Or at least I think it’s February 2. I am so tired I don’t know if I’m coming or going. We left DC at 10pm last night. I had to pay another overweight fee. JERKS!! My bag was 7 pounds overweight and they charged me $100. What’s a girl to do. I paid. They were really busting people for overweight carry-ons because the flight was full. So I had to sneak my rolling carry on past them. They would have made me check it and it would have been $200. I think I would have had to ditch it at that point.
It is 12:30 pm and after a 6 ½ hour flight we are finally in Paris. It is 6:30 DC time and 3:30 San Diego time. There is a 9 hour difference between here and San Diego. When I get to Mali it will only be an 8 hour difference. I can’t believe this is actually happening. I had a moment in the DC airport that I almost ditched and ran. I was sick to my stomach for the past 2 months. Then the last few days before I left I felt unusually calm. Right up until this point in the airport. I was standing in front of the gate and they were preparing to board and all I could think was have I lost my freakin mind. To make matters worse I called the boys to say goodbye one last time. Big mistake. I called Jarrod first. I started to cry as I was telling him I just wanted to call for the last time before I left the US. He told me don’t cry, I’m proud of you and you’ve wanted this for so long. This is a good thing. All true but doesn’t make me feel less bad for leaving them. Then he had to go because he was at work. To torture myself some more I called Josh as well. He was playing video games with his friend. He thought I was in Paris already. Apparently he doesn’t pay attention when I talk. He didn’t realize I was crying so I got off the phone before he did. I want them to not think about it and be sad or miss me. I want their lives to continue as usual as much as they can. All my new PC friends had to see me crying and were trying to console me. They are all so young and don’t have kids so they can’t even begin to imagine what it would be like. But they were very supportive and very sympathetic. They really are a great group.
I thought I was going to feel alienated from them because of the age difference but not one of them has made me feel that way at all. There are only 3 people out of 64 that are older than I am. A married couple and a single lady from Iowa. The rest of the group is 22 thru around 30ish. I was so happy when I told a few of them my age and they were shocked. The PC trainer that led the orientation was also surprised when I told her my age. That made me feel good. I hope I look as young when I get back after 2 years in the African sun.
3 more hours in the Paris airport before we board for our flight to Bamako, Mali. It is very foggy and hazy here. We couldn’t see anything as we arrived at the airport. And although we had a 5 hour layover it wasn’t enough time to do anything. We can’t leave the airport because the time it would take to get in and out and through security, plus the time to get into town. Can’t be done. We are laying around. Some people sleeping because for some reason no one could sleep on the plane. I took a Dramamine and an Exederin PM and still couldn’t sleep. My head is spinning right now. The flight to Bamako is 5 ½ hours. Maybe I’ll be able to sleep through part of it.
We get into Bamako at just before 10pm their local time. It will probably take 2 hours to get our luggage and get thru customs. Then we have to load the buses with 64 people and all of their luggage. From what I understand we will go directly to the training center which is about a 45 minute drive. Of course then we will have to unload the bus. They are planning a little meeting to fill us in on logistical stuff. Where (and how) we bathe, how to use the bathrooms (hole in the ground), where we will be sleeping and at least what will be happening for the next week….including starting training first thing tomorrow morning. By the time we get set up in our sleeping quarters (we will be staying at the training center for the first week until we move in with our host families) it should be about 1-2 am their time. We have to be up and will start training I believe at 8am. Another PC motto, besides the one that you are not a volunteer until you’ve shit your pants, is “The hardest job you’ll ever love”. We’ll find out soon if that’s true.
I’ll write more tomorrow, but right now I have got to shut my eyes…just for a minute.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
"the soul would have no rainbow if the eye had no tears."
It's almost 3am Sunday morning. I haven't been to sleep yet and I need to be in the shower by 4:30 so we can leave the house at 5:15...ish...to get to the airport in time for m 7:30 flight, of course leaving time for tearful goodbyes (see above quoted by Vero on my FB), check in and security. I'll be exhausted but I'll be able to sleep on the sure to be boring flight.
