tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67534113000865053692024-03-13T20:13:37.871-07:00Tshini, wena!Just a blog about my summer exploits. If you want to know about my exploits during fall, winter or spring, I suppose you could have me followed, because I won't be writing about it here.Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-54286652151910688322011-08-06T07:24:00.000-07:002011-08-06T07:24:44.342-07:00Goodbye South Africa, I'll Miss You (but I won't miss waking up in the middle of the night dreading my imminent murder)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 72: Institute: only worth going to when you go to McDonalds after and ask for super-sized chips (fries), and the manager has to come and swipe a special card, authorizing her permission to super-size us.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 73: Did my interviews and stuff for my project. Basically my findings are thus: being a man means asking girls out. Thank you for your insight 12-year-olds.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 74: Hogsback anyone? Also known as "Little England?" Also known as "the place where I want to spend the rest of my life?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 75: Don't worry, but Jackie and I impressed a room full of drunken old strangers with our swing dancing skills. BYU would be so proud.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 76: So, basically it snowed all over the Eastern Cape. I know right?!? (and for those of you who don't know, the Eastern Cape is the province where I live in South Africa) (and South Africa is a country, not just a region, for that matter).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 77: Jenna missed her chance for meeting her one true love: South Africa's farmer of the year (who is looking for a wife who doesn't mind living in the middle of nowhere surrounded by sheep and horses.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 78: Tuesdays are boring. Nothing happens on Tuesdays. Except for buckets and buckets of rain blessing Africa. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 79: Institute is awesome when you go and hang out in McDonalds for 2 hrs. (after class is over, of course)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 80: I'm pretty sure this is the day I finished almost all of my homework.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 81: I saw zebras in the wild. And giraffes. And rhinos and antelope. And lions (inside special fences). Take that, zoo! I don't need you, I can see cool animals all by myself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 82: Family Dinner's are great. Especially when I don't cook anything.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 83: Jenna's last full day in South Africa. How do I react? By getting lost in Southernwood and deleting almost all of my Durban pictures on accident.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 84: Auntie P.: A woman so magnificent that I am perpetually hugging her.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 85: Institute: that special place where I get in trouble for talking and passing notes like I am still in 7th grade. And did you know you're not supposed to take pictures while in McDonalds? What is with that? Do they not want the free advertising? Do they have enough customers or something? (answer: no. Capitalists never have enough customers.) I don't understand.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 86: My last practice with the rugby team. I was accorded the special honor of riding on the scrum machine and being a part of the huddle.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 87: Made Hyrum work for his money. And by 'work' I mean that we tried our best to embarrass him. Don't know if it actually worked.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 88: My last full day in South Africa. Basically I spend the day fighting back buckets of tears and taking pictures of the rottweiler next door.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 89: This is the day I leave on a jet plane, not knowing when I'll be back again. But I will be back. Just you wait.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div>Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-50382213276521197902011-07-19T02:13:00.000-07:002011-07-19T02:13:33.649-07:00I saw Harry Potter before you did. And I almost met Nelson Mandela. Not to brag or anything.<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 48: All I know about this day is that I went to church. Sorry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 49: I guess this was a Monday?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 50: Blog apparently not a priority?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 51: Mama Yoyo. Zamani. So good. Love her. Love that place. More please? (This is basically the way I form sentences in isiXhosa and in Afrikaans.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 52: Planning the trip to Durban consuming my life. Sit on the internet for hours trying to find housing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 53: Someone tries to cheat me on housing for Durban. I wasn’t born yesterday, friends. I was actually born 21 years and 21 days ago, to be exact. Nice try.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 54: Ate all the perishable foods I owned. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 55: So are we going to Durban tomorrow? No? Oh, good. Because we didn’t have a place to stay. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 56: Happy Birthday America. May the irony of “every heart beats true ‘neath the red, white, and blue, where there’s never a boast or brag,” never be lost on you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 57: Sometimes, when you wake up when it is dark outside and your yard is completely flooded, all you can do is listen to that song from Winnie the Pooh about the rain rain rain coming down down down and pray that someone will find the message you put in that bottle. Oh, and both of the major malls in East London flooded. It was awesome (unless you were the insurance company that had to pay out for all the damage).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 58: Despite the fact that I have a journal entry for this day, I can’t remember what I did. But I think we can all bet that it wasn’t homework, and it probably had something to do with Chinese food and not going to institute because everyone there thought we were in Durban, and it seemed as good an excuse as any.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 59: So cat burglaring is probably not a viable career option for me, as I couldn’t get through the bathroom window of the house where we were staying in Grahamstown. Let’s all just be thankful that the neighbors didn’t catch me half in/half out of a house that didn’t belong to me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The house actually belongs to the Thomases daughter Theresa, and she was gone, but she was letting us stay there, but the key was locked inside and we had to sneak in and get it. And actually, as Kathy and Cornelius pay for the house, I guess we weren’t trespassing at all. It’s technically their house. However, I like pretending that we squatters. Hence the fine print.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 60: The National Arts Festival is awesome. If you like to buy things, and be disappointed because all the tickets for Lady Smith Black Mambazo were sold out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 61: Has it ever occurred to you to be thankful that you don’t have to sleep with your jeans and sweaters and coat over your pajamas? Well you should, because it sucks. I never thought of East London as a warm place until I came back from Grahamstown and I didn’t have to sleep in my jeans and sweaters and coat. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 62: Church? Again?! I’m beginning to see a pattern here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 63: We actually go to Durban this time. We stop in Ixopo on the way. Wish granted.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 64: Let me just say this: I don’t think I could ever date and/or marry someone from South Africa. I’m sorry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 65: Did we go to Moses Mabhida Stadium 8,000 times in the last two days? Yes, we did. You’d think it was the only thing to do in Durban. Aside from going to see Harry Potter. Two days before you suckers back in America. