I know that it's been a while since I updated and for that I am sorry. I have been crazy busy since I started student teaching and it's only going to get worse! Johnsville treated me so well and I was incredibly blessed to have been there. I have some funny posts that I will share at a later date!
Next up, high school. I start at Baline High School on Monday. Wish me luck!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Nope, Not a mother.
Yes, I realize that I have been married a while now.
Yes, I realize that I am not getting any younger, and neither is my husband.
Yes, I understand that you are never "ready" to have a baby.
It would be a perfect time to have a baby since all of your friends are having babies. Just think, they could all grow up together.
These are all things I have heard since the day Dave and I were married. Yes, I want a family, I can't wait to feel that baby growing inside of me. But I also realize that my husband and I are not in a position where we feel ready. While you are never ready to have a baby, it's a leap of faith that you have to trust in, I can be better prepared.
I hav spent the better part of my adult life working with children whose parents weren't ready, in financial difficulties and in bad marriages or wound up alone. I have seen how diffcult that is. It scares the hell out of me.
So, until I reach the point where I am ready, BACK THE FUCK OFF. Thank you and Good day.
Yes, I realize that I am not getting any younger, and neither is my husband.
Yes, I understand that you are never "ready" to have a baby.
It would be a perfect time to have a baby since all of your friends are having babies. Just think, they could all grow up together.
These are all things I have heard since the day Dave and I were married. Yes, I want a family, I can't wait to feel that baby growing inside of me. But I also realize that my husband and I are not in a position where we feel ready. While you are never ready to have a baby, it's a leap of faith that you have to trust in, I can be better prepared.
I hav spent the better part of my adult life working with children whose parents weren't ready, in financial difficulties and in bad marriages or wound up alone. I have seen how diffcult that is. It scares the hell out of me.
So, until I reach the point where I am ready, BACK THE FUCK OFF. Thank you and Good day.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Murky Depths Below.
In December of 2006, Dave and I became engaged. It was a monumental moment in our relationship. This solidified our commitment to each other and came with a big sparkly ring! That night he presented me with a 3/4 carat solitare ring with another 1/4 carat of diamonds down half of the band. I was in love with that moment, that ring and most importantly that man.
During the summer, some friends of my in-laws hold a gathering/BBQ at their home in Lake Josephine. It is each and every Tuesday night, rain or shine. It stems from the ski club that began in the 1960's and is a tradition that continues to this day. More often than not, my friends and I end up floating in the lake. It's a beautiful way to end the day. All of the days stress and troubles, slide off as you dive head first in to the water. Your body relaxes the moment it breaks the glassy surface. It's a little spot of heaven nestled in the hustle and bustle of the city.
One particular night, some friends and I had finished cruising around the lake while some attempted to water ski. We decided to stop for a bit and float. One by one we stripped off our clothes revealing the swimsuits below. Having left my previous job at New Horizon, I lost weight since I was no longer eating my feelings of frustration and disappointment. Knowing this, I asked Dave to hold on to my ring, since he was staying aboard the boat. He agreed and there it sat perched on his pinkie finger, just above the first knuckle.
As we floated in the lake, the boat began to drift away from us. Dave still being on the boat, pulled up the anchor and headed our way. He pulled the boat in to position and moved to drop anchor. It all happened in a New York minute. As Dave moved to drop the anchor a small piece of the rope, swung up and slapped him on the hand as if he were a naughty child. It slapped him in on the pinkie, ring and middle finger. That's right, the pinkie finger. The same finger............holding my ring. It was almost poetic to think of that amazing piece of metal and mineral slowly drifting towards the bottom of the lake. With one swift move, my ring was now entrenched in the murky depths of Lake Josephine.
As it was happening I heard the most decisive "fuck" ever uttered from his lips. He then went on to repeat it 3 or 4 more times before he was able to relay the story back to me.
I assured him that while I was upset, it was not the end of the world and we would replace it when we could. He was understandably upset and still is. However, it was not the ring that mattered but the gorgeous statement behind it. I loved him then and I love him now. Ring or no ring.
During the summer, some friends of my in-laws hold a gathering/BBQ at their home in Lake Josephine. It is each and every Tuesday night, rain or shine. It stems from the ski club that began in the 1960's and is a tradition that continues to this day. More often than not, my friends and I end up floating in the lake. It's a beautiful way to end the day. All of the days stress and troubles, slide off as you dive head first in to the water. Your body relaxes the moment it breaks the glassy surface. It's a little spot of heaven nestled in the hustle and bustle of the city.
One particular night, some friends and I had finished cruising around the lake while some attempted to water ski. We decided to stop for a bit and float. One by one we stripped off our clothes revealing the swimsuits below. Having left my previous job at New Horizon, I lost weight since I was no longer eating my feelings of frustration and disappointment. Knowing this, I asked Dave to hold on to my ring, since he was staying aboard the boat. He agreed and there it sat perched on his pinkie finger, just above the first knuckle.
