January 17, 2011
"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where the stand in times of challenge and controversy." - MLK
So much going on this past week. Or maybe it's just me because I'm so anxious, nervous, excited, scared. It just seems like it was a long busy week. I am finally finished packing though. I had to take some stuff out though. I had both suitcases packed, plus my carry on, plus my backpack. PLUS I had already packed up a box to send right before I leave that will get to me while I'm still in training. Nothing that I needed right away but I will need when I move to my homesite. Out of curiosity I took it to the post office to see how much it would cost to mail. It was a sizeable box and weighed 17 pounds. If I want in delivered in 1-3 days it would be $401. If I want it in 3-5 days it would be $265. The cheapest way with a 6-10 day delivery would be $111. If I use a flat rate box which I can put up to 20 pounds into (which the box was 1/3 of the size I had in my hand...I don't know what you could put in it to make that little box weigh 20 pounds) it would be about $45-50.
I started thinking about what was in the box and how important it all was. Maybe I need to rethink what's in my suitcases, take some of the niceties but unecessaries (if that's even a word) out and replace it with what's in the box. So I spent 2 days rethinking my packing. Moved stuff around, took stuff out. I had a couple of things that didn't weigh much but took up space (some puzzles and a game to bring to the kids) and a couple of things that don't take up much space but have weight (shampoo, conditioner, moisterizer...which we can get there albeit not the quality of stuff from here...OH WELL). All this came out. What I wound up with is two suitcases that still weigh over the limit (only by a couple of pounds...I'm hoping they let it slide) and STILL a box that I have to mail. I can't break it down any more than I already have. Not going to happen. I'm going for 2 years. What's another $100?
Friday there was a special on 20/20 about the Peace Corps. There was a young PCV (Peace Corps Volunteer) murdered in Benin West Africa (a few countries away from Mali) in March of 2009. She was a education volunteer that was in Benin from 2007 and set to go home in the summer of 2009. Kate blew the whistle on a local Peace Corps employee she suspected of raping seventh-grade girls. In her letter to the PC regional office she had asked that her identity stay anonymous as the brother of the man she was accusing worked in the PC office. Unfortunately word of who she was got out. After the man was fired Kate was found shot to death outside her home in Benin.
The saddest, most disappointing thing to me is that PC made no attempt afterwards to contact Kate's family. They took no responsibility for this tragedy. The woman that Kate sent her letter to quit after Kate was killed. Apparently she felt responsible. As a PC employee and a representative of the PC so should the PC have felt responsible.
Also on the show were 6 girls that came forward with their stories of sexual assault while on deployment in their countries. Although these stories were absolute nightmares for these girls to the extent that I can't even begin to imagine my biggest problem with PC is their wanting to keep it hush hush and cover the stuff up. One girl that went home after her incident was told to tell the other PCVs that she had to leave to have her wisdom teeth pulled. WTH?? I'm sure they do it so they don't lose volunteers. I'm not going to not go, but I'd like to know that the possibility of this happening is real and what I can do to avoid it. Let us know what goes on there so we can make an intelligent decision on whether we want to go based on ALL the facts. And we can be prepared for anything and everything. I'm sure there is extensive training on safety. I KNOW there is. So now that I'm more aware of stuff like this, I won't go out in the city...at night ...alone...after a drink or two (frankly I wouldn't do that in downtown San Diego no less a foreign third world country where the rules don't apply). One or two of the girls mentioned about they shouldn't be made to feel bad or that it was partially their fault because they went out and had a couple of drinks. NO, the Peace Corps shouldn't make them have to feel that way. But again this is a foreign third world country where the rules do not apply. I can't stress enough that "the rules don't apply". If they let...had...these girls tell their stories at the time, maybe it wouldn't have happened to the other girls. They would have known that the safety training they got and what they were told about the possiblity of sexual harrassment and assault was real. It happened...to one of them...NOW. Covering up leaves all the other girls ignorant and a target. Ignorance is not always bliss.
It is all very upsetting...especially what happened to the young girl that was killed. She sent an email to ONE Peace Corps person asking not to have her name revealed and it got out who she was and she is now dead... And Peace Corps, except to tell the parents that their daughter was dead, hasn't even so much as made contact with them...shame on them. That was a horrible tragedy and PC should feel responsible in this case. There was a girl in Bangledesh that was also a different case and horrible tragedy. She felt that she was in danger, that a group of men/boys was following her, and other PC volunteers. She asked several times to be removed from her city to no avail. She was grabbed one night and ganged raped by several men. The biggest thing that sticks out in mind about this story is that she felt/knew that she was in danger, why on earth was she out alone...night...day...or any time in between. I would have gotten my shit and left with or without the permission of the PC. I would have gone to the PC regional office and set up camp right in their office if I had to. I would have talked to them and suffered the consequences from a safe place at a later time. No matter what they knew or didn't know about what was going on, they knew this volunteer felt that she was in danger. They should have done something...especially taking into consideration that Bangledesh is one of the poorest, high crime rate places on earth. Shame on PC again.
Of course on the PC Facebook group I belong to everyone is freaking out a bit. I posted some exerts from the Mali Welcome Book. The biggest thing being that we are responsible for our own safety and well being.
As stated in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook, becoming a
Peace ...Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and
traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone),
having a limited understanding of the local language and
culture, and being perceived as rich are some of the factors
that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience
varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty
thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents
of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most
Volunteers in Mali complete their two years of service without
personal security incidents. The Peace Corps has established
procedures and policies designed to help Volunteers reduce
their risks and enhance their safety and security. These
procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be
provided once you arrive in Mali. At the same time, you are
expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.
Malians generally consider it important to dress appropriately
whenever they are going to be seen in public—whether at
work, in the market, or at a bar. It is almost unheard of, for
example, for a Malian man or woman to wear shorts unless
he or... she is taking part in some kind of sporting event. Nor
would a professional man or woman ever be seen in public
wearing dirty, disheveled, wrinkled, or torn clothing. Dressing
appropriately will greatly enhance your credibility, improve
your ability to integrate into your community, and increase
your odds of having a safe Peace Corps service. Asidefrom
following Malian norms for dress, however, Volunteers need
to be aware of other unwritten rules of the culture, such as
the fact that Malian women never go to a bar on their own.
Serving in the Peace Corps often requires sacrificing personal
preferences regarding dress and behavior. There will be ample
discussion of this subject during cross-cultural sessions in preservice training.
There is a page in the invitation booklets that we received that went into detail about dress. This is a muslim country. We are to wear dresses/skirts that come at least to mid-calf, never ever show your knees and long sleeve shirts. Some areas we may need to cover our hair. But then I read posts and blogs of volunteers already there saying they know they would get more respect if they dressed appropriately, or in the traditional garb, but they don't really care. Or I'm not comfortable in a skirt. Their packing lists include skinny jeans and cute tops. Really!!?? I'm not comfortable in a skirt either but I accepted the invitation to their country based on the stipulations that I would respect their culture. Part of my job is to immerse my self into their communities. We should dress, act and speak accordingly. And if we don't then we don't gain their respect, we don't immerse into their communities and their can certainly be, obviously be other consequences. Some of the packing list of some girls already there consisted of blow dryers, flat irons, make up, skinny jeans, cute tops, heels, etc. I do understand that it could be important for some people to have something of themselves from back home. Maybe they want to dress up every once in a while and go out on the town and feel like "home" for a little while, but it may turn out badly. I know some people are going to read this and think that I am blaming the way these girls dressed or the way they behaved or the fact that they were hanging out in bars at night alone on what happened to them. Not in any sense of the word "blame" am I saying that. But you have to agree, we already stick out like sore thumbs and then to walk around dressed up for a night on the town.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure they go over very well in training about safety and what you should do to avoid unwanted attention and stay safe. Its our responsiblity to put that training into action. Be educated, be smart and stick together. Back to kindergarten buddy system. We have the benefit of learning from the nightmares these other girls survived. I hope we use this information wisely.
Monday, January 17, 2011
ME!!!...IN CHURCH!!
January 9, 2011
It is 21 days until I leave for DC. 24 until I leave for Mali...for 2 years. Needless to say I am seriously freaking out. I think I'll be fine once I am on the plane, but until then...
Today was an interesting day for me. I went to church!! Those of you who know me know this is so far out of my box and my character it is mind boggling. When I started volunteering with the Alliance for African Assistance they set me up to mentor, tutor, befriend a family from the Congo. They had only been in the United States for 8 days. They didn't know one word of english. The Mutubahzi's are a family of 10 mom and dad (Bahati and Sophia), 6 children (I won't get into their names...you wouldn't be able to pronounce them even if I put them in here), Bahati's mom and his brother. Since then mom and brother got their own apartment so it's just 8 now. They were moved from a refugee camp in Uganda, were they spent the last 7 years, into one of the crappiest cities in San Diego. They were set up in a maybe 800 square foot 3 bedroom apartment with kitchen cabinet doors falling off hinges, cockroaches running rampant and most of their electrical outlets didn't work and the ones that did usually blew out whatever was plugged into them... microwave, TV, etc...poof...they've never seen or had these things in their lives and then...poof...gone as quickly as they came. They were seperated from their families and moved into an area most of us wouldn't live if someone paid us and they couldn't be happier. They are safe, they are healthy, they have their most prized possessions (their children). What more could a person ask for.
