To My family and Friends,
It has been an exhausting first week in Namibia. We started with such high hopes of building Mount Sinai and have run into many road-blocks. Christa has the blueprint of Mount Sinai and it is quite beautiful. Her plans include a center for Mom’s to come for the baby formula as well as a counseling room, a boy’s and girl’s dormitory that will serve as a hospice for orphan children with AIDS and even a room for international nurses quarters when nurses want to come and stay to help work at Mt. Sinai. We are in the process of waiting for the municipality to approve the plans. Nothing seems to happen very fast here in Namibia. I do think it helps that American women are accompanying her to the different government organizations to assist her in the process. This is so very much needed and yet we seem to have to jump through the proper hoops to accomplish each small step. I was naïve to think it could happen so fast. We toured the land that Mt. Sinai will be built upon, but we cannot start building till we have the official OK. I realize now that we will not have the money to build the entire project. I will take home with me the blueprints so that I can share them with all involved. My hope is that we will begin to build before we leave. My wonderful friends in Holland have donated much of the money that will start the building and they have given us the idea to incorporate the press and other resources to get the word out that Mount Sinai MUST happen. Mary has her degree in political science and along with her computer skills we will help Christa start a website so that we can all communicate with her after we leave the country. When we are ready to build –first we must level the land—we are going to invite the Namibian newspaper, NBC, the first lady, and members of the community to the ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate the start of Mt. Sinai. Hopefully this will create awareness of Christa’s work. We will also help with writing grant proposals so that she can submit them to the many organizations here in Namibia in hopes of generating more funds for the building. My good friend Christa is tired but her faith in the project never seems to waiver. My heart goes out to her as I see what a struggle it is to accomplish this beautiful dream of hers. If one was to look up the word ‘networking’ , you would find Christa. She has gone to every source available to ask for assistance in Mt. Sinai. I don’t believe there is a person out there that is so dedicated to a cause like Christa is to the mom’s, babies, and children of Namibia. I know that I will not rest till I see Mount Sinai a reality!
Our second goal is to help Abigail at the family Hope Santuary Project in Hakahana community. This project is going well. I see the progress made from last year and it is so rewarding. The garden that we helped to create last year is going strong. They continue to have the plumbing problem of last year (the water pipes have burst and water is leaking), but this has worked to an advantage to both the community and the garden. The government has not fixed the pipes so people are able to collect water from this site for use in their homes and the community uses the water to water their big garden! I hesitate to try and fix the problem as it benefits the community and water is free! Abigail and Fiobe are helping to identify children in the community most at need and the money will go for school and food hampers for their families. We have decided to focus on 20 children (to start) and Mary and I will take these children on an educational outing as well as a shopping experience where we will buy school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and necessities for their families. We will also pair the children with ‘penpals’ from the U.S A.(Alex’s 3rd grade class). It is our hope that we can set up a sponsorship from the US for these children. Many of my kids from last year are now attending formal school!!!!!! We are also going to have the ‘2nd annual Easter egg hunt’ at Hakahana the saturday before Easter. This is my most favorite projects as it brings such joy to the children who need it the most. It will be an Easter party and we will serve special food that day and it will be a day just for the kids!!!
We are overwhelmed with—not enough time-not enough money-but we can do what we can do. I only wish it was more. My little baby is still at the hospital in Katutura-waiting to be adopted—now there are more babies. I only wish I could bring them all home with me. Out in the informal settlements the children cling to us like vines. I hug and kiss them and silently pray that God will Care for them. It is always the children that cause the ache in my heart. I think of starting an orphanage and know that it would be flooded with children within a day! It is the children that bear the burden of AIDS and poverty, remember them in your prayers! All my Love , Annie
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Day After Independence DAy
These past few days have been filled with rain. But here that is a blessing. Just got Annie set up here so that she can start posting things herself. We tried to put up a few of her writings, but they were saved in the wrong format, so I will try to get them up here in the next few days.
We had a braai yesterday and invited a bunch of friends over- Christa, Charlotte, their kids, my friends Solomon and Nace from when I studied here, Marybeth who is from the states but had lived here for 2 years and setting up this soccer program for over 500 kids, and many other including the girls from holland that are also staying where we are at. It was a pleasant time and we had JUST enough food. These past few days have been a little more calmer so that has been nice and being able to relax is a treat. It being independence day here yesterday there were many celebrations troughout windhoek, one inlcuding a big ceremony at the stadium, which i hear was jammed packed full with people even though it was raining on and off all day. I have tried to reflect, even though i am not Namibian, what it means for them to have 17 years of independence and if at all things have gotten better over the years. In some respects they have, in others they haven't. Its hard to be optomistic when the gov spends its money on 15 nerw mercedes and a huge state house for the president- which if you think about it, the wall that protects it (I hear parts of it are made of gold), could build 20 mt. sinai's over and over. The president here, ive heard a few say, is trying to fight corruption, but it still exists nonetheless and the problem is how do we change that?
I met Marybeth last night and she is an amazing woman. She brought up a really good point that makes me think and think. She talked about how many people rely on handouts from organization- international, national and local- so what results in this is that they are become apathetic to their situation as well as their government. So what wouldh appen if we took those handouts away. If we took all those grass roots organizations, a lot of which as NGO's, away that support these people... They would have to do something, they would have to demand change from their government.... they would not be so quick to forget that their government must help them... that they too deserve the right to the same things that gov. officials have access to. What a day that would be... So how can we get the people to realize that things must be different- that they can't live in these conditions forever and they too deserve access to food, water and shelter that is clean, affordable and nutritious. I guess we can only wait and see....