As we floated in the lake, the boat began to drift away from us. Dave still being on the boat, pulled up the anchor and headed our way. He pulled the boat in to position and moved to drop anchor. It all happened in a New York minute. As Dave moved to drop the anchor a small piece of the rope, swung up and slapped him on the hand as if he were a naughty child. It slapped him in on the pinkie, ring and middle finger. That's right, the pinkie finger. The same finger............holding my ring. It was almost poetic to think of that amazing piece of metal and mineral slowly drifting towards the bottom of the lake. With one swift move, my ring was now entrenched in the murky depths of Lake Josephine.
As it was happening I heard the most decisive "fuck" ever uttered from his lips. He then went on to repeat it 3 or 4 more times before he was able to relay the story back to me.
I assured him that while I was upset, it was not the end of the world and we would replace it when we could. He was understandably upset and still is. However, it was not the ring that mattered but the gorgeous statement behind it. I loved him then and I love him now. Ring or no ring.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Eat, Pray, Love.
With all the hype surrounding the movie of the same name based on Elizabeth Gilbert's novel, I thought I would share my journey with the novel. This book came to me in a weird way. I had never heard of it and saw it on the shelf at my local Barnes and Noble. What compelled me to buy it I will never know, it did not have a fancy cover and it did not have a synopsis on the back. I did not know what this novel was about. Fast forward 3 months later and I am packing for Cambodia. This trip would rock my world, in ways I can't describe. Reflecting on the planning meetings, I remembered that I would be on a plane in the air for 21 hours! Yes, that's right 21 hours. 1 hour from Minneapolis to Chicago, 14 hours from Chicago to Seoul, Korea and 6 from Seoul, Korea to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. So, for lack of a better phrase I would have some downtime. For those of you who aren't completely familiar with me, I am a voracious reader. I will read just about anything I can. I love to learn also. That being said, 21+ hours travel time in addition to a love of learning and reading, I needed something to occupy my time. In to my carryon, I tossed the last two books in the Twilight series and Eat, Pray, Love.
After finishing the last two books in the Twilight series, I moved on to my third book, Eat, Pray, Love. This book was exactly what I needed to read my last week in Cambodia. The book tells the story of Elizabeth (Liz) Gilbert's journey to the deepest parts of her mind and body. She takes this journey after leaving her husband and later her boyfriend/lover. She is on a quest to find herself as corny as that sounds. While reading this book, I too, was on a journey to figure out what was driving me after learning about so many things the world was keeping hidden. Liz Gilbert spends a year total but 4 months each in Italy, India and Bali, Indonesia.
My Eat.
I am a picky eater. I have to be given my stomach troubles. However, being a million hypothetical miles away with different spices, cooking styles and well different everything, I did not get to be picky. I took that and went running with it. I tasted everything. I ate kangaroo and ostrich (thanks Ryan and Seth); I had egg rolls and mystery meat (thank you, Life University). I am not sure what it was but I savored everything. I let bits of each bit linger and languish on my tongue as if this were my last meal. There were times I wanted to lick my plate clean. I have been back 7 months and I still long for white rice at every meal. To save money, we often ate lunch in our hotel rooms. Even the Pb&j sandwiches we ate were different. In many ways I believe it was the company I kept during the trip. Good friends always make a meal better.
My Pray
I do not believe in organized religion. I am not sure how I feel about God. What I do believe in is karma. I fully and whole heartedly believe in karma. You reap what you sew. I try each day to do good. Many of you will laugh when you read this but I do. I try for at least one nice thing per day. I could go on and on about karma and how it has shaped my life. After finding out my views on religion, laugh when I tell them I go to Bethel University. Bethel University is a private Christian college. You see the irony. To say that I was nervous about going on the trip was an understatement. I was terrified for many understandable reasons but mostly because often times I have expressed my beliefs and been shunned and talked about in class. Religion was going to come up on this trip no matter what. I did not want to be shunned or worse yet, have to live with the girls who were shunning me. The universe liked what I was putting down, because damn, I got good roommates. As soon as we had the religion discussion, I laid my cards on the table and they were super understanding. Not something I have often seen at Bethel or from Bethel students. I really came to love them and while I did not find God on this trip, I definitely feel farther on my quest to figure it all out.
As I stated previously, I believe in karma. In Cambodia, I saw what evil and power can do to others. I saw the toll it took on a nation and how, more than 30 years later, this small nation is rebuilding. Everything was stripped from the citizens of this nation. Each day I arose, not knowing what horror, I would have to face and each night I would lay in my bed and reflect. After reflection I would say a prayer to the universe that the people of this world would know healing and what a little friendship and understanding can do. While I would love to be able to save the world, I know that I can not. I can help set the wheels of change in motion but at the end of the day, I am not Wonder Woman, I can not save the whole world. Sometimes you need to leave it up to karma, to fix what needs fixing. Seeing places, like Cheung Ek (the killing fields) and Teoul Sleng (a high school turned in to a detention/torture center) will destroy a person. Inside and out. Having two incredible roommates like the ones I had, they showed me the true power of prayer. Both are intensely religious and true believers, a trait in which I admire about them. The two used this tool in similar ways as more of a quiet reflection and a way to gain clarity in their thought process. I am grateful to have been shown that.
