Preface: My apologies for missing last night’s blog. Long day yesterday. Hopefully, after reading this entry, you will understand why my head hit the pillow right when I got back to the house!
Yesterday, I traveled to the village of Msanga with Fr. Michael. Fr. Michael is a pretty interesting guy. He grew up in Vietnam, moved with his family to Southern California, and has since devoted his life to helping the people of East Africa, arguably the world’s most vulnerable population. Aside from single-handedly keeping the Ndolelejii mission afloat, Fr. Michael is also responsible for the parishes’ 14 outstations (outstations are smaller churches that hold services for people who would normally be unable to attend Mass). Thus, Fr. Michael certainly has a difficult job. With that being said, I had no idea how hard his job was until yesterday, when we made a surprise visit to the house of...The Adulterer.
As we approached this fine gentleman’s humble abode, I noticed the sky begin to darken with ominous looking clouds. We got out of the car, and the Adulterer greeted us with a warm smile across his face. Attempting to not judge him based on gossip alone, I shook his hand politely. As soon as I let go from the handshake, a procession of kids followed that would make Antonio Cromartie, the Octomom, and John & Kate Gosselin all look like nominees for parents of the year! According to Fr. Michael, the adulterer had 5 children with his wife and 2 others with his acquaintance.
All in all, Fr. Michael seemed satisfied with the results from their initial meeting. He mentioned that the adulterer wanted to work things out with his wife, and she was graciously willing to abide (FYI: Women don’t exactly have an equal playing field over here…please refrain from any title IX jokes..Thanks!). Nevertheless, there’s still a lot of work to do and we will all remain cautiously optimistic!
-Sean
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
A Day in the Life
7:00am- Wake Up Call
-From the many different animals that scream outside my window at this absurd hour.
7:30am- Breakfast
-Usually cereal, eggs & toast.
-About once a week we do get BACON!
8:00am-8:30am- TV Time
-Depending on the amount of solar power that is left from the previous day, we usually are able to squeeze out about a half hour of news from the BBC.
*The TV guy was supposed to come yesterday, but never showed up. This was an inconvenience because Fr. Dan cancelled his plans for the day in order to let him in the house (Sounds a lot like the COMCAST guy!).
9:00am- Carpool w/ Fr. Donnie to the Office
9:01am- Arrive at the Office
-Fr. Donnie drives down the road (about 2 houses away), picks me up in his truck, and our commute begins…and ends.
9:01am-12:00pm- Organize Fr. Donnie’s Lifetime Compilation of Biblical Research
-Fr. Donnie employs about 5 or 6 people as members of his research team.
-They are a very personable group, who seem to really enjoy helping Fr. Donnie in his ministry.
-Unfortunately, they have never really learned how to properly organize data…and I’m pretty sure that they would all be diagnosed with ADHD in the US.
-Thus, I am in charge of this daunting task (…and yes, I know, that large collective “gulp” from all of you is completely justified).
-Let’s just put it this way: Muyunga and other member of the research team have already started referring to me as “Meester Sean”, and “Boss.”
12:00pm-1:00pm-Lunch
-Usually consists of leftovers from the night before in the form of soup.
1:00pm-6:00pm- Siesta
-Since I do currently reside among priests who are in their 80s, they usually sleep during this 5 hour period of time.
-I usually go for a run and/or explore Africa!
6:00pm-8:00pm- Tennis with Padre Dinardi
-Fr. Donnie kicks everybody off the court so he can get his exercise.
-Actually, he’s pretty good. I’d like to see the elders in Weymouth/Marco Island face-off against him (And yes…there is video evidence to prove it!).
8:00pm-10:00pm-Dinner
-We usually eat a lot of rice, beans, vegetables, and a chicken or something that I saw walking around the yard earlier on in the day.
-One thing that I have really grown to enjoy is rice w/ honey on it!
10:00pm-11:30-Surf the internet
-Catch up with my peeps!
11:30-Midnight
-Go to bed.
-From the many different animals that scream outside my window at this absurd hour.
7:30am- Breakfast
-Usually cereal, eggs & toast.
-About once a week we do get BACON!
8:00am-8:30am- TV Time
-Depending on the amount of solar power that is left from the previous day, we usually are able to squeeze out about a half hour of news from the BBC.
*The TV guy was supposed to come yesterday, but never showed up. This was an inconvenience because Fr. Dan cancelled his plans for the day in order to let him in the house (Sounds a lot like the COMCAST guy!).
9:00am- Carpool w/ Fr. Donnie to the Office
9:01am- Arrive at the Office
-Fr. Donnie drives down the road (about 2 houses away), picks me up in his truck, and our commute begins…and ends.
