Finally in Mikinduri - Saturday Feb 5, 2011

Written by Shawna Quinn: On Thursday, Cheri and I arrived in Mikinduri. On the way to Mikinduri we met Fr Bernard’s father, brother, and sister-in-law. We’re staying at Fr. B’s compound. On Thursday night we had a great dinner with Fr. B. It was so good. It’s comfortable and like a second home to us. It’s funny though, when you’re looking out your bedroom window, it’s really odd to look out the window and see the church in the same place you’re staying. It’s even weirder to look out the window and realize you’re in Kenya, in Mikinduri, for the third time. We went and we met some people from the community that would help us find disabled individuals for the clinic on Tuesday. Then we went over to see the nursery and read to the kids as they aren’t fluent in English.

Shawna and Cheri with local children

On Friday we went back to the school and I taught class 4 (4^th Grade) Spelling and Reading (Language Arts). I felt comfortable, although when I looked around the classroom, it was very different to me, but they were fluent in English reading. The students are so well behaved, that some of the teachers left the classroom to check some work in the staffroom and the students stayed sitting in silence, doing their work. I was amazed. During recess we were able to teach the students the game Hot Potato, with a rock, they were so excited. Then we went back to the nursery and the teacher went for a break and we were able to stay with them without them being nervous and us being Mzungos (white persons); the children were comfortable as they met us before. We got to color with them, they call it drawing, and we were having so much fun. They go to school from 7:30am-5pm, but they have a ½ break in the morning, 1hr for lunch, ½ hour break in the afternoon. Each day we feed the students snack (porridge), lunch (beans, corn and rice) and afternoon snack (mangos or bananas). They are growing so much, Fr.B has a farm and is able to grow all the crops to feed the students, that is why we love Fr.B so much as he has helped so many. The nursery age 3-5yrs have a nap in the afternoon around 2pm. I just love what I am doing and I know I will enjoy the clinics as well. On Monday I was able to teach Social Studies, the students are in Gr.6 and they were learning about lakes and rivers. They want to play Hot Potato everyday now, and I was even able to go running with them today at the end of the day for Phys Ed.

We love this country as much as we love to live in Canada.

From Libby: On Saturday morning, we got to sleep in and had breakfast with Peter Munya, the MP (Member of Parliament) for the Mikinduri area. It was only a chance meeting that Peter was staying at the same hotel as we were. We had a great meeting telling Peter about all the projects MCOH has completed and in the works, and also what our needs are for the community. He was very receptive and vowed to complete the school in Kaguwru. That was a great thing to hear that we weren’t necessarily expecting. Following this, we headed back to Nakematt for last minute supplies and over to downtown Meru at the market to go to the bank and the Safaricom to get an internet stick. Apparently at the Meru market there are very sad things going on, such as child prostitution, but I was only told of this, I didn’t witness it. I did witness a thousand people walking around in a very small area. In the Safaricom office, there were fifty people in the average mini-strip Subway sandwich restaurant. I joined one crowd and tried to wiggle to the front, but as I am not really a fan of crowds and a big fan of lines, this was a nightmare! After 5 minutes someone shouted out that they needed a modem and I added my request for the same. I don’t know how long I would have been there otherwise! I paid only $24 for the stick and went over to the bank where Ted was waiting in line to exchange money. There was nothing different about the Kenyan bank, nothing at all.



Dr Ed and Dr Beppe at receipt of Gastroscope



Then we headed off for Chaaria hospital to deliver medical equipment to Dr Beppe that was donated by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown PEI. It was a lovely drive where we were finally getting to the rural area near Mikinduri. Children and adults alike excitedly waved at our combi whenever we initiated the wave. Some adults hesitantly waved, though the majority were as friendly as the children. Chaaria hospital is an Italian charity hospital that turns no one away. They have many people living at the facility as they are too sick and poor to go anywhere else. It has been in operation for the last 10 years and is sponsored by an Italian order. It is clear that they are very compassionate and were quite excited to receive the gastro scope. Unfortunately, we somehow got one of the suitcases jammed, so Ted tried his best to break into the suitcase using only a pocket wrench. 



Ted breaking into the suitcase for Chaaria



Ed and Kathy visited a patient that they had referred to Chaaria from a previous mission, and were able to check on his progress. Sadly, he was not doing well, but that doesn’t discourage Dr Beppe in the slightest. We had lunch at the fruit stand next to the hospital, and I enjoyed the juciest, most flavor-filled mango I have ever tasted. It was peeled on the spot and incredible!



Paul and Jack enjoying fresh Mango

We drove on to Mikinduri and finally arrived at our destination! We went to the new hotel that was built on the North side of Mikinduri market (which we would call a town). The rooms are very similar the Francis Inn that we stayed in last year, but the rooms are arranged in long lines of bunks instead of three stories high. The best part of the compound is that we are surrounded by a large exterior wall, so we can wander within the compound with no problems. There are always children gathered outside the wall, so it can be a sad reminder at the Francis Inn, and much easier to relax here. Luckily we will be enjoying meals here during the clinics but staying again at the Francis as it can accommodate a group as large as will be at the clinics. The new hotel (which is yet to be named) can only hold 24 people at the most, and we will have 32 people during the clinics. Fr B and Chief Alex joined us for dinner, as did Shawna and Cheri. We had a fantastic meal prepared by Bongoman, our chef extraordinaire, and spent the evening socializing and drinking beer. Well, we were also preparing for our meeting on Monday, but I prefer to say we were enjoying ourselves for the whole evening. We also did laps in the compound. There’s a slight hill so we did 10 or so laps and felt like we were finally able to stretch our legs. Fr B also brought Chief Alex’s bosses’ boss to stay with us for the evening. He was a delightful man that reports directly to the President of Kenya! We have been surrounded by some highly impressive political figures, which can only tell me people are taking notice of the work MCOH has done in the area.