My Love
While it sounds corny, but everyday I do fall in love with Dave a little more. This trip was no exception. First, letting me travel, half way around the world, took incredible courage for him. Knowing that we would not see each other for weeks, and not knowing the internet situation, and not knowing if we could communicate at all was a huge test of our marriage and relationship. Luckily for us, I did have great internet service for most of the trip and we were able to email. As I grew and reflected in my daily emails home, I received gentle words of encouragement telling me that this trip was the trip of a lifetime and to soak up each experience. Listening to the stories of Khmer Rouge survivors and meeting girls who survived sex trafficking was incredible. It gave me a new and deeper understanding of what love can really do.
Love comes in many different forms. I really learned to love myself while reading this book. Not in the dirty kind of way either. A lot of times, I focus on the negative parts of my life. As much as I try not to now, I know I still do it. I try not to verbalize it and I try to internalize it but sometimes it comes out. While reading this book, you read about how Liz, learns to let go. Let go of her failed marriage, her failed relationship with the younger man, failed friendships and failure in general. It has taken a long time, but I am learning to do the same. I have two women I used to be very close to. We were thick as thieves for years. After some time, we began to drift apart. Well, I drifted away from them. The two of them are still great friends. I am not sure when we began to drift but I can now tell you why. Its' not important to this blog post but it took a long time for me to accept it. It's a problem that is not just mine but theirs as well. Sitting on the beach, reading and reflecting during my trip, I recognized that I need to let this go. I am trying, I really am but it's hard. It comes a little more each day. Each time I let a little more of this go, I come closer and closer to forgiving myself for my mistakes, learning from them and moving forward. Only then can I truly love myself.
Each day as I read a little more in the book Eat, Pray, Love. I felt as though Liz Gilbert was standing behind me pushing me to take this journey just a little bit farther. She was inspiring my competitive side. Look at what I did, now you try……
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Gorgeous Blogger Award.
So, in my quest to keep up with Allison and her baby blog, I have unassumingly won an award. The Gorgeous blogger award. Who knew!?
Here are the rules:
1. Accept and thank the person who gave you the award!
Allison, thank you so much for this award. I adore your blog and our precious GNO's!
2. List 10 things you about yourself.
3. List 5 things you don't like.
4. Give this award to 3 people!
Ok, here goes nothing.
10 things I about myself:
1. Education is so important to me. Hence, my dream of being a teacher. I feel like so many more of the worlds problems could be solved if we were working harder towards education. Education = empowerment! I have seen first hand how a little education can save a person's life.
2. I love love love to be organized. I hate trying to stay that way. If anyone saw what my house really looked like, you would be amazed at how in complete disarray it is and wondered how I accomplished anything.
3. My family means everything in the world to me. I am who I am because of the things they have put me through, the acceptance they have provided and the love they have shared. I would have nothing without them.
4. I have recently decided that if you are not willing to me an important part of your life, then I will do the same. Life is too short to wait around for someone who doesn't care back.
5. I was never more terrified in my whole life than when I traveled to Cambodia. That being said, I feel like a better person for having gone and I left part of my heart in that gorgeous country. I get homesick looking at pictures.
6. I model myself after traits I love in other people. I want to be tough as nails and get things accomplished like my mother, I want to love with my whole heart like my grandmother, I want to travel the world and experience other cultures like my friend Niki (currently in CHINA!!!) and I want to enjoy life's little pleasures like my father, who really only needs a race on TV and a cold beer in hand.And the list goes on. Now, I know what you are thinking, I need to figure out who I am. Well, I feel as though I have done so, while I may carry traits of others, I feel those traits reflect the things I have found matter most to me.
7. I hated my husband the night we met. I never wanted to see "that asshole" again. Through everything we have done, and experienced, I have come to know a different side of him, that no one sees and I love him a little more each day. I can't wait to see what great adventures life takes us on. Old age, parenthood ect.
8. I hate mushy stuff. I hate crying in front of other people. I am not a big mushy romantic person at all. I don't need flowers all the time and declarations of love. A kiss before we climb in to bed at night is just fine by me.
9. My kitchen is my place of zen. I go there to think and relax. I can't help it. I secretly want my own cooking show.
10. I am willing to share any part of my life with you. I have always said that my life is an open book, but if you want to know my story, you have to turn the page. Keep in mind though, there is a time and a place for sharing.
Now, 5 things I don't like:
1. Cancer- I am stealing this from Allison. I hate this disease and will work at great lengths to fund raise for a cure. It has taken too much from too many people I love. It's not fair.
2. People who refuse to look on the bright side. I believe life is a self fulfilling prophecy and you create your own destiny. If you think negative, you will end up with negative results.
3. People who constantly bitch about America. I understand freedom of speech and all that entails, and maybe we aren't the greatest country in the world, but no one is stopping you from getting the hell out. Seriously, if Europe is so much better, head on over, I am sure they would be happy to have you. Try living in a impoverished third world country for a while and then tell me how much America sucks.
4. People who can't take a joke. Really, unclench and laugh a little.
5. I will have to get back to you on this one. I can't think right now!
I would love to give out this award but since I don't follow any blogs besides Allison's I can't!
Here are the rules:
1. Accept and thank the person who gave you the award!
Allison, thank you so much for this award. I adore your blog and our precious GNO's!
