My Trip to Korea was a Treasure
by Korinna Garbis
My trip on an OCMC Mission Team to Korea had the ingredients of a wonderful adventure: one part do-good, mixed in with one part spiritual journey. Words don’t seem to adequately describe the sheer joy I experienced in Korea, or the love I feel for my Korean family. My experience was very personal and in hindsight seemed to be something I worked toward my whole life without even knowing it.
I loved the Korean culture, and I loved the Korean people. While the Japanese culture gets the credit for Sumo Wrestling, Origami, Tempura, Sushi, Pagodas, and fan dancing, the Koreans have their own similar versions. The Korean culture is more familiar than I originally anticipated and left me wondering if they conceived of some of these beloved treasures. Most importantly, I fell in love with the children I taught. They were bright, inquisitive, fun, sweet, and respectful. Every day was great in Korea, which was probably why it was so hard to leave.
Korea is an industrialized country with hard working people, efficient transportation systems, and a strong economy. The country has been able to rebound economically after struggling to overcome the ravages of centuries of wars and what the children simply described to me as their “sad history.” Father Alexandros, the priest from the church in Busan, explained to me that the children are the best natural resource their country has. Anything they can do to improve their children’s future success is important. Learning the English language from a native speaker is a marketable asset for the Church to offer, and I was happy to help in any way I could.
I never expected to meet a family of friends in Korea. I walked my path to the church in Busan everyday with an amazing new friend. My fellow mission team member was a warm, knowledgeable, and helpful theology student. She answered my questions about Orthodox theology, which helped fulfill an educational component of my journey. That, along with the devotion and love of the people I met in Busan, helped to solidify my faith even more than I could have anticipated.
I was welcomed into this refreshing community with bright smiles and open arms. The Busan church has a nucleus of members including Father Alexandros, his wife Presbytera Patapia, teachers at the school, children, and other parishioners. They routinely attend church, share meals together, help one another, sing in the choir, and all work toward the same goal: serving God through serving others. There is no pretense here, just goodness. These people go out of their way for one another happily, and they did so for us. They came to trust us and let us into their world, which is a haven. I never wanted to leave.
Most of the people that I worked with at the church attended the daily services along with their families. They sang in the choir. They help their neighbors. After liturgy on Sundays they have a big Korean-style family lunch the church provides. It’s a good opportunity for everyone to be together. Afterward there are Bible studies for children and adults, and the smaller children are looked after. It’s all figured out.
Every morning we’d wake up, get ready, and go to church. At the church building, you could feel sustained all day and never need to leave. The actual church is on the fourth floor, a general recreation room is on the third floor, classrooms for the pre-school are on the second floor, and a kitchen and dining area are on the first. We would attend church in the mornings to start the day off right. When adults weren’t present to offer the responses of the “people” during the service, the older children would do so beautifully in Korean.
Our daily routine included an English language camp during the first week, and then assisting with the regular pre-school the second week. There were classes and activities for the children throughout the day. The children were meticulous artists and wonderful singers and dancers. Aside from their academic work, the pre-school students learned how to perform Korean fan dances and Korean drum routines. By 5:00pm children headed home. The teachers were bright, enthusiastic, wonderful caretakers of the children. They gave 100% every day. It was inspiring. Thereafter, the teachers cleaned up the school. The whole school is scoured top to bottom. Finally, after over a week of being there, I was able to convince the teachers they should let me take part in this afternoon ritual. It felt good to do something so small for them, especially after seeing how hard they work to instruct the children so well. In the evening we often had another church service, or some straggling kids left to entertain, followed by dinner prepared by Presbytera or some of the teachers.
The food we were provided was fresh and local. Busan is known for its fresh seafood. The children ate healthfully, and if they wanted seconds they were happily given. The children didn’t seem to have the type of body image and food issues that American kids do. They are happy just being, and it was refreshing to see.
