The region we are in is one of the poorest in all of Asia. With limited electricity (we have only had a total of two hours today thus far, and I am writing this at 7:00 in the evening) it is quite cold inside as well as outside. Other downsides of life here include the fact that food and water are often filled with extra lovely bacteria that don’t just make our stomachs sick, but also the locals when they consume something that is ‘foreign.’ The languages can confuse people, as there are three primary languages used here, and the main language is not even a written one. There is no running water indoors, which means the use of outhouses – (a new adventure in and of itself!) Terrible wars in the recent past, massive drug trades around the area, corruption, as well as limited natural resources make this a tough place to live. The average family earns less than $1000 per year. That is per family! Jobs are not generated here very easily, other than hard labor. Although buildings and structures get very cold here during the winter, and more than 70% of the population is living in poverty, the people themselves are very warm and welcoming. Lindsay and I have been humbled by the generosity we have seen.
Surprisingly, literacy rates are very high here and education is a priority for men and women. Perhaps more surprisingly, the priority for education is geared towards girls over boys. There seems to be a lot of wisdom in that priority in the developing world. Needless to say, however, education does not have the same standards here as it has in the U.S.
Lindsay and I are focusing on solar power as our main humanitarian project. The one natural resource that is plentiful here is the sun. Additional to the challenges of life listed above, the harsh climate and mountainous terrain make life difficult for the people living here, and only six percent of the rocky land is arable. Of this small percentage of arable land, yields from farming and other agricultural pursuits have been minimal due to the arid climate and limited resources for irrigation. Our project is to help the local people pump water from nearby rivers onto the limited land for increased agricultural production using solar panel technology.
We are so fortunate to have this opportunity, even with its many challenges, to help make a difference in the lives of our fellow human beings half a world away from our normal comfort zone.
God bless
Monday, February 23, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
JB's Local Haircut
It was way past time to get my haircut. It was starting to curl, something my mom used to love when I was a young boy, but not such a good status symbol as a grown man. So off I went to try my luck at the local barber. It was a 20-minute walk from where Lindsay and I are staying to the barbershop. I met one of our team members who also needed a haircut in front of the store at 10 am. We were both on time and ready to go. Little did I realize, the adventure was just about to begin.
As we went in, the barber was cutting a man’s hair in the dark. He told the team member with me (aka my translator) that we would need to return at 11 am when the power would probably come back on. Key word – “probably”.
So, to make the most of our hour, we went to the outdoor market next door (called a bazaar). Items ranging from hanging meats to electrical outlets, from pasta to illegally copied DVD and CD’s were all there. As we looked at the many foreign products, the bargain hunters from around the different villages, and the sellers who were anxious to sell you anything they had, I saw a familiar looking word - Mars! I didn’t hesitate much and purchased the Mars bar. Ummmm good. The mud paths through the bazaar were covered with a mix of rocks, ice, snow and water slush which made the experience through the bazaar even more bizarre to this foriegner! (sorry, my bad attempt at a play on words)
We returned to the barbershop at 10:55 am in the dark. At 11 am, the power came back on as he predicted! We were the first to get there and were ready for the barber; the only other men in the shop were two men hammering and sawing a new table together – loudly. We waited. And waited. Two other men joined us to wait. I have learned patience here is a way of life! Not a virtue… a way of life. The barber finally came around 11:30 am. One of the older men who came in after us decided he would go first (without asking), so he sat in the chair and got a quick trim. Once he finished, my friend suggested that I go first. Passing off as being polite, I insisted he go first, but I admit, I wanted to see what the full local haircut would look like first before I took the plunge. I know... I know..... I paid for it later!
His cut looked like it was going fairly well (from the back, at least) with the barber shaving the back of his head with an old electric razor, and seemingly making precise cuts on the top and sides with some regular scissors. Suddenly, what was looking like a decent cut ended promptly. Right at 12 noon all the power went out again. Lovely! (By this time, I am starting to look like one of the Beatles)
This power outage looked to be more lengthy because all cell phone reception was also offline, meaning the electric power plant AND the phone towers were down. My friend reassured me by explaining it was probably a nearby avalanche that had knocked out the lines. Comforting. We could be without power for days! Even more lovely.
We aborted the haircut at that point, walked back to the house where we are staying, and explained the haircut saga to Lindsay and others around. After talking with the rest of the team and learning everyone else had already eaten lunch, my haircut sidekick and I decided to go for lunch at a local Indian restaurant. We peaked into the barbershop on the way, but the lights were still out.
