Location: Rwanda, Africa-8:15 PM
Friday:
First let me say that if you ever have an opportunity to travel with KLM do! My 8 hour trip to Rwanda was amazing. I was fed two meals, several beverages, unlimited movies at my request, and more!
I was a little bit baffled on my flight to Rwanda as I was expecting more locals to be returning to their homes rather than travelers/tourists. It was in fact, exactly the opposite. I found myself surrounded by adventurers, missionaries, as well as medical crews all headed to various locations, some in Rwanda and some in Uganda, to volunteer their time and effort. Unfortunately I didn't find any that were helping with Hope Shines, but I definitely wasn't the only one speaking English either.
When I landed I did the normal foreigner things such as fill out a customs form, visit customs, get questioned in customs, and then released into the capitol city of Rwanda. As I walked down the stairs I thought to myself, "what will happen if no one is here to pick me up?" I had only the hotel name in my pocket with no reliable address to connect it to. Fortunately all my worries were quickly washed away, when I heard my name called out from the massive crowd by Amy Sarch, a professor at SU.
Amy and I got to know each other more this past Christmas as her son, Leo, was in the show 'A Christmas Carol' with me. With this connection and various others during my time at SU, I was very excited to get to spend some time with this amazing woman in Africa. After a big hug from her, I also met, April Riegler, the founder of the organization I am helping with, 'Hope Shines'.
After we'd all said our hellos we moved onto meet William, our Rwandan contact/driver, who was taking us back to the hotel. William does speak English and you can tell when you immediately meet him that he is a complete sweet heart. April has been working with him since she came to Rwanda the first time in 2007, I believe, and he's always been so wonderful to volunteer his time and resources in an effort to help her ever since.
Let me take this moment to state that I do intend these journals of my day to soon be transformed into more moments of reflection. I know that my experiences in Rwanda as well as traveling on my own will be spectacular, but do not want to worry my readers with the trivial aspects of my day. The only reason I have been writing this way thus far, is to make sure you are aware of all of the people I'm interacting with as well as where I am exactly on the planet. Back to the story!
After I was shown my room in the Hotel we ventured for some food as April and Amy were very hungry. After fully stomachs we all retired to our separate rooms. I do have to say that I slept very soundly anxious to see what the next day had in store for me!
***
Saturday:
Today more volunteers arrived around 12:00 PM named Stephanie and Dan. They are a couple, but Stephanie just finished her doctorate in Colorado and Dan spent the past two years in Australia completing his MBA. They decided to meet for the first time in a long time in Rwanda and then they will both return to the USA together.
The most important thing to note that happened today besides exchanging money and eating is that we got to meet the kids today. As we walked into the school I didn't know what to expect, but when April rounded the corner I heard an explosion of cries and cheers. Within an instant we were all swarmed with children hugging us and then amongst all the chaos they started singing 'Amazing Grace'. I'm not the really emotional type, but that moment was really a tear jerker.
After we all said our hellos and 50 hugs later the boys and then girls performed things for us. For the next 15 minutes songs and dances were shown to us. I couldn't resist the urge to pull out my camera and film them. There's something about seeing boys shaking their hips that's just adorable!
After the show was done Amy, another volunteer named Clementine, and myself talked about ourselves. I then made the fatal mistake of telling them to ask the translator anything they wanted and I would answer it. This is the order of the questions I was asked.
Do you have a husband? no.
Are you a christian? yes.
Where are you from in the U.S? Virginia. Explanation followed.
Can you take me on the safari? I wish.
We want to visit you in Virginia someday. Ok!
How old are you? 22. (Lots of surprised faces)
Do you have a boyfriend? yes.
What's his name? Forrest.
Long story short they now know my boyfriends' name before they actually figured out mine. Next time I'll know better than to answer all of their questions!
