Hi, King!

So..  Christmas 2012..  one to remember..

I left Africa at 8:00 AM on the 22nd.  I arrived in Thailand around 11 PM on the 23rd.  Completely frazzled from a combination of delayed flights, not being able to get cash out and not seeing Mel's face when I arrived in CM about did me in.  My card wouldn't work as I tried to use a pay-phone to call her.  I'm trying to keep it together so I asked some nice non-Thai people if they lived in Thailand and if so, do they have a phone I could use...  they didn't have a phone but gave me some coins to use the pay-phone.  Mel was at the airport, just at the other end as she was told all domestic flights were finished for the day (clearly, not true).  Anyhow, I met up with Mel and kept telling myself that it would all be worth it.  

Next morning, we go to a restaurant at around 10 AM.  It was fantastic.  I love Thailand already.  Next stop - Thai massage.  For $20.  How in the world could you not love this place!?  We're walking around the mall afterwards and I'm getting really tired.  Jet-lag, I think.  Into the grocery store to buy some stuff for Christmas meal and the smells are making me nauseous.  We decide it's best to go home and rest for a few hours before we head back out that night for the night-safari.

Well, I'll spare the gross details..  but we'll just say that I got really sick.  My fever sky-rocketed and I was completely dehydrated.  About 8 PM, when I couldn't walk, had sharp pain in my abdomen and started losing feeling in my arms, Mel called the ambulance and they came and brought us to the hospital.

I'm in a state of delirium.  At one point in the ambulance I told Melanie I thought I was having a heart attack because my arms hurt.  I also thought I might die of hypothermia because I've never been so cold in my life.

We get to the ER - questions and then they gave me an IV which I certainly did not appreciate at that moment in time.  In Mel's words, "You would think they were cutting your hand off."

At first, as they are talking in the ER, they start throwing around words appendicitis and possibly surgery.  This clearly calmed me down.  They roll me away to get a CT scan and an X-ray.  We are rolling by this huge picture and I say, "Hi, King" and gave the people rolling me a laugh while Mel is freaking out at my disrespect.

They finally put me in a room.  I'm like a broken record asking for water or ice.  The answer is always the same - they're waiting on my test results.  I ask every person that comes through hoping to get a different answer.  Finally, the results are negative and I get some water and that was about the best Christmas Eve present I could have ever received.

So, Malaria and Typhoid were all negative.  They say it's some kind of bacterial infection.  Bottle after bottle of antibiotics have flowed through my veins.  The first 24 hours in the hospital were pretty brutal.  However, the Thai people are great!  And on Christmas day - Mel's friend Sue brought some movies, little crafts and a can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup.. mmmmm :)    

Now, I'm feeling a lot better and they say they'll let me out if my fever stays gone.  Chiang Mai looks great from the window.  I'm starting to go a little stir-crazy!

And this is why I need a vacation.

Warning:  Many parts of this story... are...  how should I say it?  Well, not so pretty.  Unless you live in Africa, it is hard to understand why these decisions were made.  Just be forewarned.  

Today started like any other day.  We got up.  We drove to a good friend's house... and made it there without getting lost.  So things were pleasant.  We had a good visit.  The meal today was not one of my favorites here typically but today it was pretty good.  Tonight, we had a get-together for caroling with our co-workers.  So we had to leave our friends house in a decent time.. meaning we couldn't stay around for three hours of tea.  Our friend asks us, "Do you know name of some random place?"  The answer is no.  We ask what it is close to etc... so we get down to the fact that where she wants to go is downtown.  She's a single mother and wanted to go downtown to buy some stuff to try and sell.  Of course, I feel bad.  And I have a hard time saying no.  Like I can't do it for people I know.  So, I open my mouth and out pops, "Sure, no problem..  If we have time, we can bring you back... If we don't, you can catch a taxi."  

