I’ve been back at site for three weeks now. It’s strange how much changes from one lifestyle to the other. Now, the advertisements I see online implore me to “Become an American—get a green card” and remind me, “Do not miss your chance to live and work in the USA” as it shows a Statue … Keep reading →
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After lunch, a quiet settles over the village. It is baking hot outside, so people take naps inside. No one is walking around except the goats grazing. My shirts have dried in the sun and it’s time for me to take them in to fold. I walk out with my wash basin to gather the … Keep reading →
The Herero tribe is full of pride about its role in Namibia’s struggle for independence, and rightly so. These eighth grade boys probably learned how to march from their fathers & grandfathers, or any veterans in their family. Although they made some mistakes in this video, they are very good at their coordination and I … Keep reading →
Here’s a young boy who makes me smile because of how often he smiles. Below is a translation of the conversation you hear between us in this video: me: What is your name? him: Tjarirove. (In his head he’s probably thinking, Why is she asking me a question she already knows the answer to? Because … Keep reading →
So glad to see you received "The Artist's Way." Give it plenty of time. No rushing through.
Why are your fingernails painted black? Is goth still in style over there or are you like emo or something? Why didn't you call me before you left the United States? How come people use donkeys instead of horses?
I remember it well. You have a nice way of making this place feel livable.
Is it Rieta who sent you all the cards that are on your wall? She is a gem!
To my new home, that is. If you’re curious where I’ve been living since October of 2010, here is my place:
My dear amazing friend.
I am writing a program for United Methodist Women. A four hour Spiritual retreat.
titled FAITH, HOP AND LOVE IN ACTION.
All of your stories are just that . Faith Hope and Love in action.
Part of the program is to share stories and experiences of women around the world.
Would you please share with us a storey where you found LOVE in ACTION.
I would like permission to publish this storey if it is accepted.
Thank you.
peace to you this new year
love
b
Brenda Moland
I say you practice by making a chocolate sheet cake immediately.
I think you can count on God to "transcend my sadnesses and use me in spite of myself.". That's what God does... it's one of his main jobs! What a great visit this was. Now I will count the months until you come home (safe and sound will be my prayer)!!
I just realized something...I could have made you a white Texas Sheet cake! Please remind me for when you come back later this year. You will be missed greatly!
When I left Namibia, it was spring. I arrived in the U.S. to their autumn. While I was here, it turned to winter. Now that I’m going back, it will be summer. That about sums up the emotional rollercoaster that such a visit can be. I will admit that the transition home was easier than [...]
Today I spoke to seven high school social studies classes and one Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. The best part was the kinds of questions American youth have about Namibian youth. Is it like you see on charity commercials, where all Africans are skinny and starving? Do teenagers go to shopping malls or have brand-name [...]
This visit has brought with it quite the range of emotions…. Maybe I’ll just focus on the positives for now. Here I am with my new nephew, Torrence: I love this photo because of how small Torrence is in his grandpop’s arms: About that range of emotions…. Let me just say, it was definitely wise to [...]
T-Dawg is named after his grandmother’s maiden name. (Sherry’s mom) When I talked to my brother on the phone to congratulate him, we agreed it’s extra-exciting for our family to get to see the newborn next week (as we’ll be flying from Alaska to Ohio). “Yeah,” he said, “it’ll be fun. You can hold [...]
It feels kind of funny to be posting these entries on my Namibia blog when they have nothing to do with Namibia…. Everyone does things gratuitously when a baby’s involved, I guess. His name is Torrence David Martindell. Isn’t that so regal? I’m gonna call him TD/Touchdown, for short. But I don’t think his parents [...]
My new nephew: No name yet, but I did give him a nickname: Prime. His birthdate is all prime-number digits: 12/21/11.
(The climate of Alaska is slightly different from the climate where I’ve been living the last 16 months.) I’ve been in the U.S. for a week now, and it has been quite the treat. Spending time with family is so valuable. As is the simple experience of daily life in this setting. As I’m eating [...]
I’m in line at customs. The lady ahead of me greets the passport official with a “hi.” He says nothing. I really want to try to greet people in the States like we do in Namibia. I admire the custom and hope it can potentially brighten someone’s day. Maybe it could even get the silent [...]
About a month ago, I had a memorable dream. My Peace Corps term had recently ended, and I was back in the United States, at a job that had a cafeteria in the building. It was our lunch break. I went into the cafeteria and was floored by what I saw. Long, long lines of [...]
