Short update before Christmas, visit from Norway and maybe the last post this year! yikes!
I have finally got crutches, so now I can walk more easily! ;)
I have been to town today to buy Christmas presents. It's fun! :) I am getting the Christmas spirit; great listening to Christmas carols and songs and beeing with good friends. We are still looking for a Christmas tree, though. Maybe we will end up just taking a branch from the Letchi tree! ;) Of course there is no snow here - that makes Ola and Eline wish for rain and thunder on Monday (which is when we will celebrate).
We have baked some Christmas cookies (Norwegian tradition) and we have done the big shopping. Or more correct; the others have done the shopping. I didn't have crutches at that time; so I was in the house. But I got to clean the kitchen very nicely; so now we can really have a nice celebration! We have bought Christmas crackers for the table, witch is my contribution of the English celebration I'm used to. I'm also responsible for collaborating with Father Christmas so the Christmas stockings will be lying on our beds on the 25th. It's all very exciting!
I miss people at home a bit; but not as much as I thought I would do (sorry folks). I know I am with very special people here; so I don't mind. It's great to celebrate Christmas in a new way with new people!
NowI would like to wish you all a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Have a great celebration wherever you are. Make the last days of 2007 special. If you can't be with the one(s) you love - love the one(s) you're with! ;-)
Saturday, 22 December 2007
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Time for In-field
Wow. I haven’t had internet for a month. So much has happened since then. I have really experienced life in Africa!
We have taught in the children schools only a few times – sick teampartner/no car/bad communication possibilities etc. There was always something in the way…
Some weeks we’ve had to put up with the frustration of not having ANY ways to communicate with the rest of the world. Not only once have we experienced that what we planned never happened. We have had to realize that what you don’t plan – that’s what you’re suddenly thrown into! In short – Malagasy culture is very different to the Norwegian one, in many ways… It’s interesting and fun to experience, but sometimes it gets a bit tiring.
So when the time for In-field came, I was ready for a break.
We have taught in the children schools only a few times – sick teampartner/no car/bad communication possibilities etc. There was always something in the way…
Some weeks we’ve had to put up with the frustration of not having ANY ways to communicate with the rest of the world. Not only once have we experienced that what we planned never happened. We have had to realize that what you don’t plan – that’s what you’re suddenly thrown into! In short – Malagasy culture is very different to the Norwegian one, in many ways… It’s interesting and fun to experience, but sometimes it gets a bit tiring.
So when the time for In-field came, I was ready for a break.
This is our messy kitchen and us getting ready to leave Fandriana To be able to have a conversation in my mother tongue without having to concentrate to understand every sentence was like a dream. We rented a car with a great driver. He took us all the way to Toamasina on the East Coast. We had some relaxing days there by the beach. Slept in a bungalow. Swam in the pool. Snorkled on the coral reef. Had Bible study. Counselling. Evaluation on our personal growth so far. Enjoying the company of Agnar, our teacher from Hald.
buying fruit on the way
We stopped in Andasibe for lunch and a walk in the rainforest on the way to Tamatave
Bible study in the shade
Decmber relaxation
But working with the Malagasy culture hasn’t been the only challenge. The past two weeks, I have been a crippled vazaha limping or jumping around on my right foot. The reason: a bad left knee caused by more exercise than my poor knees are used to. Not making matters any better, there is no milk in Fandriana, so perhaps my calcium level is a bit low. Our trustworthy driver managed to make me a crutch out of metal, so I’ve been walking around like an old lady, becoming the laughing stock for all Malagasy people. Great. But apart from this, I’ve still not been ill, so I’m happy! Mbola faly aho!
My walking stick
Now comes the time for Christmas holiday and celebrations, which will be interesting as it is my first Christmas away from my family. Two Norwegian friends, Maria and Ellisiv, will visit me for two weeks and a half, coming on the 26th of December. I am looking so much forward to that! Can hardly wait!
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Life In Fandriana
Well, this past week Ingrid Karin Swan has been settling down in the countryside, in the marvellous town of Fandriana. The experiences have been many and not at all boring! What makes this town so special for a European girl? I will try to explain, although the only way to fully understand is when you experience it yourself!
The bed that keeps me company in the night is situated in a small room in a dormitory of SFM, the only school that educates teachers in the country. But my bed is not the only thing in my room. Apart from a closet, a table and two chairs I have living company as well! The termites gladly welcomed me in my new room by showing me who’s the boss of the wooden furniture. Which is every furniture I have. After having slept in the wooden bed a couple of nights, I realized that maybe the termites weren’t the only ones enjoying my habitat. Red spots covered parts of my legs, and they were itching like mad. Eline suggested it might be flees. Some kind of bedbugs anyway - or maybe just mosquitoes who took a bite at me outside…? It stays a mystery…
Making food - Malagasy style
To avoid dying a person has got to eat. Eline and I make our own food everyday, and I’ve got to say we’re getting quite good at it! Now we even know how to do it in the Malagasy way, having no electric oven and all. We cook rice on a fatapera. It’s social, it’s fun and it’s good! And no, it doesn’t go faster with an oven. Then you just stand in your own boring kitchen and don’t get the chance to make fire and cook with the girls.
