Snapshots

I have always loved taking pictures. Always. Love(d). For my birthday two years ago, I received quite a fabulous camera, and it was for adventures like this that I wanted that camera. I've taken lots of pictures since I've been here, but I wanted to start writing posts dedicated to just a few snap shots. So, in this first photography posting, I wanted to feature three photos. I have yet to meet someone here in SA that has a dryer; everyone hang dries their clothes. This was definitely new for me and something I wanted to document. Simply put, I just thought the clothes hanging there in the sunlight were rather pretty. The first photo captures that and the next two are just two of my favorites so far.

Hope you like them. There will be more to come! :)

Do Things Fall Apart?

Note: When I wrote this blog over a week ago, while I was on holiday in Sabie. Since writing this, things are, thankfully, quite different in the Ivory Coast. Nonetheless, food for thought:

In regards to what is happening in the Ivory Coast:

It is so sad. Heartbreaking, really. And not just because so many people are dying but because it is another country that once again has failed; failed in government, failed in providing for its people, and failed in moving and progressing forward. Do you know what is going on there? Just click the Africa section of the New York Times online and you’ll see.

It is also saddening because it’s another country that only furthers the already discouraging image that most Americans (and I’m guess other non-Africans) hold of Africa. Why does Africa seem so torn by struggle, strife, civil war, revolution? This is not a profound or new question to me, to the world of academia, or to anyone who has watched international news for any length of time. But it just hits me again, as I sit in the bush of South Africa (quite a nice bush, I must admit), reading about the Ivory Coast on my phone…

People always ask me, “Do you feel safe there?”  Half of my major in college was focused on African studies, so I feel like I came to South Africa, already knowing a tad more than the average American about the country and the continent as a whole. I always answer people affirmatively and add that I have never really once felt in danger here. (I know that is also very much in thanks to the people here who have taken care of me and taught me where to go and when and where not to go and when. ) Nonetheless, I find myself questioning the stability and potential future of the country I am living in. South Africa is the anomaly to the trend of governments and history of African countries, but what if it’s not? What if it is just a matter of time till something comes out, till something bursts, till things fall apart? I’m sure those of you who are reading this that are South African may be offended or appalled at that suggestion. But I can’t help but wonder. Time has already spoken a good deal for South Africa, but there is still more to tell. There is still more to tell for the United States. We have only been a country for about 250 years, which is really nothing compared to historical kingdom, dynasties, to the overall frame of time.

So, what am I saying with all this? Nothing specific. I don't want to offend anyone. I’m just stating things that I’m thinking about and find interesting. I do think though, that the overall pattern of countries here in Africa and worldwide, especially those that have been considered failed or underdeveloped should be given full attention. Additionally, history should be headed when looking to the future. As Ecclesiastes says, "There is nothing new under the sun." I suppose through all of this though, no matter what happens to countries or what decisions governments make, we must be grateful that we have something greater to live for than this life. And while we are here, focus on how we can make the lives of other's, better.

What do you think?

Sabie holiday part 1 & thoughts on skin color

Hello all! I am back from a fantastic and refreshing holiday in Sabie! I didn't have internet access while I was there but I wrote some post and will be putting them up over the next week. Also, I don't normally do this, but if you want to see pictures from the week you can see them here: Sabie holiday. Hope everyone is enjoying the coming of spring! It's starting to get cool here - it reminds me of "fall" in Miami. :)

Day 1

It is the end of my first day in Sabie. We are staying at an absolutely gorgeous resort, in a two bedroom/1 loft bungalow type thing. We spent the day lounging in the sun, by the pool, reading. It has been divine! Relaxing and refreshing (although, an event like this particularly makes me miss my family because this is something I normally do with them; there’s no replacement for that). The views are just breathtaking here. I am in awe of what God has created here and that I get to enjoy it. There have been a number of times since moving to South Africa that I’ll just stop in whatever I’m doing or wherever I am and think to myself, “I am here. I live here. I live in South Africa. Just capture this moment.” Today, being here in Sabie, in the South African country, is one of those moments.