Fast forward.  We come to a bridge that we drive over a few times a week.  It's usually chaotic to get on... ie.. 8 lanes of traffic merging into 1.  The lane I happened to pick, of course a transport commun breaks down in front of me.  So I start the process of inching into another lane..  We're now going up the bridge a little bit.  The rule here is as follows:  If your bumper is in front of another bumper, you have the right of way (unless of course that car is bigger- then they do).  So my car was bigger AND my bumper was in front so I start inching over.  Then I hear someone banging on the back of the truck.  I just keep going.  More banging.  I ask my friend and Amanda what's going on... Apparently, I scraped a taxi and part of one of his lights came off.  Now this is laughable because taxis here are pieces of different cars welded together... it's not like upkeep is anyone's concern.  So I look at my national friend here - what should I do?  She says go.  [And also, anytime anyone has ever hit me, I just drive off per Amanda's instruction...  I guess the difference is that they hit me...]   So I get around the broken down truck and have a clear shot up the bridge.  I'm driving pretty fast so my intent is clear.  I would like to get out of here.  So then the taxi driver comes RUNNING after us..  starts hitting the truck, tries to open the doors, and then finally stands in front of the car, in the middle of the road, going up a bridge so I can't go anywhere.  So then my friend starts talking to him.  He's obviously mad and just wants to be paid.  Which normally, I wouldn't do.  Then in my rear view mirror, I see a police walking up.  I'm literally shaking at this point.  My foot can hardly keep the clutch in.  So then my friend, who is not a follower, tells the cop that we were trying to pull over and get out of the way.  That is completely untrue.  This whole time I pretend like I know zero Wolof and when I did speak a word of it my friend would tell me to be quiet.  The taxi driver comes over.  The police walks off with my license.  It's decided by my friend that we will pay the taxi driver about ten dollars.  We tell him to go tell the police man who is now dealing with another car to give my license back because we paid him.  The police officer didn't like this.  We have to sit for another ten minutes before it's decided that we can go. 

But the fun doesn't stop there.

Literally, we go up and over the bridge.  Less than 5 minutes later, my friend decides she doesn't know the way to get where we're going exactly.  So she wants me to pull over and let her ask someone.  So I do.   Now, people do this all the time.  Pull over to ask directions, men use the bathroom, let people on or off....  we think.. no big deal.  Well, I was stopped maybe 10 feet from a red light (I need not get started on the uselessness of red lights here) and another 20 or so feet, there is another police officer.  I get through the red light and he pulls me.  I think nothing of it.  I give him my insurance and visite technique (car papers here).  He wants my drivers license.  I give him that.  Then I notice that he's writing.  I tell Amanda, "He's writing... what could he possibly be writing?"  She says.. I don't know.. the only thing I can think of is the stop back there.  So I look at the paper and I see that my infraction was stopping.  I then put my hand out asking for my DL back..  He's stern and says no...  (Here they keep it and make you pay your ticket at the station and then they give it back... and I know this.. but I'm pretending like I don't).  So then, I look at my friend and tell her to ask him what I did.. even though I know full well...  and this man doesn't know I speak Wolof..   so then he explains to me in English...  Then, the idea flashes through my mind...  I usually can't cry at the drop of a hat.. but I've had a bad couple of hours by this point and I'm frazzled... so I thought to myself I would try it..  and I did.  [I had a break down in language school one time and our language teacher was beside herself that I was upset... so I know people here don't like crying]  I start crying and the police officer looks at me and says, "Why are you crying?"  We tell him I've had a bad day...etc..etc..  Amanda looks at me from the backseat and exclaims, "Lindy!  You have GOT to pull yourself together so we can get outta here!"  Little did she know.  So the police officer then takes back my ticket because he says he doesn't want me to hate his country.  AND he gave me his telephone number in case we have any other problems, we can call him..  So I drive away from all of this out 10 dollars and probably a few years off my life.. but no going to police station!  As I drive away from the second encounter, I look at my friend and tell her in Wolof, "I know the people here don't like crying."  She just started laughing.  So then we finally got her downtown and went home.  

It was quite a ridiculous day.  I'm so happy that in about 30 hours I'm on a plane outta here!  I need some time to recuperate! :)

Tales of the Isle!

So much has happened and I haven't updated in over a month. Honestly, it's just a lot of work to keep this thing updated. First off, I celebrated my second birthday in Africa! Lots of food, fun and friends. 

 Second, and the reason for this post: We went to the island! 
 Some extended family members of mine came for a week out in the middle of nowhere spent with some of the most beautiful people you can find on this earth. The week was amazing as we got to see many seeds that have been planted take root! It was super refreshing and encouraging to me in more ways that I know how to say. I am forever grateful to this family for giving us the opportunity to tag along! There are so many things that I could write here that would only be funny to the 6 people on the trip that I'll spare you.  Instead, I'll just upload as many photos and videos as my patience can manage to give you an idea of how we spent our week :)

The whole crew + all our luggage + approximately 100 liters of water + a huge sac of veggies & rice = one heavy boat 

"Are we getting in the other boat?"

