I'm really starting to find it very hard to write about the things I am doing; the people I am meeting and the children I'll never forget. For one I'm starting to get emotional about having to go and coming to realize that a lot of these people I've shared this last month with, I'll never see again, and that's really sad. I'm very happy I've met everyone I had (orphans very much included) and I really have no regrets about my trip, thus far, besides not being able to stay longer.
I don't know how long it'll take me to write about the orphanage experience thoroughly and completely; it really tugs on my heart. There is so many little kids...great little kids and it makes me so sad to think that I will have to leave them behind, and that some of them may never get adopted; It's really tough.
I'm really having a great time here...and as strange or cliche as it sounds I think I've changed greatly for the better. It's amazing what two and a half weeks as done for my perception of well, life overall. I am so grateful for everything the kids and people here have taught me over the last couple weeks. I can't even imagine what two more will bring me. I am going to be sad to go. Buhbye!
Nick
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
I may wirte more about this later...
So it's been a few days and I thought it was time for another blog post.
When I first got here I was kind of down I have to admit.I mean, maybe that was my version of jet lag, but when I landed I was just kind of bummed about leaving all the people I really love back home which is some 7000 or so miles away -for a month! Long and short of things, I was starting to think I was in for a long month. After a week though, I've come to the conclusion that it may fly by in record time.
Work is great, and the kids I work with are AMAZING! I cannot really put into words how cool they are, and how fun it is to go there every mon-friday; they truly are the highlight of the placement; no doubt. From the time we get there in the morning until we leave in the afternoon they are all so happy to see us, and get shown some love. I don't think I've ever done anything "work" wise that had been so inspiring and fulfilling. It really kind of puts having a bad day in perspective. These kids have things about as bad as any human can have it, and they still get a kick out of something as silly as taking them for a walk or tickling them. To be honest, I wouldn't really be having all that great of a time if it weren't for my placement. Real talk. It actually makes the time away from friends, family and the money I've spent so worth it.
We aren't supposed to have favorites (At least I don't think we are) but I do have one Hasha; I still like the other kids but she's my pick; She looks like Annie, like, "It's a Hard Knock Life" Annie. So awesome plus she always is so happy and has and amazing smile. As you can probably tell, I kind of like her a bit. We aren't supposed to take photos inside the orphanage or of the kids, but I'm am guaranteeing I'm going to break that rule. I'm talking like take it to the bank 100% guarantee. It's going down. There is no way I could leave without taking a visual representation of the memories I'm going have. So with that I say away with this silly rule and to the wind with it!
Fez was cool this weekend. It was a bonding experience with the other people that started CCS the same day I did. It's very intense. Lots and lots of people mobbing you and hustling/peddling there wears. It's very old timey that way. It's a very difficult things to Fes for me so I'm not going to try via in internets I'm going to show pictures and let the stories come out that way... I love it when a plan comes together...till next time! Vaya con dios
Nicholas
When I first got here I was kind of down I have to admit.I mean, maybe that was my version of jet lag, but when I landed I was just kind of bummed about leaving all the people I really love back home which is some 7000 or so miles away -for a month! Long and short of things, I was starting to think I was in for a long month. After a week though, I've come to the conclusion that it may fly by in record time.
Work is great, and the kids I work with are AMAZING! I cannot really put into words how cool they are, and how fun it is to go there every mon-friday; they truly are the highlight of the placement; no doubt. From the time we get there in the morning until we leave in the afternoon they are all so happy to see us, and get shown some love. I don't think I've ever done anything "work" wise that had been so inspiring and fulfilling. It really kind of puts having a bad day in perspective. These kids have things about as bad as any human can have it, and they still get a kick out of something as silly as taking them for a walk or tickling them. To be honest, I wouldn't really be having all that great of a time if it weren't for my placement. Real talk. It actually makes the time away from friends, family and the money I've spent so worth it.
We aren't supposed to have favorites (At least I don't think we are) but I do have one Hasha; I still like the other kids but she's my pick; She looks like Annie, like, "It's a Hard Knock Life" Annie. So awesome plus she always is so happy and has and amazing smile. As you can probably tell, I kind of like her a bit. We aren't supposed to take photos inside the orphanage or of the kids, but I'm am guaranteeing I'm going to break that rule. I'm talking like take it to the bank 100% guarantee. It's going down. There is no way I could leave without taking a visual representation of the memories I'm going have. So with that I say away with this silly rule and to the wind with it!
