 of them, but think I can get more here at the pharmacy if it is needed!
Foster was great today - mark and I plowed through about 5 "developmentals" today; would've done more, but two kids were sleeping and one didn't know me/us yet....
Okay, heading home now - hope everyone has a great day!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
थे अद्वेंतुरेस कोन्तिनुए The adventures continue
Saturday, July 2, 2010
Well the week has gone well, and as the title says, the adventures continue…or as Neeha reminds me, “that’s how they roll!” – which probably isn’t so funny here on the blog, but it sure keeps us in good spirits when things go not quite as planned. So, where to start….
Wednesday we headed out to Foster (remember, that is 4 four foster homes that Gladney runs)…made our way through our kiddos on our list and did a small circle time-type group in the toddler room. We were trying to model a start (hello song), middle (several songs and a short activity), and an end (clean up and goodbye song). The caregivers chimed in to help with the names of the kids during hello and goodbye songs, etc. It went quite well….There is a lot of reflux running amuck in all of the infant rooms. I am slowly trying to educate the caregivers, but will do moreso when I have a translator with me – the doctor has come in while I was in one of the rooms, so I was able to have him translate some suggestions for one of the kiddos I am working with to keep him in the baby seat after he eats, and to give him a break when he is arching, etc... during the feeds…
Thursday was our day of being independent making our way on our mini-bus taxis…Foster in the morning, and made our “rounds” and then headed back to head to the government orphanages (two of them). One, Kebe Tsehei (sounds like kebabetsehi)…This orphanage has about 125 kiddos…ranging from birth to 10. At the age of ten they split to other orphanages specifically for boys and girls…It is not in good shape, and at times, we really needed to be aware of our facial expressions and make sure we didn’t have that “you’ve got to be kidding” look on our faces…the good news is some Italian agency has funded a new building which is supposed to be done next week – that in itself will help. There were at least 20-25 babies to two caregivers (where others came in), lots of bottle propping, and lots tiny, tiny what I am sure are premies….There is a school there for kindergarten – 8 years old – not clear on how our grade levels match theirs)….Kids were running all over (very happy to see us “forengees” – or foreigners)….summer break has started so they are not in school right now). The area that Kelly and Keely (two PTs from last summer) either mapped out or put in for an outdoor play area is still here – tiled, fenced in with a gate, and looks as if it is being used, though it wasn’t the day we were there.
The next one was Kechenie (I don’t think that is the right spelling). This is mostly a girl’s orphanage, after the age of 8 and up…before that there are also infants (probably about 20 or more). This was a much friendlier feel (both the grounds, the buildings, and especially the director). The director is great. It is so clear that she genuinely cares for the children, and is trying to do what is best for them. They have a clinic with two nurses on sight, a school that has yet to open (due to disagreements with the gov’t and the neighborhood), and a playground (that was put in by some American organization). Nice.
Thursday night I had the mystery fever – low grade, a bit achy, and looking back, think I had one Wed. night, too, as I just couldn’t get warm or stay awake….but by Friday, I think I had beat what every was stirring….the most annoying thing are these mystery bites…ugh. I think if I didn’t have Benadryl, I would be literally out of my mind. I am not sure what is biting me…but they are get pretty bumped up, stay pretty red, with a blister, and itch like nobody’s business…they don’t go away, they come in multiple bites (like what ever is biting is biting, walking a couple steps, biting again, etc.). MISERABLE! - if anyone knows what bedbug bites do, please let me know, or have any ideas….definitely not mosquito bites….
Friday we split our day between Kebe Tsehei (meeting Alex, the pseudo-PT) and working with the kids….Lice must be pretty prevalent as everyone was getting Nixed….Anyone know if lice can go from your clothing (e.g., if the kid’s head touches your shirt) to your head? Hmmm…I did bring some Nix with me…..of course I itch with just the thought….Anyhow, we worked with about 6 or 7 kiddos there…headed back and then made our way to Foster for the afternoon…
Friday night we went “out” – Ahmid, Neeha, Liana, and I went to watch the Guana-Uruguay world cup game….it was great. We were in this huge arean type building (maybe more like an empty warehouse) that had chairs set up and space on the floor and probably about 8 screens (a bit smaller than movie screen size) put up for the game – people were everywhere – it was a bummer when Guana lost – crazy!
