Merry Christmas to everyone. Yes I'm alive here in Ghana! So much has happened since I arrived here 3 weeks ago, time sure flies. I don't even know where to begin! Ill just have to go way back :)
So we first arrived in Ghana on the night of December 3rd! We got to spend a night in Montreal at a Youth hostel before we carried on our journey! It was a lot of fun, Teressa, Miles, Jacob, Kayla and I took the metro to old Montreal and toured around, it was so beautiful. The night got a little overwhelming however, Montreal is a really big city! I had forgotten my id at the hostel so Kayla and I ran back to get it, got lost, then I couldn't find my way back to the restaurant where we had dinner reservations! It was the last straw for me when i asked this lady in a booth which subway to get on and she said she was closed and couldn't help me (in a very rude way). That's when everything just crashed, the pressure of travelling, the sadness of leaving, the fear of going! It all came out with my tears in the middle of the subway station. I'm so happy Charles was there, he got me calmed down. I felt finally OK, being with him, he knew Montreal well! We just went for a long walk , ate McDonald's. He made everything OK!
At the Airport the next day things got a little scary. They booked all of the Canadians tickets backwards! With our first name as our last and our last name as our first! They got it all switched up just in time, for a while everyone was pretty convinced we wernt going o fly. Which would mean another night in Montreal, away from the Ghanaians!
The night we arrived in Accra, I cant even remember how I was feeling. Scared, excited, overwhelmed, sad, happy, and a million other things. The first impression i got, HOT. Oh my was it hot, and still is. Everyday, I don't remember how it feels to not be sweaty and stinky? Before going to Otuam, we spent 2 days in Accra at a hostel. Kind of like a country orientation I would call it. That was alot of fun ! Then came the day, the day to go to our new home. Note, by then I had already finished all my chocolate Lexi had advised me to bring. It took us over 3 hours to get there, all of us squeezed into a tro tro (Bus like thing). Arriving in Otuam, the most overwhelming experience of my life, honestly! We were greeted by over 200 people jumping a screaming welcomes! Kids EVERYWHERE just wanting to hold our hands and tell us their name. Then we went to meet our host families. It was basically a hug a whole bunch of fante, the local language, and then they told us lets go home! Before I could even grab my 50 pound suitcase, a girl named Comfort picked it up like it was a pillow and put it on her head. Amazing, I could hardly lift that thing myself let alone put it on my head.
I just realised if I give every single detail about every day Ill be here for a while, so here's the short version :)!
My host Family: So wonderful ! I have a host mom and 2 host brothers. Although my mom doesn't speak English both my brothers, Samuel and Emmanuel do! The first week we also had Pastor Dominic stay with us! He taught me fante every night, Ive got most of the basics down thanks to him! My Mother cooks such incredible food, My favorite being sweet potatoes and egg stew (Their definition of stew being tomato paste, vegetables and a kid of meat!). The only problem is that she really wants to make us fat. She gets offended if I tell her to only give me a little, and because I cant speak fante I cant tell her the reason I don't want alot ISNT because it doesn't taste good but because I physically cant eat it. Legit, I have never eaten so much food in my life. My oldest brother is Samuel, hes 18! He carried 2 buckets of water of his head the other day, one on top of the other, it was incredible. I couldn't even lift one off the ground. Hes very nice! My other brother Emmanuel is 14 and probably THE cutest 14 year old I have ever known. He loves to show me things and teach me fante. Hes quite the sweetie! No running water anywhere in the village. We wash everything by hand! Bathe out of a bucket. Outhouse. But its not bad at all, showering outside at night under the stars is actually very refreshing :)
The food: AMAZING. Everything is local, organic, delicious. The Pineapple MMMM the pineapple. about 25 cents for a whole pineapple, they peel it and cut it up for you and its the most amazing pineapple I've ever had. Mangoes are just coming into season, cant wait! I eat alot of yam, fish, sweet potato, tomatoes, and alot of Ghanaian food like banku, kinke, gari and gellof rice that is all carbs. Im always full!
The village: I cant compare it to anything to even give you an idea of what its like. Everything is outside, were a 10 minute walk from the ocean! There is one paved road that runs through the whole village, Everything else is dirt paths. The people in the village are for the most part wonderful! Greetings are very important in Ghanaian culture, so everyone you pass that looks like they could be older then you you need to try and greet them good morning, good afternoon, or good evening! Every kid when they see you yell obruni! and then repeat it over and over again. Obruni means white person. "Obruni how are you" I hear about 500 hundred times atleast in a day. There are goats all around! It must be goat baby season too, because I've witnessed 3 goats giving birth and there are babies all around! Goats, chicken, and sheep are everywhere.
The group: The group is amazing. A few people have been hit by culture shock just this last week, me included. Many of us have digestive problems of some kind. Me included. Poor Kayla and Charles were both horribly sick this Christmas eve. I was pretty sick last Friday. Were all doomed for it at some point! The diet is so much different than any of us are used to. I'm so incredibly happy to be here as part of our group. I don't know how I would get through alot of things without them there. My counter part Priscilla is helping me to survive, I don't know what i would do without her, I ask her a million questions in one day. And then I have Charles too. Ive broken down in tears a few times since being here and he helps me through it every time. Just to know I have him, and he cares means so much to me. You don't realize how much you depend on someone until your thrown into a place where you truly need them. Here, I need him and hes never bothered by it .
My work: Not much to say here! The schools are all on Christmas break and that's where I will be working. I got the lucky draw in that case, the school I'm working at is only one small building with 4 classrooms! I cant wait to see what Ill be doing there. We will also be beginning with the Malaria prevention project in the new year. Doing outreach in various communities! I was working in the health clinic last week also. That was an interesting experience. One I cant put into words, I apologize.
Its very hard to express alot of things through this blog. I fear saying something the wrong way, and then failing to explain it correctly. Its hard to explain alot of things Ive seen or done. I don't want anyone to take something the wrong way or give anyone the wrong impression. If there's certain things your wondering about hold onto the thoughts, and Ill be glad to explain everything in detail when I come home!
Im currently in Tema, not Otuam btw! We got to come home with our counterparts for Christmas! Christmas here is definitely not as big of a deal as in Canada! Christmas eve we sat around and ate and chatted! My dad and Robin called to recite "twas the night before Christmas" over the phone, that was wonderful. I went to the market yesterday which was also wonderful! Pretty overwhelming. I'm getting tired, I have been at this for a couple of hours now so I apologize if I'm not giving very many details! This has been the most Internet I have had access to since I arrived here. Once I get home to Otuam Ill be back to once a week at the cafe!
I think I must leave you with that for now, I don't know if I will be able to post again, but ill try my best! I'm going clubbing tonight with the group so I had better go get ready :)
I miss everyone and I'm thinking of you all every night.
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Ghana, tomorrow, CRAZY STUFF
So, I leave for Ghana tomorrow. Its really crazy how fast time flew here! When I look back at what I have done, what I have learned, how I have changed, and what has changed me, its truly incredible.
For the past week we have been saying goodbye to the community and I have to admit, I'm going to really miss Moncton. Before I start with details about that however, Id like to say a little bit about an article we read a couple of days ago during our debriefing. It was titled "To hell with good intentions" and it really made alot of sense I came to find. It told of the harm we are doing going into a developing country to "help", to "volunteer", or to "make a difference". Ill use the example used in the article about the Peace Corps. Did you know they spend 10 000 dollars on each missionary to train and prepare them for the culture shock they will experience when they go overseas? Its ridiculous, because they go into countries of which they know nothing of. They know nothing of the culture or the state of its people, they have a single story of places like Ghana or other African countries and that is that the people are poor, starving and need THEIR help. Meanwhile, the people of that very country have just as much capability to help themselves. Imagine sending as much money spent on training missionaries, directly to a developing country or an organisation there! Not only would it provide jobs for people, it would empower them and help the overall economic state of that very country. Try putting yourself in the shoes of another if I'm not really making sense to you. Imagine living in a developing country yourself, and imagine a white foreigner coming to your country, with no knowledge of its people, of respect for those people, or how the country itself works. Now wouldn't it be hurtful and maybe even insulting if that foreigner came to you thinking they had a solution to all of your problems? Thinking that you had begged for their help? And having them disrespect your culture simply because they know nothing of it?
With this I just want to clarify a few things. Alot of people believe that on this trip, I'm changing our world and I'm making a difference. This is a false statement. Don't get me wrong, I hope to have inspired a few people along the way, and raised awareness on different issues, but the reality of it is, this is a trip for MY self. Its to change me, to make me aware of conflict and how to resolve it. Its about learning and being immersed in the true culture of Ghana which translates to really seeing the country; really knowing it; really understanding it. This trip is about working cross culturally and gaining skills in that department, its about realising my own potential and my own life goals. So, not meant in any bad way, but please don't think I'm out changing the world, I'm out changing me. Maybe that's the first step to changing the world? Maybe its the first step to changing a tiny fraction of it? All I know is I'm learning a heck of alot of stuff about myself, and the world around me and that's a first step towards something good.
With that said, I leave for Ghana tomorrow guys! The day we've all been waiting for. Ive had such a wonderful past few days with Barb and Brian. We even put a Christmas tree up!! I'm really going to miss living with them. Its had its challenges for sure, we've gone through some ups and downs, but you've heard me say before, whats an experience without a few challenges? Barb has taught me so many things about life, and really living. I would have to say some of my best memories are sitting down one on one with her, and listening to her wise words. I'm going to miss living in a house with Mary and Kayla as well. In Ghana Priscilla and I are going to be in a host family just the two of us. Its a sad transition, but the way I see it, is everything has extreme potential to get better and better, and i just know this trip is going to unfold that way :)
I have to sign of now , i really need to get a good nights sleep ! Lots of travelling ahead of me.
Pumpkin juice and love
Jillian xo
For the past week we have been saying goodbye to the community and I have to admit, I'm going to really miss Moncton. Before I start with details about that however, Id like to say a little bit about an article we read a couple of days ago during our debriefing. It was titled "To hell with good intentions" and it really made alot of sense I came to find. It told of the harm we are doing going into a developing country to "help", to "volunteer", or to "make a difference". Ill use the example used in the article about the Peace Corps. Did you know they spend 10 000 dollars on each missionary to train and prepare them for the culture shock they will experience when they go overseas? Its ridiculous, because they go into countries of which they know nothing of. They know nothing of the culture or the state of its people, they have a single story of places like Ghana or other African countries and that is that the people are poor, starving and need THEIR help. Meanwhile, the people of that very country have just as much capability to help themselves. Imagine sending as much money spent on training missionaries, directly to a developing country or an organisation there! Not only would it provide jobs for people, it would empower them and help the overall economic state of that very country. Try putting yourself in the shoes of another if I'm not really making sense to you. Imagine living in a developing country yourself, and imagine a white foreigner coming to your country, with no knowledge of its people, of respect for those people, or how the country itself works. Now wouldn't it be hurtful and maybe even insulting if that foreigner came to you thinking they had a solution to all of your problems? Thinking that you had begged for their help? And having them disrespect your culture simply because they know nothing of it?
With this I just want to clarify a few things. Alot of people believe that on this trip, I'm changing our world and I'm making a difference. This is a false statement. Don't get me wrong, I hope to have inspired a few people along the way, and raised awareness on different issues, but the reality of it is, this is a trip for MY self. Its to change me, to make me aware of conflict and how to resolve it. Its about learning and being immersed in the true culture of Ghana which translates to really seeing the country; really knowing it; really understanding it. This trip is about working cross culturally and gaining skills in that department, its about realising my own potential and my own life goals. So, not meant in any bad way, but please don't think I'm out changing the world, I'm out changing me. Maybe that's the first step to changing the world? Maybe its the first step to changing a tiny fraction of it? All I know is I'm learning a heck of alot of stuff about myself, and the world around me and that's a first step towards something good.
