Originally I was only going to send this to my family, but I thought I would share it with whoever reads this.
First, I want to say how hard it is being away this holiday season and that I appreciate all the support from back home. I miss all my family and friends very much, and love all of you dearly. I think about each one of you everyday.
Things I am thankful for-
1. During my site visit to Tete, I visited a PCV who started a day school for young children. This program started when she met a couple who had a similar interest and desire for such a program. They are not getting paid. All the money they have for this program goes strictly to food for the children during the day. The children are being taught English and Portuguese, along with English Christmas songs. The place was not like any day care center in the U.S. The buildings were made of tin and there was a small area with swings. I think the PCV told me they helped build it themselves. If it werent for this couple these children may not have this opportunity.
2. This week I visited an orphanage for girls about just over an hour outside Namaacha. As soon as we arrived, all the girls got in a group and sang to us. This particular orphanage was a place where the girls learned how to cook, work in a garden, clean, and sew and make crafts. They also have a new building for schooling. This orphanage was started and is funded by a Moz woman who is independently wealthy, and was an orphan herself.
Let us all be thankful for people like this in the world.
Yesterday Peace Corps and all its people celebrated Thanksgiving. It was a pretty sweet day. I finally got my site assigment information. Its crazy to think that I JUST found out where exactly Ill be going, and what exactly Ill be doing. But hey, you gotta have a little faith to do this, right?
I will be moving to Xai Xai, which is the provincial capital of Gaza province. It is located right by the beach. Its only 3 to 4 hours north of Maputo. My good friend Emily will be stationed only 10 minutes away from me! I will be working with an organization called ICAP. International Care and Treatment Program. ICAP is based in the hospital and works on patient treatment adherence and home based care and implements community activities with families led by activistas. In the letter the former PCV sent me, she said theres an orphanage or childrens center, along with offices of World Vision, Save the Children, and FGH (I think) located in Xai Xai. So I am sure my next two years will be a great learning experience. My site description also suggested I learn a local language, which I was already planning. The day before yesterday, I told my host family that I just may end up learning their dialect, Chengana, if Im in the south. And sure enough, I am! They were really excited and tried to already teach me a few phrases, I think that was more for entertainment than anything. Ha. So in about two weeks, Ill be off to Xai Xai.
Stay tuned to se what the next two years has in store for me!
November 26, 2009
Food for thought
I am going to kill a chicken before I leave Namaacha. Supposively its a rite of passage.
Next time you go into a grocery store and select products, seriously take a moment to think about how that product got into your cart. Being in the Peace Corps, even thought Im only in training right now, I have had some extra free time on my hands lately, which leads to deep thoughts that get to challenge my beliefs, or validate them. Whats even more fun is sharing these discussions with my colleagues.
The first time my host mom bought a chicken, I couldnt even be in the same vicinity when she killed them. They were so cute cuddling next to each other. They looked so peaceful, I almost felt guilty. The second time, I told her I would watch. I watched her take it to the yard, step on its wings, and put the knife to its neck. Then I turned around. I couldnt watch as the chicken was shrieking. The third time, we had two chickens I believe and it was nighttime, and pretty chilly. The two chickens were cuddling under the charcoal stove we had going. I was able to watch that time. It helped that it was dark, but I watched from the porch. With the second chicken, I was actually able to hand it to her and watch again. After these experiences, I have seriously thought about becoming a vegetarian. I still have yet to actually kill a chicken, but I told my host mom I want to before I leave, as long as my brother does it with me because he never has either. Anyway, so then this experience led into this whole thought process about whether I should be able to even eat anything that I am not able to kill. I was discussing this with a former trainee, and he said he felt the same way about this. That taking the life of something can make you feel sad or whatever, but after its done, its done. Just like that.
So then I was thinking, ok now lets be real. I am from Texas and I am surely not going to give up filet mignon in my future. Ive decided as long as the killing of animals is humane, Ill eat it.
During our permaculture training, the trainer told us that when putting manure in the crops, be sure you dont use human waste, because our waste is toxic. What am I putting into my body that would be toxic to the soil? And what does that do inside my body? Theres a whole science on this topic, and I would love to learn more about it.
I have yet to kill a chicken, but when I do, I will keep in mind that that chickens life has been worth this lesson.