Summary: Libby is happy to have finally arrived in Mikinduri and Shawna had a fantastic experience teaching the children in school

Many Meru Meetings – Friday February 4, 2011

Friday morning started later, thank goodness. We had an 8am meeting with Jane, a woman from DCC (a German acronym). She explained to us all of the services that her group offers people in the Mikinduri area, specifically for disabled people. Most of the services are medical, but one that is different than I’ve ever heard is that they form women’s empowerment groups. These groups are made up of women in a community that all invest a small amount of money (less than a dollar maybe), and give a microloan to someone who needs it. Once that is paid back with interest, they reinvest in someone else. This program is so successful because it is entirely based in the community. The money comes from the community. Jane was delightful and a strong command of the internal workings of the Kenyan medical system, something that no one else that we had talked to seemed to possess. In addition, she was funny. She told Dr. Ed that he looked like a doctor because he had ‘serious specs’.

Later we took a tour of the Meru hospital. It looked more like an army camp with small barracks in rows that served for different departments. The hospital in general just seemed odd, and it was hard to put my finger on why. After much reflection (as our tour was a few hours long), I realized it was because even though the building was shabby, with dirt all over the painted concrete floor, something brown leaking from the ceiling down the walls, blue steel bars covering the windows, the smell of marijuana in one particular room, and nothing giving the impression of clean, the doctors are dressed immaculately. They are wearing nice full suits with pristine white overcoats. It just seems out of place. In addition, an interesting aspect of their clothing is that it’s quite oversized. No one has tailored clothes on so it’s rare to find someone wearing a suit that actually fits them. The crisp button up shirts and nice suits have the effect that many men look like they’re playing dress-up with their father’s clothes. The hospital has many services, especially for the disabled, and we fostered a partnership to refer people to their hospital from our medical clinics. The doctors we met that day would also be attending the clinic the following Tuesday to evaluate the need for help for disabled people in the Mikinduri area. While at the hospital, we happened to run into Chief Alex, the main representative of the President of Kenya in Mikinduri. He was there working on a practicum for his Master’s in counseling. We had an impromptu meeting with him concerning the upcoming medical clinics. On the outside of the counseling office, there were educational paintings on the building. One was describing how to avoid rape for women. It said ‘Avoid provocative dressing and avoid secluded areas’. Gosh. This was such a blunt, skewed message, that it was nothing less than shocking in so many ways. 

Shocking wall painting near conselling center



We grabbed a quick lunch back at the Three Steers, and went back out. This particular afternoon, Ted and I joined Jack in his water services meeting. While Kathy and Ed were in meetings trying to learn more about local medical facilities in order to benefit our new Community Based Health Care program, Jack has been meeting with the different water departments in the different towns. Oh, there’s more than one you ask? Well yes. Apparently there was a new department created when extra funds were made available for water. Rather than increase the budget of the existing permit division, the Kenyan government created a new division to fund new water projects. As an expert in water resource management, Jack was the right one for the job to cut through the bureaucracy and find out what was going on. In this meeting there was a man with very long finger nails who couldn’t have been 5 feet tall. His job was to give out water permits. He was very kind, helpful, and knowledgeable, but I couldn’t tear my eyes from his long, dirty fingernails. Many options on how to get water to some of the schools MCOH sponsors were discussed. We left the meeting with the resolve to meet the man up by the schools to determine good solution to supply the school with water. This was the best possible outcome. Hopefully the meeting will occur.

Meanwhile, Kathy and Ed were at Sparks, a group that helps disabled people. There’s weren’t many people in the office so although it was a partnership we formally held, it was not advanced at all. We then drove as a large group to a hospital called ‘Ripples International’. They are a privately sponsored hospital that takes in children for outpatient care, and will eventually be able to accept them for inpatient care as well. Their organization has many other services, and hopefully we will be able to send people their way once their hospital is completed.

We finally arrived back at the Three Steers after a long day of meetings, only to have one more over dinner with an acquaintance of Ted’s. He was a really interesting man and we had wonderful conversation. The Three Steers is an interesting place. There are flat screen tv’s in the rooms, but no internet, the window overlooks a dump, and the laundry is all hung out on the line. Just interesting. Today was quite a successful day, though surprisingly exhausting to spend so much time talking and listening. Tomorrow we head for Mikinduri, with a few stops on the way!



Laundry line at hotel. Yup...sheets and all!



