Lauren Ashley here: Where does the time go? I had every intention to write more in this historically rich land of Egypt and now I am here in Dahab on debrief. We have had so many different opportunities since arriving here two weeks ago to work and socialize among many different types of people here. Within the first few days we were in full swing going to a children’s home, hospital, Sudanese refugee camps and a couple of children’s programs. We were even invited to an engagement party for the sister of one of the kids who were at our program. While we were soaking up the Egyptian style party Beau was asked to sing so he broke out into “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys on his guitar. As soon as Beau and the rest of us were done singing one of the Egyptians lead us into “Hosanna in the Highest” in Arabic, we could not stop laughing at the whole thing when we left.
Sarah, our main translator was completely amazing in helping us communicate clearly and really get to see Cairo like a native. She also brought her friends around which was great because it allowed us to get to really know some people instead of see them once that is all. Now each of us has five or six Egyptians that we will be able to stay in contact with and hopefully see again one day. They taught us catch phrases in Arabic that we have used to make others laugh or just lighten the mood, like: “YA-LA-WHO-EEEE!!!” which is “OMG!” or “Yo teeka schwanna!” meaning “It gives you wiiings!” off of the Red Bull commercials. You would be surprised how quickly people will warm up to you just for saying “YA-LA-WHO-EEEE!” our camel guides thought it was hilarious.
My absolute favorite thing I experienced was on our last day when we went to Islamic Cairo in the major mosque. Lena, one of Sarah’s friends, went inside with us to translate for us if we wanted to talk or someone was talking to us and I am so grateful she did. We went in and I was sitting up against the wall observing the ritualistic prayers and journaling about the whole thing. While writing about how I felt and such I sensed that someone was hovering over me watching me and when I looked up there was this lady there in full garb with her veil lifted just staring at me; I smiled and waved and she went at sat back down. I knew she was still watching and so I said “hello” and Lena started talking to her. To my surprise she told Lena that I was like a light in a dark place and she couldn’t stop staring at me; then she went on to say that she was praying that her daughter would look like me, which I am told is a very high compliment in their culture. I was completely floored and I don’t think I could have dreamt up a better finish for this time of my life.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Toot-Sweet Tunis the wonderful treat
Lauren Ashley here: Life in Tunis was an adventure to say the least. We did so much in the short time we were there. At the school we were able to remove about a ton of garbage from the basement, sand down doors, spackle holes in walls and wire for a fire alarm. We also went to a youth group a couple of times and were able to really get to know some of the people there and encourage them to keep fighting the good fight.
Our contact, Hanen was utterly amazing!! She is one of the sweetest, funniest and most charming women I know. She does not hold anything back. She is great. One of my favorite things about her is that she does not let you get away with slacking off. (no being late! Woo hoo!)
Will and Jeremy came for the second part of our time in Tunis which was very refreshing. They gave us a mental health day their first full day in Tunis which is exactly what the team needed to recharge. We had been so drained for way too long. We also had a fun day when Hanen took me to her parent’s summer home where we ate a delightful meal with her sisters and then headed to the beach with everyone else. That’s right the beach aka the Mediterranean Sea. I am not sure I have had that much fun at a beach in a long time. The water there is different than back home, more salty which means easier to float in. We also had brownies made by the wonderful Hanen. On our way to dinner we passed by a blood donation station where Hanen and I decided to donate to the cause. I have to say that giving my blood has been one of the highlights of this trip, I don’t know why but I absolutely loved it.
Leaving Tunisia was like leaving India . . . PAINFUL! I did not want to go at all. Hanen and I were trying to figure out a way to sneak me back into the country without the team realizing I was gone. Alas, we got on our plane parting ways and traveling as a team via air for the last time.
Our contact, Hanen was utterly amazing!! She is one of the sweetest, funniest and most charming women I know. She does not hold anything back. She is great. One of my favorite things about her is that she does not let you get away with slacking off. (no being late! Woo hoo!)
Will and Jeremy came for the second part of our time in Tunis which was very refreshing. They gave us a mental health day their first full day in Tunis which is exactly what the team needed to recharge. We had been so drained for way too long. We also had a fun day when Hanen took me to her parent’s summer home where we ate a delightful meal with her sisters and then headed to the beach with everyone else. That’s right the beach aka the Mediterranean Sea. I am not sure I have had that much fun at a beach in a long time. The water there is different than back home, more salty which means easier to float in. We also had brownies made by the wonderful Hanen. On our way to dinner we passed by a blood donation station where Hanen and I decided to donate to the cause. I have to say that giving my blood has been one of the highlights of this trip, I don’t know why but I absolutely loved it.
