Indiana Jones Style

Driving through "the bush"

Yesterday I had the opportunity to ride down with a few people to "the bush" to pick a woman who is going to learn sewing skills at the Bethesda Disability Center. This woman has a spinal cord injury which has led to her having very poor stability and strength, which forces her to use a wheelchair. Her son, Bruno, who is around 10 takes care of her as the woman's family has essentially abandoned her. What makes this story even harder is that her injuries are due to domestic abuse, she was beaten so badly by her husband that she can barely move. And stories like these are not uncommon here. Hopefully though, the skills that she and her son learn at Bethesda can help her earn a bit of income to support herself and Bruno.

Theresa, Eroma and Vickie

Riding into the bush was certainly an adventure, it wasn't a long way distance wise, but due to the poor conditions of the roads it took a while to get to the little village. Again, as I attempt to embrace the Solomon way; I volunteered to ride in the back of the truck. It was quite a bit of fun, standing up, gripping the bars for dear life, trying to go with the bumps and sways in order to prevent being thrown off, overlooking the forest and the teeny tiny rickety bridges we crossed (those moments were a tad nerve-wracking). Basically, just imagine the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland; just without all those lame safety features.

Me looking like a total goon (as usual) 
and Theresa looking like a cutie (as usual)

I also had the opportunity to go snorkeling in the ocean and checking out an sunk Japanese freightliner ship from WWII, which was quite incredible. This one is very close to shore, and there are a few other remnant ships and planes from the War that scuba divers come from all over the world to see. It's just so sweet to see these sights, especially with so much history behind them. (You should check out the mini series "The Pacific")

Doxycycline (the malaria medication I am currently taking) has a tendency to cause the skin to be extra sensitive to the sun. This fact, coupled with my poor judgment in personal usage of sunscreen and two days in a row of extensive sun exposure, caused my skin to turn a deep pink colour which only got even deeper as the day went on. This is nothing unexpected or particularly exciting for me as this happens often to my pasty complexion, however, I have never had so many discussions about it in my life. These were not merely the typical comments and jokes that normally arise, these were genuine questions and concerns about what was happening to me. I was asked what it felt like, if it hurt and how I got rid of it. Due to their dark skin, the people here have never experienced sunburn themselves before (so friggin' lucky!) My favourite thing is though that I found out later, a group of the guys had been asking each other what was wrong with me. (So….so much for not being the weird one!)

The beach where we went snorkeling

 

no wariwari

Pidgin languages have often been developed as a means for those from an overtaking empire (whether that be England, France, Spain etc. and often traders from these countries) to communicate with the native locals. Solomon Islands Pijin (Pijin) is one of these languages. Luckily for me, Pijin is essentially English mixed in with Malaysian sounds.  So I can often grasp the basics of what people are saying when they are speaking Pijin and vise versa. Even though there are many different languages in the Solomons, Pijin is a common language that most people can speak and communicate with each other.

At this point the only things I can really say is "Malo" (Hello), "Gud tumas" (Good) and "No wariwari" (No worries), but I am convinced I will be speaking fluent 'island gangster' (as I like to refer to it) by the time I get home! But now, whenever I sit and chat with some of the people here, I will say something  that I think is pretty funny, and the people will just laugh and laugh. The first couple times I just thought that I was pretty funny- but then I soon clued in that they aren’t laughing at WHAT I said they are just laughing AT me. So the real reason I need to learn Pijin is so that I will only be the butt of a FEW jokes, rather than ALL of them!

Culture is a funny thing. It is pretty obvious that I am in a different culture, so big differences are expected, but it’s the small things that you don't expect that can throw you off. For instance, when I'm walking around the base I will often smile or wave or say "Malo!" to people and usually I get a similar response. However, on occasion I just get stares. At first, I thought these people must just think I'm the weirdest person ever and got a little insecure.  Today though, I was looking a Pijin language book that I am borrowing which informed me that one way people acknowledge each other by simply raising their eyebrows at them. And naturally, as I observed people I realized that that was exactly what people were doing if they didn't wave or smile back at me. So people don't hate me after all!

I can't say they don't think I'm the weirdest person ever though at the amount they laugh at me.

I am also embracing the cultural tradition of wearing clothing with two completely opposing patterns and colours by wearing a stripped shirt and flowery skirt. It's quite great.

SWIM

SWIM (Short Workshops In Mission) base is going to be my home for the next 2 months. SWIM is involved with a bunch of different things, but one purpose is to act as a place where groups, both local and foreign, can come to do training workshops. This week, there are about 18 pastors who have come to receive training on how to better read the Bible in depth so they can better teach and preach by only consulting their Bibles (as most of these pastors have little or no access to other resources).  And that is why the three pastors from Australia are here now.

