here, there and beyond...

brilliant night of art

2011-05-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

Anthony's pottery was part of a gallery showing at Fire on the Greenway. Here are some of M's shots from the night in no particular order.

Anthony's pots

Anthony showing off someone else's work

Standing by ceramic fish. The artist takes dead fish, makes moulds of them, then puts clay in the moulds and glazes them to match the original fish.... strange but beautiful.

Jared and his new woman - food break

A walk in the park - should be sunny and 80, but oh well....

2011-05-01T09:54:00.001-07:00

Turtle Bread and other Delicious foods

2011-05-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

We have had some delicious meals since Mthoko has been here. Here are some highlights....

veggies cut up for home made sushi

delicious home made rolls

My first post-surgery visit to Al's

Incredible home made salads

Asparagus and Steak

and my new favorite S. MSP treat - Turtle Bread!

Mthoko is here

2011-04-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

Mthoko is here for a week. I'll let the pictures do the talking. So far we have....

...gone shoe shopping

and bought a new watermelon colored wallet

and taken great pictures while we cook

and made faces at brothers

and made faces at the camera

and gone to the park

and played guitar in the park

with brothers

and looked like divas in the park

And we are only half way through!

Mthoko gets a tattoo

2011-04-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

Quite a few years ago I decided I wanted a tattoo. Being the compulsive person that I am (not), I decided that if, in a year, I still wanted a tattoo, I would get one. A year past, and I still wanted a tattoo. But I didn't know what to get. I still don't, so I still don't have a tattoo. Mthoko, on the other hand, has been working on his design for the past year. He has two he's been thinking about - but decided during this trip to get his first done. It's a word in Zulu - siyaqhubeka - roughly translated it means "we continue on." Why he has chosen this is his story to tell. Since he can get it done for half the price he would pay in London, here - he decided to get his ink done in the mid-west!

I was brought along for documentation, artistic consult and moral support. We took many, many pictures - here are some of my favorite.

This is my life of late - a purse Mthoko brought me from Hong Kong, and my ever faithful crutches

the mark up the artist did

signing his life away

where the action happens

preparing the area - they put a fake tattoo on first and then tattoo over it

Fake tattoo is in place

another of the fake - we can tell it will look great!

wearing Mthoko's glasses and hat (and looking like a giraffe)

The first dot is filled in....

finished product!

All done! Looking great!

More knee pictures

2011-04-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

I like medical stuff. I apologize if you don't. These were taken about 3 weeks ago, so not current... but here is my knee...

And here is a picture of ATROPHY! Yes, both legs belong to me. Looking at this just makes me laugh. I am still not allowed to put weight on my right leg, but I can do more movement and excersize and am beginning to rebuild some muscle mass... but it's still pretty tiny!

Surgery

2011-03-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Friday I had surgery - an ACL reparation and OATs procedure to replace some cartiledge. Aside from being imobile and on pain meds, I feel pretty ok. Today Joel and I unwrapped my knee to get a closer look for the first time. I am not sure if this is a peace sign or bunny ears for my knee. Today I can start minor strength exercizes - probably still won't be weight baring for another 7-8 weeks.

Then there was the time I graduated with a Master's Degree!

2011-02-11T18:29:00.001-08:00

Skate away

2011-01-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Here is what I've learned about the cold - it's really not that bad when you WANT to be out in it. Last night I went skating. I wore tights, long underwear and jeans on the bottom. Two pair of socks, two t-shirts, two sweatshirts, a ski jacket, hat and double thick mittens. It was 15F (-9C) with very little wind, and while I was chilly, I was comfortable.

I look like I'm going really fast, right?

One of the best parts of MN winter is that you can skate and sled almost anywhere during the winter. This field is flooded in a park a block from my house. My skates were a find on the side of the road 2 summers ago. They were pretty rusty, but I didn't fall once!

Snowiest December in a long long time!

2011-01-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

Minnesota has been affectionately called "the icebox" by those who know, love and pity me when I live here. This winter has been snowier than usual. December broke records. Here are some Christmas pictures showcasing our winter wonderland.

Home sweet home

2011-01-02T15:37:00.000-08:00

I keep making lists of things to post about - things that will catch everyone up where I am and what I'm doing. But they remain unfinished and maybe I should just move on! Mom and Dad left for South Africa last week and the amount of stuff in Jared and my place tripled (almost). The past week I have spent sorting and putting things away. But it's getting closer to livable space again. Still a work of progress, but here are a few pictures...

Caitlin comes to MN; baking extravaganza and first snow

2010-11-16T17:56:00.000-08:00

Unbelievable! it had been OVER 11 months since I had last seen this beauty. Caitlin made the journey from YYZ to MSP last weekend and we had an incredible time doing Sarah and Caity things. We visited the U of M, baked, and got henna done. Caitlin also came to work with me for a few hours. We also had a snow storm - biggest pre-Thanksgiving snow storm in 20 years. And maybe most importantly, we listened to Christmas music ALL WEEKEND LONG. (My congratulatory gift to myself for receiving my Masters was permission to listen to Christmas music starting NOW with ZERO guilt. It's great!) I love you Caitlin!

HENNA!

Twitch and Doo (don't ask who's who)

Did I mention that I make great fruitshake? (Thanks Mom!)

SNOW!

Wonderwoman

2010-11-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

It's official - I have passed! I am hold a Masters degree in NGO Management and Development. I received this from Robbie - always ultimately supportive!

...your a wonder, Wonderwoman !!

Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman.

All the world's waiting for you,

and the power you possess.

In your satin tights,

Fighting for your rights

And the old Red, White and Blue.

Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman.

Now the world is ready for you,

and the wonders you can do.

Make a hawk a dove,

Stop a war with love,

Make a liar tell the truth.

Wonder Woman,

Get us out from under, Wonder Woman.

All our hopes are pinned on you.

And the magic that you do.

Stop a bullet cold,

Make the Axis fall,

Change their minds, and change the world.

Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman.

You're a wonder, Wonder Woman.

Robert Payne

On Love and Goodbyes

2010-08-05T01:22:00.000-07:00

I am leaving London. At least for now. I have accepted the position of Director of Refugee Resettlement working for an NGO/Nonprofit in Minneapolis. I am VERY excited about being back in Minnesota, near family and friends and earning money doing something I believe is very important.

But leaving is very hard. There are two songs that I have been listening to on repeat.... here are the lyrics of one...

Calm down
Deep breaths
And get yourself dressed instead
Of running around
And pulling all your threads saying
Breaking yourself up

If it's a broken part, replace it
But, if it's a broken arm then brace it
If it's a broken heart then face it

And hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way

And everything will be fine
Everything will be fine

Hang on
Help is on the way
Stay strong
I'm doing everything

Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?

I know you've had to read through many of my goodbyes to places on this blog. And I promise to subject you to another one on London soon.

But this morning I received this.... and remembered that goodbye is not forever....

I love you beautiful spirit...

in weightless spaces

where love dances into the night

and through cracked smiles

painful goodbyes

amazing reunions,

i love you

and i love you

thinking of you...

this is not good bye...

its just a, will see you again soon...

- Mthoko 8/5/10

Family Dinner...

2010-08-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

I have been so blessed to meet people during this program that I adore. I was minorly afraid of being thrown in with 20 random people who I had never met before, but I have found people who I admire, am challenged by, and thoroughly enjoy being with! We have had a number of events over the course of the year. Here is a picture of the most recent one.

Right to left: Priti (Nepalese), Joao (Portugese), Gabby (Dani's sister), Dani (Spanish/Venezuelan), Peter (American), MOI, Sabrina (Bangladeshi/American).

Unfortunately, with exam ending, we have begun loosing people slowly. But pictured here are some absolute gems.

SEDEER IS HERE!

2010-07-25T03:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, blogger just redid itself and it's freaking me out!

More importantly.... I spent yesterday with SEDEER! He's in Norwich (apparently pronounced Norj) for 2 weeks on a course exploring Modelling Momosdfsoidhfology. I took the train up yesterday morning and we spent the day wandering around and catching up....

This is me in the train. I don't usually take pictures of myself - but I had just distilled my dissertation research question and I thought it was worth remembering!

Reunited at Pizza Express! Sedeer is exactly the same.

Wandering through Norj. This doesn't capture the fact that we managed to semi-lose ourselves in the industrial part of town - far away from sidewalks and people...

I took this for the sign mostly... perspective is off, but Sedeer is standing on the "Little Steps" leading up and to the left.

Sedeer has been a constant source of laughter, love, support and exasperation in my life. Thank you for a great afternoon, Sir! I love you always!

It's amazing I'm still alive =P

2010-07-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

So Brent sent me this today when I told him I was struggling. I don't know where it comes from.... but I decided to do it. I mean, I have no idea what these numbers are. To be honest, I didn't read all the way through before I started writing numbers down. Then I read the instructions at the bottom....

LIFE EVENTS SURVEY

(CIRCLE EACH THAT APPLIES)

Life Event Average Stress Score

Death of spouse 100

Divorce 73

Marital separation 65

Jail term 63

Death of close family member 63

Personal injury or illness 53

Marriage 50

Being fired from work 47

Marital problems 45

Retirement 45

Change in health of family member 44

Pregnancy 40

Sexual difficulties 39

Gain of new family member 39

Business readjustment 39

Change in finances 38

Death of a close friend 37

Change to different line of work 36

Change in number of arguments with spouse 35

Mortgage or loan for major purchase (such as a home) 31

Foreclosure of mortgage or loan 30

Change in responsibilities at work 29

Son or daughter leaving home 29

Trouble with in-laws 29

Outstanding personal achievement 28

Spouse begins or stops work 26

Beginning or finishing school 26

Change in living conditions 25

Revision of personal habits 24

Trouble with boss 23

Change in work hours or conditions 20

Change in residence 20

Change in school 20

Change in recreation 19

Change in church activities 19

Change in social activities 18

Mortgage or loan for lesser purchase (such as a car or TV) 17

Change in sleeping habits 16

Change in number of family get-togethers 15

Change in eating habits 15

Vacation 13

Christmas 12

Minor violations of the law 11

Determine which Life events have occurred in your life over the past two years and add up your total stress score. For example, if you got married, changed to a different line of work, changed residence, and took two vacations, your total stress score would be 50+36+20+13+13=132.

