Molo! It was an eventful weekend in East London. Thursday and Friday were rainy and gloomy. Things started to brighten up on Saturday morning, including our schedule. One of Justin’s friends called and asked if we wanted to participate in the surfers challenge. This is a 18 km marathon equaling about 11 miles. The marathon started out years back where paddlers and runners would race to see who could get from point A to point B the fastest. You can enter the race as a paddler, runner, or walker, but if you entered the race as a walker you had to walk, if you got caught running you would be disqualified. The three of us entered the race as walkers unaware of the running rule. This was a fabulous opportunity as we were on the coast majority of the marathon. Well, majority of the marathon Katie and I participated in. That story will come out soon. The challenge we participated in had a lot of walking in the sand and pebbles, (like on the north shore) anyway, this was a nice walk and Katie and I felt as though we were walking at a good pace, “Amber’s American pace. When we entered Gonubie the tide was high and we had to swim across the river. This was not bad as it was very rejuvenating and felt amazing. After our swim we went through Gonubie that was fun as we had onlookers cheer the runners, and walkers on. Well we get through Gonubie we hit the cut off point and were told we would not finish the race in time so to get on the bus and they would give us a ride to the finish. What a disappointment. Katie and I swore up and down that we were walking fast enough to finish this race, maybe not but the experience was wonderful!!!
Saturday night I had some friends call me (well, friends of a friend) to see if I wanted to go out. Luvo and Linge are there names. Luvo asked if we would be interested in attending a braai. I was up for this but Katie and Justin were worn out so I had Linge pick me up to attend this braai! What fun. I got there and there were about 25 people there. Luvo would not come talk to me as he later explained it was because he wanted me to meet people on my own, and that is just what I did. I was the only white person there, which did not bother me one bit. I was very social and introduced myself to others as well as others introducing themselves to me. I met some wonderful people and exchanged some numbers while there. Lux a fellow I met at the braai was so impressed with my handshake. For two reasons, because I did the xhosa handshake, and two because I had a nice grip. It was funny because after we shook hands he was like, where did you learn to shake hands like that? There was another occurrence where a black guy had entered the room I was in, his eyes grew big and he asked, “can I hug you?” I was a bit surprised but of course was not going to pass up a hug, as I don’t get very many here. After our hug he was said, “please don’t be offended but you are the first white woman I have ever hugged!” Later in the evening Luvo told me that everyone was talking about me (in xhosa) and of course I asked what they were saying and he had told me that everyone was so excited how I was interacting with everyone as well as everyone interacting with me…I am hoping this was a compliment. So we are this braai and there is music playing…what does this mean…dancing. Those of you, who know me, know that I am not that comfortable dancing. Well I am especially not going to be comfortable dancing with a crowd of people who have rhythm. So two women ask me to come and dance. I am hesitant and they get me to where everyone is dancing…they told me to show them my moves. I responded politely and said that I was a bit nervous to be dancing with a group of black people and that I really didn’t have any moves to show them. They just laughed, I told them I would take a rain check and Linge stated that it was ok that I was nervous. Thank goodness for that. I also held hands with a few people at the braai. Here in South Africa it is ok to hold hands with anybody. Male to male, female to female, or the opposite sex as friends you can hold hands and it is not portrayed awkward by society. But it does take getting use to when you are not use to this. One of my coworkers held hands with me a few weeks ago when we were out on home visits. Then at the braai I had about three guys just grab my hand, this usually happens when you are walking somewhere or this is what I have noticed/experienced. It always takes me by surprise and then I am like, oh right this is the culture here.
Sunday was another eventful day as we went out with one of Katie’s coworkers and her husband; Sally and Barry, what a wonderful couple. They wanted to show us some beaches that we have not seen yet and then take us out for lunch. We went to a restaurant at Kidd’s beach and I was sitting on the right side of the table as I had a view of the ocean while we were eating! It was fabulous.
Later in the afternoon we went over to another couples house and learned how to make Persian rice. It was delicious! It was fun learning how Nadia makes Persian rice, as well as home maid dressing. We had a wonderful meal with about 12 others and had wonderful conversations. The weekend was full of opportunities and excitement!! Katie, Justin and I are now getting ready for spring break, (12 days to be exact) we plan on renting a car and traveling to Capetown to do some sightseeing, hiking, wine tasting, and checking out the markets! Need to run. Take care.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Hello Everyone, sorry it has taken me a while to updated you.