After a plane and a car ride - we get to the boat.  There was no advance warning that the mangroves would be attacking us...  At the end you can hear, "So if I say down, down!"  

Our campsite!

It was quite ridiculous how many pictures of trees we ended up with - the beauty in the south is breathtaking!

We got to see these critters daily - on trails, on tents, in tents, everywhere!  But don't worry - they no bother you ;)

These kids LOVE to dance!

Look at that smile!

They loved coming to the campside!  Betty "reading" (as much as you can with no common language)  :)

This is for you, Betty!

Disclaimer:   Since I have the gift of delayed mercy, let me first say:  We are not happy that you were bitten by a ginormous bug.  However, as this dramatic sketch shows, the irony in the situation was what was funny :)

And our African attire!

P-Donnie, Papa Smurf, PD, Eeyore can boogie!!!

On the boat ride back to the mainland.

This was an amazing week but also made me somewhat homesick.  Catching up on what's going on in the lives of the people I know made me only miss them more!  But I know the time is literally around the corner that I'll get to see everyone again.  In the meantime, lots of work still left to do but also - lots more fun things in the future as well!  

Revolution!

What I have learned: A year in retrospect

It seems absolutely impossible that a year has gone by.  We arrived here one year ago today!  Thinking back on that day (and those first three months) Amanda and I are surprised at how well we did seem to cope.  When we landed, I had hardly slept in 48 hours and we had to stay up the whole day to combat jet lag.  I laid on the bed and cried - the combination of extreme exhaustion, shot nerves, intense heat - they did me in.  Amanda thought I was going to turn around and go home that same day (which was never an option!)  The first three months weren't easy by any means.  There are still those days where you think to yourself, "Why in the world am I here?"  But then there are those moments when you are reminded why you're here.  And it makes it worth it.    

So here is what I have learned (and re-learned) in this past year:

• God is faithful.  This is something I think we all are constantly learning.  I have such a slow burning heart and I'm quick to forget that He always has been and will continue to be faithful through the ups and downs.
• My moods/feelings change by the week/day/hour/minute/milli-second.  One minute I can love being here, love what I'm doing, love the people and the next thing that happens and I'm feeling the complete opposite.  You CANNOT depend on feelings.  Staying put is a daily choice.  This is a commitment. 
• Don't let my mind dwell on what I'm missing.  It only makes it worse.  [And then there are those times when I'm on the phone with my dad and he orders in the Krystal drive-thru...  really, dad!?? :)  ]
• People surprise you.  It is amazing to me how people I have never even met and/or barely know have been so encouraging and supportive - through emails, cards, etc.  The reverse is also true - a lot of people who you think you are somewhat close with - seem to disappear.
• Knowing beforehand that the disconnection from people you care about is coming doesn't make the pain any less real.  I thought (erroneously) that because I was well-informed of what would happen (culture shock, loss of relationships, loss of being able to do simple things), that I was immune to the emotions of it.  Wrong! 
• Then there are those that go above and beyond - those close family members and friends who are rock solid and are there to talk whenever.  I'm forever thankful for these people.
• Still learning the art of being vulnerable - this job lends itself to change and people moving in and out of your life frequently.  Being willing to open up, knowing full-well that one day the inevitable goodbyes are coming is always a struggle.
• Speaking of people - once I did let down my guard, I realized that God had placed an AMAZING group of people here.  I just had to give them a chance :)
• I could NOT have asked for a better teammate and partner than Amanda.  I am so thankful every day for her.  I would not have wanted to do this with anyone else.  Her calm, steady personality is complementary to my crazy side :)  I also love our weekly life chats!
• I could not have asked for a better team or supervisors.  We are truly blessed in this area and we know it.  I have heard many stories of teams having difficulties.  Each person on our team is so different and unique and we all bring out the best in each other.  
• Learning a language is HARD!
• Everything (and I mean everything) can be cooked from scratch.  And I actually enjoy cooking.
• I never thought I could come to the point where I actually liked a cold shower.  
• Driving a stick-shift is fun!  Driving in West Africa with no rules is even more fun!
• This is NOT a trip.  This is life.  This is my job.  And as such, there are many positives and negatives to that.
• Before this job, I never realized how much pride I used to take in being successful in a job.  As someone I love pointed out, you need to be careful of your definition of success.  All my other jobs had well defined parameters.  I've always excelled in school and every job I had previously I have been proficient in.  (And there is nothing wrong in doing things well!)  BUT - this is a whole new ball game.  The job is 24/7.  I feel like we wrestle with more failure than success.  And then one of the adversary's favorite tools comes into play:  guilt.  I have had to learn how to handle failure gracefully - Who to turn to and how to keep going.  I think this is probably one of the most valuable lessons I am learning.  There is no condemnation to those who are in JC.