I was thrown into a relationship with them very quickly. I was shown where they lived, given their apartment number with instructions to go up and introduce myself. No one had time to take me and introduce myself, so do the best if could. Dad and children speak 4-5 different languages...and mom and grandma only 1. NONE of them English. After going around and shaking hands with everyone at least once (very traditional African greeeting...they could go outside for a few minutes and come back and shake again) and me trying to remotely repeat and learn their names, we sat and stared at each other for some time. I had them take me around the apartment and show me what they did and didn't have...sheets, towels, silverware, plates. Did they need anything, did they have everything, what could I do for them. After about a grueling hour I finally left. I thought about them alot that night. If I felt so overwhelmed being in their home for an hour not being able to communicate how must they feel every second of all 8 days they have been in this country not being able to communicate. And to add to the language barrier, a few days earlier had never been in a plane, except for a few times never having had been in a car, a bathroom...in the house, running water, a microwave...imagine trying to show someone how to use that for the first time. All the things we take for granted and our children have used and been exposed to since the day they were born. What a trip!! I go back. Once a week, twice a week, sometimes I have to miss a week. I help them with their English, I am their friend, I hold moms hand just because...she seems to want to. One of their languages is French and I just started taking French at the community college...of course how they speak and how we are being taught to speak and understand are two different things. I help with their English, they help me with my French. That is the deal as I can understand it.
It has been 1 year and 5 months since the day I met this family. How quickly times goes by. I have come to know and love each one of them. And they, love me. I can even say their names without stopping to think about it. We are family. The kids English is so unbelievably good. How quickly they learn. Dad improves "little, little" everday. Mom...well she speaks and understands better than she will admit or let on, but she holds her own. When I first started helping her with English, I taught her the easiest things first. "Hello, how are you?" "Nice to see you." We walked up and down her street for 20 minutes saying it over and over again to every person we passed. They looked at us like we were crazy. We felt crazy, but it sure was a lot of fun. She still uses these phrases regularly and I think about that day and laugh to myself. "Oh my gosh, you give me a headache." is another big line of hers. WHAT??...I didn't think she'd remember it. It could have been worse.
There's been some bad with the good. I've met a lot of refugee families while I've been working with them, they seem to fill up by apartment complexes, and it appears that they all get sick off and on during the first months to a year after being in our country. Maybe it's the change in environment, the change of food, the fact that we use pesticides, steroids, hormones and every other thing unnatural to grown our meat, fruits and vegetables. I'm sure I'll find out soon enough when I go to Africa and start getting sick because all of these wonderful things are being taken out of my diet and adding instead bacteria, parasites, amoebas and the like. None the less, they seem to spend a lot of time sick and usually that will come with a hospital visit. Grandma's been in and out, older brother has been in and out, dad, mom...their 15 year old son was in for almost a week with an infection in his arm. They talked about amputating. I'm glad that was not the course of action they decided to take. The neighbors have been in and out of the hospital as well. The worst yet was Noella diagnosed with breast cancer. I did not find out until the day she had had the masectomy and was home with a house full of little children by 2pm. She was so sick and pitiful when I went to see her. They all still smile and give thanks. If this would have happened in her country she would not have survived. She has too many children, too much to do to die so young.
As long as I have been visiting this family Bahati always talks to me about the glory of his god. All of his blessings, including me being a part of their life. A few times throughout this past year and a half he has asked me to go to church with them. Instead of my looking at the honor it was to be asked to join them in their celebrations, I said no because church...god...is not my thing. For some reason, I'm assuming because I will be leaving my famille africaine soon, I decided why not. Why not be able to share what obviously is such a joyous time for them with them. So I said yes. Bahati could not believe his ears and yelled for Sophia to tell her the good news. He spoke to her in Swahili only what I imagine was this very same news. What a day at the Mutubahzi home.
Well today was the day. I got dressed and was over to the house by 9:30. We left in my car for church. There wasn't that many people there, and most of them I knew. They all live in the same complex as Sophia and Bahati. Everyone was so excited to see me. I don't know if it was because they all consider me to a friend, or, any friend of Bahati's is a friend of mine, or, a new face is a new blessing. Whatever the case may be I was touched by all the attention. As the "mass" progressed and after a good 20 minutes of singing and dancing and music playing, the pastor talked about the blessings of the past week. I was number 3. I would have been insulted not being number 1 but getting from last week to this week alive and healthy, and the birth of 2 new babies in the congregation really does far outweigh 1 new face in the neighborhood. I think he talked about me for about 10 minutes...since the ENTIRE mass was in Swahili (with a poor translation to english) I'm not all sure of what was going on but everyone kept looking at me and smiling and raising their hands towards the ceiling. Say amen, say alleluia!!
After another song or two Bahati got up to speak in front of the congregation. I am happy to say that his being thankful that I was there was number 2 on his list. He started by saying I was his sister and how grateful he was for me to be a part of his families life. That's when the water works started. I started crying and didn't stop for a good hour. Maybe I was so touched and honored by this family...maybe I just needed a good cry. Whatever the reason, it was on. After Bahati, came Sophia. Apparently talking about some of our first meetings, about what brought me to them today...everyone laughed. I hope they were laughing with me. It's amazing, we spend so much time wondering what to buy this one for his birthday and that one for Christmas. Or we want to do buy something for special for no reason whatsoever...I never felt more appreciated and loved and it didn't cost them a dime. I was honored.
After everyone spoke about me, they asked me to come up and say something. I did have something to say and am usually very good about speaking in front of others, but I was crying. Really, you're going to make me cry and then ask me to come up and speak. Eyes red and tearing, make up shot, nose running. Maybe next time.
Yes there may be a next time. Since lightening didn't strike me or anyone else sitting next to me I thought what the hell. I only have 2 more Sundays left. Next time I'll come and maybe I'll say something. I'll prepare a cheat sheet beforehand. Maybe I'll just give it to the interpreter and let him do it. I'll sit in the way back and cry by myself.
The Mutubazi Family.
It is 21 days until I leave for DC. 24 until I leave for Mali...for 2 years. Needless to say I am seriously freaking out. I think I'll be fine once I am on the plane, but until then...
Today was an interesting day for me. I went to church!! Those of you who know me know this is so far out of my box and my character it is mind boggling. When I started volunteering with the Alliance for African Assistance they set me up to mentor, tutor, befriend a family from the Congo. They had only been in the United States for 8 days. They didn't know one word of english. The Mutubahzi's are a family of 10 mom and dad (Bahati and Sophia), 6 children (I won't get into their names...you wouldn't be able to pronounce them even if I put them in here), Bahati's mom and his brother. Since then mom and brother got their own apartment so it's just 8 now. They were moved from a refugee camp in Uganda, were they spent the last 7 years, into one of the crappiest cities in San Diego. They were set up in a maybe 800 square foot 3 bedroom apartment with kitchen cabinet doors falling off hinges, cockroaches running rampant and most of their electrical outlets didn't work and the ones that did usually blew out whatever was plugged into them... microwave, TV, etc...poof...they've never seen or had these things in their lives and then...poof...gone as quickly as they came. They were seperated from their families and moved into an area most of us wouldn't live if someone paid us and they couldn't be happier. They are safe, they are healthy, they have their most prized possessions (their children). What more could a person ask for.
I was thrown into a relationship with them very quickly. I was shown where they lived, given their apartment number with instructions to go up and introduce myself. No one had time to take me and introduce myself, so do the best if could. Dad and children speak 4-5 different languages...and mom and grandma only 1. NONE of them English. After going around and shaking hands with everyone at least once (very traditional African greeeting...they could go outside for a few minutes and come back and shake again) and me trying to remotely repeat and learn their names, we sat and stared at each other for some time. I had them take me around the apartment and show me what they did and didn't have...sheets, towels, silverware, plates. Did they need anything, did they have everything, what could I do for them. After about a grueling hour I finally left. I thought about them alot that night. If I felt so overwhelmed being in their home for an hour not being able to communicate how must they feel every second of all 8 days they have been in this country not being able to communicate. And to add to the language barrier, a few days earlier had never been in a plane, except for a few times never having had been in a car, a bathroom...in the house, running water, a microwave...imagine trying to show someone how to use that for the first time. All the things we take for granted and our children have used and been exposed to since the day they were born. What a trip!! I go back. Once a week, twice a week, sometimes I have to miss a week. I help them with their English, I am their friend, I hold moms hand just because...she seems to want to. One of their languages is French and I just started taking French at the community college...of course how they speak and how we are being taught to speak and understand are two different things. I help with their English, they help me with my French. That is the deal as I can understand it.
It has been 1 year and 5 months since the day I met this family. How quickly times goes by. I have come to know and love each one of them. And they, love me. I can even say their names without stopping to think about it. We are family. The kids English is so unbelievably good. How quickly they learn. Dad improves "little, little" everday. Mom...well she speaks and understands better than she will admit or let on, but she holds her own. When I first started helping her with English, I taught her the easiest things first. "Hello, how are you?" "Nice to see you." We walked up and down her street for 20 minutes saying it over and over again to every person we passed. They looked at us like we were crazy. We felt crazy, but it sure was a lot of fun. She still uses these phrases regularly and I think about that day and laugh to myself. "Oh my gosh, you give me a headache." is another big line of hers. WHAT??...I didn't think she'd remember it. It could have been worse.
