Friday, December 01, 2006
Hi all. Well, I love the 17 posts, and feel totally shamed by Alisa's (I could never, ever live up to that image, oh my dear, Alisa!!). Murakoze cyane. Life has gotten busy, electricity scare, and posting harder, but I will do my best.
I am enjoying the nuances of language and what that reflects about culture. When a child is about 8 days old, (s)he goes for a baby naming ceremony. The entire community gets a say in the name. One favorite of a little girl from work who literally does not stop crying, is called "Wanumwiza", which translates to: "do not make her cry"! How appropriate. : ) Another example: the word for a housewarming in Kinyarwanda, translates directly to: "chase the mice away"!!! Though, I have seen far more cockroaches, grasshoppers, geckos, and rats, then mice. On a side note, grasshoppers (cooked) are quite a snack delight here. I will let you know once I have tried one.
I have just returned from a conference for physical therapists (PTs) and technicians from all over Rwanda and DRC. In the closing speech, Doctor L., compared the therapy team to the holy trinity. The doctor being "the father", the PT being "the son", and the technician who builds the equipment being "the holy ghost". People really seemed to appreciate this analogy. Although, I hear often that Rwandese culture exhibits an extreme heirarchy between men and women and between people of different professional posts, I would have to say that my experience has been the opposite. I cannot imagine a similar meeting in the US, where the doctor would refer to his PT colleagues regarding therapy questions and would be a participant instead of a presentor for most of the sessions.
I enjoyed my time and even learned something (though all presentations were in French). I did discover that nuns here can be quite cliquey (how is that spelled?) and forceful in their affections. I still exhibit a bruise on my right forearm from a nun, shouting, "Jurilya", and pulling me to her. Oh, just to clarify, apparently, there are many nuns in Africa who are also PTs.
Ok, love the comments - hope all is well. Oh, and for those of you updated on the political situation regarding Rwanda and France, I am feeling much better. No one has asked me for days if I am French. Ntakibazo (no problem).
I am enjoying the nuances of language and what that reflects about culture. When a child is about 8 days old, (s)he goes for a baby naming ceremony. The entire community gets a say in the name. One favorite of a little girl from work who literally does not stop crying, is called "Wanumwiza", which translates to: "do not make her cry"! How appropriate. : ) Another example: the word for a housewarming in Kinyarwanda, translates directly to: "chase the mice away"!!! Though, I have seen far more cockroaches, grasshoppers, geckos, and rats, then mice. On a side note, grasshoppers (cooked) are quite a snack delight here. I will let you know once I have tried one.
I have just returned from a conference for physical therapists (PTs) and technicians from all over Rwanda and DRC. In the closing speech, Doctor L., compared the therapy team to the holy trinity. The doctor being "the father", the PT being "the son", and the technician who builds the equipment being "the holy ghost". People really seemed to appreciate this analogy. Although, I hear often that Rwandese culture exhibits an extreme heirarchy between men and women and between people of different professional posts, I would have to say that my experience has been the opposite. I cannot imagine a similar meeting in the US, where the doctor would refer to his PT colleagues regarding therapy questions and would be a participant instead of a presentor for most of the sessions.
I enjoyed my time and even learned something (though all presentations were in French). I did discover that nuns here can be quite cliquey (how is that spelled?) and forceful in their affections. I still exhibit a bruise on my right forearm from a nun, shouting, "Jurilya", and pulling me to her. Oh, just to clarify, apparently, there are many nuns in Africa who are also PTs.
Ok, love the comments - hope all is well. Oh, and for those of you updated on the political situation regarding Rwanda and France, I am feeling much better. No one has asked me for days if I am French. Ntakibazo (no problem).
# posted by Julie @ 1:21 AM 
Comments:
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jul,
i'm so excited to be the first one to write a comment, i'm usually so behind the times! your training sounds very interesting at least! who knew- nuns are PTs?
not too much new here, jonathan has been really busy w/ school, so i've had to stay up late at night to see him, and then i don't feel like getting out of bed to go to the gym, but i've been doing it anyway...
except today, when i decided carrying a laptop and my gym stuff on the train was just too much during a snowstorm. so i might have to leave early and do the stairmaster!
other than that, trying to just get ourselves together for our trip to london :) jonathan and i might try to have a date tonight. i'm sure you are excited that you and joe get to have lots of dates in 2 weeks!!!!! i'm very excited for you :)
ok, off to interview the families of kids with diabetes. hope you are well, and i'll try to call you soon,
jennie
i'm so excited to be the first one to write a comment, i'm usually so behind the times! your training sounds very interesting at least! who knew- nuns are PTs?