Thank you to those who have offered your continued pryers, support, encouragement, Skype calls, regular phone calls, cards, packages with American goodies, and the many other ways you have shown your love!  This has been an incredible year of growth and I look forward to what is in store in this next year to come! :)

Sent off this time last year!!!

So to celebrate the one year marker of our sending celebration, I just wanted to take a look back at some of the highlights of F to the P to the O.

[Amanda and I were discussing how one year ago we were singing "Carry Your Name" together and then two weeks later we were singing "Carry Me Home"...  bahaha!  Just a wee bit of culture shock.]

Where do we even begin!???

Lindy:  I love memory lane.
Amanda:  You travel there quite frequently.  
Haha :)

Cam's bday dinner last year...  also, celebrated with the glow stick rave with DJ Lecrae in the hot smelly gym.

Cultural celebrations!   Notice the baby on the back - so true to life!

Many a DC trip.. notice the people behind us being reverent and we are acting dumb.  Typical.

This memory still disturbs me to this day.

Mindy & Lindy :) 

If a practical joke happened- you can bet that M.M and I were behind it!!

The pic that MM wanted for my card... sadly, I chose to go the normal route.

One of the many breaks between sessions!  They tolerated loved taking pictures!

Our first taste of a traditional African meal (it's soo much better here! :)

My boo!  But it's soo blurry :(

Look how fresh and girly and American we look...  that would change soon there after.

One of my favorite nights.. hands down.

This picture makes me laugh.  

And last but not least...  one of my all-time favorite videos from the time we were there.  For your viewing pleasure:

We were talking about the differences of "hot" vs "cold" cultures...  in this particular case, an individualistic culture versus a communal culture...

And just in case you need vocab help (because I did!)

pon.tif.i.cate

1.  To express opinions or judgements in a dogmatic way.

Things that go through my head...

I usually don't blog about anything other than random fun things that I think might be of interest/amuse other people.  There are only a couple of occasions that I can remember deviating from that platform.  So if my thoughts on the world at large are the equivalent of a hill of beans to you, then you should just skip this post completely and I promise to return to fun things later.

I just think about how my perspective has changed so much over three years.  I may sound critical of what I deem "the general American population" but trust me, I have been, for many years, the epitome of what I am frustrated by.  And I have no concrete answers for anything.  Thinking about everything does no more (unless somehow it moves to action in some small or large way) than the person who has no clue what's going on.  

So all of that just to say...  I have been keeping a close eye on the news.  Those living here with me have heard me talk about this so much lately. I have been following the story of the Ambassador that was killed since the story first broke. One article claiming that some men were trying to save him stood out.  I don't know the truth.  I wasn't there.  But my cynical heart tells me that maybe, oh maybe, that wasn't the case...   but who knows?

It is encouraging to see pictures of people holding signs showing solidarity in the situation.  It gives me a sliver of hope.  I then clicked on a video, an intro showing the Ambassador and just explaining a little of his background, his genuine care, the relationship he hoped to see, etc....  and it just hit me...  He loved these people.  And a few of them turned on him.  [As I type this, maybe this story hits me so much because it's what I believe happened 2000 years ago and still is happening today.  I don't know.]  And then I see pictures of him being pulled out of the building and for some reason unknown to me - this particular story has just left an impact on me.  And depresses me at the same time.

I find that most people in America don't even know what's going on and a lot of those who do just spew the nastiest comments about the situation as possible.  And I think that most people that hate "us" so much have no idea who we really are i.e. we are not all the same - the world at large still thinks we are "Christian America".  (Generalizations, I know!)  I just wish there was some massive scale people swap because it truly is when you get to know a people - the everyday normal people, who have families, who have hopes, dreams, who cook dinner every night - that you begin to care for the people as actual people and not as a "them."  So as for me, I hope the people here see in me the opposite of every preconceived (bad) notion they may have about an American or a Christian.  I don't always do the best job.  But I'm trying.  And I hope to, in the near future, get some dialogue going with the University students about this very topic.

Anyhow.  That is all.  I came across this article (it's dated March 2012) and it has stood out to me as well in a good way.  One of those rare times.  Read it if you have the time.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/envoy/israel-hearts-iran-peace-campaign-takes-off-facebook-160645131.html