a lesson learned

Since the semester has picked up with essays midterms, quizzes, work yada yada yada I've been completely avoiding my blog. It's kind of like that assignment you keep putting off until tomorrow. It's not that I don't like blogging, I mean at the beginning I didn't really think it was my thing but I've grown to like it, it has just been the lack of subject. I have had no idea what to write about .. and finally I've something to share:)

As fellow beyond bordian Krista and i walked from TWC to catch a bus this afternoon we started talking about our volunteer hours, what we've liked and what we've disliked along the way. Personally I've been a fan from the get-go. I love leaving the university bubble and entering a world entirely different than any other, meeting new people i would otherwise never meet and even tasting some delicious lunches along the way. However as all these things are aspects I love I also reflected on one minor detail that had completely frustrated during one visit to the art space;

Since Krista and i both volunteer up in the art space we can relate to the atmosphere, people and work ethic. Though the projects are diverse and there is always something to be made sometimes there just does not seem to be anything to do, at least if you don't have the skill or you are unfamiliar with the project. Mischa and Leeanne, two women who run the space are never too concerned if there is a lul, usually they make tea and we clean up previous projects, however for me.. this is an awful time! The one day I went and basically sat around for my entire 'shift.' I left feeling like my visit was pointless and I didn't help at all. Though I didn't do anything particularly constructive I met some new people and really had a chance to get to know them through the time given and dialogue. It was just recently that it hit me (possibly because I'm slow) that this is a great example of what we have all been warned about before we go overseas. We are not there to change the world for others, heck, we're not even there to really accomplish a lot, we're there to 'be' with people- and that's it.

Many BB alumni have forewarned me about their feelings of uselessness while away.. however I never quite understood. I thought.. I'm going to this organization and I'm going to plan things and carry them out. Through volunteering at TWC I have realized that many times the 'plans' do not go as they should, but things still get done, perhaps slowly, but they get done. I now approach my days at TWC quite differently. I head to the commons cafe for lunch and usually am stopped by an older man John who can't remember my name but remembers my face and always greets me with a smile. I've learned he loves to bring sweets to the group of friends he plays cards with and he likes be around people helping others. I've figured out my favourite dish the cafe serves (bean and cheese burrito with the works) and that I love to sit by the window so I can say hi to those coming and going and enjoy the sunshine. I've also learned that sometimes it's okay to just sit in the art space drinking tea and enjoying the company of those around you. I am quite fortunate to have experienced this before I go to Nicaragua because if I had felt useless here i can't imagine how frustrated I would have been there.

Once again, Oz has prooved itself.

Peace.

Lagging Behind

It's been forever since my last post and it's not that I haven't been wanting to write, or that i don't care about the blogs. I feel with each post it is harder and harder to come up with something to focus on, a hot topic of learning or ambition or something that someone will find great to read. As the program comes to an end (at least the pre-departure program) I feel like we've covered almost everything that needs to be covered and now it's more or less a waiting game.

I appreciate all of the opportunities that have been available to us during these last two semesters. The seminars as well as the hands on work at TWC and our conferences with Joanna have made me feel much more prepared for the adventure that awaits. The seminar on Saturday was a great way to connect back with Lisa and Mary Bee who have been helping us get ready since the very beginning. St. Jerome's students were also lucky enough to have the last seminar with the group from Kings College in London. It was great to meet other students who have similar interests, fears and questions. They were a great group to spend the day with and i look forward to seeing them in August at the re-integration seminar. The seminar itself was a little frightening at times, yet very informative as a whole. We learned the protocol for certain situations that we hope never to deal with, but gained the knowledge just in case we have too. I didn't like thinking about possible problems because it really just adds to my list of mounting worries but I know how helpful it was because if similar situations do arise at least I will be well informed as to what I should do!

On another note I am almost finished my hours at The Working Centre and I am a little sad to see it come to an end. Every Tuesday I make my way down there for lunch. I really enjoy the atmosphere there and i seem to get a lot of homework done as well. I love working in the art space and I have gained a new appreciation for many many things. Throughout the last few weeks I've learned how to weave, knit, makes teas, salves, lib balms - and all with natural products. I hope that when I return from Nicaragua I will still be able to spend some time there once in awhile!

