June 13, 2008
Mini-Bus
On our recent day off, Joel, Megan, I and Philemon (an Ethiopian friend), all took a trip to a waterfall located out of the city. Most anyone who has ever been abroad, especially to a third world country, has experienced the joy of in a mini bus. Being a traveled veteran I thought they were all quite similar until my most recent experience.
After walking to town, we decided to take a mini bus to the waterfall instead of paying what is equivalent to two-months wages for one ride in a taxi. We found the bus that was going where we needed to go and boarded it. Unfortunately we were the first ones on the bus and soon learned that the bus would not leave until it was completely full. For an hour and a half we sat there as the bus began to fill up, and then empty out as people got sick of waiting. The afternoon rush finally came and the bus was finally packed and ready to go. Not being used to the heat, I enjoyed the ride with my window open and the air blowing in my face. My enjoyment was abruptly interrupted when the man behind me motioned for me to shut the window. I shut the window and grumbled for a bit until he eventually opened his window because he got too hot. The mini bus continued on going further out of town and into the desert with no signs of there being a waterfall anywhere in sight. We stopped to pick up a man. This wasn't any old man carrying a bag of grain, but rather a man carrying a bag with a kitten inside. The kitten was hysterical, meowing as if someone had put it in a bag with a python and it was being sucked down as lunch. Us friengies (white people) could not believe that someone would carry a kitten in a bag, and dealing with the language barrier we had no idea what the man was doing with the kitten. As if the ride could not get any more crazy- it was hot and dusty, we had no idea where we were going or how there could possibly be a waterfall in the desert, there was a kitten being tossed around in a sack and possibly sat on- we made another stop. The door of the mini bus opened and in rushed 20 people all fighting for spots on this full bus that only carries 12 people. Pushing and thrusting their bodies into the bus we decided that we were close enough to our stop that we would get out. After careful maneuvering by the attending money taker, we were off the bus in five minutes.
We walked through the desert to an oasis that is the waterfall. We had to pay some kids at the trail entrance in agreement that they would not follow us anymore. On the mini bus ride home I sat next to an old guy who carried a gun. He rode for about 30 seconds and then got off- I laughed nervously for all 30 seconds.
After walking to town, we decided to take a mini bus to the waterfall instead of paying what is equivalent to two-months wages for one ride in a taxi. We found the bus that was going where we needed to go and boarded it. Unfortunately we were the first ones on the bus and soon learned that the bus would not leave until it was completely full. For an hour and a half we sat there as the bus began to fill up, and then empty out as people got sick of waiting. The afternoon rush finally came and the bus was finally packed and ready to go. Not being used to the heat, I enjoyed the ride with my window open and the air blowing in my face. My enjoyment was abruptly interrupted when the man behind me motioned for me to shut the window. I shut the window and grumbled for a bit until he eventually opened his window because he got too hot. The mini bus continued on going further out of town and into the desert with no signs of there being a waterfall anywhere in sight. We stopped to pick up a man. This wasn't any old man carrying a bag of grain, but rather a man carrying a bag with a kitten inside. The kitten was hysterical, meowing as if someone had put it in a bag with a python and it was being sucked down as lunch. Us friengies (white people) could not believe that someone would carry a kitten in a bag, and dealing with the language barrier we had no idea what the man was doing with the kitten. As if the ride could not get any more crazy- it was hot and dusty, we had no idea where we were going or how there could possibly be a waterfall in the desert, there was a kitten being tossed around in a sack and possibly sat on- we made another stop. The door of the mini bus opened and in rushed 20 people all fighting for spots on this full bus that only carries 12 people. Pushing and thrusting their bodies into the bus we decided that we were close enough to our stop that we would get out. After careful maneuvering by the attending money taker, we were off the bus in five minutes.
We walked through the desert to an oasis that is the waterfall. We had to pay some kids at the trail entrance in agreement that they would not follow us anymore. On the mini bus ride home I sat next to an old guy who carried a gun. He rode for about 30 seconds and then got off- I laughed nervously for all 30 seconds.
I Am Brittany Spears
On any given day I unintentionally accept invitations for sex a minimum of 25 times. The sole act of making eye contact gives the men here in Mekelle the belief that I am welcoming them. To them I am not a Christ-loving girl who has a heart for this world but rather Brittany Spears, the hot blond with sexy moves and toys with the inner yearnings of men. I am here to do ministry and build relationships with the girls in hopes that they will not fall to become one of the 5,000 prostitutes in this small city. My job is solely focused on girls because of this understanding that the men have about us foreigners.
Besides just making eye contact, if I am seen talking one-on-one with any guys, it is automatically assumed that I am sleeping with that man. Just the other day I, Megan and Joel were walking to catch a taxi when down the street a man called out of his window to Joel, "Are both of them yours?" Joel, who has been here four months longer than us, just called back "no, they are friends." It was to my disbelief that someone actually believed that the white guy had the intention and ability to get two girls. Not only that, but also that much of what we have learned about the culture became apparent in this one instance.