If your total stress score is under 150 you are less likely to be suffering the effects of cumulative stress. If it is between 150 and 300, you may be suffering from chronic stress, depending on how you perceived and coped with the particular life events that occurred. If your score is over 300, it is likely you are experiencing some detrimental effects of cumulative stress. Please note that the stress scores on the above survey are averaged over many people. The degree to which any particular event is stressful to you will depend on how you perceive it.

A conservative estimate puts me at 723 over the last 2 years. Granted this is completely arbitrary, but that's over double the spot where you are "likely you are experiencing some detrimental effects of cumulative stress."

I feel way better about my not-so-great-day. Thank you Brent!

In other news, I love how "Christmas" is a 12. =)

If you're wondering what's been keeping me busy....

2010-07-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

I am working logistics for this program this summer - you can check out what they've been up to... and Peter (my co leader) and I will be popping up in photos every now and then, I'm sure! =)

http://www.cepa-europe.com/cms//front_content.php?idart=240&day=1

Coincidence?

2010-05-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

Two completely unconnected people have told me this story in the past week. I tried to find the abridged version but couldn't. Sorry. Now I just have to figure out what I need to learn from it!

18.65 So they found one of Our servants, on whom We had bestowed Mercy from Ourselves and whom We had taught knowledge from Our own Presence.

18.66 Moses said to him: "May I follow thee, on the footing that thou teach me something of the (Higher) Truth which thou hast been taught?"
18.67 (The other) said: "Verily thou wilt not be able to have patience with me!"
18.68 "And how canst thou have patience about things about which thy understanding is not complete?"
18.69 Moses said: "Thou wilt find me, if God so will, (truly) patient: nor shall I disobey thee in aught."
18.70 The other said: "If then thou wouldst follow me, ask me no questions about anything until I myself speak to thee concerning it."
18.71 So they both proceeded: until, when they were in the boat, he scuttled it. Said Moses: "Hast thou scuttled it in order to drown those in it? Truly a strange thing hast thou done!"
18.72 He answered: "Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with me?"
18.73 Moses said: "Rebuke me not for forgetting, nor grieve me by raising difficulties in my case."
18.74 Then they proceeded: until, when they met a young man, he slew him. Moses said: "Hast thou slain an innocent person who had slain none? Truly a foul (unheard of) thing hast thou done!"
18.75 He answered: "Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with me?"
18.76 (Moses) said: "If ever I ask thee about anything after this, keep me not in thy company: then wouldst thou have received (full) excuse from my side."
18.77 Then they proceeded: until, when they came to the inhabitants of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling down, but he set it up straight. (Moses) said: "If thou hadst wished, surely thou couldst have exacted some recompense for it!"
18.78 He answered: "This is the parting between me and thee: now will I tell thee the interpretation of (those things) over which thou wast unable to hold patience.
18.79 "As for the boat, it belonged to certain men in dire want: they plied on the water: I but wished to render it unserviceable, for there was after them a certain king who seized on every boat by force.
18.80 "As for the youth, his parents were people of Faith, and we feared that he would grieve them by obstinate rebellion and ingratitude (to God and man).
18.81 "So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange (a son) better in purity (of conduct) and closer in affection.
18.82 "As for the wall, it belonged to two youths, orphans, in the Town; there was, beneath it, a buried treasure, to which they were entitled: their father had been a righteous man: So thy Lord desired that they should attain their age of full strength and get out their treasure - a mercy (and favour) from thy Lord. I did it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation of (those things) over which thou wast unable to hold patience."
The Holy Qur'an 18:65-82

A Sunday Walk

2010-05-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Some days you just need a break. I am dreaming of an information injector I can stick straight into my grey matter.... but things aren't that easy. I have spent DAYS studying - bending myself to the (ridiculous) British educational system. Sunday I needed a break. Mthoko and I went wandering - lost of street art and we ended up completely accidentally on Brick Lane. Here are a few shots from the day...

A great night out....

2010-05-21T13:34:00.001-07:00

We had a mini - reunion on Thursday - a great group of friend gathered in Soho for the evening. Dancing galore. Such beautiful faces and amazing spirits full of fun, laughter and care...

and more laughter....

And recognition of each other...

HEDEER is here!

2010-05-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

Facebook is awesome. Well, terrible and awesome. But it was awesome the other day when I got a message from Hedeer saying "I'm in London, where are you?" It's been awesome to see him and "catch up" - kind of a misnomer because it feels like we haven't missed a beat!

Mary comes to visit!

2010-05-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Mary and I lived together in Minneapolis and she took the opportunity to come see the London sights while I was here! She is still here, so hopefully there will be more pictures - but here are some so far...

The first picture of Mary in London - Classic!

Mary got us tickets to see Lissie. The show was great- check her out!

This has always been one of my favorite statues in London

There is a current fund raising campaign to save Asian Elephants - these guys are all over the city. For a girl who has always wanted a miniature elephant, it's perfect.

At Buckingham palace....

Around the fountain at B. Palace.

Mary has also done a great job at taking pictures around my house. This is the road I walk... on the left is Finsbury Park.

And looking down the other way....

Check back for more... we might go to Stonehenge on Sunday!

How do you say goodbye?

2010-05-13T12:32:00.001-07:00

Love I cannot trust

Love if love

It is a drug more potent than any other

Takes us to heights aircrafts can’t reach

And crashes us to lows our hearts can’t bear

Love makes us

Love breaks us

Love builds our hopes

And tears us apart

Love mends us

Love heals us

Love hurts us

Love… I cannot trust

Yet still I stand at its mercy

Ayanda Tshazi

A little over a month ago I had a phone conversation that rocked my world.

S: What's up?

M: Um. I don't know how to tell you this. Siyanda passed away.

And there was nothing else to say. There is no way to process it. No reason, no framework. The last month has been full of processing, tears alone and tears together as we process Siya, his life, the way he loved. They way he is gone too quickly. Last weekend we had a memorial - gathering and remembering. I have stayed up late and woken up early with this one. We have walked and relived, held onto and let go. uSiyanda has taken me far and wide with this move.

Hamba kahle umfowethu. With all the love I have to give.

Chipotle!!!

2010-05-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

I know that you have all be waiting patiently for my Chipotle update. And here you go! Two days ago, the day AFTER opening day (I know, shame on me!) I partook. Here is the synopsis from Sabrina I received the night before.

ok, very critical and important. the breakdown of the chipotle in london experience:

BEST PART: HUNGRY AMERICANS, I met 4 people from UCLA who were almost crying of happiness to eat semi-Mexican food. we remembered california and its greatness, and then went outside in freezing weather.

(1) Guac- wierd, obviously not California avocadoes, but something was defo off.

(2) no tomatoes in burrito- where is the pico. WHERE?

(3) pollo- really tasty, juicy, just how pollo should be.

(4) NO SOUR CREAM. WHAT.

(5) small and shady amount of rice ( basically i'm still hungry)

(6) no chipotle hot sauce. fail of epic proportions

End Concluding Statement (since your thesis is apparently at the end): Although the atmosphere of starving Americans clearly illustrated the power of the Chiptole to a certain extent, ultimately the combination of a lack of essential ingredients that define the Chipotle experience as well as the disporportionate servings that resulted in a still-hungry Sabrina underscores the mediocrity of London cuisine attempts in general.

I understand that this is full of really nerdy inside jokes (because we spend hours in the library studying for exams) but it gives you an overall understanding of the let down.

The tortillas were closer to whole-wheat than white, as was the rice. Proportion sizes were much more European than American (aka, I didn't want to never eat again when I was done) I also felt like the sodium content was MUCH lower. All in all, a good experience!

Reunion!

2010-05-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

I'm a month behind. No, check that, I'm MONTHS behind. The good news is - it's exam time around here. That means lots of procrastination (ie, potentially a lot of blog posts - although to be real, probably some pretty boring ones....) I have a running list of things I should blog about. Generally things go on the blog, and then time passes - and it seems a little late to put them on the blog, and they fall off the list. This one isn't falling off anywhere though!

A month ago this weekend I met three of my bestest friends (Emily, Emily and Emilia) from high school in Napa Valley, CA for a reunion. We hadn't been together since the summer after my 11th grade year! It was a blissful weekend, full of love, side splitting laughter, and three women who have blessed my world for a very long time. I was reminded why I appreciated each of them individually, and they I love us all together. For those of you interested in more pictures you can click here.

You would think we could get this right the first time.

We spent days driving (and getting minorly lost) in the valleys - BEAUTIFUL!

And stopped at a few wineries for tastings....

And then there was fun. =)

Four women, and four girls. Grown and Young. Changed and the same.

It's been a month ladies. And I love you all dearly.

50 Walks through London

2010-03-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

One of the best gifts I have ever received was from Anne R. Mazzocco this Christmas (granted, many of my favorite gifts are from this beautiful woman). It was a collection of 50 walks through London - all one to two miles, all in zones one and two. Now, this is brilliant because I walk through this town daily, but I never know WHAT I'M WALKING PAST. There is so much history, and so much to see... NOW I will know what it is.