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 66: We </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">almost</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> met Nelson Mandela. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 67: I learned how to cook South African foods. I will wow you with them when I get home. Just you wait.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 68: I read in the sun all day. Just ask Thuveshni.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 69: I slept for a long long time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 70: Don’t worry, but I accomplished a lot. I may actually finish most of my course work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 71: Do you know what I find amazing? That I didn’t have anything written in this blog for the past 23 days, and I still remembered what I did almost every day. My memory is pretty kick-a.</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-137175826044738612011-06-25T04:15:00.000-07:002011-06-25T04:15:33.725-07:00Facts, Universally Acknowledged<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 35: Rugby? Nope. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 36: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 37: I met three little girls at a rugby match. When they found out I wasn’t married and I didn’t have a boyfriend, they were shocked. They said I was very nice and pretty. I told them to tell the boys that. On another note, Institute is way more fun when you sit by Mechaeler Horner. Mostly because when everyone else is delving into deep [possibly false] doctrine, you and Mechaeler are playing with her baby cousin. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 38: Went to King William’s Town to eat dinner with the missionaries and sleep, and wake up the next day to see the King sites. The best part was that I was awoken in the middle of the night in a strange place with the wind howling and rain pounding by some man trying to turn on the light of my bedroom (which didn’t work). Yup. I got no sleep that night. (But don’t worry, the man actually lived at that house, he was looking for a key to something and didn’t know that I was there. Of course, why I had to find out about this in the morning and not immediately after being terrified, I don’t know.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 39: Did I get to meet the sister of one of South Africa’s most famous anti-apartheid leaders, Bantu Steve Biko? Why, yes. Yes I did. Be jealous.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 40: I went to the grocery store intending to buy food. I came out with a large bunch of spinach and four boxes of biscuits (cookies).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 41: Sandal tan is coming along nicely, for it being winter and all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 42: You know what is the best? Getting invited to a birthday party when you have never met the birthday-haver or any of the guests except your roommate. You know what is the worst? Actually going to said birthday party.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 43: Here is how you become best friends with the amaXhosa: Step 1) say, “Nditheta isiXhosa kancinci.” Step 2) before they have a chance to speak say, “Hayi! Ndiyaxoka!” (Translation: I speak a little Xhosa. *Pause* No! I’m telling lies!) Then they say “Tshini!” and everybody high-fives.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 44: It is a fact, universally acknowledged, that no matter where you are in the world, Chinese food is often the only food worth eating*.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*Except in China. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 45: Dear family, I’m glad we’re family. Mostly because you gave me SNL Presidential Bash 2000 and the sense of humor to enjoy it. Love, Heather</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 46: I might have had the number one fish and chips in the world (minus the chips—not number one). Be jealous. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Day 47: Woke up in the middle of the night and realized I am halfway through my stay and I have done about 1/8</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> of my homework. Spent the entire day doing homework. </span></div><!--EndFragment-->Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-24096766200819445332011-06-13T03:31:00.000-07:002011-06-13T03:33:39.262-07:00I Live in Perpetual Winter<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 17: INTERNET FOREVER!!!!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 18: This was the coldest day of my life. I am not kidding. Not only was it freezing, but also the power went out, so I couldn’t do anything to get warm except wear all of my warmest clothes and snuggle under blankets. And as anyone who has been to East London knows, this is not very effective.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 19: Saw </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Beastly</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> today. And it was just that. Beastly.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 20: Lunch with the Thomases and dinner with the Wainwrights, you say? Eat human food? Yes, please.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">P.S. The Wainwrights are the greatest people in the world. We love them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 21: The rugby kids are the cutest kids in the entire world. The end. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 22: Jackie arrives. Finally.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 23: Stop by the Curry Palace and run into Brother Maseti. Kindred spirits?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 24: I could do my Afrikaans homework…or I could go to the mall… Are you sure I’m in South Africa, because this sounds exactly like my daily dilemma back home.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 25: The library is on Gladstone. Let me repeat that in American, English, and South African accents. Oh, you still can’t remember even though I told you five times already? GLADSTONE!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 26: Why yes James McAvoy, I would love to marry you. And Magneto. Oh, and throw in Kevin Bacon speaking German, if it’s not too much trouble. And the entire male cast, for good measure.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 27: I spent a whole Sunday working on my Relief Society talents. And by that I mean sewing things and whatnot. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 28: Don’t worry, but I watched five hours of youth rugby, panicked because I thought I got left behind on the other side of the river after dark, and then hosted a taco party when I got home, with real American tacos. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 29: Dear rain and cold, thank you for allowing me to stay home all day. Love, Heather.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 30: Do I have to go eat dinner with a stranger because my roommate isn’t allowed to eat with him alone? Oh, what’s that you say? He’s paying? Sign me up!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 31: I made an apple pie from scratch (yes, even the crust), and it was delicious. And no one has died from food poisoning yet. I call that a resounding success.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 32: I’m 21 Imma do what I want. And that’s going to see X-Men again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 33: Nothing like a sunny day, a clean bathroom, hanging up the wash, clean flannel sheets, clipped toenails, and Lord of the Rings to improve ones mood.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Day 34: Bishop said “dammit” during his fireside talk. The only person who thought this was odd was me. Does that mean that that’s not swearing here? Does that mean I can say “dammit” as much as I want to from now on? I think so…</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-50324314172903939952011-05-26T04:29:00.000-07:002011-05-26T04:45:09.864-07:00Guess who's back... back again...Day 0: London—major letdown when I discovered that everyone there is a muggle.<br /><br />Day 1: Yup. Pretty sure I just got home from an extended vacation to Utah.<br /><br />Day 2: Institute: everyone thinks I have big shoes to fill, as I am the first facilitator since the legendary Macrae McDermott. I have news for you all: Macrae and I wear the same size shoes. Just sayin’…<br /><br />Day 3: Heather: 1 Fridge Mold: 0.