I have almost survived my week of House Manager. Today was probably the worst so far, and once today is over, I know that I can get through the last of it all.
Since the entire Okanogan region of Katimavik is closing after this rotation, we have to empty our entire house. That means cleaning, washing, dusting, vacuuming every possible surface and cloth in the house. Sheets, towels, cloths and linens are constantly being washed, dried, folded, boxed and inventoried, while all the food is being evaluated, planned, composted and prepared. We have been cleaning all day and there just doesn't seem to be a foreseeable end. There is always more to do and I can already feel my self running out of steam. I have new respect for my Grammy in her almost OCD cleaning.
Tonight we are going to a Global Music Festival, where we will kinda volunteer but mostly enjoy the shows and enjoy our last bit of Kelowna. As it stands, we have 3 sleeps left here. I can't wait to go home for real now.
During the week, we went to a speaker by the name of Micheal Chikwanine, former child soldier. I was overwhelmed with the emotion and the horror he spoke about. He described the terrible two weeks he was forced to train with the Rebel Soldiers. At the end of his presentation, I had the chance to talk to him. He told us about a program called Me to We. It is a volunteer program where you go to a developing country for two to three weeks and help in many different ways. I was so inspired by his speech and the out comes of the program that I got in touch with my sister and we are going to try to plan for us and a small team of our friends to fund raise and then go to one of these countries. The opportunities in the Me to We are amazing. Kenya, India, China, Ecuador, or Mexico. I can't wait to start planning this with her.
The time to go home is coming up so fast, I can feel the tension in my house. I never fully settled in to this new group and I think that was partly a self preservation move on my part. Why get attached to a whole new group of katimakids when I have to leave so soon? I am just ready to get on with my real life and return to my good old little Fredericton.
The high lights of this week is that I discovered how to play my previously washed Ipod and Jessica found my laptop power cord! Also, coming up, I have arranged to meet with Élie in the Montreal Airport and hopefully see a few other of my old Katima-friends along the way. I am sure that through all the airports and bus stops, I will see others from my past Kaima-life that recognise the orange pin on my tuque or the red hair that will inevitably be in the standard "I'm traveling for 15 hours straight" pony tail.
Every day is a new adventure, so no worries
Seriously. Can't wait until the Graham family is intact again. You have done well, and overcome some seriously difficult obstacles. We're proud of you.
ReplyDeleteMum.
XO
I am really going to miss reading your blog when you come back, but I am really excited to get to see you again!
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Mischy