GREAT NEWS!!!!

Marzette and Solange have been gone for almost three months now. Flaviette has had 2 calls from Solange, and none from Marzette. They aren’t living together so they have to use their employer’s phones to make calls. From what I had heard from Flaviette is that Solange and Marzette are “Salama tsara” (healthy) and that they have nice employers (which is a HUGE deal!).

But then, on Tuesday, April 23^rd 2013 at approximately 3:07pm, I heard Flaviette calling my name. She took her 8 month pregnant belly to my door and when I opened it, she showed me the phone in her hand as she said “IT’S MARZETTE!” My beloved feisty little friend was ON THE PHONE!!! We only talked briefly because it’s expensive to call Madagascar from Kuwait. But she kept saying she was very good and that her employer was nice. Of course she also said “Saraha love you mean it and love you long time!” After the quick conversation, Flaviette and I burst into laughter and clapping as if we had just seen a hilarious Broadway show! We were ecstatic! Flaviette said something like “the prayer is good!” which I think means that she’s been praying for this and finally her prayers were answered.

I was able to save the number of Marzette’s employer and she said I can call whenever. It’ll be expensive, but I’m hoping to call every once in a while to check in. And especially on her birthday, June 15^th.

And THEN on Thursday, April 25th, Flaviette told me that Solange had called her earlier that day. Solange said that her and Marzette had talked on Wednesday. (Awesome news!) Then Flaviette asked if I could go to the bank with her. "Handefa vola amin'ahy i Solange" (Solange is going to send me money). I couldn't hold back my tears! It was such a relief to be able to hear Marzette and Solange were able to talk, that Solange got in contact with Flaviette, and that she was able to send money back home! Trust me when I say, that's a HUGE DEAL!

I ask that you continue (or start) lifting up Marzette and Solange in your thoughts and prayers. I can’t imagine what it must be like for them – especially not being able to be in contact regularly with one another. But I know that there are people all over the world praying for them and especially for their safety. And I thank you, reader, for doing the same.

Love you long time!
~A very happy Saraha

Mada Wedding

 



I feel so grateful that I’ve been able to experience two Malagasy weddings since being here. Both very different in so many ways, but this most recent one will forever have an imprint in my heart.

The bride, Hoby (pronounced Hoo-bee), is a seamstress/sewing teacher here at ILOFAV (the women’s center where I live) as well as a former student. She was the instructor when I made my skirt here in the first few weeks of my arrival. She is such a loving person with a generous and thoughtful heart. And I was so flattered when she invited me to her wedding and she even said I could bring a plus date (aka – my Tana Buddy, Lee Kirberg)!

As the days led up to the wedding, everyone who lived or worked at ILOFAV helped out. On Thursday, we worked on the decorations. The teachers, the women students, and even the guards were involved. Thursday night a bus full of Hoby’s family members came. I was overwhelmed and excited to see the 20+ people file out of the van. The energy that stepped off of that bus was contagious. Despite the riders having been in said vehicle for nearly 12 hours, they couldn’t contain their joy.  I got a little misty eyed thinking about my beautiful family back home and what it would be like to take a 12 hour road trip with them to attend a family member’s wedding! (Just as long as I get to sit next to Mary, I would never be bored!)

Friday afternoon was cooking day! It was incredible to see all the different stations going on. People were making cake, chopping veggies, de-feathering the geese, and so many other things I couldn’t keep track of. I was told that things were starting at 4. When I arrived, they were already cleaning the geese. I look at that sad figure starring at me and thought to myself “AAAAWWW MAAAN!!! IIII wanted to kill a goose!” I told them that in Malagasy and they all thought it was hilarious.

Cake

Chicken

Geese

My feather coat... just kidding.

 

That night one of the YAGMs, Kate, was spending the night on her way back from visiting other YAGM volunteer, Hannah, in Mahajanga. As soon as she arrived, she was peeling pineapple and cutting up green peppers. Kate has such a giving heart so even though she had just gotten off a 11h hour taxibus ride, she was willing to help out.

Seeing everyone in the community chip in their time and effort to help their teacher, family member, and friend was so beautiful to me! I was awe-struck at all the love that was being put into this celebration.

The day of the wedding, the three of us (Kate, Lee, and I) taught my Saturday morning class and came back with just enough time to change and walk to church. However, the family and close friends of the bride were all standing around the courtyard of ILOFAV waiting for her to come out of the main house. The wedding was supposed to start at 10:30am… she walked out of the house at 10:45. “Madalife”. She went into a decked out car and as soon as she got in, there were about 30 of us who piled into a bus. Lee, Kate and I were more than willing to take the 8 minute walk to the church, but everyone insisted that we ride in the bus. So we did.

Lovin the bus

 

Then the three of us had to dip out of the ceremony early to drop Kate off at the airport to fly back to Toliara (a two day drive or a 1.5 hour flight).  By the time Lee and I came to the reception, it had already started and there wasn’t any more room for us. We went down near the kitchen to the “kids table” where all the children, the students, and helpers were. I was totally stoked for the kids table but then someone came down and told us they made room for us and told us we needed to sit by the grownups. Although the “grown up room” was a lot tamer than the “kid’s room”, I was fortunate enough to have a partner in crime with me as we spoke our “secret language” i.e. – English!
 