There's been some bad with the good. I've met a lot of refugee families while I've been working with them, they seem to fill up by apartment complexes, and it appears that they all get sick off and on during the first months to a year after being in our country. Maybe it's the change in environment, the change of food, the fact that we use pesticides, steroids, hormones and every other thing unnatural to grown our meat, fruits and vegetables. I'm sure I'll find out soon enough when I go to Africa and start getting sick because all of these wonderful things are being taken out of my diet and adding instead bacteria, parasites, amoebas and the like. None the less, they seem to spend a lot of time sick and usually that will come with a hospital visit. Grandma's been in and out, older brother has been in and out, dad, mom...their 15 year old son was in for almost a week with an infection in his arm. They talked about amputating. I'm glad that was not the course of action they decided to take. The neighbors have been in and out of the hospital as well. The worst yet was Noella diagnosed with breast cancer. I did not find out until the day she had had the masectomy and was home with a house full of little children by 2pm. She was so sick and pitiful when I went to see her. They all still smile and give thanks. If this would have happened in her country she would not have survived. She has too many children, too much to do to die so young.
As long as I have been visiting this family Bahati always talks to me about the glory of his god. All of his blessings, including me being a part of their life. A few times throughout this past year and a half he has asked me to go to church with them. Instead of my looking at the honor it was to be asked to join them in their celebrations, I said no because church...god...is not my thing. For some reason, I'm assuming because I will be leaving my famille africaine soon, I decided why not. Why not be able to share what obviously is such a joyous time for them with them. So I said yes. Bahati could not believe his ears and yelled for Sophia to tell her the good news. He spoke to her in Swahili only what I imagine was this very same news. What a day at the Mutubahzi home.
Well today was the day. I got dressed and was over to the house by 9:30. We left in my car for church. There wasn't that many people there, and most of them I knew. They all live in the same complex as Sophia and Bahati. Everyone was so excited to see me. I don't know if it was because they all consider me to a friend, or, any friend of Bahati's is a friend of mine, or, a new face is a new blessing. Whatever the case may be I was touched by all the attention. As the "mass" progressed and after a good 20 minutes of singing and dancing and music playing, the pastor talked about the blessings of the past week. I was number 3. I would have been insulted not being number 1 but getting from last week to this week alive and healthy, and the birth of 2 new babies in the congregation really does far outweigh 1 new face in the neighborhood. I think he talked about me for about 10 minutes...since the ENTIRE mass was in Swahili (with a poor translation to english) I'm not all sure of what was going on but everyone kept looking at me and smiling and raising their hands towards the ceiling. Say amen, say alleluia!!
After another song or two Bahati got up to speak in front of the congregation. I am happy to say that his being thankful that I was there was number 2 on his list. He started by saying I was his sister and how grateful he was for me to be a part of his families life. That's when the water works started. I started crying and didn't stop for a good hour. Maybe I was so touched and honored by this family...maybe I just needed a good cry. Whatever the reason, it was on. After Bahati, came Sophia. Apparently talking about some of our first meetings, about what brought me to them today...everyone laughed. I hope they were laughing with me. It's amazing, we spend so much time wondering what to buy this one for his birthday and that one for Christmas. Or we want to do buy something for special for no reason whatsoever...I never felt more appreciated and loved and it didn't cost them a dime. I was honored.
After everyone spoke about me, they asked me to come up and say something. I did have something to say and am usually very good about speaking in front of others, but I was crying. Really, you're going to make me cry and then ask me to come up and speak. Eyes red and tearing, make up shot, nose running. Maybe next time.
Yes there may be a next time. Since lightening didn't strike me or anyone else sitting next to me I thought what the hell. I only have 2 more Sundays left. Next time I'll come and maybe I'll say something. I'll prepare a cheat sheet beforehand. Maybe I'll just give it to the interpreter and let him do it. I'll sit in the way back and cry by myself.
The Mutubazi Family.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Packing and counting down
January 3, 2011
Thanks to Facebook I joined the Peace Corps Mali group for those volunteers leaving February 1st. It's been great. Although not in person we've gotten to chat back and forth. Throw ideas around about what to bring and what to expect (from current volunteers already in Mali). This one is getting this bug tent, this person is getting this charger, etc. And of course just getting to know each other before we head out half way around the world. We learn along the way that the answer to all questions are important whether you were the one that asked them or not. So I pay attention to everything going back and forth.
So I've actually been packed for a couple of weeks now. Silly right?...but I wanted to make sure that all my supplies were going to fit and be within the weight limits. So far from what I can tell I am making the weight limit of 80 pounds of checked baggage. Even if I go over and have to pay to check a bag, that's OK with me. I'm leaving for 2 years. If I have to pay $50 to make sure I have everything I may need then that's what I'll do. I think I was smart about what I packed. Especially after reading others packing list. For the most part there is a big age difference between myself and most of the Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) that I'll be deploying with or from the ones we've been hearing from already in Mali. So what's important to them and what is important to me is two different things. One volunteer bought a couple of cute tops, some skinny jeans, 10 different color eyeshadows and 3 tubes of her favorite mascara. I'm bringing a collapsible 5 gallon BPA free water carrier. This way I can get my water from the well with whatever is available (bucket I'm assuming) run it through my water filter and fill a container so I have drinking water always readily available. And don't forget the water filter!! I know they give you one, but my brother gave me one that you can take swamp water if necessary and make it drinkable with 0 (ZERO) bacterias and parasites. No giardia for me!! I will not shit my pants, I will not shit my pants, I will not shit my pants...I wonder if I say it enough it will make it true.
Here's the rest of my packing list. Writing it down will help me make sure I have everything I need...I probably have more than I will use but I will definitely be prepared.
GREAT CERAMIC WATER FILTER (I put this at the top of the list as it could be the very thing between
me and dsyntery or giardia or ????...I'm sure I'll still have plenty of problems but this is a good start
THANKS to my brother, RODGER)
bungee cords (you never know)
4 wire hangers (again, you never know...wire hangers always seem to come in useful)
duck tape (nothing you can't fix with a little duck tape)
4 carabiners
headlamp
2 travel adapters
flashlight
ear plugs
leather work gloves
leatherman
leatherman (for a gift for my host dad)
2 nalgene bottles
1 ass bottle (the bathrooms are holes in the ground and they don't really use toilet paper...a portable bidet
if you will.)
camping portable toilet seat (SOooo...I feel like this is the one luxury item I bought, It is flat and light. The
legs fold out and should stand around 10 inches above the hole. I know it sounds crazy and some of the
other volunteers might think that it's crazy but they'll probably be knocking down my door to use my
bathroom.)
5 gallon solar shower bag
2 - 5 gallon collapsible water jugs
ziploc baggies (1 box of each; gallon, quart, sandwich)
3 tupperware containers
2 plastic storage containers
under bed shoe storage (holds 12 pairs of shoes...I didn't buy it for shoes but for storage for other stuff...
my extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc...it has seperated units and it fits right under the
bed)
gel bike seat cover
assorted seeds
Hiking backpack (for going into town overnight)
free standing bug tent (I'm sure I will get good use out of this. Some of the volunteers say they haven't slept
in their huts for months because of the heat inside. But you can't sleep outside without being protected
from mosquitos)
Camelback (if I'm going to be riding a bike everywhere I'll be needing this...thanks to my sister Gail)
6 skirts (they take up so little room...why not)
4 pair of leggings (I will wear skirts but I will wear leggings under them...makes sure my legs are covered and
something to lessen the friction of my thighs catching fire)
5 pair of pants
2 pair of work out pants
10 t-shirts
2 pair of PJs
2 wraps
2 bathing suits
bra
panties
5 pairs of socks
set of sheets
2 pillows (bought those vacuum bags...suck the air right out of those bad boys. They'll hardly take up any
room)
hiking sandals
hiking shoes
3 pair of flip flops of sorts (shower, walking, 1 pair of nicer sandals)
rain poncho
hoody
hat
2 bandanas
passport cover
security pouch
granola bars
Crystal light water flavors
3 towels
4 washclothes
face scrub
face cleanser
Dr. Brommer's body wash
shampoo
conditioner
hair clips and ties
sunscreen
dental floss
3 toothpastes
toothbrush
2 extra toothbrushes
deodorant
powder
moisturizer
3 nail polish
nail polish remover
cotton pads
mirror (with magnifying side...I can't see anymore without it)
foundation (with 30 spf...gotta stay away from the sun)
mascara (I may never wear it but a girl has gotta feel pretty sometimes...even in the desert, jungle, heat)
makeup remover
tweezers
nail clippers
nail files
some jewelry
tampons/kotex
Qtips
Meds (Immodium, Ibuprofen, etc)
Dramamine
Sea-bands
bandaids
resistance bands (in case riding my bike from village to health center to village won't be enough exercise)
frying pan (they say if you like to cook you should bring your own)
big knife
little knife
2 forks, 2 spoons
cutting board
scissors
4 GB zip drive
2 - 4 GB memory cards
camera
small tripod
10" netbook
kindle
MP3
Portable speakers
all the cords for everything
booklight
AAA batteries
Solar clock
address book
photo album (so I can share pictures of home and family with my new family)
Peace Corps paperwork
3 kids puzzles
3 recorders/plastic flutes
word search book
2 coloring books
color pencils
crayons
pens
pencils
pencil sharpener
glowstick bracelets (what a hit these will be!!)
kids memo pads
kids tattooes
OMG!! No wonder my suitcases are stuffed and weigh a ton. When I first weighed them they were both just about 40 pounds. I added a couple of things AND I already have a box to mail myself right before I leave. Since it can take a few weeks to get there I made sure it was stuff I won't need right away...which most of the stuff I'm brining I won't need at least the first 10 weeks I will be in training. But I gotta get it there some way. WOW...this is a lot of stuff. I think I'll go through my suitcases again and try if I can't eliminate some stuff...or pack another box to go out to me at a later time. There's not much time left to figure this out.
