Sentiment

Hello hello

This may seem rather random - today, my bracelet from Tanzania, from 2010, broke on the way to uni. Unfortunately, tiny beads on a road with lots of cracks does not end well and I only managed to salvage a few beads. And I found myself realising how deflated I was that it broke. But, it was just a bracelet right?

This particular bracelet was made by a Masai woman in Ndarakwai, a small reserve I visited in Tazania. I helped her put the last beads on it, before she put it around my arm. Since that day, it has never left my wrist, save for one or two formal occasions. I found myself rather frustrated that the loss of this would make me feel so upset, I mean, I shouldn't be putting such stock in material possessions - at the end of the day, physical belongings fade away, but faith and your soul remain. But, on the other hand, I guess I am just so used to seeing it on my wrist, as a reminder of the amazing time I had in Tanzania. And as silly as it sounds, it almost felt as though I had lost a connection, watching these beads bounce along the ground and disappear. So why do we put such stock in some of our material possessions? Well, it's the sentiment. I think at times, we realise how fickle our minds can be, and so we look to those possessions that can bring back our memories. Remind us of things past. I know for me, this bracelet was always a constant reminder of that trip, of the amazing experiences I had, of the personal growth I received, and of the amazing and blessed life I have. It reminded me of the lovely and kind woman that I had met, and that even though she spoke no English, and I no Maa, we managed to get a little across in our broken Swahili and share a smile and a laugh while stringing beads together. It reminded me to live each day to the fullest, to thank God always for what I had and to pray for others around me. It reminded me that life is precious and amazing, and that there are so many amazing people in this world. I know, it's a lot for one little bracelet to handle I guess.

At the end of the day, I will always have my memories of Tanzania. But I guess I had just really become attached to that constant reminder.

So you're probably sitting there wondering where on earth I am going with this....to be honest, not entirely sure. I guess it's more of an observation of the things we consider important in life. I try to not be a materialist person, as in the end, all fades away to dust and all that remains are our immortal souls. But I think it is ok to put sentiment and value behind possessions. And not because they are expensive, or really flashy - this bracelet was very simple and plain, it was not some prized piece of jewelry. But it had a story.

Random, I know.

God bless all.

Introduction to Tumblr

So, Erin has introduced me to the wonderful world of Tumblr, another blog site, but mostly re-blogging photos, quotations etc...and I can say, it is rather addictive!!!

I even created my own, feel free to check it out :) http://curiosities-and-inspirations.tumblr.com/

On another note, it is raining here today. I love the sound of rain! It's so lovely. Just having a really nice quiet afternoon, getting some sketching done and just generally loving life!

Hope you are all well, wherever you may be and whatever you may be doing

God bless

Halfway marker

Unbelievable! Where is the time going? I cannot believe that today is the official halfway point of my exchange! I have completed 2 months, and only have two more months to go before I will be leaving Ecuador and off on another adventure, in the UK with my mum. I just cannot believe where the time is going?

The experience so far has been amazing. An opportunity to grow, and opportunity to make new and wonderful friends, to experience new things - it's just been amazing! I am so excited for what the coming months will bring!

Tomorrow we'll meet our new professor who we will have for the last two weeks of our third class. I am excited and nervous at the same time, as Judith, our previous professor for marine life and the first week of marine ecology was amazing, I really enjoyed her lectures. In 2 weeks, it will also be our 'spring break' where we have a week off. I am very excited for it, I intend on doing a bit of travel to the other islands - I would love to go to Isabela and Fernandina, Espanola and Floriana, so just looking into that now.

In other news, I had been sketching one afternoon when someone approached me and started talking to me. He introduced himself as Jimbo and said that he was a dive shop owner and was opening a new office. He then asked if I would be willing to paint a mural in his new office. So yesterday, I met with him and he showed me the new office - I am thoroughly excited!! It's all white and plain, so I have a complete blank canvas to work off - I cannot wait! I think I shall be starting this week, as he wants to open his new office in 15 days. Challenge accepted. I cannot believe I get to paint a mural though!! So excited!!

That's just a brief update from me :)

Hope you are all well out there in the cyber world, and loving life!

God bless