Kid's table/room



Adult room

They had a keyboard player and singer during the meal and after we finished our rice, Pastor Rene (mama’s husband, the pastor at the church, and my joking buddy) told Lee and me that we were going to sing for everyone. My first thought was “Don’t gotta tell ME twice!” Two minutes later we were jamming out to “What a Wonderful World”. Unfortunately, that is undocumented. You’ll just have to imagine how awesome it was!

I was told the day before that there would be a dance and the reception would last until 10pm. I was really excited to get my grove on -Malagasy style! We kept waiting for a dance to happen, but it never did. One of my students and friends at ILOFAV, Lanto, told me that Pastora said they couldn’t have a dance. By 7pm, most people were leaving and they were taking the speakers away. Needless to say I was very disappointed – but I tried not to make a big deal about it. We took some photos and hung out a bit before everyone started dispersing.





Somebody told us to wear these hats... so we did

The bride Hoby and me

 

 

 

At 9:30pm there was a knock on my door. It was one of the guards. He told me that there was a dance but we had to be quiet and we couldn’t tell the pastor! I was thrilled! I come down to the dining room and there were only about 25 people there – just family and close friends remained… and the best part - everyone was in their PAJAMAS! It was like a secret dance party and it was BEAUTIFUL! Everyone was exhausted from all the work they’d done during the past few days, but they still held the adrenaline and excitement that comes with a loved one getting married! Hoby and her husband were there too. Her hair was still fabulous, but she had changed into more comphy clothes. It was a perfect way to end a lovely wedding - Dancing in pajamas late at night with the people who mean the most. So Special. And I got to break it down – Malagasy style!

Unfortunately for you, there aren’t any pictures of the secret dance party because, well, it was a secret dance party. :-)
 

After the dancing, I was tired but so full of life. I felt like I participated in something so rare and beautiful that weekend.

The food wasn’t catered - it was purchased and prepared by family and friends.

The reception wasn’t in a grand hall - It was located in the room where Hoby spent countless hours learning and teaching the art of sewing.

There wasn’t a DJ - it was a small set of speakers and a list of songs chosen by the closest friends and family members.

This wedding has been one of the highlights of my time here in Madagascar. Everything about it – the before, during, and after - was done with intention and love. It was so inspiring to witness and be a part of something so special.  

When I grow up, I want to be just like her!

 

Gratitude

Despite the recent happenings of my best friends Marzette and Solange leaving (well it's already been two months, but it still feels recent), I am still full of gratitude everyday for my life and experiences here in Madagascar. It’s amazing how the little things keep me going every day. Despite being away from my loved ones back home, I have a peace in my heart because I know, without a doubt that this is where I need to be right now. 

 

So although there are many I can think of, here is a list of a few things in my life in Madagascar that bring me deep joy and a peace that passes understanding.

I am thankful for the people at ILOFAV. Whether it’s the guards who make me practice my Malagasy and laugh at me when I don’t know what they’re saying, or the women in sewing class who invite me every day to join them.  The week after Marzette and Solange left, it was interesting how many people commented about me missing Marzette. I guess I couldn’t really hide it, but they noticed and encouraged me. “Have courage, Sarah. You must.” Janet said. Or “Malahelo ianao. Izao koa. Fa aza mitomany” (You are sad. Me too. But don’t cry) said “Nighttime” Hery. (There’s a Hery who works during the day and one at night). 

I am thankful for my time with Marzette and Solange - Beautiful women of God who taught me so much and loved me an overwhelming amount. I think about them and miss them like crazy every day. 

I’m thankful for all of my students who have taught me and continue to teach me way more than I could ever teach them. 

I’m thankful for my students at the primary school. It doesn’t matter how tired I am or nervous for teaching on any particular day, I show up and there’s 100ish children in the courtyard waving at me and yelling “Hello Miss Sarah!” and “Good Morning Miss Sarah!” And somehow all my doubts and fears fly out the window.

I’m thankful for my students at the hospital. They have shown their faithfulness by showing up during their lunch hour week after week and are always eager to learn a new song!

I’m thankful for my students at ILOFAV. Because no matter how goofy or crazy I act, they keep coming to class. I’m starting to think that maybe they’re not actually interested in learning English, but just come to be entertained by this weird teacher. Works for me.

I’m thankful for the children on the street who don’t usually say “hello” to me. They just yell out my name until they get a response. And sometimes they just keep yelling it anyways until I’m out of sight.

I’m thankful for the man who sells me fried bananas on the street. No matter how good or bad my day might have been his simple kindness and greetings make me smile. 

I am thankful for Beny, my neighbor’s 2 year old boy, whose feisty little spirit keeps me on my toes. And I adore him!

