The Suplee's Adventures

2007-07-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Summer in Seattle just can NOT be beat. We're having a blast...

Moses finds his cows and his bride

2007-07-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to be a part of this amazing story. I'm happy Milo & Roxie were able to celebrate with me.

~~~~~~~
The numbers are in…..

Last night we raised $7,331.00….for a total of $8,216.00 (including prior donations)!! With Moses’ contributions that equals about 112 cows….12 cows OVER our goal.!!! And if the “IOUs” come in, we’ll be 20 cows over the goal! This should help Moses with transportation home and to help reimburse some of his costs of the initial “down payment.”

~~~~~~~~
Moses Dut selected a few of the Smith Tower tenants for this correspondence because he feels you have a connection. We are a group of co-workers that have come together to ask for financial support for an unusual and special purpose. Whether you know it or not, you have supported Moses’ journey from Lost Boy to U.S. citizen; co-worker to leader; student to mentor; and now---husband-to-be!

As you may know, Moses is a humble person, so it took us a while to convince him to let us tell his story in order to help him. We want to provide an opportunity for friends of Moses to help him raise $5,000 which will assist him in meeting his 100 cow dowry marriage obligation.

Yes, we said Cow Dowry…read on, it’s fascinating…
According to a Sudanese refugee website, “The South Sudanese refugees are considered by historians and refugee specialists to be a historically unique group. Almost all lost their parents and older relatives as young children, and during the decade spent years wandering and then living in encampments communally, with little assistance from adults.” Moses was one of these children. At age nine, he fled into the desert as militias burned his village, killing, and abducting civilians (many of which were family members.)

Over a period of 13 years, Moses wandered over 1,000 miles through the deserts of Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya as he was pursued relentlessly by militia groups. He and 100,000 women and children moved from refugee camp to refugee camp. He witnessed atrocities that no child should ever be exposed to. Through it all, he knew he would survive (thus his chosen name Moses.) Soon after Moses arrived in Seattle from a Kenyan refugee camp, he was hired as an elevator operator at the Smith Tower. His cheerful countenance and eager smile quickly endeared him as part of the Smith Tower family. The tenants and staff adopted him and because of their care and support, he was no longer a Lost Boy--That was seven years ago.

Currently, Moses works two jobs and attends community college in order to fulfill his dream of returning to southern Sudan with the skills to help rebuild his community. His goal will take many years to fulfill. In the meantime, our friend Moses wants to marry! Moses is betrothed to a lovely woman named Regina, who lives in Marialbai his home village. As a right of passage for all Dinka men who want to marry, he must contribute a dowry of cows that will support the village and his family in Marialbai. Moses is engaged to be married in November; however, he has not raised enough money to purchase the 100 cow dowry.

What is the significance of the cow in Dinka culture and why the Dowry?

It is difficult for most of us who grew up in the U.S. to grasp the significance of the cow to the Dinka people. The cow is deeply rooted in the Dinka collectivistic culture and identity. Cattle are the measure of wealth for the community and are traditionally the center of most Dinka transactions--including the dowry process and celebrations, where as many as 100 cows might be paid to a bride's family. The cattle are shared within the community and are used as a safety net to help support widows, orphans, and elderly people. At the heart of virtually every important Dinka tradition and ceremony, the cow is the subject of songs, dances, myths, and legends.

The war in Sudan has stripped the villages of their cattle, their sustenance. Traditionally, the dowry process replenished the community herd. Rebuilding their herds is the first step toward reclaiming their community. We have the opportunity to help Moses replenish the herd and get married!

If you have time, please read this article “Loss of Culturally Vital Cattle Leaves Dinka Tribe Adrift in Refugee Camps” …it makes sense: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/africanlives/sudan/sudan.htm

Cows for Moses Kickoff Event

So far, Moses has saved enough to purchase 30 cows toward his 100 cow goal. Each cow costs $150.00. An anonymous donor has purchased 34 cows--leaving a balance of 30+ cows (or $5,000) to be raised by this project.

We anticipate that tenants, friends, and co-workers will want to help. Therefore, we are holding a fundraising event:

Where: Smith Tower, Chinese Room
When: June 28, 2007

This will be a fun event where Moses’ friends will celebrate with us by performing traditional Dinka wedding dances and music. Of course we will have food and beverages, and view a portion of “A Great Wonder” an independent documentary film that was made about Moses and other refugee children from Sudan assimilating in Seattle foster-homes. The co-producer of A Great Wonder, Leigh Kimball will address the group by sharing her first-hand experiences working with this unique group of survivors.

I know this is a lot to think about, given our busy personal and work lives. However, it is the simple fact that we are capable of making a difference that makes the effort behind Cows for Moses a meaningful and worthwhile endeavor. As a boy, Moses took care of the family cattle herd. As a young man to be wed, the cow dowry is a right of passage. We want to help Moses reach his goal, so he can be married in November. You can make a difference for a young man whose perseverance reminds us to appreciate the good life we have been given.

We love birthday parties!

2007-07-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

We went to a birthday party at the pool up in Mountlake Terrace and just had a blast! The party was for Kellan and Alex, Lulu, Ria and Hannah were there. What fun. Plus there was a playroom to go with the birthday room with a big ball pit. Fun for everyone for sure.

Milo Turns 4!

2007-05-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

Here's the slideshow...

It's worth a look.

Roxie gets a new barrette!

2007-05-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

may_07

Milo gets some nice "booty" from a bday party...

2007-04-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Some slightly more recent photos...

2007-04-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats laughter...