Thanks to Facebook I joined the Peace Corps Mali group for those volunteers leaving February 1st. It's been great. Although not in person we've gotten to chat back and forth. Throw ideas around about what to bring and what to expect (from current volunteers already in Mali). This one is getting this bug tent, this person is getting this charger, etc. And of course just getting to know each other before we head out half way around the world. We learn along the way that the answer to all questions are important whether you were the one that asked them or not. So I pay attention to everything going back and forth.
So I've actually been packed for a couple of weeks now. Silly right?...but I wanted to make sure that all my supplies were going to fit and be within the weight limits. So far from what I can tell I am making the weight limit of 80 pounds of checked baggage. Even if I go over and have to pay to check a bag, that's OK with me. I'm leaving for 2 years. If I have to pay $50 to make sure I have everything I may need then that's what I'll do. I think I was smart about what I packed. Especially after reading others packing list. For the most part there is a big age difference between myself and most of the Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) that I'll be deploying with or from the ones we've been hearing from already in Mali. So what's important to them and what is important to me is two different things. One volunteer bought a couple of cute tops, some skinny jeans, 10 different color eyeshadows and 3 tubes of her favorite mascara. I'm bringing a collapsible 5 gallon BPA free water carrier. This way I can get my water from the well with whatever is available (bucket I'm assuming) run it through my water filter and fill a container so I have drinking water always readily available. And don't forget the water filter!! I know they give you one, but my brother gave me one that you can take swamp water if necessary and make it drinkable with 0 (ZERO) bacterias and parasites. No giardia for me!! I will not shit my pants, I will not shit my pants, I will not shit my pants...I wonder if I say it enough it will make it true.
Here's the rest of my packing list. Writing it down will help me make sure I have everything I need...I probably have more than I will use but I will definitely be prepared.
GREAT CERAMIC WATER FILTER (I put this at the top of the list as it could be the very thing between
me and dsyntery or giardia or ????...I'm sure I'll still have plenty of problems but this is a good start
THANKS to my brother, RODGER)
bungee cords (you never know)
4 wire hangers (again, you never know...wire hangers always seem to come in useful)
duck tape (nothing you can't fix with a little duck tape)
4 carabiners
headlamp
2 travel adapters
flashlight
ear plugs
leather work gloves
leatherman
leatherman (for a gift for my host dad)
2 nalgene bottles
1 ass bottle (the bathrooms are holes in the ground and they don't really use toilet paper...a portable bidet
if you will.)
camping portable toilet seat (SOooo...I feel like this is the one luxury item I bought, It is flat and light. The
legs fold out and should stand around 10 inches above the hole. I know it sounds crazy and some of the
other volunteers might think that it's crazy but they'll probably be knocking down my door to use my
bathroom.)
5 gallon solar shower bag
2 - 5 gallon collapsible water jugs
ziploc baggies (1 box of each; gallon, quart, sandwich)
3 tupperware containers
2 plastic storage containers
under bed shoe storage (holds 12 pairs of shoes...I didn't buy it for shoes but for storage for other stuff...
my extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc...it has seperated units and it fits right under the
bed)
gel bike seat cover
assorted seeds
Hiking backpack (for going into town overnight)
free standing bug tent (I'm sure I will get good use out of this. Some of the volunteers say they haven't slept
in their huts for months because of the heat inside. But you can't sleep outside without being protected
from mosquitos)
Camelback (if I'm going to be riding a bike everywhere I'll be needing this...thanks to my sister Gail)
6 skirts (they take up so little room...why not)
4 pair of leggings (I will wear skirts but I will wear leggings under them...makes sure my legs are covered and
something to lessen the friction of my thighs catching fire)
5 pair of pants
2 pair of work out pants
10 t-shirts
2 pair of PJs
2 wraps
2 bathing suits
bra
panties
5 pairs of socks
set of sheets
2 pillows (bought those vacuum bags...suck the air right out of those bad boys. They'll hardly take up any
room)
hiking sandals
hiking shoes
3 pair of flip flops of sorts (shower, walking, 1 pair of nicer sandals)
rain poncho
hoody
hat
2 bandanas
passport cover
security pouch
granola bars
Crystal light water flavors
3 towels
4 washclothes
face scrub
face cleanser
Dr. Brommer's body wash
shampoo
conditioner
hair clips and ties
sunscreen
dental floss
3 toothpastes
toothbrush
2 extra toothbrushes
deodorant
powder
moisturizer
3 nail polish
nail polish remover
cotton pads
mirror (with magnifying side...I can't see anymore without it)
foundation (with 30 spf...gotta stay away from the sun)
mascara (I may never wear it but a girl has gotta feel pretty sometimes...even in the desert, jungle, heat)
makeup remover
tweezers
nail clippers
nail files
some jewelry
tampons/kotex
Qtips
Meds (Immodium, Ibuprofen, etc)
Dramamine
Sea-bands
bandaids
resistance bands (in case riding my bike from village to health center to village won't be enough exercise)
frying pan (they say if you like to cook you should bring your own)
big knife
little knife
2 forks, 2 spoons
cutting board
scissors
4 GB zip drive
2 - 4 GB memory cards
camera
small tripod
10" netbook
kindle
MP3
Portable speakers
all the cords for everything
booklight
AAA batteries
Solar clock
address book
photo album (so I can share pictures of home and family with my new family)
Peace Corps paperwork
3 kids puzzles
3 recorders/plastic flutes
word search book
2 coloring books
color pencils
crayons
pens
pencils
pencil sharpener
glowstick bracelets (what a hit these will be!!)
kids memo pads
kids tattooes
OMG!! No wonder my suitcases are stuffed and weigh a ton. When I first weighed them they were both just about 40 pounds. I added a couple of things AND I already have a box to mail myself right before I leave. Since it can take a few weeks to get there I made sure it was stuff I won't need right away...which most of the stuff I'm brining I won't need at least the first 10 weeks I will be in training. But I gotta get it there some way. WOW...this is a lot of stuff. I think I'll go through my suitcases again and try if I can't eliminate some stuff...or pack another box to go out to me at a later time. There's not much time left to figure this out.
Friday, January 7, 2011
I would like to make a reservation please...
January 3, 2011
Well I called the travel agency today and made my reservation. Since I live on the west coast they allow an extra day for travel. The itinerary for orientation is tight and it begins, promptly I'm sure, at noon on January 31st. So I am flying out on January 30th.
American Airlines Flight: 1418
Depart: San Diego 7:30 AM
Arrive: Dallas/Ft.Worth, TX 12:25 PM
Depart: Dallas/Ft.Worth, TX 1:45 PM
Arrive: Washington, NATL, DC 5:25 PM
Let the games begin...
Monday, January 31, 2011 – Tuesday, February 1, 2011
MALI Staging Event
Holiday Inn Georgetown
2101 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Monday, January 31, 2011
12:00 PM
Registration
Official registration as a Peace Corps trainee
-- turn in your completed forms.
2:00 - 4:25 PM
-Who We Are
-What’s Expected of You
4:25 - 4:45 PM
Break
4:45 - 7:00 PM
-What You Expect
-What’s Next
-Closing
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
12:00 PM
Check out of hotel
1:00 PM
Bus arrives for loading and departure to clinic
2:00 PM
Clinic appointment (get the rest of necessary vaccines)
9:55 PM
Flight departs for Mali
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ITINERARY:
01 FEB 11 - TUESDAY AIR DELTA AIR LINES INC FLT:8331
WASHINGTON DULLES-PARIS DE GAULLE OPERATED BY AIR FRANCE
Depart WASHINGTON DULLES 9:55PM
07HR 20MIN
02 FEB 11 - WEDNESDAY Arrive PARIS DE GAULLE 11:15AM
PARIS DE GAULLE-BAMAKO OPERATED BY AIR FRANCE
Depart PARIS DE GAULLE 4:10PM
Arrive BAMAKO 8:50PM
05HR 40MIN
This is the stuff that makes me a little nervous...
* Choose your emergency contacts carefully. Your emergency contacts must be able to respond rationally to an emergency. * If you want your next of kin to be contacted in an emergency, check the appropriate box to the right of their address. Additionally, we request that you provide us with two other emergency contacts. We recommend that your two other emergency contacts have different addresses and phone numbers from your next of kin and from each other.
I'm shitting my pants...just a little. WHY are we talking about Next of Kin...why did I need my dental records.
Well I called the travel agency today and made my reservation. Since I live on the west coast they allow an extra day for travel. The itinerary for orientation is tight and it begins, promptly I'm sure, at noon on January 31st. So I am flying out on January 30th.
American Airlines Flight: 1418
Depart: San Diego 7:30 AM
Arrive: Dallas/Ft.Worth, TX 12:25 PM
Depart: Dallas/Ft.Worth, TX 1:45 PM
Arrive: Washington, NATL, DC 5:25 PM
Let the games begin...
Monday, January 31, 2011 – Tuesday, February 1, 2011
MALI Staging Event
Holiday Inn Georgetown
2101 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Monday, January 31, 2011
12:00 PM
Registration
Official registration as a Peace Corps trainee
-- turn in your completed forms.