Fez was cool this weekend. It was a bonding experience with the other people that started CCS the same day I did. It's very intense. Lots and lots of people mobbing you and hustling/peddling there wears. It's very old timey that way. It's a very difficult things to Fes for me so I'm not going to try via in internets I'm going to show pictures and let the stories come out that way... I love it when a plan comes together...till next time! Vaya con dios
Nicholas
Photo Links
So for some reason or another Myspace is the only place I can upload my photos that seems to work on a fairly regular basis. So I'll post the links here. I was too tired to do it last night but I'm going to try photobucket as well so, If that works I'll be sure to update this post. I'm still having a good time and still miss everyone. BYE!
Myspace photo
P.S. I also got tagged in a few facebook photos if you have a facebook account.
Myspace photo
P.S. I also got tagged in a few facebook photos if you have a facebook account.
Monday, March 16, 2009
I don't want to proof read this.
I'm back again. We'll see how long I can maintain this every day type of schedule. So far soo good.
So today was my first day at my orphanage placement. It went well. I had to fill out a contract when I first arrive saying that I would show up and do my job. I'm not really sure why I had to because the last words in the contract stated that either party can terminate it at anytime. So if for some reason I just wanted to stop going I could just stop. So why does this warrant a contract? I don't know.
After I signed the contract I went upstairs to meet the kids I'd be working with. Apparently I missed the hard part whilst waiting for the contract lady to show up. The hard part being bathing and dressing. Anyway as soon as I got there I was put to work feeding Sumia...it's very difficult for me to spell the kids names...also to describe their handicaps. Lets just say most of them have pretty severe Coercible Palsy. After Breakfast we took a few kids around in their wheelchairs for laps around the garden (Yard). I guess usually they all come out but the nurses were worried about rain...which I don't understand because it was sunny after an hour or so of clouds. Anyway, After taking a few kids around it was time to feed them lunch, which was potatoes and chicken. Somehow I ended up feeding one of the more challenging kids to feed (or so I'm told) He's blind so you have to make a noise, say something or kind of rub the food on his lips. So after the main course I fed him some yogurt for dessert. My next child to feed cannot support herself so she lays down all the time. I was pretty nervous feeding her for the first few minutes because I didn't want to cram her full of food and choke her. The nurse saw this and gave me a lesson. She just more or less crammed food in the little girls mouth. I was kind of shocked but soon got the hang of things. The kids there are all pretty nice. One kid really reminds me of Jon's brother Mike a.k.a Mike Dirty a.k.a Commander Dirty a.k.a Dirt Dog...OK I'll stop there, because his list of names could go on for a good while. Anyway, this kids name was Jamel. He's was happy the whole time I was there. We had a good time in our laps around the garden. I also made a friend called Aslam(n?) he was very happy to show me around and wanted me to push him in this little car all day long. He got PISSED when I stopped. Oh well. The other kids needed some attention too. Most of the kids there are about as happy as you could expect of kids in their situation. I got some hugs as soon as I walked in. there was a girl who pulled me down to her right before lunch and I didn't really know what to do...one of the other volunteers was just like, "She just wants a kiss" and that's all it took. A fun way to end my first day at my placement.
After this we took a tour of Rabat and surrounding area. We went and saw the Mohammad V mausoleum, the Casaba, and the souk. A very nice intro to Rabat. The souk was like a dingy, kind of sketchy pike places market. You can find almost anything ever there. Really. Anyway my blog is kind of running out of steam here. I'm gonna stop. Till the next go. Bye!
Nicholas
So today was my first day at my orphanage placement. It went well. I had to fill out a contract when I first arrive saying that I would show up and do my job. I'm not really sure why I had to because the last words in the contract stated that either party can terminate it at anytime. So if for some reason I just wanted to stop going I could just stop. So why does this warrant a contract? I don't know.