As for me right now, I am staying with a young couple, Jair and Lauretta and their daughter Theresa who is 15 months old. This is a pretty exciting time for them as just of last week, the papers had officially gone through and Theresa was officially adopted!  I'm staying here because all of the houses are full right now for this conference, but after that I will be staying the "leaf house," where a few of the girl's who work on the base will be staying as well.

So far, I haven't done too much. Just been getting to know some of the people here. I went into Honiara and got to see a bit of the city and the markets, which is always interesting! Everyone on the base has been very welcoming to me. And of course, I have been 'forced' to play lots of sports-which is terrifying- but I'm starting to get over it!

Tomorrow, I will be going to Bethesda, which is an offshoot of SWIM. This center is about 20 minutes away and teaches skill such as sewing, gardening or basic building to people with physical disabilities. They want to be able to teach these people some basic business skills so that they can effectively use the new skills they have learned when they go home to their villages. Right now the material they have is much to advanced for these people to comprehend as they haven't grown up with exposure to even the most basics of money management, so my task will be to see if we can simplify the material or to create new material so that it can be more practical and effective.

So! We shall see what happens there, and hopefully that works out well!

Quadrigisludophobia

 Quadrigisludophobia (n) an irrational or very powerful fear of team sports.

Quadrigisludophobia is not officially listed as a phobia, but nevertheless it is something that I struggle with. Now, this is something that many people find very confusing, but for those few who have this same fear know EXACTLY what I mean when I say that competitive team sports scare me half to death. When someone suggests a "fun" game of soccer, volleyball or frisbee when on the beach or in a park… I do NOT find any fun in that. I can't explain it, nor fully understand it, but that's how it is for me. Don't laugh, it's a really serious condition! Approximately about 2.39% of the Canadian population exactly suffer from this very affliction- and that's a fact. (Don't look it up though, just trust me.)

Why am I telling you this, you ask? Well just keep reading and you will understand eventually.

A couple people have called me brave for coming to the Solomon Islands on my own, not really knowing exactly what to expect when I got there. Personally, I have never thought that doing something like this took a particular extra amount of bravery or courage, but perhaps it does or perhaps it doesn't, I guess that doesn't really matter. And for the most part I was never very much nervous or anxious about the trip aside from typical worries that tend to come with traveling.

However, I must admit that as I sat at the gate getting ready to board the plane headed for Honiara, I was a bit overcome with nerves as the reality of what I was doing suddenly hit. Upon arriving in the Honiara airport I stepped of the plane and after proceeding through customs I found myself standing outside the entrance surrounded by locals, in a very different place with absolutely no idea who was coming for me or where I was going. All I had was hope and faith that someone WAS in fact coming. Waiting at a time like that was not the easiest, but fortunately after a seemingly long 20 minutes, my ride arrived and I headed on to the base.

The next couple hours were understandably a little overwhelming, having to take in a completely new environment and new people. And I must admit that I began to wonder if perhaps this is the place I am supposed to be and if I would be able to be comfortable in this strange place.

But, none of these worries, concerns or anxiousness even remotely compared to the moment that it was suggested I go out and play volleyball. I'm not even exaggerating.  I had decided that I was going to be open towards new things and experiences on this trip, unfortunately, I realized that participating would be included in this. Little did I know I would be confronting one of my largest fears that haunts me at home here in the Solomon Islands.

As I sat in the room I was to be staying in for the next few days I could hear the game begin and I expected to be summoned to come and join. As I sat in dread however, I soon realized that no one was coming to specifically come in to get me. It was I who was to step out and ask to join.

Now, stepping onto the soil of a totally foreign country not knowing a single person was not near as nerve-wreaking to me as stepping out onto a volleyball court and willingly participate in the team sport. But, when Jair (who is the husband of Lauretta, who are a missionary couple at the base and where I am currently staying for the time being) asked if I wanted to join, I as confidently as I could said yes.

And you  know what? I had a pretty good time. This probably had to do with the fact there were a number of children  participating and the lack of competition that usually accompanies team sports was not there.

In the evening, 3 pastors from Australia who are staying here for a week and who also happened to come in on the same flight as me, joined us for dinner. And through the conversation had with them and Lauretta and Jair, it hit me that yes I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. I felt confirmed that God has brought me here specifically for a reason.

 A different sort of overwhelming came over me, an overwhelming sense of peace. I don't know specifically what I will learn or experience during my time here, but I am confident that although I may have to face some fears and get a little uncomfortable I am right where I need to be right now. And that no matter what God is with me and that is pretty incredible.