I will start with the weekend of 9th through the 11th
On Friday we were heading to Fort Hare University to attempt to attend class as it has been a chore with the internet not working with us. Well on the way to campus low and behold my phone was stolen from me. I was somewhat up set at first but then thankful it was not anything else. The only reason one’s phone is stolen is for airtime. Most phones used are pre paid minutes. The dirty little bastards caught me at the right time because I had just put about 50 rand on my phone, a little under $10 worth. I also realize I am lucky as a friend Ben, (mentioned below) was mugged and had 2000 rand stolen, $285. He also was yelling for help but no one would come help him. I have been told by others if you are mugged do not expect help. Everyone will mind their own business.
Justin was invited by some Bahai friends to an African wedding on Saturday. We were all welcome to attend. As we walked in it looked like a traditional American wedding. Needless to say it was far from it. It started an 1 ½ late but that is African time! The prayers and vows were said and then the bride, groom, and party danced up and down the isle and then the majority of the guests started singing, hooting and hollering through out the ceremony it was beautiful. After that some friends and family of the bride and groom got up to talk about marriage and the couple, while this was happening the guests were being served food…yum it was delicious African food!!!
Last week was rough, I was really hating work. Somewhat emotional, what Amber emotional I know!!! We have one car for about ten people and the CPS team gets the car twice a week, but I only go out once a week. I have been setting up meetings to meet with my clients and majority of my meetings I have to cancel because I can never make it. I was suppose to have a meeting on Thursday this meeting was very important as I was struggling to make this appointment with another social worker and finally had to sent a letter to her telling her to set up a time for us to get together or I was going to close the case. None the less she phoned me a few days later and we set up this appointment. My meeting was set for 9:30 am on Thursday. She phoned me precisely at 9:30 am and asked where I was. I had not yet left the agency because the car was out. She said she than had to cancel with me because they were short staffed and she could not wait for me. I was also frustrated because the resources here are very limited. For our clients, research, everything possible we are limited. I voiced my concerns to my supervisor as she tried to ease my frustration but she also stated I need to stop being so hard on myself. Possibly.
This weekend Katie, Justin and I went to Hogsback. Oh how magical it was. We were in the mountains and when we awoke on Saturday morning there was a mist in the mountains and oh how gorgeous. We decided to do some hiking. Ben a friend we ment on Friday night came with as well. We got a map of the trails and went to see some waterfalls. Oh how gorgeous! So gorgeous it took us 7 hours!! It was a fabulous workout! A lot of climbing, and pulling yourself up the hills as well as holding yourself up so you do not fall down the mtn. Well we felt as though the 7 hours of hiking was not enough so we went along to see a secret water fall and then the sunset. The secret waterfall was not as beautiful as the scenery around it. We were basically on this cliff that had a beautiful panoramic view! It was wonderful. Then we did some more climbing and went to a different location for the sunset all I can say is “breath taking”, absolutely stunning.
Work on Monday was better, I defiantly needed the weekend away. I now understand why social workers or any body in that case can never get anything done. I have been working on a case to remove a child from a hospital for a safety placement. The hospital said the child needed to be out by Monday. Ok, so I had a placement and everything set up, went into the hospital on Monday to remove the child they made us wait for three hours before someone came in and said that they did not know what was going on! Talk about communication problems. I talked to the woman and explained the situation to her and she was like, ok I guess that works. Ridiculous!
I hope everyone is doing fine and having a wonderful time. Keep me posted on life when you have time!
I will start with the weekend of 9th through the 11th
On Friday we were heading to Fort Hare University to attempt to attend class as it has been a chore with the internet not working with us. Well on the way to campus low and behold my phone was stolen from me. I was somewhat up set at first but then thankful it was not anything else. The only reason one’s phone is stolen is for airtime. Most phones used are pre paid minutes. The dirty little bastards caught me at the right time because I had just put about 50 rand on my phone, a little under $10 worth. I also realize I am lucky as a friend Ben, (mentioned below) was mugged and had 2000 rand stolen, $285. He also was yelling for help but no one would come help him. I have been told by others if you are mugged do not expect help. Everyone will mind their own business.
Justin was invited by some Bahai friends to an African wedding on Saturday. We were all welcome to attend. As we walked in it looked like a traditional American wedding. Needless to say it was far from it. It started an 1 ½ late but that is African time! The prayers and vows were said and then the bride, groom, and party danced up and down the isle and then the majority of the guests started singing, hooting and hollering through out the ceremony it was beautiful. After that some friends and family of the bride and groom got up to talk about marriage and the couple, while this was happening the guests were being served food…yum it was delicious African food!!!
