Lost and Found, Lessons Learned!

What a crazy and hectic whirlwind of a day.
I woke up early this morning to make sure I was prepared for the morning course presentation I was going to give about Soil. I was doing a Soil Examination activity and after I had everything set up I went to reach for my computer under my desk where I always hide it at night when I go to bed. However, this morning it was gone. I thought, there is no way it was stolen- for one the Danish kids are long gone, and two it just wasn´t comprehensible to me that my computer could e stolen. I refused to accept that it was even a possibility. I thought to myself- "for sure one of my teammates or someone form the school saw it sitting there and decided to take care of it by bringing it to the dorms. or they took it to teach me a lesson about not leaving my valuable items in the school". Silly me.

I didn´t say much about it because in my mind it wasn't stolen but as everyone arrived and was waiting for morning course to start I became more panicked. Then when my teammates arrived I realized they didn't take it to teach me a lesson. I whispered quietly to another volunteer as Hyunny (Hyunny), our teammate that was also presenting today, got set up. Others over heard and began asking questions and at the same time Ana came in and reported that her camera was missing followed by Thago reporting that his computer was stolen, and Rebbecca who reported that her Camera was also gone. 2 cameras, 2 computers.

Immediately the suggestion of searching the rooms was brought up- i hated this idea and was glad when it was suggested that teachers do it this time. When my phone got stolen a couple of weeks ago we searched the rooms at the suggestion of the YDB and although I appreciated everyones willingness to cooperate I HATED doing it. We also decided to call the police when we saw footprints outside of the windows and all around the building. We later discovered that there was a door that was slightly broken and could be opened even though it was locked. ah ha!

So I called the police and made a report and the Sheriff came (very quickly I might add) to get all of the information about was taken. He had said that there was 0% chance of getting the stuff back, something I already assumed understanding the reason for why people steal items and how quickly and quietly they can move from one persons hands to the another.

Thankfully I have private investigator boyfriend who, with Kyla and Ashley (the two American girls on the Feb. Africa team) followed all of the footprints around the building and then back behind where they led to a set of town homes. The same town homes where another Danish kid in the past used to sell stolen items from the school in exchange for drugs. So we figured, they know where those items came from and now they have come back for more. Clever clever. Brian showed the sheriff his investigative work and then we went about our day, thinking nothing would come of it. However, the sheriff came back with another officer to ask more questions after following the tracks and asking around. They wanted to know if anything else had been stolen because they had some information about a possible guitar-we looked around and sure enough one of the schools guitars was missing. Now there seemed to be a little bit of hope but still I tried to keep myself in the mental state of expecting it not to be returned.

I tried to get the serial number of computer and finally tracked it down and started to dial their Sheriffs phone number when the door to our team room opened. I paused to see who it was or what they needed and it was Lauren (who works in the promotion room) saying "Andra, they found your computer". I honestly thought she was joking and I was thinking about how not funny it was until I saw the Sheriff. It was true-they found both computers both cameras, the guitar and an electronic dictionary that one of the Korean girls didn't even realize was stolen. I literally gave the Sheriff a big hug. the whole school had caught word and was gathered around as he explained how they found everything, how the kid got in, why he stole it etc. When he was finished, everyone clapped and cheered-it felt like a very American, almost patriotic moment. Something that I don't experience genuinely very often.

During this whole time I was trying to deal with it mentally, asking myself why had I had things stolen from me twice in two weeks, what lessons do I need to learn from this experience

At first I thought maybe I have somehow accumulated some bad karma either that or the universe was trying to teach me a lesson about material value. Lesson learned universe!!
I was actually really calm throughout the whole process. Yes, it sucked. But, there wasn't really anything i could do about it beside what I was already doing. Yes, I was sad that my computer and my hardrive were gone (I still don't know if they found the hard drive) and I had a lot of valuable things on it that i wish i still had. Was it the end of the world no. I told Brian "well, at least now i don't have to worry about how to get my computer back to Colorado when we leave!"