Cheese Please

Downtown Brisbane

At the end of my three day stint here in Brisbane, I am happy to report that my burn streaks are significantly diminished and almost (but not quite) gone. Very exciting stuff. Overall, Brisbane has been a great place to visit. The hostel here has been a fun place to be (and even decently clean! Yay!) I have met some great people and One of the best features of the hostel is that it has free internet! And you know how much free internet makes me quite happy.

I do have one complaint though: the guy in the bunk below me snore's sound like a dying cat. I deeply regret forgetting to bring earplugs with me. However, I did have my trusty ipod so that the soothing voice of Jon Foreman sang me to sleep. (Although some of the dying cat sounds unfortunately managed to overpower the musician's peaceful tones.)

The Lagoon

But, aside from that I've been able to explore the lovely city of Brisbane; I've been to the museum, art gallery, shopping centers, botanical gardens, riverside and my personal favourite, "the lagoon." The Lagoon is essentially a mini beach in the middle of the city complete with white sand, palm trees and an island. It is pretty awesome- I wish Edmonton had something like that, however I can see why that wouldn't be as effective in a city where it is below 0 degrees for 9 months of the year. What makes all this even better is that it's all free. And you know what I like just as much as free WiFi? Other free stuff!

My Hostel is the orange one way in the background

For my last day in the City I really only had one task that needed to be accomplished. And that was to buy cheese. Seriously, I was given this task to bring cheese to the good people of the SWIM base in the Solomons. And upon learning that there is limited access to cheese in said country I knew that I must bring some for myself as well because life is just not as good without a little cheese in it. I was decently far from my hostel and decided to buy this cheese in the evening as there is a supermarket close by. On almost any other day this would have been a fine idea, however I forgot that I am no longer in North America where things tend to be open later no matter the day. So alas, this day was a Saturday by the time I had returned to my hostel it was past 5 o'clock and all the supermarkets in the city were closed.

I feared that I would fail my quest for cheese. But thankfully I had noticed a number of 7-11 and NightOwl convenience stores in the area and thus headed off to these locations hoping to find some tasty cheese. (And I mean that literally because there is actually a type of cheese here called "tasty." Just a fun fact for you.)

The first store I came upon left me thoroughly disappointed and slightly panicked.  However, my fears were relieved when I entered the trusty NightOwl store. I then proceeded to buy out the store of all it's cheese; which isn't saying whole lot for a convenience store, but still walking up to the till with 7 blocks of cheese is a little strange. In fact, the girl just looked at me and laughed out loud. But I wasn't phased at all because I knew that I was victorious in my pursuit, and that felt pretty good.

A boat. Pretty self explanatory

Now, I've left out another obstacle that stood in my way of completing my cheese mission. That is, by the time I began to head back into the city center hundreds of Aussies dressed in various forms of orange apparel were heading in the opposite direction of me.  The scariest bit though was standing on one side of the street all alone with about 100 people all geared up for a soccer game and all dressed similarly waiting on the other side.  My first thought was How the heck did I get to Holland? And then Is this a flash mob?! I was very excited when I thought this because I love flash mobs and dream of one day being flash mobbed myself.  (if you don't know what a flash mob is, google it, because it isn't what it sounds like. Just so you know.) Funny thing is that just at that moment a bunch of guys in the pub nearby starting to sing and I for a brief moment I seriously thought my dream was coming true. But, sadly it was just a mere coincidence. But hey, I still got my cheese. So it's all good.

I have to note that I am currently writing this as I'm sitting on the "rooftop lookout" of the hostel overlooking the night skyline. It's pretty amazing. One of those "Wow. Life is pretty awesome" moments. Also, since coming up here this is probably the first time in the past 12 hours that my feet aren’t sweaty. So that's pretty awesome too.

Well, tomorrow morning I am off to the Solomon Islands! I really don't have much of an idea of what to expect there, so we shall see what happens! Please pray that I learn lots and grow and can really get to know people while I'm down there. THANKS!

A fantastic dinner; riverside, good book, coffee with ice cream and whipped cream, greasy fries and a juicy burger

Soloventures

I'm fittingly listening to a little Jack Johnson while sitting in the very same coffee shop that I've been in every day for the past 3 days. I got some music from Cam before I left, including a few Jack Johnson tracks in which he had changed the genre to "kinda gay," so apparently he's not much of fan.

I'm ok with the whole sitting in a restaurant and eating alone thing.  I mean it's not like it's the funnest thing in the world, but it still can be nice a relaxing. Last night though, I decided to go out for Korean food. Now there's nothing wrong  with that, but I'm not very good with chopsticks and I wanted to be all "cultural" (which means I didn't ask for a fork). But within one bite all my pride disappeared as I probably looked like a fool trying to eat. (Despite that, I was still was too stubborn to ask for a fork.) Not that anyone was watching me, but if they were, I'm sure it was entertaining for them, slightly embarrassing for me. But hey, I'm cultured!