Some funny things…Neeha got the privilge of sitting next to a chicken (yes, live) on our mini-bus taxi the other day….what a crack up. I thought she was going to end up on my lap, but then the lady (sitting next to Neeha) put the chicken on the floor). We haven’t gotten caught in a down pour but once so far….which brings this tid-bit…According to my Ethiopia book “culture smart” that Neeha is reading aloud, “the main rains begin at the end of June in Addis Ababa, many foreigners choose this time to leave the country.” Hmmm…perhaps we should have chosen different travel dates!
Well that brings us to Saturday morning….taking it easy; we were going to go somewhere outside the city with Yemamu (he works for Gladney) but he seemed to have double booked himself and was going with Liana up to the mountain and to see a program for kids with HIV/aids… I have to do some homework and take a quiz…Neeha and I will find something to do this afternoon- probably call Amid…tonight going for Ethiopian food (which is not my favorite, but okay) and during dinner there is an Ethiopian show of dancers, etc. from the different regions of the country….I’ll let you know how it goes. – sorry this is so long. I haven’t been able to type at the internet on my blog because it turns it to Arahmic, which just makes me giggle….so I had to wait to do it at home and transfer from a flash drive…
Okay, so now you are caught up…until next time….
Well the week has gone well, and as the title says, the adventures continue…or as Neeha reminds me, “that’s how they roll!” – which probably isn’t so funny here on the blog, but it sure keeps us in good spirits when things go not quite as planned. So, where to start….
Wednesday we headed out to Foster (remember, that is 4 four foster homes that Gladney runs)…made our way through our kiddos on our list and did a small circle time-type group in the toddler room. We were trying to model a start (hello song), middle (several songs and a short activity), and an end (clean up and goodbye song). The caregivers chimed in to help with the names of the kids during hello and goodbye songs, etc. It went quite well….There is a lot of reflux running amuck in all of the infant rooms. I am slowly trying to educate the caregivers, but will do moreso when I have a translator with me – the doctor has come in while I was in one of the rooms, so I was able to have him translate some suggestions for one of the kiddos I am working with to keep him in the baby seat after he eats, and to give him a break when he is arching, etc... during the feeds…
Thursday was our day of being independent making our way on our mini-bus taxis…Foster in the morning, and made our “rounds” and then headed back to head to the government orphanages (two of them). One, Kebe Tsehei (sounds like kebabetsehi)…This orphanage has about 125 kiddos…ranging from birth to 10. At the age of ten they split to other orphanages specifically for boys and girls…It is not in good shape, and at times, we really needed to be aware of our facial expressions and make sure we didn’t have that “you’ve got to be kidding” look on our faces…the good news is some Italian agency has funded a new building which is supposed to be done next week – that in itself will help. There were at least 20-25 babies to two caregivers (where others came in), lots of bottle propping, and lots tiny, tiny what I am sure are premies….There is a school there for kindergarten – 8 years old – not clear on how our grade levels match theirs)….Kids were running all over (very happy to see us “forengees” – or foreigners)….summer break has started so they are not in school right now). The area that Kelly and Keely (two PTs from last summer) either mapped out or put in for an outdoor play area is still here – tiled, fenced in with a gate, and looks as if it is being used, though it wasn’t the day we were there.
The next one was Kechenie (I don’t think that is the right spelling). This is mostly a girl’s orphanage, after the age of 8 and up…before that there are also infants (probably about 20 or more). This was a much friendlier feel (both the grounds, the buildings, and especially the director). The director is great. It is so clear that she genuinely cares for the children, and is trying to do what is best for them. They have a clinic with two nurses on sight, a school that has yet to open (due to disagreements with the gov’t and the neighborhood), and a playground (that was put in by some American organization). Nice.