I felt so accepted by the Busan church and so appreciated for simply being myself. What little I had to give they were happy to receive. I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of a close traditional Orthodox community. I’m enthusiastic about any opportunity to speak at length about the Korean Orthodox Church and the people I met and easily grew to love. I knew almost as soon as I arrived that I wouldn’t be able to stay away for long. I look forward to seeing my friends again soon and to helping to teach their children again.
The only concern I had about going on this OCMC Team was trying to determine what I had to offer. This was a teaching trip, and I am not a teacher. I’m a businesswoman, and I couldn’t immediately wrap my head around what my skill sets had to offer. But after I was there, I began to realize I was trying too hard. All I needed I had the whole time, and I am fortunate enough to have a lot of it. Since I’ve been given a lot of love, I had a lot to give. I could show my love by playing with the children, making them laugh and patiently teaching easy things like their letters, numbers, colors, etc. I could smile, laugh and give a big hug. I could hold their hand or play “Duck Duck Goose” with them. I could throw them up in the air and spin them around. And so I did. And that was enough.
The important thing to note is that everyone has something to give, even if they don’t realize it. Presbytera and I discussed this in detail, and it provided me the encouragement I was looking for. She was so helpful and always gave wonderful advice. When I shared with her that I wasn’t sure how my future career path would satisfy my desire to passionately serve our world in some grand way, she quieted me. She told me to remember that people can give in different ways, including their time, talents or treasure. Each is important, and having a solid career can lead someone to provide a great deal to the world. She made me promise I would work hard to build my company, and she is praying for me to do so.
Many people talk about fate as though it’s magic or luck. They think things seem to work themselves out in the cleverest of ways because fate made it so. As I get older, I realize that blessings are the only reason why things happen. By traveling to Korea, I was offered the blessing of a lifetime. I continue to immediately disregard any thanks that I am offered for going to Korea, because I was the one who benefited immensely from the experience.
My being in Korea allowed me to take a break from my day-to-day thoughts and responsibilities. All I had to focus on was the children and church. It was perfect. And amidst that focus there were certain moments of clarity that I couldn’t deny. It was the push I needed to re-center myself. I feel more at peace with my life after going on this trip. Being halfway across the world provided me with an opportunity to reexamine my choices with fresh perspective, and I feel I have a renewed purpose and appreciation for the many opportunities I have in my life.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Please Pray for OCMC Missionary Katie Wilcoxson
We request your prayers for OCMC Missionary Katie Wilcoxson, serving in Tanzania. After hours of severe pain her missionary colleagues took her to hospital (Dar es Salaam). The CAT Scan diagnosed appendicitis and they quickly prepared her for surgery which began around 4:45 AM and concluded around 6:30 AM (US time—Tanzania is 7 hrs. ahead of US Eastern Time). She is now in recovery. Her missionary “family” in Dar es Salaam include Felice Stewart (also a nurse) and Michael Pagedas (public health care admin.) and others who are caring for her. His Eminence, DIMITRIOS, (Met. of Irinoupolis) is at the hospital with her even as I write making sure she is well cared for.
Thank you for joining with us in prayer for Katie and for all who are caring for her. Remember her parents, Fr. Aidan and Khouria Cynthia and all at Katie’s home parish, St. John the Forerunner Orthodox Church (Cedar Park, TX), who have kept vigil with the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and her fellow-missionaries praying for Katie and providing love and support.
Thank you for joining with us in prayer for Katie and for all who are caring for her. Remember her parents, Fr. Aidan and Khouria Cynthia and all at Katie’s home parish, St. John the Forerunner Orthodox Church (Cedar Park, TX), who have kept vigil with the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and her fellow-missionaries praying for Katie and providing love and support.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sacred Ground in Alaska
Our OCMC mission team to Eklutna, Alaska was a wonderful experience, and we want each of you to know how much we appreciate the opportunity made possible by your support and prayers.
Alaska is a beautiful state with very warm and hospitable people. The weather was perfect (between 45-60 degrees). The mosquitoes were incredible, especially in Eklutna, but we had been warned and came prepared! On a more positive note, there are no fleas, ticks, termites, or snakes.