We then took a few pictures and just sat with the kids. I ended up with the tiniest girl becoming my shadow. She even went so far to place my hand in hers. It's so amazing to come to a place where you don't have personal space to deal with. In the states I couldn't even hug a child for fear of being accused of molestation, but here all the kids really want is to be held. That I think I can definitely do this week and the weeks to come!
After the whole ordeal of meeting the kids, we then had to leave to start preparations for the camp on Monday. As I sat there with April, Amy, Dan, Stephanie, and Clementine going through all the supplies that had been brought over I began to finally become excited. I've been looking forward to this camp for so long, but to see it finally start to come together is all together another experience. I feel so blessed to be here and to be surrounded by such driven and dedicated people. To see people with a vision and to see how they work so hard to accomplish their goals is truly an amazing learning experience in itself.
Tomorrow we have orientation and then it's a go for the first camp! A mixture of emotions is swelling inside of me, but I know that no matter what everything will turn out ok!
Until internet decides to work again!
Chelsea
7.31.2011
7.29.2011
Amsterdam: part 1
It's hard to believe that its already Friday. The past few days have been a joy in Amsterdam for numerous reasons. One, the time spent with my friend Jordi was amazing. When you have friends that live so far away from home you never quite know when your paths will cross and when they do it's truly a blessing. Two, Amsterdam is a wonderful little city. It's so easy to just choose a direction to walk and then let your curiosity get the best of you.
***
Tuesday I pretty much met Jordi at the airport, was taken to my flat, and then crashed. That evening as I slept again, struggling to fight the jet lag, I was startled by the sound of someone coming up the stairs. I glanced at my clock and it was 4:30 am and many of the hall lights were also on. A little scared I recounted all the talks I'd had with Jordi and none of them iterated that someone would be at the flat with me. I very quietly shut my doors and figured if it was a robber they wouldn't have turned off the lights and gone to sleep in another one of the bedrooms.
***
The next morning I waited, wondering if my unexpected visitor knew of my existence. Not knowing whether I would have to try to communicate in Dutch or explain why I was in someone's house, I crept down the stairs. On the table I saw a note and as I read it I began to feel like a complete fool. Jordi ended up having to come back to the flat and stay for the night! I had spent hours worrying about my safety when in fact my friend was the one there!
I ended up venturing into the city centre by myself with arrangements to meet up with Jordi later around 3. As I got off the tram I looked around and just picked a direction to walk. As I explored the city on foot I found many tourists, many small cafes, and many museums. I stumbled upon the Palace in a huge city square. It was first a city hall and then transformed into a palace for Louis Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte's brother I believe. My lack of European history is quite awful so please do inform me if I have my facts mixed up!
Finding that viewing this spectacular building was a perfect introduction to understanding the city, I left feeling accomplished and very excited to see Jordi in not such an exhausted state! We met and did my favorite thing to do in Europe. "Take coffee." We just ate lunch and enjoyed each others company.
After we had digested our cuisine, we continued to explore the city together and eventually met his boyfriend at another quaint cafe where we had a few drinks and talked our worries away!
As I opened the door to my flat I was exhausted and it was only 9:30 pm! Soon after I showered I laid down to rest my weary body.
***
The next day was much similar to the one before. I first entered the city center to explore, met Jordi, spent time with each other (saw a wonderful movie dedicated to Pina Bausch, a famous dance choreographer), and then we separated ways again.
As I walked a different section of town I crossed lovely bridges and canals, each full of it's own character. My only issue with exploring is I can't quite figure out where to walk. A normal tourist pedestrian in Amsterdam would assume that they would be safe in the sidewalk, but that assumption would be so wrong! On top of navigating around the tram system there are bicycles to be afraid of as well as mopeds and cars! I can't ever imagine renting a car a driving through this city because I feel that I wouldn't know where to drive. As a pedestrian you'll be walking and then there will be a car crossing the sidewalk. Everyone is watching everyone else, but it is still very nerve It's hard to believe that its already Friday. The past few days have been a joy in Amsterdam for numerous reasons. One, the time spent with my friend Jordi was amazing. When you have friends that live so far away from home you never quite know when your paths will cross and when they do it's truly a blessing. Two, Amsterdam is a wonderful little city. It's so easy to just choose a direction to walk and then let your curiosity get the best of you.