Lunch was good. My stomach is adjusting pretty well – Lindsay and I have both had our moments already though. Lunch was Chicken Tiki Misala, with lemon rice, Indian non (bread), French fries and some RC Cola to wash it down. It hit the spot! AND, the power was restored only after 2 ½ hours or so of being out. That was a relief since it is COLD here.
After lunch, we tried our chances again at the Barbershop – it was 3:15 pm. It didn’t look good at first because all the brushes, scissors, razors, etc. were put up and it appeared the shop was closing up. But the good news is the lights were on, and the Barber got his things back out for my haircut. Along with a series of Russian singers in the background on video that was playing (mainly fat, bald, older white male singers who were dancing around like pop stars with their lips moving about 2 seconds behind the music), along with the lovely noise of the two men hammering that small table…. still…. My haircut began.
Let me cut through the chase (no pun intended) and sum up my experience by repeating what seems to be a universal / cross-cultural truth “you get what you pay for.” The total cost of my haircut was the equivalent of 75 cents. I did, however, leave a tip of another 25 cents (I know, very generous)….. but Lindsay’s expression said it all when I returned. Her look was a slight smile with a nod of approval for the accomplishment of finally getting the haircut (after 6 hours of trying) saying “It looks…. different” with another nod and a smile. Well, I got what I paid for. But hey…. It was quite the experience (and it only cost a dollar!! ☺)
Notice – no picture is attached for viewing!
The adventures in Central Asia continue.
God bless.
As we went in, the barber was cutting a man’s hair in the dark. He told the team member with me (aka my translator) that we would need to return at 11 am when the power would probably come back on. Key word – “probably”.
So, to make the most of our hour, we went to the outdoor market next door (called a bazaar). Items ranging from hanging meats to electrical outlets, from pasta to illegally copied DVD and CD’s were all there. As we looked at the many foreign products, the bargain hunters from around the different villages, and the sellers who were anxious to sell you anything they had, I saw a familiar looking word - Mars! I didn’t hesitate much and purchased the Mars bar. Ummmm good. The mud paths through the bazaar were covered with a mix of rocks, ice, snow and water slush which made the experience through the bazaar even more bizarre to this foriegner! (sorry, my bad attempt at a play on words)
We returned to the barbershop at 10:55 am in the dark. At 11 am, the power came back on as he predicted! We were the first to get there and were ready for the barber; the only other men in the shop were two men hammering and sawing a new table together – loudly. We waited. And waited. Two other men joined us to wait. I have learned patience here is a way of life! Not a virtue… a way of life. The barber finally came around 11:30 am. One of the older men who came in after us decided he would go first (without asking), so he sat in the chair and got a quick trim. Once he finished, my friend suggested that I go first. Passing off as being polite, I insisted he go first, but I admit, I wanted to see what the full local haircut would look like first before I took the plunge. I know... I know..... I paid for it later!
His cut looked like it was going fairly well (from the back, at least) with the barber shaving the back of his head with an old electric razor, and seemingly making precise cuts on the top and sides with some regular scissors. Suddenly, what was looking like a decent cut ended promptly. Right at 12 noon all the power went out again. Lovely! (By this time, I am starting to look like one of the Beatles)
This power outage looked to be more lengthy because all cell phone reception was also offline, meaning the electric power plant AND the phone towers were down. My friend reassured me by explaining it was probably a nearby avalanche that had knocked out the lines. Comforting. We could be without power for days! Even more lovely.
We aborted the haircut at that point, walked back to the house where we are staying, and explained the haircut saga to Lindsay and others around. After talking with the rest of the team and learning everyone else had already eaten lunch, my haircut sidekick and I decided to go for lunch at a local Indian restaurant. We peaked into the barbershop on the way, but the lights were still out.
Lunch was good. My stomach is adjusting pretty well – Lindsay and I have both had our moments already though. Lunch was Chicken Tiki Misala, with lemon rice, Indian non (bread), French fries and some RC Cola to wash it down. It hit the spot! AND, the power was restored only after 2 ½ hours or so of being out. That was a relief since it is COLD here.
After lunch, we tried our chances again at the Barbershop – it was 3:15 pm. It didn’t look good at first because all the brushes, scissors, razors, etc. were put up and it appeared the shop was closing up. But the good news is the lights were on, and the Barber got his things back out for my haircut. Along with a series of Russian singers in the background on video that was playing (mainly fat, bald, older white male singers who were dancing around like pop stars with their lips moving about 2 seconds behind the music), along with the lovely noise of the two men hammering that small table…. still…. My haircut began.
