Monday, March 31, 2008
St. Patty's day
Morning- I am on the ball!
At breakfast, I emerge from my sleep and slip on my “I am Lucky” four leafed clover T-shirt. Damn, am I good or what, I am a million miles from home, and I don’t get into the garb of holidays especially the associated cliché clothing, and am never that organized! But today, I am donning my St. Patty’s day shirt, that I brought with me for just such occasion. I join everyone for breakfast, and cheers for the shirt. I am on my game. That is until it is reveled that today is March 18, we lost a day with the time change. Harumph!
I head to breakfast and indulge myself with the long overdue and awaited fresh papaya and mango fruit salad, passion fruit yogurt, and guava juice. My heaven, at least one of them lessens my St. Paddy’s days woes.
At breakfast, I emerge from my sleep and slip on my “I am Lucky” four leafed clover T-shirt. Damn, am I good or what, I am a million miles from home, and I don’t get into the garb of holidays especially the associated cliché clothing, and am never that organized! But today, I am donning my St. Patty’s day shirt, that I brought with me for just such occasion. I join everyone for breakfast, and cheers for the shirt. I am on my game. That is until it is reveled that today is March 18, we lost a day with the time change. Harumph!
I head to breakfast and indulge myself with the long overdue and awaited fresh papaya and mango fruit salad, passion fruit yogurt, and guava juice. My heaven, at least one of them lessens my St. Paddy’s days woes.
Africa calls..
South-----Africa!
A note regarding this paragraph, I don’t mean to discount your comprehension of my feelings in this paragraph, but I do have the feeling that only those who have lived in Africa or are Africa, will relate on a silent understanding which will require no words.
Emotion hit me as I stepped from the plane. The warm soothing tropical air infused with ocean salt and tropical flowers embraced me, carrying me back to my travels to Hawaii and Kenya, equally. A warm reception to a “home” experienced 12 years prior. Riding in the car, a feeling of excitement flowed through me, which I could only guess the early travelers of Africa witnessed. The silent wildness of Africa easily over powered the human manipulated landscape of technology, industry, and lights and bit into me as we passed into Port Elisabeth. Deeply penetrating my heart, the underlying energy of this contentent . I know but cannot passify that vibe of energy that reaches my soul. I had forgotten I carried this feeling; that it was part of me. It was suppressed much like children’s given supernatural abilities. It now beckons and calls, it is in the wood, the soil, the plants, and the sun. A hunger that no food can tame. Come to me, come to me, my skin prickles. I hear the hushed voice on the wind, “what took you so long? Your calling is here, what took you so long?” The seed has been driven deeper into me.
A note regarding this paragraph, I don’t mean to discount your comprehension of my feelings in this paragraph, but I do have the feeling that only those who have lived in Africa or are Africa, will relate on a silent understanding which will require no words.
Emotion hit me as I stepped from the plane. The warm soothing tropical air infused with ocean salt and tropical flowers embraced me, carrying me back to my travels to Hawaii and Kenya, equally. A warm reception to a “home” experienced 12 years prior. Riding in the car, a feeling of excitement flowed through me, which I could only guess the early travelers of Africa witnessed. The silent wildness of Africa easily over powered the human manipulated landscape of technology, industry, and lights and bit into me as we passed into Port Elisabeth. Deeply penetrating my heart, the underlying energy of this contentent . I know but cannot passify that vibe of energy that reaches my soul. I had forgotten I carried this feeling; that it was part of me. It was suppressed much like children’s given supernatural abilities. It now beckons and calls, it is in the wood, the soil, the plants, and the sun. A hunger that no food can tame. Come to me, come to me, my skin prickles. I hear the hushed voice on the wind, “what took you so long? Your calling is here, what took you so long?” The seed has been driven deeper into me.
A left, then a right..we are off unexpectidly!
March 16, 2008 A left, then a right.. we are off unexpectedly!
This is how the trip started, a left foot followed by a right. We were dropped off at the wrong terminal at JFK only to realize after the two vans zoomed off. A bit of anxiety and excitement, but mostly an unwelcomed test of group dynamics right from the start! I took it right in stride, no worries for me. This energy hound was up for a bit of exercise prior to stepping aboard a plane for the next 18-24 hours. My colleague, Diana recently told me that carrying a load over 35 lbs was bad for a woman’s reproductive system. I challenged this threat of sterility and heaved the pack on my back- too cheap to buy a cart and too stubborn to use one if offered. I strapped my spanking new day pack to the handle of my borrowed suitcase and gave an appreciative nod to its wheels. I was off, carrying my entire life on my back as I waddled along with our caravan of carts, luggage and our group of 11.
We took the elevator, unaware of that the carts could easily manuveor the escalators, as we would soon find out in Johanasburg. A quick trip on the Air train and a couple of stops, we amazingly all arrived at the correct terminal and made a beeline for check in.