After I signed the contract I went upstairs to meet the kids I'd be working with. Apparently I missed the hard part whilst waiting for the contract lady to show up. The hard part being bathing and dressing. Anyway as soon as I got there I was put to work feeding Sumia...it's very difficult for me to spell the kids names...also to describe their handicaps. Lets just say most of them have pretty severe Coercible Palsy. After Breakfast we took a few kids around in their wheelchairs for laps around the garden (Yard). I guess usually they all come out but the nurses were worried about rain...which I don't understand because it was sunny after an hour or so of clouds. Anyway, After taking a few kids around it was time to feed them lunch, which was potatoes and chicken. Somehow I ended up feeding one of the more challenging kids to feed (or so I'm told) He's blind so you have to make a noise, say something or kind of rub the food on his lips. So after the main course I fed him some yogurt for dessert. My next child to feed cannot support herself so she lays down all the time. I was pretty nervous feeding her for the first few minutes because I didn't want to cram her full of food and choke her. The nurse saw this and gave me a lesson. She just more or less crammed food in the little girls mouth. I was kind of shocked but soon got the hang of things. The kids there are all pretty nice. One kid really reminds me of Jon's brother Mike a.k.a Mike Dirty a.k.a Commander Dirty a.k.a Dirt Dog...OK I'll stop there, because his list of names could go on for a good while. Anyway, this kids name was Jamel. He's was happy the whole time I was there. We had a good time in our laps around the garden. I also made a friend called Aslam(n?) he was very happy to show me around and wanted me to push him in this little car all day long. He got PISSED when I stopped. Oh well. The other kids needed some attention too. Most of the kids there are about as happy as you could expect of kids in their situation. I got some hugs as soon as I walked in. there was a girl who pulled me down to her right before lunch and I didn't really know what to do...one of the other volunteers was just like, "She just wants a kiss" and that's all it took. A fun way to end my first day at my placement.
After this we took a tour of Rabat and surrounding area. We went and saw the Mohammad V mausoleum, the Casaba, and the souk. A very nice intro to Rabat. The souk was like a dingy, kind of sketchy pike places market. You can find almost anything ever there. Really. Anyway my blog is kind of running out of steam here. I'm gonna stop. Till the next go. Bye!
Nicholas
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Settling In
So it's officially day 2 in Morocco and I'm not as jet lagged as I was expecting to be this is either A) A great sign that my strategy of sleeping when I did worked good or B) a horrible warning of the jet lag hell that awaits me on my return.
So today was a pretty easy day. I woke up about nine am to a big breakfast made by our cooks here. It was a nice spread of fruit and pastries (Croissants) that I enjoyed a lot.
After this we had an orientation for a couple hours. This was basically a review of info we were already given. We also were sent out to explore a bit of the immediate neighborhood. I checked out the mini mall down the road. There are a lor of traffic cops here. They're on every major intersection. It's very strange. After coming back from this bit of exploring we talked a bit about our placement. I was selected to work in an orphanage. One of the areas that the really needed volunteers was the disabled wing. Apparently no one ever wants to work there and they are in somewhat of dire straits due to their lack of help. So I stepped up. There are two other people that are currently working there in our house who are going to "Show me the ropes" if you will. So tomorrow is the latest day of days. I'll get to see what exactly the next month or so of work has in store for me. Wish me luck.
Also, there are cats EVERYWHERE. Really, everywhere. Spaying or nurturing- not very big in Morocco. There wasn't a Bob Barker on T.V. telling everyone to spay their animals...so I guess I understand.
Still no name for my laptop. Only one name has been suggested to me. Rachel, by...you guessed it My lovely cousin Rachel. My ass is doing better - not nearly as sore but it's still eh.
I wonder how many people just made a gay joke about me. If you did then shame on you.
Tomorrow along with my first day at the placement brings a tour of Rabat and surrounding area by Mohammad our in country director. I think it'll be fun to get to see some of the downtown area. After all is said and done tomorrow I'll hopefully get to get out and explore some more and get some pictures to put of. Worse case, I'll take some of around the neighborhood. So until then...Peace.
Nick
So today was a pretty easy day. I woke up about nine am to a big breakfast made by our cooks here. It was a nice spread of fruit and pastries (Croissants) that I enjoyed a lot.