With that said, I leave for Ghana tomorrow guys! The day we've all been waiting for. Ive had such a wonderful past few days with Barb and Brian. We even put a Christmas tree up!! I'm really going to miss living with them. Its had its challenges for sure, we've gone through some ups and downs, but you've heard me say before, whats an experience without a few challenges? Barb has taught me so many things about life, and really living. I would have to say some of my best memories are sitting down one on one with her, and listening to her wise words. I'm going to miss living in a house with Mary and Kayla as well. In Ghana Priscilla and I are going to be in a host family just the two of us. Its a sad transition, but the way I see it, is everything has extreme potential to get better and better, and i just know this trip is going to unfold that way :)
I have to sign of now , i really need to get a good nights sleep ! Lots of travelling ahead of me.
Pumpkin juice and love
Jillian xo
Saturday, November 26, 2011
SNOW with 5 days to go !!!!!
I would say this has been the hardest week so far in the program. It has challenged me, taught me, hurt me, and helped me. I don't really feel like explaining every detail, cause its been hard enough, I would like to put emphasis on the good tonight :) SO first of all, the snow came!! That day, was the best day. Last day of work, it was a little sad. I'm really going to miss the staff and the kids, Ive had a great time getting to know them all ! Walking home, I really had fun. I was just by myself, but it was snowing! The first real snow Ive seen this year, I forgot how happy snow made me. Covering everything like a beautiful white blanket. Just walking I started by picking up a handful of the fluffy stuff and throwing it in the air! Then I couldn't help but run, I slipped and fell and couldn't help laughing at myself, laughing so hard I couldn't get up, the people driving by really probably thought I was insane. But I was LOVING it so I didn't even care.
I'm going to miss snow when I go to Ghana, which is in 5 days in case you didn't know. Everyone is getting so excited! Quin is already all packed. Ive started to pack! Were supposed to get done in the next few days. Monday to Wednesday we have debriefing, were doing it here so that we have 2 days of free time in Montreal ! I haven't made any plans with Priscilla or anyone, but were thinking a nice dinner, and maybe explore old Montreal? Who knows!
Earlier this week there were some fun things that went on! Monday was Lokita and Corbin's E.A.D, renamed Aboriginal Culture Day. It was a very informative and inspiring day! We went to the first and only aboriginal art Gallery in the Maritime. Its incredible how the Maritime, where aboriginals first settled in Canada, has had no place to display their art, or their culture at all. Aboriginals all across Canada are being repressed, in the Maritime more than anywhere. Its really sad and unfair, they have so much to tell, so much to share. The story of Pascal and his wife, their determination to bring Aboriginal culture to the Maritime is so incredible! They fought doubt and discrimination but never gave up. They also ran the first ever National Aboriginal day ever in Moncton. It was a really fun day :)
Tuesday morning there was a goodbye BBQ at Habitat and Restore! It was pretty sad leaving that work placement, the director Ron, was really alot of fun to be around. I'm going to miss him most!! Thursday, Charles came to join Eric and I for our own last day at Habitat. In the morning before he got there though, Eric and I went out to have fun and take pictures in the snow!! We made THE best snowman, it was alot of fun. Charles wasn't left out though, once he got there Eric and I made sure he got a taste of the snow fun, with a few balls to the face! It was also a really fun day.
This is it for now, Kayla and I are watching Marley and Me on the TV. Its horrible torture, oh how I miss my Quincy. I hope hes well at home.
I hope everyone is well at home ! GHANA IN 5!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH SO PUMPEDDDDD!!!!!!!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Ps- I just finished Marley and me and Kayla and I are bawling. Warning: If you have a dog, and you havnt seen him for three months, and you wont see him for another 3, Do not watch. I want my puppy here. I want my bestfriend, so Mum and Stu make sure he stays safe until I come home. Hes my baby.
I'm going to miss snow when I go to Ghana, which is in 5 days in case you didn't know. Everyone is getting so excited! Quin is already all packed. Ive started to pack! Were supposed to get done in the next few days. Monday to Wednesday we have debriefing, were doing it here so that we have 2 days of free time in Montreal ! I haven't made any plans with Priscilla or anyone, but were thinking a nice dinner, and maybe explore old Montreal? Who knows!
Earlier this week there were some fun things that went on! Monday was Lokita and Corbin's E.A.D, renamed Aboriginal Culture Day. It was a very informative and inspiring day! We went to the first and only aboriginal art Gallery in the Maritime. Its incredible how the Maritime, where aboriginals first settled in Canada, has had no place to display their art, or their culture at all. Aboriginals all across Canada are being repressed, in the Maritime more than anywhere. Its really sad and unfair, they have so much to tell, so much to share. The story of Pascal and his wife, their determination to bring Aboriginal culture to the Maritime is so incredible! They fought doubt and discrimination but never gave up. They also ran the first ever National Aboriginal day ever in Moncton. It was a really fun day :)
Tuesday morning there was a goodbye BBQ at Habitat and Restore! It was pretty sad leaving that work placement, the director Ron, was really alot of fun to be around. I'm going to miss him most!! Thursday, Charles came to join Eric and I for our own last day at Habitat. In the morning before he got there though, Eric and I went out to have fun and take pictures in the snow!! We made THE best snowman, it was alot of fun. Charles wasn't left out though, once he got there Eric and I made sure he got a taste of the snow fun, with a few balls to the face! It was also a really fun day.
This is it for now, Kayla and I are watching Marley and Me on the TV. Its horrible torture, oh how I miss my Quincy. I hope hes well at home.
I hope everyone is well at home ! GHANA IN 5!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH SO PUMPEDDDDD!!!!!!!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Ps- I just finished Marley and me and Kayla and I are bawling. Warning: If you have a dog, and you havnt seen him for three months, and you wont see him for another 3, Do not watch. I want my puppy here. I want my bestfriend, so Mum and Stu make sure he stays safe until I come home. Hes my baby.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
HEY
I almost forgot, I listen to this on my ipod every morning. Reminds me of certain people, you know who you are <3 3 months goes by fast!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A
Just a few thoughts
Things are getting pretty repetitive here. Not the best way to start off the blog... but hey! No experience like this is ever perfect.
Its hard to describe how I feel right now. I had no idea this trip was going to turn out this way. Well by this way, I don't mean anything bad, I don't mean anything in particular.. how do I say this. I guess I had all these preconceived ideas about what it meant to participate in a volunteer program who's mission is to develop just and harmonious societies both in Canada and in a country over seas. This is so different than what I ever could have imagined. I came into this program expecting to see myself make a concrete difference in someway. I thought Id truly see a concrete change in the societies I was going to work in. But now that I'm in the program its not even about that anymore!! Its a cultural exchange. Its such a unique program, in 10 DAYS TIME I'm going to be fully immersed in Ghanaian culture. I think to really see a country, to really count it as somewhere you've travelled, you have to see and understand the culture of it.
Jess always says after we've had an argument, "this is why the UN never get anything done" and we all understand what she means!! To make a decision as a group, Canadians and Ghanaians, it takes about ten times longer then it would if it were just the Ghanaians making the decision, or just the Canadians. Learning and working cross culturally has taught me so many things and skills that I know will help me later on in life. Take respect for instance. It has given me a whole new perspective on what it means to respect someone. You think its so easy, you simply use the morals you've been brought up with to know if what your doing is respectable. You use those same morals to decide whats hurtful, whats offensive etc. WELL working with another culture, not only Ghanaian but Albertan, Quebecois, British Colombian and so on, all those morals, all of what you were brought up with and used to gets thrown out the window!!! Ive learned you have to be humble, you have to constantly be watching, looking for little ques that you've said something that's offended someone. You have to understand, just saying "I didn't mean it that way" only works a couple times. For instance, you know how I talk alot? I have alot to say, I have strong opinions, (which is all fine), in a discussion in English class it was totally acceptable for me to butt in anywhere with my opinion, everyone else did! I never realized it was something bad, because no one ever considered it to be one, until now on this trip. Little things like saying your opinion without asking permission to do so (putting up your hand) REALLY annoys, hurts, and bothers people. Ive had to tone down things, to also earn respect myself. Ive had to change alot of things about me, the loudness of my voice, what I say/do in public, my dictating personality, Ive even tried to tone down my excitement for the littlest of things. Why you might ask? Its me, its how everyone recognizes Jillian right? I'm doing it for my own good. I want to be respected, I want to have the best impact possible on the people I live and work with. Maybe you could call it maturing? I'm not really sure id call it that but some might. I just want to do the most I can to gain the respect of people. IN CONCLUSION If I were to act the same way with everyone i meet around the world as I do with my Orillia people, I wont be respected as I would like.
I get really distracted from my original point don't I? Hope you are following OK
GHANA IN 10 DAYS lets get to that. Everything is wrapping up here in Moncton. 3 days left of work! I feel like we've accomplished so much here, but everyone is pretty ready to go. Priscilla bought a bag that I could easily fit in in order to bring all of her clothes and shoes to Otuam. I'm getting stuff together to send home, things like my big coat, wont be needing that!!
Anyway, enough is happening here getting ready to leave that I'm not having too much trouble along the lines of missing home. I do think of everyone everyday though.
I love you all, Id better go, gettin perty hungreh!
Hope everyone is doing great, and to each person that reads this, I miss you <3
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Its hard to describe how I feel right now. I had no idea this trip was going to turn out this way. Well by this way, I don't mean anything bad, I don't mean anything in particular.. how do I say this. I guess I had all these preconceived ideas about what it meant to participate in a volunteer program who's mission is to develop just and harmonious societies both in Canada and in a country over seas. This is so different than what I ever could have imagined. I came into this program expecting to see myself make a concrete difference in someway. I thought Id truly see a concrete change in the societies I was going to work in. But now that I'm in the program its not even about that anymore!! Its a cultural exchange. Its such a unique program, in 10 DAYS TIME I'm going to be fully immersed in Ghanaian culture. I think to really see a country, to really count it as somewhere you've travelled, you have to see and understand the culture of it.
Jess always says after we've had an argument, "this is why the UN never get anything done" and we all understand what she means!! To make a decision as a group, Canadians and Ghanaians, it takes about ten times longer then it would if it were just the Ghanaians making the decision, or just the Canadians. Learning and working cross culturally has taught me so many things and skills that I know will help me later on in life. Take respect for instance. It has given me a whole new perspective on what it means to respect someone. You think its so easy, you simply use the morals you've been brought up with to know if what your doing is respectable. You use those same morals to decide whats hurtful, whats offensive etc. WELL working with another culture, not only Ghanaian but Albertan, Quebecois, British Colombian and so on, all those morals, all of what you were brought up with and used to gets thrown out the window!!! Ive learned you have to be humble, you have to constantly be watching, looking for little ques that you've said something that's offended someone. You have to understand, just saying "I didn't mean it that way" only works a couple times. For instance, you know how I talk alot? I have alot to say, I have strong opinions, (which is all fine), in a discussion in English class it was totally acceptable for me to butt in anywhere with my opinion, everyone else did! I never realized it was something bad, because no one ever considered it to be one, until now on this trip. Little things like saying your opinion without asking permission to do so (putting up your hand) REALLY annoys, hurts, and bothers people. Ive had to tone down things, to also earn respect myself. Ive had to change alot of things about me, the loudness of my voice, what I say/do in public, my dictating personality, Ive even tried to tone down my excitement for the littlest of things. Why you might ask? Its me, its how everyone recognizes Jillian right? I'm doing it for my own good. I want to be respected, I want to have the best impact possible on the people I live and work with. Maybe you could call it maturing? I'm not really sure id call it that but some might. I just want to do the most I can to gain the respect of people. IN CONCLUSION If I were to act the same way with everyone i meet around the world as I do with my Orillia people, I wont be respected as I would like.
I get really distracted from my original point don't I? Hope you are following OK
GHANA IN 10 DAYS lets get to that. Everything is wrapping up here in Moncton. 3 days left of work! I feel like we've accomplished so much here, but everyone is pretty ready to go. Priscilla bought a bag that I could easily fit in in order to bring all of her clothes and shoes to Otuam. I'm getting stuff together to send home, things like my big coat, wont be needing that!!
Anyway, enough is happening here getting ready to leave that I'm not having too much trouble along the lines of missing home. I do think of everyone everyday though.