The Athabascan Alaska Natives moved the original St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church (completely constructed without nails!) from Knik to their sacred ground in Eklutna around the early 1900s. This area has since become a historical park, with up to 15,000 visitors each year from around the world. So as we worked in this remote spot, we watched people driving up and touring the grounds speaking many different languages.
The park is home to the Spirit Cemetery. When the monks arrived in this area from Russia, they converted the natives to Orthodoxy but did not try to completely change their customs and way of life as long as it did not conflict with Christianity. They were allowed to continue making their spirit houses but could no longer cremate. Believing the spirit hovers over the grave for a year, they cover the grave with a blanket to keep the spirit warm and build a house over the grave. In the house they place favorite items of the deceased person. The bright colors of the houses represent the tribes they are from or married into, and if they place a fence around the house it represents a chief.
In 1962 Chief Alex, thinking he was dying, was told by the bishop he would not die but would build a church, so the new St. Nicholas Church was where our Team of eight began work. Team members included Adam Bieker from Nevada, Amy and Chris Burdette from Florida, Dean Gionis from Florida, Nastassia Hill from Ohio, our team leader Charlie Varelos from Florida, and the two of us (Elaine and John Roussos from Alabama). The low ceiling in the altar and the old insulation was removed. New electrical wiring, insulation, and lights were installed in the new cathedral ceiling. Large new icons were hung in the sanctuary. The bell tower was repaired, and at the outside entrance a brick landing was laid. We gold-leafed a large piece of plywood, attached an icon of St. Nicholas, and hung it over the outside entrance door of the church. We dug huge stones from a pit and lined the outside of the entire church with the stones for a flower bed. Then we added plants and bark. We cut grass throughout the park and cleaned around the spirit houses and repaired and painted crosses. The picket fence around the park had to be repaired and then completely painted, along with many signs.
After our work was finished each day, we went to a parishioner’s home for dinner, fellowship, and to share our Orthodox faith with one another. Many days we attended services. Women wore scarves, and we did as well. There were no pews, and Divine Liturgy could easily last two hours or more, with standing room only for around fifty people. Although the worship service was the same, the customs were very different and very interesting. We enjoyed visiting after church with the parishioners. Everyone was most appreciative of the work we had done during our time there.
Because of this mission and the repairs to St. Nicholas, many more people will come not only to tour the Eklutna Historical Park, but also to visit and pray in St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church and continue to learn about Orthodoxy and the strong faith of the Alaskans.
Alaska is a beautiful state with very warm and hospitable people. The weather was perfect (between 45-60 degrees). The mosquitoes were incredible, especially in Eklutna, but we had been warned and came prepared! On a more positive note, there are no fleas, ticks, termites, or snakes.
The Athabascan Alaska Natives moved the original St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church (completely constructed without nails!) from Knik to their sacred ground in Eklutna around the early 1900s. This area has since become a historical park, with up to 15,000 visitors each year from around the world. So as we worked in this remote spot, we watched people driving up and touring the grounds speaking many different languages.
The park is home to the Spirit Cemetery. When the monks arrived in this area from Russia, they converted the natives to Orthodoxy but did not try to completely change their customs and way of life as long as it did not conflict with Christianity. They were allowed to continue making their spirit houses but could no longer cremate. Believing the spirit hovers over the grave for a year, they cover the grave with a blanket to keep the spirit warm and build a house over the grave. In the house they place favorite items of the deceased person. The bright colors of the houses represent the tribes they are from or married into, and if they place a fence around the house it represents a chief.
In 1962 Chief Alex, thinking he was dying, was told by the bishop he would not die but would build a church, so the new St. Nicholas Church was where our Team of eight began work. Team members included Adam Bieker from Nevada, Amy and Chris Burdette from Florida, Dean Gionis from Florida, Nastassia Hill from Ohio, our team leader Charlie Varelos from Florida, and the two of us (Elaine and John Roussos from Alabama). The low ceiling in the altar and the old insulation was removed. New electrical wiring, insulation, and lights were installed in the new cathedral ceiling. Large new icons were hung in the sanctuary. The bell tower was repaired, and at the outside entrance a brick landing was laid. We gold-leafed a large piece of plywood, attached an icon of St. Nicholas, and hung it over the outside entrance door of the church. We dug huge stones from a pit and lined the outside of the entire church with the stones for a flower bed. Then we added plants and bark. We cut grass throughout the park and cleaned around the spirit houses and repaired and painted crosses. The picket fence around the park had to be repaired and then completely painted, along with many signs.
