Forgot to Mention....

With all of the excitement yesterday I forgot to mention that Kristin B. and I saw the President's entourage going past us our way through town to our volunteer site!  It was pretty exciting since I've been talking about him non-stop.  Yay!

Updates on Life in Rwanda!

This is a very special post.... I am not writing it alone.  My friend Christina and I are braving the elements (aka mosquitoes) to share the past couple of days with you all.  Muryoherwe!  (Enjoy!)

So we have been here for a few days and are honestly amazed at how great Rwanda truly is.  It is so full of culture and everyone here is incredibly friendly.  Today was our second day with the Rwandan delegates and our workshops have been really fantastic.  We have examined human rights, the definitions surrounding it, as well as the complications that contribute to a lot of the confusion.  We have been discussing a lot of human rights issues here in Rwanda, but this afternoon was very interesting because we had a chance to share with the Rwandese a piece of our lives back home.  We looked at human rights challenges that even North Americans face, Christina taking a lead on discussion revolving around Aboriginal communities in Canada.  Brittany was fascinated with the similarities between the plight of Canadian Indigenous Peoples and that of Native Americans.  Both of us were astounded by the fact that the Rwandan delegates seemed so surprised by the realities of North America and the challenges we face, specifically homelessness.  They seemed to be in shock when we said that some people across our countries do not have adequate access to shelter or basic necessities such as food and water.  It was interesting for us to see how others view N. America and how prominent poverty truly is.  We also visited our volunteer organizations today for an intial visit, but we will each talk about that individually later.  Tomorrow we will be talking about the Great Lakes Region and will hear first hand testimony from a former child soldier from the Congo.  Also, we will visit Search for Common Ground is an international conflict resolution NGO seeking to transform adversarial conflict into cooperative action.  They have a specific focus on youth here in Rwanda so both the international and Rwandan delegates are looking forward to this.  We are both expecting quite a bit of an emotionally charged day!

As for our personal lives....
This evening we had the priviledge of attending a screening of the movie Kinyarwanda at the Rwandan Film Festival at the Manor Hotel here in Rwanda.  The hotel was absolutely stunning!  When we arrived, we were somehow whisked to the very front row in VIP seating (don't ask how that happened, we have no idea).  Prior to the film neither of us were aware of its content; we were simply looking for something fun and cultural to do during our free time.  The movie followed various characters throughout the 100 days of the genocide in Rwanda.  Interesting side note, the makers of the film made it to be 100 minutes long to also represent each day of the genocide.  One of the actors was sitting directly behind us.  Brittany talked to the woman's friends and husband after the viewing and helped to convey just how great we all thought it was.  It is very hard to pu into words just how intense and moving the film was for all of us here; we highly recommend that everyone check it out sometime.  Afterwards, Brittany and two other girls from the delegation (Addi & Julie) were asked to randomly give a quick interview statement on camera for African TV! Don't worry.... she is a celeb.  No big deal.  Overall it was a hectic and fun night and we are all so happy we went!

p.s. Brittany scored great taxi fares for the group and she deserves MAJOR PROPS for her awesome bargaining in Kinyarwanda.  Christina was pretty blown away by her awesomeness.... :)

Ijoro Ryiza! (Good Night!)

We love and miss you all and cannot wait to hear from you soon! 

With Love ,

Brittany & Christina

I MADE IT!!

So I am finally in Rwanda!  Technically I have been here for a little while, but I just now was able to get onto the internet.  I left St. Louis on the 20th and arrived the 22nd around noon.  Sorry for the length of this post, but I have so much to write about! 

Words for the wise.... NEVER EVER EVER opt out of staying in a hotel during a layover in Washington D.C.  I guess I was just not thinking, but I decided to just stay the night at Dulles in the terminal.  With all of the trouble with flights I thought I could work it out and it turned out that when I arrived everything was shutting down!  The airport shuts down at night!  Connecting flights obviously run, but none of it is a 24/7 area except the baggage claim area.  It was a disaster.  I was so exhausted at that point (I didn't sleep at all the night before leaving) that I just collapsed on one of the only benches in this little sitting area for diners.  I had to collect my checked bags as well... please picture me as the American Girl version of Harry Potter.  I was pushing a trolley around with two 50 pound suitcases, a Vera carry-on weekender, a laptop messenger with a broken strap (sorry mom... I'll buy you a new one!) and of course my shoulder strap purse tightly hanging down to my waist.  Seriously, all I needed was Hedwig on top and I would have been set! 