And another lesson learned, don't think you are exempt from things like robbery! Since I first arrived I have heard over and over don't leave your stuff in the building at night, lock the door to your rooms, etc. but I chose to ignore them. Partly because I was lazy and partly because I really didn't think anything would even happen. Especially after the phone incident I felt like I had paid my "being robbed dues" and now i was safe from it at least for a while. I was obviously very wrong.

So as life goes crazy things happen, bad things happen, but so do unbelievably great things. Never ever would I have imagined that I would get my phone back but I did. and then with the computer I was sure I wouldn't be so lucky but it too was found! I am not going to keep testing my luck on a third run but will instead be so grateful for my stuff being found, hopefully that when it is returned to me tomorrow it is in good condition, and enlightened by newly learned life lessons!

The Story of Stuff

Great video- we watched it in our morning course last week and I think it is really important and really well done. Check out the website for more information and to watch the other videos she has made. Enjoy!!

My Thoughts

Brian has been getting on my about my lack of blog posts lately-its true that I haven't been posting as regularly as I was during our time as DAs but it has forced Brian to step up and write more so at least updates are still being made.
I would like to share my thoughts about where I am right now- I think the benefit of blogging even though we have a million other things we could be doing is to force ourselves to take some time to reflect. We move so fast in this program going from one amazing and challenging experience to another that sometimes its hard not having some time to think about the time and what I learned and how it relates to everything I have experience and learned so far in my life, where I am at right now, and to what lies ahead.

Like I have said so many times now, this program is FAST. During the first week we were so busy and when it was over Anthony said "these next two weeks are really busy so get ready". I thought to myself 'really busy? then what do you call this week?!' but it was true, the pace picked up once again. Soon it was time for our first fundraising trip and off we went to Atlanta. At the end of the first week I was so exhausted. I felt like I gave it all I could give and yet I knew I had to figure out some way to muster up enough energy to do another week. And I did. I'm not sure how- definitely with help from my amazing and supportive team and of course the love and support of Brian. Once it was over I was so relieved- I made it, we made it. We survived and really did a good job. We worked hard as a team and problem solved and we exceeded our goals. I was so happy to get back to IICD and the same time, I knew that we wouldn't be able to relax right away. Not only did we have the Young Detroit Builders coming, we also had the school from Denmark and the 14 new people that arrived for the new Africa team that was starting. Where I went wrong was in thinking that we would have time to relax at all, as we soon found out that we were to leave for Detroit on Monday for an Action Week with the clothes collection (where we currently are).

I think the news was a big blow to our whole team. I for sure was really struggling with it. I wasn't confident that it was good use of our time as, on top of being exhausted, I also was panicking at the realization that we were over half way done with our training period and would be leaving IICD in only a little over one month.
Then on top of all of these strong emotions, my phone got stolen. It was really the straw that broke the camels back. I had gone in during one of the breaks to text my dad to set up a skype date and ran out to get back to the program. I ran back in 5 min later and it was gone. Once I realized it was stolen and not just missing I used Brian's phone to call my dad and immediately began crying- I hid in the boiler room with Ana and just cried and cried. I think I really needed to vent.

It was already taking everything I had and more to hold myself together and to try to enjoy the amazing opportunity to spend time with YDB and now with my phone gone and having this horrible feeling of being betrayed and knowing that someone I was supposed to be sharing and learning with had taken my personal belonging as well as $50 of our team money that was in the desk drawer- I was spent.
The next couple of days I could hardly keep myself together- anytime anyone asked me about the phone or brought up the fact that we were leaving on Monday for Detroit I just started crying. What a mess I was!
We eventually got the phone back, after the YDB left we found out more information about who it was- thanks to Brian's facebook usage investigation skills and the fact that there were two two-dollar bills in the money that had been stolen which anyone from the US knows how rare that is but people not from the US but from, lets say, Denmark don't think twice about, especially when there are two of them in one pile of money.