Let me cut through the chase (no pun intended) and sum up my experience by repeating what seems to be a universal / cross-cultural truth “you get what you pay for.” The total cost of my haircut was the equivalent of 75 cents. I did, however, leave a tip of another 25 cents (I know, very generous)….. but Lindsay’s expression said it all when I returned. Her look was a slight smile with a nod of approval for the accomplishment of finally getting the haircut (after 6 hours of trying) saying “It looks…. different” with another nod and a smile. Well, I got what I paid for. But hey…. It was quite the experience (and it only cost a dollar!! ☺)
Notice – no picture is attached for viewing!
The adventures in Central Asia continue.
God bless.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Getting Settled In
It has been snowing most of this week. Two of our team members had planned to go out to a nearby village for an overnight visit, but the possibility of avalanches in weather like this makes it too dangerous to travel on the roads.
Monday, we went out into the town for the first time. We explored the bazaar, with all of its foods, crafts, clothes, etc. Those of us on the team, especially the women, get a lot of comments in town, because we look so different from everyone else, and it is a very macho society. As a married woman, I am expected to wear makeup when I am in public. The unmarried women on the team are not required to do so. There is only one small mirror in our house, so it makes getting ready a little difficult. When I go somewhere now and see a big mirror, I think, “oh, so that’s how I look today.”
We also went out for lunch in town earlier this week for some local food at a restaurant called “Fast Food” that specialized in pizza. Ironically, it was not fast at all and they didn’t have any pizza! JB ordered chicken, and it definitely looked like a chicken (a whole one), but mine was chopped and formed “mystery meat.” We do not eat meat here as often as we would in the States, because there is a greater chance of tummy problems. We also have to make sure to wipe any water off of our silverware and dishes, since that could also make us sick. We always have lots of bread and tea here, but vegetables and fruits are very, very limited during the winter. Luckily, our hostess is a wonderful cook, so she keeps us well fed.
JB and I have been working on a proposal paper for the solar water pumping project that we are here to help with. We are laying out a five-year plan, beginning with the research that is needed to successfully implement the project at several designated sites. We will do as much of the research as we can while we are here, but some of it will have to be done after we are gone. It is very difficult to do research, because the internet is soooooo slow. We also met with the governor earlier this week to discuss the projects, and we felt that it was a very positive, productive meeting. He was extremely welcoming and gave us a lot of good information about this region, as well as its people and their needs.
I’ve been able to meet several of the local people here, and they are all very kind and hospitable. I hope to visit them more often over the coming weeks, although I have to have a translator with me unless they speak English.
We thank you all for your continued support!
JB and Lindsay
Monday, we went out into the town for the first time. We explored the bazaar, with all of its foods, crafts, clothes, etc. Those of us on the team, especially the women, get a lot of comments in town, because we look so different from everyone else, and it is a very macho society. As a married woman, I am expected to wear makeup when I am in public. The unmarried women on the team are not required to do so. There is only one small mirror in our house, so it makes getting ready a little difficult. When I go somewhere now and see a big mirror, I think, “oh, so that’s how I look today.”
We also went out for lunch in town earlier this week for some local food at a restaurant called “Fast Food” that specialized in pizza. Ironically, it was not fast at all and they didn’t have any pizza! JB ordered chicken, and it definitely looked like a chicken (a whole one), but mine was chopped and formed “mystery meat.” We do not eat meat here as often as we would in the States, because there is a greater chance of tummy problems. We also have to make sure to wipe any water off of our silverware and dishes, since that could also make us sick. We always have lots of bread and tea here, but vegetables and fruits are very, very limited during the winter. Luckily, our hostess is a wonderful cook, so she keeps us well fed.
JB and I have been working on a proposal paper for the solar water pumping project that we are here to help with. We are laying out a five-year plan, beginning with the research that is needed to successfully implement the project at several designated sites. We will do as much of the research as we can while we are here, but some of it will have to be done after we are gone. It is very difficult to do research, because the internet is soooooo slow. We also met with the governor earlier this week to discuss the projects, and we felt that it was a very positive, productive meeting. He was extremely welcoming and gave us a lot of good information about this region, as well as its people and their needs.
I’ve been able to meet several of the local people here, and they are all very kind and hospitable. I hope to visit them more often over the coming weeks, although I have to have a translator with me unless they speak English.
We thank you all for your continued support!