<br /><br />Day 4: Dear Derek van Dam, I think your accent is an accurate projection of what my accent will be like in 3 months. I love to feel this close to you. Love, Heather<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LucKR4OcFuA<div><br /></div><div>(also, this was the best example I could find. Trust me when I say that watching the weather is the best part of my day)</div><div><br />Day 5: Jenna arrives. Unfortunately Jenna, the highlight of my day was the rugby derby at Selborne College. Sorry.<br /><br /><br /><br />Just kidding Jenna. I love you.<br /><br />Day 6: One of the young women spoke in Sacrament Meeting about modesty. Jenna and I immediately pulled the hems of our skirts down past our ankles in shame. And to top it off another speaker spoke about the evils of swearing. Oh @&*#. Damned for sure.<br /><br />Day 7: Cell phone! Cell phone! Cell phone! My many thanks to Mechaelar Horner for her help in getting me a cell phone and for catching me up on all the gossip. Have I got a lot to tell you Macrae! Oh, and Jenna and I went to town and we were the only white people there.<br /><br />Day 8: Jenna and I go on a mission to Hemingways Mall to find a converter. Not only did we find the converter, but we also found all the white people in East London.<br /><br />Day 9: Dear Jenna,<br />Don’t be scared.<br />Love,<br />Kathy, Cornelius, Heather and South Africa<br /><br />Day 10: Spent the day at home in bed. I don’t know why though.<br /><br />Day 11: Have any of you heard of Mango Atcha? Well, let me warn you—it is the most foul thing I have ever put in my mouth. And I have eaten some pretty awful things in my time (the Wheel of Vomit cocktail of hotdogs, salsa, and sprite comes immediately to mind). Dear YSA’s: consider trust broken. Forever.<br /><br />Day 12: I love to hang laundry. Also, it reminds me of <i>The Fiddler on the Roof</i>. I think there is a connection there.<br /><br />Day 13: I’m fairly certain I yawned 5,000,000 times. Sometimes I would get a yawning jag that lasted a few minutes. I’m glad to see that last year wasn’t a fluke. I really am just tired ALL THE TIME. There is really nothing I can do about it. I am sorry I appear so bored with you, East London.<br /><br />Day 14: I’m pretty sure I picked the project of the year. I get to sleep in and watch rugby all day. What more could you ask for?<br /><br />Day 15: Ate a sandwich made on bread that contains seeds ‘n things. Either I am finally starting to eat right, or I enjoy being pretentious. I think it’s the latter.<br /><br />Day 16: Had one of those days where you feel like you are destined to write The Next Great American Novel, but all you really accomplish is drinking four glasses of hot chocolate and managing not to fall asleep during institute. <br /></div>Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-70830689775356576742010-08-03T02:01:00.000-07:002010-08-03T02:02:05.623-07:00That's all folksDay 55: Finally finished the literature review for RSS. It certainly took me far too long. The actual writing took me an hour or so. I could have done all that work in two days, but don’t worry. It took me a month.<br /><br />Day 56: Retreat! Fall back to the keep! (just a LOTR reference, to start things off.) Went to Gonubie for our group retreat. We went to the beach. It was absolutely beautiful, and that is saying something, because I’ve been to many a beach in Fiji, which has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and this one in Gonubie held its own pretty well. Then we played M.A.S.H.P.T. (mansion, apartment, shack, house, pyramid, trailer park) with the boys. Don’t worry, Brett and I are getting married, and we will live in a pyramid in Provo. Brett will be a Buy More supervisor, and I will be a homemaker. Brett will die because of fire swallowing. Macrae will be marrying Robert Downey Jr. She contributes to society by being a construction guy, and her husband is a librarian. Together their income per annum is whatever they steal from beggars. Macrae and Robert Downey Jr. were blessed with a string of septuplets (connected hand to foot). Macrae meets her end by being stressed out by Brandon. When Brandon is not annoying Macrae to death, he is getting married to Jennifer Lopez, but then they get divorced, and Brandon then marries Cecil’s wife (as in the wife of Cecil Samuelson, the president of BYU). They honeymoon in the MTC—Provo. Everyday Brandon drives a parade to work, where he makes beaded belts, and he makes an annual income of 10,000 high fives and one long hug per year. Somehow this salary pays for his mansion in Mississippi. Rebecka’s future looks bright. First, she marries someone whose name I cannot publish on the internet, for his own protection and decorum (and if we will name Cecil’s wife, you know this has got to be good). The happy couple live on happiness in their mansion in the bayou, where they raise an average of 2.4 kids. Yours truly is happily married to Legolas, of the woodland realm, but then he dies, so I marry Homer Simpson instead. I work as an anti-feminist activist, and my husband is a mime. My super power is having ultimate spin the bottle control. My family has a pet dinosaur, and we live in Brett’s basement. I die in a blaze of glory.<br /> So you see that we had a really productive retreat.<br /><br />Day 60: We all went to see Eclipse. I am too tired to regale you all with how much I dislike that franchise. Suffice it to say that the saving grace of that movie is the soundtrack. Darn you MTV.<br /><br />Day 61: Institute, once again. Let me tell you what happened: it was the same as every institute.<br /><br />Day 62: Nothing memorable happening.<br /><br />Day 63: Had an excellent interview. Went to Pia’s netball game. If you don’t know what netball is, let me explain: it’s like basketballs ridiculous younger cousin, except not in a derogatory way. And Pia played really well. Then we went to a ward activity about genealogy. You might be thinking, “wow, what a huge ball of boring.” This kind of thinking offends me, as I used to be a genealogy major. Anyway, it really was fun, and I don’t think I am the only one when I say that it was the best ward activity ever. Little Ben Krulle sat in a chair the center of the cultural hall (as it was his birthday) and then he had to pick someone from the ward to be his dad (except it couldn’t be his real dad). He picked Gerhard. Gerhard then had to pick a dad. He picked Jarom Wainwright. Jarom then picked a dad, and so on. Then Ben picked a mom. She then had to pick a dad who picked a dad and so on. Then Jarom had to pick a wife (except not his actual wife, the lovely Lauren). He chose little Jenny Krulle. When she was chosen the first thing she said was, “I can’t believe he picked a little kid to be his wife!” (Which was adorable, and not creepy.) Then she turned to Gerhard and said, “Hello, son!” (Which was also adorable.) Jenny then picked a dad who picked a dad and so on. Eventually Jenny’s ‘dad’ picked a wife, which was me. Which makes Jenny my daughter, and Jarom my grandson. Then Jarom’s real life wife turned out to be my mother. Eventually everyone had a mother and father. Then we had Ben turn around, and lo and behold, we made a complete pedigree chart. Which I think brings the idea of a ward family to a whole new level. Then Ben’s whole family sang “Happy Birthday” to him.<br /><br />Day 64: YSA sports day. Like one would imagine, I spent the entire YSA activity playing with seven year olds. <br /><br />Day 65: During Sacrament Meeting Ben Krulle and his little brother Daniel were doing handstands. Then Brother Krulle picked up Ben by his ankles, swung him around, and carried him out of the chapel. Daniel went running after them with tears in his eyes, sobbing, “I love you, Ben!” <br /> Had dinner at the Wainwright’s. It was beautifully normal. We talked about The Osmonds, while Nathanael, who is eight, gave everyone shoulder massages.<br /><br />Day 66: Macrae and I went to get Chinese, but the restaurant was closed, so instead we walked to Bunker’s Hill, for absolutely no reason. The day was not wasted though. I finally got Asian Bingo.<br /><br />Day 67: Group meeting. Boring.<br /><br />Day 68: Found out that Thuveshni (the artist formerly known as Divishny) actually spells her name Thuveshny. Who knew?<br /><br />Day 69: Illness.<br /><br />Day 70: Had an interview that went really well. Then we went to a dance with all the adults in the three East London wards. It was awesome, until they stopped playing oldies. Bishop turned on some pop music, which was when the ‘dirty dancing’ cam out (well, as dirty as you can get with the lights on). I find it amusing that everything was the perfect picture of appropriate, until the Bishop took over.