Thursday night I had the mystery fever – low grade, a bit achy, and looking back, think I had one Wed. night, too, as I just couldn’t get warm or stay awake….but by Friday, I think I had beat what every was stirring….the most annoying thing are these mystery bites…ugh. I think if I didn’t have Benadryl, I would be literally out of my mind. I am not sure what is biting me…but they are get pretty bumped up, stay pretty red, with a blister, and itch like nobody’s business…they don’t go away, they come in multiple bites (like what ever is biting is biting, walking a couple steps, biting again, etc.). MISERABLE! - if anyone knows what bedbug bites do, please let me know, or have any ideas….definitely not mosquito bites….
Friday we split our day between Kebe Tsehei (meeting Alex, the pseudo-PT) and working with the kids….Lice must be pretty prevalent as everyone was getting Nixed….Anyone know if lice can go from your clothing (e.g., if the kid’s head touches your shirt) to your head? Hmmm…I did bring some Nix with me…..of course I itch with just the thought….Anyhow, we worked with about 6 or 7 kiddos there…headed back and then made our way to Foster for the afternoon…
Friday night we went “out” – Ahmid, Neeha, Liana, and I went to watch the Guana-Uruguay world cup game….it was great. We were in this huge arean type building (maybe more like an empty warehouse) that had chairs set up and space on the floor and probably about 8 screens (a bit smaller than movie screen size) put up for the game – people were everywhere – it was a bummer when Guana lost – crazy!
Some funny things…Neeha got the privilge of sitting next to a chicken (yes, live) on our mini-bus taxi the other day….what a crack up. I thought she was going to end up on my lap, but then the lady (sitting next to Neeha) put the chicken on the floor). We haven’t gotten caught in a down pour but once so far….which brings this tid-bit…According to my Ethiopia book “culture smart” that Neeha is reading aloud, “the main rains begin at the end of June in Addis Ababa, many foreigners choose this time to leave the country.” Hmmm…perhaps we should have chosen different travel dates!
Well that brings us to Saturday morning….taking it easy; we were going to go somewhere outside the city with Yemamu (he works for Gladney) but he seemed to have double booked himself and was going with Liana up to the mountain and to see a program for kids with HIV/aids… I have to do some homework and take a quiz…Neeha and I will find something to do this afternoon- probably call Amid…tonight going for Ethiopian food (which is not my favorite, but okay) and during dinner there is an Ethiopian show of dancers, etc. from the different regions of the country….I’ll let you know how it goes. – sorry this is so long. I haven’t been able to type at the internet on my blog because it turns it to Arahmic, which just makes me giggle….so I had to wait to do it at home and transfer from a flash drive…
Okay, so now you are caught up…until next time….
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
कमिंग तोगेथेर Coming together…
Tuesday 6/29
So, last night we arrived home about 6:00 after our ride in a tuc-tuc (Robert, I don’t have video, but I have a photo) – here they are called Bajaj –It was pretty funny, the three of us (Neeha, Liana, and I) were in the back, driver in the front, and then we pulled over, and two more people got in, one with a suitcase! What a crack up! Who knew you could fit 6 people in one! Then we caught two minibuses (packed with like 14 people – like a VW van/bus)….what an experience. Better than a city bus though and far cheaper than a taxi. The next was during meal preparation the electricity went out…okay, I guess no internet tonight (last night), so the headlamps came out, we have a gas stove (thank goodness) and showers were delayed until this morning (water heater is electric). It came back on in about an hour….
After yesterday’s trip to the airport, and no call last night…I decided to hire Ahmed again to head to the airport to see if my luggage had arrived...So, by now I know the routine and I am confident pretty much flashing my luggage claim envelope and passport and breezing by security…upon first look I didn’t find it…went to the office, and *presto* the computer said it was there, and the lady even knew which room! You would’ve thought I won the lottery when I saw my bags. I joked with Ahmed and Neeha that it was a “do-over” and Welcome to Ethiopia! – fabulous….let the games begin. I was able to give Ahmed photos of his sister and nieces (they live in Dallas) that I had packed in my bag, he was SOOOOO happy to see them…it was really great.