Next time you go into a grocery store and select products, seriously take a moment to think about how that product got into your cart. Being in the Peace Corps, even thought Im only in training right now, I have had some extra free time on my hands lately, which leads to deep thoughts that get to challenge my beliefs, or validate them. Whats even more fun is sharing these discussions with my colleagues.
The first time my host mom bought a chicken, I couldnt even be in the same vicinity when she killed them. They were so cute cuddling next to each other. They looked so peaceful, I almost felt guilty. The second time, I told her I would watch. I watched her take it to the yard, step on its wings, and put the knife to its neck. Then I turned around. I couldnt watch as the chicken was shrieking. The third time, we had two chickens I believe and it was nighttime, and pretty chilly. The two chickens were cuddling under the charcoal stove we had going. I was able to watch that time. It helped that it was dark, but I watched from the porch. With the second chicken, I was actually able to hand it to her and watch again. After these experiences, I have seriously thought about becoming a vegetarian. I still have yet to actually kill a chicken, but I told my host mom I want to before I leave, as long as my brother does it with me because he never has either. Anyway, so then this experience led into this whole thought process about whether I should be able to even eat anything that I am not able to kill. I was discussing this with a former trainee, and he said he felt the same way about this. That taking the life of something can make you feel sad or whatever, but after its done, its done. Just like that.
So then I was thinking, ok now lets be real. I am from Texas and I am surely not going to give up filet mignon in my future. Ive decided as long as the killing of animals is humane, Ill eat it.
During our permaculture training, the trainer told us that when putting manure in the crops, be sure you dont use human waste, because our waste is toxic. What am I putting into my body that would be toxic to the soil? And what does that do inside my body? Theres a whole science on this topic, and I would love to learn more about it.
I have yet to kill a chicken, but when I do, I will keep in mind that that chickens life has been worth this lesson.
November 13, 2009
Site Visit
So last weekend the Peace Corps decided to send all the trainees to different provinces where there are different PCV sites. We got to spend the weekend with them. Some traveled far, some not. Two days ago I was seriously considering about throwing in the towel and coming home. Want to understand why? Lets rewind.
Thursday (last week)
I decided I wanted to go to Tete Province because my language instructor had said they have animals. So, I get my site visit placement and find out Im going to Tete (I had no say in this either). Specifically, to Angonia to visit 2 education volunteers.
Saturday
I leave in the morning with my friends and former colleagues Sara, who is also a health PCT, and Esther, whose an education PCT. We get driven from Namaacha by Peace Corps to Maputo to fly to Tete. I must note that there was laughing cow cheese included in our meal on the plane and lets just say my taste buds were ecstatic. So, we arrive in Tete and its hotter than Hades...I almost said hotter than Africa, because thats what I used to say in the U.S. Now I understand the meaning of that phrase. Anyway, its really hot and we´re in Tete City. I call our PCV to see whats up. She says to get a taxi to the catholic cathedral and that it should cost 200 MTS. Ok, sweet. We get in a taxi and head to the igreja. The dude then says the ride costs 500 MTS! I was like umm, no. My colleague said this should be 200. Then Sara had already given him a 500. So we waited for the PCVs to arrive. I explained the situation and then they start calling the guy a thief and that he was robbing us and that they were going to call the police. He then gave Sara 200 MTS back. Settled. The PCVs told us we were staying with one of their Brazilian friends at their house. Uhhh what they did NOT mention is that these people live in a mansion! So this guy and his family had befriended these PCVs. He then provided us with Brazilian bbq, running water, toilets, and air conditioning. Not to mention we were able to catch a few episodes of an old season of CSI. Besides that, I saw the Zambezi river and no I did not see any hippos or crocs. I know, I was also disappointed. Somehow, a small reminder of Namaacha happened to slip into my bag. So as Im getting ready to shower, I open my backpack to grab some clothes and see something scurry at the bottom. I freaked and shrieked. A huge cockroach the size of Dallas climbs out of my bag. Sara comes up, I tell her the situation. I was amazed that a cockroach could survive a two hour plane ride, and the ride there. How did it survive? She said, ´´Were in Africa, Mal.´´ Yeah, thats great, just kill it. And she did.