Summary: Many many meeting in Meru, fostering partnerships to help the people of Mikinduri

Early to Embu - February 3, 2011 - Thursday

After arriving late the night before, I tiptoed around the room at 6:30 in the morning to avoid waking Shawna and Cheri, who got in much later than I did, and darted down to breakfast. Now, breakfast at the Methodist Inn was fantastic! Knowing what is coming ahead helped me quite a bit to appreciate the amenities that the Methodist Inn offered. For breakfast there was a huge buffet including sausages, fried eggs, cereal, a local porridge (that I later found out you add sugar to. Doh!), and amazing fruit: mango, pineapple, and mango. The mango was straight sugar! I don’t eat mango anywhere but Kenya because there’s so many more flavors and juices in the mangos here. Breakfast was fantastic and I was able to catch up with Kathy, Dr Ed, and Jack, who I had not seen the night before. I was also introduced to Paul, our driver for the week. The drivers are really specatular. They quickly become part of the team and join in with any work or activity we have. In addition, they’re very knowledgeable about the local vegetation, wildlife and landscape. We’ll be driving along and someone will ask ‘Paul, what’s that mountain called’, and he always has an answer! They do so much more than just drive us around.



Kathy, Ed, Antony, Ted, Jack, and Paul at lunch at Issac Walton



We got into the combis and drove about 3 hours to Embu, where we stopped for lunch. On travel days, it seems like there’s only driving and eating, but we were also going to pack in meetings along the way.  On the way to Embu we passed through Mwea, which is the largest rice producing area in Kenya. Apparently their rice is much tastier than anywhere else. Once in Embu we stopped at the Issac Walton Inn and saw these fantastic birds. The males have a great crest on their head. They’re black with white breasts, called the ‘white cheeked hornbill’. Okay for lunch I had the food I had been looking forward to for a year: Chapati, (which is a greasy tortilla but uses a local grain different than the flour we have so it has a flatter quality than the fluffiness of tortillas), Kenyan curry (which tastes different than Indian curry because of what they put the curry on: they use a lot of a potatoes, peas, and carrots), and a Fanta (yes the pure suger yummy British drink).



Prosthetic leg for Amputees made at ADPK in Embu



During lunch we talked with a man from APDK (Association for Physically Disabled Kenyans), which is a government organization that supplies wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, and physiotherapy. After lunch we toured his facility in Embu. Ted, Kathy, Ed, and Jack had toured the Nairobi facility where they manufacture wheelchairs for only $250. The Embu facility was full of very nice occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other specialists. The most exciting part of this meeting is that APDK will be holding a screening in the town of Mikinduri the following Tuesday for the disabled people’s needs in Mikinduri. If the need is there, they will hold a monthly clinic to assess the disabled, which will allow amputees to get prosthetic devices, referrals for children with club feet and bow legs, those in need to get wheelchairs and much more. Really this is a huge development for Mikinduri whose disabled have been overlooked up until now. We also agreed that a discussion needed to take place between the local community leaders and the organizations that are offering help, so a ‘Shareholders Meeting’ was organized for the Monday before the screening. This was a fantastic meeting where we were able to partner with a group that already has so many services and bring them to the people that we are supporting.

We then drove three hours onto Meru, where we would stay for the night at the Three Steers Hotel. (I slept the whole way so it didn’t seem far at all). We stopped there for lunch on the previous trip and enjoyed the meal immensely. For dinner I enjoyed a beef samosa (ground beef in a deep fried triangular shell), more chapati, curry, and a tusker (a Kenyan beer). If I keep up at this rate, I’ll gain the typical 5 pounds Ted claims he gains on every trip! We had a group discussion concerning all we had learned and how to proceed over dinner.

Meru is the largest town near Mikinduri, and we would consider it a city. Most beneficial: they have Nakumatt, a Kenyan walmart to get all those amenities you forgot or didn’t realize you needed until you got there. We had a quick stop where I tried to grab postcards, nail polish (the only thing I forgot when I left), and a pillow (the pillows in Mikinduri are abysmal: little airplane sized hard foam, which I imagine have bugs in them, though I doubt they do. This year I brought a hypoallergenic pillow cover with the plans of buying a pillow from Nakemat.) I walked out of there with a pillow and some soda as apparently not too many people visit Meru (so they don’t need postcards) and Ted laughed when I mentioned the nail polish. Oh well, I got my pillow! It was a great day!

Summary: We’re within ½ hour of Mikinduri and had a great meeting with ADPK.

Tu Mafika! Feb 2, 2011 – Wed

Well the journey started at 6am phoenix time ( 4pm Kenyan time) on Tuesday Feb 1st, and I arrived at the Methodist Inn in Nairobi at 10:30pm Kenyan time. 30+ hours of travelling! Last year I broke it up by staying in London for a few days, which in addition to being really fun, made the travel seem so much easier. I had a layover in Philadelphia and one in Zurich, neither was for very long, and since I am savoring the last few moment of gold status on USAirways and was flying internationally, I got to go in all the fancy lounges. I almost wished I had longer layovers. It’s not the free food or alcohol that’s nice in there. It’s that there are comfortable chairs and silence, and no loudspeaker boarding announcements. I find that the most annoying thing about airports, even worse than the security regulations, body scanners, or waiting for bags. Oh funny story – so I thought I was going to get to go through the body scanner for the first time in Phoenix, but they closed it one person in front of me, so I went through the normal line. I had mixed feelings as it seemed kind of fun and cool for the first time, but I realized there would probably be many many more trips and the novelty would wear off.