2. List 10 things you about yourself.
3. List 5 things you don't like.
4. Give this award to 3 people!
Ok, here goes nothing.
10 things I about myself:
1. Education is so important to me. Hence, my dream of being a teacher. I feel like so many more of the worlds problems could be solved if we were working harder towards education. Education = empowerment! I have seen first hand how a little education can save a person's life.
2. I love love love to be organized. I hate trying to stay that way. If anyone saw what my house really looked like, you would be amazed at how in complete disarray it is and wondered how I accomplished anything.
3. My family means everything in the world to me. I am who I am because of the things they have put me through, the acceptance they have provided and the love they have shared. I would have nothing without them.
4. I have recently decided that if you are not willing to me an important part of your life, then I will do the same. Life is too short to wait around for someone who doesn't care back.
5. I was never more terrified in my whole life than when I traveled to Cambodia. That being said, I feel like a better person for having gone and I left part of my heart in that gorgeous country. I get homesick looking at pictures.
6. I model myself after traits I love in other people. I want to be tough as nails and get things accomplished like my mother, I want to love with my whole heart like my grandmother, I want to travel the world and experience other cultures like my friend Niki (currently in CHINA!!!) and I want to enjoy life's little pleasures like my father, who really only needs a race on TV and a cold beer in hand.And the list goes on. Now, I know what you are thinking, I need to figure out who I am. Well, I feel as though I have done so, while I may carry traits of others, I feel those traits reflect the things I have found matter most to me.
7. I hated my husband the night we met. I never wanted to see "that asshole" again. Through everything we have done, and experienced, I have come to know a different side of him, that no one sees and I love him a little more each day. I can't wait to see what great adventures life takes us on. Old age, parenthood ect.
8. I hate mushy stuff. I hate crying in front of other people. I am not a big mushy romantic person at all. I don't need flowers all the time and declarations of love. A kiss before we climb in to bed at night is just fine by me.
9. My kitchen is my place of zen. I go there to think and relax. I can't help it. I secretly want my own cooking show.
10. I am willing to share any part of my life with you. I have always said that my life is an open book, but if you want to know my story, you have to turn the page. Keep in mind though, there is a time and a place for sharing.
Now, 5 things I don't like:
1. Cancer- I am stealing this from Allison. I hate this disease and will work at great lengths to fund raise for a cure. It has taken too much from too many people I love. It's not fair.
2. People who refuse to look on the bright side. I believe life is a self fulfilling prophecy and you create your own destiny. If you think negative, you will end up with negative results.
3. People who constantly bitch about America. I understand freedom of speech and all that entails, and maybe we aren't the greatest country in the world, but no one is stopping you from getting the hell out. Seriously, if Europe is so much better, head on over, I am sure they would be happy to have you. Try living in a impoverished third world country for a while and then tell me how much America sucks.
4. People who can't take a joke. Really, unclench and laugh a little.
5. I will have to get back to you on this one. I can't think right now!
I would love to give out this award but since I don't follow any blogs besides Allison's I can't!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Official Tilight Thoughts
Ok so here are my official Twilight thoughts.
I currently stand on Team Jacob. Those wolves are bad ass. No joke.
I liked New Moon way better than I did Twilight. I feel I got to know the characters better in this one. It was less of the whiny teenage vampire loves story crap.
I read the 3rd and 4th books in record speed so I am a tad confused about what is in the forth coming Eclipse movie.
My position on Team Jacob is fairly firm, but we will see what happens with the wicked vampire brawls. I may be swayed.
I currently stand on Team Jacob. Those wolves are bad ass. No joke.
I liked New Moon way better than I did Twilight. I feel I got to know the characters better in this one. It was less of the whiny teenage vampire loves story crap.
I read the 3rd and 4th books in record speed so I am a tad confused about what is in the forth coming Eclipse movie.
My position on Team Jacob is fairly firm, but we will see what happens with the wicked vampire brawls. I may be swayed.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Return to Blogging
Ok, so I have been back from Cambodia for a little over a month and a half. My life has been topsy turvy since then and now may actually be settling in to some normalcy. So I am going to start blogging again.
Here is my disclaimer to all of you. I will be ranting about everything on here and there will be lots of cussing. For those of you who don't know me really well, I love love love cursing. It's my favorite form of expression. I know its trashy and I have tried to curb it but I really do like it. Also, I will not be using real names but the stories I write about in here will be from my life and accurate as I viewed them. I may not have all the information when I write about them but will correct myself in the next blog I have the information. These are completly my views and in no way reflect the views of my friends, family or anyone around me including my place of employment.
All that being said, if you don't want to hear what I have to say. Fine,don't follow me. I won't mind at all. If you do like what I have to say, comment on it. I love to read them!
Here is my disclaimer to all of you. I will be ranting about everything on here and there will be lots of cussing. For those of you who don't know me really well, I love love love cursing. It's my favorite form of expression. I know its trashy and I have tried to curb it but I really do like it. Also, I will not be using real names but the stories I write about in here will be from my life and accurate as I viewed them. I may not have all the information when I write about them but will correct myself in the next blog I have the information. These are completly my views and in no way reflect the views of my friends, family or anyone around me including my place of employment.
