I’ve been trying my best to learn as much Swahli as I can. I definitely wish that I had been better at trying to learn before I came, but life was pretty crazy before I left and it has been fine to learn here. I knew some basic things and a little about the structure of the language which was helpful. I don’t think anyone expected that I knew anything coming in. Even now when I try to practice what I know people are surprised and ask how I know Swahili. English is pretty widely spoken here. I think because of the English colonization in East Africa, and then of course the influence of the US domination of the world. High school age I think it all taught in English.
It’s kind of fun trying to learn. It’s great because people are really willing to help. People get excited when I say anything in Swahili and appreciate that I try I think. That definitely makes learning worth while. My host family is great about teaching me too. I usually ask what words are 5 or 6 time and sometimes still don’t remember.
I can remember lot of greetings and respond to them. There are so many greetings! You can’t spend too long greeting everyone. I’ve got ‘what is your name?’ and ‘where are you from’ down. I think I understand the verbs I trying to learn some important ones, to go, to wash and to eat. I know a lot of other random words.
Of course what comes with learning the language are always mistakes. Good thing I stick out and people assume that I don’t speak Swahili I guess. It’s embarrassing, but if I can get laughs it’s easier to brush off the mistakes.
I was in the market one of the first days I was here and was in the way of someone moving a table. I meant to apologize as I got out of the way. So, pole means sorry, that’s what I meant to say, but instead I said poa…which means cool. Oops. I realized right away and tried to correct myself but couldn’t remember the right word. I could hear them laughing about it as they passed. Oh well. Also the other day at the church someone gave me a greeting of respect, ‘shikamo.’ This is something you usually say to someone older than you, but I was younger than this guy. He was just trying to be nice and to welcome me. In response you are suppose to say ‘marihaba,’ which gives respect in return. Instead I said ‘nimashiba’ which mean I’m full. They laughed pretty hard but then corrected me so I guess its ok.
I’ll keep trying to learn. I don’t know how far I can get in 3 months but might as well give it what I’ve got. It would be great to be able to talk to someone who doesn’t speak English and have some actual communication…even if it’s not clear and awkward. As this point I can’t get much across.
Please continue to pray for my adjustment to living here. That I can find rest and comfort in the Lord and that the language continues to come along. Also that I will serve in a purposeful way.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Address and phone!!
I got a phone. It wasn’t too bad. I tried to use my old phone from home but it wasn’t unlocked to other providers. It’s kind of spendy to call the US but I guess you can skype or buy international phone cards for fairly cheep. I’d love to hear from anyone!! The best times are probably afternoon and evening for me…10 hrs ahead from most of you.
Number is 255-789-770-282 255 is the TZ country number
I also have an address I share it with the whole church. I hear it takes about 2 weeks to send something. If you do send something let me know about when it should arrive so I can get the box checked. I guess it doesn’t get checked very often.
If anyone does end up sending anything!! I have requests for hand sanitizer and floss. forgot to bring enough of both of those...i'm going to run out of hand sanitizer fast...
Emily Deichsel
Grace & Healing Ministry
PO Box 3230
Dodoma, Tanzania
And Happy Birthday Mom!!!
Number is 255-789-770-282 255 is the TZ country number
I also have an address I share it with the whole church. I hear it takes about 2 weeks to send something. If you do send something let me know about when it should arrive so I can get the box checked. I guess it doesn’t get checked very often.
If anyone does end up sending anything!! I have requests for hand sanitizer and floss. forgot to bring enough of both of those...i'm going to run out of hand sanitizer fast...
Emily Deichsel
Grace & Healing Ministry
PO Box 3230
Dodoma, Tanzania
And Happy Birthday Mom!!!