Sunday
So Sara and one of the PCVs and I leave Tete city to Angonia. At first, we were going to take a chapa, which would have cost 190 MTS until this lady from Malawi in her van behind the chapa stop said she would take us for the same price. We decided to switch and go with her because extra leg room in a 4 hour ride sounds pretty nice. And, if you really understood a ride in a chapa, you would have went too. It was legit. If you want to talk to me about this decision, email me. Anyway, so we get in her van and then on the way there her car breaks down more than once and we keep having to pour water in it or something. Not to mention while we were broken down at one point our chapa that we could have been on strolled by and waved at us. Whatever, just get us to Angonia please. We finally get there, and the lady didnt give us change (we gave her 200 MTS each). Should have gone on the chapa. That night in Angonia, however, we were able to make pizza which was worth the trip. One of the PCVs had mentioned that the dough wasnt cooked all the way, and asked if I wanted it cooked longer. At that point, I was starving and salivating, and figured Ive been eating cookie dough like nobodys business all my life. So, I ate the pizza.
Monday
We went to visit one of the PCVs schools. She started a secondary project with a couple. They began a pre school for kids ages 3 to 6, where they go all day and teach them english and portuguese. Its a great opportunity for them but unfortunately funding is becoming a problem but theyre working on it. After that, I bought some capulanas and chilled the rest of the day. Also, my host mom sent me a text message saying they all missed me. Awwwww. Eu tamben, Eu tamben...
Tuesday
Oh. My. Gosh. We had to take a chapa to Zobwe because thats where Esther had gone to visit after we split in Tete city. So the ride was about 3 hours. Most uncomfortable ride in my life to say the least. I was so squished and uncomfortable. Then, at one point, we came across an accident and saw a lady lying on the side of the road. She wasnt dead, but she didnt look that great. It was really sad. What can people out here do? There are no ambulances, and even if there were, it would take forever to get to a hospital. Then, what about the quality of that hospital? Pretty sad to think about, huh? So the chapa drops us off at a turn off point and then we have to get a ride the rest of the way. So we get on this truck with other paying passengers and off we go. Theres this lady with a baby in front of me sitting in the bed of the truck and the way I was sitting couldnt have been comfortable for her. So I asked her in portuguese if she was comfortable and she just gives me this blank stare. Then this guy next to her said Zungo, or whatever the local word is for white person or foreigner. And I was like (he spoke english), Im asking her if shes comfortable why are you calling me that? He must have misunderstood I have no idea, maybe he just wanted to inform me of that word. Awkward. So we get off finally and people ask us to buy all sorts of goodies and at this point Im already tired and about to lose my marbles because I was overwhelmed from the means of travel. Then this guy grabs my arm and asks me to buy something and thats when I almost lost it. But, I just shrugged away and it was all good. That night at the PCVs house we made fajitas and played games with the neighborhood children. Oh, not to mention that when we were going to bed there were all sorts of bugs flying around and then I felt something on my face. I flick it off and tell the PCV to turn on her flashlight. It was just a small beetle, no harm. So then Sara smashes it. Once again, all good.
Wednesday
By this point Im ready to get back to Namaacha. I have bites from something all over my body. It looks like I have chicken pox but not as bad. So, we take a chapa back to Tete city. We went into a cafe for a bit and I met some ladies that are Americans that are here to translate the Bible into some local language. Connections, connections. Got her business card just in case. After that we walk across Tete city in 114 degree heat to find a chapa to take us to the airport. I felt like I was going to pass out but just kept on truckin. We finally find a chapa and during the ride some dude got off and didnt pay so him and the cobredor (the guy who takes the money for the chapa) get into a fight. It didnt escalate too much so we keep going and finally get to the airport. By the time we get there I feel nauseous. We get on the plane and theres a little turbulence and then they start bringing out food. It was then that I knew I was going to puke. And I did. Twice. Hopefully its just motion sickness. Finally we land and Peace Corps is there to pick us all up. I wait in the car and puke again. I had already taken dramamine for motion sickness and had a little water. Then on the ride back to Namaacha, I puke again. By this point Im getting dehydrated and my friend told me I that its bad when you cant keep down water, and that one cause could be e. coli poisoning from uncooked pizza dough. Thats just great because I definitely ate that this weekend. Awesome. So, I call the doc and she gives me some rehydration salts. That night I finally got home and passed out and was able to keep everything down.