After our work was finished each day, we went to a parishioner’s home for dinner, fellowship, and to share our Orthodox faith with one another. Many days we attended services. Women wore scarves, and we did as well. There were no pews, and Divine Liturgy could easily last two hours or more, with standing room only for around fifty people. Although the worship service was the same, the customs were very different and very interesting. We enjoyed visiting after church with the parishioners. Everyone was most appreciative of the work we had done during our time there.
Because of this mission and the repairs to St. Nicholas, many more people will come not only to tour the Eklutna Historical Park, but also to visit and pray in St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church and continue to learn about Orthodoxy and the strong faith of the Alaskans.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Missions Ideas for the New Church Year
Celebrate International Missions in this New Church Year and prayerfully consider how this important work can be shared with family, friends, and the local parish.
A wonderful place to start is by visiting the OCMC website, www.ocmc.org, where you will find updates and stories from missionaries and mission teams who are answering Christ’s call to make disciples of all nations. We ask that you continue to pray for those who are serving as well as those who are considering their own calling to “go forth” with Christ’s message of hope and salvation into the world. On the website, there are prayer cards available for each long-term missionary serving through the OCMC as well as prayer cards displaying the Great Commission and Sts. Cyril and Methodios icons. Consider downloading these prayer cards and sharing them with your family and/or with a parish youth, ladies, or Bible study group.
Throughout the year are many opportunities to cultivate the seeds of mission in your local parish, including the following:
* Invite a Missions Speaker
* Coordinate Missions-Related Bible Studies
* Host a Missions Retreat
* Send a Parish Member on a Short Term Mission Team
* Hold a Missions Luncheon/Dinner
* Use Missions Lesson Plans and Coin Boxes from the OCMC in Sunday School Classes
There are several times during the Church year that provide a perfect opportunity to grow awareness of Orthodox missions. Each year, Mission Sunday (the first Sunday of Great Lent) is a day during which we are encouraged to reflect on Christ's Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations" as shared in Matthew 28:19, and recommit both our personal and communal walks in Christ to this work. In 2011, Mission Sunday will be on Sunday, March 6, 2011. Likewise, in the weeks between Pascha and Pentecost, as we celebrate life in our Risen Lord we naturally are aware of the importance of bringing more of our brothers and sisters into the Body of Christ. The Feast of the Ascension asks us all to reflect on Christ’s last words to the Apostles to go forth and make disciples of all nations. At Pentecost we are reminded that we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us take the Faith and the gift of eternal life to the ends of the earth.
We pray that you will consider these ideas as you begin the new Church year, and share these ideas with your parish priest and friends. If your parish does not have an OCMC Ambassador (a local missions advocate), speak with your parish priest and consider volunteering for this role. For more information or for brainstorming ideas for your local parish, please contact Kenneth Kidd, Annual Gifts Officer, at kenny@ocmc.org or at 904-829-5132, ext 161.
A wonderful place to start is by visiting the OCMC website, www.ocmc.org, where you will find updates and stories from missionaries and mission teams who are answering Christ’s call to make disciples of all nations. We ask that you continue to pray for those who are serving as well as those who are considering their own calling to “go forth” with Christ’s message of hope and salvation into the world. On the website, there are prayer cards available for each long-term missionary serving through the OCMC as well as prayer cards displaying the Great Commission and Sts. Cyril and Methodios icons. Consider downloading these prayer cards and sharing them with your family and/or with a parish youth, ladies, or Bible study group.