As the weeks pass I still cannot believe that I'll be leaving soon. It's a jumbled feeling of excitement and sheer fear, I can't wait to finish the last few weeks of school and enter into a summer of a lifetime.

Long time gone

It's been about two weeks since my last post and now I have a lot to talk about! After talking to other Beyond Bordians this past week I feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Everyone has basically the same worries and as time dwindles I've learned it's best to talk to those who may be going through the same things rather than just avoid the subject entirely. Because clearly that's been working really well for me, Shocking right?

This week when we met at The Working Centre as a group with Joanne, Rebbecca and Joe and we were able to sit down and have a small meal together and discuss the alienation of tools. I read the articles that we were given and was instantly intrigued. The articles are so very true and before volunteering in the art space I would have been in the exact same boat. However, after spending time volunteering and just hanging out in the space I view things drastically different. The article discusses how people no longer grow their own food / repair their own things / sew / knit/ weave etc. I've learned how rewarding it can be to pick up something with your own two hands and DO rather than hand the project off to 'someone else' or BUY. I look forward to my placement each week because I never know what I'm going to be doing or learning how to make. Since coming to TWC I have big hopes to grow some of my own food when I am older and have the opportunity. I want to continue learning how to be self sufficient rather than relying on big name stores. It's refreshing to think "I can do this" when you may never had thought it possible. Thank you TWC!!

On another note my parents came to visit this weekend for my sister's birthday. Before the celebrations began they asked me to take them to The Working Centre so they could see where I spend my time. I was really touched by their genuine interest. I took them down to the Commons Cafe and showed them the art space and recycle cycles, I was able to buy the tea and lip balm that I had made last week and gave it to my sister for her birthday. I know how much my parents support me but reminders such as this one is really nice. Needless to say they LOVED it and will be sure to come back!

I cannot believe there is three weeks left of classes and then exams and lift off! My worries are less as my excitement takes over!! Hopefully more to come soon.

Peace.

Worry Wart

Beyond Borders is truly a great experience..

The only thing is latley I've started having this gut wrenching worry about the whole thing and I can't really tell you why. Maybe it's because of this ten week countdown, my upcoming appointment at the clinic or the fact I know zero spanish, or maybe a combination of the three.

I've met some really great people in the program who can now be a great support system, my fundraising is almost finished and my immunizations will be taken care of after this week.

Why then i ask you am I slightly freaking out about this whole thing?

There just seems to be so much to do and really no time to do it. With my sorority, part-time job, volunterring, class and BB as well as trying to see the fam-jam and friends every now and again is starting to serisouly stress me out. Joanne said it's like having a bunch of plates spinning in the air.. but she never did tell me what happens if they fall. I'm sounding slighly like Debbi Downer at the moment and by no means do i want to, I just think the reality of the whole experience is starting to hit me.

I've really wanted to learn some basic spanish before I go, but finding the time has been impossible. I've been told by a BB alumini that Los Pipitos has no English speaking workers. I am sure the other students from different schools will be great but I am just afraid of the isolation. I mean, I already know I'm going to feel isolated at least at the beggining or at many points in between because it's an adjustment.. But if I can't even speak to people that will be surronding me everyday I know I will have a very hard time at least for a little while. Maybe I'm under estimating myself due to my recent mound of worries, or maybe not.

However, on the bright side of things I am very greatful for all of the journaling exercises we've completed throughout the seminars this year. I think they will be a great resource for me while I'm gone and especially while feeling isolated. I know all these worries are a bit much ..

Dance Party

After checking out You Tube I came across this video, and if this is any indication of the people or atmosphere I think I am headed to the right place!