Last week was rough, I was really hating work. Somewhat emotional, what Amber emotional I know!!! We have one car for about ten people and the CPS team gets the car twice a week, but I only go out once a week. I have been setting up meetings to meet with my clients and majority of my meetings I have to cancel because I can never make it. I was suppose to have a meeting on Thursday this meeting was very important as I was struggling to make this appointment with another social worker and finally had to sent a letter to her telling her to set up a time for us to get together or I was going to close the case. None the less she phoned me a few days later and we set up this appointment. My meeting was set for 9:30 am on Thursday. She phoned me precisely at 9:30 am and asked where I was. I had not yet left the agency because the car was out. She said she than had to cancel with me because they were short staffed and she could not wait for me. I was also frustrated because the resources here are very limited. For our clients, research, everything possible we are limited. I voiced my concerns to my supervisor as she tried to ease my frustration but she also stated I need to stop being so hard on myself. Possibly.
This weekend Katie, Justin and I went to Hogsback. Oh how magical it was. We were in the mountains and when we awoke on Saturday morning there was a mist in the mountains and oh how gorgeous. We decided to do some hiking. Ben a friend we ment on Friday night came with as well. We got a map of the trails and went to see some waterfalls. Oh how gorgeous! So gorgeous it took us 7 hours!! It was a fabulous workout! A lot of climbing, and pulling yourself up the hills as well as holding yourself up so you do not fall down the mtn. Well we felt as though the 7 hours of hiking was not enough so we went along to see a secret water fall and then the sunset. The secret waterfall was not as beautiful as the scenery around it. We were basically on this cliff that had a beautiful panoramic view! It was wonderful. Then we did some more climbing and went to a different location for the sunset all I can say is “breath taking”, absolutely stunning.
Work on Monday was better, I defiantly needed the weekend away. I now understand why social workers or any body in that case can never get anything done. I have been working on a case to remove a child from a hospital for a safety placement. The hospital said the child needed to be out by Monday. Ok, so I had a placement and everything set up, went into the hospital on Monday to remove the child they made us wait for three hours before someone came in and said that they did not know what was going on! Talk about communication problems. I talked to the woman and explained the situation to her and she was like, ok I guess that works. Ridiculous!
I hope everyone is doing fine and having a wonderful time. Keep me posted on life when you have time!
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Cultural Opps
Cultural Opps
I was at work this week and was drinking some tea and I heard Sister Somana ask who was using her tea cup. Apparently I was, unaware of it. She had stated, “Amber, in our culture one never uses an elder’s things.” I responded that I was sorry and would not do this again. I was unaware I was using her cup because we have two shelves of cups in the cupboard, the bottom shelf is cups that people brought in to use, and the cups on the top shelf are cups that anyone can use. Well now I know!! And I am glad she has informed me of this.
Work this week as been slow. I had one of my clients come in this week for an office visit. It went well as far as language barriers go…but she defiantly is not happy with the system. She asked me if I feel like a real human being at the end of the day after I am done filling out my reports.
During one of our lunches I was chatting with Tando and Thimbakazi about food and authentic African food. They told me that next time we go out on home visits we can stop where they are cooking lamb, lamb head that is and try some of it. They tell me it is delicious. We will see. Although Smacky who works in the foster care program said some time before May she will show us how to clean the lamb head, cook it and eat it! That may be more of an experience.
I went to go visit one of my clients in the hospital today. He is the four month old I have mentioned earlier. Well I go into the ward he was at last week and they told me they moved him to a different ward. I go to the ward the child is suppose to be at, and he is not there. I asked where this child was because this is what I was told. Both wards were unable to tell me where this child was located at. They had no documentation on where he was located at. I had to call the social worker from the hospital and she told me the ward that the child was in.
So there are three student social workers, working at the agency. And one of them drives me up the wall. No, it is not Justin, although that could be possible at one point in this trip. Hehe. His name is Speech, and I just go crazy. Do not get me wrong he is a very nice guy and a gentleman. So, Monday Speech and I are in our office and I am trying to write some of my progress notes. Speech starts talking to me about confidentially and how important it is, and how to use the internet. He has gone off on other topics as well but any topic he brings up he explains it like I know nothing about it. He treats both Justin and I as if we do not understand ANYTHING. I know I am in a foreign country and there is going to be some things I do not understand. But explaining internet to me like I have no clue what it is. Ridiculous. This is really what drives me up the wall and those of you who really know me will understand. If something falls on the floor or the door needs to be opened he will do it. He always tells me to sit down. The other day I was shutting the shades to our office and he is like, “Amber, why don’t you have me do that.” I told him that was ok I could handle it. Than today they were moving things around the office and I was going to help but Speech stopped me and said, “No, Amber you sit down and relax.” Sorry but I don’t think I can watch people work and just relax. I left the office. Saartjie
(Sar-kee) told me this is how they work in SA, and to relax while I can. We will see about that.
Gotta run. Hope everyone is doing well! Miss you!