It's going to be a bitter sweet goodbye. My dear friends, Randy & Loreen and both my boys, Josh & Jarrod will be dropping me off. As excited and happy as I am to be heading out on adventure the likes of which are ahead of me, I'm just as sad to leave my family and friends behind me.
I spent the night with several friends, the boys of course, their sister and even my ex-husband came to say goodbye. I spoke to my brother on skype, one of my sisters on the phone and my good friend Michael in Dallas. All happy...all sad.
But none as much as the mom of ma famille afrique. I've never heard anyone cry so hard in my life. The sobbing and wailing. As much as I think it is actually part of their culture to be so dramatic and throw their arms up and cry and wail, I do believe her circumstances and life contributed to her sadness. She spent so long trying to get out of Africa in fear for her and her childrens lives. She left everyone she loved knowing that she would never see them again. Then we become so close, despite the lack of verbal communication as she only speaks swahili, I become a part of this family and now I am going to the place she loves but so desperately ran away from. It broke my heart to watch this display of sadness. "I am so sorry Sophia. I will be back before you know it." I don't think that was a consulation.
Well, that being said, I have 3 alarms set to wake me up and I am going to take a nap. This will be my last post from San Diego for the next 27 months. Goodbye my friends. I love you all!!
It's going to be a bitter sweet goodbye. My dear friends, Randy & Loreen and both my boys, Josh & Jarrod will be dropping me off. As excited and happy as I am to be heading out on adventure the likes of which are ahead of me, I'm just as sad to leave my family and friends behind me.
I spent the night with several friends, the boys of course, their sister and even my ex-husband came to say goodbye. I spoke to my brother on skype, one of my sisters on the phone and my good friend Michael in Dallas. All happy...all sad.
But none as much as the mom of ma famille afrique. I've never heard anyone cry so hard in my life. The sobbing and wailing. As much as I think it is actually part of their culture to be so dramatic and throw their arms up and cry and wail, I do believe her circumstances and life contributed to her sadness. She spent so long trying to get out of Africa in fear for her and her childrens lives. She left everyone she loved knowing that she would never see them again. Then we become so close, despite the lack of verbal communication as she only speaks swahili, I become a part of this family and now I am going to the place she loves but so desperately ran away from. It broke my heart to watch this display of sadness. "I am so sorry Sophia. I will be back before you know it." I don't think that was a consulation.
Well, that being said, I have 3 alarms set to wake me up and I am going to take a nap. This will be my last post from San Diego for the next 27 months. Goodbye my friends. I love you all!!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
28 hours...
It's 1am Saturday morning. In 28 hours from now I will be on my way to the airport. Flying out of San Diego to Dallas, then Dallas to Reagan National Airport in DC. I will stay in DC Sunday night all day Monday and Tuesday until 10pm when I will make my final trip...destination Mali, West Africa. This flight will take me to Paris (7 1/2 hours) with a 5 hour layover, then another flight to Bamako (5 1/2 hours).
I am humbled by the outpouring of support, love and friendship that I have been shown these past few months. Every person that I know, good, bad or indifferent, is a contributor to the person that I am today. Without all of you, without all my mistakes, failures and successes I wouldn't be me. Some of you may be thinking, "that's not the worse thing that could happen". But keep in mind who I am and my knowing you has also been a contributor to who you are. So there!!
Since my epiphany yesterday I am still unusually calm. I guess it's because I'm as packed as I'm going to get, I've seen everyone that I'm going to see and there is nothing I can do at this point about anything. The boys will have to figure out there own stuff and I am ready to go. Tomorrow I have to make one more quick trip past my storage unit, then to say goodbye to ma famille afrique. That's going to be tough. I'm sure it's hard for them to understand that they spent years trying to get out of Africa. They left behind so many people that they loved. And here I am trying to get to Africa. We have become very close and now I am leaving them. I bought them a webcam for their computer so we can Skype while I'm gone. We've tried it out and it works but since English is still so difficult for them they just pretty much sit there and wave until I just hang up.