Leaving Tunisia was like leaving India . . . PAINFUL! I did not want to go at all. Hanen and I were trying to figure out a way to sneak me back into the country without the team realizing I was gone. Alas, we got on our plane parting ways and traveling as a team via air for the last time.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Turkey wrap with a hint of Tunisia
Lauren Ashley here: I should have done this a while ago but this is the first chance I have been able to sit down and think since arriving in Tunis. Our time in Söke was by far my favorite time in Turkey for work purposes that is. We had a meeting with one of the top police officers, toured city hall, had a movie night with the community, a dinner/meeting with a large group of people and so much more. We met this lovely lady Eileen who had us over for tea, snacks and the chance to just encourage her and reflect on our time in Söke.
Our journey to Tunisia was a long one 12-hour bus followed by an 8-hour stay at the airport and ending with a plane ride that was longer than it needed to be since we seemed to sit on the tarmac for an hour. After arriving to Tunis all of the stress of travel just melted away. Us girls got to our current place of residency and were completely floored, we are staying in a home and everyone has their own area. I am in a room of a little girl named Hannah staying a full size loft bed with speakers I can plug my ipod into so I can jam out in my free time. I love it here and us girls have had some good times together in this place.
The first night Hanen, our contact had a team meeting with all of us and we went out for our first of many tasty meals. Since then the adventure has only improved with every passing day. We have done manual labor at a French school, gone to multiple meetings to share a bit about us and what we are about as well as hang out with a few of the youth from here. We all have had a lovely time just being here.
Our journey to Tunisia was a long one 12-hour bus followed by an 8-hour stay at the airport and ending with a plane ride that was longer than it needed to be since we seemed to sit on the tarmac for an hour. After arriving to Tunis all of the stress of travel just melted away. Us girls got to our current place of residency and were completely floored, we are staying in a home and everyone has their own area. I am in a room of a little girl named Hannah staying a full size loft bed with speakers I can plug my ipod into so I can jam out in my free time. I love it here and us girls have had some good times together in this place.
The first night Hanen, our contact had a team meeting with all of us and we went out for our first of many tasty meals. Since then the adventure has only improved with every passing day. We have done manual labor at a French school, gone to multiple meetings to share a bit about us and what we are about as well as hang out with a few of the youth from here. We all have had a lovely time just being here.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A Turkish Treat
Lauren Ashley here: Turkey has gotten better by every passing day. We have done everything from baking pies to making friends on the street and all of us have had our ups and downs but overall I think we have all thoroughly enjoyed our stay here in Turkey. One thing that I am truly grateful for is that I have learned how to fight while being here. Since arriving in Istanbul I have felt as though I have been pulled in multiple directions by different culprits at all times and because of this I have had to learn how to fight them off. My old tactics and tricks did not fix the problem but to me this is all apart of the refining process. Unfortunately, by the time I felt like I had gotten my bearings in Istanbul, a metro area of 17 million, it was time for us to leave on our break to Ephesus.
Atilla’s Getaway located in Selçuk, a small town outside of Ephesus, is where the eight of us had the privilege during our three day break and we had a delightful time. The first full day at Atilla’s we were able to walk the ruins of Ephesus where I had a revelation of the Father’s heart when it comes to the worship of idols; I was nearly moved to tears (my eyes actually did tear up) and for those of you who know me know how rare that is. I am not sure what precise thing struck me he hardest but seeing the idols that the Ephesians worshipped years ago and knowing Papa’s heart it just hurt and then I started to think of all the idols we have put in our lives and I was virtually sick just at the thought of how we have hurt the Father by the things we have put before Him. My hope is that this feeling would not pass and I would continue to look at things with the perspective that Papa should ALWAYS be first. Other than Ephesus, my favorite thing that happened on holiday; is one afternoon Jemma and I were shopping where we started to talk to the only lady store owner in town. She was surprisingly open with her beliefs and we had the opportunity to speak an extra measure of life into her and her family and it was quite the treat for both Jemma and I.
Since Yemen ended up not happening we have an amazing opportunity to stay in Turkey an extra week so now we are staying in Söke a town less than .6% of the size of Istanbul. I am excited to see this other side of Turkey. We are nestled in between a mountain region and the Aegean Sea is just a short drive away. In our short time here alone we are getting an array of opportunities to serve by: taking care of household chores, us girls are getting to meet with women’s groups and we may even have an opportunity to meet the mayor and police force of Söke. I am excited to see how everything folds out in our few days here in Söke before we head out to country number three: Tunisia!
