Last Thursday I agreed to go to church with one of my co-workers, and let's just say it was an interesting experience and one I thought I should share. I walked into the so-called church and suddenly heard the sound of tone-deaf people singing worship songs to the beat of a drummer who was completely off beat. Everyone was standing with their eyes closed and the preacher was going aroung touching people's foreheads and speaking in tounges. When he was finished speaking complete nonsense, the person he was touching would fall backwards into the arms of their fellow worshipers. As he was knocking people off of their feet with the word of god, a boy came in with a bucket filled with hay lit on fire which filled the room with an indescribable scent. Soon, the hay lept out of the bucket and was burning on the floor. Apparently everyone else was caught up their prayers because I was the only one taken aback by this chaos. The boy stomped the fire out, and I was able to continue observing the insanity that was surrounding me. I looked to my left and saw a woman crying and doing what I thought was the hokey pokey (she was putting her right hand, left hand, and the rest of her body in and shaking it ALL about). I could tell that everyone else was very impressed by how seriously this woman took her religion and that they wished they were so in-touch with God. Suddenly, inspiration came to me! I realized how easily I could exploit the devoutness people like the hokey pokey woman and those who wished they were like her by writing a worship album called "Weep While You Worship- the only way the lord really hears your prayers". Basically, the album would consist of multiple worship songs sung by a person who was bawling like a baby, and occasionally a big booming voice (the voice of god) would come say something about how he/she knows that this person is devout because of their tears. I figure I could have my brother and Bo write the lyrics, and Kaci sing in a Gospel-esk voice. We could make MILLIONS! Haha, just kidding :)
In other news, some of my amazing friends sent me an i-pod in the mail for my birthday but some douchebag stole it :( Luckily, the card was still intact and it really made my day! Thanks to everyone else who sent cards, and birthday wishes yesterday! It was so nice to check my e-mail and see it filled with kinds thoughts from my friends and family. You all rock my socks off :)
Four people from our Peace Corps. group left this week. It was heart breaking to see them leave. So far, 7 of the 35 people who came have left and we've only been here for three months! I'm not planning on leaving anytime soon though... even if I'm the only person left. I am really starting to enjoy myself here and have met some rad people in the process (even if I am sweating my ass off!). I'm so grateful to have been placed in Rosignol. I feel like it has been a very good fit for me. It's challenging at times, but I like a challenge... BRING IT ON GUYANA! To sum it all up, I'm happy, healthy and appreciate this amazing opportunity I've been given (thanks U.S. Government!).
Peace, love and positivity,
Annie-Bo-Bannie
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Love, Peace and Creolese
I've been in Guyana for 3 months, and it feels like just yesterday that I was stepping off the plane into this beautiful, unknown land. Let's see, what's new here...
Last weekend was filled with fun, cultural activities. On Saturday, a few of my co-workers came over to teach me how to cook some authentic Guyanese food. We made curry, dal puri roti and custard. I, in turn, taught them how to play kings cup (I'm such a bad influence). They seemed to enjoy the game (as most people do after a few rounds) and I thoroughly enjoyed the food. I promise to cook these delicious dishes when I come home.
On Sunday, I my co-worker, Vanie took me to two weddings. The first was a Hindu wedding and it was beautiful. We got there early to help the bride get ready, she was gorgeous- covered from head to foot in beads and jewlery and wearing a stunning red sari. Apparently, Hindu weddings are a four day celebration. On Sunday, the thrid day, the bride and groom finally get to see each other and exchange vows. They sit together, under a tree while a holy man sings prayers. Even though I didn't understand anything he was saying, it was beautiful to watch. After the ceremony, the bride and groom leave and everyone else celebrates. They serve seven curry with rice in a lily pad to all the guests. And after everyone is finished digesting, they drink rum and dance into the wee hours of the morning (keep in mind the wedding started at 10 am). The entire experience was awesome, and I hope to go to another Hindu wedding soon.
The next wedding we went to was a Christian wedding and, needless to say, it was much less exciting. I snuck out early because I was sick of listening to Shania Twain and Whitney Huston. But I got a free meal out of it, so I can't complain.
Not much else is new here. I haven't started any secondary projects, and probably won't for a while. I need to become more established in my community and figure out their wants and needs. I've been running every morning, and have yet to get attacked by a dog! I am really starting to enjoy my time here, and have realized how important it is to maintain a positive attitude about everything I encounter. I'm meeting more people everyday, and am really starting to enjoy the work I'm doiong at the Health Centre. So life is good, and it's only going to get better. Peace and love to all :)
-Annie
Last weekend was filled with fun, cultural activities. On Saturday, a few of my co-workers came over to teach me how to cook some authentic Guyanese food. We made curry, dal puri roti and custard. I, in turn, taught them how to play kings cup (I'm such a bad influence). They seemed to enjoy the game (as most people do after a few rounds) and I thoroughly enjoyed the food. I promise to cook these delicious dishes when I come home.
On Sunday, I my co-worker, Vanie took me to two weddings. The first was a Hindu wedding and it was beautiful. We got there early to help the bride get ready, she was gorgeous- covered from head to foot in beads and jewlery and wearing a stunning red sari. Apparently, Hindu weddings are a four day celebration. On Sunday, the thrid day, the bride and groom finally get to see each other and exchange vows. They sit together, under a tree while a holy man sings prayers. Even though I didn't understand anything he was saying, it was beautiful to watch. After the ceremony, the bride and groom leave and everyone else celebrates. They serve seven curry with rice in a lily pad to all the guests. And after everyone is finished digesting, they drink rum and dance into the wee hours of the morning (keep in mind the wedding started at 10 am). The entire experience was awesome, and I hope to go to another Hindu wedding soon.
The next wedding we went to was a Christian wedding and, needless to say, it was much less exciting. I snuck out early because I was sick of listening to Shania Twain and Whitney Huston. But I got a free meal out of it, so I can't complain.
Not much else is new here. I haven't started any secondary projects, and probably won't for a while. I need to become more established in my community and figure out their wants and needs. I've been running every morning, and have yet to get attacked by a dog! I am really starting to enjoy my time here, and have realized how important it is to maintain a positive attitude about everything I encounter. I'm meeting more people everyday, and am really starting to enjoy the work I'm doiong at the Health Centre. So life is good, and it's only going to get better. Peace and love to all :)
-Annie
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