After this we had an orientation for a couple hours. This was basically a review of info we were already given. We also were sent out to explore a bit of the immediate neighborhood. I checked out the mini mall down the road. There are a lor of traffic cops here. They're on every major intersection. It's very strange. After coming back from this bit of exploring we talked a bit about our placement. I was selected to work in an orphanage. One of the areas that the really needed volunteers was the disabled wing. Apparently no one ever wants to work there and they are in somewhat of dire straits due to their lack of help. So I stepped up. There are two other people that are currently working there in our house who are going to "Show me the ropes" if you will. So tomorrow is the latest day of days. I'll get to see what exactly the next month or so of work has in store for me. Wish me luck.
Also, there are cats EVERYWHERE. Really, everywhere. Spaying or nurturing- not very big in Morocco. There wasn't a Bob Barker on T.V. telling everyone to spay their animals...so I guess I understand.
Still no name for my laptop. Only one name has been suggested to me. Rachel, by...you guessed it My lovely cousin Rachel. My ass is doing better - not nearly as sore but it's still eh.
I wonder how many people just made a gay joke about me. If you did then shame on you.
Tomorrow along with my first day at the placement brings a tour of Rabat and surrounding area by Mohammad our in country director. I think it'll be fun to get to see some of the downtown area. After all is said and done tomorrow I'll hopefully get to get out and explore some more and get some pictures to put of. Worse case, I'll take some of around the neighborhood. So until then...Peace.
Nick
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Blog #1.5
So I have arrived in Paris and am currently sitting in what looks to me like some kind of zeppelin hanger but is apparently the terminal. I have even found a power source to charge my weary battery. I didn’t even break into my second battery yet so I should have plenty of power for the whole flight to Casablanca and maybe just maybe if I’m lucky for the train ride to Rabat too. The biggest bummer about Paris so far was the security. It took about an hour and a half of waiting in line. WEAK. Oh and my SIM card I bought before I came doesn’t work either. Well…I’m sure it does I just messed up the unlocking process.
I’m very tired right now.
I am fast approaching 24 hours of no sleep. This doesn’t make Nick a happy boy in the slightest bit. I am still holding surprisingly strong though, much better than I have done being awake this long in the past. Only lets see 6 or so hours left until I’m hopefully resting comfortably in Rabat. Almost done! Hurray!! Bye!
I’m very tired right now.
I am fast approaching 24 hours of no sleep. This doesn’t make Nick a happy boy in the slightest bit. I am still holding surprisingly strong though, much better than I have done being awake this long in the past. Only lets see 6 or so hours left until I’m hopefully resting comfortably in Rabat. Almost done! Hurray!! Bye!
Blog #1
So as I write this I am very cramped. I can’t really extend my right arm at all to type comfortably.
I am well over halfway done with this horrific stretch of my journey. I suspect this will be the worst of all the flights I must make. The announced flight time was 9hr and 20mins… too long for one ass to be sat on. Mine is, in a word, stiff. I’ve tried all the tricks I know to alleviate this, and nothing is working. I’ve tried shifting cheeks...well…I guess really the only trick I know, but I’ve tried it.
Two of the things I like about airports.
1)The phenomenal people watching.
2)The bookstore selection. They only carry “Classics” and books that are currently the rage (I.e. Twilight) and they carry TONS of copies of them. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think of this as a negative, I genuinely think it’s cool.
Not a long list I had more but I’ve forgotten um. That was hours ago.
I have a new limb to add to the ones I cannot move comfortably- my left leg. Drat.
My computer says it is 8:14 which means I’ve been airborne for doodoodoo (That’s a calculating noise) about five and a half hours which is long time. I’m proud that I could wait so long before getting out the ol’ laptop…which I’ve decided (just now) needs a name.
Come to think of it, I haven’t really even listened to my IPOD yet either. Early in the flight I attempted to do some reading and listening but I made a critical mistake. You have to have the right kind of music on to pull this off (reading w/ headphones on a flight). You can’t have a cd playing that is so good it distracts you from reading but you cannot have the inverse either…I mean a bad cd gives you the same dilemma. You have to put on, as Rob from High Fidelity put it, “Something I (You) can ignore”. I chose GZA’s Liquid Swords which for me is very difficult to ignore. I can do it, but not if there isn’t something/someone who can capture my attention, which was not the case during take off.