not too much new here, jonathan has been really busy w/ school, so i've had to stay up late at night to see him, and then i don't feel like getting out of bed to go to the gym, but i've been doing it anyway...
except today, when i decided carrying a laptop and my gym stuff on the train was just too much during a snowstorm. so i might have to leave early and do the stairmaster!
other than that, trying to just get ourselves together for our trip to london :) jonathan and i might try to have a date tonight. i'm sure you are excited that you and joe get to have lots of dates in 2 weeks!!!!! i'm very excited for you :)
ok, off to interview the families of kids with diabetes. hope you are well, and i'll try to call you soon,
jennie
# posted by 
: 7:38 AM
: 7:38 AM
We are so excited to receive a letter from you!!! And, we will reply ;)
I love reading your blog, I missed the last entry - but now that I caught up, I seem to have missed some photos - I'll nag your mom or sisters for them.
I love reading about your adventures and your stories are definately colorful and amazing. What an incredible experience...and I think the count down must be on, with Joe coming so soon.
Make sure he gives you lots of hugs and kisses from us!
Love,
Sherri, Barry, Logan, Katelyn and Evan
I love reading your blog, I missed the last entry - but now that I caught up, I seem to have missed some photos - I'll nag your mom or sisters for them.
I love reading about your adventures and your stories are definately colorful and amazing. What an incredible experience...and I think the count down must be on, with Joe coming so soon.
Make sure he gives you lots of hugs and kisses from us!
Love,
Sherri, Barry, Logan, Katelyn and Evan
# posted by : 9:46 AM
: 9:46 AM
hi juls-
jason and i just read your last entry together...we first wanted to thank you for the letter (jason's first b-day card!). i resolved to start writing you actual letters, but of course have yet to put my pen to paper (sorry!). we had a spontaneous date night tonight -- ethiopian and then movie at grand lake theater.."bobby" which we both really enjoyed. it's the story of bobby kennedy's assassination and the lives of others affected. recommend highly for when you return. there's also a movie out here calle "the last king of scotland" which is a quasi biography about Idi Amin...we're hoping to see that sometime soon. jason is curious if that movie is talked about there seeing as it's about a neighboring country's leader.
well, we miss you lots. jason is wishing you "happy times" with joe. so am i, but in a cleaner way. :)
we love you!
love,
allie and jason
jason and i just read your last entry together...we first wanted to thank you for the letter (jason's first b-day card!). i resolved to start writing you actual letters, but of course have yet to put my pen to paper (sorry!). we had a spontaneous date night tonight -- ethiopian and then movie at grand lake theater.."bobby" which we both really enjoyed. it's the story of bobby kennedy's assassination and the lives of others affected. recommend highly for when you return. there's also a movie out here calle "the last king of scotland" which is a quasi biography about Idi Amin...we're hoping to see that sometime soon. jason is curious if that movie is talked about there seeing as it's about a neighboring country's leader.
well, we miss you lots. jason is wishing you "happy times" with joe. so am i, but in a cleaner way. :)
we love you!
love,
allie and jason
# posted by : 9:12 PM
: 9:12 PM
hey jules -
so glad to read your latest update and receive your letters ! dad esp enjoys hearing from you and i'm working on getting him to write you. i love seeing the images you posted and can't wait to see more. last night, 12/3/06 60 mins did a piece on current challenges in rwanda. a young woman, who has become an international spokeperson for moving forward (thru remmembering the genocide, practicing forgiveness and balancing the racial divisiveness) was highlighted. i'll try to forward the website link and maybe you can watch it.
az and my sw trip were a perfect break. loved the upledger hct training - signed up for part 2 next fall in mn. martina and i had several amazing red rock hikes in sedona (her daughter hannah is 6, has quite a humorous character, and helped me with my german) - without scorpions, rattlesnakes or tarantulas (not in season-we were told ?) visited flw scottsdale sites and soleri's arcosanti. the high 80's temps, clear skies and crisp eves every day were even a bit unseasonable for them. back east temps have dropped (40's) to be winter like finally! 70's and sunny every day as it had been was too strange for our winter!
had a celebration for karabelo's 2nd and sally's 60th this weekend. sally and i visited an extensive creative book art exhibit at the womens museum, and joseph cornell (collage and assemblage works over the past 70 years) and wm christenberry exhibits at the american art museum. with the holidays coming, planning to be in manhattan for christmas and seeing your mom and dad in south jersey in 2 weeks.