So that is it for now. I am going to try to get annie's posts up tonight for everyone.
dare I say that 60 degrees is now cold???
later,
mary
We had a braai yesterday and invited a bunch of friends over- Christa, Charlotte, their kids, my friends Solomon and Nace from when I studied here, Marybeth who is from the states but had lived here for 2 years and setting up this soccer program for over 500 kids, and many other including the girls from holland that are also staying where we are at. It was a pleasant time and we had JUST enough food. These past few days have been a little more calmer so that has been nice and being able to relax is a treat. It being independence day here yesterday there were many celebrations troughout windhoek, one inlcuding a big ceremony at the stadium, which i hear was jammed packed full with people even though it was raining on and off all day. I have tried to reflect, even though i am not Namibian, what it means for them to have 17 years of independence and if at all things have gotten better over the years. In some respects they have, in others they haven't. Its hard to be optomistic when the gov spends its money on 15 nerw mercedes and a huge state house for the president- which if you think about it, the wall that protects it (I hear parts of it are made of gold), could build 20 mt. sinai's over and over. The president here, ive heard a few say, is trying to fight corruption, but it still exists nonetheless and the problem is how do we change that?
I met Marybeth last night and she is an amazing woman. She brought up a really good point that makes me think and think. She talked about how many people rely on handouts from organization- international, national and local- so what results in this is that they are become apathetic to their situation as well as their government. So what wouldh appen if we took those handouts away. If we took all those grass roots organizations, a lot of which as NGO's, away that support these people... They would have to do something, they would have to demand change from their government.... they would not be so quick to forget that their government must help them... that they too deserve the right to the same things that gov. officials have access to. What a day that would be... So how can we get the people to realize that things must be different- that they can't live in these conditions forever and they too deserve access to food, water and shelter that is clean, affordable and nutritious. I guess we can only wait and see....
So that is it for now. I am going to try to get annie's posts up tonight for everyone.
dare I say that 60 degrees is now cold???
later,
mary
Pics.
A mother with her new baby who is wearing one of the many baby hats that Annie's friends made... Annie, Foibe and baby gift.
The meat we had at our braai(bbq) for Namibian Independence day...... Nace and I at braai
Kids in Haukahana
Mt. Sinai Formula for babies.
Christa's House where she runs Mt. Sinai
My Sunburn.
The cupboard where Christa Started Mt. Sinai
Christa's Land Our walk to
Downtown Windhoek
Christ'a Blue Prints
Oshivambo Women in Settlements Drying Meat
<---A speck of what is Haukahana (havana 1, 2, 3)
“The buddha’s teachings offer a wide-ranging conception of the human person as complete entity having a diversity of need which all must be met to ensure happiness and wellbeing. These needs fall into a well-defined hierarchy of importance, which we might here consider as threefold. At the base of the hierarchy is the physical need for the basis requisites of existence: clothing, food, a comfortable dwelling, medical care, transportation, energy, tools, and so forth. At the next level are social needs: for education, family, friendship and personal intimacy, participation in a community, and meaningful work. At the highest level are spiritual needs: for moral rectitude, mental development, and wise understanding of the true nature of life.”
I do this thing where I randomly open books and start reading. Today this is what I read. It is from the book “Facing the Future” which is a book about Buddhism and the future. It is quite apparent from this that if the base of the structure is not strong, then the rest will not hold together, it will not be whole. If one is constantly trying to fit together, to fill in the cracks that exist, then how do you expect to maintain the top? Lets assume at this point that when talking about the physical needs, it is the basic needs that are met and the bare minimum that is given to maintain a healthy and comfortable way of living. If this is met, and the base is as solid as it can be, then the next step would be social needs. But in reality, especially for many here in Namibia, the base of this structure is filled with huge holes and cracks that even climbing up to the next level can be a challenge. How is a child, for example, expected to do well in school when they are have to learn on empty stomachs, all a while worrying about the health of their relatives as well as all the troubles that their homes as well as their communities face. While we were driving away from Haukahana, Christa was telling us how the road lines up with children marching to school in the morning. Many are swaying back and forth because they are very weak from not eating anything that morning as well as days on end. In some instances, there are reports of children being hit by cars because they stumble out onto the road due to extreme dehydration and starvation. Having to travel long distances to and from their homes just to school and then expected to perform well is intolerable at best. Therefore, in some way, you can see how this hierarchy is relevant to Namibia. In addition to this is the moral rectitude that is lacked among many people in the settlements. It is not that they choose to be this way, in fact, I am quite positive that if given the resources many would not resort to such actions, but many are forced to do things that they otherwise wouldn’t do. In order to eat, they must steal. In order to send their children to school or afford things, many women sell their bodies, hence spreading and perpetuating HIV/AIDS. Poverty causes this continual cycle of sickness and desperation and until something is done to address why people are remaining in these conditions, this cycle with revolve and persist into generations to come. There has be a time when people can take no more, when they stand up and say “NO, I refuse to accept my conditions and I will do whatever in my power to change things not only for my self, but for my community and people of the world”. Individually I can see this starting, but in order for things to really take hold, there must be a mass mobilization in order to be heard and to achieve some sort of success. People must stand up so that their base is met, so that they can worry about the next level. If one is too worried about where they will get their food for the day; if they have a reasonable place to sleep as well as if one can even afford to visit a doctor, then how can one achieve success in the other areas? It is a question that will continue to plague my mind until something happens to appease the people and meet their needs.