Throughout the year are many opportunities to cultivate the seeds of mission in your local parish, including the following:
* Invite a Missions Speaker
* Coordinate Missions-Related Bible Studies
* Host a Missions Retreat
* Send a Parish Member on a Short Term Mission Team
* Hold a Missions Luncheon/Dinner
* Use Missions Lesson Plans and Coin Boxes from the OCMC in Sunday School Classes
There are several times during the Church year that provide a perfect opportunity to grow awareness of Orthodox missions. Each year, Mission Sunday (the first Sunday of Great Lent) is a day during which we are encouraged to reflect on Christ's Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations" as shared in Matthew 28:19, and recommit both our personal and communal walks in Christ to this work. In 2011, Mission Sunday will be on Sunday, March 6, 2011. Likewise, in the weeks between Pascha and Pentecost, as we celebrate life in our Risen Lord we naturally are aware of the importance of bringing more of our brothers and sisters into the Body of Christ. The Feast of the Ascension asks us all to reflect on Christ’s last words to the Apostles to go forth and make disciples of all nations. At Pentecost we are reminded that we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us take the Faith and the gift of eternal life to the ends of the earth.
We pray that you will consider these ideas as you begin the new Church year, and share these ideas with your parish priest and friends. If your parish does not have an OCMC Ambassador (a local missions advocate), speak with your parish priest and consider volunteering for this role. For more information or for brainstorming ideas for your local parish, please contact Kenneth Kidd, Annual Gifts Officer, at kenny@ocmc.org or at 904-829-5132, ext 161.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Updates from OCMC Missionary Katie Wilcoxson
Updates from OCMC Missionary Katie Wilcoxson
The past two weeks have had their ups and downs. I think I finally left the honeymoon stage of being a missionary. It is okay though; I am looking towards the future! I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to speak and skype with my friends. It makes a huge difference also to be able to skype with my folks.
Two weeks ago we welcomed Fr. David Rucker and his son Ethan. It was wonderful to be with them; we all had a great time together. The team visited Father at the Catholic Hostel where he was staying. Felice and I were very interested in the possibilty moving to this hostel. Father and Ethan headed to Mwanza, the new Diocesan headquarters for His Eminence Jeronymos in the northern part of Tanzania. Father was able to give us a quick report about his visit with the Archbishop, and there is a good possibility that we will move to Mwanza within the next two months. This move will bring us closer to our final destination, Bukoba, where the Holy Resurrection Hospital is located.
A week later, Felice and I decided to move into the Catholic Hostel just down the road from the Salvation Army compound. We would still attend Kiswalhili lessons, get our laundry done, and eat meals at the Salvation Army. The people at this new hostel are some of the most welcoming and good hearted people around. Felice and I moved our luggage into the rooms with the help of our taxi driver and the hostel's very kind staff. We, like many women, pack heavy bags, but important supplies are sometimes heavy. We decided to get separate rooms this time around. We feel very blessed to have been able to move into a more contemporary hostel. In the process we met a very nice taxi driver named Bernard. Bernard has become our personal taxi driver. We just call him, and he comes to pick us up. It is very nice to have one person to call and to have someone with whom we have a relationship. I enjoy practicing my Kiswalhili with him, and I am finding that I am able to chat with people on the streets after I finally decided I would start conversing in the language. Tanzanians are not only very grateful for someone's willingness to speak their language, but they are very patiently teaching us the proper pronunciations.
This past Thursday Mama Jango (our Tanzanian culture instructor) took us to one of the larger market places in downtown Tanzania. The market was huge, and I took come very interesting pictures (please check the website for them). Mama Jango made sure we didn't get scammed by vendors charging us too much. She also made sure we didn't set ourselves up to be pick pocketed. The afternoon seemed longer than it was; we all learned a lot and were able to purchase things we wouldn't have been able to purchase otherwise.
Classes with Christopher are going well. Christopher reminds me everyday to "fight to learn Kiswalhili." "Fight" he says "fight hard." Christopher is not only my Kiswalhili teacher, he is also one of the guards for the Salvation Army, and he is also a farmer. Just like in the states, Tanzanians have to work several jobs to make ends meet.
