I have so much to share about my Easter celebrations in Durban, but that must wait until later. Now, I need to share something so special that it trumps every other experience right now - including amazing South Africa... I am an AUNT for the first time as of yesterday. Her name is Eva Margaret VerHage and she is seven pounds eleven ounces. It is so exciting and I am filled with a mixture of emotions... happiness, relief that everyone is ok, sadness and longing for my family and Dave. It is such an amazing miracle! The last baby I held was at a place called Amasango. There is a fifteen year old girl there that had a tiny baby early last month. They call her "baby Jane" after the benevelent head mistress Jane. She is also beautiful, but a lot of people forget because there are so many problems and it isn't easy being a young mother here - or anywhere. I wish that Eva and Jane could meet someday... share experiences... help each other. Knowing my brother and sister in law - Eva will be encouraged to do so. And knowing South Africa, Jane will welcome her and all of the help and love she can give. It is sort of a weird dream... but it is my reality right now, so I can't help it.
In preparation for yesterday (we knew the baby was coming because she was sitting upright and needed to be taken out rather than come out herself)... I took a walk on the beach and prayed long prayers for health and happiness. The Ocean is beautiful in Port Elizabeth, so it wasn't hard to feel the greatness of God and the presence of life. I went into some shops for a coke and bought a dress for Eva that says LOVE africa... then I walked back to the beach and past some Zimbabwean artists selling their wears. She still hadn't been born at that time and I was starting to get a little worried because I hadn't heard anything. The artists were packing up their goods as I walked by and I almost didn't stop, but I saw this beautiful sculpture of two parents holding the hand of a child... I turned around and bought it ... knowing my family would appreciate it and also hoping that in doing so I could be part of the experience... at least in spirit. I bartered for the statue, and paid a fare price, but now I wish that I hadn't. Sometime on special days it is better to be generous and not worry about the cost. I walked all the way from the beach to the house where I was staying. It took about 45 minutes, but I didn't mind - sometimes walking feels like an accomplishment or at least a pre-occupation when moments are difficult or full of emotion. When I got home I continued to text Dave asking for updates. He tried to call, but couldn't get through. I was thinking that I might miss the announcement. However, right before dinner, my cell phone rang and it was a Chicago number (a rarity on my SA cell phone because most people use calling cards when calling because of the cost. It seems my brother also agrees that on special days things should be well paid for:) It was Peter telling me all about his beautiful daughter and first moments as a brand new dad. I could hear the joy in his voice and the happiness of our family. She's alert, happy and has my eyes:)
One of the hardest parts about being abroad as an Ambassadorial Scholar is being away from family and friends; missing big events of life and trying to understand if it is worth it – the big adventure at the expense of the normal cherished moments of life. Although it is hard and I have shed numerous tears mourning the passing of memories I missed, I have to believe that it is worth it to experience these moments that are defining and memories in their own way. That isn’t to say that if I could I would fly home today to share the happiness of my family and friends in their big moments, or run to their side if they are sad; it is just to say that by being here “not just on vacation” is a defining memory that I hope to share with my new married friends and Eva when she gets older. I hope to introduce my friends to new ones here, and share the beautiful uniqueness of Africa with them. Thus, while I miss the community at home… the one that sent me here and loves me from afar… I am blessed to be here and will cherish it – even when the blessing hurts.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
A Breath of Fresh Air in Durban
I am committed to keep this blog shorter, since I just wrote yesterday and I am bound to write again after I get back "home" to Grahamstown. As I indicated yesterday I am using part of my two week break to see the closer parts of South Africa. I was on the coast in the Eastern Cape (my home state in SA) over the weekend and now I am in Durban (further up the coast). It has been a lovely, relaxing time. I am here visiting four other scholars who are at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in Durban studying International Development. They are a beautiful group and have given me the best vacation I could have wanted this term: relaxing, low key, with tons of time to reflect of the past and dream of the future. I have taken long walks with them to school; read a very good book by Brian McLaren in bed; had wonderful conversations with the others about God, purpose and community; and spent the day today working on my thesis and Skyping Belgium about human trafficking. Yes, this really is my idea of a perfect vacation! I didn't have time last semester to really spend time reflecting and enjoying the experience of being here, and I realize how much I need that practice in my life. I feel very fortunate to be here and to take it all in. I especially feel blessed by the community I have here and abroad. It is very nice to be able to dialogue about poverty and practical means of addressing it, talk about how we can vote in socially conscious ways, and brainstorm ways to get involved in the community to learn and give back. I am greatful and hope that this Easter season all of you get the same gift of Reflection.