This is not just happening here in Namibia, it is a global phenomenon that needs to be addressed.
I could go on and on how this quote is relevant to Namibia.
To ensure happiness and well-being, it is important to have a solid and comprehensive hierarchy. If one part is missing, chipped, cracked or there remains gapping holes, then it is hard to ensure one’s happiness and well-being. No wonder people have lost touch with themselves and resort to actions as well as chemicals to compensate for what is missing.
Downtown Windhoek
Christ'a Blue Prints
Oshivambo Women in Settlements Drying Meat
<---A speck of what is Haukahana (havana 1, 2, 3)
“The buddha’s teachings offer a wide-ranging conception of the human person as complete entity having a diversity of need which all must be met to ensure happiness and wellbeing. These needs fall into a well-defined hierarchy of importance, which we might here consider as threefold. At the base of the hierarchy is the physical need for the basis requisites of existence: clothing, food, a comfortable dwelling, medical care, transportation, energy, tools, and so forth. At the next level are social needs: for education, family, friendship and personal intimacy, participation in a community, and meaningful work. At the highest level are spiritual needs: for moral rectitude, mental development, and wise understanding of the true nature of life.”
I do this thing where I randomly open books and start reading. Today this is what I read. It is from the book “Facing the Future” which is a book about Buddhism and the future. It is quite apparent from this that if the base of the structure is not strong, then the rest will not hold together, it will not be whole. If one is constantly trying to fit together, to fill in the cracks that exist, then how do you expect to maintain the top? Lets assume at this point that when talking about the physical needs, it is the basic needs that are met and the bare minimum that is given to maintain a healthy and comfortable way of living. If this is met, and the base is as solid as it can be, then the next step would be social needs. But in reality, especially for many here in Namibia, the base of this structure is filled with huge holes and cracks that even climbing up to the next level can be a challenge. How is a child, for example, expected to do well in school when they are have to learn on empty stomachs, all a while worrying about the health of their relatives as well as all the troubles that their homes as well as their communities face. While we were driving away from Haukahana, Christa was telling us how the road lines up with children marching to school in the morning. Many are swaying back and forth because they are very weak from not eating anything that morning as well as days on end. In some instances, there are reports of children being hit by cars because they stumble out onto the road due to extreme dehydration and starvation. Having to travel long distances to and from their homes just to school and then expected to perform well is intolerable at best. Therefore, in some way, you can see how this hierarchy is relevant to Namibia. In addition to this is the moral rectitude that is lacked among many people in the settlements. It is not that they choose to be this way, in fact, I am quite positive that if given the resources many would not resort to such actions, but many are forced to do things that they otherwise wouldn’t do. In order to eat, they must steal. In order to send their children to school or afford things, many women sell their bodies, hence spreading and perpetuating HIV/AIDS. Poverty causes this continual cycle of sickness and desperation and until something is done to address why people are remaining in these conditions, this cycle with revolve and persist into generations to come. There has be a time when people can take no more, when they stand up and say “NO, I refuse to accept my conditions and I will do whatever in my power to change things not only for my self, but for my community and people of the world”. Individually I can see this starting, but in order for things to really take hold, there must be a mass mobilization in order to be heard and to achieve some sort of success. People must stand up so that their base is met, so that they can worry about the next level. If one is too worried about where they will get their food for the day; if they have a reasonable place to sleep as well as if one can even afford to visit a doctor, then how can one achieve success in the other areas? It is a question that will continue to plague my mind until something happens to appease the people and meet their needs.
This is not just happening here in Namibia, it is a global phenomenon that needs to be addressed.
I could go on and on how this quote is relevant to Namibia.
To ensure happiness and well-being, it is important to have a solid and comprehensive hierarchy. If one part is missing, chipped, cracked or there remains gapping holes, then it is hard to ensure one’s happiness and well-being. No wonder people have lost touch with themselves and resort to actions as well as chemicals to compensate for what is missing.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Formula V. Breast Feeding
Today has been filled with the constant theme of policy/theory vs. practice. I continue to be amazed at how these two ideas can never work hand in hand and I am constantly reminded of the struggle to attain the practices to meet such policy: as micro as Christa’s dream to build Mt. Sinai, and as macro as governmental policies on infant feeding. Although these two in many ways go hand in hand, it is important to separate them to understand why such policies are not being implemented on the ground. I have not done the proper research in the case of Namibia’s ministry of health’s policy on infant breast vs. formula feeding, but I have been getting a sense, on the ground, that these two issues are in constant competition. On the one hand, formula feeding reduces the risk of HIV transmission to the baby by it’s positive mother, while on the other hand it can also increase infant mortality rates as well as infectious diseases in that baby because, again I am not properly researched in this area, but breast milk provides anti-bodies and nutritious value that will reduce these risks. So then the question arises, if formula feeding can no doubt reduce the risk of transmission, why is it left out of the education to mothers and breastfeeding so adamantly pushed in hospitals?
