Before this semester, I didn't have a huge amount of cooking experience. Don't get me wrong, I could find my way around a kitchen and follow a recipe - the basics. In fact, one summer I worked as a nanny and managed to cook for a family of four plus myself, and I managed to make it through a whole three-month summer without any of the kids suffering from malnourishment or getting food poisoned (even though I lived in a constant and irrational fear that that would happen). But this term, as I have been helping out in The Working Centre's kitchen, I am learning quite a lot. The cafe we cook for is vegetarian and sometimes vegan, which right away changes things up a bit. If I was to plan and cook a meal of my own devising, the main dish would most likely involve some sort of meat or meat product. So, instead, I have been learning how to make many dishes that centre around vegetables and meat alternatives. I usually make some sort of salad, though occasionally I've made soup, hummus, or wraps. The recipes usually involve two or more steps, which is quite different than what I am used to. Most often I bake, and at most that requires two separate bowls. Often, these recipies involve frying tofu, sauces and spices in a frying pan, roasting vegetables in the oven, and boiling pasta on the stove, mixing a sauce in a bowl, and then tossing it all together. The other difference is the sheer volume/quantity of food being made. Coming from a family of three, it seems crazy to me to make a soup using 1 kg of green beans, 8 potatoes, 4 giant carrotts, and three cans of tomato juice for one pot of soup. I have learned a lot about the vegetarian/vegan diet in this way.
However, my favourite part about working in the kitchen is the atmosphere. Although Tracie has only been working there a few months, she has really managed to find her rhythm and is doing a fantastic job. On my first day, I missed my bus and had to take a later one. When I called to let her know I'd be late, she told me not to worry about it. When I showed up for work, she gave me a recipe to follow. But the following weeks she let me choose between a few different recipes, and sometimes she first asks me "What do you feel like making?". She is always very friendly and helpful, no matter how many questions I ask her. She is always happy and smiling, asking me about school and my Ecuador trip. I feel blessed to have had the chance to work with her for such a worthy organization.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
I wanted to take an opportunity to blog about the fundraising breakfast we ran as a Beyond Borders team. Since the beginning of this term, or possibly even last term, we had been trying to come up with an event we could host not only to raise some funds for our trip, but also to introduce ourselves to the community and let them know what Beyond Borders experience is all about. We were all really busy, and we weren't really sure if we could commit to yet another activity. At one point, we had all but decided not to have any event at all, when someone came up with the idea of holding a pancake breakfast. We all thought it was a great idea and decided to go ahead with it.
Things came together relatively quickly, though there were a few minor (and some not so minor) setbacks we came across. There were quite a few people to talk to about venues, food, and supplies, so getting all of that together took a fair bit of orchestration. There were a few last minute changes on where we were going to hold the breakfast. First we were in the main SJU cafeteria, then the girl's dorm, then back again, and finally ended up being in the girl's dorm. It ended up being a great location, not too small that we ran out of tables and chairs, but small enough that it felt homey. There were also some difficulties with the pancake batter we wanted to use because it contained raw egg, and none of us were properly trained to cook with it. It turned out that a local grocery store either gave us a great discount or donated pancake mix which only required us to add water. The cafeteria was also very generous in donating disposable dishes and cutlery, juice, coffee, syrup, margarine and sausage to our cause.
When the morning of the event arrived we all (well, all but one . . . ;o)!!!) showed up bright eyed, bushy tailed, and ready to work . . . well, at least reasonably so. Everyone found something to do, or at least something to look like they were doing, and got to work. By the time the first mass let out, we were ready to go. There was a slight delay when the line outnumbered the number of pancakes we could make at once, and we blew a few fuses with the grills, but all of these problems were fixed quickly and effectively. We had a good sized crowd, and I think made over $700! Though that isn't much money when it needs to be split between all of us, the event was quite successful, and I think we did quite well in pulling it off . . . and it was a lot of fun!! Thanks again to my fellow Beyond Bordians. You rock!