Today the second walk.... and some photos. And, I know there are no pictures of important things... but I do like red phone booths very much... the other stuff was really exciting too, I promise....

I know I look preggers here, but despite my deepest desires, I am not.....

This is me trying to be a red phone booth - how am I doing?

This is totally posed. The grimace is not for the camera... its of the intense smell of urine within....

aaaahhhhhhhH! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

2010-03-14T15:46:00.001-07:00

When I fly back into the US, I often go STRAIGHT to Chipotle... chicken fajita, mild and medium salsa, lots of sour cream and cheese. Water to drink (but I usually put a sip of coke in my cup before I leave...). Before I left to come to London, I looked to see if Chipotle was here. The answer was NO =( But that they were planning to come to London "soon." Today, by accident, I stumbled upon this....

In case you can't tell from the photo, it's a picture of a Chipotle, not the real thing... but it should be here soon! AND it's only a 10 minute walk from school! This could be big trouble!

Hillsong...

2010-03-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

This morning (well.... afternoon really) I went to the Hillsong Church. It is large and in charge - and held in the Old Dominion Theater (a big venue) and quite the production. Here is a shot of the stage pre-start...

Am I crazy or was this a hit?

2010-02-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

While Sarah and I were dancing fools, Gala "free from desire" came on. I was really excited, because this was a HIT when I was in high school. She looked dead, she had never heard it. And it got me worried. I mean, she is a cool girl... maybe I'm just crazy... has anyone else never heard this song?

AS visits AS in London

2010-02-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

As promised!

I spent Thursday and Friday am in Paris and met the newest sweet sweet William Carey McDaniel. Due to overwhelming 3 week old adorableness, he was unable to be captured in digital form. I apologize. =( Phil and Julie are great - it was so nice to sit and catch up on life, and hold a baby... I want one!

I got back on Friday just in time to go to the airport and pick Sarah up. We were both wiped out (her after a whilwind two weeks in SA, and me after 2 hours on a train from Paris...) and opted out of doing Friday night big in London. Instead we got fish and chips (please note, this is one order SHARED....) and sat and talked. =)

Saturday Sarah and I took a double decker bus to my basketball game. She kept score and books for the game. Just like the good old days - except this time it didn't end in a fist fight on national tv. We've toned it down in our old age. =)
Saturday evening we met up with some friends from South Africa. Sarah and I are both tall - this picture was cracking us up cause it looks like we aren't....

The crew!

We went to a Dutch Pancake place for a late dinner - Salmon and mushroom, four cheese and banana nutella. Delicious!

And then we danced the night away in Leister Square. Sarah and I worked on the perfect look for a while....

It's really a wonder no one takes us seriously...

Such an amazing experience. Same great people, different (great?) city! =)

Stay tuned!!!

2010-02-03T05:31:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I'm off to Paris for the day to meet William Mc Daniel, the newest addition to the Phil and Julie Mc Daniel team. Photo evidence I promise!

And then when I get back on Friday, Sarah Massey is here for the weekend! =)

Let me feel the temperature of your knees

2010-02-03T05:25:00.000-08:00

I went to the doctor today to get my knee looked at. I knew that this was going to be a general consult and he wouldn't know what the problem was, and was hoping for a quick referral to someone more specialized. After telling him that nothing specific or major had happened to my knees, it was just increasingly painful to move them, he had me hop up on the table and roll up my pant legs.

"Now I am going to look at your knees."

"Now I'm going to feel the temperature of your knees."

"They are the same temperature."

I almost died.

Since my knees were the same temperature, he didn't know what was wrong. So he said, "this afternoon I will write a letter to the specialist, and then the specialist will write you a letter, and then you can make an appointment." Really?

Good thing the Royal Mail service isn't currently on strike.

A new love

2010-01-29T02:53:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I found This American Life a Chicago Public Radio show. It is brilliant and so much fun to listen to as I type up notes, etc. I just listened to the story of Bobby Dunbar as I slowly work my way through the favorites. Check it out!

Is it Saturday... or is it Saturday?

2010-01-29T02:44:00.000-08:00

Tiffany and I had a sleep over to relive the good old days when my cold feet haunted her. After an evening of Mystic River and delicious chicken, carrots and suede (which I just now learned is rutabaga which I have always thought I didn't like!), we decided to make pancakes the next morning. We added banana....

and then...... chocolate and peanut butter chips....

At this point Tiffany said, "Is it Saturday? or is it SATURDAY!" And we both revelled in the weekend decadence that was to be....

Ten minutes later it dawned on me... It was Wednesday.

NGO Dinner

2010-01-20T02:57:00.000-08:00

I enjoy cooking, but I'm not great at it. Sabrina, is. AND she loves to cook as a stress reliever. SO, a Masters program has meant lots of great treats for the rest of us. She comes in with gourmet desserts covered in pink frothy frosting and pink chocolate shavings, glazed mini apple tarts, and granola chocolate chip cookies. It's great.

Despite all this she was somehow appalled that she hadn't had us over for dinner (please note, there are 20 of us.) And so she did. She made quite the spread and it was complimented by dishes from China and Thailand brought by other members of our group as well as wine from around the world.

After dinner, dessert was dedicated to the three girls with birthdays in December. (thankyouverymuch). We got halfway through the birthday song when Peter yelled, "Sabrina, YOUR HAIR!" and yes. It was on fire. Apparently we turned a lot old - the cake below is not on fire, just covered in candels. Thankfully her luscious locks beautifully hide any damage.

And we make quite the pair =)

Cousins are the best... why not have some more?

2009-12-24T19:40:00.001-08:00

Here's a crazy story for you (Cristen)...

This week I met this great man for the first time....

He also happens to be MY COUSIN! And I didn't really know he existed! How does that happen you might ask? Well, apparently my family keeps things from me. I learned about Tony's existence for the first time about a year ago. I grilled my grandmother about him and tried to find him, but failed. He saw my grandma's obituary and called my aunt - and now is taking the brave step of slowly getting to know our never-very-normal family! He is 37 and great! He's lived in St. Paul all his life, and just down the street from where I went to college... so it is more than likely that we've shared the same space on more than one occasion. We spent a few hours getting to know each other and I can't wait for more. Welcome to the family, Tony!

home in the winter wonderland...

2009-12-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

Plays and more Plays

2009-12-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

I am spoiled rotten. That's the long and short of it. I got to see three amazing shows before leaving London. The first was a repeat visit to Mother Courage and her Children with Caitlin. We sat in the first row and even took a bullet casing home with us!

Here we are in front of (one of three of) Mother Courages wagons.

That was followed by The Habit of Art - another fantastic show with great company! And finally, James Earl Jones and Ms. Huxtable in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

This picture would have been great if Joao hadn't run through it, intentionally to ruin it. =)

Henna with Tiff

2009-12-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

It was a rushed affair, but we did it.... unfortunately the designs didn't set too well - I didn't make the henna far enough in advance. But check out the creativity!

Caitlin comes to visit!!

2009-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

Mona let me have Caitlin for a FABULOUS weekend. We had a blast, walked a ton, stayed up way too late, caught up on Grey's Anatomy and shopped on Oxford Street. It even SNOWED!

The essense of childhood

2009-12-03T01:09:00.000-08:00

Youssef, Mother Courage and the National

2009-10-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Facebook rocks. I have friends spread far and wide, and facebook is a great way to keep tabs on them all (with only minimal effort...) I knew Youssef was in London (ala facebook) acting, and sent him a message asking if he had time to get together and if he was currently in any shows. A few days later I found myself on a personalized backstage tour of the National Theater with plans to see the show Mother Courage and Her Children the next night. From the site:

Mother Courage, one of the most astonishing stage creations of the twentieth century, drags her cart across the battlefields, profiteering from a war that destroys her children, one by one
It isn’t easy, starting a war, but nothing worthwhile is easy. And once you’re in, you’re hooked like a gambler, you can’t afford to walk away from the crapshoot once you’re deep into it.

A Brecht play leaving you with plenty to ruminate over!

Along with Youssef, Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter's Aunt Petunia) and Harry Melling (Harry's cousin, Dudley) put on an amazing show accompanied by the music of Duke Special.

Youssef got us (Daniel, Helder and Silvia) seats in the 2nd row center(!!!!!) of the Olivier theater and it was an amazing amazing evening. After the show we spent time with the rest of the cast listening to the free concerts that Duke puts on every evening. Top night in London so far?

Possibly....

Stuff White People Like... and other great LSE events

2009-10-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

One of the better parts of selling my soul to (the) LSE for this academic year is access to amazing lectures and events. As the Dean of Graduate Students (just me or does he look like he belongs in a James Bond movie?) pointed out during orientation, anyone who is anyone that comes through choses to speak at either Oxford or Cambridge, AND (the) LSE. This is a link to the Events Page if you are interested in seeing who's coming!

Last Monday Tiff and I went to see Christian Lander

the accidental founder of the site "Stuff White People Like." Brent introduced me to this site earlier this year and I really enjoyed hearing Christian talk about the "history" of the site (he went from putting a joke blog up to 300,000 hits a day and a book deal in 3 months!). He is a funny funny man. Because(?) it was (the) LSE, he did spend some time talking about race, class and stereotype in relation to his ideas. I would like to sit down and pick his brain more. But a lot of fun!

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-13T00:32:00.000-07:00

Tiffany and I carved pumpkins last night. How awesome are these? Happy Halloween!

True Love....

2009-10-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Take that 18 year olds!

