http://blogs.aljazeera.net/americas/2009/12/27/christmas-violence-suriname
This is just such a sad and terrible event.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friendly International Show Jumping Competition!
While we were driving somewhere - I saw a banner strung between two trees. 'Friendly International Show Jumping Competition' it read. There was a photo of a horse mid-jump and the rider doning a proper hard hat and red show jumping jacket. I gasped with delight when I saw that we hadn't missed the dates of the show and told Raoul -'we MUST go!'
We went - and it was so fantastic! I got really nostaglic. There was even a guy walking around with a rat terrier! Teams from Suriname, French Guyana, Guadelupe and Martinigue were competing. The show was extremely well run with big sponsors - Mc. Donalds, Bergandal and other big guys from here in Suriname.
The show was two days - and we attended both - it was full of thrills, spills and excitement. The food was good too!
I never would have guessed there would be a show jumping competition here, but was so glad there was -- I cheered for the Suriname team and was so happy to see representing Suriname was the youngest competitor - all 13 yrs of him. He had a rocket pony, and my heart melted and I cheer and clapped as loud as I could for him. He placed 4th.
Suriname just never seizes to amaze me with all it offers here.
www.ponderosasuriname.com/?lang=EN 
We went - and it was so fantastic! I got really nostaglic. There was even a guy walking around with a rat terrier! Teams from Suriname, French Guyana, Guadelupe and Martinigue were competing. The show was extremely well run with big sponsors - Mc. Donalds, Bergandal and other big guys from here in Suriname.
The show was two days - and we attended both - it was full of thrills, spills and excitement. The food was good too!
I never would have guessed there would be a show jumping competition here, but was so glad there was -- I cheered for the Suriname team and was so happy to see representing Suriname was the youngest competitor - all 13 yrs of him. He had a rocket pony, and my heart melted and I cheer and clapped as loud as I could for him. He placed 4th.
Suriname just never seizes to amaze me with all it offers here.
www.ponderosasuriname.com/?lang=EN
This is the website to the Equestian Center that hosted the event.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tension in the area
Suriname sends troops to Albina Radio Netherlands Worldwide:
"The Surinamese government has sent soldiers to the restive border town of Albina in order to seal off a number of neighbourhoods.
The military is conducting house-to-house searches for goods stolen during Thursday evening's looting. The neighbourhoods have been sealed off and people are not allowed to enter or leave until searches had been completed.
Paramaribo sent soldiers in after fighting between the local Marron population and Brazilian and Chinese migrants, most of whom are searching for gold. On Thursday hundreds of people were involved in fighting after a Marron man died after an argument with a Brazilian national. At least 13 people injured and 20 foreign women say they were raped.
Tensions between the foreign gold diggers and the local population have been growing for some time but this is the worst outbreak of violence. The Marron community say migrants have bribed the police in Albina in order to break the law with impunity.
The Surinamese police have evacuated around 100 victims of the violence".
"The Surinamese government has sent soldiers to the restive border town of Albina in order to seal off a number of neighbourhoods.
The military is conducting house-to-house searches for goods stolen during Thursday evening's looting. The neighbourhoods have been sealed off and people are not allowed to enter or leave until searches had been completed.
Paramaribo sent soldiers in after fighting between the local Marron population and Brazilian and Chinese migrants, most of whom are searching for gold. On Thursday hundreds of people were involved in fighting after a Marron man died after an argument with a Brazilian national. At least 13 people injured and 20 foreign women say they were raped.
Tensions between the foreign gold diggers and the local population have been growing for some time but this is the worst outbreak of violence. The Marron community say migrants have bribed the police in Albina in order to break the law with impunity.
The Surinamese police have evacuated around 100 victims of the violence".
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Nothing like wintertime in the tropics! I woke to a warm, balmy, slightly breezy Christmas Day. Ula woke me by saying Merry Christmas, then rolling over to go back to sleep. I also went back to sleep, finally rising around 10am. It's kinda loud here at nite- Suriname being so diverse in cultures and ethnic groups there are many traditions. One around this time of year is fireworks. All of last nite I was awake listening to - booom, booom - fireworks nextdoor, clang, clang on the steel gate (the two dogs scared out of their mind trying to get into the house!) I was slightly cranky and in need of coffee this morning!
Once I was finally aware of the day around me (three cups of coffee in) we were relaxing on the couch, and discussing what to eat. Who doesn't love fish fritters for lunch! One of my visiting the city stables. We're off to the store.
As we're out we pick up a few dvd's and phone calling cards. I also treated myself to a brownie ;)
Ula, the wonderful cook starts frying up the fritters and I finally descide it's time to change out of my pj's. It's 1:30pm.
We eat our fish fritters and pop in the movie Ula picked. Avatar. (again love the no anti-piracy laws here!!) Never in a zillion years would I have guess I would love that type of movie so much. Great movie. Definitely a good pick!
All nite the previous nite the neighbors set off the fireworks. So after watching the movie I crashed out on the couch. I woke to 'Mariah, get up it's time to get ready - we're late for dinner.'
Crap.
