Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Time in Site and Time in Town.

Not much to say. I'm sorry for that but, I have been pretty focused on getting my home fixed before the rainy season starts. The rainy season is coming. It will start in about 2 weeks or so. I am really excited. It seems that extreme downpours are on there way. Night thunder and lighting storms and lots of work in the fields. If you were here now you would be witness to everyone working on last minute construction projects and any other issues. My host father Mustapha and I are in the process of constructing a house for some chickens. He and I discussed it and with some help we agreed that the house should hold about 150 chickens. This is really good for him and myself. It's good for him because he will consistently have chicken in his family's food bowl and I mine of course. Also he will make some quick money consistently throughout the year. It's good for me because I now have a way to gauge my work there. I had a uncle in my village ask me the other day "Why are you here?" I didn't really have an answer. To him I was showing zero benefit to his village. I can understand him in a way. I have created nothing visual or viable in the village. I have created many grants and other things he knows nothing about, but the results from those come in time. I cannot remember if I stated this before, but my host family has moved in next to me. This is really cool and enjoyable for me. I am able to see my family much more often and my language has increased expediently. The way it used to be, I lived on one end of the village and my family lived on the other. We saw each other very little; for eating meals and at night. I am also getting a new roof on my hut, which is in bad need of repair. I may also be getting a light in my backyard! It will be hooked up to Mustapha's generator. A light! I am stoked about that. I also started working with another man Modoo in a near by village. He is the brother of one of my teachers and is a nice guy. Our project together will a massive tree planting project for his village, Kerr Saminyado. He is a very hard worker and he is very motivated like Mustapha. I look forward to working with him. Other than that all is good and I am healthy and happy. I want to state something off subject here. I have noticed more and more that people change so fast. Life moves so fast. My friends back home seem to have moved on with their lives. I expected this and am aware of this, but you realize that when you are not there in person it is easy to be forgotten about. You are easily thought of rarely, if ever. My family is different, my family cares about what I am doing and about what is happening to me. They try to stay connected and try to stay involved. I am forever appreciative of this. I think about these things sometimes. I understand that my friends have lives and I don't them want to stop everything their doing to worry about me or talk to me. I just cannot imagine in 2 years what we will have to say to each other? Sorry for sappy statement I just felt I needed to state this. Maybe some will understand and maybe some won't. I am overall just so happy to everyone so happy. It makes me smile to see photos of everyone living life. I always look forward to hearing from them and hearing about their adventures. But, I digress...Oh, one more thing. A guy here and myself have decided to start writing personal letters to independent record companies to receive free things. It has worked really well for him so far so I told him I want to try. It beats sleeping! I will update you on that later. Beynnan Yoon!

5 comments:

  1. Hi Sweetie!!! SOOO good to hear from you. Me and m'girls at work always enjoy reading your stories, and it was one of them who kept asking me about your "wife". :-)
    As far as I'm concerned, just by being there you've got to be brightening their lives, but I can understand uncle....maybe he thinks you're just taking up space....but we know that's not true. Your heart is good and genuine and I'm sure you are helping your family a lot. You've still got time to do more tangible things, so don't worry about it too much.
    I love you and miss you, and I am so proud of you. You sound a little homesick.....hope you know that's normal, and will pass in a little while....try to enjoy the time you have there and make your contribution as you intended. This world is still waiting for you over here....
    Beynnan Yoon! (Gee, hope I didn't just call you a dirty name or something...) :-)
    All my love man......Aunt Kathy

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  2. P.S. Lisa says she wants MORE pictures!!!! (Lisa is one of my girls at work). Both Lisa and Debbie say hi, and take care of yourself.
    Aunt Kathy

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  3. JG,
    I'm glad to get the update. It sounds like you are adjusting to your new world. How Cool! There is nothing like fresh eggs not all pumped up with growth hormones and all the overcrowded chicken houses. We get eggs from our neighbor. They are so different. I guess you will learn how to choke your chicken.... I miss you and look forward to all the updates. Keep building your village what a concept how all work together. What's this wife stuff about? Fill me in. Love,
    Uncle Jack

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  4. Howdy partner,
    I just want you to know I haven't forgotten you. I understand though that hearing from folks back home must give you a lot of moral support on such a long journey in such a foreign land, so it's probly a bummer not to hear from people you're dear to. I've been checkin' out your blog and love to hear about your experiences, but I haven't known how to get in touch since I don't have an email address for ya. I tried to post a comment a while ago but got hung up on the details of registering. If this gets through I guess I figured it out this time.

    I want you to know that I think that what you're doing is amazing and I appreciate your openness and courage to confront such a huge unknown. Keep your heart open (as I've known it generally to be) and keep following it- you can only move toward greater joy.
    Peace,
    Matt

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  5. Matt its good to hear from you man. my email is raedhtetypo@yahoo.com I want to catch with you. How is life? The House? Everyone there? I hope to hear from you.

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