The next day my host mom made me soup for breakfast. During training that day (yesterday), I was having second guesses. BUT, then I received EIGHT letters! Whoo! I started to feel better. And then I reminded myself why I join the Peace Corps, spent some quality time with my host family, and I got over my second guesses of being here. Then today, I received TWO more letters! Whoo!
MUCH THANKS TO Aunt Marla, Granny, Mom, Dad, Alison, Eric, Karissa, Kelsey, and Sara. Thank you all SO much for sending me letters and lots of love in the mail. It means so much, you have no idea how much I value a short note. I plan on putting my cards on my wall for decoration! LOVE YALL! XOXOXO
Thursday (last week)
I decided I wanted to go to Tete Province because my language instructor had said they have animals. So, I get my site visit placement and find out Im going to Tete (I had no say in this either). Specifically, to Angonia to visit 2 education volunteers.
Saturday
I leave in the morning with my friends and former colleagues Sara, who is also a health PCT, and Esther, whose an education PCT. We get driven from Namaacha by Peace Corps to Maputo to fly to Tete. I must note that there was laughing cow cheese included in our meal on the plane and lets just say my taste buds were ecstatic. So, we arrive in Tete and its hotter than Hades...I almost said hotter than Africa, because thats what I used to say in the U.S. Now I understand the meaning of that phrase. Anyway, its really hot and we´re in Tete City. I call our PCV to see whats up. She says to get a taxi to the catholic cathedral and that it should cost 200 MTS. Ok, sweet. We get in a taxi and head to the igreja. The dude then says the ride costs 500 MTS! I was like umm, no. My colleague said this should be 200. Then Sara had already given him a 500. So we waited for the PCVs to arrive. I explained the situation and then they start calling the guy a thief and that he was robbing us and that they were going to call the police. He then gave Sara 200 MTS back. Settled. The PCVs told us we were staying with one of their Brazilian friends at their house. Uhhh what they did NOT mention is that these people live in a mansion! So this guy and his family had befriended these PCVs. He then provided us with Brazilian bbq, running water, toilets, and air conditioning. Not to mention we were able to catch a few episodes of an old season of CSI. Besides that, I saw the Zambezi river and no I did not see any hippos or crocs. I know, I was also disappointed. Somehow, a small reminder of Namaacha happened to slip into my bag. So as Im getting ready to shower, I open my backpack to grab some clothes and see something scurry at the bottom. I freaked and shrieked. A huge cockroach the size of Dallas climbs out of my bag. Sara comes up, I tell her the situation. I was amazed that a cockroach could survive a two hour plane ride, and the ride there. How did it survive? She said, ´´Were in Africa, Mal.´´ Yeah, thats great, just kill it. And she did.
Sunday
So Sara and one of the PCVs and I leave Tete city to Angonia. At first, we were going to take a chapa, which would have cost 190 MTS until this lady from Malawi in her van behind the chapa stop said she would take us for the same price. We decided to switch and go with her because extra leg room in a 4 hour ride sounds pretty nice. And, if you really understood a ride in a chapa, you would have went too. It was legit. If you want to talk to me about this decision, email me. Anyway, so we get in her van and then on the way there her car breaks down more than once and we keep having to pour water in it or something. Not to mention while we were broken down at one point our chapa that we could have been on strolled by and waved at us. Whatever, just get us to Angonia please. We finally get there, and the lady didnt give us change (we gave her 200 MTS each). Should have gone on the chapa. That night in Angonia, however, we were able to make pizza which was worth the trip. One of the PCVs had mentioned that the dough wasnt cooked all the way, and asked if I wanted it cooked longer. At that point, I was starving and salivating, and figured Ive been eating cookie dough like nobodys business all my life. So, I ate the pizza.
Monday
We went to visit one of the PCVs schools. She started a secondary project with a couple. They began a pre school for kids ages 3 to 6, where they go all day and teach them english and portuguese. Its a great opportunity for them but unfortunately funding is becoming a problem but theyre working on it. After that, I bought some capulanas and chilled the rest of the day. Also, my host mom sent me a text message saying they all missed me. Awwwww. Eu tamben, Eu tamben...