Things came together relatively quickly, though there were a few minor (and some not so minor) setbacks we came across. There were quite a few people to talk to about venues, food, and supplies, so getting all of that together took a fair bit of orchestration. There were a few last minute changes on where we were going to hold the breakfast. First we were in the main SJU cafeteria, then the girl's dorm, then back again, and finally ended up being in the girl's dorm. It ended up being a great location, not too small that we ran out of tables and chairs, but small enough that it felt homey. There were also some difficulties with the pancake batter we wanted to use because it contained raw egg, and none of us were properly trained to cook with it. It turned out that a local grocery store either gave us a great discount or donated pancake mix which only required us to add water. The cafeteria was also very generous in donating disposable dishes and cutlery, juice, coffee, syrup, margarine and sausage to our cause.
When the morning of the event arrived we all (well, all but one . . . ;o)!!!) showed up bright eyed, bushy tailed, and ready to work . . . well, at least reasonably so. Everyone found something to do, or at least something to look like they were doing, and got to work. By the time the first mass let out, we were ready to go. There was a slight delay when the line outnumbered the number of pancakes we could make at once, and we blew a few fuses with the grills, but all of these problems were fixed quickly and effectively. We had a good sized crowd, and I think made over $700! Though that isn't much money when it needs to be split between all of us, the event was quite successful, and I think we did quite well in pulling it off . . . and it was a lot of fun!! Thanks again to my fellow Beyond Bordians. You rock!
Monday, March 9, 2009
More on Ecuador
I realized that the information I gave during my last Ecuador presentation never made it to my blog, so I thought I'd remedy that. One thing that is of interest to me is the people of Ecuador. The approximate population is 14 000 000. Though the official language is Spanish, there are approximately 20 other native tongues due to the indigenous population. In fact, the indigenous people make up 1/3 to 1/4 of the population, which is largely mixed, or 'mestizo'. There are many social and economic divisions between people groups, much like many other places in the world. Somewhere between 4o% and 66% of the population live below the poverty line. The country specializes largely in agriculture, and its main exports are petroleum products, coffee, cacao, bananas, cut flowers and shrimp. This means their economy varies depending on the market, and is severely affected by fluctuations in world commodity prices, and can be quite unstable. Voting is compulsory for literate people between the ages of 18 and 65, and Ecuador was the first country in South America to grant women the right to vote. Despite this, the country overall has been slow to accept equality of the sexes, which is illustrated by the fact that only 40% of women are economically active. Though women have entered most fields of work, they still do not work as welders or bus drivers. In 1990, women even made up 10% of the police force. I am very excited about the chance to interact with these people, to see and experience firsthand what their lives are like. It is not every day a chance like this comes along.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Good . . . And The Bad
I need to preface this entry by saying that I am very much looking forward to my summer in Ecuador. I cannot wait to see what life is like in another country, to spend time in a culture totally unfamiliar to me, to make connections with new people, and begin to learn the language. I have loved getting to know the others in the program, and know this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Things are starting to come together for me, and in two and a half months I will be on my way.
However, I am starting to learn about things I will be missing while I'm away. Two of my coworkers, two of my friends, and two of my cousins will be having babies between April and September. I know I will be able to meet their newborns when I get back, but somehow it's just not the same. Another friend is getting married, and I will be missing out on the road trip to New York to see it. I am missing mother's day, father's day, my mother's 56th birthday, my grandfather's 89th birthday, and probably a few more birthdays and other special occasions. Though I may be able to spend one week at camp when I get back, it isn't the same as other summers where I spent many weeks there and was able to visit a few times throughout the season. And I will also be missing out on the three best months of weather that we will have all year here in Canada.
Like I said, I know it will be worth the trade-off. But it's hard not to think about the things I will miss while I'm gone.
However, I am starting to learn about things I will be missing while I'm away. Two of my coworkers, two of my friends, and two of my cousins will be having babies between April and September. I know I will be able to meet their newborns when I get back, but somehow it's just not the same. Another friend is getting married, and I will be missing out on the road trip to New York to see it. I am missing mother's day, father's day, my mother's 56th birthday, my grandfather's 89th birthday, and probably a few more birthdays and other special occasions. Though I may be able to spend one week at camp when I get back, it isn't the same as other summers where I spent many weeks there and was able to visit a few times throughout the season. And I will also be missing out on the three best months of weather that we will have all year here in Canada.