<br /><br />Day 71: I finally get to go to a rugby game. It turns out that all the learners in high school are required to go to rugby games, and they have to wear their uniforms. On Saturday. God bless America. <br /><br />Day 75: Had dinner with Sister Leslie and the missionaries. While preparing the meal, Macrae and I sang “Henry the 8th” really loudly and really poorly. I think Elder Fozard (from England) was a little offended by our wonderful accents.<br /><br />Day 77: Got Chinese. So happy.<br /><br />Day 78: Saw Inception at Hemingways. <br /><br />Day 79: Church. Finally got Daniel Krulle to be my friend. It only took three months.<br /><br />Day 80: Washed dishes at Zamani. Then I took a nap, and Mama Yoyo said I was a like a little baby, because I sleep so much. To which I reply, “yes.” Then we cooked dinner for the Thomases. I was in charge of boiling potatoes. Probably because I can’t do anything else.<br /><br />Predictions for the rest of my stay in East London<br /><br />Day 82: Went to the Lion Park. I was eaten by a lion.<br /><br />Day 83: Went to Aunty P’s. She fed us.<br /><br />Day 84: Went on a tour of East London with the kids from Zamani. I was trampled to death by little kids.<br /><br />Day 85: Went to Hogsback. Fell off a cliff while hiking.<br /><br />Day 86: Last Sunday. Ate at Bobby and Zhona’s house. I still don’t know their last name.<br /><br />Day 87: All of my flights are delayed. Also, I think I lost count of my days somewhere. Because this should be day 88.Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-85915912621116020652010-07-10T07:11:00.000-07:002010-07-10T07:15:46.036-07:00Star date 2843Day 42: Interviewed Lisa van Tonder today. This was my first interview of my research project. Don’t worry, it still counts as part of the first half of my stay here, I haven’t completely wasted my time.<br /> Also, I recently discovered that I am a snob. I just think all boys/all girls schools are better than coed schools. And I have a tendency to judge people on the criteria of what type of school attended.<br /><br />Day 43: Cornelius called me Heather Williams [emphasis his own], for the 490th time today. It’s okay. I still love it. He never says Rebecka’s full name (with emphasis on her surname), but I think it is because he can’t pronounce Rönndahl.<br /><br />Day 44: Springbok game in East London. But do I get to go? No. Silly BYU, my lack of funds, and East London stadium being sold out. The world is working against me. Took a two hour bath to drown my sorrows, then I caught the second half of the game replay on T.V. Also, I am going to marry MornéSteyn, the flyhalf for the Super 14 team the Blou Bulls, as well as the Springboks. He has a rather unfortunate haircut, but I think I can get past that, because his name is Morné, and my middle name is Marné. Then we could be Morné and Marné, and that would be special.<br />Victory of the Day: I cleaned today. And I walked around with wet feet from my bath, and they didn’t even get all linty.<br />Defeat of the Day: The U.S. of A let me down. Freaking Ghana.<br /><br />Day 45: Hump day! How did we celebrate, you ask? Why, we watched three movies! Zoolander, A Goofy Movie, and Chuch (which I guess isn’t really a movie, but as it was the last two episodes we have, I think it counts). Realization #1: A Goofy Movie brings out a lot of sad, sad emotions for me. Realization #2: I only have six weeks to read three books, write two papers, and finish my research project.<br /><br />Day 46:Toy Story 3: Need I Say Anything More?<br /><br />Day 47: Bad day. Wrote in journal. Ate cookies.<br /><br />Day 49: Happy Birthday Jessica! See, I didn’t forget. Also, I went to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown to celebrate, and then I got you a present. So quit whining. <br /> Other adventures in Grahamstown: saw Cornelius and Kathy’s son Jethro perform in Rubber (a deeply disturbing play, but was good nonetheless). Saw Big Boys Don’t Dance, which wasn’t as disturbing. Also it was funny. Realized just how much people drink in Grahamstown. Let’s just say they weren’t exaggerating when they say that Rhodes University consumes the most alcohol in the country. <br /><br />Day 50: Was I sick? Yes, yes I was. Did I consequently stay home all day? Yes, yes I did. Did I miss Pia’s birthday party? Yes. Was I sad and lonely? Yes, yes I was.<br /><br />Day 51: Chuch. Still sick. Fasting like a fool. Almost threw up during a baptism. Two things: 1) don’t fast when you are sick. It is just not a good idea. 2) always trust Norwegian fishermen.<br /><br />Day 52: Unclogged the drain in the bathtub. Brandon came home and told us stories about making out with his best friends little sister. New rule: Brandon is not allowed to tell disturbing stories.<br /><br /><br />As a point of interest, here are some Xhosa names:<br /><br />Thandokuhle—you love all goodness.<br />Zukhanye—You must shine<br />Lukhanyiso—Light bearer<br />Sikelela—Bless<br />Pumelela—Success<br />Iwazi—Knowledge<br />Iwandiso—bring unto this fold/increase<br />Mandisa—bring harmony, peace, joy, love and all goodness<br />Bongojalo—keep on praising God<br />Wanda—growth<br />Alupheli—God’s love never fades<br />Utluru—Freedom<br />Unam—God’s with us<br />Khanyisile—He has made it shine<br />Sinovuyo—We are happy<br />Nambitha—Caress/kindle<br />Nobubele—a giving hand<br />Zoliswa—to humble<br />Thando—love<br />Vuyo—happiness <br />Viwe—heardHeather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-350364594141005182010-06-25T06:10:00.001-07:002010-06-25T06:10:49.142-07:00And so it begins...Day 16: Macrae, Rebecka, and I performed an original interpretive dance at the Stake Talent Show. We got in touch with our Native American sides and interpreted the song, “Colors of the Wind,” from Pocahontas. The people in the stake didn’t know quite what to do with us, which is understandable, as everyone else who performed is actually talented, and we thought we were at Springville High. Also, a significant portion of the audience though we had actually rehearsed our routine, rather than making it up on the spot. This is particularly insulting because if we had rehearsed, we would have at least have come up with a better opening pose.<br /><br />Day 18: Aired our newly clean laundry.<br /><br />Day 19: Group meeting: everyone has an awesome project, except Heather, who hasn’t even started hers. <br /><br />Day 21: Went to a cleansing ceremony. By that I, naturally, mean that we attended an event put on by Masimanyane in response to the eight women who were murdered in East London about a month ago, where there was singing, praying, singing, and then 20 minute speeches by everyone who ever lived (including some traditional Xhosa chiefs) which lasted FOREVER, then we went to the cleansing ceremony. Basically the cleansing ceremony is a bunch of church leaders from several different denominations who all make some more speeches, then they throw holy water on the site, and then on anyone who wants to be cleansed, or rather, baptized. Then Macrae and Auntie P made it into the newspaper. Then we ate dinner at the prison.<br /><br />Day 22: Went to a YSA activity. I played with some married couples baby the whole time, which I think is pretty normal at a YSA activity. Also, it made me miss my niece Kate screaming every time I tried to hold her. Also, Babes taught me how to say “Xhosa” correctly, finally.<br /><br />Day 23: Learned how to make Cooked Sisters at Auntie P’s house. Basically they are balls of dough fried in oil, and then coated in sugar-water syrup, and then rolled in coconut, which I guess is just a long way of saying that, basically, they are delicious bits of the Celestial Kingdom.<br /><br />Day 24: In church we learned that Eli, from the book of Samuel, was the worst father of all time and he obviously is solely accountable for his sons’ sins, all children of divorced parents are manipulative, and children who don’t get enough attention from their parents are spoiled (I’ll say, being supervised by loving parents who give you everything you need is the worst thing that could happen to you as a child). I wonder what the teacher would think about my attitude towards her lesson, probably that all children that are the youngest of five have no respect for their elders.<br /><br />Day 25: Went to meet Lisa van Tonder who works for Rural Support Services. She said I can volunteer at organization this summer, which is yay! Also, it is yay! because Rural Support Services is a lot like HELP International, which I love, and I won’t have to be stuck in an office for the entire summer, and I get to travel all over the Eastern Cape.