Overally it was an interesting experience, but by the final flight I was feeling extremely sick (surprise, right?  I am always sick!).  I met a fellow delegate for the final leg of the journey and was very excited!  Other than that, I am extremely thankful for those random people that helped me throughout the way; such as the girl who kept me company at Dulles who is from Hong Kong and probably couldn't understand half of what I was saying; the Texas grad who is originally from Kigali and was going home for the summer who helped me find my gate and navigate off of the runway in Addis (yes.... they had us get off the plane pretty darn far away from the actual airport, on the runways); and just everyone who was so helpful and nice along the way.

When arriving in Kigali, Jesse met us and watched our bags as we changed some money and bought waters.  I feel as if I am still on the dehydrated side which is insane considering the amount of water I have been downing since arriving.  Jesse and Gina (our program directors) are great and the delegates have been arriving at varying times.  As of last night, everyone had arrived.  Everyone is really great and I think this delegation is going to be amazing.  Today we visited the Belgium Memorial and had a driving tour of Kigali.  We have been doing our own exploring (always in groups!  No worries....) throughout the city prior to today.  We've found some great restaurants such as Moroccon and Indian that I am IN LOVE with!  This morning we first went to the Gorillas Hotel and enjoyed an amazing breakfast.  We also visited Jesse's father's house in Kigali for lunch and orientation discussion.  My favorite thing was visiting a sewing co-op that employs women who were victims of sexual violence during the genocide who are now HIV+ as a result of that trauma.  I got my Christmas ornament from there, a present for my mom, and I was able to custom make a messenger bag!  The women are so amazing and it is impossible to explain what this experience was like.  I get to pick up my bag next week so I am excited to go back and see everyone.  Some of their kids were there playing and they loved my camera and taking pictures!  They didn't quite understand that when we took it to smile, but when they saw themselves they couldn't stop smiling!  They were so sweet and I also was able to practice some Kinyarwandan with them.  I got a really terrible migraine later in the day though but I started feeling better this evening which is good.  Tomorrow we are meeting with the Rwandan delegates for our first workshop day!

I know I am forgetting so much stuff so I will add more tomorrow evening hopefully.  I am also going to add pictures!  So check back because I just need to figure out how to make them load easier.  It's hard to explain what it is like to feel like such a ray of sunshine here in Kigali.... sometimes I feel like a circus freak since the stares are so intense and curious! It is amazing though.  My favorite is hearing "Umuzunga!!"  repeated over and over as I walk by.  It means "white person."  Other than that, professions of love from the boys and young men is pretty cute as well :) and yes Andy I know that they don't mean it! haha I am not that silly!  I have a cell so being in contact with the family is great and I hope the internet connection continues in availability.  The friendliness here is so fabulous and I wish the U.S. cities were this friendly.....

Miss everyone so very much and I will post again soon!  Love you all!    

Delta Love

Spring 2009.  This is when I was initiated into the most amazing sorority, Delta Delta Delta.  I am proudly a Tri Delt at Southeast Missouri State, Phi Mu 1404.  I have met some of my closest girlfriends since joining and have had the privilege to meet some amazing women that are inspiring role models (both within my collegiate peers and our amazing alumni!).  Over this past semester I have had the support of my sisters in regards to this trip and they recently were able to make a monetary donation for more supplies for the kids!  So exciting to be able to gather more things to take overseas.  I have been packing all day and it is so difficult!  I fail.... seriously I don't think this is quite my forte.  I cannot imagine how FUN it is going to be to lug an extra suitcase through the airport, but I know it will be worth it.  I have had such an amazing influx of help from both of my "homes" of Harrisburg and Cape Girardeau.  I am so thankful to my sorority for its help and I truly appreciate the moral support as well.  After all, we are built upon a perpetual bond of friendship.

In 1888, women were not permitted to vote, and few women were found in the workplace or at the formerly all-male universities. It was natural for women students to join together in small groups for friendship and support.

Although there were three women's groups represented at Boston University in 1888, Sarah Ida Shaw saw a need for a group which would be different from the others. She said to her friend, Eleanor Dorcas Pond, "Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance."

THE PURPOSE OF DELTA DELTA DELTA shall be to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way.

IT SHALL ALSO BE THE PURPOSE OF DELTA DELTA DELTA to promote and develop mutually beneficial relationships between the Fraternity and the colleges and universities where the Fraternity has established chapters, to develop qualities of unselfish leadership among its members, and to encourage them to assume, with integrity and devotion to moral and democratic principles, the highest responsibilities of college women.        

Knowing that I have the support of my sisters is a really great feeling though.  Deltas around the country are responsible for helping to improve the lives of children through their work in varying organizations, philanthropy events, and of course, our intense and successful work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!  Deltas are known for their huge hearts and the drive to help others that is always noticeably visible through their work and volunteering.  I am so proud to be a Tri Delta, especially at SEMO-U! 