I share this information with you not to make you think less of the men here in Mekelle, but more so to show you how the Western world can effect people here, and how large of a role sex plays here in the city. I don't know the men here in Mekelle, all I know is that there are a lot of them wherever we go. I have become a pro at avoiding eye contact even when it is difficult because everyone is looking at the "foringe" (foreigners) as they walk down the street. I also limit myself to interacting with any guys unless they are boys (under the age of 10). After this age it gets difficult to identify what is going on in their minds.
Besides just making eye contact, if I am seen talking one-on-one with any guys, it is automatically assumed that I am sleeping with that man. Just the other day I, Megan and Joel were walking to catch a taxi when down the street a man called out of his window to Joel, "Are both of them yours?" Joel, who has been here four months longer than us, just called back "no, they are friends." It was to my disbelief that someone actually believed that the white guy had the intention and ability to get two girls. Not only that, but also that much of what we have learned about the culture became apparent in this one instance.
I share this information with you not to make you think less of the men here in Mekelle, but more so to show you how the Western world can effect people here, and how large of a role sex plays here in the city. I don't know the men here in Mekelle, all I know is that there are a lot of them wherever we go. I have become a pro at avoiding eye contact even when it is difficult because everyone is looking at the "foringe" (foreigners) as they walk down the street. I also limit myself to interacting with any guys unless they are boys (under the age of 10). After this age it gets difficult to identify what is going on in their minds.
Real Life Sex in the City
I had a moment the other day where I just had to laugh at what I was experiencing. It all started when we were asked to come to a coffee ceremony. In a small little "club room" were six girls chatting away. One girl was conducting the coffee ceremony which consisted of brewing coffee, pouring it, boiling more water and then brewing another round with the same coffee grounds. The idea is that the coffee is stronger at the beginning and then weaker at the end. The room is filled with smoke that smelled like incense but had a smokier effect. For over an hour the girls chatted, laughed and yelled. It was as if they never ran out of things to say even though they are always together. At the end of the coffee ceremony, all of the girls whipped out their lip glosses. It was like a ritual they all do- drink coffee, chat forever, apply lip gloss and then leave. In the middle of this they also talked about what club they were going to go to the next night. At that moment I saw a parallel to Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda drinking their martinis, talking about their love lives, freshening up and then meeting later. Although these girls are nothing like the characters on Sex and the City, I had to laugh because I saw at that moment; girls are girls no matter where you are.
May 9, 2008
7:35 a.m. Departure
Hey All,
Here I am, less than 9 hours before I'm supposed to be leaving, updating my blog and creating an email list. We leave tomorrow and will arrive in Mekelle sometime Sunday or Monday. I have no idea how we are getting from the capital Addis Ababa across the country to Mekelle, but it'll happen somehow.
The first ever WSU Deputation team consists of myself and a fellow coug, Megan. Together we will tutor children in English, math and technology at a youth center in Mekelle, Ethiopia. From what I understand it is like the YMCA or the Boys and Girls Club, only with a lot more kids.
For the trip I raised a good amount of support, in addition to extra donations to buy supplies. So far, the following has been purchased with the supply money:
- 90 tennis balls!! (Great find at Goodwill- They are so expensive and the youth center desperately needs them)
- 5 basketballs
- 3 small basketballs
- 2 volley balls
- 5 soccerballs
- 1 kick ball (gotta love the childhood games)
- A couple tennis rackets
- A bunch of craft supplies!!
- The game of Sorry
- A couple books
Our bags would not allow for much as seeming as how I spent over an hour on the scale with my bags trying to rearrange supplies. The rest of the $50 available will be used to buy more supplies there and treat kids to coffee and ice cream (it's all about building relationships!)
I am very excited about the departure tomorrow, yet more nervous than last year. I'd have to admit that this year is spent finishing up more last minute details..
Hope all is well, and I would like to say thanks to the incredible roommates and friends who wished me a warm send-away, I will miss you all!
Here I am, less than 9 hours before I'm supposed to be leaving, updating my blog and creating an email list. We leave tomorrow and will arrive in Mekelle sometime Sunday or Monday. I have no idea how we are getting from the capital Addis Ababa across the country to Mekelle, but it'll happen somehow.
The first ever WSU Deputation team consists of myself and a fellow coug, Megan. Together we will tutor children in English, math and technology at a youth center in Mekelle, Ethiopia. From what I understand it is like the YMCA or the Boys and Girls Club, only with a lot more kids.
For the trip I raised a good amount of support, in addition to extra donations to buy supplies. So far, the following has been purchased with the supply money:
- 90 tennis balls!! (Great find at Goodwill- They are so expensive and the youth center desperately needs them)
- 5 basketballs
- 3 small basketballs
- 2 volley balls
- 5 soccerballs
- 1 kick ball (gotta love the childhood games)
- A couple tennis rackets
- A bunch of craft supplies!!