I'm tired, cranky, not showered and need to repaint my toenails.
'Ula can you do me a favor and re-heat me a cup of coffee? It's already made and in the machine.'
'Ya, no problem'.
I'm freshly showered and the paint on my nails is drying - I go to grab my re-heated coffee.
Ula, bless his heart. He had poured the brewed coffee back INTO the machine, turned the machine on and remade the already made coffee. (Double brewing it cuz I was to lazy to throw out the used grounds earlier today.)
Who cares, I live in Wan Hati. I drank it anyways. I am my father's daughter. To that fact, my mothers too. Waste not, want not -- and whatever it's already made.
Off to dinner at Robby and Jenny's house. They moved back to Suriname from Holland about a year and 1/2 ago. We spent last Christmas dinner with them. Although last year, no one told me it was a dressy affair so I wore jean and a t-shirt, they all were decked out in dresses and slacks. This year I wore my black dress, and pretty jewels - they wore, jeans and t-shirts.
Again, who cares - they made a fantastic dinner and I ate mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, gravy with mushrooms, 4 different meat options on the table and all the booze you could possibly want.
Jenny's daughter is visiting from Holland. Her husband is an extreme fighter (the kind that don't use gloves or have any rules other then the tap out rule. Tap out rule being, you tap on the ground three times if you want out of the damn fight!) He sat across from me and I ate my dinner having conversation about fights and motivation - trying to not stare at his swollen eye. Yes, he did win the match -- even got an impressive trophy!
Back home (1/2 bottle of Borgoe and who knows how many glasses of wine!) to feed the dogs.
I have been trying to reach my mom all day. The curse of phonecards, land-lines, new locations and cell phones. Finally able to reach her 1:00am my time. 11:00pm her time. Phew, still Christmas on her side.
Soo lovely to hear my mom's voice and share stories. As you would guess, the phone card was eaten up to quickly - and left me mid-sentence to my mom as it cut out. I sent her a follow-up email ;)
Connected with my sisters and my dad via email to wish them happy and safe Christmas. I can NOT wait to talk with them tomorrow! So much to say, I'm going to have to get a few phone cards for this call.
Not shocking to anyone I'm sure - I just raided the fridge for leftovers as Raoul sleeps. I have prepared myself for when he asks me 'what happened to all the food?' I will say, 'um, dude - you totally got up in the middle of the nite and you were gone for over an hour. I don't know what you did!' :)
I'm thinking back on the previous year and all the wonderful, crazy and truly amazing adventures and experiences I have had - it's been a great year and I'm so thankful.
Next year will be a white one (hopefully) for me. I look forward to spending it with all my family and friends that I haven't seen in so, soo long. But for now - I'm as content as can be, and full! I just need to turn that a/c down in the bedroom before I can fall asleep, and put my ear plugs in for the ever-lasting fireworks!
Merry Christmas to all - I love and miss each and every one of you!
Once I was finally aware of the day around me (three cups of coffee in) we were relaxing on the couch, and discussing what to eat. Who doesn't love fish fritters for lunch! One of my visiting the city stables. We're off to the store.
As we're out we pick up a few dvd's and phone calling cards. I also treated myself to a brownie ;)
Ula, the wonderful cook starts frying up the fritters and I finally descide it's time to change out of my pj's. It's 1:30pm.
We eat our fish fritters and pop in the movie Ula picked. Avatar. (again love the no anti-piracy laws here!!) Never in a zillion years would I have guess I would love that type of movie so much. Great movie. Definitely a good pick!
All nite the previous nite the neighbors set off the fireworks. So after watching the movie I crashed out on the couch. I woke to 'Mariah, get up it's time to get ready - we're late for dinner.'
Crap.
I'm tired, cranky, not showered and need to repaint my toenails.
'Ula can you do me a favor and re-heat me a cup of coffee? It's already made and in the machine.'
'Ya, no problem'.
I'm freshly showered and the paint on my nails is drying - I go to grab my re-heated coffee.
Ula, bless his heart. He had poured the brewed coffee back INTO the machine, turned the machine on and remade the already made coffee. (Double brewing it cuz I was to lazy to throw out the used grounds earlier today.)
Who cares, I live in Wan Hati. I drank it anyways. I am my father's daughter. To that fact, my mothers too. Waste not, want not -- and whatever it's already made.
Off to dinner at Robby and Jenny's house. They moved back to Suriname from Holland about a year and 1/2 ago. We spent last Christmas dinner with them. Although last year, no one told me it was a dressy affair so I wore jean and a t-shirt, they all were decked out in dresses and slacks. This year I wore my black dress, and pretty jewels - they wore, jeans and t-shirts.
Again, who cares - they made a fantastic dinner and I ate mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, gravy with mushrooms, 4 different meat options on the table and all the booze you could possibly want.
Jenny's daughter is visiting from Holland. Her husband is an extreme fighter (the kind that don't use gloves or have any rules other then the tap out rule. Tap out rule being, you tap on the ground three times if you want out of the damn fight!) He sat across from me and I ate my dinner having conversation about fights and motivation - trying to not stare at his swollen eye. Yes, he did win the match -- even got an impressive trophy!