I love you all, Id better go, gettin perty hungreh!
Hope everyone is doing great, and to each person that reads this, I miss you <3
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Reflect. and move forward
I woke up early this morning. I always seem to be up before anyone else! I'm also always ready and at the door first usually, which is crazy, if my mom is reading this shes probably rolling her eyes and saying its a lie! Its funny sometimes to think what it will be like when I go back home. Will I keep the new habits Ive made? Or will I get back to how I used to be.
Jessica (our project manager) has said many times, one month in this program can easily be compared to a whole year in relation to how much you learn. I can believe it!! Jess is so wise, she truly is. She has such a great outlook on everything in life, and alot of valuable life experience shes only too happy to share! Something she said that i loved (kind of off topic but hey) was "the longer you are with someone who is wrong for you, the longer your kept from someone who is right for you". Things like this, they just make so much sense. I can talk to Jess about anything and she always knows what to say. Best. Project. Supervisor. EVER.
Okay, now for the story telling, lets start withhhhh..... Shediac!
What is Shediac you might ask? Google it ! There's a giant lobster, beautiful beaches and this really cool house where our group got to stay for a whole weekend for something called Mid- Project. Mid- Project is a time where we get to go away as a group, away from the community, and stay somewhere to reflect on what we have accomplished so far in the program, and what we would like to accomplish in the months to come. Every one was super excited to go! We all remember how fun it was in Tatamagouche, living all together in a house (Tatamagouche easily the best week of my life), so we were looking forward to having a bit of that again. Our group is really amazing, I think I've said that before. I love every single person. The first night in Parlee Beach, Shediac, was a really emotional and inspirational experience. We had the two project supervisors from another NewBrunswick, Ghana exchange come and facilitate a session. Jess also led one before that. The first activity led by Jess was, well, interesting. She gave us all sheets of paper, and on them we had to write any frustrations we've had since the first day on the program. We would write sentences that began with 'I was sad when', 'I felt like crying when', 'I felt confused when', 'I felt angry when' and so on. After that we threw them all into a pot. Once every one was done, Jess passed out the pieces of paper to everyone to be read aloud. Some things were hurtful to others, some were critical, some were motivating! The whole activity definitely stirred some emotions. BUT, the thing was, after a frustration was read, it had to be ripped up , and thrown into the middle (we were all in a circle). The point of the activity was to move us forward. To forget everything that has caused problems, or hurt us, or harmed our experience in this program. We were to learn from it, and move forward. Once everything negative had been ripped up and thrown away, we moved upstairs, hand on each others shoulders in a chain. Upstairs there were candles all around, and a projector set up. After everyone got comfy, we watched an incredible video in silence together, about what Canada World Youth is all about. About adapting, supporting others, having an open mind, loving what your doing. Appreciating this incredible opportunity given to us and inspiring us to try our very best, because really, you only get as much out of this program as you put in.
The next morning I was up so early, while Charles snored away beside me, I just sat there thinking about what had happened the night before. I remember exactly how I felt. Just happy. I wasn't expecting anything, I wasn't worrying, I was just happy in the moment. Truly the best way to start your day. :) (this is Saturday btw). In the afternoon we got to go to the beach ! It was SO incredibly beautiful. I went for a walk with Teressa and Miles, then we sat in a long foot warming chain, talking about life. It was so wonderful :) Talking about life, that's one thing that can bring you so close to a person. You know, I might not give off this impression, but more than I love talking, I love listening. I love hearing what people have to say, what their opinions are. I love hearing of what they value, what they are passionate about, I want to know it all!! Things that come from the very heart of what makes a person an individual, I love knowing those things especially.
After Teressa and Miles' feet were warm enough, and we had shared enough to think about, I was able to convince Charles to come on a walk with me further down the beach. It was so hard for me not to stop every three steps when I saw a beautiful shell laying in the sand. I swear they talk to me sometimes, they say "Pick me, Im beautiful, Ill brighten your day, love me!". Shells, shells, shells! I love love love them! I felt like I was in a movie at that moment, I kept expecting Charles to pick me up, and swirl me around as a cheesy "you make me happy" song mysteriously started playing from somewhere unknown. Its funny how much I love the cheesy stuff. The little things that a person can do, that make it known you're on their mind. You know, no matter how much I hate and am terrified of butterflies, I have to give it to them, they do a pretty good job at flying around in my stomach and making me smile.
I want to write a romance novel, but not some lame romance. A romance like Thornbirds! One that doesnt make people feel sad and lonely when they read it, but rather, one that makes them feel inspired and excited that love like that is out there. Love that can make you smile, no matter the occasion. It exists you know!
Back to talk about the beach though! Yes, it was beautiful, we couldn't have asked for a better October day. Jacob, being the crazy guy we know him to be, went swimming. Why you might ask? Well, no one really knows, the water was so cold!
After crazy dancing and singing, and cheering for a video game, if was time for bed. I don't know what was different that night, but things were bothering me more than ever. I was missing my family more than I ever had. That night I couldn't fall asleep. I tortured myself until 2:30 in the morning with songs that reminded me of home and family and friends, listening to them over a over again on my Ipod. Ridiculous I know! who would have thought Jillian Ackert would be a home body? And an emotional one too, holy! Finally I woke Charles up, I'm so lucky he was there. He reminded me I'm not alone. He reminded me, even though I left my family back home, I have my new family by my side. That's what this group is for me, I know Ive said it before, Its a family.
The next day, our final day in Shediac. It was so cold! Jess let us all sleep in, it was wonderful! Alot of our activities were cut short that day because of a horrible storm that had rolled in. Many of us had to leave early, for fear that if we didn't, we'd be stranded another night! When I got home, I had the best hot shower, and went to bed at 7 o'clock with my tea and my book. All in all it was a truly wonderful weekend. Mid-Project it something ill never forget.
I was going to tell you about our Halloween experience, along with a few others, but tonight, I am simply too tired!! I promise to blog again soon with even more updates! Because there are just so many :)
Love and miss you all, someone say hi to my friend Ontario for me!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
OH and here are some pictures :)
Jessica (our project manager) has said many times, one month in this program can easily be compared to a whole year in relation to how much you learn. I can believe it!! Jess is so wise, she truly is. She has such a great outlook on everything in life, and alot of valuable life experience shes only too happy to share! Something she said that i loved (kind of off topic but hey) was "the longer you are with someone who is wrong for you, the longer your kept from someone who is right for you". Things like this, they just make so much sense. I can talk to Jess about anything and she always knows what to say. Best. Project. Supervisor. EVER.
Okay, now for the story telling, lets start withhhhh..... Shediac!
What is Shediac you might ask? Google it ! There's a giant lobster, beautiful beaches and this really cool house where our group got to stay for a whole weekend for something called Mid- Project. Mid- Project is a time where we get to go away as a group, away from the community, and stay somewhere to reflect on what we have accomplished so far in the program, and what we would like to accomplish in the months to come. Every one was super excited to go! We all remember how fun it was in Tatamagouche, living all together in a house (Tatamagouche easily the best week of my life), so we were looking forward to having a bit of that again. Our group is really amazing, I think I've said that before. I love every single person. The first night in Parlee Beach, Shediac, was a really emotional and inspirational experience. We had the two project supervisors from another NewBrunswick, Ghana exchange come and facilitate a session. Jess also led one before that. The first activity led by Jess was, well, interesting. She gave us all sheets of paper, and on them we had to write any frustrations we've had since the first day on the program. We would write sentences that began with 'I was sad when', 'I felt like crying when', 'I felt confused when', 'I felt angry when' and so on. After that we threw them all into a pot. Once every one was done, Jess passed out the pieces of paper to everyone to be read aloud. Some things were hurtful to others, some were critical, some were motivating! The whole activity definitely stirred some emotions. BUT, the thing was, after a frustration was read, it had to be ripped up , and thrown into the middle (we were all in a circle). The point of the activity was to move us forward. To forget everything that has caused problems, or hurt us, or harmed our experience in this program. We were to learn from it, and move forward. Once everything negative had been ripped up and thrown away, we moved upstairs, hand on each others shoulders in a chain. Upstairs there were candles all around, and a projector set up. After everyone got comfy, we watched an incredible video in silence together, about what Canada World Youth is all about. About adapting, supporting others, having an open mind, loving what your doing. Appreciating this incredible opportunity given to us and inspiring us to try our very best, because really, you only get as much out of this program as you put in.
The next morning I was up so early, while Charles snored away beside me, I just sat there thinking about what had happened the night before. I remember exactly how I felt. Just happy. I wasn't expecting anything, I wasn't worrying, I was just happy in the moment. Truly the best way to start your day. :) (this is Saturday btw). In the afternoon we got to go to the beach ! It was SO incredibly beautiful. I went for a walk with Teressa and Miles, then we sat in a long foot warming chain, talking about life. It was so wonderful :) Talking about life, that's one thing that can bring you so close to a person. You know, I might not give off this impression, but more than I love talking, I love listening. I love hearing what people have to say, what their opinions are. I love hearing of what they value, what they are passionate about, I want to know it all!! Things that come from the very heart of what makes a person an individual, I love knowing those things especially.
After Teressa and Miles' feet were warm enough, and we had shared enough to think about, I was able to convince Charles to come on a walk with me further down the beach. It was so hard for me not to stop every three steps when I saw a beautiful shell laying in the sand. I swear they talk to me sometimes, they say "Pick me, Im beautiful, Ill brighten your day, love me!". Shells, shells, shells! I love love love them! I felt like I was in a movie at that moment, I kept expecting Charles to pick me up, and swirl me around as a cheesy "you make me happy" song mysteriously started playing from somewhere unknown. Its funny how much I love the cheesy stuff. The little things that a person can do, that make it known you're on their mind. You know, no matter how much I hate and am terrified of butterflies, I have to give it to them, they do a pretty good job at flying around in my stomach and making me smile.
I want to write a romance novel, but not some lame romance. A romance like Thornbirds! One that doesnt make people feel sad and lonely when they read it, but rather, one that makes them feel inspired and excited that love like that is out there. Love that can make you smile, no matter the occasion. It exists you know!
Back to talk about the beach though! Yes, it was beautiful, we couldn't have asked for a better October day. Jacob, being the crazy guy we know him to be, went swimming. Why you might ask? Well, no one really knows, the water was so cold!
After crazy dancing and singing, and cheering for a video game, if was time for bed. I don't know what was different that night, but things were bothering me more than ever. I was missing my family more than I ever had. That night I couldn't fall asleep. I tortured myself until 2:30 in the morning with songs that reminded me of home and family and friends, listening to them over a over again on my Ipod. Ridiculous I know! who would have thought Jillian Ackert would be a home body? And an emotional one too, holy! Finally I woke Charles up, I'm so lucky he was there. He reminded me I'm not alone. He reminded me, even though I left my family back home, I have my new family by my side. That's what this group is for me, I know Ive said it before, Its a family.
The next day, our final day in Shediac. It was so cold! Jess let us all sleep in, it was wonderful! Alot of our activities were cut short that day because of a horrible storm that had rolled in. Many of us had to leave early, for fear that if we didn't, we'd be stranded another night! When I got home, I had the best hot shower, and went to bed at 7 o'clock with my tea and my book. All in all it was a truly wonderful weekend. Mid-Project it something ill never forget.
I was going to tell you about our Halloween experience, along with a few others, but tonight, I am simply too tired!! I promise to blog again soon with even more updates! Because there are just so many :)
Love and miss you all, someone say hi to my friend Ontario for me!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
OH and here are some pictures :)
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| Canadian Knot |
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| Parlee Beach!! |
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| I just love this one :) |
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| Ghanaian meal on saturday night! Yes, you are supposed to eat the fish head |
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Haunted houses, sticky buns and fun!
I'm SO close to being caught up, close enough that I'm even involving some things about this week in this post!
My story starts 2 weekends ago...