Atilla’s Getaway located in Selçuk, a small town outside of Ephesus, is where the eight of us had the privilege during our three day break and we had a delightful time. The first full day at Atilla’s we were able to walk the ruins of Ephesus where I had a revelation of the Father’s heart when it comes to the worship of idols; I was nearly moved to tears (my eyes actually did tear up) and for those of you who know me know how rare that is. I am not sure what precise thing struck me he hardest but seeing the idols that the Ephesians worshipped years ago and knowing Papa’s heart it just hurt and then I started to think of all the idols we have put in our lives and I was virtually sick just at the thought of how we have hurt the Father by the things we have put before Him. My hope is that this feeling would not pass and I would continue to look at things with the perspective that Papa should ALWAYS be first. Other than Ephesus, my favorite thing that happened on holiday; is one afternoon Jemma and I were shopping where we started to talk to the only lady store owner in town. She was surprisingly open with her beliefs and we had the opportunity to speak an extra measure of life into her and her family and it was quite the treat for both Jemma and I.
Since Yemen ended up not happening we have an amazing opportunity to stay in Turkey an extra week so now we are staying in Söke a town less than .6% of the size of Istanbul. I am excited to see this other side of Turkey. We are nestled in between a mountain region and the Aegean Sea is just a short drive away. In our short time here alone we are getting an array of opportunities to serve by: taking care of household chores, us girls are getting to meet with women’s groups and we may even have an opportunity to meet the mayor and police force of Söke. I am excited to see how everything folds out in our few days here in Söke before we head out to country number three: Tunisia!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Turkey Baby
Lauren Ashley here: Well, India was an amazing first stop, I am not sure we could have asked for a better start to our trip. We all were able to jump right in and make connection with many people here both in Greater Noida and Jaipur. Each of us had our own unique experiences in this great land. Loren marveled at the lack of stability in the infrastructure while, Melanie was enamored by the colourful clothing and vibrant music and I was taken by the people and their unique way of life. India is nothing like I have ever experienced before, I absolutely love it here. Never in a million years did I think I would love India so much; its crowded, loud, smoggy and nothing like what I typically am drawn to yet I am. India seems to be harder to leave then New Zealand and even home almost. I don’t know how to describe the feelings I have towards this land and its people. I hope to have the chance to come back and spend an extended amount of time here.
Turkey has been quite the experience thus far. We have seemed to be going non-stop since we arrived just over a week ago. We go back and forth from Asia to Europe on a near daily basis, which is just odd to think about. Our team has gone to the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya (a church, turned mosque, turned museum), the Archeological Museum and countless other places. We have been able to meet up and work with roughly half a dozen long time workers which has been a new learning experience every time. My favorite thing we have done so far was work with a bakery and a catering event they were doing. We helped make the food and better yet eat the food. Sadly, when we went out to lunch I had an allergic reaction to something and was unable to help serve due to my Benadryl induced sleep. Everyone else seemed to have a good time though.
I am hoping that this next week we will be able to increase our effectiveness, not be moving constantly and stay healthy since this week I was knocked out twice; first with my vertigo returning with a vengeance and then my freak allergic reaction.
Turkey has been quite the experience thus far. We have seemed to be going non-stop since we arrived just over a week ago. We go back and forth from Asia to Europe on a near daily basis, which is just odd to think about. Our team has gone to the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya (a church, turned mosque, turned museum), the Archeological Museum and countless other places. We have been able to meet up and work with roughly half a dozen long time workers which has been a new learning experience every time. My favorite thing we have done so far was work with a bakery and a catering event they were doing. We helped make the food and better yet eat the food. Sadly, when we went out to lunch I had an allergic reaction to something and was unable to help serve due to my Benadryl induced sleep. Everyone else seemed to have a good time though.
I am hoping that this next week we will be able to increase our effectiveness, not be moving constantly and stay healthy since this week I was knocked out twice; first with my vertigo returning with a vengeance and then my freak allergic reaction.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Jemma on India...