Another great thing to do when flying solo is to take self-timer pictures on the beach of yourself. You don't feel at all like a fool while doing that. The result is about 30 great pics, if you ignore the slightly awkward faces I'm making. There was a few decent ones though- this one being one of them.

Despite all that, I'm starting to get used to these "soloventures" as I've literally just now decided to call them. It's quite relaxing! 

O ya, I also forgot to mention that I pulled what some might call a "Cara." In that i missed a few spots as I hastily put on sunscreen yesterday. (SUCH a bad idea) So i'm a little streaky today. Whoops.

Beaches and Free Internet

One of the best things in life is finding free internet, and I've found it here in this coffee shop near my hostel. Your supposed to only get a free 1/2 hour of internet with a purchase, but somehow I've managed to get online without having to use the password- so it's unlimited for me! Yay! I feel slightly guilty 'cause the guy beside me couldn't get on at all. But I don't really feel that guilty, especially as I got to chat with my dearie Chrissy on skype. I supposed my punishment  is that I looked like a crazy person in the corner giggling and talking seemingly to myself. But that's the price I am willing to pay.

After I arrived in Australia, I first headed to Surfer's Paradise (which is about 20 mins south of Brisbane) and have been here for the past day and a half. That time has been spent on the beach and doing a little shopping. (It wasn't very easy to find decent summer clothing in Edmonton in February!)

I have this weird thing about not putting sunscreen on the first day I'm in a hot place. (I KNOW I KNOW, I can hear you- "you" being mainly my mother and/or aunties- saying how stupid that is, but it's what I do so get over it.) Anyways, so needless to say I was quite pink by the time I got back to my hostel that evening. What made it even better was that was due to the fact I had my backpack on all afternoon I had nice white lines on my shoulders. It was quite lovely.

But by the morning it was pretty much all gone. And I therefore headed to the beach, where I spent about few hours and where I was sure to put on my trusty 30 and 50 SPF screen on and where despite all that protection my kinda embarrassingly white body still managed to get quite pink. (Which is why I'm seeking refuge within the four walls of this lovely coffee shop.)

 

Well that's pretty much all to report on for now. Off to Brisbane tomorrow morning! 

PS: You might be wondering why i named by blog Oloketa Karangge. Well I googled the Solmon Island's Pidgin (that's the language they mainly speak there) and found a few common phrases. Oloketa means "Wow" and Karangge partly means "Crikey." So basically the phrase Oloketa Karangge doesn't make any sense... but I liked the sound of it. So that's that.

PSS: The top photo is the beach at Surfer's paradise. And the second is of me. (Surprise!) I'm sorry I'm not really smiling- but the one that I am smiling in I look very foolish and didn't want the to be in view of the public. I really am very happy to be on the beach. Promise.

Joys of Airports

Waiting in an airport terminal is never a fun thing- especially when the wait is nearly as long as the flight itself (the wait being 10 hours and the flight being 14.) There were a couple things that entertained me however during my wait.

The first thing was that I witnessed the most blatant "checking out of self in public" I have ever seen. And not checking out as in "how do I look in these pants" kind of way, but in a "I'm sexy and I know it" kind of way.

One of my many hang out locations was located near a door where various employees would frequently go in and out of as it led to some sort of magical place I'm convinced. Right by this door was a large window where one could view the coming and going of planes (just oh so nice). At one point I looked up as a small entourage of uniformed individuals walked towards this door and among them was one young man who strutted along (and I mean strut like he is God's gift to women everywhere), all the while quite obviously watching his reflection (as it was now dark outside), even lightly tussling his hair as he neared the reflection. Now, I must mention that he did look like a cross between Ryan Gosling and David Beckman. And I'm not even exaggerating. So basically what I'm saying is he probably is God's gift to women everywhere and has an total right to be checking himself out and strutting.

But he's probably got a terrible personality.

Did I mention his suit fit him absolutely perfectly? 'Cuase it did.

Have you seen that commercial for a certain online flight booking website (like expedia) where the guy is in a shop in some Asian country where he holds up a bag of white powder and asks the store owner what it is. After the man informs him that it is rice flour, he promptly asks for a few kilos of it to be placed directly into his briefcase. This all occurs just after he turns to his friend and states that he "just doesn't think while he travels." I tell this story because within my luggage I had stuffed various ziploc bags full of various herbs into my luggage. (So I wouldn't have to buy stuff in the Solmon's okay?! Don't judge!) So needless to say I was a little nervous as I went through various securities. Particularly the ones that had the sniffer dogs.

So that was pretty much the only interesting things that happened to me in the 26 odd hours of traveling. GTs GTs.