- The game of Sorry
- A couple books
Our bags would not allow for much as seeming as how I spent over an hour on the scale with my bags trying to rearrange supplies. The rest of the $50 available will be used to buy more supplies there and treat kids to coffee and ice cream (it's all about building relationships!)
I am very excited about the departure tomorrow, yet more nervous than last year. I'd have to admit that this year is spent finishing up more last minute details..
Hope all is well, and I would like to say thanks to the incredible roommates and friends who wished me a warm send-away, I will miss you all!
March 19, 2008
Hope Encounter Fall 2007
This is an article I wrote while in Malawi about the village I worked in. The article explains our first days in the village and how much that can change through a summer of building relationships.
March 17, 2008
Support Letter Ethiopia 2008
Dear Family and Friends, March 10, 2008
I guess you can say, “Here we go again!” No, one summer in Africa was not enough. A week after I graduate from Washington State University, I will be serving in Ethiopia, Africa.
May is coming sooner than I can believe. I recently moved over to Seattle to finish my college credits through an internship. I work at a PR agency doing media tracking for various Nestle clients. I love being back in the city, living in a cute house and enjoying my wonderful roommates. Every weekend is a new outdoor adventure, even if it is just ‘riding bikes’ (by this I mean we ride bikes around the neighborhood, not those long endurance-training bike rides). May 3rd I will be graduating with a degree in Communications-Public Relations and from there it is off to Africa.
May 10th will mark the day that I begin the long journey to Mekelle, Ethiopia. In Ethiopia a team of us will be working at a youth center similar to the YMCA. Our work at the youth center will consist of tutoring students in English, organizing sports camps and educating the youth about HIV/AIDS. We will also be using any of our skills to create programs for the children- who knows, maybe i’ll be giving ballet lessons!
In addition to the update, I am writing you because I would like to ask you to come along side me in this mission. Whether it is through financial giving or prayer, the need is great. After my experience with the children in Malawi last summer I learned there is nothing more this world needs than prayer. In addition I have been asked to raise $3,200 for the expense. My internship has provided me with financial foundation for this trip, but unfortunately my hourly-wage does not add up. Any contribution to this trip is greatly appreciated. If you feel like God is calling you to contribute something but you do not know what, I will also be taking monetary donations to buy supplies to bring down including sports equipment, clothes and books.
Thank you for coming along side me thus far in whatever way you have. The support I have received is tremendous and has given me so much comfort in going back this year. I have a deep love for the people in Africa and I am excited to share with you the big things that will happen this summer.
* If you would like to support by donating money to buy items, please send the money directly to me. I will be updating everyone on what was bought with the money before I leave.
Mindy Behl
4417 Sunnyside Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98103
*Please include your email in the response cards and subscribe to my blog for regular updates: mbehl.blogspot.com
I guess you can say, “Here we go again!” No, one summer in Africa was not enough. A week after I graduate from Washington State University, I will be serving in Ethiopia, Africa.
May is coming sooner than I can believe. I recently moved over to Seattle to finish my college credits through an internship. I work at a PR agency doing media tracking for various Nestle clients. I love being back in the city, living in a cute house and enjoying my wonderful roommates. Every weekend is a new outdoor adventure, even if it is just ‘riding bikes’ (by this I mean we ride bikes around the neighborhood, not those long endurance-training bike rides). May 3rd I will be graduating with a degree in Communications-Public Relations and from there it is off to Africa.
May 10th will mark the day that I begin the long journey to Mekelle, Ethiopia. In Ethiopia a team of us will be working at a youth center similar to the YMCA. Our work at the youth center will consist of tutoring students in English, organizing sports camps and educating the youth about HIV/AIDS. We will also be using any of our skills to create programs for the children- who knows, maybe i’ll be giving ballet lessons!
In addition to the update, I am writing you because I would like to ask you to come along side me in this mission. Whether it is through financial giving or prayer, the need is great. After my experience with the children in Malawi last summer I learned there is nothing more this world needs than prayer. In addition I have been asked to raise $3,200 for the expense. My internship has provided me with financial foundation for this trip, but unfortunately my hourly-wage does not add up. Any contribution to this trip is greatly appreciated. If you feel like God is calling you to contribute something but you do not know what, I will also be taking monetary donations to buy supplies to bring down including sports equipment, clothes and books.
Thank you for coming along side me thus far in whatever way you have. The support I have received is tremendous and has given me so much comfort in going back this year. I have a deep love for the people in Africa and I am excited to share with you the big things that will happen this summer.
* If you would like to support by donating money to buy items, please send the money directly to me. I will be updating everyone on what was bought with the money before I leave.
Mindy Behl
4417 Sunnyside Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98103
*Please include your email in the response cards and subscribe to my blog for regular updates: mbehl.blogspot.com
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