Presenting ...

The drama group ( in the picture above )that I have
been working with over the last nine months. They
are a great bunch of people and I am really lucky
that they are here.

They are the group that basically writes ( verbally ),
produces, directs and all the other things needed to
make our little videos.

The way it works out here in the bush would drive
a few people crazy ( especially 'A' types ). Of course
it all starts with an idea or story line. Then, it is whomever
is present to begin defining. Then the getting together of
everyone to hammer it out and get ready to go ... well ...
that may take 2 to 3 weeks. It is like ... Andreas went to
Katima Mulilo ( city ). Then Reginah is out in the field.
Or ... Vicky's baby is sick and on and on. But here is
one of the best lessons that I've learned and will take it
with me till the end and that is ... it all gets done.
It is amazing how in the end, it always does and with
the go with the flow way ... there is a lot less stress.

This is one of the main reasons why I pushed for making
videos of the drama group's performances. To get them
together and then go and perform out in a village somewhere
or even in this village is ... again ... more luck than anything
else. So, with the DVD-video, once it's made then it is a
matter of putting it in the player and then the performance
is happening and it doesn't take a logistics specialist to
get everyone together.

We have a new story line that I am looking forward to see
develop in their Namibian cultural way. It is a role reversal
or 'shoe on the other foot' story of how the lady has several
husbands ( they kind of call steady partners of boyfriends/
girlfriends, husbands and wives ). There may even be more
of the old traditional polygamists tone to it. We are working
that angle out. But, it is really about addressing the multiple
partner ( it is a central point in HIV transmission ) issue, be
they legally married or just being boyfriends/girlfriends ( that
really adds up to the same thing as polygamy ) in a way
that promotes some form of dialogue or reflection of the
situation. The only way I know about making behavior
change happen is to start some discussions and open the
subject up to thought and hopefully ... change.

So, all the things that the men do to the women, the woman is
going to do to the man. It should be kind of humorous and
I can't wait to see the look on the village ladies faces' when
they see it for the first time, they should be laughing a bit.

We are hoping that the 'many a truth is said in gest' method of
getting a point across works on this one.

Friday ramblings ...

It is another Friday and today I am taking time
to look back on the past week.

The picture is that of a Sable antelope. I took it when
I went back to Mahangu Game Park with my two
colleagues that visited on their way back from the World
Cup games in South Africa. The same guys that gave me
the infamous vuvuzela. The picture came out kind of
black and white because it was taken in the direction
of the sun but it kind of gives it a nice effect.

This week we had the second part of this year's Polio
campaign. It went well and in the first day (Tuesday)
our clinic was number 1 in the area for the amount of
people who brought their children for the vaccine. So
that was a good start for the past week.

Another good thing was that the people whom came by
and checked on the clinics to see if they were doing the
Polio campaign correctly saw our little film drama we
made to encourage people to bring their children to be
vaccinated for polio. The crazy thing I heard is that they
want us to translate it into English so that they can use it
throughout Namibia. I am kind of in disbelief about that
and I have to see it used somewhere else in the country to
believe it.

It has also been a week of a lot of little things going in a
positive direction. We helped a San person to maybe get
a decent job. It doesn't sound like much but out here in the
bush, it is almost impossible to find a job. It was the
connection that we made with some other people that
allowed this San person to even be considered. Here, every
job that the villagers can get it progress for the community.

At the school a teacher finally started a girls club. We have
talked about from the first day I arrived in the village. I am
a firm believer in participation from the people as it concerns
projects and programs. I attended the first meeting today and
I walked away wondering why it took so long for the teacher
to begin. She did a tremendous job, I am totally impressed
with what she is capable of.

After leaving the meeting I heard the young San cultural group
practicing and went to watch. It was crazy to see how they
were dancing today. They were even better than the last time
I saw them about 2 months ago. I mean the aspect that they
were better in wasn't just technical but it was the spirit that
they put into it. It was so joyous, fun, active and it was only
a practice. It was a great way to finish the week.

Sometimes when things go ok ... we just feel like this is the
greatest thing to be doing. But then, the roller coaster factor
is a part of it and next week ... ma an (San language for ...
who knows) te muo gwe (we will see) what it will be like.
That's why it never gets boring out here.

Somber Saturday

  During the time I've spent in other countries
and cultures over the almost last ten years, I
have seen different customs concerning death
and burial.

  Today was the funeral for the young girl that
died tragically two weeks ago. I am sure that
there is curiosity as to what the tragic event was
and I can only say that her and her friend felt
safer jumping out of the cab of a trailer truck
while it was traveling about 90 kmph or 60 or
so mph, than staying in it.

  This morning the church was to capacity for the
funeral of this 16 year old girl named Appolonia.
Throughout the ceremony there were six of her
classmates holding candles (3 on each side of
her coffin) ... standing vigil over her. Every so often
the ones holding the candles were replaced by
others.

  Funerals are very emotional anywhere in the world.
I've experienced funeral practices from different religions,
cultures, tribes and regions but this one seemed to
be the one with the most emotion and expression.
What affected me the most was a moment at the
grave. The people were singing this song and I
don't know what it was but it hit a nerve
and I had a tear or two.

  The song went like this ...

Blessing, blessing Appolonia, this is Omega (name of
the village), we are your friends. Blessing and glory
onto you.

  I don't know what it was about it that touched me so,
but all I could think of was, here is the village and
her friends wishing her well as we say our last goodbye.

  What I've liked throughout my time in Africa is the
life with emotion. Be it happy or sad.

  So this day sadly didn't disappoint.

  In the end all I could think of was the needless tragic
event that took another all too young person.

  I guess I can close this blog article by saying ....
Appolonia, this is the village, we are your friends ...
may you rest in peace.