On Sunday our house went to the Bay of Fundy National Park!!! It was a wonderful day, that began with a beautiful drive there! Everything I saw reminded me so much of Muskoka, I think that everyone in the car might have been a little annoyed after the 6th time I said "Oh my gosh, that cliff and those trees is exactly the kind of thing you would see in Ontario!!". You know that song Big Yellow Taxi? It is so right to say you don't know what you've got until its gone. I never realized just how incredible my own province is, I just wish I could bring everybody home with me. There are so many things I would show them. First I would take them out for a cookie skillet!!! Then we would drive to Gravenhurst for the beautiful drive, the Saturday Market, and then a cruise on the Segwin. Then we would all go to Wasaga Beach, and we would go to Toronto to the CN tower! Then we would take my Dads boat from Ottawa to Kingston on the Rideau Canal. We would see the Niagara Falls too! I just have so many plans for everyone, I may not have highlighted the best of Ontario, but those sure are the things that I love and miss... Wait, Was I talking about Fundy? I get distracted so easily!! SO, we got to Fundy and after stopping for some sticky buns we spent over an hour walking around the port and along the rocky beach of the bay. It was a really beautiful day, with beautiful people, and we made beautiful memories :)
So I'm still using Kayla's blog to remember everything we did, since I haven't been writing in my journal (don't tell my sister). I forgot the day before we went to Fundy everyone came over to our house for a BBQ! It was great to have everyone together. Quin did AMAZING impressions of everybody that entertained us for at least an hour. Everyone knows how I'm an overly enthusiastic person right? Well now people here do too, it was inevitable I guess, somethings I just cant control! Quin loves to make fun of me for the time I found out that Kayla liked Thai chicken salad like me, and also when I found out Jacob and I were Buff buddies!! I don't go a day without her imitating my infamous excitement freak outs, all in good fun, I cant help but laugh every time, she does me so well!
Now for some serious stuff. I have now received 2 documentations. Like Kayla says, the honeymoon phase of this program is now over. A documentation is a record of behaviour that is not acceptable for the program, and they are kept by our project supervisors. Basically, they're there so that if Jess or BB doesn't see a change in my behaviour, they turn instantly into a warning. 3 warnings and you're out of the program. This program is not just fun, and this program is not easy at all. No one can understand how difficult it is to communicate cross culturally. That was what one documentation was for. While were doing the Canadian phase of the exchange, it is our responsibilities as the Canadians to tell the Ghanaians everything about what is OK in Canada, and what is not, and I mean everything! I have been doing my best, but the problem is, my best isn't good enough. In this program you have to go above and so far beyond. Every day is frustrating, trying to communicate and make everyone happy and comfortable. The thing is, I know its hard for the Ghanaians too. Our culture is so different from theirs. How are they supposed to know what is considered rude to us when their customs are so different? I don't want to give any specific examples, because the goal of this isn't to point the blame. The point is to live, and learn from every experience. And I am learning, everyday and every night. If you think your having a harder time in university my friends, you would be wrong! This program is so much more difficult then I ever could have imagined. Don't get me wrong though, its an incredible experience and I dont regret any minute of it, like I've said before, whats an experience without a few challenges?
Even though there have been some rough times ( and I expect to have more until the day I go home), there is no lack of fun, lets get back to those experiences, you'd rather hear about those wouldn't you? So last weekend was really wonderful! We set up a CWY booth at the Moncton Farmers Market. It was incredible there, my shift at the booth wasn't until 12, but Charles Kayla and I decided to go a little earlier to look around. There we met up with Teressa, Miles, Zoe, Christine, and I cant remember who else, and we spent the morning walking around the market. It was so full of cool stuff, and everywhere I looked I saw things my Mum would love!!! I tell everyone about my mom and her crazy craftiness. Its truly amazing everything she does, whether it be slippers, rugs, quilts, walking sticks or hats, they turn out so beautiful every time! After my shift, before we went home Teressa pulled us over to listen to the last few songs of a particularly sexy busker named Nathan. I hope its OK I say sexy, Dad you can can skip over this part! He was a beautiful guitar player and incredible singer and he played 3 of my favorite songs, including Slide by the GooGoo Dolls. Unfortunately, as found out by Teressa, he was engaged.. darn! (haha just kidding Charles).
I was so excited when Monday finally came! Quite a few of us got the opportunity to participate in a walk in honor of International Day to End Poverty. We gathered at riverfront park downtown Moncton along with about 80 other people to begin with. After a presentation on the facts of poverty and poverty prevention, we walk the streets of downtown with our picket signs and gathered outside of a church. there we chanted and waved our signs. It felt so great :) A skeptic might say that we did nothing to really improve the situation, but i think differently. Raising awareness is an effort, it gives hope, I think that's definitely worth something!
Tuesday comes next !! After work every one went to help out at a haunted house, and MAN was it scary! I cannot handle scary stuff, even when the lights were on they had to pull me through. It was so fun to experience it and help out there with our Ghanaian friends! They don't celebrate Halloween in Ghana so everything was new to them. I don't really think they grasp fully the concept of just how much free candy you get yet though, I cant wait to take Mary and Priscilla out with us next Monday! Every one loved participating in the Haunted house. I was a zombie, and a very scary one at that after Kayla had finished my makeup! Eddie loaded on multiple costume pieces, only to remove them and follow the kids through saying "Giddy Giddy Giddy Giddy". It was so fun !
I had a really great week at work (its been a great week altogether). The children I work with are absolutely adorable. One little boy, Quintin asked for my hand in marriage on Wednesday, it was the cutest thing! He got so sad when I told him I was much too old! He said "Does that mean your already married with children?", hes only 6. I have a huge stack of drawings and colored pages in my room now, all the kids love to draw things for me and I cant bring myself to throw any of them away! They really make me miss my little Ian. Talking to him on the phone yesterday brought a few tears when he said "Jillian, sometimes I wish you hadn't left yet, because the lady down the street invited us to see her alpacas and you would have really loved it". Hes calling me tonight to tell me all about it! I really miss everybody right now. Maybe its with all of these challenges I'm meeting. Whats comforting though, is that even though I don't have my friends and family from home physically by my side, I have all of my new friends, and they have become a second family. I love every last one of them, I'm so lucky to be part of a group as special as mine.
This is everything, everything up to date! Tomorrow Charles and Mary have their E.A.D which means they are in charge of facilitating the whole day based on their chosen (technically stolen) topic : SEX and religion, emphasis on the sex part I think is how the day might go? Who knows, Charles and Mary would make the best partners in crime, you never know what to expect when they're together!
I'm thinking of everyone, I miss you all
Pumpkin Juice and Love!
Jillian xo
My story starts 2 weekends ago...
On Sunday our house went to the Bay of Fundy National Park!!! It was a wonderful day, that began with a beautiful drive there! Everything I saw reminded me so much of Muskoka, I think that everyone in the car might have been a little annoyed after the 6th time I said "Oh my gosh, that cliff and those trees is exactly the kind of thing you would see in Ontario!!". You know that song Big Yellow Taxi? It is so right to say you don't know what you've got until its gone. I never realized just how incredible my own province is, I just wish I could bring everybody home with me. There are so many things I would show them. First I would take them out for a cookie skillet!!! Then we would drive to Gravenhurst for the beautiful drive, the Saturday Market, and then a cruise on the Segwin. Then we would all go to Wasaga Beach, and we would go to Toronto to the CN tower! Then we would take my Dads boat from Ottawa to Kingston on the Rideau Canal. We would see the Niagara Falls too! I just have so many plans for everyone, I may not have highlighted the best of Ontario, but those sure are the things that I love and miss... Wait, Was I talking about Fundy? I get distracted so easily!! SO, we got to Fundy and after stopping for some sticky buns we spent over an hour walking around the port and along the rocky beach of the bay. It was a really beautiful day, with beautiful people, and we made beautiful memories :)
 |
| My family :) ( minus Brian ) |
 |
| Fundy port |
 |
| Says it all :) |
So I'm still using Kayla's blog to remember everything we did, since I haven't been writing in my journal (don't tell my sister). I forgot the day before we went to Fundy everyone came over to our house for a BBQ! It was great to have everyone together. Quin did AMAZING impressions of everybody that entertained us for at least an hour. Everyone knows how I'm an overly enthusiastic person right? Well now people here do too, it was inevitable I guess, somethings I just cant control! Quin loves to make fun of me for the time I found out that Kayla liked Thai chicken salad like me, and also when I found out Jacob and I were Buff buddies!! I don't go a day without her imitating my infamous excitement freak outs, all in good fun, I cant help but laugh every time, she does me so well!
Now for some serious stuff. I have now received 2 documentations. Like Kayla says, the honeymoon phase of this program is now over. A documentation is a record of behaviour that is not acceptable for the program, and they are kept by our project supervisors. Basically, they're there so that if Jess or BB doesn't see a change in my behaviour, they turn instantly into a warning. 3 warnings and you're out of the program. This program is not just fun, and this program is not easy at all. No one can understand how difficult it is to communicate cross culturally. That was what one documentation was for. While were doing the Canadian phase of the exchange, it is our responsibilities as the Canadians to tell the Ghanaians everything about what is OK in Canada, and what is not, and I mean everything! I have been doing my best, but the problem is, my best isn't good enough. In this program you have to go above and so far beyond. Every day is frustrating, trying to communicate and make everyone happy and comfortable. The thing is, I know its hard for the Ghanaians too. Our culture is so different from theirs. How are they supposed to know what is considered rude to us when their customs are so different? I don't want to give any specific examples, because the goal of this isn't to point the blame. The point is to live, and learn from every experience. And I am learning, everyday and every night. If you think your having a harder time in university my friends, you would be wrong! This program is so much more difficult then I ever could have imagined. Don't get me wrong though, its an incredible experience and I dont regret any minute of it, like I've said before, whats an experience without a few challenges?
Even though there have been some rough times ( and I expect to have more until the day I go home), there is no lack of fun, lets get back to those experiences, you'd rather hear about those wouldn't you? So last weekend was really wonderful! We set up a CWY booth at the Moncton Farmers Market. It was incredible there, my shift at the booth wasn't until 12, but Charles Kayla and I decided to go a little earlier to look around. There we met up with Teressa, Miles, Zoe, Christine, and I cant remember who else, and we spent the morning walking around the market. It was so full of cool stuff, and everywhere I looked I saw things my Mum would love!!! I tell everyone about my mom and her crazy craftiness. Its truly amazing everything she does, whether it be slippers, rugs, quilts, walking sticks or hats, they turn out so beautiful every time! After my shift, before we went home Teressa pulled us over to listen to the last few songs of a particularly sexy busker named Nathan. I hope its OK I say sexy, Dad you can can skip over this part! He was a beautiful guitar player and incredible singer and he played 3 of my favorite songs, including Slide by the GooGoo Dolls. Unfortunately, as found out by Teressa, he was engaged.. darn! (haha just kidding Charles).
I was so excited when Monday finally came! Quite a few of us got the opportunity to participate in a walk in honor of International Day to End Poverty. We gathered at riverfront park downtown Moncton along with about 80 other people to begin with. After a presentation on the facts of poverty and poverty prevention, we walk the streets of downtown with our picket signs and gathered outside of a church. there we chanted and waved our signs. It felt so great :) A skeptic might say that we did nothing to really improve the situation, but i think differently. Raising awareness is an effort, it gives hope, I think that's definitely worth something!
 |
| The group of us |
 |
| Jacob in his element |
Tuesday comes next !! After work every one went to help out at a haunted house, and MAN was it scary! I cannot handle scary stuff, even when the lights were on they had to pull me through. It was so fun to experience it and help out there with our Ghanaian friends! They don't celebrate Halloween in Ghana so everything was new to them. I don't really think they grasp fully the concept of just how much free candy you get yet though, I cant wait to take Mary and Priscilla out with us next Monday! Every one loved participating in the Haunted house. I was a zombie, and a very scary one at that after Kayla had finished my makeup! Eddie loaded on multiple costume pieces, only to remove them and follow the kids through saying "Giddy Giddy Giddy Giddy". It was so fun !
 |
| Eddie and I, GIDDY GIDDY |
This is everything, everything up to date! Tomorrow Charles and Mary have their E.A.D which means they are in charge of facilitating the whole day based on their chosen (technically stolen) topic : SEX and religion, emphasis on the sex part I think is how the day might go? Who knows, Charles and Mary would make the best partners in crime, you never know what to expect when they're together!