After these two errands I'm just going to hang out at home. The boys will come over and some friends will be here. We're going to have pizza (the last supper) and a sleep over. I'm sure we'll talk and laugh into the wee morning hours and then everyone is going to get up to say goodbye. Josh, Jarrod, Loreen and Randy will take me to the airport. Bon Voyage. I feel OK about leaving because I'm not going very far. Just to DC. All this anxiety and getting ready and feeling sick about leaving the boys and when I finally part from them I'll be able to say, "I'll Skype you and see you in a few hours when I get there." Kind of anti-climatic don't ya think? With modern technology so prelevant in our lives the world is a much smaller place.
I am humbled by the outpouring of support, love and friendship that I have been shown these past few months. Every person that I know, good, bad or indifferent, is a contributor to the person that I am today. Without all of you, without all my mistakes, failures and successes I wouldn't be me. Some of you may be thinking, "that's not the worse thing that could happen". But keep in mind who I am and my knowing you has also been a contributor to who you are. So there!!
Since my epiphany yesterday I am still unusually calm. I guess it's because I'm as packed as I'm going to get, I've seen everyone that I'm going to see and there is nothing I can do at this point about anything. The boys will have to figure out there own stuff and I am ready to go. Tomorrow I have to make one more quick trip past my storage unit, then to say goodbye to ma famille afrique. That's going to be tough. I'm sure it's hard for them to understand that they spent years trying to get out of Africa. They left behind so many people that they loved. And here I am trying to get to Africa. We have become very close and now I am leaving them. I bought them a webcam for their computer so we can Skype while I'm gone. We've tried it out and it works but since English is still so difficult for them they just pretty much sit there and wave until I just hang up.
After these two errands I'm just going to hang out at home. The boys will come over and some friends will be here. We're going to have pizza (the last supper) and a sleep over. I'm sure we'll talk and laugh into the wee morning hours and then everyone is going to get up to say goodbye. Josh, Jarrod, Loreen and Randy will take me to the airport. Bon Voyage. I feel OK about leaving because I'm not going very far. Just to DC. All this anxiety and getting ready and feeling sick about leaving the boys and when I finally part from them I'll be able to say, "I'll Skype you and see you in a few hours when I get there." Kind of anti-climatic don't ya think? With modern technology so prelevant in our lives the world is a much smaller place.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Random thoughts as I get ready to leave in 2 days
January 27, 2011
Between dysentery, parasites, giardia and more I'm expecting that I will have quite the drop in weight. Which is good since I've gain so much weight as of recent times. Between that and only having a bicycle as my mode of transportation within no time at all I should be nice and skinny (emaciated) and you should be able to bounce quarters off my ass (bones).
This is a poem my Joshy wrote me last year for Mother's Day...after I found out I was recommended for Peace Corps:
And Michael, your comment, " Hang in there! Lots to learn on everyone's side!" short and simple helped alot too from a mans perspective...since my boys are men. They do have a lot to learn. It's kind of like throwing them into the ocean (opposed to the pool) to see if they can swim, but they will certainly learn as much if not more than I will while I'm gone. They will be better men and certainly more grounded.
Thank you both!! If feel a little bit better right now.
I'll probably go right back to freakin out later and tomorrow...definitely Saturday and I can't even imagine what Sunday morning before and at the airport is going to be like...but right now...I feel better.
Random:
So I am, not afraid, but repulsed by little lizards and frogs. I don't know why. Always hated them always will. To the point where I almost had to move once because a frog got in my house. I didn't know how I was going to get him out so I thought, he can have the house. Well apparently there are frogs and lizards that frequent the mud huts that I will be living in while away in Mali. The PCV that I am reading up on that is in Mali now says that there are at least 5 to 6 frogs in her hut at all times. I'm am so unhappy about this. She say you can step on them at night when you go out to go to the bathroom. I'm thinking wetting the bed is a good option. But never come out of the mosquito net at night. My dear friend Loreen, whom I don't know what I would've done all these months while waiting to leave for Africa, sent me this today. Gotta love her...
That's why we call her Mean Loreen!!