The more I spend time out of the US and see how many holidays (vacations) most other countries take, the more I am determined that we all need lots of holidays. Americans work too much and Ecclesiastes says that there is nothing better for us than to do good and enjoy life. It is a gift from God. I’m going to start praying now that when I get a job and have a career, that I will be able to take ample amounts of holidays. J  

As I was sitting by the pool today and just looking around at all the people that were there, I thought to myself, “I just love that there are so many different cultures in the world. And I love that every single person is different.” And the more I travel and see this, the more I realize how true it is that kids, especially, are the same everywhere. I sat by the pool and watched the three cutest Indian boys, Afrikaans kids, English kids, and a few black children all play together. They all just wanted to have fun, to be loved, and they did not care a thing for what they looked like, or what each other looked like. That is true for all kids and it amazes me. Think about that: they DO NOT care about what they look like. They don’t look at skin color, hair type, height or weight. It astounds me, and makes me feel so safe.

Skin color is something that fascinates me, regardless of country. But here in South Africa, it is something that on one hand is not a big deal and on the other hand, is still very much a big deal. We don’t always talk about it, but it is undeniably a topic that produces discussion. Supposedly, we don’t look at skin color anymore, it doesn’t make a difference. But, it really does. To be completely honest, I was slightly surprised to see black people on holiday here. That comes more from the fact that here in South Africa, specifically, it does seem that white people are more affluent; also, only black people work at gas stations or restaurants, or take taxis. (The taxis here are not the yellow cab you see in New York City or something…they could have a whole post in and of themselves.) But should I not be surprised? I guess I’m trying to figure out in myself, how much I still stereotype, hold prejudices, and judge. I didn’t/don’t really think I do that (at least too often), but this whole skin color thing is so prevalent and obvious here, that I’m just not so sure. I’m not saying I think I’m a racist or anything dramatic and awful, I’m just saying that this is something that I thought was a non-issue, but it is still very much an issue in our world…and it intrigues me. Thoughts? Comments?

Stayed tuned for the rest of the week…it gets exciting! J

Details

Most of you may not have noticed any particular difference in the last gap between posts and this one, but I sure did. I didn't have internet! It turns out that where I am staying doesn't actually have unlimited internet; we have a certain amount of internet for the month and that's it. And so, we ran out. But it is now April 1st and I'm writing again!

First off, a few updates:
We had our first baptism at UJ since I've been here! A little over a week ago, Alicia, a fourth year at UJ was baptized. It was very exciting and encouraging for all the disciples at UJ and for the church here. It definitely feels like we have a little, growing family here. Here are a few pictures (I tried to upload the video but it took too long):

UJ girls (Irene, Jade, me, Siba, Alicia, Alicia's mom Eudene)

Our UJ family: An, Gordon, Siba, Alicia, me, Obi, Jade, Christian :)

Next...this isn't so much an update as something I have been meaning to say for a while: Did I ever tell you that my car does not have power steering?? I just thought that fact should make you more impressed with my driving skills...and my arm muscles. ;)

I just recently got my transcript from my alma matter, but we are now on a two week holiday. So, hopefully, as soon as school starts back up, I will be able to register for a class. This past Monday, I had a few moments where I laid on my bed staring into space thinking, "I have no idea what to do with myself." Granted,  we are on holiday, so all this time is not the norm, but I've started feeling like I need some sort of intellectual stimulation. I honestly do miss classes (not the tests or the work though) or the kind of research, work I did in internships. I am still so grateful that I have this opportunity to be here in South Africa and help the campus ministry  - helping people know God will always be the most important and meaningful thing I do - but I think I'm looking forward to getting an office type job when this year is over. We'll see though; I've only been here two months, so I can't really make a conclusive decision just yet.

Like I said, most schools and universities are in the middle of a two week holiday right now. And so the family I am living with and (therefore by default) lucky me, are leaving for our own holiday today! We're going to a town called Sabie, near Kruger National Park. If anyone knows anything about South Africa, they usually have heard of Kruger. (Here's the website if you want to check it out: Kruger Park)  I am so excited! I am so excited just to sit by the pool or the river all day and read and sleep, and I am so excited to watch hippos! They have them there and you can watch them cross the river every evening at dusk. I have a feeling what I'll see is much more of what everyone pictures when they think of Africa. I won't be able to blog while I'm there, so stories and pictures will follow soon after we return.