Luckily for me it got resolved because I really hated the feeling of living amongst someone who stole something from me. Its one thing if its a stranger, not that stealing is ever ok, but I just couldn't understand how they could live with themselves, walking around, talking to me, even going as far as to act concerned with the fact that it was missing, when all along they have it. I really really hope that out of this situation and the process of getting it returned (it involved a lot of really forward meetings between me and Brian and the kids as a whole group) they learned something about the importance of being able to interact in a positive way with the people around you and to represent yourself and your peers in a positive manner with dignity.

With that behind us, we moved on. Monday we left for Detroit, I was feeling a little more excited about it since I had Sunday to relax and I had conversations to help me understand more about the importance of this time in Detroit. We had spoken the Young Detroit Builders who have a house that they fixed up through their program that is on the market that they have offered us to stay in. There is no furniture or appliances in it but we have heat, hot water, and our sleeping bags and we are really, really grateful for the nice place to stay and the experience of staying in neighborhood unlike the suburbs in which Brian and I have lived our entire lives.

Brian described some of the tasks we have been doing and I think we have all gotten a lot out of this experience both in our work with the clothes collection, in our accommodations, etc.

So, my thoughts about all of it: I am continually shocked when I able to find energy from somewhere or nowhere when I feel completely drained. I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to experience so many new circumstances, challenges, and learning opportunities that I may have never experienced otherwise. I am looking forward to finishing our fundraising and to try to fundraise extra for the project, I am excited to continue our training and to start really getting prepared for our investigation trip and for our time in Belize, and I am anxious to see how much further I can push myself, what other challenges lie ahead, and all of the new people I will continue to meet.

YDB Retreat and Current Undertakings

Wow its been so long since the last post, where to begin?

Well the Young Detroit Builders(YDB) came and we had a three day "retreat" for them. It was very exciting to meet these young Detroiters. They all joined YDB to get their GED and to learn vocational skills such as various construction trades. Actually currently we are staying in a house for sale in Detroit renovated by them, I have to say they do great work. The program for the three days consisted of many things such as various discussions on topics like "community gardening". We also did a couple ice breakers which helped break the initial segregation between IICD and YDB. The last night we had a culture night with groups presenting on S. Korea, Brazil, Japan and Detroit. The Detroit presentation was particularly interesting and after it was finished it led to nearly and hour and a half worth of question-answer-discussion. In the end of the three days I had played a lot of ping pong and had some really great conversations with many people, it was very enlightening.

Also within that time Andra had her phone stolen which put a damper on the mood but was an interesting experience. I announced to everyone that it was gone and all the YDBs suggested we check all the rooms and search everyone. We did and nothing showed up. But after YDBs left we found it and were pretty sure we knew exactly who stole it **danish ***kids***cough, cough***. So it worked out.

Now Team Parrot has been in Detroit since Monday staying in a YDB house. We have been working in the IICD warehouse. IICD has a warehouse in Detroit to collect clothes as well as organize books. They hire workers and have nearly 350 clothes bins in Detroit. The importance for working and getting acquainted with the warehouse is because that's where a large part of the funding for the school comes from. So we have been going out with the drivers assisting them with collecting clothes as well as dropping off IICD newsletters to the retailers that host the clothes bins and asking them if there is any problems. In this way we are able to become familiar with our organization on a deeper level and also make sure the "hosts" are happy and informed on why exactly it's good to have the box there. With the books that have been donated, Andra has been finding many organizations who are in need so we can re-donate books to them (IICD doesn't sell books but gives donated books away). Tomorrow we will be dropping off many books and

Since the beginning of fundraising we have hit the ground running with no end in sight. It's very tiring but I'm starting to get used to it, and also it's forcing me to face and overcome stress and work on being relaxed in a fast paced environment. This is the life of a Poverty Fighter.