Working as a teacher
Eating is not everything we do, although it may seem like it from time to time. We have started our work as teachers here at the teacher-training school. It’s great fun, I really enjoy it! The students are aged from 18 to 45, so there is a huge gap. I feel quite young and inexperienced when I teach them, but since they don’t know much English I feel that I am needed, which is a good feeling. They don’t seem to mind that their teacher could be their daughter… Among the things I have taught them so far, are The Body and how to make questions.
Next week we will start teaching English from scratch in two children schools too, far away in the countryside. If you know me, you know that I can’t wait to start! The children here are so adorable!
Working like a Malagasy woman
I am starting to realize how spoiled we are living in the West. Here there is no such thing as a washing machine, a dishwasher, electric oven etc. Sometimes there is no water in the tap, and everyday you have to do your business in a hole in the ground. Washing clothes by hand is painful for the back, and washing dishes everyday is a bit tiring at times. I think I know one of the reasons why people in the West live much longer. They don’t do hard physical work like this everyday! And - especially in Europe – they’re not exhausted at 10 o’clock in the morning because of the hot Sun! But I’m also realizing that people here seem a lot happier than in the West. Can you imagine why?
A Malagasy woman also has to do her duties in the rice field. Her job is to plant rice, which is exactly what I did last Wednesday! The whole school went out to plant rice, and of course the vazahas had to give it a try. Trotting through the mud was fun, but at the same time disgusting and alarming. We were shown some frogs which had been picked up from the mud. Not the least was there a warning in my head saying: you shouldn’t walk in still-standing water in Madagascar, you can get Bilharzia. (A disease which in the worst case can cause death.) But I couldn’t just watch the Malagasy people doing it. And besides, if they could - so could I. So my rubber boots were put on the bank side, and weren’t far from melting in the heat.
Well, if I get Bilharzia in the near future, we all know why…
The bed that keeps me company in the night is situated in a small room in a dormitory of SFM, the only school that educates teachers in the country. But my bed is not the only thing in my room. Apart from a closet, a table and two chairs I have living company as well! The termites gladly welcomed me in my new room by showing me who’s the boss of the wooden furniture. Which is every furniture I have. After having slept in the wooden bed a couple of nights, I realized that maybe the termites weren’t the only ones enjoying my habitat. Red spots covered parts of my legs, and they were itching like mad. Eline suggested it might be flees. Some kind of bedbugs anyway - or maybe just mosquitoes who took a bite at me outside…? It stays a mystery…
Making food - Malagasy style
To avoid dying a person has got to eat. Eline and I make our own food everyday, and I’ve got to say we’re getting quite good at it! Now we even know how to do it in the Malagasy way, having no electric oven and all. We cook rice on a fatapera. It’s social, it’s fun and it’s good! And no, it doesn’t go faster with an oven. Then you just stand in your own boring kitchen and don’t get the chance to make fire and cook with the girls.
Working as a teacher
Eating is not everything we do, although it may seem like it from time to time. We have started our work as teachers here at the teacher-training school. It’s great fun, I really enjoy it! The students are aged from 18 to 45, so there is a huge gap. I feel quite young and inexperienced when I teach them, but since they don’t know much English I feel that I am needed, which is a good feeling. They don’t seem to mind that their teacher could be their daughter… Among the things I have taught them so far, are The Body and how to make questions.
Next week we will start teaching English from scratch in two children schools too, far away in the countryside. If you know me, you know that I can’t wait to start! The children here are so adorable!
Working like a Malagasy woman
I am starting to realize how spoiled we are living in the West. Here there is no such thing as a washing machine, a dishwasher, electric oven etc. Sometimes there is no water in the tap, and everyday you have to do your business in a hole in the ground. Washing clothes by hand is painful for the back, and washing dishes everyday is a bit tiring at times. I think I know one of the reasons why people in the West live much longer. They don’t do hard physical work like this everyday! And - especially in Europe – they’re not exhausted at 10 o’clock in the morning because of the hot Sun! But I’m also realizing that people here seem a lot happier than in the West. Can you imagine why?
A Malagasy woman also has to do her duties in the rice field. Her job is to plant rice, which is exactly what I did last Wednesday! The whole school went out to plant rice, and of course the vazahas had to give it a try. Trotting through the mud was fun, but at the same time disgusting and alarming. We were shown some frogs which had been picked up from the mud. Not the least was there a warning in my head saying: you shouldn’t walk in still-standing water in Madagascar, you can get Bilharzia. (A disease which in the worst case can cause death.) But I couldn’t just watch the Malagasy people doing it. And besides, if they could - so could I. So my rubber boots were put on the bank side, and weren’t far from melting in the heat.