Now, it's time to journal:)
Now, it's time to journal:)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Traveling During the Easter Holidays
We've only been in class for five weeks, and we already have a two- week break. Because Easter is such a big holiday here, Rhodes decided to rearrange our quarters so that we had one short (the first) quarter and one long (the second quarter). The other scholars from Rhodes are on a road trip to Namibia for the two week break. Although the idea was extremely enticing, I decided to forgo a long car trip and stay in South Africa to see some of the local sites. Thus on Saturday morning with one of the PhD politics students from Rhodes, we took off for three of the coastal towns in the Eastern Cape: Kenton on the Sea, Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth. Because summer is ending and I still hadn't had a beach trip, these were the top destinations in my mind. Unfortunately the weather didn't exactly want to cooperated and even though there were sunny skies in Grahamstown when we left, when we reached the coast it was dreary, rainy and cold! Ick! We tried to make the most of it and took a walk on the beach in Kenton on the Sea and went to a Pizza place called Aloha in Port Alfred, we finally gave up and decided that Port Elizabeth was our best bet for finding a nice backpackers and some inside entertainment.
Port Elizabeth was beautiful and didn't disappoint. We stayed at a backpackers called Jikeleza. It was nice and quiet which is what we were looking for. It did have its nice quirks for backpackers: a random mongoose on a ledge playing peek-a-boo with us, a half of an mannequin in the courtyard underneath some bushes, a caretaker/manager who would talk non-stop when you were in common areas and even waited for me to get off the phone with Dave one morning so that he could continue! It was great! Because of the rain we went to a shopping centre called the Boardwalk. Having fond memories of the California boardwalk, I was ready to be disappointed, but I was rather impressed. There was a movie theatre, mini-golf, an arcade and shops. It was lit with Christmas lights in the evening and Georgina and I enjoyed a nice meal of fried calamari and french fries before we went to see Fool's Gold with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. I am surprised how amusing bad movies can be when one hasn't seen TV for a long time - it was nice! After that we went back to the backpackers and prayed for sunshine the next day.
We got it - Sunday was a beautiful day and we spent it mostly outside. I have to admit that I normally make it a point to not miss Palm Sunday at church, but walking outside in fellowship with nature was gorgeous and I loved it! We walked down a real boardwalk with a craft market and enjoyed the sunshine and the beautiful craftsmanship. I have missed this part of Africa. Grahamstown has crafts, but not markets - one of my favorite parts of Africa! I bought a stone turtle (I love getting turtles from different countries) and a stone carving of two people kissing! I was feeling romantic. We also bought some delicious chocolates from an Afrikaner's candy maker- he was adorable and such a great salesman. Plus we only paid 5 rand for three truffles! The price and quality were amazing! The rest of the day we spent on the beach and back at the Boardwalk.
Monday we drove up the coast and found a secluded beach to explore - it was great with a lot of wildlife. We saw a dead jellyfish, some urchins skeletons, little fish, and a whole school of dolphins riding the waves into the shore. It was simply majestic. After our chill morning and afternoon, George dropped me off at the house of a Rotary Couple - the Longs. I can't emphasize how much I am impressed with the hospitality of the Rotarians I have encountered. It is sort of like visiting someone who you've known for a while, and am regaining contact with. They welcomed me into their home and I was able to talk with them about my experience thus far and dialogue about what I have learned and hope to learn. We had planned on having a cooked meal for dinner, but the power was cut at 4:00 and we had sandwiches instead - they were great as well. (side note: although the power cuts are widespread throughout the country in Grahamstown we haven't been as affected by the cuts. I am learning some of the downfalls in the larger cities concerning power as I travel). After dinner we went to a holy week service where the Methodist Pastor spoke about the foundation of the temple and it's implication for our lives. He quoted Walter Wink (a theological hero of mine) and later told me that he was actually friends with the author. I was greatly impressed. After that we went home and after expressing my interest of the book that they were reading in their small group, Denise encouraged me to borrow it for the second half of my trip to Durban. It is called Everything Must Change by Brian McLaren. Although I am only on chapter 8 now, I would encourage everyone to read it. It is amazing and I am loving his insight into social issues.
Now I am in Durban visiting four other Rotary Scholars. Their hospitality is very beautiful - just like the Rotarians who sponsored them - and I am enjoying getting to see a new city through their eyes. They are still in classes, writing papers, and getting tons of work done, so I have had the time that I needed to reflect write and getting ready for the next quarter awaiting me. This weekend we have plans for Good Friday and Easter and seeing more of the uniqueness of Durban. I am excited for it, but also excited to get to know them a bit better and think more about this amazing experience that I am privileged to be on.
