Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Ants

Joe’s thoughts on ants:

 

I want to say that I really respect ants as a species in general.  Carrying items more than 4 times your weight is impressive.  Also, it seems that the ants here have sugar radar.  Literally 1 minute after I drop a large bread crumb on the ground, you can bet on seeing a group of 3 or so ants teaming up to haul this gigantic gem away to their domicile.  This feat is multiplied for liquid or larger items.  If I spill some coke without knowing, without fail there will be a parade of every ant in Kabala winding its way from a hole somewhere in our wall to the spilled coke and back.  These ants keep us on our toes daily.  One mis-closed Ziploc bag, and the ants will let you know about it.   Very impressive.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that you have regular internet access now just so you can write quick little things about your life. Although it sounds like ants might actually be a sort of big part of your daily life....

Jeanette

AJoe Melissen said...

It is nice for sure - maybe I'll become one of those bloggers who ends up writing their opinion about various topics, and people can weigh in...
I also love the fact that my sisters are probably the most active blog followers out of anyone - I love reading your comments.

Anonymous said...

I definetly remember the ants there. When I was there they managed to get into all my granola bars, crackers, daily bread in the morning, and into the sugar that I put in my morning tea!
Well life there is truly an adventure. Blessings as you continue to enjoy it there!

Hannah Mallie

Anonymous said...

I too remember the ants ... and their size! Have the flying insects come your way yet? They love the evenings when the lights are on. Joe, what did J.T. and his wife have, a boy or girl? Love your blog ... how's the class doing? I'd love to have an updated school enrollment to continue the buddy relationship with SCS. If you have any ideas on how to accomplish that ... stay well!
Evelyn

AJoe Melissen said...

Evelyn, I think I can definitely get you an updated enrollment list. Are you thinking that every CRC student has a buddy at SCS, or just 1 or two specific classes. The students here still talk about their buddies, so I know they would be pumped about it. You can email me if you want: jmelissen@fvchs.bc.ca

Chantel said...

I totally agree with you. Ants are amazing. I remember dropping a piece of cookie on the ground and withing minutes it was gone. It was crazy. haha
God Bless,
Chantel Terri Furlong <><

Anonymous said...

It is crazy to sit here reading your experiences.. Almost surreal for me. I love how the slow pace of life allows for observations, and awes of life such as ants. It is great. It makes me laugh so hard because it is so true. No wonder I have an obsession with clean counter tops as an adult!! As a kid I would watch them in awe.. I would also step on army ants to mess up their methodical marches. It would cause chaos in their little regimes. :)

I have had peaks at your blog, but I must confess today was my first full on day. I can smell the air, feel the dust, and hear the sounds just in reading your experiences. IT is very cool to be able to hear your absorption of Africa. It almost makes me homesick and definitely awakens the Africa in me.

If you are alone for Christmas and want to go for a little jaunt to Burkina -if you even can, my Mom would be MORE than happy to have you. It is always a great patch work of Christmas dinner guests at their place.

Anyways, I'll pop you a real line later..

Love you guys!! JU

Anonymous said...

Oh the ants...what a painfully beautiful memory. I hate to say it, but I'm almost jealous that you're experiencing that...is that a little weird for me to be homesick for Kabala so much that I miss the ants?

Praying for both of you!
Krissi =)