Charlotte, a nurse in the natal clinic here in Katutura has attended many workshops on infant feeding and has time and time again been told to address formula feeding outside the compounds of those meetings. “If the mother has a question about formula feeding, tell her you can talk to her outside after”. She reminded us, during our discussion that HIV/AIDS is a reality of this nation and many people are choosing to push it aside…i.e. not addressing and education mother on formula feeding. While the cost of formula feeding is higher because many mothers, a. can’t afford the formula itself b. don’t have access to clean water c. because it is attach with the stigma of HIV, it is important to remember that it is a viable solution for mothers who are HIV+ and want their children to be remain HIV negative (that is if they are born negative in the first place) The ministry of health issued a policy on infant and young child feeding, concluding that 22 out of 100 pregnant mothers at HIV+, out of those 22, 30% (6.6) will transmit the disease to their child, 2 out of the 6.6 through breastfeeding and the remaining (4.6) through the uterus. Like I said I have not done extensive research on the matter, but I believe there is a drug called navoprin(sp?), that reduces the risk of transmission while the child is being born. There is so much involved here, but after talking with Charlotte, I do not see why the ministry would so adamantly push for breastfeeding when formula feeding can reduce the risk of transmission from mother to child, in fact can save the child from even contracting the disease through breast milk, if born HIV negative. Again it’s this whole policy vs practice thing. The policy here states that they are protecting mothers and their right to breastfeed. Many mothers know that their milk can transmit the disease, but because of the conditions they live in (the cost of formula, having to travel far distances for water, the stigma associated etc..) they are forced to breastfeed. So then, how many children COULD HAVE BEEN saved if they were to be provided with formula??
This is where christa comes in. She provides the formula to the mothers, but where is she getting the formula from. One place where she is NOT getting it from is the government. As you can see, (I will try to put the link this National Policy soon), the government wants nothing to do with the type of treatment and they are so adamantly pursuing the path of breastfeeding. I, being quick to judge, have many questions to why they are so against such a method, when, if you are to look at things economically, this will provide more labor power and less people that are infected hence having to be on ARV’s. If you continue with breastfeeding how many of those children could have been saved from HIV and lived a healthy life, as opposed to being exposed to it, in turn filling up hospitals and being left to die? Is it because they see it as one less child to feed? Are they so against a healthy child? Because, I would assume, a healthy child costs more to maintain than a sick child who is more than likely going to die before they reach 12.
[“This policy [breasfeeding] is founded on the Namibian constitution that guarantees the rights of women and children, including the right to adequate food and nutrition and the right to social services such as health, education and housing”.
Where are these things?
I do not see them on the ground??
If they are to guarantee the right to adequate food and nutrition, wouldn’t that include providing formula and water for mothers that want their children to remain HIV negative?
I see the struggle in Christa’s eyes and her heart works so hard for these children.
She cares so much for these children. She runs this center out of her house! She does as much as she can to make sure that they are provided for. I have seen a child, Milka, who is healthy and HIV negative because of Christa’s program. So why is the government not jumping at the chance to sponsor such programs and to provide formula for these babies??
A healthy child costs too much I presume!
The policy of Christa’s program is, in the long run without regard to limitations, to help ALL children who can remain HIV negative.
But in practice, it is a struggle.
She is struggling to build a center, she is struggling to provide formula, water and food parcels. She relies strictly on private donations, never receiving anything from her government. If the constitution guarantees these rights, where are they?
Charlotte came to us with a problem and this of course is the overflow of pregnant mothers, who once again 22 out 100 are HIV positive.
What I see here is a bunch of NGO’s trying to solve the problem. Where is the government?
I suppose I need to spend days researching all of this, but as of now I don’t see one speck of government on the ground. Where is the UNAIDS funds going? Where is US AID funds going? Have they even trickled down to the lowest grassroots level? Because that is where change happens, it is with the people on the ground. Why can’t Christa receive any help, even a little from the gov? She has petitioned and petitioned! This program of hers is amazing and yet, it is such a struggle; one that she carries on her back.
There are so many questions! I need to search for the answers some how, but this damn internet costs money.
Where can I steal wireless around here????
This is just a speck of what I have been thinking today.
More to come.
Peace,
Mary
Ps:
We met with Christa and her pastor today, who has promised to help her with getting the plans drawn up through this contractor her knows. SO, what we are trying to do is organize a groundbreaking ceremony before we go so that we can get publicity out there about Mt. Sinai. Of course Christa is well known across Windhoek, always knowing people wherever she is, so we are going to send out letter inviting people to this thing including the newspaper so that she can gain more support for her cause. I see the struggle and headaches she has, but she is a very positive person and has faith that one day her dream will come true! Hopefully one of these days there will be no limits on how many mothers she can sponsor and she will have a beautiful clinic/center to go along with her program. It is going to take some time, but it can and will be done! It’s time to rally the troops and get this woman her long awaited center.
