I have taken refuge today in one of Maputo's ultra fancy, rich people's hotels. It's one of those places that locals have heard about in stories as children. You know the kind - "up on the hill, overlooking the ocean, there is a palace. In that palace there lives a mysterious people. Their skin is the colour of alabaster concrete and they only leave the palace to fly in giant, noisy birds."
At any rate, it's pretty sweet and they have free wireless internet. This is also pretty sweet, as I continually get cut out of the phone system when trying to dial up in other places.
Erin mentioned in the last post the temperatures (49 degrees Celcius is wicked hot) and our time at work or church. I'd like to say that we'd been going to church daily for spiritual guidance, but in reality, "church" is the term we use for the Kutwanana orphan and home-based care program - conservation of words is a must in this heat - because that's where it's held. As for work - we're living in a country whose citizens have no history with proper health care and it's children are growing up where there is no emphasis on the future. So, our work, when we look through American eyes, is very frustrating. When we look at the big picture though, our presence might be a whole lot more than these people ever get or expect. It's challenging and overwhelming and it's probably a good thing that there are no bars near. Because this could lead one to drink (more than...you know what we mean.!)
Just clarifying for you what we're doing.
4 comments:
Peeps, the drinking can start when you get back to the land-o-honky-tonkin'! (I could make a crack about how Jenn's trying to cut back on drinking to train for the Rome marathon, so there's now plenty left for everyone else, but I won't). First things first, an important question: Would you like me to tape the new episodes of Grey's Anatomy for you? :-) But seriously, even though the going is getting rough, don't for an instant think that what you're doing doesn't matter. You might not believe you can change the future for these children but simply caring and offering some small vestige of hope that there is a choice about that future is a particularly valuable contribution. And you can also teach them the ways of the cool white people, especially your supah-fly dance moves....haha! I miss you guys terribly and am SO proud of you! Erin, don't vomit on the children of Africa--it's bad form. Unless it's one of those freakishly tall babies...then, all bets are off! Also guys, please take a shower before we hang out again. Love you both! P.S. Joaquim? Seriously, Paul? You crack me up! Jenn, don't kill me...
"drink more than..." now the truth comes out. Oh wait, that was in Nova Scotia...that's a man baby!
I am meeting with some rather powerful people in Feb to learn if we will take the plunge into South African energy... I'm pushing hard. JD, there would be a need for some of your skills, perhaps we can set up a home base and E can start a clinic. Maybe we can start two clinincs one for sick people and one for thirsty people ;)
Imagin a 100% off the grid Owen Kelly's with cold beer from the sun! With the work we are doing it's possible we could even get funding to build it!!!
Well, I've devoted half the month to making riduculous comments on Mike and Cody's blog...the rest of the month is on yours. I can hear your sigh of relief :) First, I LOVE the pics you've posted. The pictures of the kids are amazing! Erin-what is on that one kiddo's head you are examining? Hope you washed after you touched :)
On a similar note, I recently came across pictures of Jeff ironing in a bathrobe in public...don't think those won't come back to haunt you soon.
It was very nice of you to send Paul an orphan especially since his China bride didn't work out. I won't pretend that I'm not jealous, but Paul has been walking around the hospital giggling and hiccuping a lot-I'm not sure why but it's pretty funny.
I an sad to say pass on that your time in Africa means that you are missing American Idol auditions. Words fail me at trying to describe a certain rendition of Kiss.
Love you both tons and can't wait to sit around your patio fireplace, sing kumbaya and play with Joaquim. Come home soon. xoxo, j
E&J-
Awesome getting updated on your experiences! I can't wait to hear more about it when you get back. ben
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