***
The next day was much similar to the one before. I first entered the city center to explore, met Jordi, spent time with each other (saw a wonderful movie dedicated to Pina Bausch, a famous dance choreographer), and then we separated ways again.
As I walked a different section of town I crossed lovely bridges and canals, each full of it's own character. My only issue with exploring is I can't quite figure out where to walk. A normal tourist pedestrian in Amsterdam would assume that they would be safe in the sidewalk, but that assumption would be so wrong! On top of navigating around the tram system there are bicycles to be afraid of as well as mopeds and cars! I can't ever imagine renting a car a driving through this city because I feel that I wouldn't know where to drive. As a pedestrian you'll be walking and then there will be a car crossing the sidewalk. Everyone is watching everyone else, but it is still very nerve racking and puts your wits on end!
From what little time I spent in Amsterdam, I much look forward to the other 3 days I'll get to spend there on the other end of my Africa trip! I have many museums to see and areas to explore. I haven't mustered up the courage to venture down the red light district yet, but I guess I will have to do so before I leave Amsterdam!
Currently, I'm sitting on the tile floor of the Amsterdam airport waiting for my flight to Kigali, Rwanda. It's hard to believe that it's already here and I have no idea what awaits me on the other side of this flight! I'm sure there will be many lessons learned and taught, not all coming from me! Internet may be non-existent in Rwanda's city, but we shall see!
With Care,
Chelsea
***
Tuesday I pretty much met Jordi at the airport, was taken to my flat, and then crashed. That evening as I slept again, struggling to fight the jet lag, I was startled by the sound of someone coming up the stairs. I glanced at my clock and it was 4:30 am and many of the hall lights were also on. A little scared I recounted all the talks I'd had with Jordi and none of them iterated that someone would be at the flat with me. I very quietly shut my doors and figured if it was a robber they wouldn't have turned off the lights and gone to sleep in another one of the bedrooms.
***
The next morning I waited, wondering if my unexpected visitor knew of my existence. Not knowing whether I would have to try to communicate in Dutch or explain why I was in someone's house, I crept down the stairs. On the table I saw a note and as I read it I began to feel like a complete fool. Jordi ended up having to come back to the flat and stay for the night! I had spent hours worrying about my safety when in fact my friend was the one there!
I ended up venturing into the city centre by myself with arrangements to meet up with Jordi later around 3. As I got off the tram I looked around and just picked a direction to walk. As I explored the city on foot I found many tourists, many small cafes, and many museums. I stumbled upon the Palace in a huge city square. It was first a city hall and then transformed into a palace for Louis Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte's brother I believe. My lack of European history is quite awful so please do inform me if I have my facts mixed up!
Finding that viewing this spectacular building was a perfect introduction to understanding the city, I left feeling accomplished and very excited to see Jordi in not such an exhausted state! We met and did my favorite thing to do in Europe. "Take coffee." We just ate lunch and enjoyed each others company.
After we had digested our cuisine, we continued to explore the city together and eventually met his boyfriend at another quaint cafe where we had a few drinks and talked our worries away!
As I opened the door to my flat I was exhausted and it was only 9:30 pm! Soon after I showered I laid down to rest my weary body.
***
The next day was much similar to the one before. I first entered the city center to explore, met Jordi, spent time with each other (saw a wonderful movie dedicated to Pina Bausch, a famous dance choreographer), and then we separated ways again.