Charlotte, a nurse in the natal clinic here in Katutura has attended many workshops on infant feeding and has time and time again been told to address formula feeding outside the compounds of those meetings. “If the mother has a question about formula feeding, tell her you can talk to her outside after”. She reminded us, during our discussion that HIV/AIDS is a reality of this nation and many people are choosing to push it aside…i.e. not addressing and education mother on formula feeding. While the cost of formula feeding is higher because many mothers, a. can’t afford the formula itself b. don’t have access to clean water c. because it is attach with the stigma of HIV, it is important to remember that it is a viable solution for mothers who are HIV+ and want their children to be remain HIV negative (that is if they are born negative in the first place) The ministry of health issued a policy on infant and young child feeding, concluding that 22 out of 100 pregnant mothers at HIV+, out of those 22, 30% (6.6) will transmit the disease to their child, 2 out of the 6.6 through breastfeeding and the remaining (4.6) through the uterus. Like I said I have not done extensive research on the matter, but I believe there is a drug called navoprin(sp?), that reduces the risk of transmission while the child is being born. There is so much involved here, but after talking with Charlotte, I do not see why the ministry would so adamantly push for breastfeeding when formula feeding can reduce the risk of transmission from mother to child, in fact can save the child from even contracting the disease through breast milk, if born HIV negative. Again it’s this whole policy vs practice thing. The policy here states that they are protecting mothers and their right to breastfeed. Many mothers know that their milk can transmit the disease, but because of the conditions they live in (the cost of formula, having to travel far distances for water, the stigma associated etc..) they are forced to breastfeed. So then, how many children COULD HAVE BEEN saved if they were to be provided with formula??
This is where christa comes in. She provides the formula to the mothers, but where is she getting the formula from. One place where she is NOT getting it from is the government. As you can see, (I will try to put the link this National Policy soon), the government wants nothing to do with the type of treatment and they are so adamantly pursuing the path of breastfeeding. I, being quick to judge, have many questions to why they are so against such a method, when, if you are to look at things economically, this will provide more labor power and less people that are infected hence having to be on ARV’s. If you continue with breastfeeding how many of those children could have been saved from HIV and lived a healthy life, as opposed to being exposed to it, in turn filling up hospitals and being left to die? Is it because they see it as one less child to feed? Are they so against a healthy child? Because, I would assume, a healthy child costs more to maintain than a sick child who is more than likely going to die before they reach 12.
[“This policy [breasfeeding] is founded on the Namibian constitution that guarantees the rights of women and children, including the right to adequate food and nutrition and the right to social services such as health, education and housing”.
Where are these things?
I do not see them on the ground??
If they are to guarantee the right to adequate food and nutrition, wouldn’t that include providing formula and water for mothers that want their children to remain HIV negative?
I see the struggle in Christa’s eyes and her heart works so hard for these children.
She cares so much for these children. She runs this center out of her house! She does as much as she can to make sure that they are provided for. I have seen a child, Milka, who is healthy and HIV negative because of Christa’s program. So why is the government not jumping at the chance to sponsor such programs and to provide formula for these babies??
A healthy child costs too much I presume!
The policy of Christa’s program is, in the long run without regard to limitations, to help ALL children who can remain HIV negative.
But in practice, it is a struggle.
She is struggling to build a center, she is struggling to provide formula, water and food parcels. She relies strictly on private donations, never receiving anything from her government. If the constitution guarantees these rights, where are they?
Charlotte came to us with a problem and this of course is the overflow of pregnant mothers, who once again 22 out 100 are HIV positive.
What I see here is a bunch of NGO’s trying to solve the problem. Where is the government?
I suppose I need to spend days researching all of this, but as of now I don’t see one speck of government on the ground. Where is the UNAIDS funds going? Where is US AID funds going? Have they even trickled down to the lowest grassroots level? Because that is where change happens, it is with the people on the ground. Why can’t Christa receive any help, even a little from the gov? She has petitioned and petitioned! This program of hers is amazing and yet, it is such a struggle; one that she carries on her back.
There are so many questions! I need to search for the answers some how, but this damn internet costs money.
Where can I steal wireless around here????
This is just a speck of what I have been thinking today.
More to come.
Peace,
Mary
Ps:
We met with Christa and her pastor today, who has promised to help her with getting the plans drawn up through this contractor her knows. SO, what we are trying to do is organize a groundbreaking ceremony before we go so that we can get publicity out there about Mt. Sinai. Of course Christa is well known across Windhoek, always knowing people wherever she is, so we are going to send out letter inviting people to this thing including the newspaper so that she can gain more support for her cause. I see the struggle and headaches she has, but she is a very positive person and has faith that one day her dream will come true! Hopefully one of these days there will be no limits on how many mothers she can sponsor and she will have a beautiful clinic/center to go along with her program. It is going to take some time, but it can and will be done! It’s time to rally the troops and get this woman her long awaited center.
Day3
It feels like I have been here forever. These past few days have been filled with too much information. It is important to know these things. To know how these women are addressing the issues that are plaguing their communities gives me a better understanding on how we can alleviate some of the burden. At times I feel it is a mere fraction or sliver in which we will be impacting, but all those fractions have to add up to something. Sometimes I feel that I need to do everything in one day. Those days are filled with frustration, anger, sadness and anxiety. I have to remember to take things a day at a time; a person at a time; a piece of bread at a time…otherwise… otherwise I will implode from all the work that needs to be done. I feel at times the burden of this world is on my shoulders, but then I remember all those people out there that feel the same way I do, that want to help, that have faith that something can be done. When I remember these things, I feel somewhat better and that I am not alone. It is so easy to slip into a hole and get depressed about the conditions of the world. That is why I focus. I try to focus on things that will make a difference, even if it with just one child. That one child can bring it to another child and so on and what, what, what (as they say here in Namibia). Today was the first day I actually was exposed to the informal settlements here in Haukahana. Yes, I went to Martha’s house, but as much as that is in the settlements, I was sheltered away in her house. Today we drove through and stopped when we saw a group of children. Imagine a sea of hills and these hills are all filled with tin houses no bigger than your average room in your house. These tin “shacks” house families, your mother, your child, your sister, your nephew. The aroma that filled the truck was of urine and feces. There are no fancy toilets (you are lucky if you have a hole in the ground to yourself). People pee and defecate outside in the open and as we were driving through, a truck ahead of us was dumping water on the road. I asked why and Christa said so that the dust wouldn’t kick up, but I suspect to wash away and cleanse some of the smell from the air.