 

Really cool cokatu type bird



Onto Kenya! I arrived in Nairobi with a different view and excitement level than last year. Last year was so full of questions and newness, while I think this trip has more expectations and memories. I fear I will be caught up making comparisons to last year’s trip that I will miss enjoying the experience. (I do like making traditions out of an experience that has been repeated). For example, last year, when I exited the plane with a group of 20, we were all buzzing and just seemed to appear at the visa counter. This year, I realized there’s actually a walk to get there, with corridors that seem more like a flea market than an airport. Huh. And later, while we were driving to hotel, I remember that last year I noted the crazy traffic, driving on the wrong side of the road, and the surprising amount of greenery. This year I saw a police officer walking around with a really big gun. I don’t remember a single one of those last trip. Huh. But on the other hand, I remember last year seeing how excited the returnees were to see Father B (Father Bernard) and other Kenyans that are so memorable from previous trips. I remember thinking – they only knew each other for a few weeks, how can they be that excited. Well this year I get it. Father B and Antony met us at our Methodist Inn, a hotel we stayed at the first night last year as well, and boy was I thrilled to see them! Even Bernard and his family stopped by before they head off to a new assignment in Australia. So I’m sure there will be great things about returning too!



Two sweet girls along the road



At the airport, Uncle Ted met me after customs and gave me the rundown on the many meetings he, Ed, Kathy, and Jack have attended since they got here last Friday. It also sounds like they have been quite busy and we have a lot to do before everyone arrives next week. Cheri and Shawna also arrived safely, all of us on different flights. We are the whole crew until next Wednesday when everyone else arrives. We leave at 7am for meetings and travel, and it’s now 11:30 so I better sign off. I got a total of 2 hours of sleep on the planes and add that to the schedule I kept in Phoenix and I’ve slept 12 hours in 4 days. Huh. Note to self....sleep more.

In summary – we arrived with all our bags! Yea!

Oh Boy Boise – January 20th, 2011 Thursday

I arrived in Boise Thursday evening absolutely exhausted. My cousin Becca picked me up at the airport and we dropped by to say hello to my grandpa (Opa), then headed to her house for the weekend. Earlier that day, Opa called and said I couldn’t come to his house because he had a cold. Instead I would spend the weekend at the Lee’s with my cousins. Great! I rarely get to spend so much time with them and Aunt Joyce.

Beccca and Brenna!!

harpee eagle

 I had a fantastic 10 days in Boise. We relaxed, ran errands, saw movies, played games, namely cribbage, and visited. Plus I read 13 books! Okay...5 of them were diary of a wimpy kid. But the other 8 were actual books. One was ‘Till they have faces’ by CS Lewis. It was absolutely amazing! A retelling of the story of Cupid and Psyche with a ‘Wicked’ twist telling the story from the bad guy’s perspective. Anyway we also went to the Peregrine Fund where my grandpa used to volunteer, his rehabilitation home that he left, much to the dismay of everyone there, and to Mountain Home AFB so we could wander around the commissary for 3 hours.



Trish and a Peregrine






It was awesome! I was sad to leave but had a fantastic time seeing everyone and getting to have discussions on a deeper level. It was a nice rest before leaving for Kenya.

Summary: Hanging with the cousins in the big BOI, and chillin with my Opa!

Vegas Baby! - January 17, 2011 – Monday

After the wedding, the bride and groom went on their honeymoon to the Bahamas. So Sunday and Monday, those of us who were left which consisted of Mom, Dad, Dad’s family, and I, had the opportunity to visit. We ate so very well and had a wonderful visit. Then Mom and I caught a plane to Las Vegas to meet up with Mom’s family who had left to visit the Grand Canyon along the way to Vegas.

We were exhausted when we arrived in Vegas, which is how you normally leave, so I was wondering how this would pan out. We arrived at the Jockey Club, which is a small timeshare , located next to the Bellagio. We had split up into two groups: Aunt Coreen and Uncle Mike were staying at the Bellagio, and Uncle Ted, Aunt Rita, cousins: Michelle, Troy, Leanne, Steve, Justin, Danielle, Kevin, cute kids: Logan, Alyssa, and Mom and I stayed at the Jockey Club. We were all on the same floor with the same view of the building next to us. No not the fantastic Bellagio building, but we had a great room rate and nice big suites, and oh...it’s right on the Vegas strip!



Cousins! We're all the oldest in our family. Funny!



We all collected in one of the rooms for a great happy hour and headed off to find dinner. I lost count of the number of time I have been to Vegas, but I think it’s around 8, so I found myself as the tour guide. It was my own fault really. Every time someone said, oh I was some pizza, I said ‘oh you should go to New York New York! They have awesome pizza!’ Silly Libby. It was great being the tour guide, almost giving credence to all of the previous trips I took. The only reason I complain at all, is because I didn’t realize until we got to a restaurant that I recommended, that I felt responsible for the enjoyment of our group and taste of the food. Silly Libby! No one complained though and there were lots of laughs so it was all good!

For dinner we went across the street to Planet Hollywood and found a great place called the ‘Earl of Sandwich’. Totally cute and yummy. Then we walked down the strip to Ceasar’s Palace and took in the great sights. Everyone was so excited and enthusiastic about the smallest things, plus there were so many of us wandering around, that I felt like I was herding the Clampets. We saw the Bellagio fountains, walked through the casino part of Ceasar’s and played a few slots, hit the Forum Shops of Ceasars, watched a really corny water show from the 90’s that I recommended (my bad!), we had Cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory, and walked a few miles! We returned home quite late and happily fell into bed, resolved to wear better shoes the next day!

