Day Two

Woke up  this morning feeling well rested, turned out being small has its perks. I was able to comfortably curl up on the two empty seats next to us and sleep just fine.  Granny informed me shortly after we got up that she went down to the washroom to brush her teeth and "touch up her mascara" at one in the morning. I recall her doing a similar thing the day of safari in Africa! Oh Granny, you keep me guessing!

 

Our farthest venture so far was to get coffee and hot chocolate this morning to complete our breakfast! Today's menu consisted of muffins and laughing cow cheese all the way from Alberta, Canada. Part of the train that is known as the "lounge" has big windows and a glass roof (nothing like the trains on Indiana Jones) so we could really take in the unique landscapes of Oregon as we passed through. We saw large vineyards and orchards, small farm communities located on large hillsides, two large dams that provided a beautiful view, a tug boat that Granny quite enjoyed seeing, numerous tunnels and huge cliffs. The landscape itself is keeping the two of us entertained!
 

 

At 10:30 am we arrived in Portland, Oregon where we had a four hour layover till our next train. We have now been through three states - Montana, Washington and Oregon. We are currently sitting in Starbucks in Portland wasting some time and observing the people! We have another night on the train tonight but this time we get a "sleeper" so I am sure Granny and I will make that another adventure!  Details tomorrow.

 

We took a few minutes to enjoy a drink and use the Internet to contact people back home and then decided to carry on, exploring the area. Eventually we found ourselves on the waterfront path. It was a beautiful day here, everyone was wearing shorts and tank tops except for us! Granny decided she felt like some Chinese so we went to "old town" to find some! The place was empty besides us and two other people, which was so reassuring as "old town" appeared to live up to its name! The food was good despite my doubts. We ordered way too much and felt bad for wasting so much.  So we asked for some take out boxes and filled them up. We weren't sure how to politely approach the many street people we passed but when a young fella approached us for money for the paper he gladly accepted the food and we were glad to see some enjoy our extra.

Once loaded back on the train (this time enjoying the luxury of a sleeper), we dropped our stuff and headed to the lounge to read and hangout and see what we could see.  This is the life!
 

 

 

 

Day One

And so it has begun...

 

Our drive started just after lunch and took us to the DelBonita border where we were greeted by a friendly yet "don't mess with me" border guard. We all agreed later that his personality was one the much resembled my papa's - great sense of humor and friendly yet you knew he meant business. We continued to Cut Bank where we made a bathroom break at the TNT casino. A polite young man hinted that we were to be paying customers to use the facilities so we all sat down for a drink. As we sat for a few minutes I couldn't help but enjoy the true country music playing in a little bar in a small town in Montana. I knew my friend Parker would have loved the atmosphere!

Once we arrived in Shelby at the station, we said our goodbyes and grabbed our packs! As we waited for the train, Granny and I enjoyed our first of many meals out of our packs  -pizza flavored Pringles and beef jerky. The trained arrived and we climbed on board. Here I was picturing an old wooden train with windows that pulled down, like the one my grandparents took me on in Stettler. The one that as a six year old had me wanting to hide under the seat as the cowboys chased the train on horse back firing guns at us! I now know that was not real but as a young buck I had no idea! So turns out trains aren't as old fashioned as I thought. Here comes this big shiny silver, double decker hunk of high tech machinery towards us! And talk about leg room on this bad boy!!! I mean I don't have long legs to start with but let me tell you the inside was a lot more civilized than I expected! There's even a leg rest that pops out and power plug ins! Talk about fancy! We are riding in style. 

 

When we got all our stuff plopped down Granny and I both pulled out our food and started chowing down on a lovely meal. I hadn't realized how hungry I was! Meat (that Granny innocently smuggled across the border), cheese, crackers, snap peas, and M&M's for supper! Yummm. After filling our bellies we popped the foot rests out, grabbed our books and enjoyed the utter silence of the half empty train! Settled in for the rest of the night!

Another Journey Begins!

 

Here we go!

Another Year Gone...

It is crazy to think that yet another year has come and gone. In less than a week I will be done my first year of Nursing, and I know now more than ever this is what I am supposed to do! I had a moment just about a month ago that stopped me in my tracks and made me think of what has molded me into the person I am today. I was going through my computer when I came across the family pictures that were taken this past summer. There was a picture of my Mom and I that I hadn’t even remembered ever been taken. The reason it caught me off guard was because it was so obvious how much I have started to look like my Mother. So I started to look closer, at the little details. The way our eyes squinted when we smiled, how our emotions were portrayed though our eyes. I couldn’t help but notice precise angle of our jaws, the way our cheeks scrunched towards our eyes and the simple way our upper lip seems to disappear when our smile is genuine. I soon realized that behind each and every one of these physical characteristics there was also a piece of my personality that came along with it.