Back home (1/2 bottle of Borgoe and who knows how many glasses of wine!) to feed the dogs.
I have been trying to reach my mom all day. The curse of phonecards, land-lines, new locations and cell phones. Finally able to reach her 1:00am my time. 11:00pm her time. Phew, still Christmas on her side.
Soo lovely to hear my mom's voice and share stories. As you would guess, the phone card was eaten up to quickly - and left me mid-sentence to my mom as it cut out. I sent her a follow-up email ;)
Connected with my sisters and my dad via email to wish them happy and safe Christmas. I can NOT wait to talk with them tomorrow! So much to say, I'm going to have to get a few phone cards for this call.
Not shocking to anyone I'm sure - I just raided the fridge for leftovers as Raoul sleeps. I have prepared myself for when he asks me 'what happened to all the food?' I will say, 'um, dude - you totally got up in the middle of the nite and you were gone for over an hour. I don't know what you did!' :)
I'm thinking back on the previous year and all the wonderful, crazy and truly amazing adventures and experiences I have had - it's been a great year and I'm so thankful.
Next year will be a white one (hopefully) for me. I look forward to spending it with all my family and friends that I haven't seen in so, soo long. But for now - I'm as content as can be, and full! I just need to turn that a/c down in the bedroom before I can fall asleep, and put my ear plugs in for the ever-lasting fireworks!
Merry Christmas to all - I love and miss each and every one of you!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Hippo, Chicken and Tucan!
The Wan Hati Watermelons
(Rosanda, Gabbie and Patrick)
present to you: Merry Christmas - Happy New Year!
Some moments in December
clop-clop
CLop-CLop
CLOP-CLOP!!!!
It's Bella....BELLA! I want to come in. I know your in there. CLOP-CLOP!!!! Moraya! (Bella speak for Mariah) Mona just hit me...lllllet me in! (giggling, those two little squirts)
No afternoon nap for me today. Once that door opens is a titlewave of kids. It's mango season and I live under the mango tree.
Dec. 7th
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due in Febuary
Me: Who is bigger? Jenni, Eva or Olivia?
Kendila: Eva
Me: Maybe she'll have twins
Kendila: She can't, she's a twin and twins don't have twins
Me: Huh, Maybe she'll have triplets (smiling)
Kendila: My god! (look of horror)
Dec 8th
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lost your Hammer
Around 9am -Basi Amsoi just came by to tell me that he has looked all over, but doesn't know where he put the hammer that he borrowed from me. He has lost it. He's slightly distraunt looking about this, I tell him not to worry - it's okay. I didn't use it to much anyways. He again says how sorry he is, just feels awful.
Around 4pm Basi's wife is coming back from ground. She swing by my house and tells me that she forgot to stop by this morning on her way out. 'Here's your hammer' she says. 'I grabbed it on my way out this morning to return to you, then forgot til I was heading back.'
Someone should tell Basi ;)
Dec 8th
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lend Me Your Shoes
'O Weki Mariah!' I hear through my closed windows and shut door. It's 6:30am.
'O Weki O' - I reply to the voice I know belongs to Olivia.
Before she can even ask I call out - 'you come for water?' Even though the pump is working and it rained all nite, my sweet neighbor Olivia would like to fill her bucket from my durotank. ' It's open' I say, I don't even lift my head off my pillow.
Rainy Season is back.
I haven't been sleeping as soundly as usual. It's my own fault. When I was in the city Ula and I watched the moive'Paranormal Activity'. It didn't scare me there (I do admit I sleep with a nite lite in the bedroom -- a habit I've had since as long as I can remember) But here in good old Wan Hati - without electricity as usual I'm freaked out of my mind and quickly running out of candles!!
My morning is slow moving.
I rolled out of bed around 8. The village was already at full throttle. Kids off to school, men chatting and swinging their machetes at the weeds, women gathering and waiting for friends to head of to ground. Me. Just heading outside to greet the day with my first cup of coffee. Who do I see heading over? Olivia. Luckily she assumes I was up at 6:30am, that I've washed and cooked for the day and that I am now resting for a minute. She heads into my house, takes a seat.
She's 7 months pregnant and just getting round and adorable! (She's the mother of the infamous crew: Gabbie, Bella, Jenni and Patrick) She's 24. Olivia loves red licorice (a girl after my own heart), getting her photo taken, bright colors and she has the ability to make you feel good. Today she would like me to go to ground with her. To pull and clean ginger. Let's do it. I slam my now lukewarm coffee-eat a spoonful of peanut butter and grab my 'ground gear' bag. We're off.
She like almost everyone here has multipule grounds. Today, of course, we're heading to the one furtest away. We chat during the 45 minute walk. She and I are obviously confortable with each other and have been good friends for awhile now. As we walk we talk about the holidays. She wants to pull her ginger today and take it to the city tomorrow or Friday to sell so she can get money to take the family into visit relatives in the city for the holidays. 2 kilos of gingers gets her around 15-20 srd. We walk pass the ground that she just cleared ths season and she points out where Gabbie planted tayer. We both laugh. I ask her how old before you teach your kids to work ground? She says around 11 is when they usually drop out of school to help all day at ground. (Gabbie turned 8 this month) Then she looked over her shoulder at me - we're walking single file..and she says ' Gabbie told me she wats to go to school and learn how to make pretty pictures to sell for a living. But on the weekends she said she'll help at ground.'
