What are you donating?

It's funny to see what people donate to OVCs.  Don't get me wrong, donations are fantastic here! It means so much to the street kids to put on a nice clean set of clothes; they become a different person.  But when I was folding the countless trash bags of clothes before Christmas, there were some I just had to be like "really?"

Fast forward 3 months.  It's just an ordinary, Thursday afternoon.  The street kids come on Thursdays, so I often get one of their faces poking through my window to say hello.  Whenever I see them in town, I can't help but to buy them food because I don't want to give them cash, so needless to say, they like me.

After they washed up, they wanted to dive into their clothes that we keep at the Center.  So here I am, at my desk, when one of my favorites just strolls into the office sporting a spider man mask, as if it was a hat. HA! Seriously the cutest/funniest moment ever!  It made my day, and I just had to share it with you!

baller.

No matter his situation, he's still just a kid.  And a damn funny one I might add!

Peace, Love, and really, who donates a Spiderman mask??

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Before I came here, I can’t say I was a huge advocate for Women’s Rights.  I believed in the cause and felt like it was something I could be passionate about, but did not really know that much besides the occasional stories you read about here and there. Now that I’m in Lesotho working as the program coordinator of our vulnerable women’s program, and just living here experiencing first hand how women are treated, strengthens my passion for women empowerment.  It make me sick to hear some of the stories girls have told me, but witnessing their strength to pick themselves up and wanting to make a change is so empowering! 

My girl Puky, a Kick4Life coach and committed volunteer to our Women4Women program, was chosen by the UN to represent Lesotho to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania for the UN’s campaign UNiTE, to help end violence against women and girls in Africa.  Today, reached the summit, Lesotho flag in hand, and stated both her and Kick4Life’s commitment to end violence against women and girls in Lesotho.  I'm so proud of her!  Just when you think it can’t get any better, she will be the FIRST female from Lesotho to climb Mount Kilimanjaro EVER!  Seriously, she’s amazing!

The first step in change is to speak out!  So, whether it’s a facebook status, tweet, or just yelling “HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!!” in your office (which I totally did this morning btw) it’s spreading the word!!  

TTFN:

Peace, Love, and Girl Power! Can you dig it?

I apologize.

It's February, and I haven't made a post in more than 2 months. 

"What's the deal?" you may ask, and I have to be honest... I've signed into my account, sat down to write, and...nothing.  I couldn't think of anything entertaining, interesting, funny...nothing!!  Which is strange because I'm hilarious, (kidding).

I know what you're thinking, "meg, you're in Africa! And, you couldn't think of one thing to write!"

All I can say is this:  I've been here officially for 6 months, and I've had my ups and downs.  Moments of hope for this country, and moments where I've had to bite my tongue, turn and just shake my head.  Luckily, the good moments outweigh the negative ones, and without the clash of culture and point-of-views, how would I grow?  I've had moments where I've had to walk alone, follow my heart, and know this is what I've meant to do.  Moments where I've longed to go home, and moments where I've never wanted to go back.  Moments where I've wanted to yell at God while street kids are running after me screaming my name, begging for food, and moments where I've looked up and praised him.  It's a roller coaster of emotions.

While I was going through pictures the other day, I came across this:

This was taken at an orphanage that we helped restore.  It is probably my favorite picture yet because it captures a culture and moment so perfectly.  These four boys are all orphans.  The eldest, who is about 16, is touching these young boys so gently and lovingly as these younger boys cling to him.  It's pure love.

TTFN:

Peace, Love, and Time is FLYING By!!!

Warning: Image May Be Too Cute To Handle

isn't she the CUTEST?!?

TTFN:


Peace, Love, and Do you think she would fit in my suitcase? 

1-Year Anniversary

A year ago yesterday, I had knee surgery to fix my torn ACL.  Although the season was already over and I tore it in the middle of the season, it was still the definitive end to my soccer career.  Sometimes I look back and still get emotion that my career had to end that way; I still hadn’t ruled out playing professionally in the WPSL when my former coaches were saying my name was generating interest.  But, this surgery cemented my decision to hang my goalie gloves up for good.  I mean, if you look at my knees pre-surgery you would understand.  The surgery scars are only an addition to the many battle wounds I have cumulated over the years.  Like my mom says, “You will never be a leg model”—thanks mom, ha

I feel like my life has dramatically changed in a year, if that’s even possible.  Thinking back to a day where I was unable to lift my leg off the ground seems like a lifetime ago, to where I sit today writing this.  Not only has my location changed, but my passions have shifted.  I would have never, ever guessed I would be living a year in Africa, let alone in a country that I didn’t even know existed.  I love how much I have changed and matured in a year, and it gives me hope that after my year here is up I will be looking back on my year here with the same mindset.  Again, I have no idea where the future will take me in a year.  I do not believe that my destiny is already written for me, predetermined; I think that’s an excuse people use when they themselves have made the wrong turn.  But instead, I think life is a series of choices, and I feel content in myself as a driver to steer myself in the right direction (as long as it's not a manual).

It is these moments, where I look into my past and wouldn’t change anything.  Yes, it was unfair how I ended my soccer career, but how can I ever think just for a second that my life is “unfair” when I’m surrounded by sickness and poverty?  THAT is unfair, and it makes me so angry when people (myself included) do not appreciate their lives.  It happens to the best of us, but next time it does, try to take a step back, take a deep breath, and let the sun shine on your face even when it's cloudy because there is always light to those who seek it. 

Next post will be more easy breezy, promise.

TTFN:

Peace, Love, and Fairness

FIESTA FIESTA FIESTA!!!

Who would have thought: 2 Americans, 2 Canadians, 1 Italian, 1 Irish, and 1 Mexican living together in a compound in Maseru, Lesotho. 

So, we decided to embrace our multiculturalism, and share the best thing each culture has to offer…FOOD! (duh)  Each weekend will be dedicated to a country, and we will each have to cook a national specialty. (I'm thinking burgers and fries for American)

One (of the many) things I miss about the states is Mexican food, especially Tex-Mex.  I don’t like to toot Houston’s horn or anything, but they do have the best tex-mex I’ve ever had in my life.  Chuy’s is my #1 fav restaurant EVER (and I miss it dearly). I often think of my usual chips with creamy jalapeño dip, chicken tacos (mmmm, salivating just thinking about it), and of course,  a mojito when I'm thinking what to cook for dinner.

 

So last Sunday was Mexican night!! I mean, if you have a Mexican around, you need to make him cook you Mexican food!  He cooked us fajitas and mojitos, just doesn’t get any better than that!  They were delish!

Next up, Italian!!!  Love it :)

TTFN:

Peace, Love, and Mojitos!!

Wanted: 24/7 Assistant/Photographer

Would that be too much to ask?  Someone that just follows me around all day and snaps pictures of me?  Seriously, I wish someone would pop out of the bushes, paparazzi style, and take pictures of me.

Take yesterday’s run for example.  I was running through this neighborhood for the last 15min of my run, and a group of about 6 kids were playing in the street.  I was getting pretty tired, but still had enough oxygen to give a smile and say hello.  They got so excited as I jogged towards them, and as I passed them, I noticed one of the girls trotting along next to me, until I turned my head completely around and noticed all 6 stopped what they were doing to jog with me and finish my run.  Their ability to keep up with me with bare feet and flip-flops amazed me as I kept my pace in top-of-the-line running shoes.  This is where a photographer would come in perfectly.  I wish I had a picture of running with those kids, but the only thing I take with me is the picture instilled in my memory. 

I wish I can capture these memories and put them in scrapbook.   For the fear of forgetting simple daily memories like this 40 years down the road, I feel, is inevitable.