I then started to think about that shy little girl I was once that resembled more of my Dad. I know, hard to believe there was a time in my life that I was shy. As I begin to look more like Mom there is no doubt in my mind a large part of my personality has come from my Father as well. Although quieter than my Mom, he has no problem going with the flow and doing things to keep people happy. But when it matters he speaks his mind and stands his ground. In this past year I have started to see that I do that at times as well. Now we all know that Mom is assertive and has no problem sharing her view, which usually results in her getting her way. I never thought I was overly assertive but Auntie Dar pointed out not that long ago that I am when it comes to certain things. I know what I want and stand for and when I feel strongly I will stand my ground. Of course with there only being my brother and I growing up he has also had a big impact on my life. If there is one thing he is good at I would have to say it would be his witty remarks that never fail to make us laugh and smile. He has taught me to laugh until I spit my food across the table as well as set a good example of the importance of academics and how to achieve my goals.

I have been so lucky not only to have my grandparents well but also so close to me and a part of my life.  Although Papa isn’t here physically and my time with him was cut short, I still smile when I realize he is still influencing my life in many ways. The other day when I biked to Lethbridge, the entire ride I was scanning the ditch for treasures and when I came across that “nice red bucket” I noted the location and made Mom stop so I could get it on the way home. I couldn’t help but snicker thinking that was the Papa in me. My Nana has definitely passed on her caring and giving qualities to me. Always making someone’s favorite meal or cookies in the midst of her own busy life she has a way of making you feel special simply through her thoughts and actions. I too now experience the joy that giving has brought to my life through my journey to Africa and currently with volunteering weekly with Streets Alive. I don’t think there is anyone in our family that would disagree that I get my adventurous personality comes from my Granny. She may have what we think are different or “weird” tactics at times, but there is always a lesson to learn and places to explore when it comes to her. As much as I enjoy talking there are times I just like to take it all in. This trait I get from my Grandpa, a man that some may think is quiet and keeps to myself, I believe has immense wisdom because he takes in everything everyone else has to offer and say. Of course everyone else in my life has influenced the person I have grown to be as well. My friends in Africa also expanded who I am and what I stand for, taught me lessons that could only be experienced and are still with me every day. I can not be more grateful for the variety and balance of people in my life. I truly would not be the young women you have come to know. So I must thank everyone in my life for being who they are so I can be who I am.

With love,

C

Four months have past?? No way!

I know I haven’t posted since I first got back and that’s because the only time I have to sit down is when I am doing homework or writing papers! Since I got home I have been working five days a week while being a full time college student and in the midst of that I graduated high school and been battling my own health issues! So to say life has been going by at mock 10 would be an understatement! At times I have been very overwhelmed and have struggled to keep going but it’s in those moments I am reminded of Africa and something clicks inside me. I am reminded of the lessons I learned, and the love I experienced that motivates me to keep going! When I get fed up with my homework I tell myself “you’ll be a registered nurse by 22 and traveling the world helping and healing many different people along the way” and that’s what makes me get right back into my text book!

I will not deny that there have been days and nights that I have shed a few tears thinking about everyone back at Karim! I miss each and everyone one of them more then words can describe! Even after being back for four months I still think about them everyday! I even still have on my bracelet that all the kids had because I simply can’t be without and it’s always with me just like they are! 

The other day I got a text from Rehema telling me that Ernest and Moma Ellie had their baby girl and she was strong and healthy! How exciting! I can not wait to meet the new member of the neighborhood! Ernest also asked me when I was coming back to see them! But I can’t answer that question right now! Now that I am a full time college student I am seeing first hand just how expensive school is especially when it’s coming out of my bank account! I am still looking for a loop hole so that I can pay for school and save for my next trip! Lol

Once I got home from my trip I started writing my bucket list as I was inspired by Linda and how she was crossing off things on hers! Lots of the things on my list stemmed from my journey to Karim, one being that I want to see Ellie graduate from school, since we are sponsoring him to go to school! I know that is a long ways away but I just think it would be incredible to be apart of a thing like that because of watching him grow up! I am not just excited about seeing Ellie grow up but all the kids! I am so thankful I live in the techy world! I get to see pictures of the kids posted on Facebook and I can Skype and talk to the kids and everyone! Rehema please remind the kids that I love each and everyone one of them and to keep working hard in school! Give them each a hug and kiss from me! Tell Juma and Ernest I am proud of them and can’t wait to talk to them in English! Tell Aisha to keep studying hard and her dreams will come true! And tell Dada she is a great mother and is making life so much better for the kids! And Rehema keep reminding yourself of why you started Karim and give the kids all the love you can! I miss and love you all! Xoxoxoxo hugs and Kisses! Cianna!

