Great news on our end!
Our visas have come through, and we have a scheduled departure date. We are leaving from Toronto next Monday, the 29th of September, changing airplanes in Detriot, and continuing on to Paris. We then spend a week there, and continue on to Khartoum (with a change of airplane in Tripoli, Libya) the following Monday (the 6th of October). It was only $56 dollars more to have the week long stop-over in Paris, so our boss asked us if we were interested in that. Emily has always wanted to go there, so we jumped at the opportunity.
We are returning to Canada for 3 weeks in June 2009, and then back to Sudan until October 2010.
I hope you are all well.
Tim.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Rural Runs!
Hey beautiful IPMPer's. Posted this story in a section of one of my blog posts. Thought I would share it to spread some laughs...
Jump to a rather funny, but embarrassing story (got to share these ones. They’re what make traveling such a great time). I was out about 3 hours in the middle of nowhere, and then down a super long random side road, again further into the middle of nowhere. I was tentatively listening to the agricultural wisdom of Orambi (a farm manager in one of the project sites). He was telling me about pruning, propagating and grafting exotic mango cuttings onto native mango root stalks (was really interesting to me), but boom, bam, blurp, slush, slosh, owwweeee I got a sudden stab in my stomache-- the most explosive, nuclear meltdown diarrhea arrived on the scene, and like a firefighter, it was rushing quickly to get out of the fire station, haha. I tried to continue listening but my knees were shaking, I was losing focus and I felt the sweats coming on. I quickly excused myself and ran off to the nearest patch of bush, quickly squatted and like Harry (in Dumb and Dumber when he’s in Jasper on the toilet after mistakenly taking laxatives), I was off like horses at a race fresh out of the gates. Hahaha It gets better… I got bit in the temple by a giant beetle, scratched my legs on thorns, and best of all….. NO TP!! OHH the joy of using freshly picked tall grass and its' non absorptive capacity. HahahahahahahaEnough of grossing you out. It was intended for a laugh, hope it served it’s purpose well. I MUST STOP EATING ROADSIDE ROASTED MAIZE, BANANA AND CASSAVA ROOT!!! Apparently it has taken me several times to realise this. It's just soooo tasty.
Love you all and hope life is exciting.
Ty
Jump to a rather funny, but embarrassing story (got to share these ones. They’re what make traveling such a great time). I was out about 3 hours in the middle of nowhere, and then down a super long random side road, again further into the middle of nowhere. I was tentatively listening to the agricultural wisdom of Orambi (a farm manager in one of the project sites). He was telling me about pruning, propagating and grafting exotic mango cuttings onto native mango root stalks (was really interesting to me), but boom, bam, blurp, slush, slosh, owwweeee I got a sudden stab in my stomache-- the most explosive, nuclear meltdown diarrhea arrived on the scene, and like a firefighter, it was rushing quickly to get out of the fire station, haha. I tried to continue listening but my knees were shaking, I was losing focus and I felt the sweats coming on. I quickly excused myself and ran off to the nearest patch of bush, quickly squatted and like Harry (in Dumb and Dumber when he’s in Jasper on the toilet after mistakenly taking laxatives), I was off like horses at a race fresh out of the gates. Hahaha It gets better… I got bit in the temple by a giant beetle, scratched my legs on thorns, and best of all….. NO TP!! OHH the joy of using freshly picked tall grass and its' non absorptive capacity. HahahahahahahaEnough of grossing you out. It was intended for a laugh, hope it served it’s purpose well. I MUST STOP EATING ROADSIDE ROASTED MAIZE, BANANA AND CASSAVA ROOT!!! Apparently it has taken me several times to realise this. It's just soooo tasty.
Love you all and hope life is exciting.
Ty
Friday, September 19, 2008
Valuable development resource!
I just found this super-duper online resource. It has hundreds of downloadable documents of everything related to dvelopment. It covers just about all the sectors - agriculture, food technology, wat-san, health issues, mechanics, etc. Definitely worth checking out.
http://www.cd3wd.com/CD3WD_40/CD3WD/index.htm
Cheers, KellyB
http://www.cd3wd.com/CD3WD_40/CD3WD/index.htm
Cheers, KellyB
Thursday, September 18, 2008
IPMP Uganda Unite!
Hello IPMP, I miss you all so much. I have arrived in Mukono Uganda and have been here for about a week now. I am living with a family of 8, 7 girls and 1 boy. Life is good, I poop in a pit latrine and shower from a small bucket. I take every step with enjoyment, it's a great adventure for me here. I will be posting more later but thought I would check in. I look forward to seeing those who can pass through Uganda. All the best to you all.