9:01am-12:00pm- Organize Fr. Donnie’s Lifetime Compilation of Biblical Research
-Fr. Donnie employs about 5 or 6 people as members of his research team.
-They are a very personable group, who seem to really enjoy helping Fr. Donnie in his ministry.
-Unfortunately, they have never really learned how to properly organize data…and I’m pretty sure that they would all be diagnosed with ADHD in the US.
-Thus, I am in charge of this daunting task (…and yes, I know, that large collective “gulp” from all of you is completely justified).
-Let’s just put it this way: Muyunga and other member of the research team have already started referring to me as “Meester Sean”, and “Boss.”
12:00pm-1:00pm-Lunch
-Usually consists of leftovers from the night before in the form of soup.
1:00pm-6:00pm- Siesta
-Since I do currently reside among priests who are in their 80s, they usually sleep during this 5 hour period of time.
-I usually go for a run and/or explore Africa!
6:00pm-8:00pm- Tennis with Padre Dinardi
-Fr. Donnie kicks everybody off the court so he can get his exercise.
-Actually, he’s pretty good. I’d like to see the elders in Weymouth/Marco Island face-off against him (And yes…there is video evidence to prove it!).
8:00pm-10:00pm-Dinner
-We usually eat a lot of rice, beans, vegetables, and a chicken or something that I saw walking around the yard earlier on in the day.
-One thing that I have really grown to enjoy is rice w/ honey on it!
10:00pm-11:30-Surf the internet
-Catch up with my peeps!
11:30-Midnight
-Go to bed.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Shopping in Mwasi
I just got back from a crazy trip to the Mwasi Market. Last night, Fr. Donnie informed me that we would be running some errands in the nearby village this afternoon. Until that point, I hadn’t even thought about where somebody goes if they need basic supplies that we would casually pick up at a Wal-Mart, Stop-N-Shop, or CVS. With that being said, the market also provided quite possibly the best concept that I’ve ever heard of…A Cow Sale!!! Fr. Donnies explained to me that that all the locals bring down their cows and sell them, straight up for cash! Apparently, the going rate for a cow is 200,000 Tanzanian Schillings (Tsh), which comes out to about $100.00 US. I think I’m going to buy like 10 of them, and lead my herd throughout the village. Then, when I don’t feel like taking care of the cows anymore (which will be like a day), I’ll make sure everybody gets cheeseburgers and steak for the rest of my time in Africa!
-Sean
-Sean
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Per Order of the Matriarch
So…my mom wants me to blog more. I guess she believes that informing all of the “Sean-aholics” about what I had for breakfast is more important than making Fr. Donnie’s lifetime compilation of work electronically accessible. All kidding aside, below is what I had for breakfast…and Jim Gaffigan's insightful analysis (This is for you Dad!)
Bacon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaK9bjLy3v4
P.S.
I apologize for not having any pictures or videos posted on this blog. I’ve tried countless times but it just doesn’t seem to work. Luckily, I have been able to upload a lot of content through facebook. For those of you who are STILL unfamiliar with this worldwide phenomenon, all you have to do is click the link, set up an account, and add me as a ”friend”
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=45405159
Bacon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaK9bjLy3v4
P.S.
I apologize for not having any pictures or videos posted on this blog. I’ve tried countless times but it just doesn’t seem to work. Luckily, I have been able to upload a lot of content through facebook. For those of you who are STILL unfamiliar with this worldwide phenomenon, all you have to do is click the link, set up an account, and add me as a ”friend”
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=45405159
Sunday, February 20, 2011
We Could’ve Used a GPS Today…
This morning, Fr. Donnie invited me to a nearby village where he was celebrating Mass. The trip wasn’t bad, and we arrived on time. The people had a lot of energy, as they sang songs and danced throughout the service. After Mass had ended, the pastor invited us back to his hut to for lunch. While the pastor was extremely kind to me, I could see the writing on the wall…I was about to experience the dreaded “community bowl.” Immediately, I realized my two options: either eat the fly-invested dish with my hands (after others had done the same), or respectfully decline. I chose the ladder. As lunch was ending, the pastor recommended that we take a short-cut instead of making the 30 minute commute back to Ndolelejji.
Unfortunately, we took the pastor up on his advice. As we turned onto what we thought was a finished road, we noticed that the entire surface had been plowed. Rather than turning around and taking the the “long way”, Fr. Donnie kept driving, electing to periodically pull up next to some random person’s shack and ask them for directions. Before we knew it, we were in the middle of nowhere, aimlessly We driving through the desert landscape for nearly two hours. Finally, we stopped this guy who was herding cows and asked him if he knew how to get back to Ndolelejii. He claimed that he did, and we put him in the back seat of the truck (I wonder what happened to all of his cows). Although his directions were far from perfect, we got where we needed to be. On a side note, Fr. Donnie didn’t appreciate that the guy asked for money as we were parting ways, so he ended up dumping the guy off on the side of the rode.