Go Gabbie!!
We arrive at the final destination and start our work. During a water break as we are sitting to clean ginger Olivia asks witch place is bigger Suriname or America. We talk about cities and what we eat on the holidays. Yes, I even said gobble, gobble while trying to explain what a turkey is...she taught me the Alcun work for it.
As we're chatting we hear something come crashing through the bush. It's Kendila. Quite the wirlwind as always. She greets Olivia, then looks at me and says - I thought we were going to have lessons this morning. Smarty Pants. I correct her that it's Wendsday, the day she goes to ground. She laughs- I'm onto her tricks! Last time I fell for her telling me that Shannon had twin boys - I took my camera to Shannon's house (a little sad that she never told me she was pregnant...) to find Kendila was playing a joke on me. I got back to confront Kendila and she just laughed so much that I started laughing. Then she said - 'Well Shannon did get pretty fat!'
She sits and conplains about how far Olivia's ground is - and starts scolding Olivia that she (Olivia) shouldn't be at ground so much, being 7 months pregnant. I admit, she's got a point. Olivia is a workhorse though and you just can not stop that lady! You can help carry things and such, but she wants to work.
2 hoes and three of us now.
'Mariah, lend me your shoes.'
Kendila didn't bring her boots. LUCKY ME! I'm going to be the cleaner of ginger, they are going to pull it. I will be safe in my flip-flops sitting under the banana tree while it rains.
As I'm cleaning I think back to when I would ask someone to borrow their shoes. Usually it was for a dressy nite out on the town. Now it's so that you don't wack your toe off or get scratchs up and down your legs from high grass and weeds.
'Mariah - COME, come look!' They are giggling like naughty school girls. I'm expecting a dance off of some sort. Not the case. Olivia just sliced the head off of a HUGE like, 6 foot long snake. They work together to bury it. I look under and around and up above before I sit back down on my log.
I like when the three of us go to ground. Lots of gossip, girl talk, and Kendila always keeping an eye out for me. (even though today, she borrowed MY boots!) Sister Anna is visiting the States and is coming back next month. The three of us talk about what would happen if she's not there when Olivia goes into labor. I tell them I have a great book--full of photos explaining what to do to deliver a baby, and say that Olivia's already had three so she's an old pro -- Kendila and I could totally deliver the baby no sweat ;) Honestly though. Moengo or the city is really the only other options. Although Olivia mentioned that if she had the baby in French Guyana she could get some money from the government (I think they offer welfare there, Suriname's government doesn't not give any money for things like welfare) We all really hope Sister Anna is back in time.
We talk for a long time about Kendila's fight. Last Sunday there was a soccer game in Moengo. Botja her man is the captian of the team. Wan Hati lost. Kendila is sassy and has a bit of a mouth on her. Rosa (she lives in Wan Hati) told Kendila to shut up (or something to that affect). Kendila is a fighter. She has words back with Rosa. Next thing you know Rosa is throwing her pepper water from the food she was eating at Kendila's face. Kendila saw it coming and was able to move out of the way in time. But then all hell broke loose. She grabbed Rosa and threw her on the ground, sat on her stomach and just started swinging at her! People had to pull her off Rosa. I just kept thinking 'thank GOD she is my friend and not my enemy!' She had to go straight to Captian's house and explain and then appolize to Rosa. I've seen her get mad and instigate fights with guys three times her size. She is fearless my Wan Hati Sister.
We then talk about my family and if they will visit/come back to visit. If I miss home and what my sisters, brother and mom and dad are doing for the holidays. We talk about Santa Claus and if we could get something from him what we would want. Olivia - clothes for her kids for when they go to Moengo or the city and red licorice, Kendila - to get a job working for the government so she doesn't have to work ground--ha haa! Me-I don't want or desire anything. I miss my friends and family but I'm loving this moment and time in my life. There is nothing that could make it better.
Dec 9th
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Porch
I never knew my mom's parents. My grandmother on my dads side I have fond, but few, slight memories. Taking a borrowed van on a family trip, with parents, kids, and two dogs in crates up to visit her in PA. I remember crying in all the photos. (I must have been a brat that trip!)
Her kitchen smelled of sugar cookies. She was kind and gentle. Her house was warm and full of people bussling around.
It's been a year and almost 8 months for me now living in Suriname. I met - a little over a year and 2 months agao - Raoul and was instantly consumed in the love and graciousness of his family.
They are a traditional family. They have a large area of land with two houses on the property. One housing his mom, dad and sister. A stones throw away, in the other - his grandma and grandpa.