2009-10-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today we had "tryouts" for the LSE Women's Basketball team. I wrote the team representative earlier this year to ask questions - thinking I could potentially be involved in coaching. I was thrilled when she wrote back and said that graduate students are allowed to PLAY! As of today (actually, pending the results of tryouts...) I am an LSE Beaver.
Now, let's revisit the fact that I am a graduate student. I am old. I was slightly concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the 18 year old first year students (and indeed, that is the majority of the team) physically. This was me at 18.....
a loooooooong time ago.

After practice I was talking to an undergrad about the grad programs at LSE and mentioning that many of the students went straight to thier masters from undergrad, so I feel old a lot of the time. Another girl chimes in, "Old? You're not old! Old would be 30!" I asked her to guess how old I was. "22" was the response. She didn't believe me when I told her the truth.

I ran circles around these kids. Of course the saddest part is that I'm old enough now that I feel like this is some sort of accomplishment.

And my colligiate sports career continues...

Weather wins?

2009-10-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me how people adapt to weather. I spent a good deal of my growing up years on the equator where the weather was perfect. Always. Yes, it would rain sometimes and be dry others, but but temperature really never varied. It was stuck at somewhere near beautiful. All. The. Time.

So it's only been in my grown up years that I have really been aware at how people adapt to the pervasive weather conditions in any given geographic region.

Minnesota, for example, looks like this for 9 months out of the year.
I was pretty sure the first year I lived there that I would never go out. Ever. Because I would freeze to death (a very rational fear). But people adapt. The reality is, you put on long underwear (cuddleduds are my brand of preference) and a few thousand other layers of clothing, boots, a hat, a coat, and mittens and you go out and frolick. Ski, snowboard, sled, skate, make snow forts, have snow ball fights, or make snow men.

Although these were made in Japan.

In 2005 I took a group of students to Anse Bertrand. While it usually looks like this
a rainstorm would come through every afternoon. But no one cared. People just got soaked. And loved it. And carried on with their day. Soon the sun came out again and before you knew it, you were bone dry!

And then there is Zambia. In the hot season this sun is merciless.
But people adapt. Thier slow walks to work become even slower as they wait for the oppresive heat particles to voluntarily mosey out of the way. This way they sweat less and conversations can linger longer. All because of the weather.

Now onto London. It is rainy here. Really rainy.

This I knew. I spent this morning on the bus looking for the positive side. Waiting to see someone adapting in a way they enjoyed. But really... it just means umbrellas. And shivers. And cold wet that doesn't go away.

At least it looked beautiful in 1945.

*Please note. None of the images used in this blog are my own. They were all borrowed effortlessly from Flickr. Thank you web.

Morning musings

2009-10-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Silence - except for an electrical hum.
Awkward stadium seating
that holds crowds as they come
to listen, digest and begin repeating
mantras of free thinking.

*******

Embark on a journey - sail with me
through articles in academia
rhertoric and theoretic
searching for the answers to life's questions
arriving at only one -
it is not here.

*******

Teaching in strategies
frameworks for quantifying, processing and solving
time and mind expansion
freeing your mind and binding you to make a difference.

AberDEEN people!

2009-10-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

I generally try and avoid fad books (aside from Harry Potter). But I was pushed over the edge on this one and began reading the first Twilight series book right before I left the States. I was through it and in love with vampires soon after arriving in London.
And then Tiffany started reading it.
After about 100 pages she got on Amazon to order the next 3 books. Then commenced the daily check to see if they'd shipped. They shipped rather quickly and on Thursday they were delivered! But not to us.
Tiff wrote Amazon to track down where the books had been left. They claimed thier courrier had delivered them and left them "in a secure location."
In a conversation with her downstairs neighbor, Tiff was reminded that there is an AberCORN street about 15 minutes walk from here, and sometimes mail is misdelivered.
So this morning we went on a walk - to AberCORN to see if Edward (gorgeous vampire) was hiding there.
After entering 33 Abercorn (uninvited, but the door was open?) and finding nothing, we turned to go.
Then Tiffany looked down the stairs. And peeking out of an ivy covered electrical box was a corner of cardboard. We investigated further....

And there they were. Twilight books delivered....

MSc NGO Development and Management here I come!

2009-10-03T04:40:00.000-07:00

I have done a horrible job a updating this blog with life decisions in the past couple of years. I guess that is what it is. But this one sets the stage for posts for the next year, so I'd better write a bit about it.

I applied for grad schools last fall and landed a place at LSE in a great Masters program that I believe will be right up my alley and give me tools to do many of the things I dream of doing in life.

So here I am in London - finding a place to live, a job, and of course, spending a great deal of time here:

right in Central London - attending orientations and trying to figure out what life will look like for the past year. Here are some things I have learned about LSE in the last few days:

People here refer to the institution as The LSE. Gramatically correct perhaps, but strange sounding to me.
There are approximately 9000 students at LSE this year (approximate because they don't know who will show up until they show up. You are not required to pay any sort of "I'm coming for sure" deposit). About half of those are what are called "post graduate" students (ie ME.) So, going from the US system to UK system, I've managed to skip an entire education rung!
There is a "50:50 ratio men to women at the school, although there are more women than men." Yes, a direct quote.
They have 100+ graduate programs.
Students come from 140+ different countries.
1 in 3 of the people coming into the school this year will get H1N1.
The Social Policy Department is the oldest department at school established in 1985
The school mascot is a beaver.

My specific program description can be found here if you are intersted in reading more. This year there are 17 people in the program. 4 Men and 13 Women. We come from Japan, China, Thailand, Nepal, Italy, Portugal, UK, Venezuela, Chile, USA and probably one or two more places that I'm not remembering well. We are all together for our foundational course and dissertation prep course. I am still working out exactly what I want to do for my optional courses. I'll let you know when I've got it nailed down.

Aside from a great education, I'm excited about my experience at (the) LSE for a few other reasons:

It's in London. Now, I'm looking outside and it's cold and blustery. I'm NOT here for the weather. But there are a lot of people here from my past. And it's amazing to be able to see them and connect with them. It's also a much more of a hub for people passing through than Minneapolis is.
The guest lecturers that (the) LSE attracts are great. This probably just makes me a big nerd - but I'm excited. I have one on my calendar for every evening of the week this next week. I won't likely make it to all of them, but the options are great!
(the) LSE library is one of the largest social science libraries in the world. I need to take an audio tour - I'm still totally lost in there!

Stay tuned for more. I have a couple of events that I have been to that I want to blog about. I moved here without a camera - so I've been holding off on blogging 'til I have pictures. =) Tiffany has been kind enough to lend me one. She is a lifesaver!!!

She is, I am

2009-09-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

She is 61, I am 3. She is buttoning my Easter dress, her fingernails painted red, always a lady.

****

She is 63, I am 5. We are on the beach in South Carolina walking through the sand picking up star fish and sand dollars. She quietly revels in my boundless energy.

****

She is 68, I am 10. I am one of the elves for our family Christmas gathering. I hand her a gift and she adds it to the stacks piling around her - evidence of the large and loving family.

****

She is 71, I am 13. My brothers and I drive the riding lawnmower through her back yard. She stands in the garage doorway smoking and reminding us not to drive over the dog chain.

****

She is 75, I am 17. My Grandpa has died and she is finally free to travel. She visits us in Morocco and for the first time I am able to share my life with her. We walk through the bustling old city and I watch as she takes in the sights and smells - I learn who she is, and our similarities. When she leaves I miss her as a person and a part of my life.

****

She is 77, I am 19. We stand by Dad's hospital bed and she holds my hand. Always a strong and steady support - dedicated and lovingly holding the family together.

****

She is 79, I am 21. She makes Joel and I lunch every Sunday. We play cards for hours. She gives everything her best - she never let me win, not even as a 5 year old. Now she cheats - although she claims it's not on purpose.

****

She is 79, I am 21. It is the last home basketball game of my collegiate experience. She brings me flowers and stands at center court with me while the National Anthem is played.

****

She is 81, I am 23. It is a few weeks to Christmas and I stand in her living room putting her tree together - as I do every year. From her recliner she directs light placement and decoration.

****

She is 82, I am 24. It's a summer day and I am lying on her couch. She is in her recliner, dog on her lap, breeze blowing gently through the screen door. This is one of my favorite places to process life. Her experience, wisdom and love flow subtly but concretely into my reality.

****

She is 84, I am 26. We are sitting by my uncle's side as he lets go of life. My aunt whispers in her ear that she needs to tell him it's OK to die. "I can't," she says. I hold her hand and my heart breaks. No mother should ever have to watch her child die.

****

It is her 86th birthday, I am 27. She was put on hospice a few days ago and we have gathered as a family to celebrate her last birthday with her. She sits as she often does, reveling in the love and life that she has fostered in each of us.

****

She is 86, I am 28. We bring the kittens to visit. She sits softly stroking their month old fur, reveling in the beauty of life.

****

She is 86, I am 28. I lean down to give her a kiss for what I know will be the last time. "I love you, Grandma."
"I love you too, Sarah."

****

She is flying, I am 28. Sitting in London, re-reading an email - she is free. My heart screams it's joy and pain as I let her go.

****

She is flying, I am 28. It is the evening before her funeral. I am sitting with family gathered together - holding my cousins as we cry together, as we laugh together, as we celebrate her life and mourn the deep hole she leaves in our lives.

****

She is flying, I am 28. I follow the procession up the isle of the church and stand, looking down at her beautiful face - tears streaming. How do I say goodbye?

****

She is flying, I am 28. Struggling under the weight of her casket as we walk her to her body's final resting place.

****

She is flying, I am 28. Dad and I are sorting through her things - remnants of a life full of memories, full of love.