Peace, Love and Snoop Da Loop
Monty
Peace, Love and Snoop Da Loop
Monty
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Empty Desk Syndrome
I’ve been trying to think about what to write for my next blog entry and all the while the answer was sitting right in front of me… literally. Steve started working at CUA last week while I was in the field. He works in the Risk Management Department as a Risk Management Officer. CUA is growing at a very fast rate and constantly hiring which is resulting in a lack of space so I didn’t expect to keep my huge office all to myself forever, but I was surprised when I walked in Monday morning to see Steve sitting there at the extra desk. He seemed quite pleasant and told me he had been very anxiously awaiting my return. Well that’s nice, I thought. We both settled into our workspaces. My desk covered with papers, a printer, phone, computer and now my laptop (my computer is having problems). His desk – nothing, not even a pen. As I prepared myself to get to work he watched me. We talked a bit about our families, marriage, jobs and life in general and then I got to work. Steve, well he continued to watch me. He didn’t seem that talkative as I awkwardly tried to break the silence. I feel for the guy and am tempted to give him some readings on the Youth Savings Program just because he has nothing.
The past couple of days have been better, he’s been out of the office working with other CUA staff but during his down time he has gotten in the habit of sitting in the chair that’s about two feet from mine and just watching. He has offered to help me with anything I need help with which is really nice and he said he’s going to bring in some gospel music to help me relax and concentrate on my piles of work. Since he said that I’ve been subtlety introducing him to the music I like to listen to as to deter him from bringing in the gospel music. He’s asked me to promise to remember him when I return to Canada and as a single young man I am pretty sure a date or marriage proposal is in the works. It’s nice to have another person in my office now but I am hopeful for both of us that his job picks up soon. Otherwise, I might take some time to teach him how to do a log frame and put him to work.
In other news, I’ve just started working on a proposal for CUA and CCA that will likely occupy a good chunk of my time. I still plan on getting out to as many schools as possible to visit their Youth Savings Clubs (YSC). I spent a few days last week filming a documentary about a really successful YSC in Takoradi and had so much fun with the students. I am much better at doing that then LFAs and RBM but that is life.
I am not sure if this will be appreciated by all and please let me know if it offends you in anyway, but one of my favorite signs so far is that of my local furniture store which is called “Jesus Fingers Furniture”. My list is growing each day and brings my roommates and I great pleasure.
One last thing for all you foosballers out there: I tried to join some Ghanaians playing foosball the other night and all they did was spin, literally non-stop spinning. I knew they wouldn’t want to play my way and I could see myself enjoying a game of “Who can spin the fastest and randomly score” - so I have yet to get a game in. I am hopeful and will continue to search for an opponent to match my skill.
Hope you are all well,
Colleen
The past couple of days have been better, he’s been out of the office working with other CUA staff but during his down time he has gotten in the habit of sitting in the chair that’s about two feet from mine and just watching. He has offered to help me with anything I need help with which is really nice and he said he’s going to bring in some gospel music to help me relax and concentrate on my piles of work. Since he said that I’ve been subtlety introducing him to the music I like to listen to as to deter him from bringing in the gospel music. He’s asked me to promise to remember him when I return to Canada and as a single young man I am pretty sure a date or marriage proposal is in the works. It’s nice to have another person in my office now but I am hopeful for both of us that his job picks up soon. Otherwise, I might take some time to teach him how to do a log frame and put him to work.
In other news, I’ve just started working on a proposal for CUA and CCA that will likely occupy a good chunk of my time. I still plan on getting out to as many schools as possible to visit their Youth Savings Clubs (YSC). I spent a few days last week filming a documentary about a really successful YSC in Takoradi and had so much fun with the students. I am much better at doing that then LFAs and RBM but that is life.
I am not sure if this will be appreciated by all and please let me know if it offends you in anyway, but one of my favorite signs so far is that of my local furniture store which is called “Jesus Fingers Furniture”. My list is growing each day and brings my roommates and I great pleasure.
One last thing for all you foosballers out there: I tried to join some Ghanaians playing foosball the other night and all they did was spin, literally non-stop spinning. I knew they wouldn’t want to play my way and I could see myself enjoying a game of “Who can spin the fastest and randomly score” - so I have yet to get a game in. I am hopeful and will continue to search for an opponent to match my skill.
Hope you are all well,
Colleen
Friday, September 5, 2008
I Got a Job!
Hello everyone! It has been awesome that so many people are using the blog and even more so that some of you have started your own blogs. I love hearing all about your wonderful adventures. I wanted to let everyone know that I will be officially joining the Plan Canada team on September 22nd as the Youth Engagement and Development Education Specialist. I am extremely excited, as I am sure you can imagine! It is a full-time position in the same department as Ndungu. I will be heading up the youth engagement activities for Plan across Canada with a bit of work with other offices around the world. For those of you in the city still, or soon to be returning I would love to catch up at some point. I am honestly at a loss for words, I don't know how I am going to sleep!
Interesting read:
Here are two interesting articles from the current edition of The Economist. Give them a read if you have time.
The Economist - Non-refoulement
The Economist - Making aid more effective
The Economist - Non-refoulement
The Economist - Making aid more effective
Monday, September 1, 2008
Looking for CIDA Gender Interns
Hey Ladies and Gents,
I have started a blog specifically for CIDA Gender Interns as a neworking/resource/support site. So far there are only 4 of us so I was wondering if anybody knew of any other CIDA Interns working in the field of Gender/Women's Issues? The blog will likely become a closed blog as soon as I can recruit a few more members. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks guys. Miss you all!