Not long after I started dating Ula, he wanted to drop something off for his mom. I was going to meet the family! I remember being nervous, what do they think of him dating a white American? I don't understand Dutch - how will we communicate? What if I do something or say something that offends them? I'm not wearing clean clothes and my hair is a mess. I was scared!
But this family - oh this family!
His dad marched right up and greeted me hello in English. He shook my hand and told me he used to manage a fishing fleet and that he spoke English with the Koreans. Of course this confused me so I laughed and smiled.
His sister lookat at me with curious eyes and a sly smile. She said hello and then was off to school.
Raoul's mom appeared and all the nervousness vanished. She made some jokes about Raoul, his facial hair I agreed was a little out of control. We sat and talked, converstation was easy.
As we were getting into the car to leave - the cutest thing happened. An old Javanese nam - tall and lanky, wearing a hat to go to the mosque was peddling a big Dutch style bicycle passed the car. He lifted his hand and gave a wave.
Raoul told me that was his grandpa, coming back from the mosque. As I looked in front of me - at the porch of his grandparents house his grandma was sitting outside. She threw me a huge grin and waved at me with as much excitement as 5yr old Bella does when I come back to site.
Time flies and now Abby (his sister) lends me her dresses when I need to look pretty, and we gossip about t.v shows and celebrities. Raoul's mom shares stories about traditional culture and spirits, and we chatter on like hens in a henhouse.
Opa - Raoul's grandfather. I think is the most adorable person. He loves working in his garden and wears a big Indonisian style hat, slashing stuff with his machete and alwasy happy to let me eat all the sugar cane. He and Oma (Grandmom) sit on the porch most late afternoons and evenings. Sitting with them we talk in Saran Tongo and I don't know who laughs harder! Oma always has trouble pronouncing my name. Opa corrects her. Raoul corrects him! They like to talk about what life is like in the bush. Mostly - bush meat and if I eat it. Did I eat any monkey is the first question they usually ask on my returns in. Oma is always quick to offer me something to drink and a smile never, ever leaves her face. She has a calming relaxed nature. Always a smile. Ula's mom and sister almost always spend the evening on the porch visiting and sharing stories. Some evenings we just sit quietly. There is never a rush or something more important to do. It's a special time of the day.
Today Oma passed away, she was battling breast cancer and chose to end treatments. She wanted to be at home with her family, not in a hospital. I wish I could there for all of them, bu it's impossible to get out of Wan Hati. I'm so grateful that Oma entered my life and that I got to spend some special evenings on the porch with her.
Dec 5th
CLop-CLop
CLOP-CLOP!!!!
It's Bella....BELLA! I want to come in. I know your in there. CLOP-CLOP!!!! Moraya! (Bella speak for Mariah) Mona just hit me...lllllet me in! (giggling, those two little squirts)
No afternoon nap for me today. Once that door opens is a titlewave of kids. It's mango season and I live under the mango tree.
Dec. 7th
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due in Febuary
Me: Who is bigger? Jenni, Eva or Olivia?
Kendila: Eva
Me: Maybe she'll have twins
Kendila: She can't, she's a twin and twins don't have twins
Me: Huh, Maybe she'll have triplets (smiling)
Kendila: My god! (look of horror)
Dec 8th
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lost your Hammer
Around 9am -Basi Amsoi just came by to tell me that he has looked all over, but doesn't know where he put the hammer that he borrowed from me. He has lost it. He's slightly distraunt looking about this, I tell him not to worry - it's okay. I didn't use it to much anyways. He again says how sorry he is, just feels awful.
Around 4pm Basi's wife is coming back from ground. She swing by my house and tells me that she forgot to stop by this morning on her way out. 'Here's your hammer' she says. 'I grabbed it on my way out this morning to return to you, then forgot til I was heading back.'
Someone should tell Basi ;)
Dec 8th
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lend Me Your Shoes
'O Weki Mariah!' I hear through my closed windows and shut door. It's 6:30am.
'O Weki O' - I reply to the voice I know belongs to Olivia.
Before she can even ask I call out - 'you come for water?' Even though the pump is working and it rained all nite, my sweet neighbor Olivia would like to fill her bucket from my durotank. ' It's open' I say, I don't even lift my head off my pillow.
Rainy Season is back.
I haven't been sleeping as soundly as usual. It's my own fault. When I was in the city Ula and I watched the moive'Paranormal Activity'. It didn't scare me there (I do admit I sleep with a nite lite in the bedroom -- a habit I've had since as long as I can remember) But here in good old Wan Hati - without electricity as usual I'm freaked out of my mind and quickly running out of candles!!
My morning is slow moving.
I rolled out of bed around 8. The village was already at full throttle. Kids off to school, men chatting and swinging their machetes at the weeds, women gathering and waiting for friends to head of to ground. Me. Just heading outside to greet the day with my first cup of coffee. Who do I see heading over? Olivia. Luckily she assumes I was up at 6:30am, that I've washed and cooked for the day and that I am now resting for a minute. She heads into my house, takes a seat.