Lastly, I keep getting requests for pictures of my life here; where I live, the UJ campus, etc. So I've put a few below.

UJ - Auckland Campus

Inside campus.

My bed/awkward view of my room

My homemade decorations and pictures, above my dresser (across from my bed).

My "window"

View just to the left of my window/door

View directly outside my room

The Harvey's pool/"garden" (aka, backyard)

I've got a handful of ideas for my next few blog posts, but if there is anything in particular you would like to hear about, know, or see pictures of, please send me requests! We're heading into fall here, but I suspect most of you reading this are heading into spring - I hope it glorious and beautiful and quite refreshing after the brutal the US had. :)

Cheers!   - Ellie (that's the nickname I've acquired here; I rather like it.)

Kaptein!

I went to my first professional rugby game tonight! It was quite exciting. The Harveys, who continue to amaze me with their generosity and how they have just made me apart of their family, took me (and quite a few other people). We braai-ed before (tail-gating basically), sang (at least I attempted to sing) Afrikaans songs, and cheered on the Blue Bulls. It was a fabulous evening, and I have come to the completely sure decision, that rugby is far more dangerous and violent than American football. Watch a game.
The word in the title of this post, is the Afrikaans word for captain, and is the name of a song that was played over and over at the match. Despite its utterly silly lyrics (which Nicole was so kind as to translate for me), it is a very catchy and pop-y song...and I loved it! You should look it up and listen. :)

Internet is down at the moment, so I'm writing this on my phone; hence, the brevity and lack of pictures.

It's late, I'm tired. Till next time...

Cheers!

Rapid fire update

Ok, this is going to be a rapid fire post. AGAIN, I apologize for not posting sooner; life is busy, internet wasn't easy (I now I have wifi in my room though!!), and after a long day, writing is tiring. But I truly will try to do better. So, here are some highlights until I post again (which will be soon, I assure you), and in no particular order:

1) (Ok, well this I made sure to put first) We are having our first campus baptism tomorrow, since I've been here! Her name is Alicia and she goes to UJ. She is such an encouragement and joy to me and I can't wait to show you pictures!

2) We have seven girls studying the bible at UJ (and like 17 guys...go guys)! Pray for us.

3) It rained for almost two days straight, and the past two days have been filled with afternoon thunderstorms. This is lovely but problematic because Joburg roads do not seem to handle rain very well. Dirt and silt from the medians and sides of the road become sludge in the streets, and sewers tend to overflow. :/ ick! But the sun has been out for two days which brings joy to my heart and civility to the streets.

4) Yesterday was Human Rights Day which is a national holiday here. South Africans love their holidays. I celebrated by going to the Vaal River (doesn't that just sound cool?) and spending the day braaing, knee boarding, and wake boarding. My body is having revenge on me; Advil was a part of my breakfast this morning.

5) My family is coming to visit in June! And my roommate through all of varsity is as well, in August. Yay, yay, yay!! I definitely am missing friends and family.

6) My birthday was a week ago and it was lovely. As I've already mentioned before, South Africans are some of the warmest and friendliest people you will meet, and they did not fail to lavish birthday celebration on me. :) I was woken up at 6am to my family here singing happy birthday and bearing presents (in which I received a South African cricket jersey! very cool), had tea and cake in the most charming and delightful tea room I have ever been to (not that I've been to that many), and had dinner in a Mozambiquen restaurant. (I don't think that is the right form of something from Mozambique.) It was very encouraging birthday, especially with all the emails and facebook posts from abroad. Thank you! :)

I'll elaborate on everything later, as well as, include pictures of my life here. In the mean time, here's a few from my birthday dinner and the Vaal River.

Cheers!

The Harveys, Gordon, and me at Mozambique (the restaurant, not the country)

Vaal River

Me kneeboarding: not too bad.

Me wakeboarding: not so much.

Someone's YARD - those elephants are fake, in case you thought otherwise.No, we don't all live with elephants in our backyard here. And those black squares underneath the elephant in the background: that is a fish tank!

day ending on the beautiful Vaal

No matter where you are...