Passport in hand, I hand over my flight information only to be asked, did you just arrive. Sure did. “Oh? Cause you have already checked in.” Hum, well me and the 11 people behind me, with whom I am traveling just arrived. Furious typing and numerous phone calls, I was informed that someone had already checked in and received my boarding pass. Well this is interesting, so much for all that extra security, the patriot act, and what is the purpose of a passport? A mere 45 minutes later as I am the only member of our group standing at the ticket counter, I laugh it off, unaware that this will be a constant occurrence of this trip. But, I do get the tickets in hand, and we are off with excitement to board the plane which will transport us to South Africa.
From my previous posting, you know that this will come back to bite me in the ass! Long story short, if this EVER happens to you, make sure you get confirmation on your return flight if any changes are made to you flight, seat etc.. Chris was pretty confidant that if his wife Lesaya was not there with her South Africa accent, I would be out another $700 for a return flight, or that I would still be over there. –ps. I definitely would still be there!
This is how the trip started, a left foot followed by a right. We were dropped off at the wrong terminal at JFK only to realize after the two vans zoomed off. A bit of anxiety and excitement, but mostly an unwelcomed test of group dynamics right from the start! I took it right in stride, no worries for me. This energy hound was up for a bit of exercise prior to stepping aboard a plane for the next 18-24 hours. My colleague, Diana recently told me that carrying a load over 35 lbs was bad for a woman’s reproductive system. I challenged this threat of sterility and heaved the pack on my back- too cheap to buy a cart and too stubborn to use one if offered. I strapped my spanking new day pack to the handle of my borrowed suitcase and gave an appreciative nod to its wheels. I was off, carrying my entire life on my back as I waddled along with our caravan of carts, luggage and our group of 11.
We took the elevator, unaware of that the carts could easily manuveor the escalators, as we would soon find out in Johanasburg. A quick trip on the Air train and a couple of stops, we amazingly all arrived at the correct terminal and made a beeline for check in.
Passport in hand, I hand over my flight information only to be asked, did you just arrive. Sure did. “Oh? Cause you have already checked in.” Hum, well me and the 11 people behind me, with whom I am traveling just arrived. Furious typing and numerous phone calls, I was informed that someone had already checked in and received my boarding pass. Well this is interesting, so much for all that extra security, the patriot act, and what is the purpose of a passport? A mere 45 minutes later as I am the only member of our group standing at the ticket counter, I laugh it off, unaware that this will be a constant occurrence of this trip. But, I do get the tickets in hand, and we are off with excitement to board the plane which will transport us to South Africa.
From my previous posting, you know that this will come back to bite me in the ass! Long story short, if this EVER happens to you, make sure you get confirmation on your return flight if any changes are made to you flight, seat etc.. Chris was pretty confidant that if his wife Lesaya was not there with her South Africa accent, I would be out another $700 for a return flight, or that I would still be over there. –ps. I definitely would still be there!
I have to mention before I go any further that I do believe that my cat missed me most of all during my journey. Once a harshly independent cat, she never cuddled or followed. I find now that she is attached at the ankle, sleeping no longer on my feet, but square on my chest. She accompanies me all over the house, the kitchen, the backyard, my bedroom, and yes the bathroom. She is a captive audience as I pee, brush my teeth and shower! All fears of a bath, instilled during her kitten years by Chip, have been washed away by my absence.
Nakuru (aka kitty, as she prefers) my rotund cat, is part of this journey you see, as she was named after the national park I interned at in Kenya and where I saw many of the great cat, the Leopard. I have a great fondness for those emerald eyed cats, and Nakuru’s, rump is riddled with a leopard pattern. She joins me now as she currently sits across my forearms, pinning my fingers to the keyboard and forcing me to keep on with my stories.
These are them, as accurate as I want them to be, full of wit and verve no less representative of my quick, light, sarcastic, personality.. I hope that you enjoy them, as I try to capture these moments for future rememberances!
Nakuru (aka kitty, as she prefers) my rotund cat, is part of this journey you see, as she was named after the national park I interned at in Kenya and where I saw many of the great cat, the Leopard. I have a great fondness for those emerald eyed cats, and Nakuru’s, rump is riddled with a leopard pattern. She joins me now as she currently sits across my forearms, pinning my fingers to the keyboard and forcing me to keep on with my stories.
These are them, as accurate as I want them to be, full of wit and verve no less representative of my quick, light, sarcastic, personality.. I hope that you enjoy them, as I try to capture these moments for future rememberances!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Have done-ith returned-ith in one peace!