She's 7 months pregnant and just getting round and adorable! (She's the mother of the infamous crew: Gabbie, Bella, Jenni and Patrick) She's 24. Olivia loves red licorice (a girl after my own heart), getting her photo taken, bright colors and she has the ability to make you feel good. Today she would like me to go to ground with her. To pull and clean ginger. Let's do it. I slam my now lukewarm coffee-eat a spoonful of peanut butter and grab my 'ground gear' bag. We're off.
She like almost everyone here has multipule grounds. Today, of course, we're heading to the one furtest away. We chat during the 45 minute walk. She and I are obviously confortable with each other and have been good friends for awhile now. As we walk we talk about the holidays. She wants to pull her ginger today and take it to the city tomorrow or Friday to sell so she can get money to take the family into visit relatives in the city for the holidays. 2 kilos of gingers gets her around 15-20 srd. We walk pass the ground that she just cleared ths season and she points out where Gabbie planted tayer. We both laugh. I ask her how old before you teach your kids to work ground? She says around 11 is when they usually drop out of school to help all day at ground. (Gabbie turned 8 this month) Then she looked over her shoulder at me - we're walking single file..and she says ' Gabbie told me she wats to go to school and learn how to make pretty pictures to sell for a living. But on the weekends she said she'll help at ground.'
Go Gabbie!!
We arrive at the final destination and start our work. During a water break as we are sitting to clean ginger Olivia asks witch place is bigger Suriname or America. We talk about cities and what we eat on the holidays. Yes, I even said gobble, gobble while trying to explain what a turkey is...she taught me the Alcun work for it.
As we're chatting we hear something come crashing through the bush. It's Kendila. Quite the wirlwind as always. She greets Olivia, then looks at me and says - I thought we were going to have lessons this morning. Smarty Pants. I correct her that it's Wendsday, the day she goes to ground. She laughs- I'm onto her tricks! Last time I fell for her telling me that Shannon had twin boys - I took my camera to Shannon's house (a little sad that she never told me she was pregnant...) to find Kendila was playing a joke on me. I got back to confront Kendila and she just laughed so much that I started laughing. Then she said - 'Well Shannon did get pretty fat!'
She sits and conplains about how far Olivia's ground is - and starts scolding Olivia that she (Olivia) shouldn't be at ground so much, being 7 months pregnant. I admit, she's got a point. Olivia is a workhorse though and you just can not stop that lady! You can help carry things and such, but she wants to work.
2 hoes and three of us now.
'Mariah, lend me your shoes.'
Kendila didn't bring her boots. LUCKY ME! I'm going to be the cleaner of ginger, they are going to pull it. I will be safe in my flip-flops sitting under the banana tree while it rains.
As I'm cleaning I think back to when I would ask someone to borrow their shoes. Usually it was for a dressy nite out on the town. Now it's so that you don't wack your toe off or get scratchs up and down your legs from high grass and weeds.
'Mariah - COME, come look!' They are giggling like naughty school girls. I'm expecting a dance off of some sort. Not the case. Olivia just sliced the head off of a HUGE like, 6 foot long snake. They work together to bury it. I look under and around and up above before I sit back down on my log.
I like when the three of us go to ground. Lots of gossip, girl talk, and Kendila always keeping an eye out for me. (even though today, she borrowed MY boots!) Sister Anna is visiting the States and is coming back next month. The three of us talk about what would happen if she's not there when Olivia goes into labor. I tell them I have a great book--full of photos explaining what to do to deliver a baby, and say that Olivia's already had three so she's an old pro -- Kendila and I could totally deliver the baby no sweat ;) Honestly though. Moengo or the city is really the only other options. Although Olivia mentioned that if she had the baby in French Guyana she could get some money from the government (I think they offer welfare there, Suriname's government doesn't not give any money for things like welfare) We all really hope Sister Anna is back in time.
We talk for a long time about Kendila's fight. Last Sunday there was a soccer game in Moengo. Botja her man is the captian of the team. Wan Hati lost. Kendila is sassy and has a bit of a mouth on her. Rosa (she lives in Wan Hati) told Kendila to shut up (or something to that affect). Kendila is a fighter. She has words back with Rosa. Next thing you know Rosa is throwing her pepper water from the food she was eating at Kendila's face. Kendila saw it coming and was able to move out of the way in time. But then all hell broke loose. She grabbed Rosa and threw her on the ground, sat on her stomach and just started swinging at her! People had to pull her off Rosa. I just kept thinking 'thank GOD she is my friend and not my enemy!' She had to go straight to Captian's house and explain and then appolize to Rosa. I've seen her get mad and instigate fights with guys three times her size. She is fearless my Wan Hati Sister.
We then talk about my family and if they will visit/come back to visit. If I miss home and what my sisters, brother and mom and dad are doing for the holidays. We talk about Santa Claus and if we could get something from him what we would want. Olivia - clothes for her kids for when they go to Moengo or the city and red licorice, Kendila - to get a job working for the government so she doesn't have to work ground--ha haa! Me-I don't want or desire anything. I miss my friends and family but I'm loving this moment and time in my life. There is nothing that could make it better.