The constant theme of extreme polarization between the worlds I see is filling my brain throughout the day. And what is even worse and complicates it even more is the issue of race. I don’t think I will ever alleviate this issue, I believe it will always be something in my mind until the day I die. The fact—which is even more apparent here than it is in the United States—that I am a white woman carries so many connotations along with it. Even more so is my identity as an American. To be American means you have things, even though you may not. The mere fact you reside on this piece of land is a privilege and with that privilege comes the responsibility to help. Many people think that because you are a part of such society that you are rich and that it is your duty to give. But even more so is that fact that you are white. Here Namibia and even South Africa where the remnants of apartheid are as strong as the day that it was so called outlawed, to be White means you have money. Its little observations that solidify this thought. The fact that when Annie and I decide to go out to eat we are surrounded by white folks, the fact that the house we stay in is taken care of by black folks, and the residents are all foreign visitors who are white. Sometimes I feel like I look way too much into this issue, but how can I when the signs are so blatantly obvious, so right in my face. And it’s not like this just here, its like this in the US, just take a look around-all it takes is a little observation and you will see it. Look at the attitudes of people, look at who shops are your super market, who goes to your movie theatres, who eats at certain types of restaurants, who drives certain cars. It’s a harsh reality that many people refuse to accept, but it is there.
That is what I see.
The fact of the matter is this world is small if you really think about it. When I drive through the settlements I see the same disparities that exist in the US. Of course we are in different parts of the world, with different conditions. But when you strip all of those circumstances away, it remains that people are suffering. Furthermore, what remains is the fact that we have two separate worlds. One filled with privilege and the other with disadvantage and as much as you reiterate the argument about merit: “if you work hard, you will be rewarded”, that can only take you so far. I see people work so hard and so hard, but continue to be left in the dust.
Without going off on a rant, I want to convey that what I see here is harsh. It is heartbreaking. But then I meet two women, Christa and Abigail, who are trying so hard to do something about these conditions and it makes me have hope. I can sit here and worry about every little problem of this world, even more so I can sit here and cry over the fact that thousands of children in the settlements will go hungry tonight, but I can wipe those tears and remind myself to focus on something tangible, something that will make a difference and that is where these two women come in. These past two days I have had a chance to finally meet these extraordinary women and hear what they are doing. There is so much to be done and we could go on days and days discussing what to do. But these women have said many amazing things that have made me think even more and have actually gotten me to focus more of my energy in something that can produce results as opposed to just throwing around my resources and hoping for the best. Abigail has suggested taking 20 children, who at this point are on no assistance ( in the past year she has had a generous Italian donor come forward and sponsor around 200 kids). Along with fixing up some things around FHS, putting a door and locks on the office, she proposed that we focus on these children so that we can see actual results in the years to come. To sponsor kids from grade 4 to say grade 12 is amazing. TO provide them with school fees, uniforms, food parcels, hygiene baskets and water cards would be the most productive way to go about things, as opposed to throwing our money into FHS. Which too, would still be a good thing to do and would be workable, but in this way, we can actually see these kids grow, to know their home lives and to map their progress over the years. In this way, the results can be seen and we can watch these kids grow. More so, Annie brought some letters with her from a 3rd grade class in the US and to set up a pen-pal systems over the years can create a better understanding, on both ends, about this world. I mean did you know about some children in Namibia in 3rd grade? It is amazing and I truly think that this will be very successful. This to me seems more workable than to just throw the money into FHS, because at this point FHS is receiving a lot of funding not only from the “Italian program”, but also from a few government programs. Of course even though they are receiving this funding, much work still needs to be done and it is my hope that little things will be addressed to make this a solid program. Abigail is trying her hardest to make this a transparent and accountable program and I can see it with my own eyes that things are starting to take shape and come together. The Saturday before Easter, when all the children of the community come to FHS, we will be having an Easter egg hunt along with many other activities and a great meal. I have a feeling this is going to be very joyous and happy occasion. At this point we will be able to meet the 20 or so children we will be helping as well as meet their families. I will for sure be videotaping this experience for it is a once in a life time opportunity! To top it off, we will be profiling these children by taking their pictures and having then write letters and telling us about their home lives, favorite things and school subjects, etc… That is what we have so far with Abigail. She said something that hit me and sparked many thoughts in my brain. She said something to the effect that if you want to really see progress and change you need to give things to the children. If you give things to the parents you can never guarantee that things will trickle down to the kids or that it will be allocated as well as saved as it should be. She spoke about how children have a better sense of what is needed and will give you truthful answers when you ask then such questions. Another point she brought up that makes a lot of sense is the idea that many people that live in poverty here don’t look to tomorrow. They focus on today, because tomorrow may never come, especially if they are sick. So when you give them things such as money or food, it is hard for them to save and think about the future. So she is holding a workshop in the coming weeks for families to attend that teaches skills in saving and budgeting. TO know how to allocate funds or foods, to learn how to generate income and actually have some sort of savings so that they can plan for the future is an important skill and that is what she intends to convey through such a workshop. It is a valuable tool and I really hope that someone gets something out of it! There are so many things that Abigail is bringing to the community and she is really trying to build a working system that can sustain the future generations. I agree with her that it is important to reach and educate the children so that in things can be better in the coming days.