Today out at foster we were a little more coordinated…we managed to get some towels from the supply room and we are going to make some bolsters for positioning and play. Neeha brought the duct tape (shades of Romania, Noel, but nicer set up for sure!). We worked with 5 of the 6 kiddos on the list (Dr. Makeeas added one this morning). The caregivers seemed to be happy we were there and were also trying some things along with us. They enjoy laughing when we try to repeat the words in Ahmaric – this is a hard language, that is for sure! But, they are very patient and it is all in good fun. So we left at 2:00 today to go back to the office to meet with Belay (sp?) as he is in charge of a lot of things here, so it was good to check in, let him know what things we could do for them and to please make sure to tell us if there are specific things (developmental, updates on the kids)….
Of the children we are working – many have difficulties due to CMV, TB, CP (which I am sure with this one guy was from anoxia at birth, as his tone and posturing is so much like a near drowning patient I had years ago). Sweet, sweet babies, let me tell you. I am in baby heaven, that is for sure. We love seeing the kids that are matched with families already and they have their soon to be family photos in the albums at bedside (you know the kid books that you put pictures on that are soft sided, etc)….it is great to know soon they will be going home. And these kiddos are in good shape, really. So, here we are – end of day 2 – of work anyway. All remains well and I am in much better spirits now that my luggage has arrived…intact, etc. So, I will now go and do some posts for school…..until next time….
So, last night we arrived home about 6:00 after our ride in a tuc-tuc (Robert, I don’t have video, but I have a photo) – here they are called Bajaj –It was pretty funny, the three of us (Neeha, Liana, and I) were in the back, driver in the front, and then we pulled over, and two more people got in, one with a suitcase! What a crack up! Who knew you could fit 6 people in one! Then we caught two minibuses (packed with like 14 people – like a VW van/bus)….what an experience. Better than a city bus though and far cheaper than a taxi. The next was during meal preparation the electricity went out…okay, I guess no internet tonight (last night), so the headlamps came out, we have a gas stove (thank goodness) and showers were delayed until this morning (water heater is electric). It came back on in about an hour….
After yesterday’s trip to the airport, and no call last night…I decided to hire Ahmed again to head to the airport to see if my luggage had arrived...So, by now I know the routine and I am confident pretty much flashing my luggage claim envelope and passport and breezing by security…upon first look I didn’t find it…went to the office, and *presto* the computer said it was there, and the lady even knew which room! You would’ve thought I won the lottery when I saw my bags. I joked with Ahmed and Neeha that it was a “do-over” and Welcome to Ethiopia! – fabulous….let the games begin. I was able to give Ahmed photos of his sister and nieces (they live in Dallas) that I had packed in my bag, he was SOOOOO happy to see them…it was really great.
Today out at foster we were a little more coordinated…we managed to get some towels from the supply room and we are going to make some bolsters for positioning and play. Neeha brought the duct tape (shades of Romania, Noel, but nicer set up for sure!). We worked with 5 of the 6 kiddos on the list (Dr. Makeeas added one this morning). The caregivers seemed to be happy we were there and were also trying some things along with us. They enjoy laughing when we try to repeat the words in Ahmaric – this is a hard language, that is for sure! But, they are very patient and it is all in good fun. So we left at 2:00 today to go back to the office to meet with Belay (sp?) as he is in charge of a lot of things here, so it was good to check in, let him know what things we could do for them and to please make sure to tell us if there are specific things (developmental, updates on the kids)….
Of the children we are working – many have difficulties due to CMV, TB, CP (which I am sure with this one guy was from anoxia at birth, as his tone and posturing is so much like a near drowning patient I had years ago). Sweet, sweet babies, let me tell you. I am in baby heaven, that is for sure. We love seeing the kids that are matched with families already and they have their soon to be family photos in the albums at bedside (you know the kid books that you put pictures on that are soft sided, etc)….it is great to know soon they will be going home. And these kiddos are in good shape, really. So, here we are – end of day 2 – of work anyway. All remains well and I am in much better spirits now that my luggage has arrived…intact, etc. So, I will now go and do some posts for school…..until next time….
Adventures abound!
Monday 6/28
Well, I meant to post yesterday (Sunday) while I was at the internet, but got caught up in answering emails and doing school work and completely forgot about the blog! Sorry!