Tuesday
Oh. My. Gosh. We had to take a chapa to Zobwe because thats where Esther had gone to visit after we split in Tete city. So the ride was about 3 hours. Most uncomfortable ride in my life to say the least. I was so squished and uncomfortable. Then, at one point, we came across an accident and saw a lady lying on the side of the road. She wasnt dead, but she didnt look that great. It was really sad. What can people out here do? There are no ambulances, and even if there were, it would take forever to get to a hospital. Then, what about the quality of that hospital? Pretty sad to think about, huh? So the chapa drops us off at a turn off point and then we have to get a ride the rest of the way. So we get on this truck with other paying passengers and off we go. Theres this lady with a baby in front of me sitting in the bed of the truck and the way I was sitting couldnt have been comfortable for her. So I asked her in portuguese if she was comfortable and she just gives me this blank stare. Then this guy next to her said Zungo, or whatever the local word is for white person or foreigner. And I was like (he spoke english), Im asking her if shes comfortable why are you calling me that? He must have misunderstood I have no idea, maybe he just wanted to inform me of that word. Awkward. So we get off finally and people ask us to buy all sorts of goodies and at this point Im already tired and about to lose my marbles because I was overwhelmed from the means of travel. Then this guy grabs my arm and asks me to buy something and thats when I almost lost it. But, I just shrugged away and it was all good. That night at the PCVs house we made fajitas and played games with the neighborhood children. Oh, not to mention that when we were going to bed there were all sorts of bugs flying around and then I felt something on my face. I flick it off and tell the PCV to turn on her flashlight. It was just a small beetle, no harm. So then Sara smashes it. Once again, all good.
Wednesday
By this point Im ready to get back to Namaacha. I have bites from something all over my body. It looks like I have chicken pox but not as bad. So, we take a chapa back to Tete city. We went into a cafe for a bit and I met some ladies that are Americans that are here to translate the Bible into some local language. Connections, connections. Got her business card just in case. After that we walk across Tete city in 114 degree heat to find a chapa to take us to the airport. I felt like I was going to pass out but just kept on truckin. We finally find a chapa and during the ride some dude got off and didnt pay so him and the cobredor (the guy who takes the money for the chapa) get into a fight. It didnt escalate too much so we keep going and finally get to the airport. By the time we get there I feel nauseous. We get on the plane and theres a little turbulence and then they start bringing out food. It was then that I knew I was going to puke. And I did. Twice. Hopefully its just motion sickness. Finally we land and Peace Corps is there to pick us all up. I wait in the car and puke again. I had already taken dramamine for motion sickness and had a little water. Then on the ride back to Namaacha, I puke again. By this point Im getting dehydrated and my friend told me I that its bad when you cant keep down water, and that one cause could be e. coli poisoning from uncooked pizza dough. Thats just great because I definitely ate that this weekend. Awesome. So, I call the doc and she gives me some rehydration salts. That night I finally got home and passed out and was able to keep everything down.
The next day my host mom made me soup for breakfast. During training that day (yesterday), I was having second guesses. BUT, then I received EIGHT letters! Whoo! I started to feel better. And then I reminded myself why I join the Peace Corps, spent some quality time with my host family, and I got over my second guesses of being here. Then today, I received TWO more letters! Whoo!
MUCH THANKS TO Aunt Marla, Granny, Mom, Dad, Alison, Eric, Karissa, Kelsey, and Sara. Thank you all SO much for sending me letters and lots of love in the mail. It means so much, you have no idea how much I value a short note. I plan on putting my cards on my wall for decoration! LOVE YALL! XOXOXO
November 2, 2009
Homesickness & Halloween
Im going to go where no other Peace Corps blog has gone before and talk about homesickness. Oh. My. Gosh. Training is an emotional roller coaster. One day I absolutely hate it and other days I feel like Im fitting in and learning and doing good. I miss the U.S. I miss the Reality television shows, Oprah, MTV, and pepperjack cheese. I miss Sonic slushes on hot days and Blue Bell ice cream, too. I miss driving my car with the windows down and listening to trendy music on the radio. I miss cars yielding to me as a pedestrian. I miss being at a restaurant and not having confusion with the waitress because she speaks english also. I miss mashed potatoes. I miss being able to call home whenever I want to. I miss being able to stay out past dark. I miss all my friends in San Marcos! I miss movies. I miss my bed and my big fluffy pillow. I miss shopping with my mom and drinking coffee with my dad. I miss my familys dog, Kacy. I miss being able to wear tank tops and shorts and not have to worry about it. I miss paved sidewalks that arent muddy when it rains. I miss Dr. Pepper. I miss hot showers and toilets and clean running water. I miss the USA!!!
