Surprise Holiday!

Hello all! Sorry it has taken me a while to write, but I have been a bit busy lately. As some of you know, I was surprised with a trip back to the states for the holidays and am sitting in the Miami airport waiting to fly back to Suriname as I write this. When I arrived to the capital on the 17th of December, Joe was there a day early to surprise me. And then he surprised me again by asking if I wanted to go somewhere for x-mas. I think he means out to a nice dinner, and then he says “How about America?”. At first I was speechless, but then I was thrilled! So, we went to visit his family in Florida over Christmas and spent some time over New Year’s in KC and St. Joseph. It was so good to see people that I’d been missing and to meet Joe’s family. We both decided to surprise our families, Joe jumped out of the back of his dad’s car and his mom was definitely surprised. I scared my mom while she was vacuuming, and then ‘crashed’ dinner with my dad the next day. He was pretty speechless for all of dinner and my grandmother thought she was seeing things. It was entertaining to see the shocked looks on their faces- since I had talked to them all when I was in Florida over Christmas and told them I was still in Suriname, homesick and lonely. I felt bad about the little white lies, but a few days later it was worth it. It makes it difficult to go back to Suriname after having such a good time. Even though I’ve been gone nearly 8 months, it at times seemed as if I’d never left. Of course there were a lot of things that I needed to be updated on, but after that, things were just as they’d always been.

The last few weeks when I was at my site I made it a point to visit with villager that I hadn’t met with in a while. It was interesting to talk with them and work on my language. I also helped a neighbor with her roof. She has a thatch roof, so she had spent the previous week gathering leaves from the jungle. There was a group of about 7 other women and myself helping her. I was surprised that it only took about 3hours to complete it. In the few days following that, I spent my time cleaning my house and yard so when I returned from the city, it wouldn’t be overgrown. The villagers are very adamant about me hoeing my yard and removing nearly all signs of green life, and I got many ‘lessons’ on how to do it the correct Saramaccan way. I never realized how tiresome it was- especially in 95 degree weather.

So, in a few days I’ll be meeting with PAHO and The National Women’s Group to discuss first steps in regards to obtaining funding for running water, casaba and rice mills. There are also organizations that will come to the villages to help train the women in how to make items to generate income. Then, with this income they will be able to save up for the required amount they must contribute for the various projects. I have mentioned the idea to some of the villagers and they seemed open to making other items than kosus, such as jewelry, so I plan on meeting with the organizations that can help with this. I’ve been told that it is very difficult to get things done during the month of December, as a lot of people are out of their offices or on vacation, so I am hoping that by the time I return to Suriname I will be able to talk with some of the organizations. I am also planning on finally starting English lessons. I have to admit that I had been putting them off until I feel comfortable with my language, but know that I will never be fluent so I may as well start soon.

I am feeling a bit refreshed after having this break, but am still worrisome about the motivation of my village, especially since I’ve been gone. Often, if a volunteer leaves the village, then no project work gets done, so I am hoping that any possible motivation that was building within the people hasn’t diminished. There is so much of a challenge in getting the people to understand how they can benefit from things, but they themselves must have some input. My mind keeps going back to a young mother. I asked her if she worked with the women’s group (which is the group that will be working with me for these projects) and she said no. I asked why not and she shrugged and said she was busy. After being in this culture I do understand that the villagers must work to live. Many of them are content with what they have in their lives, so it is difficult to help them understand how a little work, or even simply attending a few meetings can help not only their lives but their children’s lives as well. Things that we would think make obvious sense to us are completely ridiculous and far-fetched to them. I am hoping that after meeting with the organizations and having some sound steps that we need to follow, I will be able to finally begin working with the village on these projects.

I am so glad that I was able to visit with everyone over the holidays! I had been planning on a visit back home for Nic’s wedding in September, so it was nice to get a chance to go back 8 months earlier. I think Joe and I really had a great time visiting with everyone, eating delicious food, taking warm showers and sleeping in comfy beds. It is amazing to think of the ‘luxuries’ of living in the states and how I’ve gotten used to living without them-but I must admit that I’d much rather be able to go for sushi and use a washing machine whenever I wanted!

Girls- it was so good to see you! Nic-thanks for the sushi but I promise you sometime I will actually pay for your dinner instead! Beth – I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you more but NYE really did me in! Elgin and Rachel and Frank-thanks for the help with the surprises! All my fam – it was so good to actually see you and I miss you already. The Adams’-thank you for welcoming me into your home! I appreciate everything at it was so nice to meet you!

Next time you hear from me (Around Feb. 5th) I’ll be in Suriname and I hope to be updating you on my progress. As nice as it sometimes is to just relax down here, I am definitely ready to get to work!