"....But the Greatest of These is Love."

Delta Love & All of Mine,

Mary Brittany
Phi Mu 1404  

Thanks to Phi Kappa Phi!

I am so very proud and honored to be a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Southeast Missouri State!  I was inducted this past spring (April 17, 2011). The primary objectives of this Society are to promote the pursuit of excellence in all fields of higher education and to recognize outstanding achievement by students, faculty and others through election to membership, and through various awards for distinguished achievement.  As a second term junior, I had to rank within the top 7.5% of the class.

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates nationwide as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Forty-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year.  This year, 442 qualified applicants were examined by the committee and out of the 45 students who were chosen, I made the cut!  I am now the proud winner of a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Study Abroad Grant worth $1,000!  I am so very excited about this!  


My personal info sheet & head shot (Post-Award) for their publications:

Name:                    Mary Brittany N. Gholson

School:                  Southeast Missouri State University

Major:                    Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in Political   Science, Criminal Justice and Speech Communication

Classification:       Senior

Current Job(s):      1.   U.S. Attorney’s Office – Intern

                                2.   College of Education – Student Assistant to the Dean

                                3.   Buckner Brewing Company – Waitress

                                4.   Charlotte Russe – Sales Associate

Destination:              Rwanda

 

Travel Dates:             July 20, 2011 – Aug. 17, 2011

Purpose:                     Humanitarian Volunteer Mission and Research – While in country I will be working with genocide victims, at-risk women and children, and traditionally marginalized peoples. I will also be using this experience to conduct research for my University to fulfill a class project and Senior Honors Assignment research project.

Further Ed. Plans:     Upon graduation from Southeast, I will intern for a year and then proceed to law school where I will place a focus on criminal and international law with emphasis in the areas of human rights.

Career Objectives:     I would like to eventually be able to use my law degree to help at-risk women and children internationally.

Fantasy Career:         Promoting human rights is my passion and working internationally for the ICC would be amazing.  Working as a judge for an ICC Tribunal would be the most amazing thing I can imagine!

Role Model:                My family and the everyday heroes in my life are great inspirations, but of those famous I look to Mother Teresa, Eleanor Roosevelt, Madeleine Albright, among many others.

Comm. Service:         Working with, and eventually presiding as President for, the Dance Marathon Organization which raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network in the St. Louis area is the most rewarding cause I have been part of thus far.

Most Proud of Self:    During my college career I was able to attend a leadership academy solely for women in my state that focused on our ability to succeed in any field we chose.  For the first time, I truly believed that I could accomplish any and everything I wanted, and I fully plan to do this.  That self awakening was by far the proudest moment I have had because it has led me to exactly where I am now.

Traveler Necessities

Countdown: I leave in T-minus 12 days!

I have been doing a lot of research lately on traveling supplies and necessities and I am happy to say that it is paying off.  Granted, one of my "necessities" is a DSLR, but I digress.... I ordered some things and bought some things and am in the process of picking a few more things out.  I hope these ideas, suggestions, reviews, etc. come in handy for you as well if you find yourself traveling.  These are just my own personal opinions on a few products I have found so far.

1.  WATER: If you are worried much about the safety for the water that you will be drinking while abroad, consider buying one of these.  It was very tough to find actually since I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but a man I work for found this at cheaperthandirt.com and referred me to it.  It is a Katadyn MyBottle Purifier.  It holds 24 ounces of water (with the cartridge inside) and it is the only EPA registered bottle purification system on the market currently.  Katadyn's advanced 3-stage Virustat filtration system removes all viruses, bacteria, and cysts from water while the integral activated carbon filter removes chemicals and enhances taste.  AND NO.... I am not a spokeswoman for the company or anything!  I just want to pass along a great product that is difficult to find.  It is a little pricey.... approx. $50 plus S&H from Cheaperthandirt, but I got mine on Amazon cheaper with no S&H.  What makes this thing even better?  It comes in a few different colors (I just love blue) AND when you have safe drinking water available?  Just pop out the purifier cartridge and insert the long straw that comes with it and it will double as a regular top-notch water bottle!