On Tuesday, Mom and I woke up and headed to the Bellagio pool with the Boyces and Conroys. A day by the pool with Alyssa and Logan?? I’m in! It was a very nice pool area, with a 6 separate pools, more hot tubs, private cabanas, tons of sunchairs, and was decorated in the elegant Bellagio fashion. Sadly only one of the pools and one hot tub was open. The water was surprisingly cold but the pool was large enough that we could chase the sun. After a few hours we gave up looking for the hot tub, Mom broke down and asked where it was, and we had to giggle because it was just in front of our face! We had a great afternoon filled and even got gelato and this fantastic caprese salad that makes my mouth water now.

That evening we met up as the big group of 13 at PF Changs after a quick happy hour in one of the rooms. Chinese food is a tradition for us, and tonight was a special occasion. The family got together in a secret meeting in Canada months before, and decided to do something special for Mom to thank her for all she does for the family, even from a distance. After dinner, a huge slice of chocolate cake arrived for mom and Ted made a speech thanking her and presented her with a gift. The love and gratitude at the table was palpable, and Mom was certainly touched. We then split up into a few groups. Coreen, Danielle, and I went to Jersey Boys at the Palazzo (next to Venetian).

This is a story that needs its own paragraph. We left PF Changs at 630. The show starts at 7. We spent the first 10 minutes running through Planet Hollywood trying to find the taxi stand. We got a cab quickly and drove the 10 minute drive through 10 lights to go less than 2 miles. We now had 10 minutes to find the theatre and get to our seats. This would normally not be a problem, but this is a Vegas casino that is designed to disorient you. We arrived at the Venetian and had this wonderful woman give us a map and 7 directions along the lines of ‘turn right at the pink elephant’ and go past the slot machines. With Danielle’s magical direction sense and Coreen’s ability to keep up even though we were all in heels in a very fast walk, we arrived at the theatre, found our amazing seats, sat and the lights went dark! Everything just works out for me. Even though it was a huge rush, it really added to the excitement, and the first part of the show tries to get this rushed feeling, but our hearts were already thumping so I think we got more out of the first act than everyone that arrived in a relaxed fashion. The show was great! Wonderful music and a story with some dancing and costumes. It was definitely worth the wait to see it! We then had a great movie montage scene wandering around the Venetian canal, trying on silly hats, going through an art gallery, watching seconds of the now sleazy pirate show at Treasure Island, in awe of the foliage and mosaics of the Wynn and Encore, and enjoyed a taxi back to the Bellagio.

Meanwhile, Justin, Rita and Mom went to see Cher at Caesar’s and the rest of the group wandered through the casinos. The nomads and Cher groups met up and took a limo all over Vegas. They had a great hour trip going down to Freemont street, the old Vegas district, took a picture by the Vegas pawn shop that has a TV show (to get a picture for Scotty and Chris),and were even upgraded to a large hummer limo! The Jersey Boys crew ran into the limo crew watching the Bellagio fountain and the night continued. 

The Bellagio is amazing. The lobby opens up to a great ceiling full of glass flowers. You then walk further into the lobby to see the fantastic flower and foliage that changes each month. It is breathtaking and hard to capture the beauty through my meager journalistic skills. The theme all over Vegas was Chinese New Year – the year of the rabbit. We went up to Coreen and Mike’s hotel room and watched two different fountain shows. The highlight of my Vegas trips have always been to watch the Bellagio fountains from the road. It is about 100 jets of water that are timed to the music: Sinatra, Pavaratti, Celine Dion, patriotic music, and even Elvis. The effect is a sort of ballet that is moving and so very artistic. Having seen the fountains from the room though is a whole new experience. The road view will be so meaningless now. You get to see the entire strip and a birds eye view of the fountain, with the music piped in over the TV. I’m not sure I would leave the room.

Yea the fountain is crooked. intentially!

We left Coreen and Mike at the Bellagio, and headed back to the Jockey club to grab a sweater and wander around the strip. I didn’t even hassle Danielle for not staying out, but then that was only because her kids wake up around five, and oh did I mention, it was already midnight? I did wake mom up though, as she can’t miss a party, and she, Ted, Michelle, Leanne, Justin, Troy, and I got on the Deuce, a bus that runs up and down the strip. We took it to New York New York and wandered around eating pretzels and gambling until the early hours of the morning. A few of us serious partiers (Michelle,Troy, Ted, and I) then went back to Earl of Sandwich for a snack. I fell into bed around 3am after a long awesome day.