saw the kids last night and am blown away at they are all learning and growing so quickly ! logan is reading really well, katelyn is agile and flexible - loving her gymnatics, and also loving to read; and ev is so into learning everything esp hebrew, talking about the soul and g-d in the stars. they miss you and we talk about your adventures.
have a wonderful time time sharing your community and friends with joe when he arrives shortly. have a very safe time exploring new territory together. sending you lots of love, xoxox bev
so glad to read your latest update and receive your letters ! dad esp enjoys hearing from you and i'm working on getting him to write you. i love seeing the images you posted and can't wait to see more. last night, 12/3/06 60 mins did a piece on current challenges in rwanda. a young woman, who has become an international spokeperson for moving forward (thru remmembering the genocide, practicing forgiveness and balancing the racial divisiveness) was highlighted. i'll try to forward the website link and maybe you can watch it.
az and my sw trip were a perfect break. loved the upledger hct training - signed up for part 2 next fall in mn. martina and i had several amazing red rock hikes in sedona (her daughter hannah is 6, has quite a humorous character, and helped me with my german) - without scorpions, rattlesnakes or tarantulas (not in season-we were told ?) visited flw scottsdale sites and soleri's arcosanti. the high 80's temps, clear skies and crisp eves every day were even a bit unseasonable for them. back east temps have dropped (40's) to be winter like finally! 70's and sunny every day as it had been was too strange for our winter!
had a celebration for karabelo's 2nd and sally's 60th this weekend. sally and i visited an extensive creative book art exhibit at the womens museum, and joseph cornell (collage and assemblage works over the past 70 years) and wm christenberry exhibits at the american art museum. with the holidays coming, planning to be in manhattan for christmas and seeing your mom and dad in south jersey in 2 weeks.
saw the kids last night and am blown away at they are all learning and growing so quickly ! logan is reading really well, katelyn is agile and flexible - loving her gymnatics, and also loving to read; and ev is so into learning everything esp hebrew, talking about the soul and g-d in the stars. they miss you and we talk about your adventures.
have a wonderful time time sharing your community and friends with joe when he arrives shortly. have a very safe time exploring new territory together. sending you lots of love, xoxox bev
# posted by : 6:58 AM
: 6:58 AM
That's what I get for waiting three days to read your blog --- so many people got their comments in ahead of me. I'm going to 'teach' Dad tonight how to access your blog and hopefully, he'll write you something also.
We didn't call last night because we had just talked to you on Friday. We will resume our Weds/Sun schedule this Wednesday, OK? We've been busy trying to get our act together on this trip. I think we have the dates nailed down pretty well -- most likely will arrive in Arusha on Tuesday, 5/22, start a safari on Weds., 5/23, return from safari and go to Rwanda Weds., 5/30 and leave for home (from Kigali) on Tues., 6/5. That may get adjusted by a day or two one way or the other depending on flight schedules, safari schedules and itineraries, and Allie. There's a pretty good chance that Allie will fly in and out of Columbus for her May/June trip. If she does, she can take my car for her travels and won't have to rent one. (That's why her schedule may affect our dates a little bit.) She may, however, get stuck with picking us up at the airport when we get back, if she's here by then! We have narrowed the tour operators down to four maybes and four others more likely. We're trying to think up all the questions to ask that will help us make up our minds. Any suggestions?
I know you're very excited to see Joe in less than 2 weeks! Don't forget to find something you can do that we can treat you both to as your Xmas/Chanukah present --- please make it something special, that you wouldn't have done otherwise.
I am now officially late for work, so I'd better go. We will talk to you in a couple of days.
Love,
Mom
We didn't call last night because we had just talked to you on Friday. We will resume our Weds/Sun schedule this Wednesday, OK? We've been busy trying to get our act together on this trip. I think we have the dates nailed down pretty well -- most likely will arrive in Arusha on Tuesday, 5/22, start a safari on Weds., 5/23, return from safari and go to Rwanda Weds., 5/30 and leave for home (from Kigali) on Tues., 6/5. That may get adjusted by a day or two one way or the other depending on flight schedules, safari schedules and itineraries, and Allie. There's a pretty good chance that Allie will fly in and out of Columbus for her May/June trip. If she does, she can take my car for her travels and won't have to rent one. (That's why her schedule may affect our dates a little bit.) She may, however, get stuck with picking us up at the airport when we get back, if she's here by then! We have narrowed the tour operators down to four maybes and four others more likely. We're trying to think up all the questions to ask that will help us make up our minds. Any suggestions?