I’m thankful for my teacher, Vivian, who teaches me more than just the Malagasy language – but teaches me about gentleness, kindness, and love.

I am thankful for the opportunity to go to English church every once in a while. Not only because I understand what goes on, but also because of the community of vazaha (foreigners) and Malagasy who are there, who are supportive and understanding of what it means to live in Madagascar. 

I am thankful for my “penthouse suite”, aka my apartment. (It’s penthouse because you have to walk up 20 stairs to get to the door, and a suite because it has a spare room). This penthouse suit with spare bedroom has allowed YAGM visitors, whether passing through the city or coming to visit, to come and spend the night (or nights) here. I feel so lucky that ALL of the other 5 Mada YAGMs have come to see where I live and a bit of my life here in ILOFAV, and I love sharing it with them. 

I am thankful for the Wafferherd; For talented and loving country coordinators Pastor Austin,  and his wife Tanya. And for some weird kiddos who are also serving in Madagascar with me - Hannah (Shakira), Luke (Luka), Jane (Canada), Lee (Berg), and Kate (who is too cool to get a nickname). These beautiful people have been and continue to be an amazing support system, and dear friends who will forever have a place in my heart.

I am thankful to go on monthly climbs with my Tana Buddy, Lee Kirberg. Whether we’re climbing big rocks, steep city inclines, or mountains - it’s always an exciting adventure!

I’m thankful for those people in my community who know my name. Most of the time, I’ll just walk by and they’ll say “Sarah!” I’ll respond (in Malagasy) with a “Hello, how are you?” but in my head I’m thinking “dude, I’ve NEVER seen you before! But you know my name. That’s cool. And weird.”

I’m thankful for all the people in my community who continue to make me feel like I belong here. That despite the color of my skin and my constant butchering of their language, these people have touched my heart and I am so humbled to be here learning from them every day. 

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be living in Madagascar this year. To be challenged and pushed, loved and accepted, to accompany and be accompanied, to cry and to laugh, to question and wonder, to dance and sing, and to eat lots of rice!

I am thankful for you, reader. It is because of you that I am here. Thank you for your prayers, support, and for taking the time to read my blog. Also - you look really beautiful today. :)

I am eternally grateful for my God who never ceases to amaze or surprise me. A mysterious God who works in ways I could and will never understand. A gracious God who forgives and shows mercy when I don’t deserve it. A funny God who thought it would be a good idea for me to go to Madagascar and eat rice every day. A loving God who supports me and holds me, especially when I need some extra TLC (Tender Loving Care). 

As mentioned earlier, I have this deep sense of joy in my spirit every day. It doesn’t mean that I’m happy every day. Just because I’m living in Madagascar doesn’t mean that my life is exotic all the time. Each day brings its own challenges and reasons to want to hide in my room. But the beautiful part is when the Spirit moves in me and says “get yo white girl booty outa dat room and keep workin on relationships, chil’!” (or something like that). So I try. 

Although some days seem mundane and repetitive, each one has new blessings and new learning opportunities. And each day, despite challenges, confusions, misunderstandings, heartaches, frustrations, reasons to punch a pillow (etc etc)… my heart continues to be filled with gratitude... Every. Single. Day. 

So now I pose the question to you, dear reader – what fills you with joy and gratitude? What are you thankful for? What is it about your day and your life that brings you light? Just something to ponder. 

Have a beautiful day!

Love ya mean it,

~Sarah

What's in a name

Sarah Rachel Cecilia Adam. That’s what my name is. Most people call me Sarah. My family calls me Rara. I’ve also been called “Sar Bear”, “Bear”, “Adams”, and “Sella”, but mostly Sarah. 

Upon first arriving to Madagascar, I was known as “vazaha” (foreigner). Even just walking down the street I would lose track of how many times I heard “VAZAHA!”, “Bonjour Vazaha” (because most assume I’m French),  and “Salama Vazaha!” I tried to ignore it and not let it get to me. But when I moved to site and started exploring around my community, I introduced myself to people in hopes that they would know my real name. “Sarah no anarako” (My name is Sarah). And then I’d ask for their name in return… but I usually forgot it unless I wrote it down. Some Malagasy names are long and challenging to remember. This all started with the children – as in my blog from October said, I would try to make friends with them first because they would be patient with my terrible Malagasy… and we most likely had the same maturity level.

 It started with the children, but somehow word spread about this white girl who wears the same 3 skirts and has weird looking shoes (chocos). And her name was Sarah. 

Now as I walk through the streets and say “Salama” (hello) to the familiar faces in my community, there’s always someone who yells “SARAH!” {But they make the “a”s long- like “ah”, emphasizing the second “a”, and roll the “r”}. It’s funny because they don’t even usually say hello. They just yell my name, sometimes over and over again until I’m out of sight. And I think it’s absolutely beautiful. 

When I go downtown or to other parts of Tana, I definitely still get “vazaha”-ed at. That probably won’t change. But what matters to me is that the people I see on a regular basis know my name and call my by it. It’s something so simple. But so meaningful for me.