2:00 - 4:25 PM
-Who We Are
-What’s Expected of You
4:25 - 4:45 PM
Break
4:45 - 7:00 PM
-What You Expect
-What’s Next
-Closing
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
12:00 PM
Check out of hotel
1:00 PM
Bus arrives for loading and departure to clinic
2:00 PM
Clinic appointment (get the rest of necessary vaccines)
9:55 PM
Flight departs for Mali
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ITINERARY:
01 FEB 11 - TUESDAY AIR DELTA AIR LINES INC FLT:8331
WASHINGTON DULLES-PARIS DE GAULLE OPERATED BY AIR FRANCE
Depart WASHINGTON DULLES 9:55PM
07HR 20MIN
02 FEB 11 - WEDNESDAY Arrive PARIS DE GAULLE 11:15AM
PARIS DE GAULLE-BAMAKO OPERATED BY AIR FRANCE
Depart PARIS DE GAULLE 4:10PM
Arrive BAMAKO 8:50PM
05HR 40MIN
This is the stuff that makes me a little nervous...
* Choose your emergency contacts carefully. Your emergency contacts must be able to respond rationally to an emergency. * If you want your next of kin to be contacted in an emergency, check the appropriate box to the right of their address. Additionally, we request that you provide us with two other emergency contacts. We recommend that your two other emergency contacts have different addresses and phone numbers from your next of kin and from each other.
I'm shitting my pants...just a little. WHY are we talking about Next of Kin...why did I need my dental records.
Monday, January 3, 2011
It's here, it's here...the phone book is here!!
December 30, 2010
I guess that's not funny to those of you that haven't seen Steve Martin in The Jerk. But he was so excited when the phone book came because finally being out on his parnets home (where he grew up as a poor black boy) he was finally listed in the phone book. "I'M SOMEBODY!!" Well who's somebody now!!??
Back in October was the last time I had any contact with or from somebody at the Peace Corps. After they sent me the inviation to Mali I was asked to submit an updated resume and an aspiration statement. I did that within the specified period of time, but then...I have never heard from anyone since then. So I plodded through the last two months, getting excited, being sick to my stomach over going to a foreign country...not for a visit but for 2 years...sick because I got rid of everything I owned (except a 10X5 storage with stuff when I get back in 2 years I'll wonder why I saved it), not having a job or money, but most of all leaving my kids. Not babies, but my children none-the-less. I've also spent the last 2 months packing, studying my french and taking a quick look at Bambara (the language I will need to learn when I get to Mali) and spending every last dime I have to be ready for a trip that I'm hoping that I'm going on but don't really know since I haven't heard a word in 2 months. AAHHHHH!!...it's been a little frustrating. At least send me an e-mail with the list of volunteers going (including my name), or an email that says HI or something.
But alas...all that worrying and wondering for nothing..
December 30, 2010 (I'm leaving in 20 days...nothing like waiting til the last minute...I need anti-anxiety meds)
Greetings future Trainee:
The Staging Unit is looking forward to your arrival in Washington, DC for the Mali staging event. Please read this email and the attachments carefully, as the information here will answer many of the questions you have regarding your final steps prior to departing for Mali.
Like Steve Martin in The Jerk...the phone book is here, the phone book is here!!
Now I have to call the travel agency to make my flight reservations. Then there really is no turning back.
December 31st...I called the travel agency to make my reservation. Unfortunately all that is available on holidays (New Years Eve) and the weekends is emergency reservations. Well this may not be an emergency for them, but it sure the hell is an emergency for me. Each little step/hurdle that I can get through the less anxious I am...more nervous, but less anxious. But now I have to wait until Monday. AHH!! Happy New Year!!
I guess that's not funny to those of you that haven't seen Steve Martin in The Jerk. But he was so excited when the phone book came because finally being out on his parnets home (where he grew up as a poor black boy) he was finally listed in the phone book. "I'M SOMEBODY!!" Well who's somebody now!!??
Back in October was the last time I had any contact with or from somebody at the Peace Corps. After they sent me the inviation to Mali I was asked to submit an updated resume and an aspiration statement. I did that within the specified period of time, but then...I have never heard from anyone since then. So I plodded through the last two months, getting excited, being sick to my stomach over going to a foreign country...not for a visit but for 2 years...sick because I got rid of everything I owned (except a 10X5 storage with stuff when I get back in 2 years I'll wonder why I saved it), not having a job or money, but most of all leaving my kids. Not babies, but my children none-the-less. I've also spent the last 2 months packing, studying my french and taking a quick look at Bambara (the language I will need to learn when I get to Mali) and spending every last dime I have to be ready for a trip that I'm hoping that I'm going on but don't really know since I haven't heard a word in 2 months. AAHHHHH!!...it's been a little frustrating. At least send me an e-mail with the list of volunteers going (including my name), or an email that says HI or something.
But alas...all that worrying and wondering for nothing..
December 30, 2010 (I'm leaving in 20 days...nothing like waiting til the last minute...I need anti-anxiety meds)
Greetings future Trainee:
The Staging Unit is looking forward to your arrival in Washington, DC for the Mali staging event. Please read this email and the attachments carefully, as the information here will answer many of the questions you have regarding your final steps prior to departing for Mali.
Like Steve Martin in The Jerk...the phone book is here, the phone book is here!!
Now I have to call the travel agency to make my flight reservations. Then there really is no turning back.
December 31st...I called the travel agency to make my reservation. Unfortunately all that is available on holidays (New Years Eve) and the weekends is emergency reservations. Well this may not be an emergency for them, but it sure the hell is an emergency for me. Each little step/hurdle that I can get through the less anxious I am...more nervous, but less anxious. But now I have to wait until Monday. AHH!! Happy New Year!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Is anybody out there??
With less than 2 months to go I feel like I should be meeting or talking to other volunteers that are leaving to Mali at the same time as I am. Other volunteers that will be with me during out 2 day staging here in the states (I'm thinking Philly or DC), other volunteers that I will spend 10 weeks with in Mali for training...other volunteers that will be living somewhere near me and that I could possibly develop friendships with and stay in contact with while we are in Mali for the next 27 months. I haven't spoken to anyone.
When I filled out some paperwork for the western region PC newsletter, the person that I e-mailed that information to said that he could get me contact information for other volunteers that would be going to Mali at the same time I was. Would I like to get this information? SURE...I would love to at least talk to someone. I contacted Marlow 2 weeks before I was leaving to go visit my brother in Santa Rosa. As it turns out Marlow lives in San Francisco. About an hour south of my brother. We emailed back and forth a couple of times and actually made plans to meet when I got in town. How exciting is that. Finally another person to talk to. Someone that I will now know when I get to staging. This will be awesome. I'm not alone anymore.
Back in October I was asked to fill out some paperwork, send an updated resume, write an aspiration statement and fill out the information for my passport and visa. I accomplished all of that within 10 days. I haven't heard another word since then. No email saying they received this information, nothing saying you will hear from us soon, nothing. I thought at least I might hear from someone from the PC with a list of the other voluteers who were leaving at the same time. I'm kind of working on a wing and a prayer right now that everything is going well, without any gliches and that I am actually flying out on January 30th. It feels weird though to be making plans, purchasing all of my supplies and already being packed without any word since the invitation I received 2 months ago. When I think about it it's a little scarey. I don't have a job, I don't have my house, I don't have my car, I am living with friends, I got rid of my grandmother's dining room set...MY GRANDMOTHER'S DINING ROOM SET...(thankfully it got to stay in the family) and MY MOTORCYCLE!! I'm hoping to hear anyday with the information I need to make my flight arrangements.
December 7th I drove from my brother's house into San Francisco to meet Marlow. I'm so excited. I recognized her right away from her Facebook picture waiting for me outside the restaraunt we were going to have lunch at. Sengalese food. Unfortunately, they are only open for dinner. So we walked for a while and found some place else to eat. Eating was secondary to our meeting and chatting it up for a while. We sat down and talked for about 3 hours. It was great. We talked about what we were going to be doing, what we were doing to get ready, what we were packing, what we were going to be doing until it was time to leave. She told me about the group on FB. I was excited about that as well. MORE people to make contact with and get to know before we depart. There is someone putting together a document that had comments from current and past PC volunteers that had information about what they brought with them, what they brought with them but didn't need and what they didn't bring but wished they had. They were also putting together a spreadsheet of the other volunteers names and their job assignment. Can't wait to get my hands on that information...especially the packing information since I have already started shopping and would be doing more shopping while I'm in town with my brother. Our visit was fun and very informative. I thought we really got along well and I will look forward to seeing Marlow again when we meet up for staging and then for training in Mali.