Howdy All,
Looks like you all kept yourself busy in my absence! I made it home yesterday morning at 8 home by 12. It was a 24+ hour journey which I was lucky to make. Someone apparently gave some guy my boarding pass out of JFK as I was leaving for South Africa. They cleared it up and I boarded without issue however unbeknownst to me they cancelled my return trip. So, Friday morning, Lesaya (Chris' wife) and I battled for a seat for me to get to Johannasburg. She actually stepped back to let me have her spot so that I could have enough time to get a seat to the US. Luckily, we all made that plane and her and I spent the 5 hour layover waiting in line to get it all cleared up in Johnasburg. I got on the plane after being the first one selected for the "full security search"- yup the ole full pat down and hand search of the baggage. I should have expected that.
Ahh.. but the trip was refreshing and exciting. Lots of relection occurred. I will post the high points and some pictures for you all in the coming days once I down load the pictures. In the meantime, I am going to try to kick this jet lag.. which is kicking my butt. I slept from 2pm yesterday to 8 am this morning!.. I think tomorrow, I may actually be on time for work.....:) May miracles never cease! Can't wait to catch up with you all and tell you of my adventures in person. Thanks for all the emails and postings! _love polly
Looks like you all kept yourself busy in my absence! I made it home yesterday morning at 8 home by 12. It was a 24+ hour journey which I was lucky to make. Someone apparently gave some guy my boarding pass out of JFK as I was leaving for South Africa. They cleared it up and I boarded without issue however unbeknownst to me they cancelled my return trip. So, Friday morning, Lesaya (Chris' wife) and I battled for a seat for me to get to Johannasburg. She actually stepped back to let me have her spot so that I could have enough time to get a seat to the US. Luckily, we all made that plane and her and I spent the 5 hour layover waiting in line to get it all cleared up in Johnasburg. I got on the plane after being the first one selected for the "full security search"- yup the ole full pat down and hand search of the baggage. I should have expected that.
Ahh.. but the trip was refreshing and exciting. Lots of relection occurred. I will post the high points and some pictures for you all in the coming days once I down load the pictures. In the meantime, I am going to try to kick this jet lag.. which is kicking my butt. I slept from 2pm yesterday to 8 am this morning!.. I think tomorrow, I may actually be on time for work.....:) May miracles never cease! Can't wait to catch up with you all and tell you of my adventures in person. Thanks for all the emails and postings! _love polly
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Dear Friends and Family,
I am excited to share with you that I will participate in a humanitarian aid effort to South Africa for two weeks this March. I was invited to join in this effort by a colleague and cooperative grower, Chris Kelly, because of my experience, professionalism, and caring nature.
As you might know, I have a special affinity for Africa which was fostered during my studies abroad in Kenya and Tanzania in 1996. Not unexpectedly, this trip was thrilling and life changing. One of the most powerful encounters of this trip was walking down the street of Nairobi, eating an ice cream cone and being trailed by an 8 year old boy. This ice cream, which was nothing out of the ordinary for me, melted quickly in the equatorial sun and drenched my napkin. I threw the napkin in the garbage and continued on my path. As I turned the corner, I caught a glimpse of the boy, eagerly and happily licking what flavor he could from the napkin. I knew with that encounter, that I could never return to Africa solely as a tourist. Although “poor” by American standards, the encounter revealed my wealth in being able to feed and sustain myself via my education. I silently vowed to only return if I could give something back in order to match the life lessons provided to me on my initial trip.
This trip serves just such a purpose! Chris’ wife is originally from South Africa, and their family makes this trip annually to reconnect with family and friends and to help out the less fortunate and support local aid workers. A total of 11 people (7 adults and 4 children) are making this journey. We will be traveling to Port Elizabeth, South Africa (a mere 30 hour trip), where we will be serving Kwazakhele, one of its largest townships. Kwazakhele can be described as home to the poorest of the poor. The population is at least a quarter million strong, with unemployment rates as high as 85%.
There are several areas that our group will be focusing on during our stay. The GOGO Trust is a non profit organization composed of Gogo’s (grandmothers) who feed 206 AIDS orphans daily. We will support their efforts and assist with cooking, schooling and beading projects for fundraising. A second project includes working with a soup kitchen that serves the old, frail, infirmed, and children. This group, consisting of 4 women, spends $250.00 per month of their own resources preparing soup and bread. Thirdly, we will have the opportunity to participate in life skill workshops that address hygiene, fitness, and nutrition with teenagers.
With my professional experience in agriculture, conservation and gardening, I will work alongside Chris and another gentleman to establish 3 food gardens. We will teach the residents (the women) low impact farming methods, from field preparation and soil amending, to planting and cultivation. I am specifically charged with creating composting facilities that will improve the soil for each garden by utilizing the community’s organic waste. The outcome being, that I will teach those living in poverty how to feed themselves, rather than relying on handouts from others. This will be achieved while protecting the environmental resources on which they will continue to rely.