On to Christa. Today we went to the land where she intends to build Mt. Sinai. To think that she started this in a cupboard in the hospital, where it was moved to her house and now to this gorgeous building that consists of so many amazing rooms and facilities is truly a blessing. I saw the plans of the building today and it is very, very impressive. On the 14th, she is going to have her monthly pick ups, where they mothers and their children come get the parcels and formula and for check ups and things like that. Of course she is constanly checking on all the mother and children. Her son, Sam who is my age is amazing for he actually picks up these women and their children because it is too far of a walk for them to visit her. He is truly a blessing and I can tell that he has a great heart and helps her a lot. Tomorrow we are meeting with the bishop of her church so that we can discuss when we can break ground and finally get things started. She needs to get bins to put the materials in so that people don’t steal any of the stuff. It is our hope that before we go we will see some actual building being done. Again, the progress I see and the fact that it would be superb if we could just work straight through the weekend and get this building up. But, of course, I have to remind my self, one brick at a time. I am excited to get things started with her and to actually be able to meet the women and children that make use of her program. Like Abigail, her logistics are in order and it is just the time and money that is needed to put everything in together. One day, I have faith, that it will happen and hopefully if I return a year from now I will be able to walk into Mt. Sinai center and see all the wonderful work she has accomplished over the year. I get way excited thinking about it!
SO that is what we have been up to the past few days at the very least. My eyes have seen so much, my ears have heard many things and I continue to be overwhelmed by all the work that these two women are constantly doing in their communities on a day to day basis. Both of them have said they rarely have time to themselves, yet I see it in their eyes that their hearts wouldn’t settle for anything less. They are such astonishing women and I am blessed to be a part of their efforts!
To top all of this off, I got to go see my mother that I stayed with in Katutura the last time I was studying here. It was wonderful to see her again and she was so shocked and surprised to see me in her house once again. Oh and what a beautiful house it has become. She is such an amazing women, she refused to settle for the second best furniture when I was there, so we sat in plastic chairs. This time it was filled with furniture and her walls were decorated with the gorgeous tile. Ahh! It was soo good to see her. I told her I had been here about 4 days and she said “why didn’t you come home?” I think I am going to stay with her soon for a couple days or even for a week, she is just such a strong woman and we had great conversations when I stayed with her. So I am very excited to reunite with her and discuss the past years. I have a feeling a lot has happened.
The constant theme of extreme polarization between the worlds I see is filling my brain throughout the day. And what is even worse and complicates it even more is the issue of race. I don’t think I will ever alleviate this issue, I believe it will always be something in my mind until the day I die. The fact—which is even more apparent here than it is in the United States—that I am a white woman carries so many connotations along with it. Even more so is my identity as an American. To be American means you have things, even though you may not. The mere fact you reside on this piece of land is a privilege and with that privilege comes the responsibility to help. Many people think that because you are a part of such society that you are rich and that it is your duty to give. But even more so is that fact that you are white. Here Namibia and even South Africa where the remnants of apartheid are as strong as the day that it was so called outlawed, to be White means you have money. Its little observations that solidify this thought. The fact that when Annie and I decide to go out to eat we are surrounded by white folks, the fact that the house we stay in is taken care of by black folks, and the residents are all foreign visitors who are white. Sometimes I feel like I look way too much into this issue, but how can I when the signs are so blatantly obvious, so right in my face. And it’s not like this just here, its like this in the US, just take a look around-all it takes is a little observation and you will see it. Look at the attitudes of people, look at who shops are your super market, who goes to your movie theatres, who eats at certain types of restaurants, who drives certain cars. It’s a harsh reality that many people refuse to accept, but it is there.
That is what I see.
The fact of the matter is this world is small if you really think about it. When I drive through the settlements I see the same disparities that exist in the US. Of course we are in different parts of the world, with different conditions. But when you strip all of those circumstances away, it remains that people are suffering. Furthermore, what remains is the fact that we have two separate worlds. One filled with privilege and the other with disadvantage and as much as you reiterate the argument about merit: “if you work hard, you will be rewarded”, that can only take you so far. I see people work so hard and so hard, but continue to be left in the dust.