All that being said, if you don't want to hear what I have to say. Fine,don't follow me. I won't mind at all. If you do like what I have to say, comment on it. I love to read them!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
So, I am currently in Seoul, Korea at the end of my trip. So this is my last Cambodia trip blog. Sad, but I am ready to come home. I am tired of living out of my suitcase and I am exhausted. I still have 1 and a half hours left of my layover and then the longest portion of the plane ride home. 14 hours from Seoul to Chicago. But after that only 52 minutes until we are home. Whoo hooo!
To catch you all up on whats been happening, since Life University here goes. We left Life University on Saturday and drove to the Independence Hotel. Absolutely gorgeous! It's a 5 star resort with huge historical significance in fairly recent Cambodian history. It is the site where leaders of the Khmer Rouge vacationed from their treacherous jobs at torture mongers and cold blooded killers. The leaders would often use the old pools on site as prisons as well. But, the hotel cleaned up the mess and made it in to something beautiful.
We stayed there for 3 nights and had most of our time free which was nice. On Sunday the class minus the teachers rented a boat and went snorkeling in the Gulf of Thailand. That was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. The starfish are bigger than some dogs I have seen. And there is purple coral. It was straight out of Finding Nemo.
Then on Tuesday we traveled back to Phnom Penh and had around 36 hours of straight free time, so we finished up last minute shopping, walked Wat Phnom and pet an elephant. We also tried to get a tour of the US Embassy in Cambodia. Unfortunately, security had been tightened and we couldn't get in. Our hotel was another 5 star resort with huge historical significance. During the Khmer Rouge reign, our hotel was the last "safe" zone for the foreigners still in Phnom Penh. The Khmer Rouge kicked them out and they sought refuge in the French Embassy until the could be airlifted out.
Now, I must say goodbye since I am using someone else's computer to type this. All in all, this trip has sent me through some of the darkest parts of my mind, body and soul. I have seen and heard about things no other person should have to go through but I would never change this experience for the world. I have found new passions that mesh nicely with my current ones. I can't wait to share all my stories with you when I get back. Love you! I am back in Minnesota in around 20 hours!
To catch you all up on whats been happening, since Life University here goes. We left Life University on Saturday and drove to the Independence Hotel. Absolutely gorgeous! It's a 5 star resort with huge historical significance in fairly recent Cambodian history. It is the site where leaders of the Khmer Rouge vacationed from their treacherous jobs at torture mongers and cold blooded killers. The leaders would often use the old pools on site as prisons as well. But, the hotel cleaned up the mess and made it in to something beautiful.
We stayed there for 3 nights and had most of our time free which was nice. On Sunday the class minus the teachers rented a boat and went snorkeling in the Gulf of Thailand. That was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. The starfish are bigger than some dogs I have seen. And there is purple coral. It was straight out of Finding Nemo.
Then on Tuesday we traveled back to Phnom Penh and had around 36 hours of straight free time, so we finished up last minute shopping, walked Wat Phnom and pet an elephant. We also tried to get a tour of the US Embassy in Cambodia. Unfortunately, security had been tightened and we couldn't get in. Our hotel was another 5 star resort with huge historical significance. During the Khmer Rouge reign, our hotel was the last "safe" zone for the foreigners still in Phnom Penh. The Khmer Rouge kicked them out and they sought refuge in the French Embassy until the could be airlifted out.
Now, I must say goodbye since I am using someone else's computer to type this. All in all, this trip has sent me through some of the darkest parts of my mind, body and soul. I have seen and heard about things no other person should have to go through but I would never change this experience for the world. I have found new passions that mesh nicely with my current ones. I can't wait to share all my stories with you when I get back. Love you! I am back in Minnesota in around 20 hours!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Life University and Other Things.
We left Phnom Penh on Monday morning and traveled to Sihanoukville. It's the third largest city in Cambodia and it's on the Gulf of Thailand. We traveled by 2 buses and a van. We started at the hotel and traveled on one bus. Then we made it to the bus stop in Phnom Penh and transferred to another bus. It was intense. The first bus was a party bus and the second was not even a little bit a party bus. The first bus had karaoke. It was unreadable in Khami but still fun. The second bus was a public bus. There were lots of friendly natives on the bus. We watched the movie Wanted with Angelina Jolie and my new BFF Morgan Freeman. Good flick, kinda dirty.
We got to Sihanoukville without incident and made it to Life University on Monday afternoon. Our living conditions are less than desirable. The bathrooms are windowless and the lights don't work. The shower is a hose and a nozzle. No drain, no tub. And there is no wireless. Well, there is in the teachers lounge and they close at 8. Its kind of sucky. Oh, and the stairs are not level. Any of them. And yeah, it makes it hard to walk.
The kids are AMAZING! I am so in love with them and I have felt a huge sigh of relief that I chose the right profession. I will never forget this experience. I have so many stories.
The beaches are phenomenal. It's ridiculously gorgeous and my words will not do them justice. Not even a little. Yesterday, while I was swimming in the Gulf of Thailand, there was a rainstorm, I was already wet so I kept swimming. It was epic.