The next morning came much too fast, but I jumped out of bed at 9am and joined the Boyces and Conroys to walk around the strip with the kids. (I left mom in bed as I don’t think she would have responded well to me waking her up twice in such a short time period). We started at Dennys where I shared chocolate pancakes with Logan. We then went to MGM to see the Lions, Excalibur, and New York New York, as those are just fun to walk through. As I was walking back to the Jockey Club, my friend Justin called. He was in Vegas too! I went back, woke mom up (it was now 1pm and she should be up), and we jumped on the Duece down to the Wynn. After some yummy pizza, Mom and I went shopping at H&M in Caesar’s. My purse had broken the day we arrived and I was at a loss without something to carry my camera and wallet. Mom was a bit tired that day as apparently 2 weeks of non-stop activities can wear you out. That evening, Mom babysat Alyssa and Logan, and I joined Ted and Rita at Outback. I love their steaks! I then went back to the room and saw mom curled up with the kids on the couch. She wasn’t too impressed that I interrupted this Precious Moments scene. We got the kids to bed, and Coreen, Mike, Danielle and Kevin appeared. The old folks went to bed while Danielle, Kevin and I jumped on the Duece down to the Wynn. We found this fantastic dueling piano bar in the Encore and enjoyed a fine night cap or two. Oh, and we bonded. It was great! Plus this really random guy kept staring at us. I couldn’t tell if it was because we were laughing so much, someone was smoking, or he was just mean. It turns out it was for an entirely different reason! He walked over and asked me if I have seen the show Dexter; well I knew where this was going. We were all dressed up and I have been told before I look like Julia Styles. This fool thought I was. He was really friendly and funny and posed for a few pictures with me. He introduced himself and got Danielle and Kevin’s names, but never thought to ask for mine. I think he kept calling me Julia, haha. Anyway it was after one when the music stopped, so we headed back to the hotel and called it a night.

The next morning everyone left and I spent the day lounging by the Bellagio pool before catching my flight in the evening to Idaho. Ahhh it was a good trip.

Summary: I ate a lot, slept a little and laughed for hours!

Lindsey becomes a Hamood! Jan 2011

The matter at hand: my sister's wedding. This entry covers the Jan 10 – 15, 2011. I am on an extended vacation from my temporary retirement to go to Phoenix for my little sister's wedding. She’s marrying a completely adorable man and I’m not sure who’s happier, they both so disgustingly deep in love. 100 people flew in for the wedding from all over the US and Canada. I, along with the other snow birds, found myself in Phoenix instead of the frozen land of Prince Edward Island. Granted, I am 27, and most of the snow birds in Phoenix are 3 times that age, but nonetheless I left my cold climate for fairer weather, during my (temporary) retirement.

A typical maid of honor has many duties, most of which include running around doing the little tasks such as breaking up family fights, finding the marriage license, remembering appointments, getting food, etc, to keep the bride sane. (It sounds more maid than honor). My sister is a free spirit however, so I was pretty sure these duties were just going to be getting her to the church on time and trying to rein in her creativity to prevent gaudiness in her wardrobe, the reception room, and for the wedding party. Lindsey had a few extra tasks in mind as I had overestimated how much she had previously accomplished , even though that in itself was a great amount of work. During the last 8 days leading up to the wedding, we accomplished so much and had a great time. I learned that 5 hours of sleep a night is more than adequate. However, I would not recommend cutting caffeine at the same time to reduce sodium and thus puffiness. A fatal mistake that caused my attitude to be less than enthusiastic at times, especially after the bachelorette. But again, I'm getting ahead of myself.

The bachelorette was great! It was on Wednesday. Out of town guests started to arrive that evening and so our bachelorette crew of 8 was formed. Only four of those eight actually drink, so as one of those four, I made up for the more sober of those in our party and especially for the bride, since she wasn't drinking either. We started at Buffalo Wild Wings where my sister and I did the 'Blazing Wing Challenge'. 12 of the hottest wings in 6 minutes, with no water, celery or anything. Basically straight cayenne pepper with plenty of fat, fried, and chicken mixed in. I did it in 4 minutes. My sister came pretty close to the 6 minute deadline. She forgot that wings weren't necessarily lean and was disgusted every time she got a bite of fat. We had a great time that night and ended up at Mill Avenue, near the University, for a night of drinking, hookah, and being the center of attention. Apparently 8 ladies in cute dresses with lei’s, whistles, and banners marking the occasion draws attention. Oh – did I not mention it was princess themed?? Well it was a great night, even if every task I performed the next day took a bit more time and determination than it would have if I had joined the leagues of those not drinking. As one who will have the occasional glass of wine with dinner, drinking as much as I did took a toll on me. As a true maid of honor though, I did it for the bride!

The next evening we had a party at the Holiday Inn. (Yes I do believe that’s a line taken from a rap song). Luckily for my liver and head, it was not the drinking kind of party. The previous April, with both moms, a dad, myself, and the bride and groom in tow, we made the collective decision that Holiday Inn in Mesa was the place for our crew. It had a great big pool, was suprisingly upscale, and a very large hot tub. It did not disappoint. The staff was extremely accommodating and courteous, and even let our group of 20+ hang out until hours after the tub supposedly closed. A few uncles got thrown in the hot tub, possibly by the bride and me, though I’ll never admit it, and revenge was promised, though never sought by our uncles. Lindsey called it the best night of her life, and we were thrilled that our families melded so well together. There were four sides coming together that don’t normally see each other, and it couldn’t have been more enjoyable!