Well, if I get Bilharzia in the near future, we all know why…
Enjoying the country; the climate and the nature
Every morning I wake up at 5 o’clock (at the latest). I go for a run among green rice fields and enjoy the break of day. I take a shower in the cold water before I eat breakfast and go to work at 7. Lunch (Norwegian “middag”) is devoured at around 12 or 1 o’clock. The eye of the day, as the Malagasy people call the Sun, smiles down at us everyday and makes us hope it will rain, which it normally will around 4 o’clock. After that there’s not much more to do outside, as the Sun goes to bed at around 7 o’clock. Not long after that, miss Swan is so exhausted that she too goes to bed, wondering what tomorrow will bring…
Every morning I wake up at 5 o’clock (at the latest). I go for a run among green rice fields and enjoy the break of day. I take a shower in the cold water before I eat breakfast and go to work at 7. Lunch (Norwegian “middag”) is devoured at around 12 or 1 o’clock. The eye of the day, as the Malagasy people call the Sun, smiles down at us everyday and makes us hope it will rain, which it normally will around 4 o’clock. After that there’s not much more to do outside, as the Sun goes to bed at around 7 o’clock. Not long after that, miss Swan is so exhausted that she too goes to bed, wondering what tomorrow will bring…
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Andro Mahafinaritra = Beautiful day
Yesterday was one amazing day!
It started with Malagasy classes. The last day with Edouard, our teacher.
The nice guy he is, he would take us to Lake Tritriva, approx 9 km outside Antsirabe. His car isn’t actually a brand new Rolls Royce, if you know what I mean. And Malagasy roads aren’t really known for being class A, so we had to avoid major holes and deep ditches. This of course meant trouble when we had to drive up a VERY steep hill. My heart was pounding like mad as we struggled upwards. I was only one second from jumping out of the car at one point, terrified as I was. Suddenly we weren’t going forwards anymore, and Edouard couldn’t get the car in gear. The car was racing backwards at a terrible speed and Eline, sitting in the middle in the back, reached out to grab the hand break.
“I’ll go out and push!” I exclaimed as I had made the decision that sitting in the car was too dangerous. So we all got out, and a moment after, Edouard followed. We already had an audience, curious young men and women selling hats etc. The men saw their chance to help, and started pushing the four-wheeled vehicle up the steep hill. The minutes went by; we panted, laughed nervously, said no thank you to the sellers and perspired under the hot sun.
FINALLY we got the car to the top. We could finally enjoy the beautiful sight of the green lake. And the fantastic view over typical Malagasy rice fields.
It started with Malagasy classes. The last day with Edouard, our teacher.
The nice guy he is, he would take us to Lake Tritriva, approx 9 km outside Antsirabe. His car isn’t actually a brand new Rolls Royce, if you know what I mean. And Malagasy roads aren’t really known for being class A, so we had to avoid major holes and deep ditches. This of course meant trouble when we had to drive up a VERY steep hill. My heart was pounding like mad as we struggled upwards. I was only one second from jumping out of the car at one point, terrified as I was. Suddenly we weren’t going forwards anymore, and Edouard couldn’t get the car in gear. The car was racing backwards at a terrible speed and Eline, sitting in the middle in the back, reached out to grab the hand break.“I’ll go out and push!” I exclaimed as I had made the decision that sitting in the car was too dangerous. So we all got out, and a moment after, Edouard followed. We already had an audience, curious young men and women selling hats etc. The men saw their chance to help, and started pushing the four-wheeled vehicle up the steep hill. The minutes went by; we panted, laughed nervously, said no thank you to the sellers and perspired under the hot sun.
FINALLY we got the car to the top. We could finally enjoy the beautiful sight of the green lake. And the fantastic view over typical Malagasy rice fields.
I'm just glad we didn't go in this vehicle!
After having got safely back to Antsirabe, we got an invitation to a waffle party at the Norwegian “ettåring’s”. You Norwegians who love waffles; you can imagine our joy! But before going to our friends, we took them swimming at Hotel des Thermes. Our Malagasy friend Daniel, who has spent the week-end with us, also joined us. Enjoying the sunrays and the cool water was just what we needed to relax after our breathtaking drive to Lake Tritriva.
The waffle-lover
On top of it all, we met another new friend. Her name is Fefe, she sold us a wallet the other day. We asked her name and spoke Malagasy to her. Now, every time we see her, we smile and talk to her. It is great getting to know the Malagasy people, and then you also have something else to say than “No thank you”…
My situation will change from tomorrow. Our time in Antsirabe is over for now, and Fandriana is waiting. We will take a taxi brousse (YIKES!) all the way, and when we get there, we will meet our students. On Tuesday I will have my first day as a teacher! Excited? You bet!
Since Fandriana is in the country side, this may be the last you hear from me for a while. Now I have to say goodbye to a normal WC, water in the tap, electricity, an oven, Internet and Norwegians all around. I’m looking forward to it! And still I thank God for not yet being ill! :)
Saturday, 27 October 2007
New friends in Antsirabe
The pousse-pousse man
I asked the pousse-pousse driver if I could drag him this time - and surprisingly enough, he said yes! :) Every person on the street turned and stared, laughed and pointed at the white GIRL who dragged the black man in what had to be his pousse-pousse! Great fun and good exercise!:)
The sunset
Every evening Marita says: "Wow, look at the beautiful sky!" And every evening we enjoy a new, beautiful piece of art there in the horizon.
Our housekeeper Tinn
The maker of delicious Malagasy food who even washes and irons our clothes, sweeps the floor and helps us with our Malagasy homework. Today was the last day we could enjoy her presence though, sadly enough...