Between dysentery, parasites, giardia and more I'm expecting that I will have quite the drop in weight. Which is good since I've gain so much weight as of recent times. Between that and only having a bicycle as my mode of transportation within no time at all I should be nice and skinny (emaciated) and you should be able to bounce quarters off my ass (bones).
This is a poem my Joshy wrote me last year for Mother's Day...after I found out I was recommended for Peace Corps:
You've been here for so long,
Momma you're so strong.
Never in my life have you
ever done me wrong.
Know my words are true,
my one true love is you,
I have the greatest faith
in all that you will do.
Credited are the years
of blood and sweat and tears,
for it's because of you
that I'm a man that has no fears.
No matter how we've fought,
or how bad I've thought,
none other on this planet
can replace the love that we've got.
There's nothing I can do,
and no words that I can say,
to truly express my love for you,
Happy Mother's Day
This is from the card he gave me Saturday night:
There are superheroes in comic books...there are superheroes in movies...superheroes save you from the bad guys in your nightmares. Never did I doubt that a superhero gave birth to me.
I love you momma more than you'll ever know. I'll try to be as strong as you while you're gone. I don't know where I'll be in 2 years. All I care about is that you come home safe to me. I'm going to miss you momma...more than you can understand. I promise while you're gone, I'll become the best man I can.
I love you momma, Joshy
This kid is ripping my heart out. I love both my boys so much. I can't help but think what horrible mother leaves there children like this. They are babies still in so many ways. And grown men in so many others. My leaving on this adventure is definitely a double edge sword for me.
I posted all of the above on Facebook as well. There are two comments that were posted back that made me feel a little bit better. One is from Sue, a friend of mine from as faaarrrr back as high school...and that's a long way back...sorry Sue, but it is...
Sue Gilmore Wright OMG Clare. You must me a mess, I am crying and he's not my son and I'm not going anywhere. It takes a special person to sacrifice their time away from their family to help others. You are such a strong women, and I am sure that you have raised strong young men. Hopefully the time will be well spent and go by quickly. Just think how much they will appreciate you when you get back. The world is a better place for having people like you in it. I wish you the safest and very best in your journey.
And a comment from a more recent friend, Michael J. Sweet and simple...
Michael J. Hang in there! Lots to learn on everyone's side.
Some of my afterthoughts...
Clare Francavilla Thanks Sue. It does help me to hear what other moms think. Your words are very sweet and takes some of the sting away. Thanks!!
Clare Francavilla While I was just in the shower I thought about what you said Sue and maybe I've been looking at it the wrong way and that's why I feel so bad. I've been thinking, How selfish of me to leave my family to go on this adventure of mine. But I appreciate your saying just the opposite. How special it is to sacrifice your time with your family to help others. Thank you again.
And Michael, your comment, " Hang in there! Lots to learn on everyone's side!" short and simple helped alot too from a mans perspective...since my boys are men. They do have a lot to learn. It's kind of like throwing them into the ocean (opposed to the pool) to see if they can swim, but they will certainly learn as much if not more than I will while I'm gone. They will be better men and certainly more grounded.
Thank you both!! If feel a little bit better right now.
I'll probably go right back to freakin out later and tomorrow...definitely Saturday and I can't even imagine what Sunday morning before and at the airport is going to be like...but right now...I feel better.
Random:
So I am, not afraid, but repulsed by little lizards and frogs. I don't know why. Always hated them always will. To the point where I almost had to move once because a frog got in my house. I didn't know how I was going to get him out so I thought, he can have the house. Well apparently there are frogs and lizards that frequent the mud huts that I will be living in while away in Mali. The PCV that I am reading up on that is in Mali now says that there are at least 5 to 6 frogs in her hut at all times. I'm am so unhappy about this. She say you can step on them at night when you go out to go to the bathroom. I'm thinking wetting the bed is a good option. But never come out of the mosquito net at night. My dear friend Loreen, whom I don't know what I would've done all these months while waiting to leave for Africa, sent me this today. Gotta love her...