I'm thinking of everyone, I miss you all
Pumpkin Juice and Love!
Jillian xo
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Times never forgotten
Crazy blog time!! This is going to be my FINAL blog post that is catching up on things, after this one I will be able to post about things as they happen. Charles made fun of me the other day, after reading a post about the first week in September a month after it happened... I think this is getting a bit extreme. I hope I don't forget anything important, the order of events might not be too accurate either... here it goes anyway :)
Every weekend something fun and memorable has happened. A few weekends ago alot of crazy things happened. We went to see a Sloan concert downtown and it was one of the most fun nights even to this day in the program ! People might make fun of me for writing about stuff that happened so long ago, but I really enjoy it ! It gives me a chance to remember and live it all again vicariously through my own thoughts ! That night, Kayla and I decided to dress up nice, seeing as we don't get many opportunities on a program like this!! It was so great, the energy all around was crazy and fun! Kayla and I took a break from the excitement to run as fast as we could through the crowd, sounds crazy but it was so exhilarating! After we met up with the rest of the group that had decided to go to the concert as well, we started our own dance party in the street!! It was so amazing, we got crazy looks, I think I must have looked like a loon! It was just so much fun though, Kayla and I had the BEST dresses on to twirl around in. That night, I didn't have a care in the world, and it was just fun :) The next night Charles and Ben came over and cooked us a Ghanaian meal! They've done that a few times now, I think I'm going to love the food there! A lot of carbs, and cabbage I think? Mary and Ben decided they were going to open a restaurant in Ghana when we get back called MBFC, a.k.a Mary and Ben's Fried Chicken! hahaha so fun :)
One of the many cool aspects of Canada World Youth are our E.A.D's, Educational Activity Days. At the beginning of this phase, we decided the subjects for each day, then Jess and BB ( our project supervisors) decided pairs and assigned each pair to a subject! That pair is then in charge of presenting that subject to the group on their given day! The subjects include transportation (mine), religion, history, environment etc, the aim of these days is to learn as much of the community as possible in order to best improve and understand it. So far we've had an E.A.D on security, education and history. They have all been great and fun, and I'm really learning a lot about Moncton!
Two weekends ago, BB had a party at his house! That was SO much fun :)! Hardly any of the Ghanaians had ever swam before so we got them all in the pool ( even though it was freezing and raining). After piling 3 pool noodles under Mary and Lokita, and helping them get over the initial fear of taking your feet off the bottom, we had them swimming like fish!!! I guess we who swim forget how amazing weightlessness feels because, well you jump in, and you just float! Its natural and effortless and for me anyway, I cant remember a time I didn't know how to swim, we take advantage of little things like that everyday.
The next day (Sunday), Moncton was hosting a CIBC Run for the Cure! Our whole team was asked to attend and volunteer as cheerleaders for the runners, but Kayla and I had a different idea. We decided to participate in the run itself . It was so much fun, a real challenge for me though! I know I couldn't have completed it if it wasn't for Kayla pushing me through and the rest of the team cheering me on along the way. It was something about Eddie thrusting along with screaming GO GO GO that i KNOW got me through the last km.
I'M SO TIRED OF BLOGGING . Ok, what did I say at the beginning of this one? That I would write everything up to date? Who was I kidding.. I'd say I'm almost there! Should only take one more, but for now I need to get back to the movie. I'm watching prom night with Priscilla and Mary! I'm using Mary to hide behind, so scared right now!!
Ill post again ASAP
Hope everything is well with you all <3
Pumpkin Juice and Love !!
Jillian xo
Every weekend something fun and memorable has happened. A few weekends ago alot of crazy things happened. We went to see a Sloan concert downtown and it was one of the most fun nights even to this day in the program ! People might make fun of me for writing about stuff that happened so long ago, but I really enjoy it ! It gives me a chance to remember and live it all again vicariously through my own thoughts ! That night, Kayla and I decided to dress up nice, seeing as we don't get many opportunities on a program like this!! It was so great, the energy all around was crazy and fun! Kayla and I took a break from the excitement to run as fast as we could through the crowd, sounds crazy but it was so exhilarating! After we met up with the rest of the group that had decided to go to the concert as well, we started our own dance party in the street!! It was so amazing, we got crazy looks, I think I must have looked like a loon! It was just so much fun though, Kayla and I had the BEST dresses on to twirl around in. That night, I didn't have a care in the world, and it was just fun :) The next night Charles and Ben came over and cooked us a Ghanaian meal! They've done that a few times now, I think I'm going to love the food there! A lot of carbs, and cabbage I think? Mary and Ben decided they were going to open a restaurant in Ghana when we get back called MBFC, a.k.a Mary and Ben's Fried Chicken! hahaha so fun :)
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| Our Ghanaian meal, Jellof rice and chicken :) |
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| Dancing in the street !!! |
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| Kayla and I with our twirly skirts |
Two weekends ago, BB had a party at his house! That was SO much fun :)! Hardly any of the Ghanaians had ever swam before so we got them all in the pool ( even though it was freezing and raining). After piling 3 pool noodles under Mary and Lokita, and helping them get over the initial fear of taking your feet off the bottom, we had them swimming like fish!!! I guess we who swim forget how amazing weightlessness feels because, well you jump in, and you just float! Its natural and effortless and for me anyway, I cant remember a time I didn't know how to swim, we take advantage of little things like that everyday.
The next day (Sunday), Moncton was hosting a CIBC Run for the Cure! Our whole team was asked to attend and volunteer as cheerleaders for the runners, but Kayla and I had a different idea. We decided to participate in the run itself . It was so much fun, a real challenge for me though! I know I couldn't have completed it if it wasn't for Kayla pushing me through and the rest of the team cheering me on along the way. It was something about Eddie thrusting along with screaming GO GO GO that i KNOW got me through the last km.
I'M SO TIRED OF BLOGGING . Ok, what did I say at the beginning of this one? That I would write everything up to date? Who was I kidding.. I'd say I'm almost there! Should only take one more, but for now I need to get back to the movie. I'm watching prom night with Priscilla and Mary! I'm using Mary to hide behind, so scared right now!!
Ill post again ASAP
Hope everything is well with you all <3
Pumpkin Juice and Love !!
Jillian xo
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Hope :)'
Just thought Id share,
I have been having a really hard time the past few days, not because of anyone else, just personal struggles, so I decided to open Alexia's package. She sent me a box at the beginning of September with a few presents, including a little box that said to save for a day that I needed a little pick me up. I chose today to open it. Written on the outside of the box all neatly she wrote that what was inside it was a metaphor for hope. Inside was my sister bracelet my mom had given me, matching to the ones she gave my older sister's! The one I had thought Id lost forever. Apparently it fell out of her suitcase? However it happened, the point is that I had lost all hope of ever finding it again. Even though it broke my heart to lose something so symbolic and important to me, I accepted that it was gone and i moved on. THEN when I least expected it, my treasured and favorite bracelet came back to me!!! Just goes to show, hope should never be lost.
Anywho, that's all for this post!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
I have been having a really hard time the past few days, not because of anyone else, just personal struggles, so I decided to open Alexia's package. She sent me a box at the beginning of September with a few presents, including a little box that said to save for a day that I needed a little pick me up. I chose today to open it. Written on the outside of the box all neatly she wrote that what was inside it was a metaphor for hope. Inside was my sister bracelet my mom had given me, matching to the ones she gave my older sister's! The one I had thought Id lost forever. Apparently it fell out of her suitcase? However it happened, the point is that I had lost all hope of ever finding it again. Even though it broke my heart to lose something so symbolic and important to me, I accepted that it was gone and i moved on. THEN when I least expected it, my treasured and favorite bracelet came back to me!!! Just goes to show, hope should never be lost.
Anywho, that's all for this post!
Pumpkin Juice and Love
Jillian xo
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Our secret mission, Raising awareness
Almost up to date, I would say maybe 3 or 4 more posts to go?
Before I begin I would first like to mention Kayla's blog. The link is http://worldcanadakayla.blogspot.com/
Shes much better at keeping the updates going, If you enjoy my blog at all you'll absolutely love hers!! Kayla and I are getting along really well, we have a lot in common. Quin really loves making fun of me for this, but I got so excited when I found out she even likes thai chicken salad from Mcdonalds!!! She also has a canine boyfriend back home so she understands how much I miss mine. The little things are what you miss the most Ive found. Like how Quincy would follow me everywhere and always get so excited when I walked in the door. Or how Maggie could call him and call him to come with no response.... and then I simply say his name and he bounds to me with joy!! (sorry Maggie). Or the best thing, when I was ready to go to sleep, all I had to say was "come on Quincy, lets go" and he'd leap off his bed and follow me down the hall. We would then tuck in for the night, and under the cover of darkness I would let him snuggle on my pillow and Id snuggle on him. Oh how I miss my boy!!! If you could express post a dog life would be swell!
A couple of weeks ago, Jess (one of our project supervisors) emailed Kayla and I to ask us if we would prepare a small presentation for the rest of the group about refugee camps, after which we would go to downtown Moncton where a mock camp was set up by Doctors without borders (holy thats a crazy run on sentence!). We took the project by the horns!! For one we prepared a slideshow of simply photos to bring the seriousness of the presentation together. We also prepared multiple activities such as "if you were woken up in the middle of the night with 5 minutes to leave before rebels burned your home, what would you bring? How would you feel? Horrified? Confused?". We even prepared a typical meal refugees would receive in a single day. Staying up until 1 in the morning, Kayla and I gave it our all, and in the end I feel we truly made an impact on our fellow CWY/SYTO participants!!
Kayla dressed up as Togar (a refugee), and I dressed up in a skirt (for once, I think Eddie was proud of me!) and together we made an impact :) Even if it wasn't a very big one, it still counts!! We could tell throughout the presentation that people were really understanding and thinking about what we were telling them. At the end of the whole thing, it was awesome, the first question was asked by Eddie and he asked, "So, what can we do to help?". It was hard to answer considering we are only volunteers... we have no money to donate to Non Governmental Organisations! Answers I could think of was to raise awareness, run a campaigne? Tell your family, friends, spread the word. Like I said, personally I had absolutely no clue what was going on in refugee camps, how many existed, what the living conditions were etc, they probably dont either! Here is a little bit of the information we presented:
Water:
Standard amount of water given to refugees in a single day is 2 liters. You know what a two liter bottle of pop looks like? Now imagine it filled with water so dirty that you have to let it sit for half of the day to let the dirt settle to the bottom. The average Canadian uses 384 Liters of water a day. 384 LITERS. To wash, to drink, to clean etc. Refugees are given 2. That's 2 liters only, to clean, to bathe, to drink...
Living:
Its impossible to summarize what the living conditions would be like. Often 6 people are given a 5x5 meter living space. The sights, smells, feelings are all inexplicable. Normal sights are child soldiers, carrying guns larger than themselves, human wasted and garbage often flood the roads so you can only imagine the smell that hangs. Sickness clings to any living thing and takes countless lives. The worst conditions imaginable are what refugees live and breathe in, day in, day out.
The flee:
It often happens that a family will have as little as 5 minutes to flee their home before rebel or government forces attack. They then will travel for days or even months to get to the nearest refugee camp. Refugee camps often only open their doors a few times every few months so it happens that people fleeing have to camp outside with no food or water and no knowledge as to when or if they'll be granted entrance.
The largest refugee camp in the world, Dabaab is located in Kenya and is home to over 300 thousand people! Protected by the U.N, refugees are given a number. If their number is called they have as little as five minutes to pack what little things they have, they are then transported from the camp, to a handful of countries, the main one being Canada. They are given a chance to live free from danger, war and poverty. But like I said they are given little to no warning, often spouses, siblings and children are left behind because they are fetching the days water from the other side of the camp. Can you imagine, finally being given a way out; a way to survive; and then forced to leave your son, sister, or father behind? You would come back to the camp, and your family would be gone. You would have no idea what happened to them, where they went, if they would come back? I cant even imagine what it would be like, its impossible to ever imagine such horrors.