My first Dodoma home
So much to say! Ah ok. So I’m at my host family’s home. It’s small but pretty nice. I have my own room…I think that means that Oliva is sleeping on the couch…that doesn’t make me feel very good. So I’m staying with Mariam who is about 6 months pregnant I think. Her husband…the name didn’t stick. So many names to remember. I’ll get back to you on that one. I do know he is a police officer and also teaches at the church as part of a program to stop crime at an earlier age. Mairam works at the church. Oliva is Mariam’s niece I think… She seems to do the house work. She either knows less English or is less willing to talk. I’ll have to work on her. She already calls me her sister though. I had a great two evenings with them. I’ve been pretty tired once I get home, but we just hang out talk eat and then go to bed. I was worried about it but I’ve had fun staying here. Mariam has a great laugh and me not knowing things or being awkward makes her laugh so that feels good : ) It is a really far from town, which makes it hard to hang out with people at night. I’m ok with that for now. There is a lot to enjoy staying here with the family. But I think as time goes I’m going to need that community and support. I’ll see how it goes.
So I went to the market with Mariam on the way home the first day. There were huge piles of dried fish for sale. Sardine I guess. Didn’t look appetizing. First we got potatoes and then Mariam asked what kind of food I liked. I didn’t know how to respond. Lots of different kinds. We ended up at the butcher. Oh she meant what kind of meat… a hard one because I’m picky and really don’t like a lot of meat. Didn’t say anything. The butcher puts a hears on the scale…my stomach dropped to my feet, then he cuts a huge chunk of liver off and adds it to the scale. I think she could see it on my face. I was a little frightened. I just told her I hadn’t ever eaten any of those things before and that at home I didn’t eat a lot of meat. She was thinking then, and I reassured her that it would be ok I would try it. I think the alternative was to buy beef especially for me and I know that this heart and liver was a special treat for the guest already. So we proceeded on our way to get some veggies which I enjoyed. Well my brother got his wish. I talked to him when I first arrived in Dar and the only thing he told me was to eat something I wouldn’t normally eat. At that point I had eaten a processed beef patty…but I’ m guessing this is more a long the lines of what he had in mind. So I ate liver. I wasn’t really all that bad, but I didn’t enjoy it. Really dense I guess is the best way to describe it. I know it’s not that odd…people in the US eat it, but for me it’s out there. I think it upset my stomach a little bit. I didn’t eat it again when it was served tonight. I hope that is ok. I think it’s pretty expensive. I told myself initially I would just eat the meet to be polite, but if that’s what upset my stomach I really just want to pass. For someone who doesn’t eat very much meat and no red meat, liver might have been a little much.
I’ll have to take and post a picture of the toilet….ceramic hole in the ground. I’m getting use to it…but still am not sure how to keep from splashing. Tanzanians don’t use toilet paper. I’ll have to keep my own supply. They bought some for me in the bathroom at home, but I’m pretty sure no one uses it but me. I hope its ok that I do. I’ll buy it but that’s something I’d like to continue.
The time change is just hitting me. Maybe in combination with not feeling well yesterday, but I was so exhausted. I guess traveling I slept so much during the day on planes and buses, it made up for not sleeping through the night. I can usually fall asleep but I wake up in like 4 hrs lay in bed and then wake up every hour after that. I think I’ve heard one day for every hr difference. This is night 5 so my body might still take some more time.
So I went to the market with Mariam on the way home the first day. There were huge piles of dried fish for sale. Sardine I guess. Didn’t look appetizing. First we got potatoes and then Mariam asked what kind of food I liked. I didn’t know how to respond. Lots of different kinds. We ended up at the butcher. Oh she meant what kind of meat… a hard one because I’m picky and really don’t like a lot of meat. Didn’t say anything. The butcher puts a hears on the scale…my stomach dropped to my feet, then he cuts a huge chunk of liver off and adds it to the scale. I think she could see it on my face. I was a little frightened. I just told her I hadn’t ever eaten any of those things before and that at home I didn’t eat a lot of meat. She was thinking then, and I reassured her that it would be ok I would try it. I think the alternative was to buy beef especially for me and I know that this heart and liver was a special treat for the guest already. So we proceeded on our way to get some veggies which I enjoyed. Well my brother got his wish. I talked to him when I first arrived in Dar and the only thing he told me was to eat something I wouldn’t normally eat. At that point I had eaten a processed beef patty…but I’ m guessing this is more a long the lines of what he had in mind. So I ate liver. I wasn’t really all that bad, but I didn’t enjoy it. Really dense I guess is the best way to describe it. I know it’s not that odd…people in the US eat it, but for me it’s out there. I think it upset my stomach a little bit. I didn’t eat it again when it was served tonight. I hope that is ok. I think it’s pretty expensive. I told myself initially I would just eat the meet to be polite, but if that’s what upset my stomach I really just want to pass. For someone who doesn’t eat very much meat and no red meat, liver might have been a little much.