This trip is entirely voluntary. All the associated costs such as seed, fertilizer, equipment and my travel expenses are not supplemented by any group or organization. Therefore I am seeking sponsorship and donations to help offset the costs. I graciously invite you to join me in my efforts to establish and maintain these food gardens. It is expected that my expenses will exceed $3500.00 in travel, accommodations, and food. In addition, the three food gardens will require $1500.00 in funding to purchase seed and fertilizer which will sustain the gardens for the entire year.
Contributions can be made in two ways, either by contributing directly to me or by making a tax deductible donation to Grace Ministries in my name. The tax deductible donations should be written out to Grace Ministries with SA trip- Polly Weigand, noted in the memo portion of the check. Any donations should be mailed to me at ...
Your support is greatly appreciated and valued. It will help me stand true to the vow that I made 12 years ago, to share my education for the betterment of others. I expect that this trip will be very intense and emotional yet satisfying. I look forward to sharing all of the stories, photos and achievements with you upon my return from South Africa. Hopefully, that will be all that I bring back with me! Take that as you will. J
Cheers!
Polly
“Give a woman a fish and it will feed her for a day. Teach a woman to fish, and feed her for a lifetime”. (In African culture, the women do the “farming” and provide for the family).
I am excited to share with you that I will participate in a humanitarian aid effort to South Africa for two weeks this March. I was invited to join in this effort by a colleague and cooperative grower, Chris Kelly, because of my experience, professionalism, and caring nature.
As you might know, I have a special affinity for Africa which was fostered during my studies abroad in Kenya and Tanzania in 1996. Not unexpectedly, this trip was thrilling and life changing. One of the most powerful encounters of this trip was walking down the street of Nairobi, eating an ice cream cone and being trailed by an 8 year old boy. This ice cream, which was nothing out of the ordinary for me, melted quickly in the equatorial sun and drenched my napkin. I threw the napkin in the garbage and continued on my path. As I turned the corner, I caught a glimpse of the boy, eagerly and happily licking what flavor he could from the napkin. I knew with that encounter, that I could never return to Africa solely as a tourist. Although “poor” by American standards, the encounter revealed my wealth in being able to feed and sustain myself via my education. I silently vowed to only return if I could give something back in order to match the life lessons provided to me on my initial trip.
This trip serves just such a purpose! Chris’ wife is originally from South Africa, and their family makes this trip annually to reconnect with family and friends and to help out the less fortunate and support local aid workers. A total of 11 people (7 adults and 4 children) are making this journey. We will be traveling to Port Elizabeth, South Africa (a mere 30 hour trip), where we will be serving Kwazakhele, one of its largest townships. Kwazakhele can be described as home to the poorest of the poor. The population is at least a quarter million strong, with unemployment rates as high as 85%.
There are several areas that our group will be focusing on during our stay. The GOGO Trust is a non profit organization composed of Gogo’s (grandmothers) who feed 206 AIDS orphans daily. We will support their efforts and assist with cooking, schooling and beading projects for fundraising. A second project includes working with a soup kitchen that serves the old, frail, infirmed, and children. This group, consisting of 4 women, spends $250.00 per month of their own resources preparing soup and bread. Thirdly, we will have the opportunity to participate in life skill workshops that address hygiene, fitness, and nutrition with teenagers.
With my professional experience in agriculture, conservation and gardening, I will work alongside Chris and another gentleman to establish 3 food gardens. We will teach the residents (the women) low impact farming methods, from field preparation and soil amending, to planting and cultivation. I am specifically charged with creating composting facilities that will improve the soil for each garden by utilizing the community’s organic waste. The outcome being, that I will teach those living in poverty how to feed themselves, rather than relying on handouts from others. This will be achieved while protecting the environmental resources on which they will continue to rely.
This trip is entirely voluntary. All the associated costs such as seed, fertilizer, equipment and my travel expenses are not supplemented by any group or organization. Therefore I am seeking sponsorship and donations to help offset the costs. I graciously invite you to join me in my efforts to establish and maintain these food gardens. It is expected that my expenses will exceed $3500.00 in travel, accommodations, and food. In addition, the three food gardens will require $1500.00 in funding to purchase seed and fertilizer which will sustain the gardens for the entire year.
Contributions can be made in two ways, either by contributing directly to me or by making a tax deductible donation to Grace Ministries in my name. The tax deductible donations should be written out to Grace Ministries with SA trip- Polly Weigand, noted in the memo portion of the check. Any donations should be mailed to me at ...
Your support is greatly appreciated and valued. It will help me stand true to the vow that I made 12 years ago, to share my education for the betterment of others. I expect that this trip will be very intense and emotional yet satisfying. I look forward to sharing all of the stories, photos and achievements with you upon my return from South Africa. Hopefully, that will be all that I bring back with me! Take that as you will. J
Cheers!
Polly
“Give a woman a fish and it will feed her for a day. Teach a woman to fish, and feed her for a lifetime”. (In African culture, the women do the “farming” and provide for the family).
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