<br /><br /><br />Day 26: Went to Queenstown with Lisa. Conclusions from excursion: I get along well with Lisa, and the two hour drive from East London to Queenstown did not seem long at all. And South Africa is absolutely breathtaking. I think Alan Paton said it best when he said that, “[the rolling hills] are lovely beyond any singing of it.”<br /><br />Day 28: Birthday, or rather the death of my teenage years. As such, Macrae, Rebecka, Brandon and I went to La Terrezza to have a nice funerary send off of said teenage years. Jessica Swensen provided the eulogy, which moved everyone to enormous bouts of sobs. Then the waitress totally killed Brandon.<br /><br />Day 29: Opening day of the World Cup. We all wore every bit of green and gold we had. I had the most, which means that I love South Africa the most. Cornelius said that if BafanaBafana won, everyone had to take a shot of gin. I think that the Lord didn’t let BafanaBafana win because of this. Well, that and the fact that the ref’s are racist (trust me, Julius Malema would agree that it is obvious).<br /><br />Day 30: USA! USA! USA! Not only will we score, but also we will embarrass your entire nation while doing it. It is the American way.<br /><br />Day 31: I finally got to give my talk. Rebecka and Macrae say that my public speaking voice sounds like I will one day be in the General Relief Society Presdency. If their prediction comes true, I do not think things bode well for the future of Relief Society.<br /><br />Day 32: Putting things together for a lit review. It feels like I have spent my entire existence on the Harold B. Lee Library website. <br /><br />Day 33: It was raining. I took this as an excuse that I don’t have to do anything. As an added point of interest, I have discovered an excellent outfit to ward off the frigid South African winter nights. Step one: put on butterfly leggings and thermal top. Step two: put on fleece onesie that your sister gave to you for Christmas three years ago. Step three: put on fleece jammie pants that you bought at DI and your mom thinks are hideous. Step four: put on enormous rugby-style shirt and tuck it in to jammie pants. Voilà! You have one attractive and warm outfit.<br /><br />Day 34: Today is Youth Day. Do not confuse this day as a holiday that celebrates the hi-jinks and shenanigans of youth. That would be Halloween. Youth Day celebrates the Soweto youth that protested the mandatory study of Afrikaans in schools during apartheid. I quite agree with them. I wouldn’t want to learn Afrikaans in school either. It’s ugly.<br /> Also. I have never hated Uruguay more, despite the fact that their captain is lovely. <br /><br />Day 35: Back to work.<br /><br />Day 36: More work. Then we all went to a tri-ward unofficial church activity at some family’s farm. There were a lot of people there, but I really only talked to three: Jessica, who is nine, Sister Leslie, who I would place at older than nine, and Wesley, who is in my YSA group. Wesley is of Swiss descent, so we discussed Switzerland’s awesome win over Spain with much vigor.<br /> Also. America would come back from two down for the draw. It’s the American way.<br /><br />Day 37: Day number two of Church Weekend Extravaganza. We went to a Relief Society activity where we crocheted and knitted squares for blankets. I thought I wanted to learn to knit or crochet, but I was wrong. I forgot that I have tried both of these several times before, and hated them every time I have tried. So Sister Zhona and Pia and I put together Father’s day gifts instead. I wasn’t particularly good at that either. I guess I just don’t have Relief Society Talents. I am just not good at needlework, scrapbooking, cooking, or music. Heaven help the General Relief Society Presidency should I ever serve there. The only thing I would bring to the table is my soothing conference voice. <br /> We also went to YSA Karaoke—Best of the 90’s. Also there was some Afrikaans karaoke, which was hilarious. <br /><br />Day 38: Church. I spent most of my time eating breakfast during Sacrament Meeting (I highly recommend Cadbury’s Local and Lekker: Ouma’s Fudge flavored milk chocolate. It has all the major food groups: milk, and Ouma). Then I went to primary and told the kids stories about Mexico, and had them tell me about the story of Lehi and the Liahona, because I had forgotten it. <br /><br />Day 39: Work. Laundry. Tanning.<br /><br />Day 40: Rain. But I went to work anyway, like a real trooper. Then I came home and went on a hunt for more Local and Lekker chocolate. Then we watched the BafanaBafana match. I have never been so sad even though my team won. Oh well Bafana, you did us proud.<br /><br />Day 41: USA! USA! USA! That’s the American way, my friends.Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-85525054643333338372010-06-17T05:48:00.001-07:002010-06-17T05:48:38.237-07:00Nothing Clever Comes to MindDay 16: Macrae, Rebecka, and I performed an original interpretive dance at the Stake Talent Show. We got in touch with our Native American sides and interpreted the song, “Colors of the Wind,” from Pocahontas. The people in the stake didn’t know quite what to do with us, which is understandable, as everyone else who performed is actually talented, and we thought we were at Springville High. Also, a significant portion of the audience though we had actually rehearsed our routine, rather than making it up on the spot. This is particularly insulting because if we had rehearsed, we would have at least have come up with a better opening pose.<br /><br />Day 18: Aired our newly clean laundry.<br /><br />Day 19: Group meeting: everyone has an awesome project, except Heather, who hasn’t even started hers. <br /><br />Day 21: Went to a cleansing ceremony. By that I, naturally, mean that we attended an event put on by Masimanyane in response to the eight women who were murdered in East London about a month ago, where there was singing, praying, singing, and then 20 minute speeches by everyone who ever lived (including some traditional Xhosa chiefs) which lasted FOREVER, then we went to the cleansing ceremony. Basically the cleansing ceremony is a bunch of church leaders from several different denominations who all make some more speeches, then they throw holy water on the site, and then on anyone who wants to be cleansed, or rather, baptized. Then Macrae and Auntie P made it into the newspaper. Then we ate dinner at the prison.<br /><br />Day 22: Went to a YSA activity. I played with some married couples baby the whole time, which I think is pretty normal at a YSA activity. Also, it made me miss my niece Kate screaming every time I tried to hold her. Also, Babes taught me how to say “Xhosa” correctly, finally.<br /><br />Day 23: Learned how to make Cooked Sisters at Auntie P’s house. Basically they are balls of dough fried in oil, and then coated in sugar-water syrup, and then rolled in coconut, which I guess is just a long way of saying that, basically, they are delicious bits of the Celestial Kingdom.<br /><br />Day 24: In church we learned that Eli, from the book of Samuel, was the worst father of all time and he obviously is solely accountable for his sons’ sins, all children of divorced parents are manipulative, and children who don’t get enough attention from their parents are spoiled (I’ll say, being supervised by loving parents who give you everything you need is the worst thing that could happen to you as a child). I wonder what the teacher would think about my attitude towards her lesson, probably that all children that are the youngest of five have no respect for their elders.<br /><br />Day 25: Went to meet Lisa van Tonder who works for Rural Support Services. She said I can volunteer at organization this summer, which is yay! Also, it is yay! because Rural Support Services is a lot like HELP International, which I love, and I won’t have to be stuck in an office for the entire summer, and I get to travel all over the Eastern Cape.Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-75801375430534714022010-05-28T01:37:00.000-07:002010-05-28T01:38:29.186-07:00Days 5--14Day 5: Had a group meeting. Conclusions: everyone in South Africa hates Rebecka’s project, Brandon needs to stop surfing, and Brett’s project is pretty much done.<br /><br />Day 6: Went to see the movie I Now Pronounce You Black and White. It was awesome in every respect. The acting was portrayed with realism and empathy; the cinematography captured the world beautifully; the writing was absolutely hilarious. It was worth every bit of the two dollars I paid for it. And nothing more.