**** She is flying, I am 28. I am running around the lake, my throat clenches as I struggle with how to say goodbye and how to hold her close - how to explain and celebrate her vibrance, how to capture my joy in her and my grief at her passing. She speaks to me in the quiet of my heart. She speaks with words of the past and with wisdom and love instilled. I take pride in being a part of her legacy.

Because she is, I am.

Notting Hill Carnival

2009-09-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

On the way back from Thailand I had a couple of days in London. I met up with Rita and Kris to attend the Notting Hill Carnival. We were not the only people to attend, however, and joined A MILLION others to see the parade. I don't think I have ever been in a crowd that large. It took us over an hour to break free and get out when it was time to go home. Rita ended up sprinting back to the hotel for the bags - and they JUST made the train back to Paris.

for more pictures see this gallary.

Sorry...

2009-09-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

So, it seems like my pictures aren't working so hot for most people (and now they aren't coming up for me either!) I have tried reloading them, and that isn't working either! Here is a link to the facebook album with these pictures plus a few more. Enjoy!

Sarah can Surf!

2009-09-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

Part of this vacation was a surf camp in Canggu, Bali. The people at The Green Room do an amazing job at keeping you from killing yourself while you learn the ins and outs of wave land. Let me tell you, if you ever want to feel muscles that you never knew you had, learn to surf... I have very limited photographic evidence that any of this actually happened. What follows is the entirety.

this is the board rash sustained through my rash guard

honestly not sure how this one happened...

the board of daily schedules, etc at surf camp

And finally, my second day surfing... proof that I went in the water. I have the big blue board, second from the left. It was a Superman Board.

Nokia Ultra Screen Experience

2009-08-15T11:43:00.001-07:00

We went to a movie tonight. But one unlike anything I have ever experienced. Thai´s have normal theaters, most movies are in English, subtitled in Thai. Lina wanted us to have the Nokia Ultra Experience. A good deal more expensive, you are ushered in pre-movie to a VIP lounge, repleate with massage chairs.
Once in the theater you settle into private booths with recliners and silk blankets. After a half an hour of previews, you are routed from your cocoon as to stand tall for the National Anthem.

Then back into pure relaxation for (my third viewing of) Harry Potter...

To poop or not to poop, its not even a question.

2009-08-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

I´ve travelled a bit in my day and really have never had a problem with stomach issues. That´s not to say that I´ve never gotten sick, but generally I really have no problems. Thailand, however, has bested me. I have not really pooped since I´ve been here. I´ve tried all my tricks (save Buffalo Wild Wings) and some of Lina´s. But to no avail. Tonight I broke down and drank Milk of Magnesia. This was my first experiece with the vial stuff (that I can remember).
I´m travelling to Bali tonight. There are many, many, many inopportune times this stuff could choose to work. If you´re lucky I´ll spare you the rest of the story...

A quick bike ride

2009-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lina is quite the tour guide. Today we maneuvered Bangkok traffic and made it over the river on a ferrz and to cement footpaths running above green murky water through Thai neighborhoods. Of course we got totally lost... here´s where we are on the map. Unfortunately the map was completely in Thai and we ended up biking and extra hour. I have not been this hot or sticky for quite some time.

My Day in facebook status updates.

2009-08-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Sarah Hesch

can´t wake up! Jetlag still?? 9:35am
´s every move is anticipated. This hotel is crazy. 9:42am
is about to get her first Thai massage! 11:00am
is three times the size of the Thai woman massaging her. 11:30 am
has never been bent in quite this way before. 11:37 am
wonders if Thai massage in London is only $5.50? 12:00pm
gets her first pedicure. 12:17pm
´s toes are ruby red. 1:37 pm (just for you M3)
is lost. 2:15pm
wonders where the fruit market is? 3:01pm
laughs at the Donald Duck statue in front of the Buddist Temple. 3:17pm
thinks everything inexplicably sucks. Oh. The guidebook says this is dehydration! 4:12pm
pooped. FINALLY! It´s been 4 days! 5:02pm
does situps. 5:35pm
has had Pad Thai for dinner for the last 4 nights - time for more! 8:30pm
journals and posts. 9:45pm

Lina Lina LIIIIINNNAAAA!

2009-08-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Lina lives in Thailand and has spent the last three years working at NIST. We have been talking about me coming to visit for quite some time - and it´s finally happened! We have had a great time catching up, exploring Bangkok and sharing the same space for a while.

Lina is also tall. And we have had an ongoing discussion about our hight differences. Things were finally put to rest early in this trip with a measuring session. The proof of who is taller is now engraved on the wall of her apartment. I am officially 183.4 cms to her 182 cms.

Not only did we figure out who was taller, but we figured out that we are both a meter taller than all the Thais!

borrowed bike....

2009-08-07T05:49:00.000-07:00

Emily is moving to the US for at least a year and offered to let me borrow her bike! YAY!

EMILY!!!!

2009-08-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

I spent last night with Emily Smith (formerly O'Brien) and her husband Tim. We had a very relaxing evening catching up on life and enjoying Emily's yummy chili. Among other things, we reminisced about LAUGHTER. Emily and I were two of four inseparables (Emily, Emily, Emilia and Sarah) in Morocco and we laughed a LOT.

This morning we laid in bed and drank tea - so relaxing, rejuvenating and beautiful. I love you Ems!

The next morning, to our surprise, Emilia and Emily B(U) showed up! We sat in Emily's dining room and caught up on life. Here is a picture of the 4 of us together...
And then one of just EmG and EmU.... cause sometimes, they just want a picture of themselves.And THAT is when I realized why we laugh so hard when we are together. EMG and EMU - we love you!!!

Books

2009-08-06T03:32:00.000-07:00

I love to read. And when I'm reading for me - I read really really slowly. If it's fiction I lose myself in the characters, the story, the scenery - if it's nonfiction and I'm enjoying it, I absorb everything I can.

About 2.5 years ago, I quit reading - and started watching a LOT of TV. Now, I was living in Kyrgyzstan at the time, so I wasn't watching realtime TV, but rather watching past seasons of shows. And I watched A LOT (thankfully a cheap habit in the land of pirated Asian dvds):

The incomplete list:

The entirety of Alias (5 or 6 seasons?)
24 seasons 1-5
Lost upto current
Grey's Anatomy to current
Smallville nearly to curent

About 1.5 years into this, I realized that I was watching TV as an escape as well, but a much more mindless one. Life was hard and numbing my mind with tv was better than some alternatives. =)

Anyway, with time and space, I've started reading again! I just finished Tales of a Female Nomad - a twice gift from Emily (the only person I know who can give a gift twice!) I loved it! She spends a great deal of time in Thailand and Bali - which is PERFECT (tell you why in the next post!)

Currently I'm reading The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (thanks for the lend, J!) and I can't put it down. Apparently it's about to become a movie. Jury is still out on whether I have any desire to see it - this book is reeeeaaaaalllly good, and I wouldn't want a movie to ruin my visions.

And next on the list are The Book Thief (Zusak) and a re-read of East of Eden (Steinbeck).

I CAN'T WAIT!

Tonight I'm going to see E(OB)S - hopefully I'll have pictures for you tomorrow!

Don't mess with this guy...

2009-08-05T09:42:00.001-07:00

I went to happy hour with some friends last week and parked in the area behind Aveda in Northeast. I was talking to my friend Angela on the phone as I found my parking spot. As I got out of the car a guy watering the grass in front of the apartment building I was in front of said, "Hey, are you talking on your cell phone while driving?" A seemingly silly question, as he could see clearly that I was.

Now, I don't think that talking on your cell phone while driving is a great thing to do. Along with eating, putting makup on, texting, rocking out to the radio and painting clowns, it can be pretty distracting. However, it is something that I do on occasion. This was one of those occasions.

I looked at him smiled, nodded and began walking away.

That was when he sprayed my car with his hose, right by my feet.

Now, this is Minnesota-nice land... things like this don't happen. I looked up in shock, gave him a confused look, and continued walking away. His spray of water followed me as I went. When I was half way across the street (and still talking to Ang) he thows this at me, "Don't worry, your car will be safe here."

So I go to Happy Hour pretty much convinced that my car would not be there when I got back.

But it was. Along with this note - typed and printed (on a printer in need of ink).

You are ignorant and inconsiderate to talk on your cell phone while you drive. You do this because you are selfish, uncultured, poorly raised, and most of all, very, very stupid. You are uneducated and a feeble minded loser with cellulite. ... You are a dumb woman with no morals, values, or intelligence. Soon, you will crash your car and probably suffer.

You're a fool.

Now, there are a LOT of things you could do to get me to reconsider my actions. Statistics would work, telling me a personal story about an experience you have had would work, but attacking my intelligence and moral fortidude... well... mostly that just gets me to post about you.

We finally got new family photos!

2009-08-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

he thinks i love him... silly dog....

2009-07-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Before I move on...

2009-07-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

I realize I have done a terrible job at keeping this blog updated. Likely many of you no longer read it - or who am I kidding? - you never did! I'm sorry. This is mostly due to two things.

The last year and a half have been hands down the most difficult of my life. I am slowly surfacing on the other side of it... very slowly I am able to lift my eyes to the skies again and look forward.

The second reason is, I have been in the States for the past year and a half. And while there are incredible and remarkable things that happen here every day - I quickly get out of the habit of sharing them.

But before opening the London chapter of life, I would like to reflect on some of my favorite parts of life here, in no particular order. =) Enjoy... or ignore, as you will!

Work

After Zambia I began working at Tree Trust an organization started in the 70's in response to the Dutch Elm crisis (yes, I give this speech often). The desire of the founders was to replant the Twin Cities through employment training. We have since expanded in both the environmental and employment training realms. I work in employment training with adult recipients of the MFIP program. Our program partners with different companies and nonprofits in the area to provide relevant work experience to participants with the goal of getting them back into the workforce and off of welfare. Our specific program can be seen here.