Friday was a day filled with preparations. Our wonderful Canadian family flew to our rescue in the form of decorating the reception hall. Eleven of them showed up during their short vacation and spent 6 hours helping decorate. It started out with laying all of the random items the bride had collected throughout the year, including gold dried strands, 150 peacock feathers, dried twigs, gold spray paint, duct tape, Chinese dollars, vases, pebbles, sand, 10 bags of lentils and so much more. (Yup I did say sand. Not the cool colored kind, but actual giant heavy bag of sand). I had my doubts but luckily I am not the most artistic one in the family. Our aunts turned this collection of items into centerpiece gold. Seriously. They looked professional and planned. The fearful look on our faces at the beginning of the day was so very different from the look of awe as we left the hall ready for the upcoming party. The bridesmaids went to have their nails painted the same ‘mermaid blue’, as dictated by the bride, then a quick 10 minute wardrobe change into rehearsal attire, and off to the church. We saw all of the groomsman appear after a day of relaxing and recovery from the party the night before, and I realized, I was in the wrong side. The boys have it so much easier! They didn’t do any of the decorating and very little of the planning, but got to go to all the parties. I should have gotten closer to Ramsey and jumped sides... The rehearsal at the church was fun to get everyone together, but we were all distracted, wondering how the next day would enfold. We then met up at the House of Tricks, a wonderful cute restaurant in Tempe, for an amazing meal, where our families mingled with relaxed small talk. The rehearsal was pleasant and fun, and we were all set for the big day!

Saturday arrived much earlier than I had planned. I left out the part that we were up until the wee hours Friday night with last minute dress alterations, guests arriving, and preparations, but all of that was forgotten with the excitement of the big day! January 15^th had finally arrived! I  accompanied Lindsey to her hair appointment in Chandler, and watched her get curly. She had a trial hair appointment a few days earlier, and while her hair certainly was curly and pulled back as she had asked, it had more of a beehive/bouffant feel. Needless to say we gave a few more directions for the hairstylist on Saturday morning and I was monitoring the progress to prevent a big Texas hairstyle from appearing. Before I could see the finished product, the bridesmaids and I rushed up to Scottsdale, a 30 minute drive, to get our hair done at a beauty school, more accommodating for our budgets. Plus everyone would be looking at the bride anyway. Lindsey joined us with the fantastic Taylor Swift coif she had asked for, and we all left with curls pulled back and a peacock feather barrette the bride made (are you sensing a theme) in a hurried fashion to grab food and head to the church so our every moment could be recorded by the photographer.

St Timothy’s is a beautiful Catholic Church that resembles one of the big Lutheran complexes you see. It had an amphitheatre feel, with seats not pews, and a beautiful painting behind the alter depicting saints, angels, popes, and the Jordan River. You could definitely sense this was a place where something magical and holy was about to take place. We started getting our dresses on, which I had made for all the bridesmaids when the bride realized none of the premade dresses looked like she had envisioned. The dresses were long and green, with a small train. Strapless and with a blue sash that had a peacock tail effect, or something similar to the Japanese obis (sp??). They weren’t hard to do and I was happy to come up with something Lindsey liked. Frankly I was thrilled that people didn’t know they were homemade as I had kept this fact a near secret. My dress was purple as Lindsey and I had always known I would never wear green, though we had both known that she would choose green. An unspoken agreement we seemed to have many of. (This includes our agreement that she would get married first and have children, so I could have her adorable - I’m assuming - babies in my wedding. So far, we are following the plan.)

Lindsey applied fake eyelashes to all of us. Something I was dreading, that really wasn’t that bad. I’m not sure why I dreaded it so much, maybe thinking how unnecessary it was, but it made the pictures look very nice and my eyelids really needed a workout anyway. They had been coasting too long without weights.

Lindsey then got into her gorgeous gown. It was a dazzling white with one shoulder of beads. The other side gathered at her hip with more beading, and followed down to a long train. She had decided on both a cathedral and blushing veil, to cover all her bases, with a small crusting of diamond-like jewels along the outside. She looked stunning. Ramsey had no idea what she was going to wear, so he was floored when she came out. We had the sweetest ring bearer (4) and flower girl (5) getting ready with us. The ring bearer is Lindsey’s godson and the children were well behaved and acutely aware of how special this day was. Dad was in his Air Force dress uniform, at Lindsey’s insistence, and looked amazing aside from the fact it has been 10 years since he retired. Mom was wearing a dress she insisted on keeping hidden from us until we arrived in Phoenix. She looked great, wearing a stretchy velvet that would have shown any ounce of fat a normal person had, but mom had none. She was so elegant with a feather strap around her shoulders holding the dress up. She managed to find a dress that met the peacock theme, without using one of the wedding colors as so often happens. It must be so hard to find a mother of the bride dress, to look elegant, but not young or frumpy. She definitely pulled it off!

Okay....time for the wedding. The five minutes between leaving the dressing room and walking down the aisle are a blur. I was so caught up in ensuring the ring bearer and flower girl were having fun and were comfortable, that I nearly missed my time to walk up. I was the last of the bridesmaids and walked up with Ramsey’s brother, Said, a handsome, very young, man. Well, I don’t think I have ever felt more loved than I did at that moment. I saw all of our family and friends in one place, watching me come up the aisle. The smiles were evident and it was so much fun to be around all that love and well wishes! I got to the alter, made the synchronized bow with Said, and we parted to watch my little sister emerge. She was spectacular! She and Dad walked up, like there was nothing else at that moment that made sense, other than to bring her to her soon-to-be husband. January 15, 2011 was clearly the preordained date that my sister was to be given away. The room hushed at their beauty. It could have been a precious moment scene. Ramsey and Lindsey joined, Dad raised the blushing veil, Lindsey shed the only tear she would release that day, Dad walked away, and the traditional Catholic ceremony and mass began.