That's why we call her Mean Loreen!!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I'm freaking out...with just 5 days to go
Someday I hope my boys are more proud of me for doing what I am about to do, then they are upset with me for leaving them to do it. I hope I have set an example for them. A good example that if you set your mind to something and with that goal in mind keep moving forward towards that goal, you can accomplish anything. And you're never too old. I'm almost...well older than most Peace Corps Volunteers. I don't have a degree which made this a more difficult task, yet I'm going. I did it! I'm leaving in 5 days. If I can do it, they can do it. They can do anything they want.
"If you raise your children to feel that they can accomplish any goal or task they decide upon, you will have succeeded as a parent and you will have given your children the greatest of all blessings." Brian Tracy
Jarrod just told me on the phone, "Momma, we're grown. I think we're going to be just fine." I guess I'm the one that's not going to be fine. What mother leaves their children? They are old enough...old enough for them to move away from home. Maybe go to college out of the county or the state for that matter. But not old enough for their mother to move away from home. That's not the way it's supposed to happen. I would feel better if they had someone here they could rely on. Their dad lives here but, well he hasn't been reliable up to now. It would be a great surprise, no a shock, if he decided it was finally time to step up. I can only hope. He is all they have.
There's so many little details to finish up before I leave. I did my taxes today. Thankfully I got all my paperwork before the end of the month. I visited with a friend I haven't seen in 20+ years. And then met another friend that I haven't seen since the summer. Tomorrow I am meeting a friend for breakfast, then coming home to do study some Bambara...the local language in Mali that we will be learning when we get there. I want to at least go there saying "yes, I do know some Bambara." At least to say "hi" and "how are you". "Do you speak english" will be a good line to learn early in the game. Then I am going to bring my bed, my beautiful Sleep Number over to my oldest son. I've already warned him I want it back when I get home. I love that bed. Of course I keep it on 15-20. I could just get a hammock. I need to go to my storage unit one more time. I have some more stuff to try and squeeze in there and then I want to pay for another year. That should cover me until I get back.
So all day I been freaking out about not being at home taking care of business and now that I'm writing it down it really doesn't seem like that much. I guess I'm really just freaking out. I'M GOING TO BE LIVING IN AFRICA FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS FOR GOD SAKE!!! That's a lot to freak out about.
I'm going to try and relax the next couple of days. Once I move my bed out and my suitcases are packed to capacity and I at least come close to the weight limit, all I have to do is hang out with my boys as much as I can...or they want to. Their lives are going on. They have friends and school and stuff to do. But I guess that's a good thing. I don't want the focus over the next couple of days to be me leaving. But for their lives to continue as normal. Of course, that being said, I am dreading the airport scene. They are both going to stay with me Saturday night since I need to be at the airport at 5:30am. Then we are going together. I suggested to Josh (my oldest) that they can drop me off at the curb, but he said "No way"...they want to come in and wait with me as long as they can. This isn't going to be good. Josh is a crier. I'm not usually a crier, but I have been for about a month now. I hope it stops soon. I can't stand to see me this way. Again, I think once I'm on the plane alot of the anxiety I'm feeling about leaving will subside. Then I can start feeling anxious about what's yet to come.
"If you raise your children to feel that they can accomplish any goal or task they decide upon, you will have succeeded as a parent and you will have given your children the greatest of all blessings." Brian Tracy
Jarrod just told me on the phone, "Momma, we're grown. I think we're going to be just fine." I guess I'm the one that's not going to be fine. What mother leaves their children? They are old enough...old enough for them to move away from home. Maybe go to college out of the county or the state for that matter. But not old enough for their mother to move away from home. That's not the way it's supposed to happen. I would feel better if they had someone here they could rely on. Their dad lives here but, well he hasn't been reliable up to now. It would be a great surprise, no a shock, if he decided it was finally time to step up. I can only hope. He is all they have.