Mr. Tortoise
This creature walks around in his little compound all day long. If he's not walking or sleeping he's spending time with his wife, making sure the family name will be passed on...
The couple enjoying themselves on the bench
Mr. Tortoise isn't the only one. Black beetles caught in the act.
Spiderman
As you can see, I encounter new creatures everyday. Some more interesting than others, but all of them making the hot days exciting and different, giving breath-taking moments to a young vazaha-girl from Europe...
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Monday's Challenges: Learning Malagasy. Feeling a bit sad...
Learning Malagasy is one interesting event. As my 5th language to learn, I must say that this seems like the one with the least variety of words. I mean, when almost every word starts with m, you’ve got to get confused. Mamy, mamo, mipetraka, manao, manasa, mianatra, mihinana, mahay, malala… Get one letter wrong, and you’ve got a totally different word. Today I really laid an egg. That’s at least what I told the housekeeper. “I’m pregnant, that’s why I didn’t eat all the potatoes.” Great. What I really meant was that I was full. Be voky and voky be are the same words just in the different order. Structure and place of the stress means everything in this idiom. The creativity of the people who formed this language can’t really be the best.
Take the word because as an example. In Malagasy you can say it in 4 different ways, and have a look at the possibilities: fa, nefa, anefa, kanefa… I don’t think I have to tell you that we sometimes get confused and roar with laughter from time to time.
And laughing is really something we need to do when we’re here. It can be the best medicine! Monday afternoon I didn’t laugh much, sadly enough. I was tired, hungry, stressed with all the Malagasy classes, homesick and on top of it all I felt really qouizy. (I blame some of it on the Malaria tablets I’m taking; I really hope they’ll do their job, when they have all these horrific side-effects…)
I sent a text message to my good friend Maria, and she answered back with a verse from the Bible. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Was this letter written to me? It was certainly what I needed to hear. Reading more around this verse made me even more certain. I am in Madagascar because it’s God’s plan. He placed me here with these people for a reason, and these 6 months are going to make me ready for the rest of my life and form me as a person. Yeay! :-)
Hehe, I can’t help but laugh when I think about it now, as everything seems just right again. Just wanted to share with you readers in this world my great experience; that it really helps to read the Bible - whatever situation we’re in. I felt bad and might have felt even worse if I hadn’t read those comforting words. Jesus really is the best psychologist and the BEST medicine. And He is one I don’t have to miss while I’m down here. I am so glad I’m a Christian, it makes life magnificent! :-)
Take the word because as an example. In Malagasy you can say it in 4 different ways, and have a look at the possibilities: fa, nefa, anefa, kanefa… I don’t think I have to tell you that we sometimes get confused and roar with laughter from time to time.
And laughing is really something we need to do when we’re here. It can be the best medicine! Monday afternoon I didn’t laugh much, sadly enough. I was tired, hungry, stressed with all the Malagasy classes, homesick and on top of it all I felt really qouizy. (I blame some of it on the Malaria tablets I’m taking; I really hope they’ll do their job, when they have all these horrific side-effects…)
I sent a text message to my good friend Maria, and she answered back with a verse from the Bible. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Was this letter written to me? It was certainly what I needed to hear. Reading more around this verse made me even more certain. I am in Madagascar because it’s God’s plan. He placed me here with these people for a reason, and these 6 months are going to make me ready for the rest of my life and form me as a person. Yeay! :-)
Hehe, I can’t help but laugh when I think about it now, as everything seems just right again. Just wanted to share with you readers in this world my great experience; that it really helps to read the Bible - whatever situation we’re in. I felt bad and might have felt even worse if I hadn’t read those comforting words. Jesus really is the best psychologist and the BEST medicine. And He is one I don’t have to miss while I’m down here. I am so glad I’m a Christian, it makes life magnificent! :-)
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
The Adventure of the Mid-Week-Day
This is one example of an early ”out-of-bed”
My eyelids had slid open, many thoughts were in my head
I have to tell the story of the yesterday event
When Eline and her partner (me) to Tombontsoa went
We were so sick of white bread, so we wanted whole-grain flour
We took a bus and then a pousse-pousse, it took about an hour.
The pousse-pousse driver got so tired by pulling us up the hill
So we got out and walked beside him, time was standing still.
We gave him more than he deserved, we felt sorry for him
He thanked us very nicely, but I felt I’d done a sin.
“Where is the whole-grain flour?” we asked all the folks we met
We didn’t know how to rephrase it, that was fun – you bet!
They gave us the direction, we were ready to go far
We had to pass through cribs with cows, but we didn’t see a star (!)
Then suddenly we saw the house, it was so big and white
We asked a man if they had flour, though grammar wasn’t right
But finally he understood, he showed us what we meant
We were so happy and we laughed – this was a great event!
We paid him and we tried to say that we’d come back for more
He nodded, then we went away, so happy with our score.
Then we went back to Antsirabe, and guess who we did meet
Yes, all the people who are there, whose home is on the street
We gave them smiles, we gave them chips, ‘cause that was what we had
And then we walked away, although still feeling really bad.
When we got home we had to do our homework in the sun
When that was done we made our lunch and even that was fun!