2.  SHOES: What does the savvy, fashion-conscience lady do about shoe attire in a place like Rwanda, or Africa in general?  She buys TOMS (obviously).  Don't have any idea what that is?  Check it out.  Seriously they are sensible, awesome, and durable shoes that are fun, cute, and they help those in need.  One for One!  For every pair you buy, TOMS will donate one pair to a child in need.  How cool is that?  Go to YouTube and check out the drop they did in Rwanda in 2010.  They have helped so many people!  It took forever for me to break down and buy a pair, but I am so happy that I finally did it!  They should be arriving in the mail any day now... I chose the Classics, in Black & Red.  I couldn't choose between the two!! I also decided to get a cutesy little blue tie-dye pair of Tiny Toms for my best friend who is having a baby boy.  Guess what?  I have helped three in need.  Yay me!         

3.  CAMERA:  I did it.... I finally bought a camera!  I seriously have been researching for months and examining prices like it's my job.  I found a top of the line camera that had pretty great reviews and it is a very reputable brand.  I had seen the Nikon D3100 when I first began my search at $600.... I didn't realize that was a great deal until I saw it go back up to its original price of $700.  I kept searching and I tried out a few different ones while in stores shopping, but none had that right "feel" for me except the Nikon D3100.  Imagine how bummed I was when every single store was either $650 or $700!  I couldn't believe that I had missed my chance at saving between $50-$100!  I didn't give up though and eventually I found it again for $600.... but it was at a club store that I didn't have membership to.  Paying the temp. member fee would put me at the same price as the other stores so I kept looking.... then I got a great idea.  I have a Sears card (to help build credit... I don't believe in debt so I pay off what I put onto the card within 48 hours) and a rewards card that lets me get money back for each purchase I make.  I checked out their price match rules and found out that they could match it!  The sales associate was so incredibly helpful and I saved $100 (when they matched it) plus and extra 10% simply because they like to reward their customers when they price match.  I walked out of there with a $700 camera for only $594!  Plus, I get about $7.50 off of my next purchase at Sears.  Pretty great, right?  The camera is amazing by the way....    

4. MEDICINE:  Ugh.  Medicine and vaccines are the worst, but when you know they will help to save your life you deal with it.  Everyone knows the Yellow Fever vaccine is a requirement.  Other things are recommended, like the Hep A shot I got.  Also, malaria is a threat so preventative medicine is necessary.  Typhoid is recommended as well.... luckily for me the doctor said the pill vaccine tends to be more effective than the shot so I started with my first dose of that last night.  I hear it tends to make you sick, but so far I am doing well.  As far as malaria drugs go, check out the CDC website and check for what is needed.  Since I have had a couple seizures in my lifetime (stupid fear of needles) I was told that Mefloquine was out.  The only other choices that are effective in Rwanda are Doxy & Malarone.  I heard Doxy isn't always as effective, but it is cheaper.  However, I urge EVERYONE to call their insurance and find out prices and what is covered because I found out that Malarone (the better one) is covered and I only have a co-pay on it!  It was well worth the 20 minutes I spent on hold to find that out. 

5. LANGUAGE:  Before traveling, it is best to try and grasp at least a small portion of the language.  For a place like Rwanda, finding books that help you learn Kinyarwanda is tough.  However I have found two great resources to share:  Morgan in Africa is a pretty awesome blog that has a fairly extensive list of words and phrases for various daily activities.  I love it because it has pronunciations so I can tell if I am saying it correctly.  Also, this dictionary is very helpful!  No pronunciations really, but it covers quite a bit of ground. 

Muraho Rwanda!  Nitwa Mary Brittany.  Nkaforero Global Youth Connect.

Hello Rwanda!  My name is Mary Brittany.  I work for Global Youth Connect.

Leaving soon for RWANDA....

I leave for Rwanda in 14 days!!!  I cannot wait for this crazy and exciting adventure to begin!  I know that I will get as much out of this trip as I choose to put into it; this is going to be a life-changing experience....

Muraho Rwanda! 

With Love,

Mary Brittany 

Thank You to SEMO's International Department & Criminal Justice Department!

Quite awhile ago I began in a frantic, yet well-thought out, search for funding from my University.  I have encountered a lot of NO!'s, but have also gotten some "maybe's" that have kept me going.  I am so happy to say that two of the searches have paid off!  I mentioned them in previous posts but never wanted to get my hopes up until they were official.  I still have one "maybe" out there that I will keep to myself though.

Both the International Education & Services Department and the Criminal Justice and Sociology Department have agreed to put money towards reimbursement of my international airfare!  The total ticket for round trip flight was right under $1,900.  I will be doing research while in country and receiving class credit through the CJ Dept. for my research.  I am also using this research for my Senior Honors Project which will most likely also include a University event sometime next Spring. 

The International Department has donated $750 and the Criminal Justice Department is donating $200!

I am very excited to receive this and cannot believe just how close this trip is!  I leave July 20, which is a mere 15 days from today.  How crazy is that?!