Since returning home!

I know I haven’t been home that long but already so much has changed.  On the plane ride home I distinctly remember Granny saying to me “You know I’m not quite sure what life lesson I’ve got out of this experience yet but I am sure I will figure it out”.  And just the other day I received an email from her sharing how after she got home it really brought the experience into perspective for her and she found that personal life lesson. Coming home really was the big culture shock, simple things in my daily life really hit me hard once I was back.  Little things like going to fridge to get a snack... Fridge what fridge? Or Where is my bucket of water to shower!? Oh... ya the shower! And the big one was “What I have grad pictures the day after I get back!? That means I’m going to have to brush my hair!” lol But the biggest thing for me is the feeling I have right under my chest, where my heart is. I never knew it was possible to feel this much and that is what has really opened my eyes. I now know the amount of love a person is capable of giving and receive is indescribable.  I believe the only reason I was capable of experiencing this amazing personal growth was because I promised myself I would go into this journey with an open mind and heart to everything.  And I saw Mom and Granny really struggle with this at times as it is so easy to say “you should do that this way” or “why would you do that?”  But we just had to remind ourselves of something Daniel Tate told us before we went, “They are differences, not deficiencies.”  We are all different people and we came from a different way of life and of doing things but that didn’t mean one was better than the other, we are just simply different. This lesson might be hard to understand for some and is really one that you have to experience to truly grasp.

Since we got home Mom and I decided we wanted to send Ernest to school to learn English with Juma. Ernest was very busy getting the back transformed into a garden and putting a fence up so he had to wait until that job was done before he could start class! His first day was on Monday so I hope his first week is going good for him.  I know the main reason Mom came with me was just so she could make sure I was ok. But talk to her about this trip and you might be surprised to see a different side of her, a side that she openly admits that she would seriously adopt if she could! Lol Funny how much a trip can affect you!

Eever since I shared my story with the man sitting next to me on the plane I can’t seem to stop. Every person I can it seems like I am telling them part of my journey, It’s almost addictive to share it with as many people as I can. Despite coming back and getting a job within the first week and working five days a week  now,signing up for summer classes through the college, applying for scholarships, grad and the usual hustle and bustle of my life I still find I come back to kids and everyone involved in Karim. I might be home and busy but a big part of me is still in Africa. I miss the kids like they are my best friends and my own kids and Rehema, Dada, Aisha as my own sisters and Juma and Ernest like my big brothers! It’s hard being home when I miss them so much but I just keep reminding myself to work hard and save and then I can go back! And is exactly my plan! We really did make life long friends! :)

A Picture Says a Thousand Words!

We brought the kids for a pool party the day Mom went home! The kids had a blast!

Mdudu (bug) hunting! One night there was a freakishly large spider in Linda's net so we went hunting with mop and dust pan in hand!

Ibra fell asleep in my arms after an afternoon of playing while the kids were at school!

Out for a bike ride in the neighbourhood! The kids don't spend much time outside the gates so they had a great time chasing and riding the bikes on the road!

Bibi Jean and Alex taking in the sight of the kids riding the bikes up and down the road!

This is Alex showing his muscles! We were trying to teach him how and this is how he kept doing it! Too cute!

Glow stick party! Deejayed by...the kids! They sang songs and danced in the yard the whole time!

Bubbles! Right before we left we pulled out the bubbles and watched the kids smiles grow as their fingers got stickier!

Playing hopscotch on the step! Bibi Jean brought chalk all the way from Canada to play! lol

Brotherly Love! Onesimo and Alex giggling on the front step!

And the Woman who started it all!














I think of the kids everyday and can't wait to see their smiling faces again! I have looked through my pictures everyday since I have been home! Today we got to talk to Rehema briefly.  It was good to hear from her and hear all is still well there! Rainy season will be starting soon there so getting the kids to and from school becomes a whole lot harder! The kids have to walk to the bus as the bus can't make it down their road! Their will be more stories and pics to come as I remember them!