Though I miss all of these things, everybody Ive talked to feels the same way. So dont think Im gonna quit training and come home. Its normal. Anyway, so halloween was this past weekend. I was a hippie. I was going to wear a baseball jerzee but my brother didnt have anything to wear so I gave him that and I wore a tye dyed shirt..Ironically, it was the same shirt I wore last year (remember, Daniel)? I doubt youll read this but I thought of you! So we go to the first party where all the PCTs brought their siblings and there was limbo and lots of refrescos and food. I brought coconuts. So good. Anyway, afterwards we went to this second party that was supposed to be just for PCTs but we were able to bring our family if we wanted. I brought my host brother, and even if I didnt want to he told me he wouldnt leave me alone anyway because theres bad ppl out that nite and he said he needed to protect me. ha. It was pretty ridiculous when we got there. The ppl at the gate wanted to charge our siblings 100 MTS to get in. Ridiculous. So we called our PC director and she settled it. We pretty much told them if they dont get in for free, we will all just go to a different barraca. It all worked out. So there we danced and everyone had lots of fun.
Yesterday one of my fellow PCTs and I passear~ed down this road where we heard there was a river. We probably walked about 4 miles in the afternoon heat (remember were in the mountains) to see whats LEFT of a river. Anyway, so on our way back we stop at a barraca for some water since we were seriously about to pass out. This lady sells us 2 bottles and sits with us and starts talking with us. We left after she criticized my friends portuguese skills. Ppl here are just really blunt.
So I decided that Im going to make a blanket or quilt out of capulana cloth. Ive never sewed anything in my life but Im going to start now. Well see how it turns out! Hmm...what else? I have come to love grape and orange Fantas. My favorite dish is mboa, which is this leafy goodness in coconut oil. Also, if anyone reads this and emails me, Im sorry if I dont write back, know that I truly appreciate anything I receive but I cant always write back but I eventually will.
TCHAU!!
Though I miss all of these things, everybody Ive talked to feels the same way. So dont think Im gonna quit training and come home. Its normal. Anyway, so halloween was this past weekend. I was a hippie. I was going to wear a baseball jerzee but my brother didnt have anything to wear so I gave him that and I wore a tye dyed shirt..Ironically, it was the same shirt I wore last year (remember, Daniel)? I doubt youll read this but I thought of you! So we go to the first party where all the PCTs brought their siblings and there was limbo and lots of refrescos and food. I brought coconuts. So good. Anyway, afterwards we went to this second party that was supposed to be just for PCTs but we were able to bring our family if we wanted. I brought my host brother, and even if I didnt want to he told me he wouldnt leave me alone anyway because theres bad ppl out that nite and he said he needed to protect me. ha. It was pretty ridiculous when we got there. The ppl at the gate wanted to charge our siblings 100 MTS to get in. Ridiculous. So we called our PC director and she settled it. We pretty much told them if they dont get in for free, we will all just go to a different barraca. It all worked out. So there we danced and everyone had lots of fun.
Yesterday one of my fellow PCTs and I passear~ed down this road where we heard there was a river. We probably walked about 4 miles in the afternoon heat (remember were in the mountains) to see whats LEFT of a river. Anyway, so on our way back we stop at a barraca for some water since we were seriously about to pass out. This lady sells us 2 bottles and sits with us and starts talking with us. We left after she criticized my friends portuguese skills. Ppl here are just really blunt.
So I decided that Im going to make a blanket or quilt out of capulana cloth. Ive never sewed anything in my life but Im going to start now. Well see how it turns out! Hmm...what else? I have come to love grape and orange Fantas. My favorite dish is mboa, which is this leafy goodness in coconut oil. Also, if anyone reads this and emails me, Im sorry if I dont write back, know that I truly appreciate anything I receive but I cant always write back but I eventually will.
TCHAU!!
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