Like I said, I know it will be worth the trade-off. But it's hard not to think about the things I will miss while I'm gone.
Monday, February 2, 2009
How I Ended Up In The Beyond Borders Program
I am so sorry I've gotten behind in posting on my blog. I've been dealing with OSAP nightmares and other various administrivial nonsense. As of now nothing at all is worked out. It has not been a good semester in that respect. Hopefully most of it will be ironed out soon.
Anyway, I was talking with Kate and she mentioned that she thought she'd post the story of how she came to be in the Beyond Borders program, and I thought that was a good idea. So I am going to borrow her idea and tell my own story of how I got to where I am.
At some basic level it began in 2001. When I was in 10th grade, I spent my March Break on a mission trip in Toronto. I know that sounds kind of silly, but there is actually a surprising amount of poverty and other problems there. Anyway, the point is, that was my first experience volunteering for an extended period of time to try to help out and do some good for others. I had volunteered in a classroom, retirement home, hospital and camp before, but not quite like this. In 2003 I joined approximately 70 other people for another March Break mission trip, only this time we headed to the Dominican Republic. The minute I landed, I fell in love . . . with the place, the people, the palm trees, the language - - everything. I know this sounds a bit over the top, but I truly felt like my soul was at home there. Our main projects were construction. We made a few sidewalks, helped construct a chemistry wing, and cleared a sidewalk of dirt and debris. It wasn't much, but it felt like progress. Then, last spring I was invited back to the DR for another March Break trip, but this time as a leader. This time we had a smaller team, maybe about 20 or so total, about 8 from my church, and some from other cities in Ontario. Again the focus was construction, making cement curbs, painting, and constructing sidewalks. As much as I enjoyed these short trips, I never felt as though I had enough time to truly connect with and understand the people there, learn the language, or make much of a difference. The truth is, a week-long trip is more about what you learn by going. The little bit of work you get done while there is pretty much inconsequential.
In my first year at UW, I took an SMF class at SJU, and Scott Kline was my professor. I really enjoyed the class, both because I loved the subject, and because Scott did an excellent job of teaching. It actually led me to add an SMF minor/honours option to my degree. I heard about Intercordia and saw posters a few times, and I always thought it sounded like a great opportunity. When I had the chance to take another course with Scott over this past summer, I jumped at the chance. Again he mentioned the now revamped Intercordia/Beyond Borders program, and I knew I had to give it shot. I missed the deadline, but Scott told me to apply anyway. But when I didn't hear anything all summer, I figured I didn't make it in. To my surprise, though, I heard from him near the end of the summer, and my interview was set up. In my opinion, the interview went absolutely wretchedly. It was one of those times where you are asked a question, and you literally have no answer whatsoever to give. You can't even make something up, your mind is that blank. So you start thinking "Oh my gosh, I don't have an answer. I really don't have anything to say. Nope, nothing. Wow, this is bad." And then your mind starts to wander and everything seems to fall apart. But I guess Elyse and Scott felt differently, and I got an e-mail welcoming me to the program on the Wednesday before our first Thursday class. The biggest hindrance for me was (and still is) that of finances. Though the program in and of itself is offered at a very reasonable cost, there are other expenses to consider, such as tuition for the fall term following the summer away. But I am trying to stay positive and reassure myself that somehow it will work out.
So that is pretty much how I got to this place. The most exciting part for me is that I actually get to spend a considerable amount of time in Ecuador. With this gift of time I plan to work hard at learning the language, and making meaningful connections with poeople that will not be severed at the summer's end. I know I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime, and I will do my best not to let it pass me by.
Anyway, I was talking with Kate and she mentioned that she thought she'd post the story of how she came to be in the Beyond Borders program, and I thought that was a good idea. So I am going to borrow her idea and tell my own story of how I got to where I am.