Dec 9th
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The Porch
I never knew my mom's parents. My grandmother on my dads side I have fond, but few, slight memories. Taking a borrowed van on a family trip, with parents, kids, and two dogs in crates up to visit her in PA. I remember crying in all the photos. (I must have been a brat that trip!)
Her kitchen smelled of sugar cookies. She was kind and gentle. Her house was warm and full of people bussling around.
It's been a year and almost 8 months for me now living in Suriname. I met - a little over a year and 2 months agao - Raoul and was instantly consumed in the love and graciousness of his family.
They are a traditional family. They have a large area of land with two houses on the property. One housing his mom, dad and sister. A stones throw away, in the other - his grandma and grandpa.
Not long after I started dating Ula, he wanted to drop something off for his mom. I was going to meet the family! I remember being nervous, what do they think of him dating a white American? I don't understand Dutch - how will we communicate? What if I do something or say something that offends them? I'm not wearing clean clothes and my hair is a mess. I was scared!
But this family - oh this family!
His dad marched right up and greeted me hello in English. He shook my hand and told me he used to manage a fishing fleet and that he spoke English with the Koreans. Of course this confused me so I laughed and smiled.
His sister lookat at me with curious eyes and a sly smile. She said hello and then was off to school.
Raoul's mom appeared and all the nervousness vanished. She made some jokes about Raoul, his facial hair I agreed was a little out of control. We sat and talked, converstation was easy.
As we were getting into the car to leave - the cutest thing happened. An old Javanese nam - tall and lanky, wearing a hat to go to the mosque was peddling a big Dutch style bicycle passed the car. He lifted his hand and gave a wave.
Raoul told me that was his grandpa, coming back from the mosque. As I looked in front of me - at the porch of his grandparents house his grandma was sitting outside. She threw me a huge grin and waved at me with as much excitement as 5yr old Bella does when I come back to site.
Time flies and now Abby (his sister) lends me her dresses when I need to look pretty, and we gossip about t.v shows and celebrities. Raoul's mom shares stories about traditional culture and spirits, and we chatter on like hens in a henhouse.
Opa - Raoul's grandfather. I think is the most adorable person. He loves working in his garden and wears a big Indonisian style hat, slashing stuff with his machete and alwasy happy to let me eat all the sugar cane. He and Oma (Grandmom) sit on the porch most late afternoons and evenings. Sitting with them we talk in Saran Tongo and I don't know who laughs harder! Oma always has trouble pronouncing my name. Opa corrects her. Raoul corrects him! They like to talk about what life is like in the bush. Mostly - bush meat and if I eat it. Did I eat any monkey is the first question they usually ask on my returns in. Oma is always quick to offer me something to drink and a smile never, ever leaves her face. She has a calming relaxed nature. Always a smile. Ula's mom and sister almost always spend the evening on the porch visiting and sharing stories. Some evenings we just sit quietly. There is never a rush or something more important to do. It's a special time of the day.
Today Oma passed away, she was battling breast cancer and chose to end treatments. She wanted to be at home with her family, not in a hospital. I wish I could there for all of them, bu it's impossible to get out of Wan Hati. I'm so grateful that Oma entered my life and that I got to spend some special evenings on the porch with her.
Dec 5th
Catch Up!
Wow, the last time I wrote was the end of August! Where does the time go? I swear it's starting to fly by for me. I'll give a brief recap of the last couple of months here and then post some of my journal entries that I've written at site. We have still been without power, not shocking I know, so it makes for early to bed and early to rise for me!
This was my set up to spray the varmits! Pretty professional.
I'm not gonna lie, it was pretty gross, they just kinda dropped onto my floor - dead.
I felt a little guilty about this one - but man do I sleep a lot better thru the morning hours!
My Ma Moengolina - love this crazy lady!
All dressed up and ready to go to Broko Day 
Sa and her baby Prai with her two sisters. Made me miss my two sisters! We danced like crazy the three of us!
The boat about ready to do down river.
Mona has her princess crown on!
Clearing the path into the bush where they are going to clear an area for the guest lodge.
Quickly the last three months:
September:
I recieved a check from Bill to help get the Slagball girls their uniforms!! We were all so excited to get this gift, the shirts are made and they will begin the new season in Jan! I'll make sure to post some photos of everyone in their new clothes! Thanks Bill from all the team, you did something really special for them.
Raoul had a birthday! I came into celebrate with him, we went out to eat a a fancy Italian resturant near the house. His cousin and Aunt came from Holland to visit so I got to meet more of the family. They brought treats, chocolate, yum! It was a really nice time, dinner was great, I gave him a bottle of Chivas so after dinner we had some cocktails and good converstation.
I was able to get a handle on the bat situation!! Can you believe that I exterminated the WHOLE house and brought those suckers down! It was gross, a little sad, very smelly -- but I have been enjoying a mostly bat free house now! There was one unfortunate (well not too totally unfortunate) occurance due to my spraying. I think some of the exterior of my house got some of the spray. I walk out to find the rooster that likes to sit behind my house and crow at all hours of the early morning - death. Whoops.