<br /><br />Day 7: I woke up at 8:30. Not considerably early, but not late either. I got ready. After an hour my roommates got up. I waited for them for an hour, and then went to the Internet with the assurance that they would meet me there in a few minutes. I ended up wasting a lot of my precious Internet minutes waiting for them for an hour, and then I gave up and went back home. I waited for them for another half an hour. Then they really did go to the Internet where I waited for another 45 minutes. Conclusion: I am not getting out of bed until noon from now on. Completely pointless.<br />Next we went to Masimanyane. We got invited to a Human Trafficking conference. I hope this means that we will be discussing Human Trafficking at a professional conference, and not that a bunch of traffickers are going to be having a conference and that we will be kidnapped at said conference. That would be quite the misunderstanding.<br />Went to institute at 7:00. We were taught some false doctrine. It was awesome, because everyone waited about 10 minutes before someone brought up the subject again and corrected the teacher. Then the lesson went on from there.<br /><br />Day 8: I stayed at home to do some reading for my classes. I thought I would be able to read two chapters from a textbook (so as to be prepared for my quiz), and then get in a few chapters of one of my books for my research. And then maybe do some cleaning. This was grossly optimistic. I barely got my textbook reading in.<br /><br />Day 9: Macrae and Rebecka left me as they went to Hogsback. Which was awesome, because Marcus and Divishny invited me to the braai they were havinging. I chatted with some of Divishny’s friends from work about how stupid Americans are, and the many wonders of grilled cheese sandwiches. <br /><br />Day 10: Swept. Remember that talk that Rebecka was supposed to give on Sunday? Well, due to her being in Hogsback, I now have to write it. So I did that, too. Then I watched The Lord of the Rings to my hearts content. And my heart was contented.<br /><br />Day 11: Turns out that the girl who was supposed to speak (that Rebecka was covering for, whom I in turn had to cover) showed up to give her talk. So I was off the hook. So I guess I could have spent more time on Saturday watching The Lord of the Rings. If only I had a time machine.<br /><br />Day 12: Back to the old grind. Went to the conference on Human Trafficking. The good news: we weren’t kidnapped. We were introduced to the presenter Susan Kreston, J.D. solely because we are Americans. We were given a lot of delicious, free food. Bad news: my tummy got full and I couldn’t eat any more food. The things I learned from the conference were these: the U.S. is stupid, and I couldn’t spell stupid right the first time, so I must be an American.<br /><br />Day 13: Day two of the conference. It would appear that we are good buddies with the presenter (probably our mutual U.S. citizenship has something to do with this)(except for Rebecka, who probably only got in on her charm and good looks)(and the fact that everyone loves Sweden).<br />Next we went to see Prince of Persia. Conclusions: Jake Gillenhal is värsta läckra killen. <br /><br />Day 14: Institute. Everybody thinks we are a little weird. Which is fine, I guess. Also, they seem bored with me because I am from Utah, which is totally lame. For this, I refer them to my mother, as I was not consulted on the family move to Utah.Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-65235763515476768762010-05-19T01:31:00.000-07:002010-05-19T01:32:05.662-07:00Captains Log--Part 1Day 1: I arrived in Joburg only to have my very last flight delayed, but the good news is that my luggage made it despite my flight change. The last plane I had to fly onwas named the Jessica. It smelled bad. I couldn’t understand a word the man next to me was saying. I think he was an Afrikaaner. Macrae dragged me all around East London, and I was very confused. My first meal in South Africa was curry. Marcus (our host parents’ son) made it for us. I don’t think he was aware that curry and I are bitter enemies. Rebeckaarrived later that night. Her luggage did not make it, to which I say: “At least you didn’t have to spend an extra 13 hours traveling.” Except I never actually said that, because that would have been rude, and I really do like Rebecka.<br /><br />Day 2: Macrae, Rebecka and I walked around East London for what seemed like forever. I bought a rock bun at the bakery. It was only 6 Rand, which is about 83 cents in U.S. dollars. But it still wasn’t worth it. Note to self: don’t waste time or resources on rock buns. Next we went to see Auntie P. Auntie P’s house is loud, as everyone in Parkside seems to think it is their second home. Auntie P’s kids Janie and Jaleel and some of their friends had a jam session and sang to Rebecka. I thought it was fun for a while, but also exhausting. Then we went to the grocery store. I purchased the necessaries for survival: unsliced bread, Nutella, cream buns, and all the materials for grilled cheese sandwiches. Fell asleep at 8:30.<br /><br />Day 3: Went to see Iron Man 2: In which we are back to hating Soviets. All the camera movements used to make it seem like the fighting was semi-cool made me nauseous. Ate lunch at some restaurant where I got the Gooey Cheesy Bread (on the kids menu). The waitress laughed at me, but the joke is on her, because it was only R16, which is like two bucks, by the way. Then we went to Auntie P’s house again to have a Potjie (?). They wanted us to come at noon, even though the potjie was scheduled for 6:00, but we got there at four, which seemed like a really good idea. (It was.) Jaleel fed me some custard stuff for some special reason of his own (I suspect he thought I was lonely) (I also suspect I will be acting lonely all the time if it gets me custard). Auntie P fed us boorevorst in tomato and onion sauce. Rebeckaand I thought this was the potjie, and our tummies nearly cried when Auntie P said it was merely an appetizer. Also, boorevorst doesn’t taste as good as everyone in/from South Africa says it does. They are all liars. Jaleel talked to me all night, as he said that this night was my night, and the next time we came over he would only talk to Rebecka, even though he could handle both of us at once, because he is just that awesome. Then a thousand people came over. Then some people did some break dance, and some little girl beat up Brandon. I was worn out by six o’clock, but Auntie P warned me that the night was still young. It sounded awfully foreboding. I was right to be afraid. The potjie was ready at some point (I didn’t know the time as I was in a time warp), and I couldn’t eat it for the life of me. Not only was half of it curry (a food I have sworn off forever, even though everyone wants to make me eat it all the time), but also I was stuffed full with that “appetizer.” I pawned the meat off on Jaleel, and then gave the gravy Janie. Rebecka taught some kids how to swear in Swedish. I was crying with exhaustion. We still weren’t allowed to go home. Jaleel told me I reminded him of Bella Swan from Twilight. I have never been so offended in my life, and that’s counting the time that someone said I looked like Tom Hanks. We were finally allowed to go home. I have never been so happy.<br /><br />Day 4: Got up early and went to church. On the way there a white boy got in the taxi with us. This was shocking, because white people never use taxis. You might be thinking, “but Heather, you are also white,” to which I reply “false.” Church was good. Rebecka got a speaking assignment for next week. Awesome. Brett made it home from Baptist service okay, not dead.Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-44539497344080407332009-09-19T07:42:00.000-07:002009-09-19T07:48:09.780-07:00Day 93: 3rd Wave: (n) A group of people who sit on chairs, make actual food (other than 2 Minute Noodles), and shower an inordinate amount.<br /><br />Day 91: Heather and Laurel’s bus broke down. They sat for an hour waiting for another. Conclusion: boy sitting behind them was stinky and annoying. And he was wearing an Eminem shirt.<br /><br />Day 90: David and Heather taught the final business review lesson to the Ba Youth Group. The Ba Youth Group gave them some sweet carvings as a thank you gift for coming and teaching them all summer. It was Heather’s first time teaching the Ba Youth Group.<br /><br />Day 89: “Tori and Natalie finally left, good riddance,” said Heather, as she choked back tears.