There's so many little details to finish up before I leave. I did my taxes today. Thankfully I got all my paperwork before the end of the month. I visited with a friend I haven't seen in 20+ years. And then met another friend that I haven't seen since the summer. Tomorrow I am meeting a friend for breakfast, then coming home to do study some Bambara...the local language in Mali that we will be learning when we get there. I want to at least go there saying "yes, I do know some Bambara." At least to say "hi" and "how are you". "Do you speak english" will be a good line to learn early in the game. Then I am going to bring my bed, my beautiful Sleep Number over to my oldest son. I've already warned him I want it back when I get home. I love that bed. Of course I keep it on 15-20. I could just get a hammock. I need to go to my storage unit one more time. I have some more stuff to try and squeeze in there and then I want to pay for another year. That should cover me until I get back.
So all day I been freaking out about not being at home taking care of business and now that I'm writing it down it really doesn't seem like that much. I guess I'm really just freaking out. I'M GOING TO BE LIVING IN AFRICA FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS FOR GOD SAKE!!! That's a lot to freak out about.
I'm going to try and relax the next couple of days. Once I move my bed out and my suitcases are packed to capacity and I at least come close to the weight limit, all I have to do is hang out with my boys as much as I can...or they want to. Their lives are going on. They have friends and school and stuff to do. But I guess that's a good thing. I don't want the focus over the next couple of days to be me leaving. But for their lives to continue as normal. Of course, that being said, I am dreading the airport scene. They are both going to stay with me Saturday night since I need to be at the airport at 5:30am. Then we are going together. I suggested to Josh (my oldest) that they can drop me off at the curb, but he said "No way"...they want to come in and wait with me as long as they can. This isn't going to be good. Josh is a crier. I'm not usually a crier, but I have been for about a month now. I hope it stops soon. I can't stand to see me this way. Again, I think once I'm on the plane alot of the anxiety I'm feeling about leaving will subside. Then I can start feeling anxious about what's yet to come.
Monday, January 24, 2011
This time next week...
“Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.”
This time next week I will be in a hotel room in Washington, D.C. Anxiously waiting to meet my fellow volunteers. Anxiously waiting for orientation and find out more about what is to come in the near future of my adventure. Not so anxiously waiting for the remainder of the shots I need to get (typhoid and yellowfever) as well as starting malaria pills. Anxiously waiting to leave for Mali via Paris. When you wait so long for something, when you have a goal that you've been dreaming of and working towards for so long and it finally becomes a reality it unbelievable. I know I'm leaving, I've been having anxiety attacks, I'm sick to my stomach all of the time (lost 10 pounds and I haven't even left yet) and my head is pounding, but even still I can hardly believe it.
I had a farewell party last night...there's no backing out now for sure. My farewell party consisted of about 50 people that I was so happy to see. A lot of folks from DataQuick where I worked for 16 years before the big layoffs, some of my American Red Cross friends and then the few good, close friends all that I have been honored to have as a part of my life. And the little bit of family I have...my two boys. My older one came in crying like a baby. That's awesome. And I swore I wasn't going to cry. So much for that. It was so cool to see how many people wanted to come out and wish me well. And I thought no one liked me!! We ate, drank and talked about the good old days. Good times, good times. A couple of dear friends even slipped me a couple bucks. So unnecessary but soooo appreciated. I don't have room in my suitcases for one more little tiny thing, but there's always room for some bills. So if anyone is wondering what to get me...
For the rest of this week I will get all my paperwork together. Get rid of everything left in my room. Some clothes going to ma famille afrique, some getting tossed, some getting boxed into storage. Books, pictures, etc. boxed and into storage. My bed is going to my son's place. When do you move that. Once it's gone I have nowhere to sleep...hhhmmmmm. Go over my luggage and weigh it one more time. Make sure I stuff my carry on as much as I can. Last and most importantly spend as much time with my boys as I possibly can. They start school this week so they will be busy. Maybe that's a good thing. I don't want them to focus on my leaving. Saturday I will spend the night with them. My flight is at 7:30am and I guess I need to be at the airport at 5:30. If I am not sitting right next to them they will sleep right through it. Wouldn't that be a pisser. I feel like this blog is just me thinking out loud. I'm going to post some pictures and leave this as is for today.