Less than 3 months..eekk

Less than three months to go.. I am really having a hard time grasping that in less than three months I'll be gone ..away from home..and in a completely new environment. The excitement as well as the anxiety is mounting. I was once again reminded of the love and generosity that exudes from my family. This weekend I spent the majority of it with family especially because it was my Uncle's birthday. Sunday was great because I was able to reconnect with a lot of people I rarely get to see and I was amazed at their interest in the program as well as their overall worry for me. Not only was it great sharing all of my thoughts with them but one of my Aunts asked me if I needed money for it and before I could answer she picked up a birthday hat and walked around the room asking family members if they wanted to donate. It was really nice to see them helping without giving a second thought. I must admit though I was a little embarrassed because I really feel uncomfortable asking people for money just because I don't want anyone to feel like they 'have' to cough up some or else. Needless to say though my family was great donating and I can't ever thank them enough!

On another note, I spent another great afternoon at The Working Centre in Kitchener last week. Even though I've only been there two weeks I'm really starting to feel like I 'belong.' People remember who I am, they ask how I'm doing, what I'm taking in school and in return we have some great conversations. The people are all really friendly and great to hang out with. Not only is the atmosphere welcoming, the working I'm doing in the art space is really refreshing. I have never been given the opportunity to do some of the things they work on, I love it. I've learned how to weave a bit and last week I work with Leanne, a TWC volunteer and we created some really tasty herbal teas. I have never worked with herbs before and it proved to be quite a science. I love my days at TWC because I always leave with a smile. The work is refreshing, the people welcoming and everything is really relaxed. Since I am at home for reading week I won't be volunteering this week, and to be honest I think I am going to miss it!

Since I'm home for a few days I am trying to tie up any lose ends before the trip that I can. It's crazy to think about it but this week may be the last opportunity I have to see friends until Christmas! I love reconnecting with my close friends from home and it kind of makes me a little sad to think I will miss the summer with them! I mean I know my time in Nicaragua will be both amazing and life changing, but there is that little part of me that thinks about the things that we do every summer. However I will not miss my usual summer job, and I know what in store will prove to be great!

Peace

Wierton Willy & the Eco foot print

Just a few days ago Wierton Willy was supposed to jump out of his little hole and shout to the world "SPRING IS COMING!"I'm not sure whether the little guy saw his shadow or not but I certainly think we should all speed this process up, crank up the temps and melt the snow, no? As this consistent ice and snow continues to rain on my parade I can't help it but day dream of the smiling faces, tropical fruits and adventures that await me in Nicaragua. If you can't tell already, I'm not really a fan of winter. I miss my sandals, hate the layers and layers of clothing and would rather not freeze my tush off every time I wait for the bus.

On that note as promised I will deli ever some much needed facts about Nicaragua and all that it has to offer;
Located between the borders of Honduras and Costa Rica, Nicaragua has a population of 5 785 846. Their rainy season is between the months of June- November while December - May being the dry season. The dominant language spoken is Spanish which unfortunately i know very little of! (Kind of a minuscule worry!) The capital of Nicaragua is Managua which ironically lacks a focal point. Managua, like most of Nicaragua has both active and inactive volcanoes. Managua became the capital with no more than 24 000 people in order to settle a dispute between neighboring areas Granada and Leon. The land Managua stands on is very unstable with recorded earth quakes approx. every 40 years.

Though I will not be headed to Managua, Esteli is only about 150 km from the capital. Esteli is not only the third largest city in the country but they are also known as a transport hub and the biggest commercial centre in the North. While I am busy loving up the sun in Nicaragua I will be volunteering at a local organization called Los Pipitos, which translated means 'little seeds!'
Los Pipitos is a social program run by the parents for both male and female children with or without disabilities. Los Pipitos was founded in 1987 and since then has provided awareness for the general public and a better life for those who are affected. Since the development of Los Pipitos more than 15 000 families have been positively affected whether they are volunteers or participants.

While researching Nicaragua for a recent Beyond Borders class I stumbled upon information about travelers watching the impact of their Eco footprints. While traveling..
- look for accommodations that are both environmentally aware and that they work with ethically based principles.
- spend money on locally produced goods
- use common sense while bargaining because the few dollars you save may actually go along way for someone else
-watch water and electricity consumption because tourists are often give more while the locals are over looked
-ask permission before taking any ones pictures
All for now,

Peace.