Kayla and I were given a task, to research refugee camps and to prepare a presentation. Maybe we didn't get through to anyone, but I like to hope we did. We've made our efforts to make a difference and you can guarantee it wont be our last! This post is another one of my efforts, ISU presentation topic anyone?
Im learning new things here every day!!
I hope you've enjoyed this post :) I've got so many more to come so keep checking in!!
I love and miss you all
Pumpkin Juice and Love!!!
Jillian xo
Before I begin I would first like to mention Kayla's blog. The link is http://worldcanadakayla.blogspot.com/
Shes much better at keeping the updates going, If you enjoy my blog at all you'll absolutely love hers!! Kayla and I are getting along really well, we have a lot in common. Quin really loves making fun of me for this, but I got so excited when I found out she even likes thai chicken salad from Mcdonalds!!! She also has a canine boyfriend back home so she understands how much I miss mine. The little things are what you miss the most Ive found. Like how Quincy would follow me everywhere and always get so excited when I walked in the door. Or how Maggie could call him and call him to come with no response.... and then I simply say his name and he bounds to me with joy!! (sorry Maggie). Or the best thing, when I was ready to go to sleep, all I had to say was "come on Quincy, lets go" and he'd leap off his bed and follow me down the hall. We would then tuck in for the night, and under the cover of darkness I would let him snuggle on my pillow and Id snuggle on him. Oh how I miss my boy!!! If you could express post a dog life would be swell!
Now you might be wondering how this post is relating to its title at all at this point. Its not.... I would actually like to take this opportunity to tell you about the experience I, aswell as the whole group had regarding refugee camps around the world. I had absolutely no idea what they were about and that made me think, I bet a large portion of this worlds population doesn't either.
A couple of weeks ago, Jess (one of our project supervisors) emailed Kayla and I to ask us if we would prepare a small presentation for the rest of the group about refugee camps, after which we would go to downtown Moncton where a mock camp was set up by Doctors without borders (holy thats a crazy run on sentence!). We took the project by the horns!! For one we prepared a slideshow of simply photos to bring the seriousness of the presentation together. We also prepared multiple activities such as "if you were woken up in the middle of the night with 5 minutes to leave before rebels burned your home, what would you bring? How would you feel? Horrified? Confused?". We even prepared a typical meal refugees would receive in a single day. Staying up until 1 in the morning, Kayla and I gave it our all, and in the end I feel we truly made an impact on our fellow CWY/SYTO participants!!
Kayla dressed up as Togar (a refugee), and I dressed up in a skirt (for once, I think Eddie was proud of me!) and together we made an impact :) Even if it wasn't a very big one, it still counts!! We could tell throughout the presentation that people were really understanding and thinking about what we were telling them. At the end of the whole thing, it was awesome, the first question was asked by Eddie and he asked, "So, what can we do to help?". It was hard to answer considering we are only volunteers... we have no money to donate to Non Governmental Organisations! Answers I could think of was to raise awareness, run a campaigne? Tell your family, friends, spread the word. Like I said, personally I had absolutely no clue what was going on in refugee camps, how many existed, what the living conditions were etc, they probably dont either! Here is a little bit of the information we presented:
Water:
Standard amount of water given to refugees in a single day is 2 liters. You know what a two liter bottle of pop looks like? Now imagine it filled with water so dirty that you have to let it sit for half of the day to let the dirt settle to the bottom. The average Canadian uses 384 Liters of water a day. 384 LITERS. To wash, to drink, to clean etc. Refugees are given 2. That's 2 liters only, to clean, to bathe, to drink...
Living:
Its impossible to summarize what the living conditions would be like. Often 6 people are given a 5x5 meter living space. The sights, smells, feelings are all inexplicable. Normal sights are child soldiers, carrying guns larger than themselves, human wasted and garbage often flood the roads so you can only imagine the smell that hangs. Sickness clings to any living thing and takes countless lives. The worst conditions imaginable are what refugees live and breathe in, day in, day out.
The flee:
It often happens that a family will have as little as 5 minutes to flee their home before rebel or government forces attack. They then will travel for days or even months to get to the nearest refugee camp. Refugee camps often only open their doors a few times every few months so it happens that people fleeing have to camp outside with no food or water and no knowledge as to when or if they'll be granted entrance.
The largest refugee camp in the world, Dabaab is located in Kenya and is home to over 300 thousand people! Protected by the U.N, refugees are given a number. If their number is called they have as little as five minutes to pack what little things they have, they are then transported from the camp, to a handful of countries, the main one being Canada. They are given a chance to live free from danger, war and poverty. But like I said they are given little to no warning, often spouses, siblings and children are left behind because they are fetching the days water from the other side of the camp. Can you imagine, finally being given a way out; a way to survive; and then forced to leave your son, sister, or father behind? You would come back to the camp, and your family would be gone. You would have no idea what happened to them, where they went, if they would come back? I cant even imagine what it would be like, its impossible to ever imagine such horrors.
Kayla and I were given a task, to research refugee camps and to prepare a presentation. Maybe we didn't get through to anyone, but I like to hope we did. We've made our efforts to make a difference and you can guarantee it wont be our last! This post is another one of my efforts, ISU presentation topic anyone?
Im learning new things here every day!!
I hope you've enjoyed this post :) I've got so many more to come so keep checking in!!
 |
| 11 oclock snack break. night before our presentation!! |
 |
| Typical living space for a refugee family, as shown at the mock camp downtown Moncton!! |
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| Kayla as 'Togar' :) |
I love and miss you all
Pumpkin Juice and Love!!!
Jillian xo
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Living as a Monctonian !
I have quite a few more posts to go before I catch everything up! Its getting easier to find time to do these kind of things though. Now that we've settled into our host families and community, there is a lot less stress, still many challenges.. but all in moderation! As a group we haven't met a single challenge we haven't been able to overcome to be completely honest :)
So my last post was about the fun days I think? I'm too lazy to go check, but if that is correct then I think the next thing on my list to blog about it my work placement! So here ya go :
Part of the CWY program is that for 3 days a week, both in Canada and the host country overseas, each participant is responsible for volunteering in the community. We are all paired up ( more or less), 1 Canadian to 1 or 2 Ghanaians, and then placed at different work placements throughout Moncton. I was paired with Edem, and instead of just one work placement we got placed in two different places! Tuesday and Wednesday we go to the St. Patricks family center, 9am to 5pm. Its really great!! There are 3 different age groups that I get to work with and they're all pretty good kids, like anywhere, there are some troublemakers!!! But for the most part, they all just want someone who will colour with them and play cards!! I really like it there.
On Thursday, we ( Edem and I) go to Habitat Restore. Its a warehouse where people donate and sell items, anywhere from siding for a house, to couches, light fixtures and thermostats. It involves alot of moving things,measuring things, pricing things. Im making it sound boring, I actually really enjoy it ! Theres always plenty to do and I'm no wimp to phyisical labor! Even if I do have to prove my abilities. I'm the only girl working there so everyone tends to want to give me the easy jobs... Last time I tried to move a skid Edem almost pushed me over trying to help me with it. It was a skid... Everyday I go there I have some fun though, the guy in charge, Ron, is a really interesting person. We had a great conversation about how a single person can make a difference, as long as they don't expect to see an instant change.
All in all, I quite enjoy both work placements. Maybe they wernt my first choices, but im understanding more and more what they mean when they say you get out of this program what your willing to put in! Its so easy to go to work, do your job and then go home. To make it worth it, you have to take innitiative and make it worth it for yourself.
Something I forgot to mention:
This happened the very first week we were in Moncton. So there is this homeless man, of Riverview, where I live. He sits on the lawn by the bridge during the day and then he would move to the bench at dark to sleep. Driving by, Barb (my incredible host mom) explained his system and how she occasionally brought him dinner, after that it was dropped as we carried onto other subjects. A few days later, after dinner we saw her making an extra plate, she then turned to us and said "I'm bringing this to our homeless man, would you like to come?". So we all got in the truck and drove to bring it to him. She said something to us that really ended up sticking in my mind, she said what takes 5 minutes out of our lives to do, makes the difference of someone going to bed hungry, or going to bed full. It just made so much sense. It was such an easy solution, after all we had leftovers that we didn't need, we would have eaten of course, but that we didn't need. He is the one that needed them! 5 minutes can make a difference, in a persons life, and in the world. Its so upsetting to hear people say things like "I'm only one person, what difference can I really make?". A difference doesn't need to be big, it doesn't need to be recognized either, or noticed at all. A difference, no matter how little, is an effort and that's all that matters. Simple. As. That.
Shall I leave you with that?
Untill next time (tomorrow night if I am up to it ;) )
Pumpkin Juice and Love to all
Jillian xo
So my last post was about the fun days I think? I'm too lazy to go check, but if that is correct then I think the next thing on my list to blog about it my work placement! So here ya go :
Part of the CWY program is that for 3 days a week, both in Canada and the host country overseas, each participant is responsible for volunteering in the community. We are all paired up ( more or less), 1 Canadian to 1 or 2 Ghanaians, and then placed at different work placements throughout Moncton. I was paired with Edem, and instead of just one work placement we got placed in two different places! Tuesday and Wednesday we go to the St. Patricks family center, 9am to 5pm. Its really great!! There are 3 different age groups that I get to work with and they're all pretty good kids, like anywhere, there are some troublemakers!!! But for the most part, they all just want someone who will colour with them and play cards!! I really like it there.
On Thursday, we ( Edem and I) go to Habitat Restore. Its a warehouse where people donate and sell items, anywhere from siding for a house, to couches, light fixtures and thermostats. It involves alot of moving things,measuring things, pricing things. Im making it sound boring, I actually really enjoy it ! Theres always plenty to do and I'm no wimp to phyisical labor! Even if I do have to prove my abilities. I'm the only girl working there so everyone tends to want to give me the easy jobs... Last time I tried to move a skid Edem almost pushed me over trying to help me with it. It was a skid... Everyday I go there I have some fun though, the guy in charge, Ron, is a really interesting person. We had a great conversation about how a single person can make a difference, as long as they don't expect to see an instant change.
All in all, I quite enjoy both work placements. Maybe they wernt my first choices, but im understanding more and more what they mean when they say you get out of this program what your willing to put in! Its so easy to go to work, do your job and then go home. To make it worth it, you have to take innitiative and make it worth it for yourself.
Something I forgot to mention:
This happened the very first week we were in Moncton. So there is this homeless man, of Riverview, where I live. He sits on the lawn by the bridge during the day and then he would move to the bench at dark to sleep. Driving by, Barb (my incredible host mom) explained his system and how she occasionally brought him dinner, after that it was dropped as we carried onto other subjects. A few days later, after dinner we saw her making an extra plate, she then turned to us and said "I'm bringing this to our homeless man, would you like to come?". So we all got in the truck and drove to bring it to him. She said something to us that really ended up sticking in my mind, she said what takes 5 minutes out of our lives to do, makes the difference of someone going to bed hungry, or going to bed full. It just made so much sense. It was such an easy solution, after all we had leftovers that we didn't need, we would have eaten of course, but that we didn't need. He is the one that needed them! 5 minutes can make a difference, in a persons life, and in the world. Its so upsetting to hear people say things like "I'm only one person, what difference can I really make?". A difference doesn't need to be big, it doesn't need to be recognized either, or noticed at all. A difference, no matter how little, is an effort and that's all that matters. Simple. As. That.
Shall I leave you with that?
Untill next time (tomorrow night if I am up to it ;) )
Pumpkin Juice and Love to all
Jillian xo
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The possibilities are endless !
Time now to tell you about our free days!! Two weekends ago was the first weekend we had to truly relax! On Saturday, we welcomed Theressa to our group. Because we are missing 2 Canadians, Jess was in charge of finding two more Canadians awesome enough to prepare and get here before it gets too late. Theressa had only 2 weeks to prepare! I cant imagine preparing, especially mentally, for a trip like this in a mere 14 days! The minute Theressa met us all (after we basically jumped on her all 16 of us) she fit right in, and after a few hours it was like she had been there since day one! Fits right into the group, and at this point I think everybody loves everybody:)
Later that night Charles and Ben came over so we could all work on our portfolios! Although, not much work got done. Charles had this weird thing about wanting us to paint his nails! He had been bugging us since the first day at Tatamagouche to do it ( who knows why) anyway, so we did, and what a fine job we did do!