I come home in a week. I am ready but will leave a tiny piece of my heart in Cambodia. Love you guys.
We got to Sihanoukville without incident and made it to Life University on Monday afternoon. Our living conditions are less than desirable. The bathrooms are windowless and the lights don't work. The shower is a hose and a nozzle. No drain, no tub. And there is no wireless. Well, there is in the teachers lounge and they close at 8. Its kind of sucky. Oh, and the stairs are not level. Any of them. And yeah, it makes it hard to walk.
The kids are AMAZING! I am so in love with them and I have felt a huge sigh of relief that I chose the right profession. I will never forget this experience. I have so many stories.
The beaches are phenomenal. It's ridiculously gorgeous and my words will not do them justice. Not even a little. Yesterday, while I was swimming in the Gulf of Thailand, there was a rainstorm, I was already wet so I kept swimming. It was epic.
I come home in a week. I am ready but will leave a tiny piece of my heart in Cambodia. Love you guys.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
So, Friday we spent at the Agape Rehabilitation Center. It's an aftercare center for girls who have been trafficked. Agape was founded by a man named Don who lived in the United States and had visited Cambodia and saw the immense need for shelters in this area. He is good Christian man who has done amazing things for these girls. They are fed mentally and physically and have the ability to go to school. They can and are mandated to recieve counseling. If they are older they can recieve vocational training. They build new families and relationships.
When we got there we had an introduction to the center and what their goals and missions are and then got a walking tour of the entire facility. We saw where the girls live, eat and get their schooling. The counseling rooms are beautiful and just emit a sense of calm in them.
There are currently 26 girls living at the shelter. All of them have been there for varying amounts of time. Some months, some years.
While we Bethel students were there, we played volleyball with the girls. Who were awesome at it by the way. Some of the girls wore matching shirts. It was fantastic. Then, it was lunch time. We ate with the girls and it was delish. Rice, chicken, and stir fried vegetables.
After lunch some of the girls took some Bethel girls aside and painted our nails. They were really good at it.
We played more games and sang songs with them before our time at Agape ended.
It was one of the most heart wrenching and yet completly rewarding days I have had on the trip. To think that these girls came from places where they had thier identity, their rights, their lives and very humanity stripped from them and they are happy, smiling and just full of the belief that things could get better was amazing. So, heartwarming.
After Agape, we went to Rehab's house. It's a former brothel that Agape bought and turned in to a community center in Svay Pak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svay_Pak) one of the roughest parts of Phnom Penh. The whole street where this community center is used to be full of brothels until US journalists enlightened the world to the problem and the Cambodian government shut down all the concrete structured brothels. Unfortunately the wooden shacks can still be used as brothels. Agape is working with in the community however to stop this. We lead the children in songs and then our time with them was over.
All said and done it was a good day. Next up, we have a free day and in the morning we are off to Sihanoukville. It's on the Gulf of Thailand. I am excited for what the next chapter brings!
When we got there we had an introduction to the center and what their goals and missions are and then got a walking tour of the entire facility. We saw where the girls live, eat and get their schooling. The counseling rooms are beautiful and just emit a sense of calm in them.
There are currently 26 girls living at the shelter. All of them have been there for varying amounts of time. Some months, some years.
While we Bethel students were there, we played volleyball with the girls. Who were awesome at it by the way. Some of the girls wore matching shirts. It was fantastic. Then, it was lunch time. We ate with the girls and it was delish. Rice, chicken, and stir fried vegetables.
After lunch some of the girls took some Bethel girls aside and painted our nails. They were really good at it.
We played more games and sang songs with them before our time at Agape ended.
It was one of the most heart wrenching and yet completly rewarding days I have had on the trip. To think that these girls came from places where they had thier identity, their rights, their lives and very humanity stripped from them and they are happy, smiling and just full of the belief that things could get better was amazing. So, heartwarming.
After Agape, we went to Rehab's house. It's a former brothel that Agape bought and turned in to a community center in Svay Pak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svay_Pak) one of the roughest parts of Phnom Penh. The whole street where this community center is used to be full of brothels until US journalists enlightened the world to the problem and the Cambodian government shut down all the concrete structured brothels. Unfortunately the wooden shacks can still be used as brothels. Agape is working with in the community however to stop this. We lead the children in songs and then our time with them was over.
All said and done it was a good day. Next up, we have a free day and in the morning we are off to Sihanoukville. It's on the Gulf of Thailand. I am excited for what the next chapter brings!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Update. Sorry it's been a while.
So, Sorry this took so long to post but we have had soem heavy content to deal with the last few days and then I got the stomach flu that our group has been passing around.
We went to Toul Sleng and Cheoung Ek last week. For those of you who aren't familiar with Cambodian history, Pol Pot ruled Cambodia from 1975 until 1979. He was a dictator and under his regime, more than 2 million out of the estimated 7 million Cambodians ath the time were killed. Many of them were tortured and killed. Brining me to the first spot. Toul Sleng was the prison Pol Pot created here is Phnom Penh. He turned a high school in to a torture chamber and killed more than 20,000 people here alone. After a while he got worried about the disease and smell, so Pol Pot, moved the exceution site to Cheoung Ek better known as the killing fields (there is a movie avaiable about this). We toured the Killing Fields and it was absolutely horrific. There are more than 800 mass grave sites at this location and some have yet to be opened. There are bones and clothes from the victims still visible on the ground. It was really intense.