The Malagasy teaching for today was good, you see
Now I can say a lot of things, my language barrier’s free (well, not yet really, but it rhymed…!)
My eyelids had slid open, many thoughts were in my head
I have to tell the story of the yesterday event
When Eline and her partner (me) to Tombontsoa went
We were so sick of white bread, so we wanted whole-grain flour
We took a bus and then a pousse-pousse, it took about an hour.
The pousse-pousse driver got so tired by pulling us up the hill
So we got out and walked beside him, time was standing still.
We gave him more than he deserved, we felt sorry for him
He thanked us very nicely, but I felt I’d done a sin.
“Where is the whole-grain flour?” we asked all the folks we met
We didn’t know how to rephrase it, that was fun – you bet!
They gave us the direction, we were ready to go far
We had to pass through cribs with cows, but we didn’t see a star (!)
Then suddenly we saw the house, it was so big and white
We asked a man if they had flour, though grammar wasn’t right
But finally he understood, he showed us what we meant
We were so happy and we laughed – this was a great event!
We paid him and we tried to say that we’d come back for more
He nodded, then we went away, so happy with our score.
Then we went back to Antsirabe, and guess who we did meet
Yes, all the people who are there, whose home is on the street
We gave them smiles, we gave them chips, ‘cause that was what we had
And then we walked away, although still feeling really bad.
When we got home we had to do our homework in the sun
When that was done we made our lunch and even that was fun!
The Malagasy teaching for today was good, you see
Now I can say a lot of things, my language barrier’s free (well, not yet really, but it rhymed…!)
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Team Madagascar learning Malagasy
Sunday, 14 October 2007
Pictures from Madagascar
We have soon been here for two weeks. It's great! Antsirabe is the lucky town that has the pleasure of hosting us for the next two weeks, while we learn the language of this beautiful country.
The past days have been quite useful. We have learned some Malagasy phrases, seen exorcism in the church (wow-that was interesting!), been to the Rova (the old queen palace), drunk lots of water, taken a taxi brousse, baked buns and killed a chicken for dinner, waited for the sloooow internet connection... And we have visited the schools where we are going to teach English. I have had a speach in front of 800 pupils, got tons o
f comments on the streets (because I'm white), heard the children in the village shout "Karin" after me (following me for the next 200 metres), enjoyed the lovely green nature, listened to Eline's laughter (she laughs all the time!) and seen thousands of poor people begging... The last has been the worst. I get my heart broken every time I go out on the streets... But let's not focus on the negative things! Here are some photos - Enjoy!
Picture above: The monkeys are licking my honey-covered fingers! :)
Here's the whole "gang" in the National Park in Antananarivo. Take a good look at our Malagasy hats - they are highly appreciated in this heat!
Well, think you'll just have to wait patiently for more pictures... Patience is something you really have to learn when you're in Madagascar... So although you're not here - take it mora mora and enjoy life as it comes along! :)
The past days have been quite useful. We have learned some Malagasy phrases, seen exorcism in the church (wow-that was interesting!), been to the Rova (the old queen palace), drunk lots of water, taken a taxi brousse, baked buns and killed a chicken for dinner, waited for the sloooow internet connection... And we have visited the schools where we are going to teach English. I have had a speach in front of 800 pupils, got tons o
f comments on the streets (because I'm white), heard the children in the village shout "Karin" after me (following me for the next 200 metres), enjoyed the lovely green nature, listened to Eline's laughter (she laughs all the time!) and seen thousands of poor people begging... The last has been the worst. I get my heart broken every time I go out on the streets... But let's not focus on the negative things! Here are some photos - Enjoy!Picture above: The monkeys are licking my honey-covered fingers! :)
Here's the whole "gang" in the National Park in Antananarivo. Take a good look at our Malagasy hats - they are highly appreciated in this heat!
Well, think you'll just have to wait patiently for more pictures... Patience is something you really have to learn when you're in Madagascar... So although you're not here - take it mora mora and enjoy life as it comes along! :)
Monday, 8 October 2007
Back in Madagascar
Salama! Finally I am here! In the capital of the 4th biggest island in the world. After 6 days in Madagascar these are some of the things I’ve learned:
1) We are very white. When walking in the streets, people stare at us. They smile at us, wave at us and shout “bonjour vazaha”, thinking that every white person is French. We are VIP’s in this country.
2) We are very rich. We can get a bus ride for 1 Norwegian Kr, and everything else is also cheap. No wonder people think we are wealthy. If the poor people see us, they come running. It is terrible to say that we don’t have money (when actually we do). I could write a whole post just about poverty in this country, but I think this will do for now…
3) It is hot. We wear t-shirts, shorts and sandals every day. Lovely!
4) God (Andriamanitra) means the King who smells good. The people who don’t believe in the loving God we Christians believe in, pray and give offerings to their ancestors.
5) The service in church lasts at least 3 hours. What takes most of the time, are the announcements. Why not just write it all down on a piece of paper for everyone? Well, they can’t afford the paper.
6) It is a sin to clap in church. Instead you have to raise your hand and wave!
7) Everything is mora mora (take it easy). In Madagascar we own the time, not the opposite.