At some basic level it began in 2001. When I was in 10th grade, I spent my March Break on a mission trip in Toronto. I know that sounds kind of silly, but there is actually a surprising amount of poverty and other problems there. Anyway, the point is, that was my first experience volunteering for an extended period of time to try to help out and do some good for others. I had volunteered in a classroom, retirement home, hospital and camp before, but not quite like this. In 2003 I joined approximately 70 other people for another March Break mission trip, only this time we headed to the Dominican Republic. The minute I landed, I fell in love . . . with the place, the people, the palm trees, the language - - everything. I know this sounds a bit over the top, but I truly felt like my soul was at home there. Our main projects were construction. We made a few sidewalks, helped construct a chemistry wing, and cleared a sidewalk of dirt and debris. It wasn't much, but it felt like progress. Then, last spring I was invited back to the DR for another March Break trip, but this time as a leader. This time we had a smaller team, maybe about 20 or so total, about 8 from my church, and some from other cities in Ontario. Again the focus was construction, making cement curbs, painting, and constructing sidewalks. As much as I enjoyed these short trips, I never felt as though I had enough time to truly connect with and understand the people there, learn the language, or make much of a difference. The truth is, a week-long trip is more about what you learn by going. The little bit of work you get done while there is pretty much inconsequential.
In my first year at UW, I took an SMF class at SJU, and Scott Kline was my professor. I really enjoyed the class, both because I loved the subject, and because Scott did an excellent job of teaching. It actually led me to add an SMF minor/honours option to my degree. I heard about Intercordia and saw posters a few times, and I always thought it sounded like a great opportunity. When I had the chance to take another course with Scott over this past summer, I jumped at the chance. Again he mentioned the now revamped Intercordia/Beyond Borders program, and I knew I had to give it shot. I missed the deadline, but Scott told me to apply anyway. But when I didn't hear anything all summer, I figured I didn't make it in. To my surprise, though, I heard from him near the end of the summer, and my interview was set up. In my opinion, the interview went absolutely wretchedly. It was one of those times where you are asked a question, and you literally have no answer whatsoever to give. You can't even make something up, your mind is that blank. So you start thinking "Oh my gosh, I don't have an answer. I really don't have anything to say. Nope, nothing. Wow, this is bad." And then your mind starts to wander and everything seems to fall apart. But I guess Elyse and Scott felt differently, and I got an e-mail welcoming me to the program on the Wednesday before our first Thursday class. The biggest hindrance for me was (and still is) that of finances. Though the program in and of itself is offered at a very reasonable cost, there are other expenses to consider, such as tuition for the fall term following the summer away. But I am trying to stay positive and reassure myself that somehow it will work out.
So that is pretty much how I got to this place. The most exciting part for me is that I actually get to spend a considerable amount of time in Ecuador. With this gift of time I plan to work hard at learning the language, and making meaningful connections with poeople that will not be severed at the summer's end. I know I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime, and I will do my best not to let it pass me by.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Volunteering at The Working Centre and My Placement in Ecuador
This week was spent trying to organize placements both for volunteering at The Working Center and my summer in Ecuador. I met with Rebecca on Tuesday night to discuss where in The Working Center I'd like to help out. She was very helpful and tried to make sure I was matched up with a placement that would suit both my interests and the needs of the center. I have always loved baking and would like some experience cooking, and I also think it's a great that that all their products are made using whole foods. I also work as a waitress, and I thought it would be good experience to work in the kitchen. She thought that sounded like a good match for me, but also suggested helping out with St John's Kitchen or Worth A Second Look. I hadn't thought of either of those, but both sound like good opportunities. I'm sure I will enjoy whatever placement I end up in, and that I will learn a lot.