I cannot believe it has been almost a whole month since I arrived in Africa. I told Felice today, "You know what I just realized? I live in Africa!!"
Ninapenda Tanzania
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn Kiswahili and to become better acquainted with the Tanzanian culture. I am very excited after class to use the verbs that I learned that day as I have interactions with my teammates and the people around me. The Tanzanians as a whole have been remarkably patient and helpful as I stumble to speak their native tongue--and I stumble a lot. I take the laughs and giggles as a sign of love and appreciation from the Tanzanians as I try to speak Kiswahili. It's like being a small child again, stumbling to use the right word or combination of words as needed. And there are many things that I enjoy about Kiswahili. For example the double words: pikipiki (motorcycle) or buibui (spider) make me laugh like a little girl.
Recently our team had the opportunity to visit our Kiswahili instructors' homes and families. Near their homes is the Mbagala Girls Home. We had a tour of the grounds (you can see some of these pictures at http://kwilcoxson.ocmc.org). As is the case in many orphanages in Africa, many of the girls at Mblagala have lost one or both of their parents from HIV/AIDS, malaria, or tuberculosis. The home is supported and run by the Salvation Army. Pastor Wilson Chacha is one of many people who keep the home running. We met Pastor Wilson at the conclusion of our tour. We were introduced to him, and he was told what our purpose was for being here in Tanzania as well as what our occupations were. He spoke minimal English, so I took the opportunity to practice my Kiswahili, especially the words that I recently learned. I boldly told him "Ninapenda Tanzania" (I love Tanzania). He was elated to hear those words come out of my mouth. He then asked in English "Do you want to live here? Do you want to become a citizen of Tanzania? All you have to do is live here for six years then you can ask the government to give you citizenship. They won't give you any problems. They will happily let you become a Tanzanian!"
I truly believe "I love you" is the best phrase in any language!
Top 10 Tanzanian Things You can Buy From Vendors Who Approach You When
You are Stuck in Traffic or Sitting Down for a Meal.
10. Water or Soda
9. Sugar Cane, Pickled dates, or Tangerines/Oranges/Bananas
8. Bumper Stickers or Posters of Celebrities/Presidents
7. Packaged Cookies, Ice Cream, or Assorted Nuts
6. Tennis Rackets, Children's Toys/clothes, Assorted Children's School
Supplies with characters/celebrities on cell phone minute cards
5. DVD Trilogy of the lives of Barack Obama/Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
(current President of Tanzania) and the Koran. Any DVD for that
matter.
4. Watches, Belts, T-shirts, Shoes, Ties, Children's clothing, Hats,
or Jewelry
3. Pillows, Beach Towels, Sweat rags, or Steering Wheel Covers.
2. One cigarette (not a pack)
And the Number One thing you can buy from Tanzanian vendors IS (wait
for it): Underwear
The past two weeks have had their ups and downs. I think I finally left the honeymoon stage of being a missionary. It is okay though; I am looking towards the future! I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to speak and skype with my friends. It makes a huge difference also to be able to skype with my folks.
Two weeks ago we welcomed Fr. David Rucker and his son Ethan. It was wonderful to be with them; we all had a great time together. The team visited Father at the Catholic Hostel where he was staying. Felice and I were very interested in the possibilty moving to this hostel. Father and Ethan headed to Mwanza, the new Diocesan headquarters for His Eminence Jeronymos in the northern part of Tanzania. Father was able to give us a quick report about his visit with the Archbishop, and there is a good possibility that we will move to Mwanza within the next two months. This move will bring us closer to our final destination, Bukoba, where the Holy Resurrection Hospital is located.