8) Internet is very slow. Which is why you haven’t heard much from me yet. I don’t want to spend a lot of time in a small Cyber cafe when the sun is shining outside.
9) How to make a good Sunday dinner from scratch. In short: we killed a chicken, cooked potatoes (bought them in church (!) to support the church building) and we oHowHomade buns for dessert.
10) The traffic is terrible (no mora mora here!). People are selfish when driving. What matters is that they can get from A to B. If there are people in the road the drivers honk at them, after having “pretended” to drive over them. They want to get to their destination ASAP, even if it means driving in 100 km/h in a small, narrow street. On top of it all, people don’t use seatbelts…
A short update of my situation: I live in the Youth Centre in Antananarivo, together with the three other Norwegians. I am loving it! We are going to Antsirabe on Saturday to learn Malagasy for 2 weeks. Then Eline and I will go to Fandriana for 1 month, before we’ll go back to Antananarivo and live and work in the youth centre for the rest of our stay. We will also work with children here. Our main task will be to teach English.
Since I am becoming Malagasy Fotsy (a white Malagasy person), I have bought a Malagasy simcard. My phonenumber is: 032 5062 687. You can send me messages, but I am not sure if I’ll receive them. If you want to say something important, write it in an e-mail. I will check my Norwegian simcard once in a while too, in case you write messages to that number… But you can also call me! That would make me very happy. If you would like to send me letters, the address is:
Centre FKTLM Sabotsy Namehana, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar.
But you probably should expect that it might take a while. Mora mora, you know! ;)
Well, I think I will go out in the sunshine now. Can’t really say I miss the Norwegian autumn! :)Enjoy the rain for me!
1) We are very white. When walking in the streets, people stare at us. They smile at us, wave at us and shout “bonjour vazaha”, thinking that every white person is French. We are VIP’s in this country.
2) We are very rich. We can get a bus ride for 1 Norwegian Kr, and everything else is also cheap. No wonder people think we are wealthy. If the poor people see us, they come running. It is terrible to say that we don’t have money (when actually we do). I could write a whole post just about poverty in this country, but I think this will do for now…
3) It is hot. We wear t-shirts, shorts and sandals every day. Lovely!
4) God (Andriamanitra) means the King who smells good. The people who don’t believe in the loving God we Christians believe in, pray and give offerings to their ancestors.
5) The service in church lasts at least 3 hours. What takes most of the time, are the announcements. Why not just write it all down on a piece of paper for everyone? Well, they can’t afford the paper.
6) It is a sin to clap in church. Instead you have to raise your hand and wave!
7) Everything is mora mora (take it easy). In Madagascar we own the time, not the opposite.
8) Internet is very slow. Which is why you haven’t heard much from me yet. I don’t want to spend a lot of time in a small Cyber cafe when the sun is shining outside.
9) How to make a good Sunday dinner from scratch. In short: we killed a chicken, cooked potatoes (bought them in church (!) to support the church building) and we oHowHomade buns for dessert.
10) The traffic is terrible (no mora mora here!). People are selfish when driving. What matters is that they can get from A to B. If there are people in the road the drivers honk at them, after having “pretended” to drive over them. They want to get to their destination ASAP, even if it means driving in 100 km/h in a small, narrow street. On top of it all, people don’t use seatbelts…
A short update of my situation: I live in the Youth Centre in Antananarivo, together with the three other Norwegians. I am loving it! We are going to Antsirabe on Saturday to learn Malagasy for 2 weeks. Then Eline and I will go to Fandriana for 1 month, before we’ll go back to Antananarivo and live and work in the youth centre for the rest of our stay. We will also work with children here. Our main task will be to teach English.
Since I am becoming Malagasy Fotsy (a white Malagasy person), I have bought a Malagasy simcard. My phonenumber is: 032 5062 687. You can send me messages, but I am not sure if I’ll receive them. If you want to say something important, write it in an e-mail. I will check my Norwegian simcard once in a while too, in case you write messages to that number… But you can also call me! That would make me very happy. If you would like to send me letters, the address is:
Centre FKTLM Sabotsy Namehana, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar.
But you probably should expect that it might take a while. Mora mora, you know! ;)
Well, I think I will go out in the sunshine now. Can’t really say I miss the Norwegian autumn! :)Enjoy the rain for me!
Saturday, 29 September 2007
Leaving on Tuesday!
"Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor." John 4:36-38
"You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 15:14-16
These are the Bibleverses we were reminded of when we left Hald on Friday. It's good to know that we are going to do important work for Jesus. I am glad the Lord has chosen me to to go to Madagascar, and I know that He will give me all I need.
Today I am feeling very tired and have mixed feelings. The past week has been quite emotional and tiring. We have had to say goodbye to our good friends at Hald, and I have not slept very much as an effort to be as social as possible when I have the chance... Now I'm at home and I have lots of preparations to do before the big journey in only 3 days. Not only preactical things, but also saying goodbye to friends and family here at home. I hardly have time to sleep, and when I try I'm so excited that I can't manage. And then I wake up too early!