Whe you go to the riverfront in Phnom Penh, that's where all the tourists hang out. But it is filled with begging children. One of the organizations we are working with is Child Safe. They have told us not to buy from these children, since this action only perpetuates street life. It can make you feel like the worst person in the world. But saying no, I realize is for the greater good.
We started our unit on present injustices and are currently working with CHildSafe, IJM and Chab Dai. These organizations help combat human trafficking and watching the videos is enough to make anyone sick. The most common age for prostitutes is between 8-16. It's disgusting. Many of the pedophiles who come to Cambodia are foriegn sex tourists who know that these girls are readily avaiable. It makes me so angry to think about.
Not all of my time here has been spent with a broken heart. I have seen and done some really fun things. I got to do soulja boy at Angkor Wat and the night life here is incredible. So much fun! I can't describe it via blog. I have some stories for you all when I come back!
Next week, I head down to Sihanoukville to being really teaching. Tomorrow I am spending the day with victims of the sex traffic industry.
See you all in February!
We went to Toul Sleng and Cheoung Ek last week. For those of you who aren't familiar with Cambodian history, Pol Pot ruled Cambodia from 1975 until 1979. He was a dictator and under his regime, more than 2 million out of the estimated 7 million Cambodians ath the time were killed. Many of them were tortured and killed. Brining me to the first spot. Toul Sleng was the prison Pol Pot created here is Phnom Penh. He turned a high school in to a torture chamber and killed more than 20,000 people here alone. After a while he got worried about the disease and smell, so Pol Pot, moved the exceution site to Cheoung Ek better known as the killing fields (there is a movie avaiable about this). We toured the Killing Fields and it was absolutely horrific. There are more than 800 mass grave sites at this location and some have yet to be opened. There are bones and clothes from the victims still visible on the ground. It was really intense.
Whe you go to the riverfront in Phnom Penh, that's where all the tourists hang out. But it is filled with begging children. One of the organizations we are working with is Child Safe. They have told us not to buy from these children, since this action only perpetuates street life. It can make you feel like the worst person in the world. But saying no, I realize is for the greater good.
We started our unit on present injustices and are currently working with CHildSafe, IJM and Chab Dai. These organizations help combat human trafficking and watching the videos is enough to make anyone sick. The most common age for prostitutes is between 8-16. It's disgusting. Many of the pedophiles who come to Cambodia are foriegn sex tourists who know that these girls are readily avaiable. It makes me so angry to think about.
Not all of my time here has been spent with a broken heart. I have seen and done some really fun things. I got to do soulja boy at Angkor Wat and the night life here is incredible. So much fun! I can't describe it via blog. I have some stories for you all when I come back!
Next week, I head down to Sihanoukville to being really teaching. Tomorrow I am spending the day with victims of the sex traffic industry.
See you all in February!
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Craziness that has become my trip.
So, since I haven't posted anything about the actual trip. I thought I should give that a try.
January 5th
We got to our hotel around 1 am on Tuesday morning. It was sheer craziness. The traffic in Cambodia has only one rule. There are no rules. Everyone drives like a bat out of hell and pays no attention to others on the road. I would rather drive in Mexico again. Mexico seems like nothing now. Now imagine riding in a top heavy bus screeching around the corners with 22 very tired and jet lagged people. Not a good time. At all. So my roommates and I get up to the hotel room and being to get ready for bed. One of my roommates goes to the bathroom and around 45 seconds after she flushes the toilet, this insane screeching noise bellows from the toilet. After much debate, we decided to just leave it for the night and go to bed. In the morning....same thing. The screech fills the room and wakes the two remaining roommates up. While at breakfast that morning, I decide something is living in there. Know what I cam up with? A bobcat. So now there is offically a bobcat living in my toilet.
Later on Tuesday after sleeping and unpacking my classmates and I get ready for our first excursion. We hop in these little carts that are attached to motorcycles. They are the primary form of transportation for the cities in Cambodia. I thought the bus was horrendous the night before. Boy, was I wrong. That was insane. We make it to the Royal Palace with our lives, though just barely I suspect. The Royal palace is gorgeous. Intricately decorated with yellow and white to depict both the Buddist and Hindu religious traditions. Diamonds and Emeralds are dripping off of everything and each piece and part tells a story.
January 6th
We went to the National History Museum today and saw lots of art dedicated to Visnu and other Hindu dieties. During Pol Pot's regime, the museum was abandoned and looted. Many of the pieces were later reclaimed luckily. We were also introduced to the riverfront. This is where I visited my first brothel. It's an experience no one should ever have and it was awkward and uncomfortable. One of Cambodias largest attractions is their sex trade industry and we are here and will be working with several agenices who help stop it. There is nothing more frustrating than to be sitting next to this and be powerless to stop it.
January 7th.