Sunday, Mary and Priscilla were feeling pretty worn out so they stayed in most of the day to relax and watch TV. Kayla and I decided instead that we were going to go for a little bike ride around town. With our Canadian weather stress setting in, because it was a beautiful day outside we did not want to miss being outside, knowing the weather that is on its way. We only planned on a short ride to the library, but after arriving there and it being closed (for the third time) we looked at each other and realized, with our bikes, the possibilities are endless; and so our adventure began! We went to the mall, around to the park, all over Riverview, to coldstone... mmmm so good. It was such a wonderful day!!
Its hard to remember what happened when so now I think ill just list a few things I've done that I want to share :)
1. Kayla and I's first attempt at cookies!! After putting in all the ingredients for peanut butter cookies, we realized we had no baking soda, so we compensated for such with baking powder!! And continued on. Next , Kayla pulled out the oats and we were ready to put them in when I realized there are no oats in peanut butter cookies... and that we had been reading the wrong recipe the whole time!! SO we compensated again, this time with a little extra flower. After baking cookies for 45 minutes ( 20 minutes with the oven turned off), we had our cookies. Even though they were horrible , we had such fun making them neither of us cared much!
2. Charles, Kayla and I decided to go swimming one day after work ! It was all fine until we got there, where they told us we needed to wear bathing caps in the pool. After laughing for about 10 minutes about them ( on the floor laughing) we marched into the change room with our lost and found bathing caps ready for the swim! Not only did we look DAMN fine, we got to do water aerobics led by, yours truly, finished off with a beautiful synchronised swimming routine to mambo number 5.
3. Mary braided my hair!! took a very long time, but i must say, corn rows suit me quite well :)
4. KATIMAVIK HOUSE PARTY. Lucky for us, there was a Katimavik group right here in Moncton! After a long day with the group talking about group norms and such, we walked to join the volunteers of Katimavik for a Ghanaian meal and dance! Katimavik is a program much like CWY, although it is across Canada only and instead of living in host families, the whole group lives together in one house. It took a while for the group to warm up to the Ghanaian's way of dancing (intense grinding on each other but with no sexual intention), but it took only a few minutes before everyone was up and dancing together! We danced and danced, then ate peanut soup and rice balls!! Then danced quite a bit more. It was SUCH a fun night.
Its hard to believe its only been a month that I've been in this crazy program. I feel like I've known everyone my whole life. We all get along so well and I cant imagine what it will be like to say goodbye after these six months. They have become my family. Its hard, everyone tells you not to anticipate the end, not to think about it but rather enjoy each day as it happens. Its hard, practically impossible but I'm doing my best to live in these moments. I remember the day I got accepted to CWY and it seems like so long ago! Times flies, so friggin fast.
It is now 11 o'clock, Ill attach some pictures this time, and then ill be off to bed so that I'm ready to take on my day tomorrow! Its a busy one.
Pumpkin juice and love!!
Jillian xo
Later that night Charles and Ben came over so we could all work on our portfolios! Although, not much work got done. Charles had this weird thing about wanting us to paint his nails! He had been bugging us since the first day at Tatamagouche to do it ( who knows why) anyway, so we did, and what a fine job we did do!
Sunday, Mary and Priscilla were feeling pretty worn out so they stayed in most of the day to relax and watch TV. Kayla and I decided instead that we were going to go for a little bike ride around town. With our Canadian weather stress setting in, because it was a beautiful day outside we did not want to miss being outside, knowing the weather that is on its way. We only planned on a short ride to the library, but after arriving there and it being closed (for the third time) we looked at each other and realized, with our bikes, the possibilities are endless; and so our adventure began! We went to the mall, around to the park, all over Riverview, to coldstone... mmmm so good. It was such a wonderful day!!
Its hard to remember what happened when so now I think ill just list a few things I've done that I want to share :)
1. Kayla and I's first attempt at cookies!! After putting in all the ingredients for peanut butter cookies, we realized we had no baking soda, so we compensated for such with baking powder!! And continued on. Next , Kayla pulled out the oats and we were ready to put them in when I realized there are no oats in peanut butter cookies... and that we had been reading the wrong recipe the whole time!! SO we compensated again, this time with a little extra flower. After baking cookies for 45 minutes ( 20 minutes with the oven turned off), we had our cookies. Even though they were horrible , we had such fun making them neither of us cared much!
2. Charles, Kayla and I decided to go swimming one day after work ! It was all fine until we got there, where they told us we needed to wear bathing caps in the pool. After laughing for about 10 minutes about them ( on the floor laughing) we marched into the change room with our lost and found bathing caps ready for the swim! Not only did we look DAMN fine, we got to do water aerobics led by, yours truly, finished off with a beautiful synchronised swimming routine to mambo number 5.
3. Mary braided my hair!! took a very long time, but i must say, corn rows suit me quite well :)
4. KATIMAVIK HOUSE PARTY. Lucky for us, there was a Katimavik group right here in Moncton! After a long day with the group talking about group norms and such, we walked to join the volunteers of Katimavik for a Ghanaian meal and dance! Katimavik is a program much like CWY, although it is across Canada only and instead of living in host families, the whole group lives together in one house. It took a while for the group to warm up to the Ghanaian's way of dancing (intense grinding on each other but with no sexual intention), but it took only a few minutes before everyone was up and dancing together! We danced and danced, then ate peanut soup and rice balls!! Then danced quite a bit more. It was SUCH a fun night.
Its hard to believe its only been a month that I've been in this crazy program. I feel like I've known everyone my whole life. We all get along so well and I cant imagine what it will be like to say goodbye after these six months. They have become my family. Its hard, everyone tells you not to anticipate the end, not to think about it but rather enjoy each day as it happens. Its hard, practically impossible but I'm doing my best to live in these moments. I remember the day I got accepted to CWY and it seems like so long ago! Times flies, so friggin fast.
It is now 11 o'clock, Ill attach some pictures this time, and then ill be off to bed so that I'm ready to take on my day tomorrow! Its a busy one.
Pumpkin juice and love!!
Jillian xo
Our more successful attempt at cookie making!
Kayla, Charles and I looking DAMN fine in our bathing caps :)
Moncton :)
Working in our country groups to identify the difference between Moncton culture and our own
Katimavik and CWY salad :)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
C.O.W - Moncton
Community orientation week. WOW what a way to discover a community. It all began at tatamagoosh center early Friday morning. After a a delicious breakfast and quick goodbyes to our Saint Johns- Saltpond exchange group, every one in my exchange group went back to pack up our things in Campbell house. This was a sad morning.We all grew so close living together for a whole week, and knowing that that night we were to go home to our separate families that night was a little depressing to everyone. Every time I think about the fact that we've only been together for 3 weeks i get a little freaked out. I feel like Ive known everyone here for ever, and being that were all in this together, experiencing the good and the bad as one unit, they really are becoming my family.
After we made our final goodbyes to the camp, we loaded onto the bus to make our way to Moncton, New Brunswick!! Although it was a 2 hour bus ride, the time passed so quickly! I sat with Charles, one of the Canadian boys, and we spoke french the whole way there, my sister doubted that I would get any practicing done, but opportunities are constantly showing up and I can see an improvement in my french everyday as the weeks pass.When we arrived in Moncton, I was so excited!! In a matter of minutes I was going to meet my host family of 3 months! The minute I saw them, I knew I was going to love them, and I do! After staying up for a bit and getting to know our new family, we all headed to bed, it had been such a long day. Now if I were to describe the weekend that followed, you would probably see it as pretty boring, but to us it was wonderful! From the day we met the team to the day we met our families, we were non stop, on the go, up late, and woke up early... Saturday and Sunday we RELAXED. It was so great.
Monday came along with tired faces but rested minds. Everyone was fully ready to take on the days ahead. The week was super packed with alot of informational sessions, but also a lot of breaks and free time! We organised different committees, group norms, work placements and E.A.D subjects and partners. I forget what E.A.D stands for but they are educational days ran on Mondays, where a group of two teaches the rest of the group about his or her subject. I was paired with Ben which is really going to be alot of fun, but Charles and Mary deviously stole our subject of religion (for which I was very excited to research) so we got stuck with transportation.
During our free time throughout the week we meta few challenges. Miscommunication led to people getting separated and frustrated. Its very difficult for us Canadians to work and live with those from another culture as different as Ghana's, but it is no less difficult for the Ghanaians to work with us Canadians. This cultural difference is the root of many of our groups issues. We meet many challenges, but as we overcome each one, it makes us stronger as one. Things like the different concepts of time are forcing the Ghanaians to adapt to our Canadian ways for this portion of the exchange. They have it hard, being that our exchange has the Canadian phase first, but each day were learning as a group and before long I know we will be able to tackle whatever comes our way with ease, despite our cultural differences.
On our free time during community orientation week, we were able to explore the town, walk the beautiful boardwalk along the river, see the parks, and alot more! It also entailed many trips to the mall where I was forced to invest in some jeans from American eagle. After being told by Eddie that people would point and laugh at me in Ghana for my boy pants and overall appearance, I thought it wise to have at least one pair of girl pants. Was I insulted? Not at all :) I love wearing boy clothes, they are SO comfortably, they're never too tight and they fit the way I like... But I had been missing my style from back home a little bit. I hardly brought any nice clothes with me so I thought what the heck, i deserve a cute pair of jeans :) Most Canadians have a very hard time saying what is on there mind. Whether its telling someone off when they hurt your feelings, telling someone there's something wrong with their appearance, or doing anything that might in any way ever hurt somebodies feelings. The Ghanaian culture Ive found is very different. Of course they don't want to hurt anybodies feelings, but they are not afraid to speak their mind. I truly admire them for that! The other day I was having a conversation with Ben and after it had finished, he turned to me and said "now go get some lip stuff, your lips are chapped and dry". I laughed so hard! No one but my mother or sisters would have been able to say something like that to me, Ben was simply stating something he noticed with the thought that I would probably like to know. I love it.
Today we are having a picnic in the park with the group, after which I think we are going apple picking, so I must leave you with this. Stay tuned for my next post, I have so much more to say!
I love and miss everyone !!
Pumpkin juice and love!!
Jillian xo
After we made our final goodbyes to the camp, we loaded onto the bus to make our way to Moncton, New Brunswick!! Although it was a 2 hour bus ride, the time passed so quickly! I sat with Charles, one of the Canadian boys, and we spoke french the whole way there, my sister doubted that I would get any practicing done, but opportunities are constantly showing up and I can see an improvement in my french everyday as the weeks pass.When we arrived in Moncton, I was so excited!! In a matter of minutes I was going to meet my host family of 3 months! The minute I saw them, I knew I was going to love them, and I do! After staying up for a bit and getting to know our new family, we all headed to bed, it had been such a long day. Now if I were to describe the weekend that followed, you would probably see it as pretty boring, but to us it was wonderful! From the day we met the team to the day we met our families, we were non stop, on the go, up late, and woke up early... Saturday and Sunday we RELAXED. It was so great.
Monday came along with tired faces but rested minds. Everyone was fully ready to take on the days ahead. The week was super packed with alot of informational sessions, but also a lot of breaks and free time! We organised different committees, group norms, work placements and E.A.D subjects and partners. I forget what E.A.D stands for but they are educational days ran on Mondays, where a group of two teaches the rest of the group about his or her subject. I was paired with Ben which is really going to be alot of fun, but Charles and Mary deviously stole our subject of religion (for which I was very excited to research) so we got stuck with transportation.