I know you're very excited to see Joe in less than 2 weeks! Don't forget to find something you can do that we can treat you both to as your Xmas/Chanukah present --- please make it something special, that you wouldn't have done otherwise.
I am now officially late for work, so I'd better go. We will talk to you in a couple of days.
Love,
Mom
# posted by : 7:38 AM
: 7:38 AM
jul
i am so out of the loop! apparently joe is coming to visit. why am i always the last to know?
only two months left of work for me!! two weeks off for christmas break and we are going to stay at a friends batch (read: very very rustic vacation home, camping on the lawn outside) in golden bay, a few hours away right on the beach.
went to a travel agent yesterday to finally get things underway. as much as we would have so loved to come see you on our trip, our funds won't get us that far. i just saw yve's pics from africa and they were unbelievably beautiful. one day...but we are going to greece, which i remember you talking about, and costa rica, so gotta get some good details from you on that one.
i still want to know exactly how to text you. rachel diller: if you are reading this, how did you do it?
stephanie (chef from back to earth) is coming to stay with us on friday. our first house visitor. jon's parents were here a few weeks ago for a while. went hiking with them. pretty fun but, oy vey! all jewish mothers are the same.
ok. love you lots and miss you more
gayleah
i am so out of the loop! apparently joe is coming to visit. why am i always the last to know?
only two months left of work for me!! two weeks off for christmas break and we are going to stay at a friends batch (read: very very rustic vacation home, camping on the lawn outside) in golden bay, a few hours away right on the beach.
went to a travel agent yesterday to finally get things underway. as much as we would have so loved to come see you on our trip, our funds won't get us that far. i just saw yve's pics from africa and they were unbelievably beautiful. one day...but we are going to greece, which i remember you talking about, and costa rica, so gotta get some good details from you on that one.
i still want to know exactly how to text you. rachel diller: if you are reading this, how did you do it?
stephanie (chef from back to earth) is coming to stay with us on friday. our first house visitor. jon's parents were here a few weeks ago for a while. went hiking with them. pretty fun but, oy vey! all jewish mothers are the same.
ok. love you lots and miss you more
gayleah
# posted by : 7:58 PM
: 7:58 PM
Muraho from Vancouver! Amakuru? I got home from Africa about 10 days ago and jsut found your blog. Remember Nicole from the widow's village? Well she was here on the weekend! Some Vancouverites saw a special on CBC on her and the village and invited her to come here so they could do a fund raiser. Well the people who invited her turned out to be people I knew (this was unbenownst to me at the time as I was in Rwanda). The fund raising was a huge success and she now has enough money to buy a generator, truck, pay the rent for 3 years, get lots of sewing machines for the widows, feed all the ones who are too sick or old to work and on and on. It was amazing. I am going to be the nutrition consultant for the village which I am looking forward to as it will keep me involved with those incredible women. Hopefully will do the same for a UN project I was at in Mayange. When your parents come you should take them to see Nicole's village.
I am getting used to life back here although have even less tolerance for whining than I had before Rwanda. Is Jeanette still in Kibungo?
Sounds like you are doing well from what I have read. I hope one day you will get back to Vancouver as I really enjoyed meeting you.
Send me a message if you get can judym@telus.net. All the best! Judy
I am getting used to life back here although have even less tolerance for whining than I had before Rwanda. Is Jeanette still in Kibungo?
Sounds like you are doing well from what I have read. I hope one day you will get back to Vancouver as I really enjoyed meeting you.
Send me a message if you get can judym@telus.net. All the best! Judy
# posted by : 8:12 PM
: 8:12 PM
Birdie,
A Daily Show reporter said "halvsi" last week; Al also said "what not." That's so me-mont.
B. Guy
A Daily Show reporter said "halvsi" last week; Al also said "what not." That's so me-mont.
B. Guy
# posted by : 10:05 PM
: 10:05 PM
Sorry Julie. Didn't mean to shame you...but I am still sticking to what I wrote. If you want to delete the comment, I will not be mad, but will think you are silly. Have so much fun with Joe.