Today we took a bus to Siem Reip. In this Cambodian town lies Angkor Wat. It is a Hindu temple was built in the 10th or 11th century. It is the largest religious monument in the world. Many people however know it as King Louie's house. He is the monkey from the Jungly Book. There are not even words to describe that place. It was breathtaking and a once in a lifetime trip.
January 5th
We got to our hotel around 1 am on Tuesday morning. It was sheer craziness. The traffic in Cambodia has only one rule. There are no rules. Everyone drives like a bat out of hell and pays no attention to others on the road. I would rather drive in Mexico again. Mexico seems like nothing now. Now imagine riding in a top heavy bus screeching around the corners with 22 very tired and jet lagged people. Not a good time. At all. So my roommates and I get up to the hotel room and being to get ready for bed. One of my roommates goes to the bathroom and around 45 seconds after she flushes the toilet, this insane screeching noise bellows from the toilet. After much debate, we decided to just leave it for the night and go to bed. In the morning....same thing. The screech fills the room and wakes the two remaining roommates up. While at breakfast that morning, I decide something is living in there. Know what I cam up with? A bobcat. So now there is offically a bobcat living in my toilet.
Later on Tuesday after sleeping and unpacking my classmates and I get ready for our first excursion. We hop in these little carts that are attached to motorcycles. They are the primary form of transportation for the cities in Cambodia. I thought the bus was horrendous the night before. Boy, was I wrong. That was insane. We make it to the Royal Palace with our lives, though just barely I suspect. The Royal palace is gorgeous. Intricately decorated with yellow and white to depict both the Buddist and Hindu religious traditions. Diamonds and Emeralds are dripping off of everything and each piece and part tells a story.
January 6th
We went to the National History Museum today and saw lots of art dedicated to Visnu and other Hindu dieties. During Pol Pot's regime, the museum was abandoned and looted. Many of the pieces were later reclaimed luckily. We were also introduced to the riverfront. This is where I visited my first brothel. It's an experience no one should ever have and it was awkward and uncomfortable. One of Cambodias largest attractions is their sex trade industry and we are here and will be working with several agenices who help stop it. There is nothing more frustrating than to be sitting next to this and be powerless to stop it.
January 7th.
Today we took a bus to Siem Reip. In this Cambodian town lies Angkor Wat. It is a Hindu temple was built in the 10th or 11th century. It is the largest religious monument in the world. Many people however know it as King Louie's house. He is the monkey from the Jungly Book. There are not even words to describe that place. It was breathtaking and a once in a lifetime trip.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Traveling to Cambodia
So, I arrived in Cambodia despite fates attempts at delaying my trip. Everything started out ok. I managed to wait until I got in to the airport before I started crying after saying goodbye to Dave. I probably should have just cried in the truck because blurred vision in the airport while trying to find your group is kind of tricky. But, none the less, I managed to find everyone and get all situated. Then the choas started. 5am on a Sunday morning, doesn't seem like it would be a busy time to travel but it was insanity. People were everywhere. Since our traveling group is comprised of 22 people, MPLS had us do a group check in. Makes sense, except that is a level down from where everyone had met. So we dragged all of our luggage down, checked in and then dragged all of our carryon's BACK up the escalators to the security lines. Many people didn't check the size list of what you can take on a flight so a bunch of kids had to ditch stuff before security busted them. We managed to make it through security with no delay. Our plane was scheduled to take off on time but due to a back up on the runway we sat on the tarmac for an hour. When it was our turn to take off, we had waited so long that ice was beginning to form on the wings! So, they delayed our flight a little longer and we de-iced. We made it to Chicago with no incidents in the air and on to the flight no problem. The next flight was the really long 14 hour flight from Chicago to In-cheon, Korea. Yuck. Korean Air is amazing though. Nice big planes, tons of ammenities and great service. The seats were reall cool. The seat in front of you had a touch screen monitor, that let you choose from a varitey of movies. I watched Julie and Julia, The Ugly Truth and part of the Time Travelers wife. There was a remote in the air rest that controlled the sound, the lights, the fan and called the stewardess if you needed her. On the flip side it was a phone as well. I had plenty of leg room as well. I had a window seat on that flight and looking out the window was really cool! The flight takes you up over Canada, through Alaska, Russia and a small chunk of China. Part of the flight were unidentifiable as to where we actually were and it looked a little bit like middle Earth from Lord of the Rings. Once we landed in Seoul, we had a two hour lay over and so I went to a little internet cafe and did some emailing. While sitting there I saw a anime charachter and a giant snowman. Pretty neat. I also listened to some very dramatic Korean soap operas. After what was supposed to be a two hour layover, our flight was delayed due to a huge snowstorm that had hit Korea only hours before. But the flight from Seoul to Phnom Penh was without incident again! Once we landed in Cambodia, we discovered that we had filled out the wrong visa applications so it took us another half hour longer to find the right forms, get them filled out and go through immigration, customs and security. We also had to do a health scan. All that means is you fill out a form with any sickness symptoms on it and then they thermally scan your body to see if you are sick. No big deal. After all was said and done, we travelled all day Sunday and spent Monday in the air. We finally arrived in Cambodia after more than 24 hours of traveling. Oy.
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