Unfortunately, we took the pastor up on his advice. As we turned onto what we thought was a finished road, we noticed that the entire surface had been plowed. Rather than turning around and taking the the “long way”, Fr. Donnie kept driving, electing to periodically pull up next to some random person’s shack and ask them for directions. Before we knew it, we were in the middle of nowhere, aimlessly We driving through the desert landscape for nearly two hours. Finally, we stopped this guy who was herding cows and asked him if he knew how to get back to Ndolelejii. He claimed that he did, and we put him in the back seat of the truck (I wonder what happened to all of his cows). Although his directions were far from perfect, we got where we needed to be. On a side note, Fr. Donnie didn’t appreciate that the guy asked for money as we were parting ways, so he ended up dumping the guy off on the side of the rode.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Stayin Alive
Dear Blogosphere,
As I write to you under my malaria net, I'd like you all to take a quick moment to appreciate living in a civilized society. Over the past week, I lost electricity and water. At first, I was really "turned off" at the thought of having no power(see what I did there?!). I even had to resort to reading a book in its entirety! Actually, I've got to recommend Mitch Albom's "Have a Little Faith in Me" (You're Welcome Mother) to anybody who wants a quick read. With that being said, the water was the major inconvenience. Luckily, I was able to avoid any real situations because Fr. Donnie's house was able to withstand the "Great Drought of 2011", but it's not something I want to go through again!
I've gotta say, while I have been uncomfortable throughout my first week, I am not completely miserable. For one thing, the entire village follows me where ever I go! A couple days ago, I tried to sneak out of the house to go and play tennis with this kid, Madageesa, whose about my age. Within 10 minutes, the entire court was packed with people. Obviously, many kids haven't individuals that fit my description, so I get a wide variety and looks. Once they realize that I'm not an alien they get comfortable very quickly. Finally, all of the people are really appreciative of the donations that were made in their behalf. Specifically, many of them are thankful for all of the tennis equipment!
Goodnight America,
Sean
As I write to you under my malaria net, I'd like you all to take a quick moment to appreciate living in a civilized society. Over the past week, I lost electricity and water. At first, I was really "turned off" at the thought of having no power(see what I did there?!). I even had to resort to reading a book in its entirety! Actually, I've got to recommend Mitch Albom's "Have a Little Faith in Me" (You're Welcome Mother) to anybody who wants a quick read. With that being said, the water was the major inconvenience. Luckily, I was able to avoid any real situations because Fr. Donnie's house was able to withstand the "Great Drought of 2011", but it's not something I want to go through again!
I've gotta say, while I have been uncomfortable throughout my first week, I am not completely miserable. For one thing, the entire village follows me where ever I go! A couple days ago, I tried to sneak out of the house to go and play tennis with this kid, Madageesa, whose about my age. Within 10 minutes, the entire court was packed with people. Obviously, many kids haven't individuals that fit my description, so I get a wide variety and looks. Once they realize that I'm not an alien they get comfortable very quickly. Finally, all of the people are really appreciative of the donations that were made in their behalf. Specifically, many of them are thankful for all of the tennis equipment!
Goodnight America,
Sean
Sunday, February 13, 2011
I Made It!
Today was my first full day in Ndoleleji. I spent my first night in this hostel that is run by a local parish Mwanza. A couple of Fr. Don's helpers took me to see Lake Victoria and around the local market.
After arriving last night, I slept 15 hours, and spent the rest of the day unpacking. I am living in s pretty large house, which is about a 5 minute walk from the main Maryknoll complex. It's alread amazing to see how much work Fr. Donnie (from NORTH Weymouth), Fr. Michael, and Fr. Dan have put in throughout their lives to help the people here.
The solar powered lights just went out for the night, which means I'll be getting to bed soon. There are 2 guards that are stationed in front of my house, so it looks like the hyenas will need to go through the back if they want a piece of me!
Talk to you soon,
Sean
P.S. Let's go Celtics...keep me posted on how they're doin against the Heat!
After arriving last night, I slept 15 hours, and spent the rest of the day unpacking. I am living in s pretty large house, which is about a 5 minute walk from the main Maryknoll complex. It's alread amazing to see how much work Fr. Donnie (from NORTH Weymouth), Fr. Michael, and Fr. Dan have put in throughout their lives to help the people here.
The solar powered lights just went out for the night, which means I'll be getting to bed soon. There are 2 guards that are stationed in front of my house, so it looks like the hyenas will need to go through the back if they want a piece of me!
Talk to you soon,
Sean
P.S. Let's go Celtics...keep me posted on how they're doin against the Heat!
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