<br /><br />Day 87: Once again, the Monday night schools meeting did not happen.<br /><br />Day 86: David, Ashley, and Heather returned from Taveuni to a house full of strangers, who all have their own inside jokes and friendships. Not okay, folks.<br /><br />Day 57: Heather and Katy went to the pool at the Tavua Hotel. It was a lovely experience, marred only by the screaming children, the splashing children, and the drunks, reduced to acting like children. But seriously folks, if the author has to hear, “Can you come join us? Oh yeeeaaahhh [imagine the Kool-Aid Man®]!” or, “Let me teach you how to tie a sulu. Oh yeeeaaahhh!” or, “You’re from America? Utah? Oh yeeeaaahhh!” Katy has never been more creeped out…or tan.<br /><br />Day 56: Ben, Dani, and Whitney went to Nadi, Heather and Katy went to Lautoka. Upon returning from Lautoka, Katy and Heather sat in the house and smelled the noxious smell of Mary Jane right outside their window. Never fear, Ratu, their gallant protector, came and sat with them, and then guarded the house from random Fijian men in the bushes while they slept. In other news, Heather and Katy love Ratu, and he has the biggest muscles in Fiji.<br /><br />Day 55: We did some stuff, and some stuff got cancelled, so we didn’t do that stuff. <br />Friday is as Friday does. Ben, Dani, Katy, Whitney, and Heather splurged on New China and junk food. Forced Ben to watch Juno and make him uncomfortable. Whitney and Heather went to bed at 8:30. Ratu watched Hairspray with Ben, Katy, and Dani and laughed every time John Travolta came on screen. We love Ratu.<br /><br />Day 54: Laurel allegedly stole 50 cents from Jafar, so Jafar chased Laurel and Natalie around, waited for them to teach a lesson, and then chased them some more. Then the Police got involved, the Gold Foundation got involved, and then Rachel remembered Laurel stole 50 cents from her, and began to chase Laurel around the house. Bre, Tori, and Natalie left for Mordor. Katy wanted Heather’s butt, which is understandable, as it is awesome. <br /><br />Day 53: Heather went against everything she believes and exercised. Roger, Deanne, and Whitney arrived. Wanting to impress Roger, a member of HELP International’s Board of Directors, the HELP team had him come to the library tutoring, which is usually very busy and impressive. Only two girls showed up to be tutored. Needless to say, Heather and Katy (proactive and assertive Schools project leads) have been voted off the island. The tribe has spoken.<br /><br />Day 52: While reading to the children in the Nasomo Kindergarten, Ben realized that the book the children gave him to read to them wasn’t a story at all, but an incredibly long, boring book on how the printing press works. Ben also realized the children couldn’t read, or understand English, so he used his quick thinking and improvised by telling the Joseph Smith story and turning the pages of the book appropriately. Way to go Ben. Colby found out that her one true love, Someli, is only 17, and that she is a pedophile. In her defense, Colby would like to state that Someli looks like he is 25. Whatever Colby. You’re just creepy. David and Ashley went to Nadi, and in their absence, the HELP volunteers had four incredibly productive and short meetings. The conclusion from these meetings is that David and Ashley are no longer needed, and the volunteers would like their share of the former Country Directors stipends.<br /><br />Day 50: The volunteers, minus Tori and Natalie, hired a private minibus transport thing to take them to Nadi from their accommodation. It was awesome. Everyone got 2-3 seats to themselves and a leg rest. However, their driver, always eager to make a quick buck, picked up 12 Australians, and the volunteers were pissed. Their own particular form of punishment was to pretend that they were an Evangelical Christian Singing group, and they treated those nasty, leg rest-stealing Australians to a nice round of Row Row Row Your Boat and a series of lies about our performances in Fiji and how we converted Rachel, a Jew, to Christianity. Then the Australians and David had a nice discussion about their favorite South Park episodes.<br /><br />Day 49: The volunteers, minus Tori and Natalie, went river rafting in the Upper Navua Gorge, or rather, the Grand Canyon of Fiji. It was beautiful. Team “We Don’t Lose/We Will Kill You” Wananavu (comprised of Bre, Ben, Dani, and Heather) won every single water fight, and Bre jumped ship and totally took out Katy. In other news, David, Ashley, Colby, and Rachel were total wusses.<br /><br />Day 48: The volunteers, minus Tori and Natalie, met up at Uprising Beach Resort. Heather made a new friend named Leena, who is from England, and a hardcore evolutionist. She thinks all Mormons are weird, no surprise there.<br /><br />Day 47: Tori and Natalie left for Suva and everyone was sad, or so the author thinks. Then David and Ashley left for Suva and everyone was so excited they threw a party. The party was so wild, in fact, it ended with Rachel throwing up everything in the Universe and Heather, Laurel, Bre, and Ben, missing American brownies.Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-45257339811695344072009-06-30T19:10:00.000-07:002009-06-30T19:12:36.613-07:00Days 21-41. Start from the bottomDay 41: The Headmaster at the Yaladro School totally lied to the schools team, but that is okay, because they didn’t even care, so there. Also, Margas, Pipey, and Libbies all went to Lautoka and bought sweet pants, and then made everyone listen to their favorite song and feel awkward doing it. Margas has never been more pleased with herself. In other news: Libbies had so many tears on her face, and everyone ignored Pipey, but don’t worry, because they soothed themselves with Breakfast at Tiffany’s.<br /><br />Day 30: Ashley and David got free breakfast. Bre, Kirsten, and Paige got $46.00 breakfast. Heather got stolen breakfast, and she has never been happier. Heather took an hour long shower. Hair washed: 3 times; body washed: 2 times; face washed: 2 times; washed behind her ears: 1 time. <br />There was more ocean swimming and poolside sleeping. There was also a game of volleyball that was played. Final score: HELP volunteers—2; Sheraton Staff—8,000,000.<br /><br />Day 29: Bre, Kirsten, Paige, Ashley, David, and Heather woke up at 5:00 (a.m.) so as to be ready for their transport at 5:15 (again, a.m.). They left Tavua at 5:45 (also a.m.) as the transport they hired the day before never showed up. Needless to say that (fill in with name of volunteer of your choice) was really annoyed.<br />Anyway, Kirsten and Paige took a mental picture of the most adorable thing ever: David, Ashley, and Bre were all sleeping contentedly whilst being surrounded by Heather’s loving arms as all were driven to Lautoka.<br />A lot of other stuff happened on Day 29 and it all centers around snorkeling, kayaking, and sleeping by pools.<br />More importantly, as our six volunteers were on a boat, they discovered that they all looked like models. Kirsten and Paige: PacSun; Ashley: Nautica; David: Armani; Heather: Ralph Lauren; Random Brooding Guy: Hollister; Bre: a blow up swimming pool box picture.<br /><br />Day 28: Bre, Kirsten, Paige, David, Ashley, and Heather talked about their moms for 7 hrs. Conclusion: they like their moms. Maybe even love. We’ll see.<br /><br />Day 27: <br />• No one really got going until 9:30, or at least, one group got going at 9:30, while the other group dilly-dallied until 10:30, which, for some reason, is really embarrassing.<br />• David insulted his host by calling him a liar.<br />• David awkwardly played footsie with Heather and Natalie at lunch.<br />• Heather and Bre talked about different kinds of ice-cream for half an hour.<br />• Action Item: David needs to get married.<br />• Some of our volunteers went to a FRIEND training, where nothing amusing happened, or at least, the author wasn’t told that anything amusing happened. Or at least, the author was told, but the telling wasn’t memorable, and the author doesn’t remember anything amusing happing. Author suggests that stories be told more memorable if anyone wants their experiences blogged about.<br />• David needs to learn three words: T-R-Y, try.<br />• Ashley drank six bowls of Kava.<br />• David got called out on daydreaming.<br />• David had a really eventful day.<br />Other things of note on Day 27: we met a crazy guy in Bangladesh, who said something along the lines of this, “It is important to budget your money. You see, these people get 5 dollars a day and they buy beer and cigarettes with it so they only get 40 dollars a month. I read a lot of books, I like to learn a lot of things. I used to work on a farm, so you see, I know how to budget. You people are like a finger hitting a stone, if you try to hard, your finger will break, but the stone? It does not break.”