fairfieldintlstudies-blog

[fairfieldintlstudies-blog]

During my spring break, [I was able to participate in a JUHAN] service opportunity to work with the refugees... in Abilene, Texas. It was quite unclear why these refugees were placed in Abilene... Out of all places in the United States, the decision confused me, before traveling to the region. The answer would soon come to me as the state of Texas held an economy different from New England. Living expenses were far cheaper, job opportunities were far greater, and fast paced environments like New York City was avoided... One thing I learned was that Albert Einstein was a Jew who escaped from Nazi Germany to seek refuge in the United States and led to the creation of the International Rescue Committee. Another thing learned was that about 92% of refugees surveyed would return back to their respective home countries willingly if they were able to safely or financially... Unfortunately, the United States is ceasing its efforts of refugee assistance and limiting the intake of refugees into the country... I was quickly able to comprehend that refugees are truthfully people seeking refuge...  I witnessed was a strength, grit, and fortitude... As a volunteer at the IRC, I helped with english second language (ESL), hospitality skills, and interview etiquette... For instance, a Congolese woman and her teenage daughter worked with me to fill out an application to find work at a cookie factory in Abilene. They recognized that the job was not glorious and commented on how it would be hard, but concluded their statements with the idea that they are fortunate for the opportunity and would be happy nonetheless. Another example came from a Ugandan single mother who had three kids... She attended an ESL class and I had the opportunity to be her tutor... She clearly was a strong woman who has a history of strength. I remember after the session and after leaving the office that day, I returned to where I was staying with the rest of the group. I sat at a table eating lunch with one of the ladies on the trip with me. We were captivated by these women and explored the internet to explain ourselves the issues that were going on in these countries. [We] surfed through the web and witnessed the tragedy and atrocity that went on in these nations. The rights of humans, especially women were being violated...  It was tragic to understand what these women and men were escaping, but it was touching to all of us as a group that efforts were being made to help. As I look back into my journals that I completed during the trip for a highlight, I found something I had said to conclude one of my entries. “I sincerely hope [they] will have a beautiful future whether it is in the United States or back home.”  

[fairfieldintlstudies-blog]

[fairfieldintlstudies-blog]

I’ve just completed a delightful 5-day visit with Starfish International. From start to finish, I was welcomed into the community. On the first day, I was greeted by students and mentors; and an official welcome ceremony followed on my second day. A major part of my experience, which I will cherish forever, was my naming ceremony, during which I adopted the Gambian name Aminata Jaiteh. Some of my friends at home have already taken to calling me Aminata! Other highlights of my visit include purchasing some of the stunning local fabrics and having beautiful custom-tailored clothing made in an amazingly short turnaround time, including the outfit for my naming ceremony. Although my visit was brief, my wonderful hosts at Starfish International managed to schedule many activities and outings, including visits to Brikama Craft Market, Bijilo Forest Monkey Park, Katchically Museum and Crocodile Pool, and the Lamin Lodge Boat Trip. I also spent three days learning to cook from the outstanding Auntie Ma, who along with Jane, kept me very well fed.

I greatly enjoyed the activities and meeting the students, mentors, and other volunteers, and the aspect of the visit that will be most memorable for me is the strong sense of community that is ubiquitous among the Gambians I met, and particularly among the Starfish family. Everyone shared in each other’s joy and pain, depending on the circumstances, and there was a strong sense of mutual empathy. In addition, when there was work to be done everyone seemed to do her/his part with enthusiasm. The lessons I learned from Starfish about community have enriched me. I will miss my Starfish family, but I hope to see them again soon!

[fairfieldintlstudies-blog]

[fairfieldintlstudies-blog]

Bridget Mulkerin on her experience in Arusha, Tanzania

Tanzania- a place so unfamiliar to me 7 months ago (clear through the amount of sunscreen, bug spray, and bandaids I packed) but one which feels more to home to me than anywhere else in the world.  I never thought I would long for my thin twin sized mattress and concrete walls of my room in the village as much as I do now.

There is something so wonderful and indescribable about living in a place so unfamiliar to you, yet finding connections and falling in love anyway. There is something about being on safari and seeing open landscapes and wild animals naturally.  There is something about learning to live relying on the Earth, farming for your food, fetching for your water, waking up with the sunrise and returning to bed as it sets.  There is something about learning that the progressive way, isn't always the way.

These are just a few things I experienced during my four months in Tanzania. I spent the first few months becoming acquainted with the urban life of Tanzanian and the language.  I enjoyed copious amounts of street foods, learning to navigate the dala dalas, taking weekend visits to climb rocks and stone age wonders,  learning to cook, watching beautiful kanjis parade up and down the streets, and being the laughing stock trying to make pots out of clay.

My final month in Tanzania I spent in a village living with a host family who I miss everyday.  I experienced the beauty of the chai fields and living in the mountains seven thousand feet above sea level, learned how to take life one step at a time, the art of fetching water on my head and communicating only in Swahili, I sorted colorful beans, danced, drank too much tea for my own good, laughed, climbed trees, ate fruits and vegetables straight from Mother Earth herself, worried less, and researched happiness- I realized its far more simple than I thought.

Tanzania was a place that set my soul on fire. It held me and taught me people are people no matter where you go. Yes, its scary to go, but I promise you it will be ten times more terrifying to leave.

For Bridget’s blog, click here: http://tanzaniaadoptsbridget.blogspot.com/