When I got back to my brother's that afternoon I got right on FB and joined the group with the other Mali volunteers leaving in January. I can't wait to see what everyone is writing about. I made contact with the Jessica who is getting together the documents of packing info and the volunteer spreadsheet. I also looked around on line for blogs of volunteers either in Mali currently or that had been and are home already. That's where I found Kristin. It seems that she has been in Mali for about a year already. What good information can I find out from her blog that they don't tell you about in the Welcome Book. OMG...I'm not sure I was ready for some of the stuff I read but I am grateful to hear it beforehand. Somethings it is not good to be surprised by. The stories below postd by Kristin Richards...http://kristinrichards.blogspot.com. She's a fantastic story teller. If you have some time you should check out her blog. Before you read some of the passages by Krisin just know, somethings you can't unread...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 posted by Kristin Richards
Fixing my roof
My kitchen hut in the middle of redoing my roof before rainy season begins
Seeing as 'weird' medical things tend to happen to me, naturally health was a major concern of mine for my two years of service in Mali. We learned early of the numerous things we could and most likely would encounter, hwo to attempt to prevent them, and how we will be cared for when they do (in the case of parasites, we wont get treated, because we will just continue to get them throughout our 2 years, so why overmedicate?). Current PCVs have warned that it is a reality of Peace Corps that you will poop your pants. I had come to terms with this, but didn't expect it quite so early. Two nights in a row during my first homestay, I woke myself up with a minor accident. My days go through highs and lows. I will be find for a couple hours, then have the runs for a couple hours, then have the worst bloating and gas of my life with nothing producing. Pepto did nothing to relieve the discomfort. When we returned to camp, I got a stool sample and the results are in....
I have amoebas! You get it through contaminated water or food. Bummer. So, now i'm on 3 days of meds (which cause naseau, headaches and general malaise) and then I'll be all good (until I ingest more contaminated stuff)...
Truthfully, I feel ok physicially and am great emotionally, so it's all good.
-I love that farting is funny anywhere. Seriously, on many occasions a whole group of people has been laughing and when I ask why, they explain because one of them just farted. Even adults. The main way to 'josh' or 'rib' someone is by saying that they eat beans, because, we all know what that leads to...
-The coming of rainy season has brought some minor, but seriously needed, relief from the incessant heat (you don't know what 100+ degrees feels like until you have no escape from it- no fan to sit in front of, no cold drink to refresh your pallet, no way to cool down enough to even sleep) but it appears to have brought an onslaught of insects with it. They're not all bad: Grasshoppers in the hut are startling but harmless; Cockroaches emerging from the pit latrine at night make me nervous but, truthfully, what are they gonna do? And some are even welcome: Right after a storm there are these beautiful, florescent pink, fat little buggers roaming around; And occasionally, with a gust of wind, the air is filled with swirling fluff resembling the white, feathery leftovers blown off an aging dandelion and, I am told, later in the season, when these "mamas" are larger, we will eat them. But, there are some I could really do without. The mosquitoes that come from no where and nip at my ankles at dusk. The large termites (and countless other things I can't even recognize) that can't resist a bright light, making it impossible to read or write after dark. And of course the spiders that so resemble scorpions that even Tosh (her dog), after working so hard to catch one, thought better of eating it.
-My site-mate/best friend got a special surprise. I'll let you hear about it in her own words:
Rising to its reputation, Africa comes along with a whole buffet of exotic medical issues to boast about. I've felt many a surprising spark of envy as my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers relay brave stories: worms crawling underneath their skin, removed with a Swiss army knife; bacterial dysentery announcing its immediate arrival at the beginning of a two day bus trip; your array of intestinal worms, amoebas and other parasitic invaders; and malaria leaving volunteers achy and hallucinating. Our bowel movements are a regular topic of conversation, and, as our saying goes, "you aren't a real volunteer until you've shit your pants." Sadly, I haven't earned that badge yet. Other than a three week long battle with Giardia (parasitic dysentery), I've avoided most of these encounters, ameobozoa and animalia alike. I know, I know, we can't have it all. But alas, I knew this love affair I've been having with mangoes would come back to bite me in the ass.
Yes, thats right. The Tumbo fly, aka the Mango fly, has struck in the most unforgiving of places. It all started when I came back to village, as I sat squirming in the hard wood chairs during my community meeting, a strange feeling of aching on my bottom invaded my already lacking attention. I assumed I had bruised myself in my local Bush Taxi as I tried to balance myself on the hard wood bench during the bumpy ride. On further inspection using a pocket mirror and an unspeakably awkward position, I saw a strange red bump right in the
middle of my left cheek, with a black dot in the center. Perplexed, I looked in my healthcare manual, assuming a strange rash of some sort. And there it was. Apparently, the Mango fly is nicknamed for its
favorite breeding grounds - damp and warm - which is also well provided by clothes hung out to dry near mango trees. So there in my sun-drying underwear it found a perfect place to lay its eggs. Those eggs were then transferred to my, um, behind, as I wore said underwear as it burrowed into my flesh. The eggs then hatched into larva, creating the unrelenting feeling I was having of tiny pins, exacerbated by the lack of comfortable, cushioned seats. The health manual advised immediate removal. Thanks. As per its instruction, I
covered the area with Vaseline, which apparently suffocates the larva, bringing it to the surface. And then I squeezed - pop! - out squirted the larva, finally relinquishing my left cheek of its occupation. I was flooded with relief as I cleaned the empty wound and went back in my hut for a nap, Tumbo fly free, with my wounded part in the air. And so, well, Africa I really do love you, but right now you are really a fucking pain in my ass.
-Speaking of mangoes, its peak season here so we are knee deep in mangoes as big as our heads. It's awesome.
-I now pee in a bucket in my hut in the middle of the night and empty into my nyegen every morning. I know you are judging me and I don't blame you. Though, while I obviously can't prove it, I do suspect that if for a midnight urination (and 10pm and 2am and 4am) you had to put on appropriate clothes, unlock a door, grab a flashlight, go outside, put on shoes, get your feet all dirty, and usually step on a frog, you would probably do it too.
November 25, 2009
I haven't showered in 2 days. I haven't left the stage house in 3. I am literally out of money and literally all alone. I have consumed a disgusting amount of food, partially because it's Thanksgiving, partially probably for comfort, and, likely, in a cruel, twisted effort to punish myself for previous overeating.
I threw up twice after our make-shift thanksgiving dinner (parasites, food poisoning, body just wondering what the hell all that was?) and, to add insult to injury, I poopped my pants last night. I don't even know where it came from. I just woke up with crap in my pajamas (not even enough to soak through) and I haven't had to go at all since. How did my body need to go so badly that it couldn't wake me up for it, when I'm not even sick enough to go again all day?!
Above posts by Kristin Richards
Again, I hate knowing these things but at the same time I'm grateful I can try and prepare myself for them...more mentally than physically.
When I filled out some paperwork for the western region PC newsletter, the person that I e-mailed that information to said that he could get me contact information for other volunteers that would be going to Mali at the same time I was. Would I like to get this information? SURE...I would love to at least talk to someone. I contacted Marlow 2 weeks before I was leaving to go visit my brother in Santa Rosa. As it turns out Marlow lives in San Francisco. About an hour south of my brother. We emailed back and forth a couple of times and actually made plans to meet when I got in town. How exciting is that. Finally another person to talk to. Someone that I will now know when I get to staging. This will be awesome. I'm not alone anymore.
Back in October I was asked to fill out some paperwork, send an updated resume, write an aspiration statement and fill out the information for my passport and visa. I accomplished all of that within 10 days. I haven't heard another word since then. No email saying they received this information, nothing saying you will hear from us soon, nothing. I thought at least I might hear from someone from the PC with a list of the other voluteers who were leaving at the same time. I'm kind of working on a wing and a prayer right now that everything is going well, without any gliches and that I am actually flying out on January 30th. It feels weird though to be making plans, purchasing all of my supplies and already being packed without any word since the invitation I received 2 months ago. When I think about it it's a little scarey. I don't have a job, I don't have my house, I don't have my car, I am living with friends, I got rid of my grandmother's dining room set...MY GRANDMOTHER'S DINING ROOM SET...(thankfully it got to stay in the family) and MY MOTORCYCLE!! I'm hoping to hear anyday with the information I need to make my flight arrangements.
December 7th I drove from my brother's house into San Francisco to meet Marlow. I'm so excited. I recognized her right away from her Facebook picture waiting for me outside the restaraunt we were going to have lunch at. Sengalese food. Unfortunately, they are only open for dinner. So we walked for a while and found some place else to eat. Eating was secondary to our meeting and chatting it up for a while. We sat down and talked for about 3 hours. It was great. We talked about what we were going to be doing, what we were doing to get ready, what we were packing, what we were going to be doing until it was time to leave. She told me about the group on FB. I was excited about that as well. MORE people to make contact with and get to know before we depart. There is someone putting together a document that had comments from current and past PC volunteers that had information about what they brought with them, what they brought with them but didn't need and what they didn't bring but wished they had. They were also putting together a spreadsheet of the other volunteers names and their job assignment. Can't wait to get my hands on that information...especially the packing information since I have already started shopping and would be doing more shopping while I'm in town with my brother. Our visit was fun and very informative. I thought we really got along well and I will look forward to seeing Marlow again when we meet up for staging and then for training in Mali.