2007-04-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Sleeping babies are beautiful

2006-07-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

When Roxie sleeps on her back, she's either arms WIDE open, or tucked behind her back like she's got not a care in the world. I just love it when babies sleep.

Milo teaches Morgan the ways of the Sprinkler

2006-06-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Milo & Morgan had a HECKUVA time running through the sprinkler at Morgan's house.
As usual, Milo didn't want to leave...

The family goes to the coast!

2006-06-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

We all went on our first family road trip during Rich's last week of Paternity Leave. The four (yes, I counted correctly, FOUR) of us went on a road trip to the Washington Coast and had a grand ol' time!

Roxanne at 2.5 months in Heidi's dress

2006-06-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

2006-02-27T14:24:00.000-08:00

Milo's swimming is coming along nicely - not to mention his diving. woo!

Water Babies with Kellan - WOO HOO!

2005-11-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween Everyone! (2005)

2005-11-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

The Museum of Flight with PopPop and Dad

2005-11-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

Our first visit to a Punkin Patch - Oct. 2005

2005-11-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

2005-11-02T16:50:00.000-08:00

Doin' the Puyallup with the Urdans - Sept. 2005

2005-11-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

2005-08-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

I got to go on a field trip with the Toddler Room to the Volunteer Park wading pool. They all had a blast - especially on the bus ride.

2005-08-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

This is what a day at Soccer consists of. Partying with all the kids, getting stamps (on bellies, of course) and then making their way over to the blowup playground to jump in the bouncy house and slide down the ENORMOUS slide. woo hoo!

2005-08-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

A day with the Angels! SeaFair 2005 we all went out on the boat together to watch the Blue Angels fly. We all had our earplugs/muffs on since those crazy planes always end up creeping right up on you! We had a blast. There were TONS of boats on the water - which is always good with Milo.

2005-06-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is one shot to savor. Milo was running laps around the island in the kitchen and then diving into Rich's arms on every lap. So - we decided to capture the fun - and it paid off. That's a good Milo smile.

The trip to NY got its own blog!

2005-06-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

The trip to NY qualified for its own blog since Rich took photos from his phone during the trip.
http://j9supleenyc.blogspot.com/
It was a fun one. Hopefully more pics to come.

2005-05-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

Milo's 2nd Birthday was celebrated on May 28 2005 at the Madrona Shelterhouse. Great Lil, Grandma, Granddad, Dugans, Hamiltons, Reys, Bifones, Mom & Dad all celebrated with him. Wallace and Gwen stopped by with good wishes too.

2005-05-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

These are a few shots of the kitchen, 5-05. It's really taking shape now and is proving very functional.

The Kitchen's almost done...

2005-05-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Next come some more recent pics of the kitchen - fully functional, woo hoo!

2005-05-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Is that a gorilla?

2005-05-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Christmas in Gig Harbor 2004. Look at that tree! Look at the village! Next year... Bigger.

2005-05-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

It's our first Christmas in the Big Yellow House. Left the fun begin.

2005-05-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Christmas in Seattle with Krissy, Lex, MomMom & PopPop 2004.

2005-05-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's Picture time Everyone! Smile and say cheese. The Suplees visit the Turners in Gig 12/2004

2005-05-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to LEX! Celebrating Lex's 2nd Birthday in Gig Harbor.

2005-05-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Freight Train Freight Train goin' to Strasbourg - what a treat for Milo - I think it was his best day.

2005-05-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Dick (PopPop) and Milo!

2005-05-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Milo, Lex & Krissy - what a great time in Philly.

2005-05-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

A day at the MoMA 5/2005

2005-05-19T12:32:00.001-07:00

Beth, Karin and Jannine at Mercer Kitchen - 5/2005

2005-05-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is a collection of the photos taken at the Philly Zoo 5/2005

2005-05-19T12:18:00.001-07:00

There were a couple of these around as well - little circular metal patches. Wonder what they were for...

2005-05-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

This is one of the MANY places where there were holes in the floor down to the basement.

2005-05-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

How cool is this flooring?? It was a few layers down. We're assuming it was a favorite of the Blank Panthers. Along with the pink and purple paint, of course.

2005-05-19T12:16:00.002-07:00

You can see the dust on the lens - that's all that was left - dust.

2005-05-19T12:16:00.001-07:00

Still holding on to that sink!

2005-05-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Nothing left but the insides.

2005-05-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

And there goes the ceiling.

2005-05-19T12:14:00.002-07:00

There goes the walk-in closet.

2005-05-19T12:14:00.001-07:00

The pantry is gone - now you can see the downstairs bathroom.

2005-05-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Jerry does some cleaning up at the end of the day.

2005-05-19T12:13:00.001-07:00

We held onto that sink as long as we possibly could. Doing dishes in the basement stunk.

2005-05-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

More nest - not so much in the ceiling anymore.

2005-05-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

That's a little rat's nest tucked up into the wall of the pantry/back porch. Let's just say it hasn't been used in a long time.

2005-05-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

A view from inside what used to be the walk-in closet on the first floor out into what was the pantry/former back porch.

2005-05-19T12:10:00.001-07:00

Destruction continues, most of the walls, ceiling and pantry are all gone.

2005-05-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

This is a piece of what we think was the original (or very close to the original) flooring in the kitchen 100 years ago.

2005-05-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Looking up under the staircase outside the basement door.

2005-05-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

A nice kick is all you need to get into the pantry.

2005-05-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Looking into the kitchen from the back door hallway.

2005-05-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

The man starts demo, there's a long way to go

We're Remodelling the kitchen

2005-05-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

What an adventure this is. My first official blog - we'll see if we can get some pics in here...