This time next week I will be in a hotel room in Washington, D.C. Anxiously waiting to meet my fellow volunteers. Anxiously waiting for orientation and find out more about what is to come in the near future of my adventure. Not so anxiously waiting for the remainder of the shots I need to get (typhoid and yellowfever) as well as starting malaria pills. Anxiously waiting to leave for Mali via Paris. When you wait so long for something, when you have a goal that you've been dreaming of and working towards for so long and it finally becomes a reality it unbelievable. I know I'm leaving, I've been having anxiety attacks, I'm sick to my stomach all of the time (lost 10 pounds and I haven't even left yet) and my head is pounding, but even still I can hardly believe it.
I had a farewell party last night...there's no backing out now for sure. My farewell party consisted of about 50 people that I was so happy to see. A lot of folks from DataQuick where I worked for 16 years before the big layoffs, some of my American Red Cross friends and then the few good, close friends all that I have been honored to have as a part of my life. And the little bit of family I have...my two boys. My older one came in crying like a baby. That's awesome. And I swore I wasn't going to cry. So much for that. It was so cool to see how many people wanted to come out and wish me well. And I thought no one liked me!! We ate, drank and talked about the good old days. Good times, good times. A couple of dear friends even slipped me a couple bucks. So unnecessary but soooo appreciated. I don't have room in my suitcases for one more little tiny thing, but there's always room for some bills. So if anyone is wondering what to get me...
For the rest of this week I will get all my paperwork together. Get rid of everything left in my room. Some clothes going to ma famille afrique, some getting tossed, some getting boxed into storage. Books, pictures, etc. boxed and into storage. My bed is going to my son's place. When do you move that. Once it's gone I have nowhere to sleep...hhhmmmmm. Go over my luggage and weigh it one more time. Make sure I stuff my carry on as much as I can. Last and most importantly spend as much time with my boys as I possibly can. They start school this week so they will be busy. Maybe that's a good thing. I don't want them to focus on my leaving. Saturday I will spend the night with them. My flight is at 7:30am and I guess I need to be at the airport at 5:30. If I am not sitting right next to them they will sleep right through it. Wouldn't that be a pisser. I feel like this blog is just me thinking out loud. I'm going to post some pictures and leave this as is for today.
My son Joshua on the left, Jarrod on the right, me and....that's right my baby daddy!!
Even he came to say goodbye.
My roomate and dear friend Loreen
and her mommy, Little Jackie
One of my oldest friends Marianne
My beautiful son Jarrod and Jana
Great friends, Natalie and Stephanie
Little Jackie, Ahsley (my daughter once removed)
& Larry
Me, Bruce & Dawne
In a Bruce Sandwich
Monday, January 17, 2011
More safety information
As posted in the Mali Welcome Book
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk
There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s risk, many of which are within the Volunteer’s control. Based on information gathered from incident reports worldwide in 2006, the following factors stand out as risk characteristics for assaults. Assaults consist of personal crimes committed against Volunteers, and do not include property crimes (such as vandalism or theft).
• Location: Most crimes occurred when Volunteers were in public areas (e.g., street, park, beach, public
buildings).
• Time of day: Assaults usually took place on the weekend during the evening between 5:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.— with most assaults occurring around 11:00 p.m.
• Absence of others: Assaults usually occurred when the Volunteer was unaccompanied. In 73 percent of the
sexual assaults the Volunteer was unaccompanied and in 48 percent of physical assaults the Volunteer was
unaccompanied.
• Relationship to assailant: In most assaults, the Volunteer did not know the assailant.
• Consumption of alcohol: Fourteen (14) percent of all assaults involved alcohol consumption by Volunteers.
Twenty-six (26) percent of all assaults involved alcohol consumption by assailants.
Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk
Before and during service, your training will address these areas of concern so that you can reduce the risks you face. For example, here are some strategies Volunteers employ:
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of theft:
• Know the environment and choose safe routes/times for
travel
• Avoid high-crime areas per Peace Corps guidance
• Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency
• Carry valuables in different pockets/places
• Carry a "dummy" wallet as a decoy
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of burglary:
• Live with a local family or on a family compound
• Put strong locks on doors and keep valuables in a lock box or trunk
• Leave irreplaceable objects at home in the U.S.