One thing I enjoy is the creation of community solutions. Working with different organizations to create spaces for employment training is rewarding, and partnering with Employment Service Providers who can help with creative problem solving as participants overcome barriers to employment is invigorating.

Likely my most favorite part of my job, however, is this brilliant man.

World meet, BE. This is him wearing my ridiculous sunglasses (so you can't blame him for the poor fashion sense). B and I started about 2 weeks apart... he is capable and smart - all you could ever ask for in a coworker (and truly everyone I work with is really amazing!). But more than that, he is a friend. He makes me laugh on almost a minutely basis - I struggle to captivate his humor (my cupboard doors are full of B quotes). Often times I simulcast his hilarity to Annie via email... just because he is that great. I've put in a request for a Webcam (I think we have money in the budget) so I can be a part of the office (and specifically B's life) from London... I'm hoping this One remains a part of my journey through life.

Family

My parents and youngest brother returned about a year ago from South Africa. This is the first time in nearly TEN YEARS that we have all lived in the same country. It has been amazing to get over the feeling of needing to see and talk to them every possible moment and KNOW that they are near. My family, immediate and extended, has remained, as always, an incredible support in my life. Having my Mamma and Pops, Jello and J-rad to talk things through and process life with is invaluable. I am so grateful for the time all together before I leave again. This weekend we are going up to my Aunt's cabin for 3 days. Hopefully we will take pictures - it's beautiful. I thank God for family, for non-judgmental love and support in life. I couldn't have made it through the last year and a half without the knowledge that I was Unconditionally loved by my parents. Without their constant encouragement and love, I would not be who I am or able to stand today. Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for the depth of love they have shown me.

Writing this makes me realize that we need a new family picture this summer as the most recent one I can find is this - probably taken 7 years ago!

Along with family, is "my Annie." Randomly matched roommates freshman year, I was sure that I would kill her. Not due to anything she had done - but, being the easy going person I (think I) am, I was destined to be driven crazy by what she did, murder her and end up in jail. This didn't happen and instead, thanks to Lauri Hamre (never thought I'd say THOSE words) we are forever friends - tied through memories, mutual appreication, deep gratituted and LOVE.

Thank you, Annie Ruth for standing with me and by me. I Love You!

Basketball

Minneapolis has the world's best women's basketball league. Of course I can't say that with complete confidence, but it's practically complete. I have played in the WYCA women's league for the last 7 years on and off. The staff work tirelessly to provide an amazing opportunity for women to play a game that many of us love. There are 30 teams in our league (!) this offers a great opportunity to see different teams every week.... I have played on a number of different teams over the years, but the current one, I can safely say, is my absolute favorite. The ladies I play with are capable, caring and FUN. We have a great time every Tuesday night and I will miss them dearly!

So I'm moving to London

2009-07-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true!

One of the grad schools that I applied to was the London School of Economics for an MSc in NGO Management and Development. I was ecstatic when I was accepted! I was pretty nervous about getting a UK visa - if you'd seen the application, you would have been too! But I've got it - And so this is the current plan - London in the fall!!!

The Ultimate Frontier

2009-06-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

On the shores of Lake Superior I learned that my co-worker grew up in what he called an "intentional community of like minded people" in Stelle, Illinois. He gave me the autobiography of the founder and I have been reading it. FASCINATING the differences in perception!

Names....

2009-06-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

*some names have been changed to protect the innocent*

I should tell you more about what I do. Maybe next post. It's endless fun. In my line of business we run into some great names and naming situations. Here are three of my favorites.

1) Lashonda and Larashonda are sisters. They live in the same house and they are enrolled in two different Tree Trust programs. Causes havoc in my office.

2) In our discussion of names we came across this one. A lady named: L'-e ... Any guesses how that is pronounced? "La-dash-ee" CREATIVE GENIUS!

3) I had a man come through orientation today. His name isn't (but is very similar to) Wilson Chester Grant III. It was just the two of us in the room, so as he was filling out papers I asked if either Wilson Chester Grant I or II were still alive. I found out that Wilson Chester Grant I was his father. Wilson Chester Grant II was his older brother. Not wanting to kill a good thing, his younger brother was named Chester Wilson Grant. Wow.

"Is this Sarah?"

2009-06-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

My Grandma fell and broke her hip last week and has been in the hospital having surgery. Yesterday I called her room to see how she was doing. The phone rang and rang and rang and rang and rang and FINALLY she picked up.

G'ma: "Hello?"
Sarah: "Hi Grandma."
G'ma: "Is this Sarah?"
Sarah: "Yes it is, how are you?"
G'ma: "Oh, I'm fine. I'm so glad you called. I was hoping it would be you! The doctor just came in and showed me the x-rays, I can see the 3 screws in my hip..." And she continues talking.

About 3 sentences in I realize that THIS IS NOT MY GRANDMOTHER! But the lady is SO excited to be talking to SARAH (please note, she said, "Is this Sarah?" and then "I'm so glad you called. I was hoping it would be you!") And we had been talking for so long that I didn't want to ruin her day. After another few minutes of hearing about people visiting that I DON'T KNOW BUT WAS SUPPOSED TO KNOW, I knew I had to get out of the conversation before she realized that I was a fraud. But how?

My solution? I told her I had to go, but I would call back soon.

Poor lady may still be waiting for Sarah to call back.

YAY!!!

2009-06-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

Gena came to visit! She is a precious friend and we had a great time! Thanks for driving all this way Vieve!

Tobias Silva Mazzocco

2009-06-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

Annie will be upset as I just gave her dog an impromptu middle name. But really... world, you must meet Toby.

Annie began talking about getting a dog a few months ago. She looked at a few non-profit rescue and fell in LOVE with a cute little Shnoodle (shnauzer/poodle... we think) named Toby. I won't go into detail because the details involved another dog, named Peanut, that broke my heart.

And so on some fortuitous day, after a home visit, we became Toby's new family.

I would like to say that Toby is bubbly and full of joy. But really, he hates fun and thinks that everyone should be significantly more serious. But we love him anyway...

3407 Grimes

2009-06-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

Annie bought this earlier this spring. It's the perfect size and in a great neighborhood. It's also about 2 miles from work! We are roommates once again.

Am I a part of the problem?

2009-05-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember this post - detailing an adventurous ride in a bike shanty.

Today Joel sent me this link - the self-same bike shanty ran a woman over a few days ago. Who said art never hurt anyone?!

In other news - we went to see Flight of the Conchords last night. Amazing.

Where I am from...

2009-04-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Someone I am very fond of wrote this today for her 10th Grade Creative Writing class. I think it is truly beautiful.

I am from Saturday morning cartoons and popcorn before bed.
I am from softball in the chilly Sunday morning breeze.
I come from booming family dinners and summers on the farm.
I am from Friday family nights and dancing around the house.
I come from blasting music form the truck and road trips that are never unwelcomed.
I am from rickety church pews each weekend and lingering awhile after talk to friends.
I come from 3 rowdy sisters who will never change who they are.
I’m from my grandparents love.
From chicken dinners each Sunday night.
I come from playing Barbie’s in the closet and dancing in the rain.
I am from piano every Wednesday,
And days spent in pajamas.
From late nights spent whispering and sharing secrets.
I come from small towns and big cities.
I am from slipping and sliding in the dining room with fuzzy and warm footsy pajamas.
From the grape popsicles after dinner.
I come from “No singing at the table,” and “I love you to Pluto and back!”
From Shania Twain’s voice filling the car.
I am from room 412 at Victoria hospital.
I come from the big blue house on the corner.
From the crackling fire and the soft reclining chair.
I come from my family and friends.
From love and encouragement.
And laughter and joy.

David Hutton, this one is for you....

2009-03-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Sit back, my child, and let me tell you a story of my younger years.

I finished my senior year of high school living in Morocco with my brother Joel. My parents and youngest brother had returned to the States to deal with critical health issues. This was a very stressful time for all of us.

One Sunday a strange Moroccan man showed up at church - with flowers - for me. It was a highly uncomfortable situation that ended up in someone telling him, in no uncertain terms, that his behavior was shameful and he should leave me alone.

A few days later (yes, the Moroccan mail system works better than the US one!!) a letter showed up in my mailbox - original poetry written by Mr. Flowers, himself!

This is a horrible view of the letter.

I freaked out and called Phil. Phil laughed. I went over to Phil's house and almost threw this letter away. Phil convinced me that I would find this humourous in a few years, and kept the letter. He sent it to me a few years ago - and yes, I laughed.

But the story doesn't end there. About a week after I received this letter, friends of the family were over. While we were sitting in the living room, the phone rang. I answered it. It was Mr. Flowers.

Sarah: Hello, Hesch residence, Sarah speaking (yes, this is how we were required to answer the phone in my house.)
Mr. Flowers: (with a heavy Morccan accent) Sarah? This is Mr. Flowers.
Sarah: Hello.
Mr. Flowers: Did you receive my letter?
Sarah: (LYING THROUGH MY TEETH) Letter? What letter?
Mr. Flowers: In the mailbox.
Sarah: (still lying) No. I don't believe I did.

At this point David can't keep a straight face with me squirming on the couch. I put speakerphone on. But oh, it was just getting good....

Mr. Flowers: My Little Darling (Sarah)

(YES, that's right. He begins RECITING his poor poetry to me.)