JB and Lindsay
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Wow - what a journey.
This is an interesting place, to say the least. It is rich with so much culture and history, mixed with two major languages as well as several local tribal / regional languages. Somehow our Texan and limited Spanish doesn't really help us here! On Friday of this past week, Lindsay and I woke up at 3:25 am to drive 17 hours with our American host and a local driver from the nation's capital to our destination city (about 20,000 people) on some of the roughest roads in the world - literally. In fact, the road ended several times during our journey - but to our disbelief, our driver kept on going! Rocks, snow, cliffs, rivers, more rocks, dirt, a waterfall, mud, ice, cows, chickens, humans and a few other vehicles were all obstacles on the unforgetable road trip. It almost felt as if we were on the moon at one point but then we came across some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. With a mix of music in the car that the local driver played ranged from local pop music, to European Classical, to Russian Techno, to generic rural music from the different regions of this country, to Celine Dion! Lindsay and I both smiled when we were in the middle of a vast empty high altitude cold lands and were listening to Celine Dion.
As far as food, we have eaten Chinese, Turkish, Italian, Mexican, American and Ecuadorian food! We have had a few local dishes too - mainly bread, tea, soups and chicken. But more local food will be appearing in our diet soon, I'm sure.
Our new dewelling place is located in a river valley with an extremely powerful river running through it. Much of the water in this region comes off of the high mountains and runs through this main river giving the necessary support for many villages to survive on both sides of the river. Our humanitarian project is looking into Solar Powered Pumps to draw water from this powerful river to help irrigate the fertile land nearby for local farmers to grow additional crops (which is much needed).
It is a fairly primitive society in many ways. In others it is more advanced. Indoor plumbing is very rare here. Outhouse is the common way of using the restroom - Lindsay and I found out quickly that public bathrooms take on a whole new meaning here! (ie don't go unless you have to!) E-mail and blogging are hit and miss as there are common electrical outages (usually two times a day).
We have already experienced sponge bathing which will be our way of cleaning for the next 6 weeks. Much to do here - we are very grateful to have his very unique opportunity and appreciate the support of our friends and family back home!
Until next time.
God bless,
JB and Lindsay
As far as food, we have eaten Chinese, Turkish, Italian, Mexican, American and Ecuadorian food! We have had a few local dishes too - mainly bread, tea, soups and chicken. But more local food will be appearing in our diet soon, I'm sure.
Our new dewelling place is located in a river valley with an extremely powerful river running through it. Much of the water in this region comes off of the high mountains and runs through this main river giving the necessary support for many villages to survive on both sides of the river. Our humanitarian project is looking into Solar Powered Pumps to draw water from this powerful river to help irrigate the fertile land nearby for local farmers to grow additional crops (which is much needed).
It is a fairly primitive society in many ways. In others it is more advanced. Indoor plumbing is very rare here. Outhouse is the common way of using the restroom - Lindsay and I found out quickly that public bathrooms take on a whole new meaning here! (ie don't go unless you have to!) E-mail and blogging are hit and miss as there are common electrical outages (usually two times a day).
We have already experienced sponge bathing which will be our way of cleaning for the next 6 weeks. Much to do here - we are very grateful to have his very unique opportunity and appreciate the support of our friends and family back home!
Until next time.
God bless,
JB and Lindsay
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Traveling across the world... we are here!
After 54 hours of travel, we are ALMOST to our destination. That's right, we are not quite there yet. We are in the capital city of the country where we will spend the next two months, and we will be here for the next several days. When the weather clears (it is cold and snowy outside right now) we are going to make the 17-hour road journey across mountainous terrain to our destination village, which sits at about 7000 feet.
It is very cold here. Many times the outside temperature is warmer than in the houses. Electricity goes out in this city from 11 pm to 5:3o am every night - that means, no heat in the houses at night, although there isn't much heat during the day either. Today the electricity did not come on until 1:30 pm. Needless to say, that is a little bit of a cultural difference to Lindsay and me! She is lucky I am full of hot air to keep her warm. :)
We learned yesterday that when we get to our remote village, there is no running water and no indoor plumbing (there is literally an outhouse!) I watched Lindsay's expression, and she was a champ - ready to adapt as needed in a much different culture and a much different way of life. I just hope I can make that adaptation as well as she can!
We are safe and sound, looking forward to a very unique experience during the next two months. Until our next blog, keep smiling and remember how blessed we are to have the many comforts we often take for granted in the United States.
God bless,
JB and Lindsay
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