As I walked a different section of town I crossed lovely bridges and canals, each full of it's own character. My only issue with exploring is I can't quite figure out where to walk. A normal tourist pedestrian in Amsterdam would assume that they would be safe in the sidewalk, but that assumption would be so wrong! On top of navigating around the tram system there are bicycles to be afraid of as well as mopeds and cars! I can't ever imagine renting a car a driving through this city because I feel that I wouldn't know where to drive. As a pedestrian you'll be walking and then there will be a car crossing the sidewalk. Everyone is watching everyone else, but it is still very nerve It's hard to believe that its already Friday. The past few days have been a joy in Amsterdam for numerous reasons. One, the time spent with my friend Jordi was amazing. When you have friends that live so far away from home you never quite know when your paths will cross and when they do it's truly a blessing. Two, Amsterdam is a wonderful little city. It's so easy to just choose a direction to walk and then let your curiosity get the best of you.
***
The next day was much similar to the one before. I first entered the city center to explore, met Jordi, spent time with each other (saw a wonderful movie dedicated to Pina Bausch, a famous dance choreographer), and then we separated ways again.
As I walked a different section of town I crossed lovely bridges and canals, each full of it's own character. My only issue with exploring is I can't quite figure out where to walk. A normal tourist pedestrian in Amsterdam would assume that they would be safe in the sidewalk, but that assumption would be so wrong! On top of navigating around the tram system there are bicycles to be afraid of as well as mopeds and cars! I can't ever imagine renting a car a driving through this city because I feel that I wouldn't know where to drive. As a pedestrian you'll be walking and then there will be a car crossing the sidewalk. Everyone is watching everyone else, but it is still very nerve racking and puts your wits on end!
From what little time I spent in Amsterdam, I much look forward to the other 3 days I'll get to spend there on the other end of my Africa trip! I have many museums to see and areas to explore. I haven't mustered up the courage to venture down the red light district yet, but I guess I will have to do so before I leave Amsterdam!
Currently, I'm sitting on the tile floor of the Amsterdam airport waiting for my flight to Kigali, Rwanda. It's hard to believe that it's already here and I have no idea what awaits me on the other side of this flight! I'm sure there will be many lessons learned and taught, not all coming from me! Internet may be non-existent in Rwanda's city, but we shall see!
With Care,
Chelsea
7.26.2011
Wide eyed with my mouth agape...
Location: Amsterdam, Holland
Usually when I fly into a destination I am are prepared to see lots of cars, roads, houses, etc. Getting to see a vast landscape of an area is usually not particularly exciting for me, as I feel you loose the character and charm of the area through distance. Although, when I woke up during the decent to the Schiphol airport I was far from bored.
The thing to remember about the Dutch is that they survived off of what the water provided them. When there was water they did their best to work with it instead of around it. When I was descending towards Amsterdam I saw gorgeously kept farmlands with water passages delicately surrounding each section of land, smaller adorable farmlands, and many sailboats speckling the coast. The aerial view was so beautiful it's truly difficult to put in words.
Upon landing, I made my way through the terminal to baggage claim taking note that English was the primary language in the airport, not Dutch. Although there are definitely no complaints on my end, I have to say that I was prepared to get lost and make a fool out of myself. I guess I'll have to take other opportunities to do so!
My dear friend Jordi was there to greet me with arms wide open for a much needed hug. What can I say? I'm truly blessed to have so many friends that would take the time out of their lives to deal with me. I can only hope in time to come they shall take a visit to the States where I may return the favor providing hospitality, long chats, and fill the occasional communication gaps. (There are a great many more for me!)
Once Jordi helped me feel at home in his aunt's home I retired to the bedroom to crash for about six hours promising myself that I needed to go explore the area more later that evening. At 6:30 PM I left the house and ventured into the unknown. I am living in a section of town called, Nieuw Sloten, which is an outskirt of the city Amsterdam close to the airport. As I walked I decided to take very few turns as if I got lost I would have no way to find my way back! All the words in Dutch seem extremely long and difficult to recognize for this lowly American traveler.
As I explored the area I was fascinated with the landscape once again as every flat and homestead was full of character and had beautiful craftsmanship. Almost every flat along the river's bank has a back dock area to just sit and enjoy the outdoors. I've made a mental note to spend sometime on mine tomorrow!