There is no need to tell you
That I am in love with you.
This might please your pride,
It's a secret I will hide.
Your eyes seem to be in fear (SO PERCEPTIVE!)
When mine are near
They tell me that you're still young (That's RIGHT!)
And tell me that I may go wrong.
Because you are too shy
I'll never say even, "Hi!"
I'll stop my blood when pounding
And even my heart when sounding
You, little darling, have a military mind.
That ignores love and decides to be blind
And thinks that love is shame
And refuses it even as a game
When meeting you, I feel you want to cry (Really, this guy is RIGHT on!)
But I feel that I want to fly
Whether you be ice or fire
you are no more than desire
written by Abdulrahim Maarouf

I actually did not hear him out. I hung up.

I cried.

David laughed.

Cousin Night

2009-01-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

My cousin Amanda was in town to see my Grandma this weekend and we had some great family time. We played Wii at Jayson's house for a long long while last night. I was pretty horrified after I saw this on CNN - we are now using video games to get in shape. But the Wii is fun, and can make you sweat.

Lauren and I

Jayson and Joel playing DDR

Lauren and I playing DDR

Jayson, Amanda, Kim and myself - cousin love.

Mittens

2009-01-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

A little known fact about me: I only wear mittens. I blame this on a PAIR of things.
1) I like them better.
2) I have very poor circulation in my fingers.

I have had the same pair of mittens for quite a while and I have loved them dearly for a PAIR of reasons.
1) I found them - I did not buy them (nor did I steal them, I don't remember the circumstances, but I do remember that I did everything in my might to find their rightful owner)
2) They are unique (read "scratchy") and I had to find another pair (that I also didn't pay for) to line them. They are, in part, my own creation.

Recently April said she was going to make me mittens for my birthday/Christmas gift (the dates are pretty close together and some have trouble distinguishing between the two.) I was very excited for a PAIR of reasons.
1) They would be hand crafted.
2) I would get to help in the process.

And then the tragic happened. About a week ago, I lost one of my mittens. I looked in the backseat of the car, and instead of two, there was only one, very lonely mitten. I looked high and low, and finally resigned myself to the loss. I am not the only one to suffer this tragedy - this site is dedicated to the loss of mittens.

Getting out of the car today, my brother found this.... That's right, it's my lost mitten. It was frozen solid and had been in the snow at least a week. My mitten and I were ECSTATIC to be reunited. I removed the liner and rinsed it out and here it sits, drying and thinking about the reunion it will soon have with it's pair.
Also, April finished my new mittens. They are made out of old sweaters and lined with felt. She even figured out how to put the thumbs in the right place (it's much more complicated than it sounds... trust me, I helped.) Beautiful, are they not?

Now I have two PAIR!

From 23

2008-12-26T20:52:00.000-08:00

The waves crinkling
Howard College staring arrogantly at her subjects.
Boats launching; lights teasing.
Wind wispering gently in my ear, saying I'm strong.
Warm tears cold in the wind.
The breeze kissing me gently.
Restaurants revolving, homeless people craving food.
The more we change the more we stay the same.
This moment - this destiny, this beauty and pain, this walk, this road often leads us to dark places where a part of us is lost and we think we'll never be the same again.
And then we turn the corner and see the green grass. We look up as the sun's rays shine on us, washing away our fears and insecurities. Urging us to give all and hold nothing because there might not be another moment like this.
And then we realize that we are 23 and that the magic is always there, that our beats never ceased beating to the same melody... and I realize that we are stronger than before.
-Mthoko Madondo 2003

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

This year saw some new Hesch traditions instituted. Among these were:
- Christmas lunch (instead of breakfast): delicious chili ala April. She is unaware that she is now required to make chili EVERY Christmas for lunch (and join our family Christmas celebrations).
- 1st annual Hesch Christmas poker tournament: I didn't win, April did. Maybe we shouldn't have invited her?
Here are some pictures from the day....

Dad - Christmas eve at Grandma's

Grandma on the phone with my cousin

It's CHRISTMAS!

April = winner

Jared = loser

Joel = loser - but with cool sunglasses (inside)

Christmas love....

more Christmas love...

This is the stocking I came home in. I don't fit so well anymore.

April wanted a picture with us "on the same level" (she is sitting on two pillows)

Merry Christmas!

Sometimes we shovel three times

2008-12-21T21:23:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas with my dad's side of the family this past Saturday. We also had a "snow storm." Normal for Minnesota this time of year. Also normal is having to shovel your driveway MULTIPLE times during snow storms. If you wait, the snow gets too heavy and it's really difficult to do. I did the first round. For all of you in the sun... this is what winter is like in Minnesota.

Thank you IB English

2008-12-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

Love

Because of you, in gardens of blossoming flowers I ache from the
perfumes of spring.
I have forgotten your face, I no longer remember your hands;
how did your lips feel on mine?
Because of you, I love the white statues drowsing in the parks,
the white statues that have neither voice nor sight.
I have forgotten your voice, your happy voice; I have forgotten
your eyes.
Like a flower to its perfume, I am bound to my vague memory of
you. I live with pain that is like a wound; if you touch me, you will
do me irreparable harm.
Your caresses enfold me, like climbing vines on melancholy walls.
I have forgotten your love, yet I seem to glimpse you in every
window.
Because of you, the heady perfumes of summer pain me; because
of you, I again seek out the signs that precipitate desires: shooting
stars, falling objects.

My love of poetry began in an excruciating experience known informally as IBHL English. We spent a great deal of time on Neruda. Today I found this, and he's still great.

A Christmas Tree Story

2008-12-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

Here is the forest where we hand picked our tree.

Dad stands proudly with the tree we've selected.

The tree is tied on our faithful sleigh

And left in the shed out back to "mello" (apparently an official Christmas tree term) Family is gathered from far and near

Decorations from across the years

And apparently Joel can make this face.

Decisions, Decisions....

2008-12-03T17:45:00.000-08:00

Everyone is blessed - it is often merely a question of perspective. I happen to have my blessing glaring me in the face everywhere I look. Yes, there are difficult things in life - parts of my life are currently more difficult than I have ever faced before. But the people, that is where the beauty lies.

Dad and I drove back from spending Thanksgiving with the Lobenstines (my moms side of the family - an amazing bunch, remind me to tell you about them sometime!) and stopped for some food. As we were paying Dad asked asked the lady behind the till, "Where have you been in the past month?" I was embarrassed already. She looked at him quizzically, so he continued, "this is my daughter, in the past month she has been to Zambia, England, France, the Midwest, the East Coast and now we are somewhere in Indiana." She smiled politely.

I had actually not really thought about this. But the reasons I have travelled, as you have seen, are the people. It's the people who make this life beautiful.

I am trying to figure out what comes next. I had applied and deffered a great grad school admission last fall, I have a few job options, just not quite sure where to go or what to do. But - blessed as I am, I have an Aunt with an incredible wealth of knowledge and insight. A few years ago she published this book: Which I HIGHLY recommend to anyone feeling like they are ready for change. It is full of concrete decision making excersizes and tools to help you brainstorm and think through options. As she is my Aunt and loves me incredibly, she offered to sit down with me and sort through some of my thoughts. An hour and a half or so later, with 3 sheets of paper filled with different conceptualization excercizes, I had a much clearer picture of how I felt about this decision and where I would like to go. If you are interested in the kind of help she can offer, check out her website. I am so thankful for her love and insight! Love you SAM!

I love you Cristen

2008-12-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

This amazing woman has been a part of my life for 14 years (or there abouts). Over Thanksgiving, I had the (all too rare) opportunity to spend (at least a little) time with her. Time with Cristen is always far too short. As we have many times before, Cristen and I sat down and did what we could to catch up on life. We never get through everything - Thank God for phones. Among other things, I appreciate her love, her support, her creativity, enthusiasm and kindness, her humor and her openness. Cristen, I love you. Thank you for being the best (almost) sister a girl could have.

I also had the opportunity to have a brief visit with Cristen's family - collectively some of my favorite people on the planet. If you are interested in knowing more about them (or finding some beautiful hand made Christmas gifts for someone) check out the newly designed Morrell Metalsmith website.

Way too funny

2008-11-22T10:05:00.001-08:00

I'm not generally one to post links, but this had me laughing out loud:

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=665847

Soiree avec des amis!

2008-11-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes world collide.... well, if you have more than one. I happen to have several. In this one, my world of 1996 (Helder and Daniel) collided with 2005 (Rita). We had a great night together! (Ems and Mils, feel free to freak...)

Une Soiree a la Bastille

2008-11-17T23:13:00.000-08:00

I spent a great last night with Kris and Rita walking around La Bastille. Kris said it was ridiculous that I traveled and didn't take pictures with important sites. So, we took some photos (although, we didn't take many of the important sites.) We stopped for hamburgers - I think they thought I would like them because I'm American. No, really, we've surpassed these banal stereotypes....

yes, the rest of the world eats hamburgers with a fork and knife

La Famille Beral...

2008-11-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

I have had the pleasure of spending time with one of my favorite people in the world, Rita and one of my favorite families. We had a great sunday dinner together - Rita is an amazing cook. Here is proof of a great afternoon...

London with my Zulu Half

2008-11-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

That's right, I left Zambia

2008-11-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

It was a horribly sad day. But also the day that the world (and this man) celebrated the redemption of the American populous as they voted B.H.O into office.

You may remember

2008-11-04T03:07:00.000-08:00

The fridge cord I showed you here.
Well, I got up to pee last night and stepped on it, and grabbed the (metal) door handle at the same time. I became the conduit for 220 volts of electricity (ok, to be absolutely honest, I think it was a lot less than that... I've had worse shocks....) quite the awakening at 2 am.

Where is MY Zambia?