I’ll have to take and post a picture of the toilet….ceramic hole in the ground. I’m getting use to it…but still am not sure how to keep from splashing. Tanzanians don’t use toilet paper. I’ll have to keep my own supply. They bought some for me in the bathroom at home, but I’m pretty sure no one uses it but me. I hope its ok that I do. I’ll buy it but that’s something I’d like to continue.
The time change is just hitting me. Maybe in combination with not feeling well yesterday, but I was so exhausted. I guess traveling I slept so much during the day on planes and buses, it made up for not sleeping through the night. I can usually fall asleep but I wake up in like 4 hrs lay in bed and then wake up every hour after that. I think I’ve heard one day for every hr difference. This is night 5 so my body might still take some more time.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Dodoma at last
I arrived in Dodoma last night. I stayed in a guest house and will go to my host family today. This morning I slept in and then went to the church. Met a bunch of people. I've got to pick up on the swahili fast! A lot of people speak some english.
I found an internet cafe..well Leah showed me a good one. Not sure I could find it myself yet but I'll get there. At least i have her to show me around for now.
Well I'll write more soon but I'm running out of time. Just want to let everyone know I arrived and am tired but well.
I found an internet cafe..well Leah showed me a good one. Not sure I could find it myself yet but I'll get there. At least i have her to show me around for now.
Well I'll write more soon but I'm running out of time. Just want to let everyone know I arrived and am tired but well.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Dar es Salaam
So at the end of day two I'm in Tanzania!! I'm staying with Eve's parents. They have a great place. It is so good to see them as well. It was great to be able to spend the night in Nairobi. Edmond and Christine were great hosts. I've been blessed with such generous loving people in my life.
A short little flight to Dar and i made it with all of my baggage. There was a little complication where one of my bags didn't get checked all of the way through to Dar, but it was sorted out in Nairobi and made it here. It's hotter here than in Nairobi. Maybe it won't be so humid when we go in land more. Tomorrow at 2 I get on the bus for the last leg. I hear it's about a 6 hr bus ride to Dodoma. I shouldn't have much trouble sleeping..i haven't on every plane ride so far.
I'm starting to see mosquitoes. bring on the bug spray
Thank you for prayers. Please continue to pray for me as a settle into the culture and language.
A short little flight to Dar and i made it with all of my baggage. There was a little complication where one of my bags didn't get checked all of the way through to Dar, but it was sorted out in Nairobi and made it here. It's hotter here than in Nairobi. Maybe it won't be so humid when we go in land more. Tomorrow at 2 I get on the bus for the last leg. I hear it's about a 6 hr bus ride to Dodoma. I shouldn't have much trouble sleeping..i haven't on every plane ride so far.
I'm starting to see mosquitoes. bring on the bug spray
Thank you for prayers. Please continue to pray for me as a settle into the culture and language.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tanzania!
I am off!! I am sitting in the airplane about 30,000 feet in the air. I can look out my window and see I caps of the arctic. Not exactly the landscape I’m headed towards but incredible none the least. We flew over the Rockies too earlier. Part of my heart tells me I belong in those mountains.
I don’t have anyone sitting next to me on the plane…no one to chat with but my long legs are pleased to have the extra leg room. My first flight is ten and a half hours from Portland to Amsterdam, followed by a seven and a half hour flight to Nairobi. I have a 20 hour layover in Kenya so Dan, from Lahash, set me up with some people that live in Nairobi who are gracious enough to let me stay at their place and tour me around Nairobi a bit. Then the final stretch is a little not even two hour flight to Dar es Saalam. After I night in Dar with my college roommate Eve’s parents I’ll set out to travel the final 300 miles to Dodoma by bus. So calculate this up, leaving Portland noon on June 5th, arriving in Dodoma evening of June 8th! Even with the 10 hour time difference that’s a long time to travel. I think I’m 5 hours into it now.