A week later, Felice and I decided to move into the Catholic Hostel just down the road from the Salvation Army compound. We would still attend Kiswalhili lessons, get our laundry done, and eat meals at the Salvation Army. The people at this new hostel are some of the most welcoming and good hearted people around. Felice and I moved our luggage into the rooms with the help of our taxi driver and the hostel's very kind staff. We, like many women, pack heavy bags, but important supplies are sometimes heavy. We decided to get separate rooms this time around. We feel very blessed to have been able to move into a more contemporary hostel. In the process we met a very nice taxi driver named Bernard. Bernard has become our personal taxi driver. We just call him, and he comes to pick us up. It is very nice to have one person to call and to have someone with whom we have a relationship. I enjoy practicing my Kiswalhili with him, and I am finding that I am able to chat with people on the streets after I finally decided I would start conversing in the language. Tanzanians are not only very grateful for someone's willingness to speak their language, but they are very patiently teaching us the proper pronunciations.
This past Thursday Mama Jango (our Tanzanian culture instructor) took us to one of the larger market places in downtown Tanzania. The market was huge, and I took come very interesting pictures (please check the website for them). Mama Jango made sure we didn't get scammed by vendors charging us too much. She also made sure we didn't set ourselves up to be pick pocketed. The afternoon seemed longer than it was; we all learned a lot and were able to purchase things we wouldn't have been able to purchase otherwise.
Classes with Christopher are going well. Christopher reminds me everyday to "fight to learn Kiswalhili." "Fight" he says "fight hard." Christopher is not only my Kiswalhili teacher, he is also one of the guards for the Salvation Army, and he is also a farmer. Just like in the states, Tanzanians have to work several jobs to make ends meet.
I cannot believe it has been almost a whole month since I arrived in Africa. I told Felice today, "You know what I just realized? I live in Africa!!"
Ninapenda Tanzania
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn Kiswahili and to become better acquainted with the Tanzanian culture. I am very excited after class to use the verbs that I learned that day as I have interactions with my teammates and the people around me. The Tanzanians as a whole have been remarkably patient and helpful as I stumble to speak their native tongue--and I stumble a lot. I take the laughs and giggles as a sign of love and appreciation from the Tanzanians as I try to speak Kiswahili. It's like being a small child again, stumbling to use the right word or combination of words as needed. And there are many things that I enjoy about Kiswahili. For example the double words: pikipiki (motorcycle) or buibui (spider) make me laugh like a little girl.
Recently our team had the opportunity to visit our Kiswahili instructors' homes and families. Near their homes is the Mbagala Girls Home. We had a tour of the grounds (you can see some of these pictures at http://kwilcoxson.ocmc.org). As is the case in many orphanages in Africa, many of the girls at Mblagala have lost one or both of their parents from HIV/AIDS, malaria, or tuberculosis. The home is supported and run by the Salvation Army. Pastor Wilson Chacha is one of many people who keep the home running. We met Pastor Wilson at the conclusion of our tour. We were introduced to him, and he was told what our purpose was for being here in Tanzania as well as what our occupations were. He spoke minimal English, so I took the opportunity to practice my Kiswahili, especially the words that I recently learned. I boldly told him "Ninapenda Tanzania" (I love Tanzania). He was elated to hear those words come out of my mouth. He then asked in English "Do you want to live here? Do you want to become a citizen of Tanzania? All you have to do is live here for six years then you can ask the government to give you citizenship. They won't give you any problems. They will happily let you become a Tanzanian!"
I truly believe "I love you" is the best phrase in any language!
Top 10 Tanzanian Things You can Buy From Vendors Who Approach You When
You are Stuck in Traffic or Sitting Down for a Meal.
10. Water or Soda
9. Sugar Cane, Pickled dates, or Tangerines/Oranges/Bananas
8. Bumper Stickers or Posters of Celebrities/Presidents
7. Packaged Cookies, Ice Cream, or Assorted Nuts
6. Tennis Rackets, Children's Toys/clothes, Assorted Children's School
Supplies with characters/celebrities on cell phone minute cards
5. DVD Trilogy of the lives of Barack Obama/Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
(current President of Tanzania) and the Koran. Any DVD for that
matter.
4. Watches, Belts, T-shirts, Shoes, Ties, Children's clothing, Hats,
or Jewelry
3. Pillows, Beach Towels, Sweat rags, or Steering Wheel Covers.
2. One cigarette (not a pack)
And the Number One thing you can buy from Tanzanian vendors IS (wait
for it): Underwear
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