We arrived on Saturday night…that “we” would be me, Neeha, and Neeha’s luggage….I think mine stayed back in Detroit….Got to the house, which is nice, three bedrooms, small kitchen, t.v., and secure. It is walking distance from a bunch of things and Neeha and I are learning our way around.
Yesterday was a relaxing day, in the sense that we are 10 hours difference in time, so adjusting there; made our way to the internet and also to the grocery store. More exciting yet was homework last night!
This morning started our day going to the airport (which you need to not only pay for parking but pay to get a ticket to enter the airport. I went to claim my luggage….*sigh* no luggage. Went traipsing up to the KLM office, to find out that “it should be on the 9:35 flight (it was 9:25….) GREAT! Go down, talk to Ahmed our taxi guy, and let him know I need to wait……Kenya Air arrives (don’t ask me why it got switched to them…) …..*sigh* no luggage. I was smart enough to pack a few extras in my carry on, but they will be well loved by tomorrow. Needless to say I am getting a bit crabby about the entire situation.
We made our way out to “Foster” today, which consists of 4 different homes in this neighborhood that make up the foster homes. They are not in the order of 1,2,3,4, but in the order they rented the houses. These homes house about 125 children, ages birth to 11 years old. We toured all four homes and got the “lay of the land” – then went back to Foster 2 to work with a few of the kiddos….Oh my, they are sooooo stinkin’ cute, - I can hardly stand it. The facilities are nice, great staff ratio and with what they have are doing amazing things. The care giving is far different from Eastern Europe and the babies get much love, cuddles, and held for each feeding (no propping bottles at any of the houses. We met with the doctor, and he helped identify 5 kiddos that need some assistance. Neeha and I are trying to figure out how and what to do with the rest of our time, to work in some suggestions, play activities, structure, etc. The wheels are turning after day one.
Getting to and from Foster is quite an adventure – today on the way there we were in Ahmed’s cab, that was due to the airport run. On the way home we take these vans, that are chucked full of people, and they run anywhere for 1 – 3.5 Birr per leg of your ride….Birr is about 14 Birr to 1 US dollar….so, they are not expensive, but we need two legs each way. Listening to the driver’s assistance call out the stops, is going to take some getting used to. Very interesting.
The temperature is much cooler than expected…Neeha and I the two “California girls” are cold much of the time – especially in the evening. We will adapt, no doubt. The rain comes mid afternoon, each day. Last night had a storm around 1 a.m. Speaking of time – here’s one for you….in Ethiopia it is 2002 (not 2010)….and their clocks are different as well….7:00 a.m. (world clock) is 1a.m. ET (Ethiopian time)….go figure. I haven’t tracked down the “why” to this yet, but when you are asking people to meet you, pick you up, etc. you need to specify world time or ET. Very funny. I haven NO idea on the year….but Neeha and I decided we both liked being 8 years younger.
Neeha and I were going to go to the internet to post this after diner, but the electricity just went out (thank goodness for gas stoves). We are not sure if it is just in our neighborhood or all over; we may venture out to see…..
Okay, that’s about it for now….I have left out some funny stories for time saving (one, the original conversation when my bags didn’t arrive) and well, about our little critter friends in the kitchen….let’s just say I am getting good at removing my sandals and smashing…. Know we are well, safe, and trying to find our groove here ….Until next time…jms
Well, I meant to post yesterday (Sunday) while I was at the internet, but got caught up in answering emails and doing school work and completely forgot about the blog! Sorry!
We arrived on Saturday night…that “we” would be me, Neeha, and Neeha’s luggage….I think mine stayed back in Detroit….Got to the house, which is nice, three bedrooms, small kitchen, t.v., and secure. It is walking distance from a bunch of things and Neeha and I are learning our way around.
Yesterday was a relaxing day, in the sense that we are 10 hours difference in time, so adjusting there; made our way to the internet and also to the grocery store. More exciting yet was homework last night!
