Thanks for that picture in the last post mom =)
So it's 3:30 am and after going to bed at 7 pm (1 am Lesotho time) last night, I'm awake. Thanks jetlag. We'll see how many days it lasts for...
I had a great time! It really was life altering! I loved it so much!!! I can't wait to share stories with you all (or to go back to Africa =)). Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I love you all! I'll probably be posting pictures and some of my journal entries (I kept a personal journal everyday while I was down there) on this blog so keep checking it out. I can't wait to share stories!!!
Peace and love! ilujpj! dftba!
~jessie
Thursday, June 12, 2008
I'm Back!!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Yeah! She's Home!!!
Laura and I went to pick up Jessie this afternoon. She seems happy, healthy..... and tired. As I post this, she is sound asleep upstairs. It is so great that she had this opportunity, but it is so very nice to have her home again, too. Selby is very happy to have her home, too.
This will probably be my last post -- but hopefully Jessie will post and tell you all more about her trip. (And maybe, just maybe, she can be convinced to share some pictures!)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Last Call...we're serious this time
Greetings from Africa!
Our last 24 hours in Lesotho has been quite the roller coaster ride. We are all excited to see our favorite animals from the Lion King, but will miss the people and this place terribly. These past weeks have been life changing. Though we have only been here for a short period of time, everyday we have been able to see ourselves grow through the work we have been doing. Today we completed the community center in Roma, ending with the place we started. The buildings artwork resembles a piece of everyone's personalities. The pit latrine is ready for action and the garden is in the process of blooming. Though everyone seemed very upset with our departure, we leave those we've met with memories that will last forever. Our final group meeting tied up all loose ends before our sad departure. The evening ended on a high note with a delicious 21st birthday cake for Lizzie! (chocolate with white frosting..mmm) Unfortunately we are the last two that you will be hearing from before our long awaited return to the states. Our next couple days in Kruger will be amazing...chicken fingers, grilled cheese, all you can eat ice cream and one final barbeque to say goodbye! We'll be sure to take tons of pictures of all your favorite animals. Look for our shining faces in the airport on the 11th!
Your Fearless Safari Leaders,
Andrea Berry and Kate Zane
PS:
Hey mom and dad and em! miss you and love you! see you soon! love, andrea
P.S.S:
Mom and Dad- Sorry I have yet to call or email you...I miss you veryyy much and can't wait to see you! Oh, and Sarah don't get too comfortable in my bed, I'll be home soon. Love, Kate
P.S.S.S: Amber Lough will try to call you asap Mom...she apologizes for not calling tonight!
Our last 24 hours in Lesotho has been quite the roller coaster ride. We are all excited to see our favorite animals from the Lion King, but will miss the people and this place terribly. These past weeks have been life changing. Though we have only been here for a short period of time, everyday we have been able to see ourselves grow through the work we have been doing. Today we completed the community center in Roma, ending with the place we started. The buildings artwork resembles a piece of everyone's personalities. The pit latrine is ready for action and the garden is in the process of blooming. Though everyone seemed very upset with our departure, we leave those we've met with memories that will last forever. Our final group meeting tied up all loose ends before our sad departure. The evening ended on a high note with a delicious 21st birthday cake for Lizzie! (chocolate with white frosting..mmm) Unfortunately we are the last two that you will be hearing from before our long awaited return to the states. Our next couple days in Kruger will be amazing...chicken fingers, grilled cheese, all you can eat ice cream and one final barbeque to say goodbye! We'll be sure to take tons of pictures of all your favorite animals. Look for our shining faces in the airport on the 11th!
Your Fearless Safari Leaders,
Andrea Berry and Kate Zane
PS:
Hey mom and dad and em! miss you and love you! see you soon! love, andrea
P.S.S:
Mom and Dad- Sorry I have yet to call or email you...I miss you veryyy much and can't wait to see you! Oh, and Sarah don't get too comfortable in my bed, I'll be home soon. Love, Kate
P.S.S.S: Amber Lough will try to call you asap Mom...she apologizes for not calling tonight!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Last Call
Hello family and friends.
Well, FIRST OF ALL we need to tell you about the ginormous amounts of rain and hail that Lesotho experienced in the past 24 hours. It stormed all night last night and all power went out around 10. This made for some interesting walks back home from the White House. We all gathered round the fire and warmed our bones as we told some chilling ghost stories around the hearth. Today we woke up to rain but trudged through to the worksite. We painted the outside in a dazzling array of colored gingerbread figured children holding hands. We think some individuals may be inspired to change their major to art after this trip. The pit latrine was filled to the knickers in rain where some of our awe-inspiring fine men who had made the wise 70 rand (10$holla) purchase of rain boots aka Dan Zeleznik bailed out the water to finish the sucker up. The children now have one fine hole to take care of business in. We also made some shelves and other things and painted more of the outside in decorative detail after our finest lunch yet. (VERY CHEESY- Mallory Miller loves cheese). Some of the crew talked x's and o's with the Lesotho b-ball coach. He was unimpressed. The cool kids went and watched the sunset by climbing a colossal mountain and saw the sun go down on ROMA. VERY ROMANTIC- especially with half the town's children accompanying us. We then ate a good dinner and tonight we are having a bonfire with s'mores. We are celebrating Lizzie Amorello's 21st birthday in true Basotho style. Tomorrow is our last full day in Lesotho. Tears are streaming down our face although the whole group talks about fast food and pizza at least once an hour. It has been a great journey with ups and downs, but we are stronger individually and have a better understanding of the world around us. Thank you all and good night! S'mores are calling.
