Many people glamorize traveling, but I must attest that there are hardships that come with it. What amazes me about human beings is that no matter how bad the conditions get, we always find a way of dealing with it. There are many commodities people here don't even know exist, and I have to admit that I haven't really needed them. The only commodity I have been missing a bit is my shower. Here are two pictures (inside view and outside view)
of what the people in the communities consider a great shower. Today we woke up to no electricity or water (running or drinking). It was hard getting ready for church under those conditions, but we did it. People here wear the most simple things to church. It
definitely is not a "fashion show" or beauty contest. That has been a relief because I centainly am in no condition to enter one of the those at this point of the trip. I am also attaching a picture here of the lizard that lives with us (unwelcomed guest he is).
I worry about waking up with
a lizard in my bed everyday. So far, so good. So far I have had many encounters with "creatures". I almost stepped on a dead rat the other day, and yesterday I sat down on a step and got ambushed by a swarm of red biting ants. They even got in my hair and I had to get some assistance getting them out. The really funny thing is that I love being here. I love Mozambique. I don't need entertainment, makeup, nice clothes, or any other commodities here because nobody expects them or cares if you have them or not. People here value people. Everyone says hi to everyone on the street. People are extremely nice and peaceful. People enjoy the very basic simple things life has to offer us. In my opinion, there are so many beautiful things we can enjoy in life, but the very best simple thing life has to offer us is our connection as human beings to each other.
of what the people in the communities consider a great shower. Today we woke up to no electricity or water (running or drinking). It was hard getting ready for church under those conditions, but we did it. People here wear the most simple things to church. It
definitely is not a "fashion show" or beauty contest. That has been a relief because I centainly am in no condition to enter one of the those at this point of the trip. I am also attaching a picture here of the lizard that lives with us (unwelcomed guest he is). 
I worry about waking up with 
a lizard in my bed everyday. So far, so good. So far I have had many encounters with "creatures". I almost stepped on a dead rat the other day, and yesterday I sat down on a step and got ambushed by a swarm of red biting ants. They even got in my hair and I had to get some assistance getting them out. The really funny thing is that I love being here. I love Mozambique. I don't need entertainment, makeup, nice clothes, or any other commodities here because nobody expects them or cares if you have them or not. People here value people. Everyone says hi to everyone on the street. People are extremely nice and peaceful. People enjoy the very basic simple things life has to offer us. In my opinion, there are so many beautiful things we can enjoy in life, but the very best simple thing life has to offer us is our connection as human beings to each other.
5 comments:
well put andrea. its true that we tend to complicate life with things that we consider to be necessities. I like reading your blog and it must be hard to post without a computer of your own. keep up the good work in africa.
Hey, Andrea! I heard that I won't be getting a surprise when you get back if I don't comment, so here it is. Seriously, though, I do read your blog just about every day, and it sounds like you are having the adventure of your life. As I'm sure you know, there are much worse things to wake up with than a lizard. Plus, that lizard looks pretty friendly. Take care.
You know already that I'm a firm believer that every life needs an adventure and I'm thrilled that yours is such a meaningful one. I'm surrounded by comforts right now and have been worried thinking of how I'll get all them to Virginia this summer. It's nice to be reminded of how little we really need. Thanks.
Yode, what can I say?.....you're a trooper. you are doing the very thing I had hoped. spending more time with the people than your computer. I know it sucks that it hasnt worked, but honestly one day you'll be grateful it didnt work. You have found meaning in your trip you otherwise might have missed. Plus you dont even have to worry about homework bc....guess what...you cant do it. hahaha. It's nice to see you having fun after a crazy semester that took a little bit of a toll on you, but hey we all have our moments were we lose it. just tie a knot and hold on tight...right. I love you a lot.
ruthiegirl
Wow Andrea. This post really inspired me and helped me to remember what is really important. You are so amazing.
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