So far I’ve been quiet impressed with Air France’s entertainment system. They have LOTS of movies to choose from (40 or so). I’ve already consumed The Dark Knight and Quantum of Solace. I mean, that’s like four and a half hours gone right there. Niiice.
We’re now over Greenland. I wonder what life is like today in Godthab. Cold I’m betting.
So, this will be the first of many blog entries. I ask of you to do your best to ignore the many grammatical and spelling that are sure to come…I’d appreciate that. As you read I hope this reaches so until next time…This is Nick signing off from 39,000 feet over from Greenland. GO DAWGS.
I am well over halfway done with this horrific stretch of my journey. I suspect this will be the worst of all the flights I must make. The announced flight time was 9hr and 20mins… too long for one ass to be sat on. Mine is, in a word, stiff. I’ve tried all the tricks I know to alleviate this, and nothing is working. I’ve tried shifting cheeks...well…I guess really the only trick I know, but I’ve tried it.
Two of the things I like about airports.
1)The phenomenal people watching.
2)The bookstore selection. They only carry “Classics” and books that are currently the rage (I.e. Twilight) and they carry TONS of copies of them. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think of this as a negative, I genuinely think it’s cool.
Not a long list I had more but I’ve forgotten um. That was hours ago.
I have a new limb to add to the ones I cannot move comfortably- my left leg. Drat.
My computer says it is 8:14 which means I’ve been airborne for doodoodoo (That’s a calculating noise) about five and a half hours which is long time. I’m proud that I could wait so long before getting out the ol’ laptop…which I’ve decided (just now) needs a name.
Come to think of it, I haven’t really even listened to my IPOD yet either. Early in the flight I attempted to do some reading and listening but I made a critical mistake. You have to have the right kind of music on to pull this off (reading w/ headphones on a flight). You can’t have a cd playing that is so good it distracts you from reading but you cannot have the inverse either…I mean a bad cd gives you the same dilemma. You have to put on, as Rob from High Fidelity put it, “Something I (You) can ignore”. I chose GZA’s Liquid Swords which for me is very difficult to ignore. I can do it, but not if there isn’t something/someone who can capture my attention, which was not the case during take off.
So far I’ve been quiet impressed with Air France’s entertainment system. They have LOTS of movies to choose from (40 or so). I’ve already consumed The Dark Knight and Quantum of Solace. I mean, that’s like four and a half hours gone right there. Niiice.
We’re now over Greenland. I wonder what life is like today in Godthab. Cold I’m betting.
So, this will be the first of many blog entries. I ask of you to do your best to ignore the many grammatical and spelling that are sure to come…I’d appreciate that. As you read I hope this reaches so until next time…This is Nick signing off from 39,000 feet over from Greenland. GO DAWGS.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Walkabout
The more and more I think of my upcoming Morocco trip the more I am starting to think of it as a walkabout of sorts.
Right now, in my head I am kind at a crossroads in my life, thinking a strange mix of what's next, what am I meant to/supposed to do and just general strangeness of thought. This makes for a difficult mix to decipher on the best of days.
It's not as if I am unhappy in my life at all, far from it. I have a great group of friends, a happy and healthy family and nothing really in general to complain to greatly about...I just have this nagging feeling of not being satisfied. Like I should be doing more. I have no doubt that I am not even close to being alone in having this feeling but that doesn't change the fact that it's there and definitely on my mind.
So as the days to takeoff tick by ever so quickly I sit and ponder what this trip and the next few months of life have in store for me. All I can do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
Peace.
Right now, in my head I am kind at a crossroads in my life, thinking a strange mix of what's next, what am I meant to/supposed to do and just general strangeness of thought. This makes for a difficult mix to decipher on the best of days.
It's not as if I am unhappy in my life at all, far from it. I have a great group of friends, a happy and healthy family and nothing really in general to complain to greatly about...I just have this nagging feeling of not being satisfied. Like I should be doing more. I have no doubt that I am not even close to being alone in having this feeling but that doesn't change the fact that it's there and definitely on my mind.
So as the days to takeoff tick by ever so quickly I sit and ponder what this trip and the next few months of life have in store for me. All I can do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
Peace.
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