There is an organization in Ecuador called Fundacion Reto Internacional that runs various work placements and community organizations throughout the country. I was instructed to go to their website to look at the different opportunities. There were a few to choose from, including teaching English to elementary or high school kids, helping out with an NGO, or volunteering with a daycare. Though all of those sounded like fantastic opportunities, none of them sounded like the one for me. I already do quite a lot of baby-sitting, and I'd really like to try something new. The category called Social Work was the one that caught my attention, and more specifically the possibility of spending my summer helping out in an orphanage. I know it will be a very challenging job, and it will be extremely hard to see children living in such sad conditions, but I also think it will be rewarding and that I will learn a lot from it. The hardest part will be not bringing all of the children back home with me. This will probably be the hardest thing I ever do, but I know it will be worth it. I hope I can bring back with me a new and greater understanding of how other people in the world live, and that my life is transformed, if only a little bit, by this experience. I hope I can pass along some of the knowledge I gain to those around me, so that little by little we can make the world a better and more just place.
There is an organization in Ecuador called Fundacion Reto Internacional that runs various work placements and community organizations throughout the country. I was instructed to go to their website to look at the different opportunities. There were a few to choose from, including teaching English to elementary or high school kids, helping out with an NGO, or volunteering with a daycare. Though all of those sounded like fantastic opportunities, none of them sounded like the one for me. I already do quite a lot of baby-sitting, and I'd really like to try something new. The category called Social Work was the one that caught my attention, and more specifically the possibility of spending my summer helping out in an orphanage. I know it will be a very challenging job, and it will be extremely hard to see children living in such sad conditions, but I also think it will be rewarding and that I will learn a lot from it. The hardest part will be not bringing all of the children back home with me. This will probably be the hardest thing I ever do, but I know it will be worth it. I hope I can bring back with me a new and greater understanding of how other people in the world live, and that my life is transformed, if only a little bit, by this experience. I hope I can pass along some of the knowledge I gain to those around me, so that little by little we can make the world a better and more just place.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Ecuador
I was under the impression we were going to be giving a presentation on the country where we will be spending the summer. So, with that in mind, I did a bit or research. Here is what I learned:
-as it name suggests, it is derived from the word equator, and it is in fact on the equator
-there are three main land regions: mountain, forest, and coastal
-it is a country of much geographic variety - you can see rainforest as well as volcanoes there
-it is famous for the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin made his first discoveries that led to the writing of The Origin of Species
-there are thousands of species of plants and animals, more than many other countries
-it is easy and inexpensive to get from place to place, and buses will stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers
-one tourist attraction is the city of Banos, which is a city with many natural hot springs that contain sulfurous compounds that are good for your skin.
-a local specialty in Banos is taffy that is pulled in the doorways of shops
-the local language is Spanish, though there are many Indigenous people living there as well
-it is considered one of the safest countries in South America
-another specialty dish is guinea pig (which, after becoming acquainted with my friend's two pet guinea pigs Squeaky and Chica, I hope to avoid during my stay there)
-like many other countries in South America, there has been a fair amount of political unrest there
I'm sure there are things that I have forgotten, but those are the ones that I could recall. I look forward to learning more about this country as the time I will spend there gets closer.
-as it name suggests, it is derived from the word equator, and it is in fact on the equator
-there are three main land regions: mountain, forest, and coastal
-it is a country of much geographic variety - you can see rainforest as well as volcanoes there
-it is famous for the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin made his first discoveries that led to the writing of The Origin of Species
-there are thousands of species of plants and animals, more than many other countries
-it is easy and inexpensive to get from place to place, and buses will stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers
-one tourist attraction is the city of Banos, which is a city with many natural hot springs that contain sulfurous compounds that are good for your skin.
-a local specialty in Banos is taffy that is pulled in the doorways of shops
-the local language is Spanish, though there are many Indigenous people living there as well
-it is considered one of the safest countries in South America
-another specialty dish is guinea pig (which, after becoming acquainted with my friend's two pet guinea pigs Squeaky and Chica, I hope to avoid during my stay there)
-like many other countries in South America, there has been a fair amount of political unrest there
I'm sure there are things that I have forgotten, but those are the ones that I could recall. I look forward to learning more about this country as the time I will spend there gets closer.
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