When I hear “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” these days all I can think of is Namibian men. That duet perfectly captures what it’s like to try to fend off a Namibian man’s advances. One day I was exiting my yard when a stranger–a man–passed by. I’m not used to strangers in our village, first of [...]
Oh, and I have only 2 words about a potential Father-Daughter Chess match: Blitz Krieg.
Sarah,
I hope you have an easy journey and a joyful, relaxing visit with family and friends. Your visit will be such a blessing for all of you! I'm sure you will see everything through "new" eyes. What a wonderful way to spend Christmas. God is great!
Okay. Reality Check. Dave and I ate the baked goods your Mom hid in the freezer. You are too young to drink coffee (it might stunt your growth). Don't write about undergarments on blog posts. You won't have a chance to cradle your nephew because I'll be holding him. The sunrises are still here, but remember that you have to wake up by 10 or 11 to enjoy them. Oh and I had to sell your ring to pay a bill. You do realize that Heather does not live here, right? Or is my favorite a surprise Christmas gift for me?
Sarah,
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and visit with your family. I am truly happy for you and for your family. My heart swells with happiness and gratefulness for your visit home. God bless you. Kim
1. getting a haircut 2. taking a hot bath 3. cooking/baking for/with the family (or just eating what they have cooked/baked) 4. hiking in the snow 5. buying new undergarments 6. real coffee, real cheese, real milk 7. getting different music so I can change the songs that have been on my iPod the last [...]
I had meant to respond to this entry, Sarah, and forgot. It brought a tear to my eye and I shared it with Don, who enjoyed it, too. You have such a wonderful way with words. It is a real gift.
Hey Sarah,
My bet is David can not wait to hear you speak any language!
Is this a serious blog post? You've been gone a little over a year, after having spent better then 23 years in America. This just reads insincere and over dramatic. Get a grip.
Sarah,
Darrell says not to sweat the small stuff.
Several years ago while waiting in a Seattle mall, Darrell said, "Hi," to everyone who passed him; only one person returned his greeting and that was a black man who hurried on past.
A few days later while waiting in a mall in Rapid City, SD, Darrell tried the same thing. Everyone returned his greeting and most stopped to talk to him!
I like your idea.
See you soon!
A lot could go wrong during my upcoming travels from Namibia to Alaska. Let’s say I get stuck in the Anchorage airport overnight, and I need to borrow a passerby’s cell phone, to let my parents know. This worries me. I forget how to talk to Americans. Because here, I would have to first greet. [...]
I like to think I do a pretty good job of keeping my homesickness to myself -- not burdening colleagues with complaints, nor unloading on learners as if they're my peers. But a few weeks ago, I just couldn't take it anymore. Maybe it was because we teachers were discussing the end of [...]
My last post expressed how I felt two months ago, as I wrote it on Sep. 17. How I feel now is slightly different. See, next month I get to visit home, setting foot on good ol’ American soil after nearly 1 1/3 year away. I can’t believe it. I can’t wait. As I count [...]
You have to convert American currency into Namibian currency (instead of vice versa) in order to conceptualize the amount. You hold on to someone’s hand after a handshake, lingering longer, standing there naturally, still holding their hand. You share food without hesitating, caring, or even noticing. You walk at a more leisurely pace, especially if [...]
This summer, I introduced my Phys. Ed. students to an exercise video (which my parents had sent me with a not-too-subtle hint). I teach P.E. to grade 8 & 9 girls. As we participated in the activities, the girls were convinced they were being watched. Surely the women exercising on the video also somehow [...]
Least favorite moments of the trip: seeing all American cash in the register drawer of a Zimbabwe grocery store, a blatant reminder of the unrest in that country…feeling creeped out (by men of multiple races, for the record) on a sunset cruise…the time I deliberately didn’t shake a salesman’s hand (because I didn’t want [...]
One day we got to go on two kinds of safaris—a river cruise and a land cruise. I preferred the former. It was cooler by the water, and it reminded me of boating in Kachemak Bay—only in Alaska there aren’t any elephants swimming in front of your boat: Whenever Dan wanted to tell us [...]
I am so proud of you.
I watched the beginning of your video twice just so I could hear you say my name.
Well I guess I'll cross "facing death" off my list of "Things Sarah Has Never Done That We'll Do When She Visits Me in January."
I love you.
I am so glad you were safe! I don't think I'll be doing that anytime soon.
Ok now I mean this. Do not ever do anything like this again.
holy moly, sarah -
that was terrifying just to watch!!! how brave!! Hope you're well... I think of you often!
<3 jamie
Sarah:
One of the most thrilling four foot jumps I've ever seen!!
--Don
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