I would really appreciate it if you could pray especially
-that I get to sleep so I feel fit when I leave Norway
-that all the prepararations will go well and that I don't forget anything important
-that the journey on Tuesday will be safe and smooth
Thank you so much! :)
Next post on this blog will be written in Madagascar! I will start posting as soon as I get settled and get a chance to go on the Internet. In the meantime I want to say thank you to everyone who's praying for me and reading my blog. I will try to keep you updated as much as I can. For the timebeing I can say that most likely we will be in Tana before Christmas and in Fandriana after. So we'll get to be both places!
Finally, I would like to share another Bibleverse that is helping me in these busy times: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phil. 4,13
Madagascar - here I come!
"You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 15:14-16
These are the Bibleverses we were reminded of when we left Hald on Friday. It's good to know that we are going to do important work for Jesus. I am glad the Lord has chosen me to to go to Madagascar, and I know that He will give me all I need.
Today I am feeling very tired and have mixed feelings. The past week has been quite emotional and tiring. We have had to say goodbye to our good friends at Hald, and I have not slept very much as an effort to be as social as possible when I have the chance... Now I'm at home and I have lots of preparations to do before the big journey in only 3 days. Not only preactical things, but also saying goodbye to friends and family here at home. I hardly have time to sleep, and when I try I'm so excited that I can't manage. And then I wake up too early!
I would really appreciate it if you could pray especially
-that I get to sleep so I feel fit when I leave Norway
-that all the prepararations will go well and that I don't forget anything important
-that the journey on Tuesday will be safe and smooth
Thank you so much! :)
Next post on this blog will be written in Madagascar! I will start posting as soon as I get settled and get a chance to go on the Internet. In the meantime I want to say thank you to everyone who's praying for me and reading my blog. I will try to keep you updated as much as I can. For the timebeing I can say that most likely we will be in Tana before Christmas and in Fandriana after. So we'll get to be both places!
Finally, I would like to share another Bibleverse that is helping me in these busy times: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phil. 4,13
Madagascar - here I come!
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Change in plans...
In 13 days I will stand on the airport and wave goodbye to the people I love. Norway will be left behind for a while. And today, less than two weeks before I reach African soil, I don't know what to expect... What I am going to pack for. Am I going to live in the industrial capital or in the small village without the resources I'm used to? The thing is that at this point, I don't know.
An email from Madagascar saying there is more need for us in the capital (Tana), is the reason for this uncertainty. There are several schools in Tana that need English teachers, and there are already many "foreigners" in Fandriana, who can take care of things there. So where do they want us? My teacher and the contact person in Madagascar are trying to come up with the best solution. Personally I think it is good to be needed, so I will go wherever is best for the program. And of course where the Boss wants me. Still, it's a bit stressing not knowing whether or not I will have electricity, water and other necessities. Time will show. For the moment I will just have to wait patiently, as the days pass by faster than ever before...
An email from Madagascar saying there is more need for us in the capital (Tana), is the reason for this uncertainty. There are several schools in Tana that need English teachers, and there are already many "foreigners" in Fandriana, who can take care of things there. So where do they want us? My teacher and the contact person in Madagascar are trying to come up with the best solution. Personally I think it is good to be needed, so I will go wherever is best for the program. And of course where the Boss wants me. Still, it's a bit stressing not knowing whether or not I will have electricity, water and other necessities. Time will show. For the moment I will just have to wait patiently, as the days pass by faster than ever before...
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
3 weeks left...
67 people from 13 different nations are gathered Sunday evening in a little town in Norway, Mandal. They are all dressed in red, white and blue. Some Norwegians are dressed in the Norwegian "Russe-costume", to show the internationals how Norwegians celebrate High School Graduation.The first event on the program for this "Norwegian Evening", is a parade in the garden of Hald. All the students gather behind each other and start marching along, before seeing the flag raised on its pole.
The evening continues with plays, stories, songs and pictures; all presented by the Norwegians to teach the internationals what to expect in
this cold country. The internationals don't understand the words when the hosts for the evening sing "Hun er forelska i lærer'n" ("She is in love with the teacher") - a very Norwegian song. But they laugh and enjoy the tune. The evening reaches its peak with Norwegian waffels and "sjokoladekake" (chocolatekake). When the food is all gobbled up, the students are ready to begin playing games. So they play "Musical Chairs". Just minutes after, the dancefloor is open and they all gather around to dance the next couple of hours. Who would have thought that the "Macarena"dance is the same in the poor countries of Africa, in South America and even in Norway? Well, we had lots of fun and felt it in our muscles the following day...
this cold country. The internationals don't understand the words when the hosts for the evening sing "Hun er forelska i lærer'n" ("She is in love with the teacher") - a very Norwegian song. But they laugh and enjoy the tune. The evening reaches its peak with Norwegian waffels and "sjokoladekake" (chocolatekake). When the food is all gobbled up, the students are ready to begin playing games. So they play "Musical Chairs". Just minutes after, the dancefloor is open and they all gather around to dance the next couple of hours. Who would have thought that the "Macarena"dance is the same in the poor countries of Africa, in South America and even in Norway? Well, we had lots of fun and felt it in our muscles the following day...But the pain I felt may have been my muscles aching from the running I did Monday morning. I woke up at 6:30 and was going to be back 7:30. Unfortunately I got lost in the woods, and the route I ran became much longer. But I carried on, trying different paths, finding out I had run in circles... Typical. Anyway, I focused on the positive parts: 1) I got a really good workout, 2) I saw three beautiful deers looking me straight in the eyes.