I have started a blog specifically for CIDA Gender Interns as a neworking/resource/support site. So far there are only 4 of us so I was wondering if anybody knew of any other CIDA Interns working in the field of Gender/Women's Issues? The blog will likely become a closed blog as soon as I can recruit a few more members. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks guys. Miss you all!
Good Afternoon!
My adventures in St. Lucia are over...I'm back in Toronto and although I have only been back for a day and a half...I'm already missing everything about St. Lucia, the views, the people, all my kids and all the friends I have made. I'm even missing the mosquito bites, the lack of water and the power outages and even the storms that forced us to remain at home playing dominoes and random card games with our Lucian friends and co-workers!
I know when you think of the West Indies you don't really think development...but after living and working in Anse La Raye, a little village whereby 6,000 people live in a very condensed space, where 51% of the population live under the poverty line, 54% of the population is under 21 years of age and 80% of the village's (a fishing village) income comes from Fish Fry (A Friday night street event where vendors sell their "touristy" goods and fish, bakes and alcohol - rum punch *yum*-are sold through local vendors). Working men who work up North (as construction workers for resorts/hotels, bartenders and so on) are layed off for 2-3 weeks at a time because business is slow, development takes on a whole new definition.
The program ran really well, despite the executive director and another Canadian volunteer falling ill with Dengue Fever. We had approximately 60 youth attend the Youth Leadership Workshop and a total of about 200 children attend the Children's Literacy Camps. I was a Facilitator and Assistant Coordinator of the Youth Leadership Workshop and I had my hands full with the oldest group. My kids were aged between 15-21 and needless to say whoever saw my group of kids told me I had all the worst kids in the village. Some were on the "BLOCK" (which means they are heavy pot users and that's all they are really into), I had the school dropouts and just really all the "MAD" (Crazy) kids of the village. I spent the first two weeks breaking up fights (quite literally fist fights, fights that involved rock pelting and one situation knives were involved) but despite all of that I feel as though I had the best group. I have grown very attached to all my kids and once you take time to get to know them and have one on one sessions you realize they all come with their own stories and their own struggles as to why they have landed in such a situation.
We grew so close as a team, that I was sick one day unable to attend the program, that after camp ended I had my whole group trek up the hill (we lived about a 30 minute walk uphill from the camp location) to visit me and make sure I was ok. It was moments like that that made me realize that I had picked the perfect internship despite all the doubts I had in my mind as I was deciding and even after signing my contract!
Now that I'm back into the real world...I feel like I should be gearing up to go back to Humber tomorrow and start classes with you all again, but alas I shall remain at home and try to find myself a job.
Please stay tuned for some pics that I will be posting shortly! Hope you are all keeping well and I think we need to get together for some Rum Punch and possibly a few games of Dominoes?!?!
I know when you think of the West Indies you don't really think development...but after living and working in Anse La Raye, a little village whereby 6,000 people live in a very condensed space, where 51% of the population live under the poverty line, 54% of the population is under 21 years of age and 80% of the village's (a fishing village) income comes from Fish Fry (A Friday night street event where vendors sell their "touristy" goods and fish, bakes and alcohol - rum punch *yum*-are sold through local vendors). Working men who work up North (as construction workers for resorts/hotels, bartenders and so on) are layed off for 2-3 weeks at a time because business is slow, development takes on a whole new definition.
The program ran really well, despite the executive director and another Canadian volunteer falling ill with Dengue Fever. We had approximately 60 youth attend the Youth Leadership Workshop and a total of about 200 children attend the Children's Literacy Camps. I was a Facilitator and Assistant Coordinator of the Youth Leadership Workshop and I had my hands full with the oldest group. My kids were aged between 15-21 and needless to say whoever saw my group of kids told me I had all the worst kids in the village. Some were on the "BLOCK" (which means they are heavy pot users and that's all they are really into), I had the school dropouts and just really all the "MAD" (Crazy) kids of the village. I spent the first two weeks breaking up fights (quite literally fist fights, fights that involved rock pelting and one situation knives were involved) but despite all of that I feel as though I had the best group. I have grown very attached to all my kids and once you take time to get to know them and have one on one sessions you realize they all come with their own stories and their own struggles as to why they have landed in such a situation.
We grew so close as a team, that I was sick one day unable to attend the program, that after camp ended I had my whole group trek up the hill (we lived about a 30 minute walk uphill from the camp location) to visit me and make sure I was ok. It was moments like that that made me realize that I had picked the perfect internship despite all the doubts I had in my mind as I was deciding and even after signing my contract!
Now that I'm back into the real world...I feel like I should be gearing up to go back to Humber tomorrow and start classes with you all again, but alas I shall remain at home and try to find myself a job.
Please stay tuned for some pics that I will be posting shortly! Hope you are all keeping well and I think we need to get together for some Rum Punch and possibly a few games of Dominoes?!?!
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