2008-11-03T04:20:00.000-08:00

I didn’t mean to fall in love with Zambia, but I did. And now as time evaporates, as I clutch at moments to finish the things I need to do and the things I want to do, my heart is screaming. I am angry with myself for allowing this, once again. For allowing myself to love a place that I must leave. Beauty lies in the fact that I am now an adult - I can choose to come back. But the pain is still real, the relationships must adjust, stretch, painfully so, to accommodate new distance.

And so, bare with me, if you choose, as I journey through some of the more poignant moments for me. All have shaped who I am as I sit here, on November 3rd. All I carry with me. Some I choose to write here. Single moments and repeated ones congeal to form Life.

I have spent HOURS sitting in various government offices. Waiting to speak with those in charge – negotiating an understanding, often pleading with them to let our project go forward. I will miss these dances. One of my favorite bureaucrats wears big bug glasses. His round face always smiling when he sees me. He has given me a Tonga name.

I look up and sweat drips into my right eye. Through the stinging blur I see the shapes of 17 women, bent and plowing the earth – by hand, with hoes. Digging up stumps to make way for a clinic. Working hard for the possibility that this land will produce a place that will keep their children alive. “There are so many ways to die here,” a friend once said. Together we dream that this land will fight at least a few of those ways.The sky is dark and we argue over whether or not the brightest pin point is Venus between songs. “Wait, I’ll get it this time.” “Hold on, let me put the capo on.” “Wait.” Ok, he’s got the right key now. We sing. Sound –if not melody – floats into the African night, joining dogs barking, or cheers for soccer, or political chants, or crickets, depending on the night.

Sunsets are red. Always. A flood of color I have found unique to this part of the world. A perfect sphere in shades of crimson and orange drops quickly from the horizon – but for those brief moments it takes my breath away. My two favorite Zambian sunsets have been over the river. One I saw from a boat on the Zambezi. The sun set over the river bank as an elephant lazily scavenged for dinner. The other was from a small homestead. Mosquitoes eating me alive. Blood red with screaming delight of children playing.

She is almost two and her English is difficult to understand. But she knows the Barney theme song, at least the sounds of the words. We sing together and she blows me a kiss at the appropriate time.

Today her dad is in jail. At 5 she knows something is wrong, but she can’t tell what. I have picked her up from school and we are now sitting at the edge of the pool. She is wearing one of my tank tops and her underwear – her uncertainty of life drowning in the glorious sensation of cool water splashing in this heat. Joy sings onto her face as she plunges into my arms – submerging her shoulders.
The Kazungula market is steamy. Under trees on the other side, women sit behind buckets of water bottles, of chicken, of fritters, of who-knows-what, hoping to make enough to feed their families dinner. Sweating under the tin roof that provides shade and intensifies the heat, I wash my hands and ball nshima.

It has been ten days now that I have shared with two others. They have seen the faces and worked hard. I appreciate the growth and change they have affected in my life. They have shared stories and experiences and have listened patiently as I have shared mine. I appreciate the journey we have been on together. My eyes fill as I watch them walk into (what is pompously called) the International Departure Lounge. I miss them already.

She is not paid for her work and her information is not always correct. She has no training, but she has love - and desire to do her best. 19 women pregnant in varying degrees sit laughing at her antics as she teaches about the importance of protecting yourself and your children from mosquito bites. The rains are coming and with them come Malaria.

We have walked for two hours and now we approach the three chairs under the tree. On mats women sit - we are joined by a group of working men from the village. Ears eager to hear of change as our meeting is preceded by political motivators campaigning for the Southern Province Hero in the upcoming election. As the heat bakes us, as the sweat drips, I speak. Bringing hope of change that I know I MUST see through. A child-woman breast-feeds a child-baby in front of me. The change that I speak of, that is translated into Losi, could save a life. Maybe this baby? These promises can’t be empty.

I have watched the mango trees increasingly laden with ever-growing fruit. Two days ago, ripe ones began to appear on the side walk – barely sellable in abundance. At will I can reach up, grab a green one and bite in, savoring the sour and not-yet-stringy flesh.

During the dry season the skies are empty. A pale blue expanse that sometimes looks like a ceiling you could touch. The last few weeks the clouds have come creeping in. Searing dry heat has turned to oppressive humidity as fluffy cotton clouds fill a greater proportion of the sky each day giving it depth. And they are darkening. I used to be perpetually dry – my sweat evaporated straight from my pores. Now sweat drips and is no longer salty. Flowers brighten and chlorophyll fills leaves as the fauna predicts the coming precipitation. Yesterday it rained in Livingstone for the first time. Heavy thick drops bringing the smell of dust collected as they fall. Lightening in the evening sky and thunder rolling as I stood, toes buried in the dust-turning-mud, face turned towards refreshing water falling.

The power is out and we sit on our couch. Lap-top batteries have been charged for this eventuality and we four sit mesmerized as Prison Break Season One transports us to a land of media and a reality far from ours.

We are in the bathroom. I have followed her in – she arrived and she’s not ok. She went straight to the bathroom. I knocked and there was no answer. And so I opened the door. She is sitting on the side of the tube, naked from the waist up, holding her shirt with tears silently streaming. I listen as she recounts the tale of every African woman. As she says she is afraid for her life, afraid he will bring HIV to their bed. As she speaks of being trapped, dreams of opportunities that aren’t afforded to 24 year old women who are economic refugees without papers and with a 5 year old daughter. She thought her relationship would be different. Thought he wouldn’t be an alcoholic like his father, like his brothers. Thought he would be faithful.

Livingstone is small. It sometimes takes me 50 minutes to walk the 300 meters between Wonderbake and Jollyboys to plug in my computer. Part of it is full-fledged adjustment to the slow pace of life, the rest is taken in conversation with the many acquaintances along the way. Banalities about the day, the weather, the family, meaningless conversation that proves that each person is important and an integral part of life. Acknowledgment that they are a part of community and deserve time and recognition.

Through the mud structure you can see the wood. The thatched roof has a two meter skylight where the straw has fallen through since the last rain. Roughly hewn log pews hold the 27 attendees – mostly women and children – who have gathered to sing impromptu praise punctuated by hymns from a translated hymnal and to listen to a sermon translated for our benefit. Three white men sit in chairs at the front - two of them will put more in the offering plate than this church will see in a year. I sit on the front pew with a small child asleep in my lap. She is named after Regina, her grandmother.

Their faces light up as I walk in the door. Business is not good. Anywhere. I am deep in the Zimbabwe market. I have brought chitenge material and I want to get a skirt made. Of course they can do it - I am assured. Only 50,000 Kwacha. We talk. I agree to pay 20,000. I’m likely still over paying. They can have it ready by the end of the day. They seem ready for me to leave. I ask if they need to take measurements. “Oh, yes.” They do so in inches. The only sector in Zambia I have seen that isn’t metric.

In two months we would be drenched. But now, at the end of the dry season, Victoria Falls is a trickle. We stand on the bridge looking down over the gorge, the green paint worn from the tourists that pay $10 to see the sight. Last time I was on these stairs a monkey came and sat on my foot. A bird plunges off a rock, free falling for 5 seconds before opening purple tinted wings and soaring up to the other side. We are here and we are exploring this place, together.

I have only been here 2 hours. And I listen as this man with an amazing heart and great intentions tells me the frustrations of distance cultural differences. I watch over the next 2 months as time heals some of these wounds and as we face these challenges together.

The same grounds – just different crowds and different speakers. I travel through Zambian elections with the rest of Livingstone, watching the antics sometimes with a smile, sometimes in horror. I have picked my favorite, but he will not win.

Conversations

2008-11-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

*********

Sarah, “Hello.”

Anyone passing by, “Fine.”

It’s taken me 20 years to realize that the problem is not that they aren’t listening to my greeting. The problem is, I’m saying the wrong thing. Whether or not they are fine, I should be inquiring.

*********

At Mukuni Park Craft Market

“But these ones are beautiful.”

“Yes, they are, but I don’t want salad spoons today, Boss.”

“You know how much?”

“No. I don’t want any today.”

“Only 50,000 Kwacha.”

I walk away.

“Where are you going? Ok, 45,000.”

“No thank you, and you’re not being serious.”

“Ok, how much?”

“No, You’re not serious.”

Time passes and we are walking back.

“Ok, tell me how much you will give me.”

“Boss, I live here. I know I can get them for 10,000 at Victoria Falls.

Head down, “You’re right.”

*******

At Victoria Falls Market:

“Please, sister, just take one necklace.”

“No, thank you, I’m not buying today.”

“I just want some food for lunch.”

“I’m not buying today.”

“Just take it for 10,000.”

“I’m sorry, Boss, I’m not buying today.”

“Ok, 5,000. Please, I just want food for lunch.”

“Ok, 5,000.”

“Ok, make it 8,000.”

“No! I don’t even want the necklace. I will give you 5,000.”

“Ok, make it 7,000.”

*********

Daily conversation with people….

Person: “I saw you at the rally! You are a supporter!”

Sarah: “Which rally?” (I have been to all three)

*********

Apparently I'm in an HH political campain advertisement

2008-10-29T04:40:00.001-07:00

By Accident. I will try and find it.

Election Riots Begin

2008-10-28T05:05:00.000-07:00

I have looked online for news coverage of this, but nothing has hit yet. 5 trucks came through the Kazungula border today, 3 have made it on to Lusaka, 2 are being held by rioting crowds here in Livingstone. They purportedly contain illegal ballot papers. All ballots must be flown into the country, by law. They were also all supposed to be here by last week. So far today there has been tear gassing and rioting. The ruling party and electoral committee claims the trucks contain karosene lamps but won't open them for anyone to see.
This election might be over before it even starts!