I am still enjoying myself here at Hald, and today it is only 2 weeks and 6 days until I leave. 20 days!!! Am going home tomorrow, then I will have to do some practical things for the journey. Wow-Africa is waiting!
Here is a picture of my Ugandan friend Faith and me. Isn't she lovely? Isn't she beautiful?
Friday, 31 August 2007
Becoming Malagasy
Salama! Inona vaovao? Androany dia zoma! (Hello! Any news? It is Friday today!)
As you can see, I am in the process of learning Malagasy. If you had a look in my room, you would see many post-it notes all over the place. The yellow ones are nouns and the red are adjectives. For instance, on my bed there is a yellow note that says: "fandriana", "seng" and "kitanda". Let me explain: we are two girls learning Malagasy in my room ("fandriana"), one girl learning Norwegian ("seng") and one girl learning Swahili ("kitanda"). The funny thing about this word is that the village I am going to in Madagascar is called Fandriana! So in October I am finally going to bed! :) As you might understand, I also learn a few Swahili-words in this process. It's quite a good idea actually, because this way we see the words all the time and we can easily memorize them!
Every wednesday ("alarobia") and thursday ("alakamisy") we learn Malagasy from the two Malagasy exchange students. It's great! I'm really getting in the mood for Africa! :) This evening we are also going to meet the students from last year and we'll be able to ask questions etc... I'm looking forward to knowing more about what I'm going to do in "Bed". Hehe! ;)
Let me tell you more about my fantastic, white ("fotsy") room. The post-it notes are not the only things that are new. Eline (the girl I'm going to "Bed" with-wow that sounds strange!) went on a treasure hunt the other day and found a nice closet in the basement. "Why not drag this into our room and get it more cosy?" So now we have another place to store all our stuff. Delightful...! This morning she also surprised me with a black pussycat and a broken mirror! (No, she isn't superstitious...) You can imagine my surprise. She just said in a normal voice: "I found this cat in the hall. It's been inside the whole night. And this mirror isn't being used by anyone, it is just lying around in the basement..." Well, we patted the cat for a while before we set the poor thing free, but the mirror is still in our room. Eline is planning to buy something to hang it on. She is very sensible. That makes one of us, I guess... ;)
I tell you, nothing is boring when you live with Eline. She is full of fun ideas and has always a good comment ready. Here is a picture of the two of us on a "get-to-know-your-teammate-weekend"). I had to be blindfolded while she led me through the forest and vise-versa. I am really looking forward to going to Madagascar with Eline! :)
As you can see, I am in the process of learning Malagasy. If you had a look in my room, you would see many post-it notes all over the place. The yellow ones are nouns and the red are adjectives. For instance, on my bed there is a yellow note that says: "fandriana", "seng" and "kitanda". Let me explain: we are two girls learning Malagasy in my room ("fandriana"), one girl learning Norwegian ("seng") and one girl learning Swahili ("kitanda"). The funny thing about this word is that the village I am going to in Madagascar is called Fandriana! So in October I am finally going to bed! :) As you might understand, I also learn a few Swahili-words in this process. It's quite a good idea actually, because this way we see the words all the time and we can easily memorize them!
Every wednesday ("alarobia") and thursday ("alakamisy") we learn Malagasy from the two Malagasy exchange students. It's great! I'm really getting in the mood for Africa! :) This evening we are also going to meet the students from last year and we'll be able to ask questions etc... I'm looking forward to knowing more about what I'm going to do in "Bed". Hehe! ;)
Let me tell you more about my fantastic, white ("fotsy") room. The post-it notes are not the only things that are new. Eline (the girl I'm going to "Bed" with-wow that sounds strange!) went on a treasure hunt the other day and found a nice closet in the basement. "Why not drag this into our room and get it more cosy?" So now we have another place to store all our stuff. Delightful...! This morning she also surprised me with a black pussycat and a broken mirror! (No, she isn't superstitious...) You can imagine my surprise. She just said in a normal voice: "I found this cat in the hall. It's been inside the whole night. And this mirror isn't being used by anyone, it is just lying around in the basement..." Well, we patted the cat for a while before we set the poor thing free, but the mirror is still in our room. Eline is planning to buy something to hang it on. She is very sensible. That makes one of us, I guess... ;)
I tell you, nothing is boring when you live with Eline. She is full of fun ideas and has always a good comment ready. Here is a picture of the two of us on a "get-to-know-your-teammate-weekend"). I had to be blindfolded while she led me through the forest and vise-versa. I am really looking forward to going to Madagascar with Eline! :)
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
New blog - new experiences!
Welcome to my new blog! :) As you probably know, I am going to Madagascar in October. The 6 months I am going to be there, will be filled with lots of experiences. I won't be able to keep them all to myself, and therefore I have created this webpage so that you can take part in what's going on in my Malagasy life! :)I will put out photos, links to other blogs etc. Comments on what I write will be very appreciated, so why not get started right away!? ;)
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