The upcoming storm and a Short Victory SCREAM

Back home at IICD!!! After 2 weeks of hard work we made $500 over our goal!!! The total fund-raised was $6,521.00. It was quite the experience and one I'm better off with. Last night I drove from 6:30pm to 12:30am, it was long but I was awake the whole time. I volunteered to keep going even though Sunny offered to drive many times but I think I was excited to get back.

Now at IICD the February Africa Team started with a total of 14 people, 7 Koreans, 3 Brazilians, 2 Japanese and 2 Americans (woohoo Americans are starting to represent). They all seem nice for the limited time I have seen them. But its about to get crazy in IICD with nearly 60 people here tomorrow.

The Young Detroit Builders are coming for a 3 day retreat at IICD. This has been happening for some time (the retreats) but tomorrow will be my first time meeting them. I think there a group of only 20. Plus a Danish school of 12 are here for the next week so they can experience America and do various activities around the area.

It will be so exciting and exhausting for the next week but I'll keep posting updates (hopefully).

Heres the website for YDB http://www.youngdetroitbuilders.com/

Report: Investigation in Benton Harbor

Its been a long time coming but here is my report on the investagtion our team did in Benton Harbor a few weeks back.
Report on Investigation in Benton Harbor

An Emotional Review of "The War on Democracy"

I am writing this as assigned by Anthony (Team Leader) to reflect on the “War On Democracy” a documentary hosted and written by John Pilger. Please don't read this if you can't take the truth of who's behind world imperialism.

It was the second time had seen the documentary and both times I want to explode by the end of it. The documentary exposes over and over again the enemy of democracy, the U.S. It shows and details a few examples of U.S. backed coups since the 1950’s, the total of documented coups are 50. Nearly every single Latin American country has had foot soldiers on the ground protecting “national interests” if CIA jackals can’t do the job. As Duane Claridge the CIA director in the 1980’s said ‘if our (economic) interests are threatened we’ll do it (overthrow the government).’ This was in response to John Pilgers question in which he asked if the U.S. would overthrow a democratically elected government which didn’t support U.S. business interests.

Duane bumbled like a fat idiot through much of the interview lying and sneaking behind lies in which he has probably said so many times that he actually believes. At one point he said the U.S. backed and love dictator Pinochet of Chile didn’t kill thousands of people he said maybe a few hundred and he continued denying the use of wide spread torture. I thought to myself wow this is like Iran denying the holocaust!

Another woman on the interview was a nun and in Guatemala during the Civil War which saw unspeakable horrors. Of course the rebels torturing and raping and massacring had learned their tactics in the School of America (a U.S. military training facility established to overthrow Latin American governments (no sarcasm, literally)). An American nun named Diane Rita was imprisoned, tortured then gang raped by the soldiers, one of the soldiers raping her she recognized because she obviously had seen him before, he was the leader and an American. But I can’t get to much into Guatemala the atrocities committed there are to much to reminisce about now, I bet less then a percent of Americans realize the genocide committed their and for a good reason. Anyways she said she hears from people often that Abu Ghraib was an isolated incident, she commented “Are we on the same planet Is history taught in the classroom.” The answer is no of course. This reminds me of a older man I met who contributed to me during fundraising, he was a missionary who was in Guatemala during that period. He told me one day he ran for his life up a volcano while the village population was being massacred by a death squad. Later he heard on the radio that Marxist rebels had murdered many people in a rural village, it turns out it wasn’t but it was American backed and supplied death squads. Of course this may seem like oh maybe this just happens sometimes and orders are ignored but listen to this. An American former School of the Americas trainer who came out after a number of years and confessed to what he taught there said he schooled the students on how to murder, torture, kill and threaten families and if the people still weren’t on the same murderous capitalistic wave length as the U.S. “you assassinate them with death squads.”

That is enough said for now I may go further into the horrors committed by this government so we can buy cheap bananas in the U.S. and keep people like Warren Buffet fat but this is so exhausting on the mind and soul so good night. This was only a short review of the documentary. Also to watch the documentary free go to freedocumentaries.org it’s the best way to make up your own mind.