Following the river I came across my first windmill in the Netherlands! It was everything I would have wanted and more. From the ornate wood working around the door, to the colorful Dutch seal engraved on it, I felt as if I had discovered my first Dutch artifact! My next task is to try to find a tulip somewhere!
Feeling accomplished and with very wary legs I returned to my residence to eat dinner and prepare for more rest. At the moment it is 11:45 PM here and I'm starting to feel that my six hour nap wasn't enough to last me!
Tomorrow Jordi will join me in the city center where I am sure I will continue to be amazed by this nautical culture!
Afscheid! (goodbye)
Usually when I fly into a destination I am are prepared to see lots of cars, roads, houses, etc. Getting to see a vast landscape of an area is usually not particularly exciting for me, as I feel you loose the character and charm of the area through distance. Although, when I woke up during the decent to the Schiphol airport I was far from bored.
The thing to remember about the Dutch is that they survived off of what the water provided them. When there was water they did their best to work with it instead of around it. When I was descending towards Amsterdam I saw gorgeously kept farmlands with water passages delicately surrounding each section of land, smaller adorable farmlands, and many sailboats speckling the coast. The aerial view was so beautiful it's truly difficult to put in words.
Upon landing, I made my way through the terminal to baggage claim taking note that English was the primary language in the airport, not Dutch. Although there are definitely no complaints on my end, I have to say that I was prepared to get lost and make a fool out of myself. I guess I'll have to take other opportunities to do so!
My dear friend Jordi was there to greet me with arms wide open for a much needed hug. What can I say? I'm truly blessed to have so many friends that would take the time out of their lives to deal with me. I can only hope in time to come they shall take a visit to the States where I may return the favor providing hospitality, long chats, and fill the occasional communication gaps. (There are a great many more for me!)
Once Jordi helped me feel at home in his aunt's home I retired to the bedroom to crash for about six hours promising myself that I needed to go explore the area more later that evening. At 6:30 PM I left the house and ventured into the unknown. I am living in a section of town called, Nieuw Sloten, which is an outskirt of the city Amsterdam close to the airport. As I walked I decided to take very few turns as if I got lost I would have no way to find my way back! All the words in Dutch seem extremely long and difficult to recognize for this lowly American traveler.
As I explored the area I was fascinated with the landscape once again as every flat and homestead was full of character and had beautiful craftsmanship. Almost every flat along the river's bank has a back dock area to just sit and enjoy the outdoors. I've made a mental note to spend sometime on mine tomorrow!
Following the river I came across my first windmill in the Netherlands! It was everything I would have wanted and more. From the ornate wood working around the door, to the colorful Dutch seal engraved on it, I felt as if I had discovered my first Dutch artifact! My next task is to try to find a tulip somewhere!
Feeling accomplished and with very wary legs I returned to my residence to eat dinner and prepare for more rest. At the moment it is 11:45 PM here and I'm starting to feel that my six hour nap wasn't enough to last me!
Tomorrow Jordi will join me in the city center where I am sure I will continue to be amazed by this nautical culture!
Afscheid! (goodbye)
7.25.2011
The trouble with airports...
Location: Philadelphia Airport
The trouble with airports is that there are always too many distractions and not enough time. No matter where or when you fly you will always leave the experience grateful that you don't have to use them every day. Granted, I'm very grateful to have this opportunity to get to loathe the air transit system, but sometimes if I could just figure out how to wiggle my nose I think it would do me a great service!
My adventure began on this lovely Monday at 5:20 AM when my alarm sounded. By 6:00 AM my mother and I were out the door on our way to Raegan National Airport! As we travelled deeper into Washington, D.C. I made a very necessary mental note that Monday morning rush hour traffic is a very serious issue and planning your flight around it is a must!
Since you have already read that I am in Philadelphia, you are safe to assume that the first part of my journey ran smoothly without fail. I find myself at the gate already attempting to patiently wait until the scheduled loading time of 5:55 PM is near. The next destination is Amsterdam!