Without going off on a rant, I want to convey that what I see here is harsh. It is heartbreaking. But then I meet two women, Christa and Abigail, who are trying so hard to do something about these conditions and it makes me have hope. I can sit here and worry about every little problem of this world, even more so I can sit here and cry over the fact that thousands of children in the settlements will go hungry tonight, but I can wipe those tears and remind myself to focus on something tangible, something that will make a difference and that is where these two women come in. These past two days I have had a chance to finally meet these extraordinary women and hear what they are doing. There is so much to be done and we could go on days and days discussing what to do. But these women have said many amazing things that have made me think even more and have actually gotten me to focus more of my energy in something that can produce results as opposed to just throwing around my resources and hoping for the best. Abigail has suggested taking 20 children, who at this point are on no assistance ( in the past year she has had a generous Italian donor come forward and sponsor around 200 kids). Along with fixing up some things around FHS, putting a door and locks on the office, she proposed that we focus on these children so that we can see actual results in the years to come. To sponsor kids from grade 4 to say grade 12 is amazing. TO provide them with school fees, uniforms, food parcels, hygiene baskets and water cards would be the most productive way to go about things, as opposed to throwing our money into FHS. Which too, would still be a good thing to do and would be workable, but in this way, we can actually see these kids grow, to know their home lives and to map their progress over the years. In this way, the results can be seen and we can watch these kids grow. More so, Annie brought some letters with her from a 3rd grade class in the US and to set up a pen-pal systems over the years can create a better understanding, on both ends, about this world. I mean did you know about some children in Namibia in 3rd grade? It is amazing and I truly think that this will be very successful. This to me seems more workable than to just throw the money into FHS, because at this point FHS is receiving a lot of funding not only from the “Italian program”, but also from a few government programs. Of course even though they are receiving this funding, much work still needs to be done and it is my hope that little things will be addressed to make this a solid program. Abigail is trying her hardest to make this a transparent and accountable program and I can see it with my own eyes that things are starting to take shape and come together. The Saturday before Easter, when all the children of the community come to FHS, we will be having an Easter egg hunt along with many other activities and a great meal. I have a feeling this is going to be very joyous and happy occasion. At this point we will be able to meet the 20 or so children we will be helping as well as meet their families. I will for sure be videotaping this experience for it is a once in a life time opportunity! To top it off, we will be profiling these children by taking their pictures and having then write letters and telling us about their home lives, favorite things and school subjects, etc… That is what we have so far with Abigail. She said something that hit me and sparked many thoughts in my brain. She said something to the effect that if you want to really see progress and change you need to give things to the children. If you give things to the parents you can never guarantee that things will trickle down to the kids or that it will be allocated as well as saved as it should be. She spoke about how children have a better sense of what is needed and will give you truthful answers when you ask then such questions. Another point she brought up that makes a lot of sense is the idea that many people that live in poverty here don’t look to tomorrow. They focus on today, because tomorrow may never come, especially if they are sick. So when you give them things such as money or food, it is hard for them to save and think about the future. So she is holding a workshop in the coming weeks for families to attend that teaches skills in saving and budgeting. TO know how to allocate funds or foods, to learn how to generate income and actually have some sort of savings so that they can plan for the future is an important skill and that is what she intends to convey through such a workshop. It is a valuable tool and I really hope that someone gets something out of it! There are so many things that Abigail is bringing to the community and she is really trying to build a working system that can sustain the future generations. I agree with her that it is important to reach and educate the children so that in things can be better in the coming days.
On to Christa. Today we went to the land where she intends to build Mt. Sinai. To think that she started this in a cupboard in the hospital, where it was moved to her house and now to this gorgeous building that consists of so many amazing rooms and facilities is truly a blessing. I saw the plans of the building today and it is very, very impressive. On the 14th, she is going to have her monthly pick ups, where they mothers and their children come get the parcels and formula and for check ups and things like that. Of course she is constanly checking on all the mother and children. Her son, Sam who is my age is amazing for he actually picks up these women and their children because it is too far of a walk for them to visit her. He is truly a blessing and I can tell that he has a great heart and helps her a lot. Tomorrow we are meeting with the bishop of her church so that we can discuss when we can break ground and finally get things started. She needs to get bins to put the materials in so that people don’t steal any of the stuff. It is our hope that before we go we will see some actual building being done. Again, the progress I see and the fact that it would be superb if we could just work straight through the weekend and get this building up. But, of course, I have to remind my self, one brick at a time. I am excited to get things started with her and to actually be able to meet the women and children that make use of her program. Like Abigail, her logistics are in order and it is just the time and money that is needed to put everything in together. One day, I have faith, that it will happen and hopefully if I return a year from now I will be able to walk into Mt. Sinai center and see all the wonderful work she has accomplished over the year. I get way excited thinking about it!
SO that is what we have been up to the past few days at the very least. My eyes have seen so much, my ears have heard many things and I continue to be overwhelmed by all the work that these two women are constantly doing in their communities on a day to day basis. Both of them have said they rarely have time to themselves, yet I see it in their eyes that their hearts wouldn’t settle for anything less. They are such astonishing women and I am blessed to be a part of their efforts!
To top all of this off, I got to go see my mother that I stayed with in Katutura the last time I was studying here. It was wonderful to see her again and she was so shocked and surprised to see me in her house once again. Oh and what a beautiful house it has become. She is such an amazing women, she refused to settle for the second best furniture when I was there, so we sat in plastic chairs. This time it was filled with furniture and her walls were decorated with the gorgeous tile. Ahh! It was soo good to see her. I told her I had been here about 4 days and she said “why didn’t you come home?” I think I am going to stay with her soon for a couple days or even for a week, she is just such a strong woman and we had great conversations when I stayed with her. So I am very excited to reunite with her and discuss the past years. I have a feeling a lot has happened.
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