Hugs and Kisses from Wittenbergs finest,
MALLORY A. MILLER and MATTHEW S. WIGTON
Well, FIRST OF ALL we need to tell you about the ginormous amounts of rain and hail that Lesotho experienced in the past 24 hours. It stormed all night last night and all power went out around 10. This made for some interesting walks back home from the White House. We all gathered round the fire and warmed our bones as we told some chilling ghost stories around the hearth. Today we woke up to rain but trudged through to the worksite. We painted the outside in a dazzling array of colored gingerbread figured children holding hands. We think some individuals may be inspired to change their major to art after this trip. The pit latrine was filled to the knickers in rain where some of our awe-inspiring fine men who had made the wise 70 rand (10$holla) purchase of rain boots aka Dan Zeleznik bailed out the water to finish the sucker up. The children now have one fine hole to take care of business in. We also made some shelves and other things and painted more of the outside in decorative detail after our finest lunch yet. (VERY CHEESY- Mallory Miller loves cheese). Some of the crew talked x's and o's with the Lesotho b-ball coach. He was unimpressed. The cool kids went and watched the sunset by climbing a colossal mountain and saw the sun go down on ROMA. VERY ROMANTIC- especially with half the town's children accompanying us. We then ate a good dinner and tonight we are having a bonfire with s'mores. We are celebrating Lizzie Amorello's 21st birthday in true Basotho style. Tomorrow is our last full day in Lesotho. Tears are streaming down our face although the whole group talks about fast food and pizza at least once an hour. It has been a great journey with ups and downs, but we are stronger individually and have a better understanding of the world around us. Thank you all and good night! S'mores are calling.
Hugs and Kisses from Wittenbergs finest,
MALLORY A. MILLER and MATTHEW S. WIGTON
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
June 3rd
Hello all,
Today it rained all day so some of our plans were rearranged. We went to the University for a lecture about gender issues at 9am. After that, we got back on the busses and drove to Maseru to do some shopping. We went to two craft shops called the Basotho Hat and Basotho Shield. And if you're good, you just may get a surprise or two when we get back! Then we got a little treat....we went to lunch at a place called Nandos. It was a small chicken place that gave us a little taste of home: spicy chicken and french fries.
After that, we split up because it was still raining. Some went to a mental hospital in Maseru and the other went back to Roma to relax until our meeting and dinner. Tonight we're working on Lesotho-style friendship bracelets aka playground rope melted together :)
Today it rained all day so some of our plans were rearranged. We went to the University for a lecture about gender issues at 9am. After that, we got back on the busses and drove to Maseru to do some shopping. We went to two craft shops called the Basotho Hat and Basotho Shield. And if you're good, you just may get a surprise or two when we get back! Then we got a little treat....we went to lunch at a place called Nandos. It was a small chicken place that gave us a little taste of home: spicy chicken and french fries.
After that, we split up because it was still raining. Some went to a mental hospital in Maseru and the other went back to Roma to relax until our meeting and dinner. Tonight we're working on Lesotho-style friendship bracelets aka playground rope melted together :)
Overall, it was a rainy, but productive day.
Can't believe we only have 2 more days here before we leave for Kruger. We are all excited to see those animals up close. We may even feed Beeler to one of them!
Carrie & Elise
Shoutouts:
MK & Skippa: Can't wait to chill by the pool and listen to some Jimmy Buffett! Love KG
Toby& Linda: Can't wait to get some of that homestyle cookin mama! Love you all!
Bob & Becky: Love you, miss you! Happy Grad Kimmer...Penrod says get to work on ur vball workout!
Vball team: Love you team, see you at camp!
Enez: Looking forward to wine on the porch! Love, Nicole
Can't believe we only have 2 more days here before we leave for Kruger. We are all excited to see those animals up close. We may even feed Beeler to one of them!
Carrie & Elise
Shoutouts:
MK & Skippa: Can't wait to chill by the pool and listen to some Jimmy Buffett! Love KG
Toby& Linda: Can't wait to get some of that homestyle cookin mama! Love you all!
Bob & Becky: Love you, miss you! Happy Grad Kimmer...Penrod says get to work on ur vball workout!
Vball team: Love you team, see you at camp!