If all goes well (fingers crossed) my wonderful friend, Jordi, will be there to welcome me into a world completely foreign to me! Although I have traveled fairly extensively in the past, I have to say that this is the first journey that I have ventured where I will be not only travelling primarily alone, but also with no real grasp of the language. I learned spanish in grade school and lack of vocabulary is my only crutch there, but in Dutch, German, and French I'm not so confident. I'm trusting that Jordi can teach me the fundamental and necessary words in Dutch so that I may be able to find the restroom and water. If not? I will have to resort to hand gestures I presume. I'm very confident that once natives of the countries I visit hear my American accent they will understand that I am not bilingual in any way possible.
At the moment I think I shall sign off and have a take of this grisly four cheese sandwich I found at an airport stand.
I thank you all who have supported me thus far and hope you do enjoy the little snippets of my journey!
Until I am graced with internet again,
Chelsea
The trouble with airports is that there are always too many distractions and not enough time. No matter where or when you fly you will always leave the experience grateful that you don't have to use them every day. Granted, I'm very grateful to have this opportunity to get to loathe the air transit system, but sometimes if I could just figure out how to wiggle my nose I think it would do me a great service!
My adventure began on this lovely Monday at 5:20 AM when my alarm sounded. By 6:00 AM my mother and I were out the door on our way to Raegan National Airport! As we travelled deeper into Washington, D.C. I made a very necessary mental note that Monday morning rush hour traffic is a very serious issue and planning your flight around it is a must!
Since you have already read that I am in Philadelphia, you are safe to assume that the first part of my journey ran smoothly without fail. I find myself at the gate already attempting to patiently wait until the scheduled loading time of 5:55 PM is near. The next destination is Amsterdam!
If all goes well (fingers crossed) my wonderful friend, Jordi, will be there to welcome me into a world completely foreign to me! Although I have traveled fairly extensively in the past, I have to say that this is the first journey that I have ventured where I will be not only travelling primarily alone, but also with no real grasp of the language. I learned spanish in grade school and lack of vocabulary is my only crutch there, but in Dutch, German, and French I'm not so confident. I'm trusting that Jordi can teach me the fundamental and necessary words in Dutch so that I may be able to find the restroom and water. If not? I will have to resort to hand gestures I presume. I'm very confident that once natives of the countries I visit hear my American accent they will understand that I am not bilingual in any way possible.
At the moment I think I shall sign off and have a take of this grisly four cheese sandwich I found at an airport stand.
I thank you all who have supported me thus far and hope you do enjoy the little snippets of my journey!
Until I am graced with internet again,
Chelsea
7.18.2011
Welcome!
If you are checking out my blog for the first time, you hopefully were directed this way through an email I sent you! If not, it's ok as well!
In exactly a week I will be departing from the states and headed on a two month adventure through Rwanda, Africa and Europe. To try my best to stay in contact with close family and friends I set up this blog to help me!
If you are interested and would like to follow my adventures, feel free to type your email address below in the box entitled "follow by email." This will connect you and notify you every time I add a new post to this site!
If you'd like to just check the blog occasionally, the address is http://chelseamasseywrites.blogspot.com and if you'd like to just send an email my way at chelseamassey@gmail.com that'd be wonderful as well.
I hope you are all having a happy and healthy summer!
With care,
Chelsea
In exactly a week I will be departing from the states and headed on a two month adventure through Rwanda, Africa and Europe. To try my best to stay in contact with close family and friends I set up this blog to help me!
If you are interested and would like to follow my adventures, feel free to type your email address below in the box entitled "follow by email." This will connect you and notify you every time I add a new post to this site!
If you'd like to just check the blog occasionally, the address is http://chelseamasseywrites.blogspot.com and if you'd like to just send an email my way at chelseamassey@gmail.com that'd be wonderful as well.
I hope you are all having a happy and healthy summer!
With care,
Chelsea
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)