I hope all of you are well! God Bless... with lots of love - alicia
Port Elizabeth was beautiful and didn't disappoint. We stayed at a backpackers called Jikeleza. It was nice and quiet which is what we were looking for. It did have its nice quirks for backpackers: a random mongoose on a ledge playing peek-a-boo with us, a half of an mannequin in the courtyard underneath some bushes, a caretaker/manager who would talk non-stop when you were in common areas and even waited for me to get off the phone with Dave one morning so that he could continue! It was great! Because of the rain we went to a shopping centre called the Boardwalk. Having fond memories of the California boardwalk, I was ready to be disappointed, but I was rather impressed. There was a movie theatre, mini-golf, an arcade and shops. It was lit with Christmas lights in the evening and Georgina and I enjoyed a nice meal of fried calamari and french fries before we went to see Fool's Gold with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. I am surprised how amusing bad movies can be when one hasn't seen TV for a long time - it was nice! After that we went back to the backpackers and prayed for sunshine the next day.
We got it - Sunday was a beautiful day and we spent it mostly outside. I have to admit that I normally make it a point to not miss Palm Sunday at church, but walking outside in fellowship with nature was gorgeous and I loved it! We walked down a real boardwalk with a craft market and enjoyed the sunshine and the beautiful craftsmanship. I have missed this part of Africa. Grahamstown has crafts, but not markets - one of my favorite parts of Africa! I bought a stone turtle (I love getting turtles from different countries) and a stone carving of two people kissing! I was feeling romantic. We also bought some delicious chocolates from an Afrikaner's candy maker- he was adorable and such a great salesman. Plus we only paid 5 rand for three truffles! The price and quality were amazing! The rest of the day we spent on the beach and back at the Boardwalk.
Monday we drove up the coast and found a secluded beach to explore - it was great with a lot of wildlife. We saw a dead jellyfish, some urchins skeletons, little fish, and a whole school of dolphins riding the waves into the shore. It was simply majestic. After our chill morning and afternoon, George dropped me off at the house of a Rotary Couple - the Longs. I can't emphasize how much I am impressed with the hospitality of the Rotarians I have encountered. It is sort of like visiting someone who you've known for a while, and am regaining contact with. They welcomed me into their home and I was able to talk with them about my experience thus far and dialogue about what I have learned and hope to learn. We had planned on having a cooked meal for dinner, but the power was cut at 4:00 and we had sandwiches instead - they were great as well. (side note: although the power cuts are widespread throughout the country in Grahamstown we haven't been as affected by the cuts. I am learning some of the downfalls in the larger cities concerning power as I travel). After dinner we went to a holy week service where the Methodist Pastor spoke about the foundation of the temple and it's implication for our lives. He quoted Walter Wink (a theological hero of mine) and later told me that he was actually friends with the author. I was greatly impressed. After that we went home and after expressing my interest of the book that they were reading in their small group, Denise encouraged me to borrow it for the second half of my trip to Durban. It is called Everything Must Change by Brian McLaren. Although I am only on chapter 8 now, I would encourage everyone to read it. It is amazing and I am loving his insight into social issues.
Now I am in Durban visiting four other Rotary Scholars. Their hospitality is very beautiful - just like the Rotarians who sponsored them - and I am enjoying getting to see a new city through their eyes. They are still in classes, writing papers, and getting tons of work done, so I have had the time that I needed to reflect write and getting ready for the next quarter awaiting me. This weekend we have plans for Good Friday and Easter and seeing more of the uniqueness of Durban. I am excited for it, but also excited to get to know them a bit better and think more about this amazing experience that I am privileged to be on.
I hope all of you are well! God Bless... with lots of love - alicia
Saturday, March 8, 2008
A Month Already!!
It has been a month already since I have come to South Africa from Brussels. Amazing!
I apologize for my absense in communication. I am just getting a blog and have been so busy with new places, travel and getting used to being a full time student again at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. For those of you who don't know I am currently on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to study International Relations and Politics here for a year. It has been great so far and I wanted to share (hopefully much more frequently now) a couple of highlights:
South Africa:
It is great to be back in Africa after being gone for 2 and a half years. I missed it and I am enjoying the familiarity of it. However, SA is very different than Zambia and it took a bit for me to get used to that. First for the most part SA is very Western. I can get everything here that I could get in the States and don't have to wait until I can make a special trip into the city. Second, I actually blend in here and oftentimes I have had to inform people that just because I look dutch doesn't mean that I speak a word of Afrikaans. (Except I have learned "Danke" - which means "Thank You." Third, everyone wears Western clothing as well. I miss my chitenges, but I am comfortable in my jeans and T-shirts.