This morning started our day going to the airport (which you need to not only pay for parking but pay to get a ticket to enter the airport. I went to claim my luggage….*sigh* no luggage. Went traipsing up to the KLM office, to find out that “it should be on the 9:35 flight (it was 9:25….) GREAT! Go down, talk to Ahmed our taxi guy, and let him know I need to wait……Kenya Air arrives (don’t ask me why it got switched to them…) …..*sigh* no luggage. I was smart enough to pack a few extras in my carry on, but they will be well loved by tomorrow. Needless to say I am getting a bit crabby about the entire situation.
We made our way out to “Foster” today, which consists of 4 different homes in this neighborhood that make up the foster homes. They are not in the order of 1,2,3,4, but in the order they rented the houses. These homes house about 125 children, ages birth to 11 years old. We toured all four homes and got the “lay of the land” – then went back to Foster 2 to work with a few of the kiddos….Oh my, they are sooooo stinkin’ cute, - I can hardly stand it. The facilities are nice, great staff ratio and with what they have are doing amazing things. The care giving is far different from Eastern Europe and the babies get much love, cuddles, and held for each feeding (no propping bottles at any of the houses. We met with the doctor, and he helped identify 5 kiddos that need some assistance. Neeha and I are trying to figure out how and what to do with the rest of our time, to work in some suggestions, play activities, structure, etc. The wheels are turning after day one.
Getting to and from Foster is quite an adventure – today on the way there we were in Ahmed’s cab, that was due to the airport run. On the way home we take these vans, that are chucked full of people, and they run anywhere for 1 – 3.5 Birr per leg of your ride….Birr is about 14 Birr to 1 US dollar….so, they are not expensive, but we need two legs each way. Listening to the driver’s assistance call out the stops, is going to take some getting used to. Very interesting.
The temperature is much cooler than expected…Neeha and I the two “California girls” are cold much of the time – especially in the evening. We will adapt, no doubt. The rain comes mid afternoon, each day. Last night had a storm around 1 a.m. Speaking of time – here’s one for you….in Ethiopia it is 2002 (not 2010)….and their clocks are different as well….7:00 a.m. (world clock) is 1a.m. ET (Ethiopian time)….go figure. I haven’t tracked down the “why” to this yet, but when you are asking people to meet you, pick you up, etc. you need to specify world time or ET. Very funny. I haven NO idea on the year….but Neeha and I decided we both liked being 8 years younger.
Neeha and I were going to go to the internet to post this after diner, but the electricity just went out (thank goodness for gas stoves). We are not sure if it is just in our neighborhood or all over; we may venture out to see…..
Okay, that’s about it for now….I have left out some funny stories for time saving (one, the original conversation when my bags didn’t arrive) and well, about our little critter friends in the kitchen….let’s just say I am getting good at removing my sandals and smashing…. Know we are well, safe, and trying to find our groove here ….Until next time…jms
Friday, June 25, 2010
Off and running....well, not so much...
Greetings! Here I am, I made it through security at LAX - what a funny thing....you would think that they would have it down to a science, not down, backed up to the next terminal! Well, I discovered last night that I am not too old to pull an all-nighter....I would like to say that I was out living it up before departing for this adventure....well I was, at PTN, you know, getting reports finished, goals written, faxed, returning calls at 2 a.m., and getting school stuff ready so I didn't have to haul three text books with me! Winston is off to Jacqui's for the weekend and then moving on to Vivian's for the duration....Minina is safe and sound (as well as carrying around her baby in the wee hours of the night) at Melissa and Dale's. A HUGE heartfelt thank you to them all for assisting - that definitely made this trip possible! A big thank you too, to those of you (if you are following along) that made donations to help support his trip! I have 49 pounds of donations in my one suitcase and all of my stuff packed in my 26 pound duffel - I even impressed myself! - So, know that I don't get in until Saturday night - for those of you on the West Coast - Addis Ababa is 10 hours ahead of PST. So I will try and check in on Sunday to let everyone know we have arrived safe and sound and all that jazz! Neeha will be meeting me in Amsterdam, and Mark, the PT from Philadelphia will fly in on Monday night. So, I will finish my breakfast here at El Cholo (tempted to order a banana margarita, but it is afterall 9:30 a.m.!)....until next time!
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