When I got back to my brother's that afternoon I got right on FB and joined the group with the other Mali volunteers leaving in January. I can't wait to see what everyone is writing about. I made contact with the Jessica who is getting together the documents of packing info and the volunteer spreadsheet. I also looked around on line for blogs of volunteers either in Mali currently or that had been and are home already. That's where I found Kristin. It seems that she has been in Mali for about a year already. What good information can I find out from her blog that they don't tell you about in the Welcome Book. OMG...I'm not sure I was ready for some of the stuff I read but I am grateful to hear it beforehand. Somethings it is not good to be surprised by. The stories below postd by Kristin Richards...http://kristinrichards.blogspot.com. She's a fantastic story teller. If you have some time you should check out her blog. Before you read some of the passages by Krisin just know, somethings you can't unread...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 posted by Kristin Richards
Fixing my roof
My kitchen hut in the middle of redoing my roof before rainy season begins
Seeing as 'weird' medical things tend to happen to me, naturally health was a major concern of mine for my two years of service in Mali. We learned early of the numerous things we could and most likely would encounter, hwo to attempt to prevent them, and how we will be cared for when they do (in the case of parasites, we wont get treated, because we will just continue to get them throughout our 2 years, so why overmedicate?). Current PCVs have warned that it is a reality of Peace Corps that you will poop your pants. I had come to terms with this, but didn't expect it quite so early. Two nights in a row during my first homestay, I woke myself up with a minor accident. My days go through highs and lows. I will be find for a couple hours, then have the runs for a couple hours, then have the worst bloating and gas of my life with nothing producing. Pepto did nothing to relieve the discomfort. When we returned to camp, I got a stool sample and the results are in....
I have amoebas! You get it through contaminated water or food. Bummer. So, now i'm on 3 days of meds (which cause naseau, headaches and general malaise) and then I'll be all good (until I ingest more contaminated stuff)...
Truthfully, I feel ok physicially and am great emotionally, so it's all good.
-I love that farting is funny anywhere. Seriously, on many occasions a whole group of people has been laughing and when I ask why, they explain because one of them just farted. Even adults. The main way to 'josh' or 'rib' someone is by saying that they eat beans, because, we all know what that leads to...
-The coming of rainy season has brought some minor, but seriously needed, relief from the incessant heat (you don't know what 100+ degrees feels like until you have no escape from it- no fan to sit in front of, no cold drink to refresh your pallet, no way to cool down enough to even sleep) but it appears to have brought an onslaught of insects with it. They're not all bad: Grasshoppers in the hut are startling but harmless; Cockroaches emerging from the pit latrine at night make me nervous but, truthfully, what are they gonna do? And some are even welcome: Right after a storm there are these beautiful, florescent pink, fat little buggers roaming around; And occasionally, with a gust of wind, the air is filled with swirling fluff resembling the white, feathery leftovers blown off an aging dandelion and, I am told, later in the season, when these "mamas" are larger, we will eat them. But, there are some I could really do without. The mosquitoes that come from no where and nip at my ankles at dusk. The large termites (and countless other things I can't even recognize) that can't resist a bright light, making it impossible to read or write after dark. And of course the spiders that so resemble scorpions that even Tosh (her dog), after working so hard to catch one, thought better of eating it.
-My site-mate/best friend got a special surprise. I'll let you hear about it in her own words:
Rising to its reputation, Africa comes along with a whole buffet of exotic medical issues to boast about. I've felt many a surprising spark of envy as my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers relay brave stories: worms crawling underneath their skin, removed with a Swiss army knife; bacterial dysentery announcing its immediate arrival at the beginning of a two day bus trip; your array of intestinal worms, amoebas and other parasitic invaders; and malaria leaving volunteers achy and hallucinating. Our bowel movements are a regular topic of conversation, and, as our saying goes, "you aren't a real volunteer until you've shit your pants." Sadly, I haven't earned that badge yet. Other than a three week long battle with Giardia (parasitic dysentery), I've avoided most of these encounters, ameobozoa and animalia alike. I know, I know, we can't have it all. But alas, I knew this love affair I've been having with mangoes would come back to bite me in the ass.
Yes, thats right. The Tumbo fly, aka the Mango fly, has struck in the most unforgiving of places. It all started when I came back to village, as I sat squirming in the hard wood chairs during my community meeting, a strange feeling of aching on my bottom invaded my already lacking attention. I assumed I had bruised myself in my local Bush Taxi as I tried to balance myself on the hard wood bench during the bumpy ride. On further inspection using a pocket mirror and an unspeakably awkward position, I saw a strange red bump right in the
middle of my left cheek, with a black dot in the center. Perplexed, I looked in my healthcare manual, assuming a strange rash of some sort. And there it was. Apparently, the Mango fly is nicknamed for its
favorite breeding grounds - damp and warm - which is also well provided by clothes hung out to dry near mango trees. So there in my sun-drying underwear it found a perfect place to lay its eggs. Those eggs were then transferred to my, um, behind, as I wore said underwear as it burrowed into my flesh. The eggs then hatched into larva, creating the unrelenting feeling I was having of tiny pins, exacerbated by the lack of comfortable, cushioned seats. The health manual advised immediate removal. Thanks. As per its instruction, I
covered the area with Vaseline, which apparently suffocates the larva, bringing it to the surface. And then I squeezed - pop! - out squirted the larva, finally relinquishing my left cheek of its occupation. I was flooded with relief as I cleaned the empty wound and went back in my hut for a nap, Tumbo fly free, with my wounded part in the air. And so, well, Africa I really do love you, but right now you are really a fucking pain in my ass.
-Speaking of mangoes, its peak season here so we are knee deep in mangoes as big as our heads. It's awesome.
-I now pee in a bucket in my hut in the middle of the night and empty into my nyegen every morning. I know you are judging me and I don't blame you. Though, while I obviously can't prove it, I do suspect that if for a midnight urination (and 10pm and 2am and 4am) you had to put on appropriate clothes, unlock a door, grab a flashlight, go outside, put on shoes, get your feet all dirty, and usually step on a frog, you would probably do it too.
November 25, 2009
I haven't showered in 2 days. I haven't left the stage house in 3. I am literally out of money and literally all alone. I have consumed a disgusting amount of food, partially because it's Thanksgiving, partially probably for comfort, and, likely, in a cruel, twisted effort to punish myself for previous overeating.
I threw up twice after our make-shift thanksgiving dinner (parasites, food poisoning, body just wondering what the hell all that was?) and, to add insult to injury, I poopped my pants last night. I don't even know where it came from. I just woke up with crap in my pajamas (not even enough to soak through) and I haven't had to go at all since. How did my body need to go so badly that it couldn't wake me up for it, when I'm not even sick enough to go again all day?!
Above posts by Kristin Richards
Again, I hate knowing these things but at the same time I'm grateful I can try and prepare myself for them...more mentally than physically.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
I hope that my achievements in life shall be these...
I hope that my achievements in life shall be these - that I will have fought for what was right and fair, that I will have risked for that which mattered, and that I will have given help to those who were in need, that I will have left the earth a better place for what I've done and who I've been. -C. Hoppe
It's been a while since I've posted anything. Really...nothing has happened since I last wrote. Nothing in that I have not heard anything from the Peace Corps. Like most things in life you have to hurry and wait. No one contacts you until a few weeks before it's time to leave. Then they will give me the information I need to make flight arrangements, the date I am supposed to be there, and where "there" is.
In the meantime I have been busy. I think I wrote last time that I spent 3 weeks in New York visiting my sisters and old friends. That was great!! Then last month I spent a week in Henderson, NV (next door to Vegas) visiting my sister, Gail, and brother-in-law, Rick. Rick is leaving January 9th for a years service in Afghanistan. He has been in the Army Reserve for quite some time and although they've had him on the list to go several times it never worked out that he actually went. This time is for sure. My poor sister. Her husband is leaving and then the next closest relative, me, is also leaving...and not just leaving town...leaving the country. Going to places most people would not voluntarily visit. My visit with them was good. We hung out, we got to go on a motorcycle trip out to Death Valley with a couple of their friends. I rode my sisters Sportster...my first Harley experience. It was great!!
These last two weeks I've been up in Sonoma. Santa Rosa to be exact. An hour and half north of San Francisco. I stayed with my brother Rodger, his wife Denise and two kids, Logan and Eryn. I drove up there with a U-haul as I had some stuff that I wanted to give him. Not to mention my motorcycle. I hate giving it up but what I am going to do with it for the next two years? Put it in storage? That doesn't make sense. My brother has always wanted a bike. But the way life works is that once you have a house and children and all the repsonsiblities that come along with that you don't get to buy yourself extravagent gifts like a motorcycle. So it was a wise, feel good choice for me to give it to him. Of course it wasn't running right either. So I felt kind of bad aobut that...LOL...but if you're going to own a bike you must learn how to work on them. So we/he spent time taking the carbs off, bought them in to be cleaned, changed the oil, the spark plugs, etc and then put the carbs back on. It runs like it's brand new now. I really hated leaving it after it was running so well. But I took it on my last ride for a couple of years. Awesome...I really like riding up in Sonoma. It is so beautiful up there. It was a good visit.
I know they probably think I was bored and we didn't do anything but it was exactly what I wanted to do. Just sit and visit and hang out. We talked and ate and decorated for Christmas. We watched White Christmas and drank hot chocolate and ate popcorn. I did get to see one of my nephews basketball games and got to see my niece cheer for the high school football team...in the cold...and the rain. We had a very emotional good-bye. Even though I won't be leaving for another 47 days..LOL...I won't be seeing them again until I get back. At least 27 months. My brother drove me to the airport by himself. So I said goodbye to Denise and the kids at the house. I hugged Denise and then hugged Logan. Logan is a great kid, but not much emotion. He never gets mad, never really gets very excited, laughs sometimes, but not often enough...never really sad either. This type of attitude has it's good points and some bad points. But when I hugged him goodbye I couldn't help but start to cry. He hugged me a little longer than usual and he said, "I'm going to miss you" and all tears broke lose. When I finally let go I think his eyes were welled up. It tore my little heart out. Then I hugged and kissed and cried with my niece. Then at the airport with my brother. I thought he would just drop me off at the curb. I was kind of hoping he would. This way I would have a quick cry and he'd be gone. But alas, he is a glutton for punishment. He parked and came in with me. We checked in and then got on line for security check. Everytime he looked at me I started to cry, then he would cry. Then we were fine. Then I'd cry and he'd cry. When we finally got to the end of the line where I had to go through security and it was time for him to leave. He gave me a quick hug and ducked out of line under the security ropes/bands. I was crying some more and he said "Don't cry Clarey". Then got teary eyed and made the sign language sign for I love you and walked away. It was horrible. They could have made an after school special based alone on our airport goodbye.