Grahamstown:
The city I am in is very endearing. I am on the Eastern Cape in town called Grahamstown in "Frontier Country." It is where a lot of farmers settled in the nineteenth century. If you want to read more about it, you should visit this website: http://www.grahamstown.co.za. It gives a great overview. It is called the city of churches because there are literally dozens all over the city. It also is called the city of festivals because it hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the National Arts Festival in June and July. I am looking forward taking advantage of all of these treasures while I am here. Grahamstown is also a small town/college town. I often walk down the street in town center and see people who I know from University and elsewhere.
Rhodes University:
Grahamstown is a college town because of Rhodes University - the University I am attending. The University has been around for more than a hundred years and is very nice and tough (I have found out in the last couple of weeks:) I am attempting to get an MA in International Relations through the Politics department and hopefully will be able to finish by November when I come back home. To so I will take three classes and then write a thesis. My classes are: International Relations Theory, Freedom and Domination, and the Cold War. I believe that my thesis will be on Child Soldiers and the various ways in which NGOs address the issue. This helps for me to continue some of my work with Trafficking victims and issues. So far I like the classes and am learning a lot.
Rotary:
Being hosted by Rotary has been amazing! There are four scholars here at Rhodes and we have been treated like family by the two Rotary clubs here and all of the Rotarians. So far we have been hosted for dinner five times, given a tour of Grahamstown, and brought sweets and treats to our rooms by various Rotarians. We have also gotten to shadow service projects that Rotarians are involved in and get involved ourselves. It has been great. I believe that I will be volunteering with a school for street children called Amasango as well as looking for a way to get involved with doing some Peace and Conflict Resolution Activities. I am looking forward to all of it!
That is all for now. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Please shoot me an email if you would like – my email is aliciaverhage@yahoo.com and my address here in Grahamstown is
Alicia VerHage
Rhodes University
Lilian Britten
Private Bag 1032
Grahamstown 6139
South Africa
Lots of love –
alicia
I apologize for my absense in communication. I am just getting a blog and have been so busy with new places, travel and getting used to being a full time student again at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. For those of you who don't know I am currently on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to study International Relations and Politics here for a year. It has been great so far and I wanted to share (hopefully much more frequently now) a couple of highlights:
South Africa:
It is great to be back in Africa after being gone for 2 and a half years. I missed it and I am enjoying the familiarity of it. However, SA is very different than Zambia and it took a bit for me to get used to that. First for the most part SA is very Western. I can get everything here that I could get in the States and don't have to wait until I can make a special trip into the city. Second, I actually blend in here and oftentimes I have had to inform people that just because I look dutch doesn't mean that I speak a word of Afrikaans. (Except I have learned "Danke" - which means "Thank You." Third, everyone wears Western clothing as well. I miss my chitenges, but I am comfortable in my jeans and T-shirts.
Grahamstown:
The city I am in is very endearing. I am on the Eastern Cape in town called Grahamstown in "Frontier Country." It is where a lot of farmers settled in the nineteenth century. If you want to read more about it, you should visit this website: http://www.grahamstown.co.za. It gives a great overview. It is called the city of churches because there are literally dozens all over the city. It also is called the city of festivals because it hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the National Arts Festival in June and July. I am looking forward taking advantage of all of these treasures while I am here. Grahamstown is also a small town/college town. I often walk down the street in town center and see people who I know from University and elsewhere.
Rhodes University:
Grahamstown is a college town because of Rhodes University - the University I am attending. The University has been around for more than a hundred years and is very nice and tough (I have found out in the last couple of weeks:) I am attempting to get an MA in International Relations through the Politics department and hopefully will be able to finish by November when I come back home. To so I will take three classes and then write a thesis. My classes are: International Relations Theory, Freedom and Domination, and the Cold War. I believe that my thesis will be on Child Soldiers and the various ways in which NGOs address the issue. This helps for me to continue some of my work with Trafficking victims and issues. So far I like the classes and am learning a lot.
Rotary:
Being hosted by Rotary has been amazing! There are four scholars here at Rhodes and we have been treated like family by the two Rotary clubs here and all of the Rotarians. So far we have been hosted for dinner five times, given a tour of Grahamstown, and brought sweets and treats to our rooms by various Rotarians. We have also gotten to shadow service projects that Rotarians are involved in and get involved ourselves. It has been great. I believe that I will be volunteering with a school for street children called Amasango as well as looking for a way to get involved with doing some Peace and Conflict Resolution Activities. I am looking forward to all of it!
That is all for now. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Please shoot me an email if you would like – my email is aliciaverhage@yahoo.com and my address here in Grahamstown is
Alicia VerHage
Rhodes University
Lilian Britten
Private Bag 1032
Grahamstown 6139
South Africa
Lots of love –
alicia
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