This was my set up to spray the varmits! Pretty professional. I'm not gonna lie, it was pretty gross, they just kinda dropped onto my floor - dead. I felt a little guilty about this one - but man do I sleep a lot better thru the morning hours!October:
We had a big Broko Day in Wan Hati. Broko Day again - is a celebration of someone who has passed away. Women wear celebration pangies, and everyone dances, sings and parties well into the nite. Kendila made us matching pangies to wear to the festivities, but a sad thing occured the morning of Broko Day, she got word that her father passed away. She left to go be with her mom up river. Broko Day wasn't as fun without her. Although Corvina did make bamie and peanut sauce chicken, and she Sa, Olivia and Vanessa and I danced the night away. I still missed my sis Kendila.
My Ma Moengolina - love this crazy lady! All dressed up and ready to go to Broko Day Sa and her baby Prai with her two sisters. Made me miss my two sisters! We danced like crazy the three of us! The boat about ready to do down river.The little girls and I gathered flowers and made princess crowns! It was the cutest project, everyone looked like little storybook princesses!
Mona has her princess crown on!Michael came to visit. He stayed for two months. I came in to greet him and spent a few days with him, getting him settled into an apartment and just hanging out and catching up. He stayed in the city when I went back to site in Oct.
I got an amazing birthday package from my mom with all kinds of great things! Lots of arts and craft things - I love it cuz it gives me and the kids something productive and fun and creative to do together. The kids had a blast with jacks, clay, oil pastels, making muppets - she also send beef jerky that Ula enjoyed and that I also gave some to Power the boat guy - he loves it and is always extra helpful to me when I have loads to take on the boat! It was also a treat cuz I got to enjoy Ice Cream sandwiches for my birthday at site. She sent Astronaunt packaged ones. So smart that mom of mine! Thanks again mom - the village all loves you and tells me that anytime you want to come visit, they'll make sure you have a wonderful expierence!
My birthday was reall fun! I came in and Ula and I went to the zoo, where we ran into Michael. We hung around then Ula and I went to dinner. This time it was dinner at the fancy resturant where we had our first date! Cute huh? I just got into the city that day so it was a nice relaxing day.
The next day I went to Paran where the Sur 15's were taking some trainings. I did a presentation on how to handle the kids at site.
November:
The ladies of Wan Hati got an awesome, awesome gift. Three ladies came from Holland (funded through their government) and stayed for three weeks to teach the art of bead, glass, silver jewerly making! The project allowed for all the materials and tools to be donated to Wan Hati. It was a huge thing and a great success! I women (myself included) had so much fun learning and being creative. After the women left the women decided to make Fridays and Sundays official work days. So far they have stuck to it! I brought some of their completed jewerly into the city with me around Thanksgiving and almost every piece sold! The Embassy had an art fair and between that and other volunteers most of the pieces were sold! That same nite of the art fair I met up with Ula at a meeting conference he had for work. They were finished and having a cocktail hour. His boss bought a bracelete for his wife. It was such a sucess. The women make around $200 SRD and when they saw the money - it really helped to motivated and make more to sell. The money will go into the Women Organizations bank account and be used for more supplies, and things that the community needs or that the village would benefit from getting. There are a few giftshops in the city that are also interested in buying the jewerly so once we get more to sell I will come in with Tanta Wilma and we will go together to some places to sell the jewerly.
Michael came out and spent about 10days out at site with me. We had a good time. Went hiking, played in the river, cooked and looked at the amazing stars everynite.
Guest lodge underway. Wan Hati is building a guest lodge - funded by the Ministry of Regional Development. It's in the process of being constructed now, they have cleared the area and between the rainy days are working to get the building up. Along with the guest lodge, the Mististry also funded the making of the market! So all that work put into the market - was I guess practice for the next proposal that we do. They have not started construction just yet, but are clearing the area now. This will also be a great place to sell the jewerly ;)
Clearing the path into the bush where they are going to clear an area for the guest lodge.The area was bulldozed to make the area for the guest lodge.
Peace corps staff came out to visit and dropped off cement for me to make a deck in the front of my house. Currently it's sand and with all the kids that come over, it would be cleaner for them if we had a cement area for playing and extra room for project that we can do outside instead of in the house. I tried to get some guys from the village to help me - everyone agrees to help, but they have a hard time remembering to show up ;) The deck is still not complete. Although they did make a new concrete stand for my durotank. Hopefully we get the deck done before I leave ;)
Thanksgiving time! I came in for the holiday. Ula and I had a filled up week, lots of activities! The 25th is Independence Day here too. We went to some bbq's then to all the events down in the city. They had a culture fair (pic are posted on my facebook) it was really cool. The Amer- Indians, Idonisians and the Marrons participated and shared a bit of their culture traditions. I got to get dressed up and go to a wedding for one of Ula's friends. Partys here are so fun, and wedding are a riot - they usually have wedding bands, I get a kick out of the bands. The day before I went back to site we took a road trip to Nikerie. I go East to site, so we went West to where all the rice is produced. It was a really nice day out.
That's a quick recap of the bigger events that happened over the last few months. I've been out at site for the last three weeks and time is just going so quickly!
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