So, first off, I have to apologize profusely for not writing sooner. Even in South Africa, life gets busy. UJ is full of people studying the bible and a small ministry that loves to spend time together. It’s wonderful; our little family of seven. 

Bible studies have been going well, but we have encountered a slight problem. They (the two-person UJ security desk) won’t let us on campus. Since we are still waiting for our society application to be approved, they won’t let the other intern or me on campus. The campuses here are not like those in the States, where anyone can walk on; here, they are completely gated off. So we have been forced to come up with creative ways to continue studying the bible with people. We met at McDonald’s the other day and today we tried registering for a class. In order to register, even if we’re not getting any marks, UJ wants our transcripts…which is slightly difficult to get from all the way over here, and time consuming. So, please be praying that we can sort this issue out quickly. But there are many eager and searching people here in Joburg – it is refreshing and encouraging.

People are constantly asking me, “What is it like over there?!” I’ve quickly run out of things to say because life here does not seem to be that different. But that, actually, makes life surprisingly interesting and entertaining. Since my last blog, I have been creating a list of everything I have discovered to be the same in any country you’re in. No, I have not been to every country on the planet, but I’m pretty sure these things are consistent everywhere. Some of them are saddening (the fact that they exist everywhere), but most of them I have found hilarious. I have enjoyed seeing these things here in South Africa, and I hope you enjoy reading them and noticing them in your own country, wherever that may be.

No matter where you are….

A)     People fall asleep in class.

I started taking a class at UJ (unofficially…this all being before the transcript ordeal); my first one being last Wednesday. It was a decent size lecture with probably about 75 students. The lecture started right after lunch, which I should have remembered was a time that requires a cup of coffee. Although I did enjoy it, I admit, I was struggling to stay awake at some points. (Thank goodness I’m not getting any marks for the class!) As my mind and eyes wander in an attempt to stay awake, I look behind me and notice a girl slouched in her chair, head back, mouth open. A few rows back and a couple seats over, another girl leans forward on her desk, head propped in her hand, eyes closed. Needless to say, my attempt to keep my laughter in side kept me awake for the rest of the lecture.

B)      Girls like boys, boys like girls; girls over analyze everything, and guys don’t.

This became apparent very quickly. As I’ve gotten to know a number of different girls, the subject of boys, naturally, came up quickly…as does, “He put a smiley face at the end of his text! What do you think that means?!” or “Our eyes just locked at the same time, I know he felt the same thing I did,” or “He gave that other girl a ride home from campus, he doesn’t like me anymore.” It’s actually one of the most amazing things to me about people; in this regard, we are all the same. And I love it. I think it is something that allows people to connect so quickly, regardless of skin color, religion, education level, or age.

C)      There will always be the poor and needy.  

Jesus said it, and it is completely true. I think it’s just a matter of the degree to which people are in need. It’s sad because considering the wealth of our planet, there is no reason for anyone to be in physical need. But we will always have the poor with us, which means we will always have an opportunity to serve.

D)     Everyone, at some point, just nods and says “uh-huh” when they don’t actually hear what someone says; and then get caught when what the other person said was actually a question.

This just makes me laugh. I feel like it happens to me more often than it should, but it makes me feel much better knowing that it happens to everyone else.

E)      Everyone has a cell phone and teenagers spend too much time on them.

I have nothing more to elaborate on here, except that it is an unbelievable truth! I really try not to be on my phone a lot; if we’re ever in a conversation and you think I’m not paying attention to you because of my phone, please slap me. I give you permission.

F)      Kids want their parents to pay.

Whether you’re 12 years old and need money to go to a movie with your friends, or 16 and need gas money, or 23 and just want a free meal, every child loves when their parents pay and will probably never refuse such generosity. J

G)     There’s a McDonalds. Shame.

I’m always thinking of and discovering new similarities in people…if you have any to add, post them.

Also, I just have to add that sometimes it just hits me, that I live in AFRICA. When I was packing all my worldly possession to store them for the year, I found a small journal that was first of all, red (my favorite color), and secondly, full of things I want to do in my life. I started flipping through it and one of the first ones I read said, “Live in Africa”. I stand amazed.

Until next time,

Cheers.  J