Well we’ve just done a 6 hour car drive and are about to start our 7 hour flight to get ourselves off to Turkey. Here’s a summary of my thoughts while here in India. It has been a really awesome time here! Some of us love it so much that we don’t want to leave. The culture here is incredible, the colours are so vibrant. We went to the Taj Mahal on Tuesday (26th May), it was extravagantly beautiful...How much more wonderful it would have been when it was first built! We have been on Indian trains twice. They are an experience, but we enjoyed it. It was great to be able to see the Indian country side, and to see the people as they live their lives. To pass time (one train was 5 hours long) we told of our dream homes we got pretty extravagant towards the end, as ideas were borrowed from previous people. We have to wear these cool Indian clothes, they are really beautiful. Whoowee, the traffic is scary at times, its surprising there isn’t more accidents. As Loren said ‘road signs and lines are just suggestions’ how true that is. People drive their cars into oncoming traffic, possibly life threatening but hey, it’s India! We manage to fit about 8 adults in a rickshaw at one time, but we also had one other time where we had 4 adults along with 18 children in one tiny little rickshaw. We have spent the last week doing a summer program with children, there is normally about 50 or so that show up, on our last day we had 70! They truly are very fun to be around, they are just so joyful and excited all the time. They have given us all a gift of some kind, I myself have been given a little Elephant and a lot of paintings by the children and little pieces of jewelry. I only wish that we had been able to speak to the children ourselves, and not through a translator. I hope that we have been able to impart some love into their lives, they deserve it. Our hosts here have been incredible, they are very hospitable and fun to be around! Please keep us in your thoughts as we go on to our next location.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Stop 1
Lauren Ashley here: Two weeks sure do fly when you are having fun! Greetings from India! India! Our team went around pinching themselves for at least the first week and we still say “We’re in INDIA!!!” on average 3 times a day. The food is delectable and the culture is vibrant with colour and music. Who would have thought that a girl from Texas would enjoy Indian culture so much? I never thought India would strike such a chord with my heart but I can say without a doubt I have fallen in love with this place and these people.
It feels like we have been all over the place, we landed in Delhi and headed straight to Greater Noida, from there we went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and our final stop was here in Jaipur where I sit now writing this. I can’t believe our time in India is nearly through. Greater Noida, where we spent time in petitioning the Father for His grace to be over India, feels like ages ago and in all actuality we were there less than two weeks ago. When we left there we were able to take a small detour and go to the Taj Mahal. That’s right the Taj Mahal! What a sight to see! I could hardly believe I was there; I remember years ago just dreaming about one day seeing the magnificent marble structure and now I have. After our detour we headed to Jaipur where we have been working with kids from the Bhatt people group, who are a part of the lower caste in India. These kids are so precious and it has been a joy to love on each and every one of them. For children from slum areas they sure do know how to give. Yesterday I think everyone from our team got a trinket of some kind as well as our hands painted with henna.
My head is swimming with different thoughts to share things like motorized rickshaws may be the only way to travel for me from here on out, they are terrifying but a ton of fun! Another really cool thing is that the rain seems to be following us. First with great lightning shows in Greater Noida and huge rain showers here in Jaipur (where this amount of rain is rare). How cool is it that rain, a symbol of new life follows our path?
It feels like we have been all over the place, we landed in Delhi and headed straight to Greater Noida, from there we went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and our final stop was here in Jaipur where I sit now writing this. I can’t believe our time in India is nearly through. Greater Noida, where we spent time in petitioning the Father for His grace to be over India, feels like ages ago and in all actuality we were there less than two weeks ago. When we left there we were able to take a small detour and go to the Taj Mahal. That’s right the Taj Mahal! What a sight to see! I could hardly believe I was there; I remember years ago just dreaming about one day seeing the magnificent marble structure and now I have. After our detour we headed to Jaipur where we have been working with kids from the Bhatt people group, who are a part of the lower caste in India. These kids are so precious and it has been a joy to love on each and every one of them. For children from slum areas they sure do know how to give. Yesterday I think everyone from our team got a trinket of some kind as well as our hands painted with henna.
My head is swimming with different thoughts to share things like motorized rickshaws may be the only way to travel for me from here on out, they are terrifying but a ton of fun! Another really cool thing is that the rain seems to be following us. First with great lightning shows in Greater Noida and huge rain showers here in Jaipur (where this amount of rain is rare). How cool is it that rain, a symbol of new life follows our path?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
And we are off...
It is officially time for us to go and be a part of the big world outside of New Zealand. We are all very expectant to see some major things happen in this time in the Middle East. I am believing for countless lives to be changed by the Father on a daily basis. I personally want to be in the mindset that this whole thing begins on the plane from Christchurch. I am also looking forward to being in warm weather once again, even though it will be over 100 degrees.
There are so many things going on in my head and heart at the moment it is ridiculous. All I can say is . . . INDIA here we come!!!!
There are so many things going on in my head and heart at the moment it is ridiculous. All I can say is . . . INDIA here we come!!!!
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