What's silly in a way about me being so emotional is that it's ONLY 2 years. Think of all the things you've gone through in your life that were just two years ago, or things that you haven't done in 2 years, or the people you haven't seen in two years. I just saw my sister Lynn in NY...I haven't seen her in 5 years. We talk on the phone. Even that's only a few times a year. My sister Karan is back and forth to California alot so I see her at least once a year. When my sister Gail lived in New Hampshire I think I was 8 years without seeing her once. I've been 2 yeas without seeing my brother before. It seemed like I only worked for the Red Cross for such a short time...8 months maybe. It was 2 years 3 months. There's alot of other things I've gone without for 2 years before...hardly unnoticed. Unbelievable how time flies. In the grand scheme of time 2 years is nothing. I think it will go slower for me being away from who and what I know, than it will go for those of you here. You're lives will go on as usual. Barely noticing I'm gone. When I start freaking out a little about leaving my brother is always able to ground me. "You know what's going to change and be different here while you're gone...NOTHING. The kids will still be in school, I'll still be working, Denise will still be working, still be paying my mortgage." Maybe someone I know will get a new job..maye someone will get engaged...may married. Even with my own boys...they will still be in college hopefully well on their way to a bachelors degree. Maybe they'll have been through a girlfriend or two. Although babies can be conceived and born easily in this period of time...but I'm hoping for the best. Surely I've taught them better than that.
This will be the hardest part for me. I've gone years without seeing one or more members of my family. I've done without many things over the years that I don't even think about...but I've never been without my boys. And they...they have never been without me. I think this will be good for them though. Some may say I'm crazy for leaving them...what kind of mother does that, they are still young, they still need me...but others think it's a good lesson for them to learn to live without someone handing them everything they need. And they are taken care of financially by our very loving, generous uncle that passed away a few years ago...as long as they stay in college. So they can go to school full time and they are set. They will get part time jobs to supplement their college fund...which I was doing...to pay for gas, food and fun. Right?? I guess I'm still feeling a little queezy about this part...guilty...not very mother like of me!! :-((
Thank goodness for modern technology. I have my Magic Jack, email...and SKYPE...Skype i believe is a gift from the heavens I'm sure. And although I may not have electricity and/or internet in the village I am living in how far away can I possibly be that at least once a week I can get on the wonderful public transportation system of Mali and travel 1, 3, 6, 10 hours to get into town to make my weekly phone calls and skype my babies.
Public transportaion...
Pictures courtesy of Kristin Richards current PCV in Mali...I hope she doesn't mind me using her pictures since I am not there to take my own yet. They really topped off the last part of this blog...
It's been a while since I've posted anything. Really...nothing has happened since I last wrote. Nothing in that I have not heard anything from the Peace Corps. Like most things in life you have to hurry and wait. No one contacts you until a few weeks before it's time to leave. Then they will give me the information I need to make flight arrangements, the date I am supposed to be there, and where "there" is.
In the meantime I have been busy. I think I wrote last time that I spent 3 weeks in New York visiting my sisters and old friends. That was great!! Then last month I spent a week in Henderson, NV (next door to Vegas) visiting my sister, Gail, and brother-in-law, Rick. Rick is leaving January 9th for a years service in Afghanistan. He has been in the Army Reserve for quite some time and although they've had him on the list to go several times it never worked out that he actually went. This time is for sure. My poor sister. Her husband is leaving and then the next closest relative, me, is also leaving...and not just leaving town...leaving the country. Going to places most people would not voluntarily visit. My visit with them was good. We hung out, we got to go on a motorcycle trip out to Death Valley with a couple of their friends. I rode my sisters Sportster...my first Harley experience. It was great!!
These last two weeks I've been up in Sonoma. Santa Rosa to be exact. An hour and half north of San Francisco. I stayed with my brother Rodger, his wife Denise and two kids, Logan and Eryn. I drove up there with a U-haul as I had some stuff that I wanted to give him. Not to mention my motorcycle. I hate giving it up but what I am going to do with it for the next two years? Put it in storage? That doesn't make sense. My brother has always wanted a bike. But the way life works is that once you have a house and children and all the repsonsiblities that come along with that you don't get to buy yourself extravagent gifts like a motorcycle. So it was a wise, feel good choice for me to give it to him. Of course it wasn't running right either. So I felt kind of bad aobut that...LOL...but if you're going to own a bike you must learn how to work on them. So we/he spent time taking the carbs off, bought them in to be cleaned, changed the oil, the spark plugs, etc and then put the carbs back on. It runs like it's brand new now. I really hated leaving it after it was running so well. But I took it on my last ride for a couple of years. Awesome...I really like riding up in Sonoma. It is so beautiful up there. It was a good visit.
I know they probably think I was bored and we didn't do anything but it was exactly what I wanted to do. Just sit and visit and hang out. We talked and ate and decorated for Christmas. We watched White Christmas and drank hot chocolate and ate popcorn. I did get to see one of my nephews basketball games and got to see my niece cheer for the high school football team...in the cold...and the rain. We had a very emotional good-bye. Even though I won't be leaving for another 47 days..LOL...I won't be seeing them again until I get back. At least 27 months. My brother drove me to the airport by himself. So I said goodbye to Denise and the kids at the house. I hugged Denise and then hugged Logan. Logan is a great kid, but not much emotion. He never gets mad, never really gets very excited, laughs sometimes, but not often enough...never really sad either. This type of attitude has it's good points and some bad points. But when I hugged him goodbye I couldn't help but start to cry. He hugged me a little longer than usual and he said, "I'm going to miss you" and all tears broke lose. When I finally let go I think his eyes were welled up. It tore my little heart out. Then I hugged and kissed and cried with my niece. Then at the airport with my brother. I thought he would just drop me off at the curb. I was kind of hoping he would. This way I would have a quick cry and he'd be gone. But alas, he is a glutton for punishment. He parked and came in with me. We checked in and then got on line for security check. Everytime he looked at me I started to cry, then he would cry. Then we were fine. Then I'd cry and he'd cry. When we finally got to the end of the line where I had to go through security and it was time for him to leave. He gave me a quick hug and ducked out of line under the security ropes/bands. I was crying some more and he said "Don't cry Clarey". Then got teary eyed and made the sign language sign for I love you and walked away. It was horrible. They could have made an after school special based alone on our airport goodbye.
What's silly in a way about me being so emotional is that it's ONLY 2 years. Think of all the things you've gone through in your life that were just two years ago, or things that you haven't done in 2 years, or the people you haven't seen in two years. I just saw my sister Lynn in NY...I haven't seen her in 5 years. We talk on the phone. Even that's only a few times a year. My sister Karan is back and forth to California alot so I see her at least once a year. When my sister Gail lived in New Hampshire I think I was 8 years without seeing her once. I've been 2 yeas without seeing my brother before. It seemed like I only worked for the Red Cross for such a short time...8 months maybe. It was 2 years 3 months. There's alot of other things I've gone without for 2 years before...hardly unnoticed. Unbelievable how time flies. In the grand scheme of time 2 years is nothing. I think it will go slower for me being away from who and what I know, than it will go for those of you here. You're lives will go on as usual. Barely noticing I'm gone. When I start freaking out a little about leaving my brother is always able to ground me. "You know what's going to change and be different here while you're gone...NOTHING. The kids will still be in school, I'll still be working, Denise will still be working, still be paying my mortgage." Maybe someone I know will get a new job..maye someone will get engaged...may married. Even with my own boys...they will still be in college hopefully well on their way to a bachelors degree. Maybe they'll have been through a girlfriend or two. Although babies can be conceived and born easily in this period of time...but I'm hoping for the best. Surely I've taught them better than that.
This will be the hardest part for me. I've gone years without seeing one or more members of my family. I've done without many things over the years that I don't even think about...but I've never been without my boys. And they...they have never been without me. I think this will be good for them though. Some may say I'm crazy for leaving them...what kind of mother does that, they are still young, they still need me...but others think it's a good lesson for them to learn to live without someone handing them everything they need. And they are taken care of financially by our very loving, generous uncle that passed away a few years ago...as long as they stay in college. So they can go to school full time and they are set. They will get part time jobs to supplement their college fund...which I was doing...to pay for gas, food and fun. Right?? I guess I'm still feeling a little queezy about this part...guilty...not very mother like of me!! :-((
Thank goodness for modern technology. I have my Magic Jack, email...and SKYPE...Skype i believe is a gift from the heavens I'm sure. And although I may not have electricity and/or internet in the village I am living in how far away can I possibly be that at least once a week I can get on the wonderful public transportation system of Mali and travel 1, 3, 6, 10 hours to get into town to make my weekly phone calls and skype my babies.
Public transportaion...
Pictures courtesy of Kristin Richards current PCV in Mali...I hope she doesn't mind me using her pictures since I am not there to take my own yet. They really topped off the last part of this blog...
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