During our free time throughout the week we meta few challenges. Miscommunication led to people getting separated and frustrated. Its very difficult for us Canadians to work and live with those from another culture as different as Ghana's, but it is no less difficult for the Ghanaians to work with us Canadians. This cultural difference is the root of many of our groups issues. We meet many challenges, but as we overcome each one, it makes us stronger as one. Things like the different concepts of time are forcing the Ghanaians to adapt to our Canadian ways for this portion of the exchange. They have it hard, being that our exchange has the Canadian phase first, but each day were learning as a group and before long I know we will be able to tackle whatever comes our way with ease, despite our cultural differences.
On our free time during community orientation week, we were able to explore the town, walk the beautiful boardwalk along the river, see the parks, and alot more! It also entailed many trips to the mall where I was forced to invest in some jeans from American eagle. After being told by Eddie that people would point and laugh at me in Ghana for my boy pants and overall appearance, I thought it wise to have at least one pair of girl pants. Was I insulted? Not at all :) I love wearing boy clothes, they are SO comfortably, they're never too tight and they fit the way I like... But I had been missing my style from back home a little bit. I hardly brought any nice clothes with me so I thought what the heck, i deserve a cute pair of jeans :) Most Canadians have a very hard time saying what is on there mind. Whether its telling someone off when they hurt your feelings, telling someone there's something wrong with their appearance, or doing anything that might in any way ever hurt somebodies feelings. The Ghanaian culture Ive found is very different. Of course they don't want to hurt anybodies feelings, but they are not afraid to speak their mind. I truly admire them for that! The other day I was having a conversation with Ben and after it had finished, he turned to me and said "now go get some lip stuff, your lips are chapped and dry". I laughed so hard! No one but my mother or sisters would have been able to say something like that to me, Ben was simply stating something he noticed with the thought that I would probably like to know. I love it.
Today we are having a picnic in the park with the group, after which I think we are going apple picking, so I must leave you with this. Stay tuned for my next post, I have so much more to say!
I love and miss everyone !!
Pumpkin juice and love!!
Jillian xo
Monday, September 19, 2011
The First of Many
It might take a while for me to get in the habit of updating this blog as often as i would like too, but I thought tonight I would at least begin my attempt. Hello! I am currently sitting in the kitchen of my new host home, wishing I had one of Kayla and I's delicious baking soda free cookies. I'm thinking its going to be almost impossible to remember everything that has happened so far, but for you, my friends, and my family, I owe it to you at least to try :)! So lets go like this...
Day 1
4 o'clock start, Weston Hotel, one of the most challenging days of my life. I remember it so perfectly, how it felt showing up to the airport and realizing that the day i'd been waiting for had finally begun! I walked through the doors, with Dad and Lexi by my side, and put my suitcase on the scale. 50 pounds on the dot, I definitely own the title of ultimate packer ! Then it was time to go to my gate, B22! Oh wait, customs first. Anyone who had been with me for the month before knew that I was an emotional wreck, but all it took for me to not cry that day was a look from my big sister and a "oh Jillian, don't start!". Getting through the customs was scary, then finding my gate all on my own then sitting down it was all scary. Then the plane , omg the plane. I do NOT like take offs, but once I was up everything was wonderful, I snuggled down with my iPod and read my letters. I started bawling which resulted in a few weird looks from my neighbors, along with a sympathetic one from the lady in front of me.
10 minutes until land, it was like some strange feeling swept over me, that was the moment i realized i was truly on my own, I looked for my dad, but he wasn't there to tell me where to go pick up my luggage, that's when panic set it. Its like the big signs in front of my face with an arrow pointing to a bag, didn't even exist. Cut to the chase, I found my bag, along with Kayla and Quin, holding a sign for CWY. Once everyone was together, we got on a bus to Tatamagoosh, Nova Scotia. Oh wait, we met the Ghanaians in there somewhere! On the way there I was on a bus with the boys from my exchange and a few girls from the Salt pond- Saint Johns exchange. Once we arrived at the center we dispersed into the two exchange groups and went into our own houses. We were a family already! Everyone was laughing, Eddie (one of our new Ghanaian friends) put on a CD and they all started dancing! It took a while for us Canadians to bust a move, I've never seen anyone dance better than each of the Ghanaians. But finally, with a lot of laughing from everyone, we started dancing with them. Our style of dancing is a lot different which is probably why they found it so funny, Canadians have a tendency to bounce around a lot and use a lot of energy whereas the Ghanaians move their hips (more than I've ever seen anyone do ).
.......I cant remember how each of the days went after that. We were at Tatamagoosh center for a week and everyday was filled with team building, good eating, soccer games, dancing and culture classes. It wouldn't be any exaggeration if I were to say it was one of the best weeks of my life. It would take forever for me to explain every bit of the Ghanaian culture that Ive learned so far, so here are a few of my favorite aspects:
Ghana Man Time: As Eddie would say "Time no be problem", which is just the definition of GMT. 2 o'clock means 4 o'clock. 6 o'clock means 8 o'clock! They never rush to get anywhere. In Canada, if you tell someone you are picking them up at a certain time and they arn't ready, its considered rude and disrespectful. In Ghana, if you show up at the time you decided on, you could be waiting up to as much as 2 or 3 hours before they are ready. Something Ill have to get used to!!
Dating : If a boy walks down the street and sees a girl he thinks is pretty, he simply stops her, complements her on her beauty and asks for her phone number. He would then follow up later that night asking her for a date. If she likes him, she says yes, if she doesn't, she says no. Simple as that! No texting first ( to them that makes you look desperate) no hesitation, they simple recognize their feelings and act on them!
Personal space: There is none! I don't go a single day here without walking hand in hand with one of the boys. Everyone simple loves to be around each other. There is no "creepy", its simply sincere affection.
Respect: This one is huge, I could go on for days and days ! Respect is SUCH an important aspect of their culture.Just one example: we were sitting eating dinner when one of the older ladies running the camp, Heather, came around to clear all of our plates. Everything was fine until she came to Mercy, one of the Ghanaian project leaders, who refused to let Heather take her plate from her. The reason for this was that Heather was older, and in their culture it is extremely disrespectful to let someone older that yourself do what you can do for yourself.
Now, before I move on to C.O.W (community orientation week) Id just like to make note of a few things that I experienced or liked at the beautiful Tatamagoosh centre!
1. The apples!! There were apple trees in our backyard bigger than Ive ever seen, with the most delicious apples:)
2. The view . We were right on the ocean, and the tide that came in and out every nine hours.. wow! Ive never seen anything like it , it was so beautiful.
3. The stars at night
4. Kayla and I taught B.B (our supervisor) a song on the piano.
5. Dance party whenever music was heard, even from the speakers on Eddies phone
fufu. A Ghanaian food, hard to explain, but resembled a raw ball of bread dough, that you swallow without chewing.
7. Me do wo : I love you in Twi (pronounce ch-wee)
8. Playing spin the bottle on the last night ( I only watched)
Those are only a few of the things that made my week as amazing as it was. Every day I'd wake up and its like I wanted to pinch myself, to make sure I wasn't waking up to a dream. CWY is such a unique program with its way of completely immersing you in another culture while making lasting friendships and lifelong memories. I'm just so lucky, everyday I tell myself, I'm just so so lucky:)
I think this is all I can do for now, I start work tomorrow at Saint Patricks Family Center. Stay tuned for chapter 2 of my journey : Moncton !
Pumpkin juice and love !
Jillian xo
Day 1
4 o'clock start, Weston Hotel, one of the most challenging days of my life. I remember it so perfectly, how it felt showing up to the airport and realizing that the day i'd been waiting for had finally begun! I walked through the doors, with Dad and Lexi by my side, and put my suitcase on the scale. 50 pounds on the dot, I definitely own the title of ultimate packer ! Then it was time to go to my gate, B22! Oh wait, customs first. Anyone who had been with me for the month before knew that I was an emotional wreck, but all it took for me to not cry that day was a look from my big sister and a "oh Jillian, don't start!". Getting through the customs was scary, then finding my gate all on my own then sitting down it was all scary. Then the plane , omg the plane. I do NOT like take offs, but once I was up everything was wonderful, I snuggled down with my iPod and read my letters. I started bawling which resulted in a few weird looks from my neighbors, along with a sympathetic one from the lady in front of me.
10 minutes until land, it was like some strange feeling swept over me, that was the moment i realized i was truly on my own, I looked for my dad, but he wasn't there to tell me where to go pick up my luggage, that's when panic set it. Its like the big signs in front of my face with an arrow pointing to a bag, didn't even exist. Cut to the chase, I found my bag, along with Kayla and Quin, holding a sign for CWY. Once everyone was together, we got on a bus to Tatamagoosh, Nova Scotia. Oh wait, we met the Ghanaians in there somewhere! On the way there I was on a bus with the boys from my exchange and a few girls from the Salt pond- Saint Johns exchange. Once we arrived at the center we dispersed into the two exchange groups and went into our own houses. We were a family already! Everyone was laughing, Eddie (one of our new Ghanaian friends) put on a CD and they all started dancing! It took a while for us Canadians to bust a move, I've never seen anyone dance better than each of the Ghanaians. But finally, with a lot of laughing from everyone, we started dancing with them. Our style of dancing is a lot different which is probably why they found it so funny, Canadians have a tendency to bounce around a lot and use a lot of energy whereas the Ghanaians move their hips (more than I've ever seen anyone do ).
.......I cant remember how each of the days went after that. We were at Tatamagoosh center for a week and everyday was filled with team building, good eating, soccer games, dancing and culture classes. It wouldn't be any exaggeration if I were to say it was one of the best weeks of my life. It would take forever for me to explain every bit of the Ghanaian culture that Ive learned so far, so here are a few of my favorite aspects:
Ghana Man Time: As Eddie would say "Time no be problem", which is just the definition of GMT. 2 o'clock means 4 o'clock. 6 o'clock means 8 o'clock! They never rush to get anywhere. In Canada, if you tell someone you are picking them up at a certain time and they arn't ready, its considered rude and disrespectful. In Ghana, if you show up at the time you decided on, you could be waiting up to as much as 2 or 3 hours before they are ready. Something Ill have to get used to!!
Dating : If a boy walks down the street and sees a girl he thinks is pretty, he simply stops her, complements her on her beauty and asks for her phone number. He would then follow up later that night asking her for a date. If she likes him, she says yes, if she doesn't, she says no. Simple as that! No texting first ( to them that makes you look desperate) no hesitation, they simple recognize their feelings and act on them!
Personal space: There is none! I don't go a single day here without walking hand in hand with one of the boys. Everyone simple loves to be around each other. There is no "creepy", its simply sincere affection.
Respect: This one is huge, I could go on for days and days ! Respect is SUCH an important aspect of their culture.Just one example: we were sitting eating dinner when one of the older ladies running the camp, Heather, came around to clear all of our plates. Everything was fine until she came to Mercy, one of the Ghanaian project leaders, who refused to let Heather take her plate from her. The reason for this was that Heather was older, and in their culture it is extremely disrespectful to let someone older that yourself do what you can do for yourself.
Now, before I move on to C.O.W (community orientation week) Id just like to make note of a few things that I experienced or liked at the beautiful Tatamagoosh centre!
1. The apples!! There were apple trees in our backyard bigger than Ive ever seen, with the most delicious apples:)
2. The view . We were right on the ocean, and the tide that came in and out every nine hours.. wow! Ive never seen anything like it , it was so beautiful.
3. The stars at night
4. Kayla and I taught B.B (our supervisor) a song on the piano.
5. Dance party whenever music was heard, even from the speakers on Eddies phone
fufu. A Ghanaian food, hard to explain, but resembled a raw ball of bread dough, that you swallow without chewing.
7. Me do wo : I love you in Twi (pronounce ch-wee)
8. Playing spin the bottle on the last night ( I only watched)
Those are only a few of the things that made my week as amazing as it was. Every day I'd wake up and its like I wanted to pinch myself, to make sure I wasn't waking up to a dream. CWY is such a unique program with its way of completely immersing you in another culture while making lasting friendships and lifelong memories. I'm just so lucky, everyday I tell myself, I'm just so so lucky:)
I think this is all I can do for now, I start work tomorrow at Saint Patricks Family Center. Stay tuned for chapter 2 of my journey : Moncton !
Pumpkin juice and love !
Jillian xo
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