I was at work this week and was drinking some tea and I heard Sister Somana ask who was using her tea cup. Apparently I was, unaware of it. She had stated, “Amber, in our culture one never uses an elder’s things.” I responded that I was sorry and would not do this again. I was unaware I was using her cup because we have two shelves of cups in the cupboard, the bottom shelf is cups that people brought in to use, and the cups on the top shelf are cups that anyone can use. Well now I know!! And I am glad she has informed me of this.
Work this week as been slow. I had one of my clients come in this week for an office visit. It went well as far as language barriers go…but she defiantly is not happy with the system. She asked me if I feel like a real human being at the end of the day after I am done filling out my reports.
During one of our lunches I was chatting with Tando and Thimbakazi about food and authentic African food. They told me that next time we go out on home visits we can stop where they are cooking lamb, lamb head that is and try some of it. They tell me it is delicious. We will see. Although Smacky who works in the foster care program said some time before May she will show us how to clean the lamb head, cook it and eat it! That may be more of an experience.
I went to go visit one of my clients in the hospital today. He is the four month old I have mentioned earlier. Well I go into the ward he was at last week and they told me they moved him to a different ward. I go to the ward the child is suppose to be at, and he is not there. I asked where this child was because this is what I was told. Both wards were unable to tell me where this child was located at. They had no documentation on where he was located at. I had to call the social worker from the hospital and she told me the ward that the child was in.
So there are three student social workers, working at the agency. And one of them drives me up the wall. No, it is not Justin, although that could be possible at one point in this trip. Hehe. His name is Speech, and I just go crazy. Do not get me wrong he is a very nice guy and a gentleman. So, Monday Speech and I are in our office and I am trying to write some of my progress notes. Speech starts talking to me about confidentially and how important it is, and how to use the internet. He has gone off on other topics as well but any topic he brings up he explains it like I know nothing about it. He treats both Justin and I as if we do not understand ANYTHING. I know I am in a foreign country and there is going to be some things I do not understand. But explaining internet to me like I have no clue what it is. Ridiculous. This is really what drives me up the wall and those of you who really know me will understand. If something falls on the floor or the door needs to be opened he will do it. He always tells me to sit down. The other day I was shutting the shades to our office and he is like, “Amber, why don’t you have me do that.” I told him that was ok I could handle it. Than today they were moving things around the office and I was going to help but Speech stopped me and said, “No, Amber you sit down and relax.” Sorry but I don’t think I can watch people work and just relax. I left the office. Saartjie
(Sar-kee) told me this is how they work in SA, and to relax while I can. We will see about that.
Gotta run. Hope everyone is doing well! Miss you!
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Work
Hello everyone! Just wanted to drop everyone a quick note and inform you of the knowledge I am obtaining. This week I have visited a few agencies to learn what services and programs they provide as well as how they work with child welfare. I found out from the hospital social worker that transplants are not that common here. They had one kidney transplant in South Africa last year. I asked if people are aware of what becoming a donor will do for someone. She stated that people know but with the Xhosa culture you need to be buried with all your organs, if not it is believed that your ancestors will not be fond of you, if you do donate your organs. I also found out by a social worker today that the Eastern Cape is the poorest province in SA. During the apartheid unfortunate individuals were told to come to this area. This is why the Eastern Cape is underdeveloped compared to other provinces (this is what I was told).
Tuesday was a rough day at work. There were two adorable boys (6 and 7 years old) that were brought in by two family members (mother neglecting the children) and told Thimbakazi that they did not want the boys anymore and it was either we take them and do something with them or they were going to be left on the street. When the boys were left it was so said to see their faces, I couldn’t imagine how they were feeling as they listened to not being wanted by their family members.
On Thursday I had the chance to go to the hospital and see one of my clients (a 4 month old baby boy). I went in there and asked where the babies were located and received directions. Once I entered the baby wing I asked which one was my client and they pointed to him, didn't ask who I was, what I was doing, or anything. Interesting to see how easy it is to see someone at a hospital here. The child is adorable and as his social worker the next steps I will take is to find a safe home for him.
All for now. Hope everyone is well. Take care and keep me updated.
Tuesday was a rough day at work. There were two adorable boys (6 and 7 years old) that were brought in by two family members (mother neglecting the children) and told Thimbakazi that they did not want the boys anymore and it was either we take them and do something with them or they were going to be left on the street. When the boys were left it was so said to see their faces, I couldn’t imagine how they were feeling as they listened to not being wanted by their family members.
On Thursday I had the chance to go to the hospital and see one of my clients (a 4 month old baby boy). I went in there and asked where the babies were located and received directions. Once I entered the baby wing I asked which one was my client and they pointed to him, didn't ask who I was, what I was doing, or anything. Interesting to see how easy it is to see someone at a hospital here. The child is adorable and as his social worker the next steps I will take is to find a safe home for him.
All for now. Hope everyone is well. Take care and keep me updated.
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