Please keep me in your prayers for safe travel and that I will search support and direction from the Lord as I adjust to life in Tanzania.
More soon I hope
I don’t have anyone sitting next to me on the plane…no one to chat with but my long legs are pleased to have the extra leg room. My first flight is ten and a half hours from Portland to Amsterdam, followed by a seven and a half hour flight to Nairobi. I have a 20 hour layover in Kenya so Dan, from Lahash, set me up with some people that live in Nairobi who are gracious enough to let me stay at their place and tour me around Nairobi a bit. Then the final stretch is a little not even two hour flight to Dar es Saalam. After I night in Dar with my college roommate Eve’s parents I’ll set out to travel the final 300 miles to Dodoma by bus. So calculate this up, leaving Portland noon on June 5th, arriving in Dodoma evening of June 8th! Even with the 10 hour time difference that’s a long time to travel. I think I’m 5 hours into it now.
Please keep me in your prayers for safe travel and that I will search support and direction from the Lord as I adjust to life in Tanzania.
More soon I hope
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Summer in Tanzania
I will be graduating from Lewis & Clark College in Portland this May with a bachelor of arts in Chemistry, an appreciation for God’s brilliant diversity and a desire to see change in this world. God used my experiences at a liberal school to strengthen my personal relationship with Him and spark my passion to love His human creation.
Over the last four years I have developed a heart for the vulnerable. I am interested in serving those infected and affected b HIV/AIDS. This biologically fascinating disease is a puzzle that has yet to be solved. HIV/AIDS killed an estimated 2.1 million people world wide in 2007. Over three quarters of these deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. As research continues in attempt to develop a vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS, treatment in these areas cannot be ignored.
As I pursue a medical degree and a masters in public health after Lewis & Clark, I desire to provide holistic care to poverty stricken communities. This summer with Lahash International I look forward to continuing my journey learning about practical and situational treatment of this disease. With Grace and Healing Ministry, I will serve the spiritual, physical, emotional educational and environmental issues affecting the vulnerable in a community in the capital city of Tanzania.
I am encouraged as I become a partner of Lahash International. Over the years God has increased my desire to serve the vulnerable and the needy. Now I am provided with this opportunity to explore this passion in a way that also pursues my interest in international public health care. I will work with Grace and Healing Ministry in Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania. I will live in the community for 3 months providing physical, spiritual and emotional care. I am eager to for this journey of new experiences, but I know that it is not something I can do alone. Please consider partnering with me to bring care to Dodoma.
Keep in contact
emilyd@lclark.edu
Learn more about Lahash International
www.lahash.net
Over the last four years I have developed a heart for the vulnerable. I am interested in serving those infected and affected b HIV/AIDS. This biologically fascinating disease is a puzzle that has yet to be solved. HIV/AIDS killed an estimated 2.1 million people world wide in 2007. Over three quarters of these deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. As research continues in attempt to develop a vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS, treatment in these areas cannot be ignored.
As I pursue a medical degree and a masters in public health after Lewis & Clark, I desire to provide holistic care to poverty stricken communities. This summer with Lahash International I look forward to continuing my journey learning about practical and situational treatment of this disease. With Grace and Healing Ministry, I will serve the spiritual, physical, emotional educational and environmental issues affecting the vulnerable in a community in the capital city of Tanzania.
I am encouraged as I become a partner of Lahash International. Over the years God has increased my desire to serve the vulnerable and the needy. Now I am provided with this opportunity to explore this passion in a way that also pursues my interest in international public health care. I will work with Grace and Healing Ministry in Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania. I will live in the community for 3 months providing physical, spiritual and emotional care. I am eager to for this journey of new experiences, but I know that it is not something I can do alone. Please consider partnering with me to bring care to Dodoma.
Keep in contact
emilyd@lclark.edu
Learn more about Lahash International
www.lahash.net
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)