Enez: Looking forward to wine on the porch! Love, Nicole
Monday, June 2, 2008
Lumela
Hey guys,
Things today were pretty uneventful. This morning we visited the university for another boring lecture about the history of Lesotho. We are pretty sure we could all write our dissertations on the history of Lesotho by now. Following the lecture, our group split into two groups. Half returned to the community center work site to do some painting. The other half hung out downtown Roma around the university. We had the options of visiting the schools, shops, or the hospital. The group who took up the offer on the hospital found themselves to be surprise guests and had to tell a white lie about being American medical students in order to get a tour. This seemed like a good idea until she started asking who was in their sixth or seventh years. Someone then came up with the idea that they were all undergrad pre-med. The community center site is almost completed. At the end of the day we returned to the university for a lecture on the education system in Lesotho. They treated us with coffee, tea, and cookies which were imperative to our survival for yet another lecture. Thankfully, our third speaker was a no show and we were able to clear up some housekeeping with D-Rose. Everyone is looking forward to a fun day in Maseru tomorrow. Talk to you soon!
Lerato, Palesa, and Linero (Jillian, Liz and Lizzie)
Things today were pretty uneventful. This morning we visited the university for another boring lecture about the history of Lesotho. We are pretty sure we could all write our dissertations on the history of Lesotho by now. Following the lecture, our group split into two groups. Half returned to the community center work site to do some painting. The other half hung out downtown Roma around the university. We had the options of visiting the schools, shops, or the hospital. The group who took up the offer on the hospital found themselves to be surprise guests and had to tell a white lie about being American medical students in order to get a tour. This seemed like a good idea until she started asking who was in their sixth or seventh years. Someone then came up with the idea that they were all undergrad pre-med. The community center site is almost completed. At the end of the day we returned to the university for a lecture on the education system in Lesotho. They treated us with coffee, tea, and cookies which were imperative to our survival for yet another lecture. Thankfully, our third speaker was a no show and we were able to clear up some housekeeping with D-Rose. Everyone is looking forward to a fun day in Maseru tomorrow. Talk to you soon!
Lerato, Palesa, and Linero (Jillian, Liz and Lizzie)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Heyyy!
Hello everyone,
Today was an excellant break from the sometimes rigorous daily agenda of building and digging. We were able to sleep in for the first time in a while which was nice. At noon we attended a celebration for the grand opening of the community center which we funded/helped build. Dr. Rosenberg and our group were recognized by the entire village including the Chief, which was quite an honor. There was traditional song and dance, some speeches, and a delicious lunch provided for us. In hearing the many speakers thank us for how much we have done for the community, it really hit us that the little things we are doing are impacting so many lives. Several of us took some time to reflect back on our many accomplishments thus far. After the celebration, many of us went to a local all-boys high school for a basketball scrimmage with their team. Though we were stacked with Wittenberg men's and women's stars, plus some intramural legends, these students ranging from 14-20 years of age and a 5'3 average heigth gave us one hell of a game. The crowd was huge for both sides, and WittinAfrica was able to pull out a tough victory. After the heated game, both sides shook hands and bonded for a while as some of us gave our game shoes away to their team. They were very grateful for our company and as we were leaving Folta put on a dunk show which left the crowd in awe. We had mac-n-cheese for dinner which reminded us all of the food we will soon return to. All in all, today was a great day and tomorrow we return back to the community center worksite to finish what we have starte
See everyone soon!
Cheers!
Thabo and Tomello (Wick and Beeler)
ps I (wickiser) did not make that child cry yesterday, I was a celebrity at that place and am coming back to the states with three young, illegal, girlfriends.
Khotso! (Peace)
Today was an excellant break from the sometimes rigorous daily agenda of building and digging. We were able to sleep in for the first time in a while which was nice. At noon we attended a celebration for the grand opening of the community center which we funded/helped build. Dr. Rosenberg and our group were recognized by the entire village including the Chief, which was quite an honor. There was traditional song and dance, some speeches, and a delicious lunch provided for us. In hearing the many speakers thank us for how much we have done for the community, it really hit us that the little things we are doing are impacting so many lives. Several of us took some time to reflect back on our many accomplishments thus far. After the celebration, many of us went to a local all-boys high school for a basketball scrimmage with their team. Though we were stacked with Wittenberg men's and women's stars, plus some intramural legends, these students ranging from 14-20 years of age and a 5'3 average heigth gave us one hell of a game. The crowd was huge for both sides, and WittinAfrica was able to pull out a tough victory. After the heated game, both sides shook hands and bonded for a while as some of us gave our game shoes away to their team. They were very grateful for our company and as we were leaving Folta put on a dunk show which left the crowd in awe. We had mac-n-cheese for dinner which reminded us all of the food we will soon return to. All in all, today was a great day and tomorrow we return back to the community center worksite to finish what we have starte
See everyone soon!
Cheers!
Thabo and Tomello (Wick and Beeler)
ps I (wickiser) did not make that child cry yesterday, I was a celebrity at that place and am coming back to the states with three young, illegal, girlfriends.
Khotso! (Peace)
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