Alisa
Alisa
# posted by : 9:12 PM
: 9:12 PM
Hi Jules,
I'm so glad to hear from you-I'm not used to the time lapse in your entries. There is a thai restaurant in LA that serves crickets. A couple of friends ordered them and said they were tasty. Maybe you will like them as well. I thought about you the other day because there was a segment on the Today show about an organization that imports crafts from Rwanda and sells them at Macy's. The proceeds have apparently done a lot to help the women artists and their work looked beautiful. Everything is going well here and I'm getting ready for the holidays. Kevin and I are also planning a trip to Spain in April while I am off work for passover. We are really excited! I also think a couple of friends are traveling soon to Rwanda for the gorilla treking. I have to find out where they are going, but if it is close to you I will be very jealous. Take care and have a wonderful time with Joe. I miss you a lot and I will call you soon. Lots of love, Laurie
I'm so glad to hear from you-I'm not used to the time lapse in your entries. There is a thai restaurant in LA that serves crickets. A couple of friends ordered them and said they were tasty. Maybe you will like them as well. I thought about you the other day because there was a segment on the Today show about an organization that imports crafts from Rwanda and sells them at Macy's. The proceeds have apparently done a lot to help the women artists and their work looked beautiful. Everything is going well here and I'm getting ready for the holidays. Kevin and I are also planning a trip to Spain in April while I am off work for passover. We are really excited! I also think a couple of friends are traveling soon to Rwanda for the gorilla treking. I have to find out where they are going, but if it is close to you I will be very jealous. Take care and have a wonderful time with Joe. I miss you a lot and I will call you soon. Lots of love, Laurie
# posted by : 5:44 PM
: 5:44 PM
Hey Julie,
I forgot where I had saved your blog address, and it appeared this evening as I am looking for recupes on lamb stew. Anyway, it's awesome to hear your voice via your words; I love reading your stories and getting a feel that you are doing what you do best; connecting with people and exploring the things you love; even faraway. Things here are still in baby land, almost three months old and 15+ lbs. Such a trip, but well worth the journey as he's passed out on my spit-up on sweatshirt.
Well I send you (and Joe) so many blessings and will keep my eyes peeled for another post.
Love to you always,
becca
I forgot where I had saved your blog address, and it appeared this evening as I am looking for recupes on lamb stew. Anyway, it's awesome to hear your voice via your words; I love reading your stories and getting a feel that you are doing what you do best; connecting with people and exploring the things you love; even faraway. Things here are still in baby land, almost three months old and 15+ lbs. Such a trip, but well worth the journey as he's passed out on my spit-up on sweatshirt.
Well I send you (and Joe) so many blessings and will keep my eyes peeled for another post.
Love to you always,
becca
# posted by : 6:13 PM
: 6:13 PM
Hi Jewel,
Sorry I don't post very often! I swear...running after an almost 2 year old leaves me about 15 minutes per day of personal time and being 5 months pregnant I must spend 10 of those minutes going pee.
Nothing much new, we had an ultrasound a few weeks ago, did I tell you? This time they are very certain that it will be a boy. We are getting ready for Christmas. This year Nathan's mom and my family will all be here at the same time. I have my doubts that this will be a success, but we'll see. Hopefully the spirit of peace and good will will help everyone overcome any homicidal thoughts. :)
Your posts are really amazing. I would love to experience half of what you've done. You are very lucky. I would love to see your pictures, I think you have my e mail address.
Anyhow, I was thinking of you and wanted to send you a quick message. Have fun with Joe, and hope to hear more from you soon.
Love
Kassi
Sorry I don't post very often! I swear...running after an almost 2 year old leaves me about 15 minutes per day of personal time and being 5 months pregnant I must spend 10 of those minutes going pee.
Nothing much new, we had an ultrasound a few weeks ago, did I tell you? This time they are very certain that it will be a boy. We are getting ready for Christmas. This year Nathan's mom and my family will all be here at the same time. I have my doubts that this will be a success, but we'll see. Hopefully the spirit of peace and good will will help everyone overcome any homicidal thoughts. :)
Your posts are really amazing. I would love to experience half of what you've done. You are very lucky. I would love to see your pictures, I think you have my e mail address.
Anyhow, I was thinking of you and wanted to send you a quick message. Have fun with Joe, and hope to hear more from you soon.
Love
Kassi
# posted by : 6:49 PM
: 6:49 PM
Juls,
one more thing...I forgot to tell you...our new tagline for DbD is "All Children, All Abilities." What do you think? alex came up iwth it...I thought is was great! Alex and ben constantly ask about you btw. Hope today's photoshoot went well!??!? ok...gotta run.
jess
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one more thing...I forgot to tell you...our new tagline for DbD is "All Children, All Abilities." What do you think? alex came up iwth it...I thought is was great! Alex and ben constantly ask about you btw. Hope today's photoshoot went well!??!? ok...gotta run.
jess
# posted by : 5:13 PM
: 5:13 PM << Home