I don’t think Lindsey and Ramsey were separated for a moment of the ceremony. Their hands were entwined and every time their eyes met, they fluttered. It was adorable. The ceremony was so reverent and full of God’s love, including a dedication of roses to Mary with Ave Maria (the one with the high G note) sung solemnly in the background. A few people told us they walked away from the ceremony with a new sense of religion and were determined to return to the church. The priest, Fr Eric, gave a moving homily about the difference between love and the emotion of love, a notion that was echoed throughout the speeches during the night. Lindsey and Ramsey were given three opportunities to ‘kiss the bride’ and took advantage of every one! After Mr and Mrs Hamood were announced, everyone filed out of the church and headed to the big party. The bridal party entered the hummer-limo, and the rest of the guests climbed onto the bus to transport them to the reception hall for the 30 minute drive north. There was a sense of excitement in the limo, and it was funny, because despite the charged atmosphere, nothing felt that different. My little sister was married, but I didn’t feel the loss I expected, just their excitement, love, and hope for the future.

We took pictures with the photographer, a talented and very patient, but cheesy man, while the rest of the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour of cheese and open bar. We filed into the room we had painstakingly decorated for the dinner, ate some great Italian food, and settled in for the speeches. The room had a long head table with thirteen round tables facing it containing just over a hundred guests. To the side of the head tables were two golden trees with crystals hanging from them, very Tim Burton-esq that were made out of the dead twigs and sprayed golden only days before. Next to this was the cake table with a golden hexagonal cake with peacock feathers drawn on. When we were making plans, I suggested to Lindsey this might have been too busy, but as long as they used buttercream icing rather than that wax they pretend is edible call fondant, I was in. The actually fit in the room and wasn’t as gaudy as I expected, but it also just missed the mark somehow. It didn’t meet Lindsey’s vision, but definitely helped solidify the peacock theme, especially with the giant peacock next to it. Oh and it tasted fantastic, which isn’t always the case. Along the side wall was a table set up with place cards inside a wooden box my dad constructed filled with green lentils, part of Lindsey’s master plan. Next to that was a table filled with favors: playing cards and matchsticks with the date inscribed, a cd Lindsey burned for everyone that had that 90’s mix tape feel of love songs, and wedding pictures of the newlywed’s parents and grandparents. This was a sweet touch, simultaneously showing generations of love, and honoring the dead as both Lindsey and Ramsey had only one grandparent each alive and in attendance.

Onto the speeches so we could all dance. I had been forming what I wanted to say for about a week, but had only sketched it out on paper that morning during Lindsey’s hair appointment. I wasn’t nervous about the speech as public gatherings don’t bother me, especially in a room of those I love, but I also felt bad I hadn’t adequately prepared. My grandfather gave the blessing, which as a military man included a somber moment praying for the troops and their family. One of Lindsey’s favorite things about Ramsey is that their first and last names both have the same three letters – SEY and OOD. Thus my cousins Michelle and Leanne, the amazing MC’s of the evening coined ‘Seyood’. They had Lindsey and Ramsey play a game where they asked them a question and the couple would hold up the shoe of the person that applied to, i.e. Who controlled the remote. It was a fun game that they answered nearly every question identically. They only picked themselves (and thus did not agree) for who was the best kisser. Ramsey’s surprised parents gave a speech that they had only been informed they were going to make a few minutes earlier. My parents gave a moving and inspired speech about how love is a choice that must be made at times, echoing Fr Eric’s words. Definitely the most touching speech of the night. Said gave a great but nervous toast, which he had informed me he had practiced many times. I stood up and spoke about my sister and her new love. I remember talking about how the sign of peace during the mass has great significance to my family, and some things about their relationship with God, but I forget the details. People tell me it came off heartfelt. Phew!

We spent the rest of the night in the photobooth and dancing. Yes I did say photobooth! There were even props. Totally random groups of people lined up to take photos of which they and the happy couple got a copy. Lindsey and Ramsey had a beautiful first dance, and she and dad danced to Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’. Something I question to this day as a random choice, but it just happened to be their song. Ramsey and his mom danced, though I missed it and many other details of the night, as I was having so much fun catching up with all of my family and friends. I eventually made it to the dance floor and got a few photobooth photos with different people, but missed out on the hookah. It was rare for our family to out-danced, but it happened! We knew we liked that Ramsey character.

The entire night was magical, and it ended much too early while Lindsey and Ramsey left for their honeymoon through a tunnel of sparklers in their shoe-polished car that announced ‘Seyood’ was now married. A few of us stayed behind and cleaned up, then headed back to the Holiday Inn where the party continued until early in the morning. Lindsey and Ramsey went off to the Bahamas early the next morning and the rest of us stayed behind and visited.  All of us agreed...everything was smooth sailing and perfect. I hope my wedding will be as beautiful, though I fear since Linds’ was so seamless, mine (once I find a husband) may have more twists and turns involved. The next installation in my journey is of Vegas and Idaho, though that’s not part of this magical wedding tale.