<br /> David: “Is there a way we can roll the stone? Or move it?”<br /> Strange man: “No.”<br />Anyway, this might not seem very ridiculous to the average reader, but you must understand, this old man trapped us in his living and made us listen to him ramble and verbally abuse all the women in the house for an hour or two. Also, the author thinks that he tried to convert the HELP representatives in his house to being Jehovah’s Witnesses. Don’t worry, they deflected.<br /><br />Day 25: David, Kirsten, Paige, and Heather went to Ba to do Personal Finance training with FRIEND. Personal Finance training included talking about our families income and expenses, having a morning tea (which did not have any tea, the author would like you to know), throwing tennis balls at the faces of nice old ladies, learning that Russia and eastern Europe are communist countries, and that Suva is not Fiji…huh?...yeah?...alright?...yeah.<br />Nate and Cami taught a gardening lesson in Nabuna, and did not teach gardening in Tavua Levu.<br />Ashley, David, and Heather went to the Gold Foundation where they do not give loans, no sir. They give handouts.<br /><br />Day 24: Absolutely nothing going on. Wasting all our time and your money. Example: me, writing a blog.<br /><br />Day 23: borrowed a neighbor’s oven and baked a cake. Watched two movies. The Universe is balanced, however, we also had a two-and-a-half hour meeting.<br /><br />Day 22: Slept in. David and Ashley sat at the house waiting for somebody or something to show up. Results: inconclusive. Rest of the team went on a “hike,” which was more like a physically strenuous Jungle Cruise™ than anything (minus the plastic animals, boat, and expensive Disneyland ticket. Not minus the quiet desperation and sad sarcasm of those who really don’t want to be there) (this is where you make the connection between Jungle Cruise™ Guides and Heather). The “hike” was supposed to be to a waterfall, but the crew abandoned ship in uncharted waters and swam in the readily available and inviting river. Reasons for quitting: 1) we are pussy Americans and there was no actual trail, 2) giant boulders upon which we were climbing were hot and jagged and the other mode of transportation (river) was full of large rocks and swimming upstream is no picnic (it is, in fact, a lot like swimming upstream), 3) doubting the existence of said “waterfall.”<br /> After returning home, the team participated in bonding activities that were games at best, pagan rituals at worst. Really, just witness “The Foot Game” or “Bunny Bunny.” Heather, Sara, Bre, and Natalie would like to note that New China Restaurant provided their dinner, and it was their favorite thus far. They highly suggest the sweet and sour chicken.<br /><br />Day 21: Fijian holiday, and no one wanted to talk to us, so we went to a rugby tournament rather than have our feelings hurt. Nothing really happened at the rugby tournament except our boys from Korovo continuously not losing, so we went home. By home, the author of course means the Tavua Hotel where the team found dinner. If the team had returned to their home home they would have found thieves. As it was, the team returned home an hour or so after the thieves had left, so they couldn’t find four computers, iPod speakers, DVDs, and an iFlip.Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-18562309225580408002009-05-29T15:03:00.000-07:002009-05-29T15:12:42.947-07:00First Fiji UpdateOkay Kirsta, I'm updating my blog for you, but there are no pictures because I haven't put them on a computer, and even if I had, I still wouldn't have them, as all the computers have been stolen. Actually, I don't anticipate having any pictures to show until I get back at this point. Internet cafe's are too expensive and slow for uploading pictures.<br /><br />Anyway, since I've been here I have planted some gardens, built some stoves out of adobe, taught some health lessons, and eaten a lot of curry (decision: curry--not so good). Last week the group went to Suva to a YSA dance, which was meh, and saw Angel's and Demon's, which was meh. Then we went to a beach resort called Uprising for super cheap because of awesome connections, and that was really fun. However, I do not suggest getting the massage there, because it was dumb, and I got eaten alive by mosquitos. I think I learned my lesson.<br /><br />I might start interning with an NGO, which is a women's crisis center, so I'm pretty excited about that.<br /><br />Peace.Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753411300086505369.post-14338179135717793102008-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:002008-12-09T12:16:25.333-08:00Family History ProjectOkay family, I have to share my family history findings with you, so shut up and listen!<div><br /></div><div>Instructions:</div><div><br /></div><div>First, copy and paste this link: http://www.bettsclan.com/genealogy/parents_elizabeth_miller_betts.htm</div><div>(This website has a lot of interesting information, much of which is more interesting than anything I found.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Then be amazed. My project was practically done for me, and yet, here we are.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, read my handy-dandy little summary of our written family history.</div><div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;line-height:200%"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Eliza(beth) Franklin Betts</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Eliza Franklin was born in Clapham, Surrey, England at the turn of the 19<sup>th</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Surrey is located just south of London, and it has always been a sort of suburb to the capital city, and Clapham is now considered part of Greater London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Clapham, in the early 1800’s was a hotspot of political unrest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Clapham was home to a majority of evangelical Christians, often called the Clapham Sect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These people wanted to end slavery and so-called “cruel-sports,” but they were not radical, as they wanted to preserve the current class system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was part of the social landscape that Eliza Franklin was born/grew up in.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>In 1822 Eliza married Peter Betts, and they lived in the area of St. Pancras, London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Peter Betts was a “Coach Smith,” and he invented a type of spring that made carriage riding more comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Because of this invention, he made a carriage for the Queen and the Royal Family, and then was knighted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Upon being knighted, Peter Betts received a family coat of arms, which still hangs in the Tower of London, or at least it did for a while, I’m not sure if it still does. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Peter and Eliza had elven children, the oldest, Martha, died when she was about fourteen, before the family joined the church. We are descended from the 10th child, John Ebenezer Betts.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Peter, Eliza, and their children joined the LDS church in England and Peter traveled to the U.S., and came back after a year for his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unfortunately, Peter died upon his second arrival in Missouri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Eliza and three of her sons, Richard, James, and John, went to the Great Salt Lake city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For reasons I have yet to figure out, Eliza lived with a family in Salt Lake and went by her maiden name Eliza Franklin, I do not think she was a plural wife though, as she was about 20 years older, at least, than the head of the household, and her children convinced her to move to Payson a few years later. I think she lived with the family probably helping with housework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> After moving </span>down to Payson, she died in 1868. </p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Heather M. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556916248553393835noreply@blogger.com0