• Follow Peace Corps guidelines on maintaining home security
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of assault:
• Make local friends
• Make sure your appearance is respectful of local customs; don’t draw negative attention
to yourself by wearing inappropriate clothing
• Get to know local officials, police, and neighbors
• Travel with someone whenever possible
• Avoid known high crime areas
• Limit alcohol consumption
The Mali Country Director sent an email to volunteers about the 20/20 piece.
January 19, 2011
Some of you may have already heard that this past Friday evening (Jan. 14) the ABC news show "20/20" aired a report about the safety and security of Peace Corps Volunteer service. In response, Peace Corps has shared two statements: the first (at the bottom) dated Jan. 11 and the second (from Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams) dated Jan. 14.
I would like to mention that your safety and security is the single most important priority for Peace Corps agency-wide, as well as for all of us working so hard to support you here in Mali. It is disheartening that the agency has been portrayed in a way that implies we are not committed to safety and security operations. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Peace Corps devotes significant resources to providing Volunteers with the training, support, and information they need to stay healthy and safe during their service. Peace Corps maintains policies that coordinate an integrated approach to safety and security. Additionally, every post (re: Peace Corps country) maintains a specific volunteer safety support system designed to minimize safety risks and promote effective and safe service. Peace Corps, as an agency, is regularly reviewing and improving its global operations to ensure that we are all doing our best to keep the more than 8,600 Americans serving as Peace Corps Volunteers around the world healthy and safe.
While it will never be possible to completely eliminate crimes involving Volunteers, we continue to do our best to minimize the risk factors for crime and to make Peace Corps a safe, productive, and rewarding experience for our Volunteers. If you would like more information about Peace Corps’ commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for Volunteers, please visit the Peace Corps web site at www.peacecorps.gov where there is a specific section on the safety and security of our Volunteers as well as information for the friends and family of Volunteers.
I appreciate your dedication to working in service to the Malian communities where you live. I find you all to be extraordinary in your passion toward what we do, fueled by your energy and commitment for making a positive difference.
Sincerely,
- Mike
I have no doubt that the PC does amply trains its volunteers in safety and security. After training it is then our responsiblity to take the proper precautions to stay safe.
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk
There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s risk, many of which are within the Volunteer’s control. Based on information gathered from incident reports worldwide in 2006, the following factors stand out as risk characteristics for assaults. Assaults consist of personal crimes committed against Volunteers, and do not include property crimes (such as vandalism or theft).
• Location: Most crimes occurred when Volunteers were in public areas (e.g., street, park, beach, public
buildings).
• Time of day: Assaults usually took place on the weekend during the evening between 5:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.— with most assaults occurring around 11:00 p.m.
• Absence of others: Assaults usually occurred when the Volunteer was unaccompanied. In 73 percent of the
sexual assaults the Volunteer was unaccompanied and in 48 percent of physical assaults the Volunteer was
unaccompanied.
• Relationship to assailant: In most assaults, the Volunteer did not know the assailant.
• Consumption of alcohol: Fourteen (14) percent of all assaults involved alcohol consumption by Volunteers.
Twenty-six (26) percent of all assaults involved alcohol consumption by assailants.
Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk
Before and during service, your training will address these areas of concern so that you can reduce the risks you face. For example, here are some strategies Volunteers employ:
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of theft:
• Know the environment and choose safe routes/times for
travel
• Avoid high-crime areas per Peace Corps guidance
• Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency
• Carry valuables in different pockets/places
• Carry a "dummy" wallet as a decoy
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of burglary:
• Live with a local family or on a family compound
• Put strong locks on doors and keep valuables in a lock box or trunk
• Leave irreplaceable objects at home in the U.S.
• Follow Peace Corps guidelines on maintaining home security
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of assault:
• Make local friends
• Make sure your appearance is respectful of local customs; don’t draw negative attention
to yourself by wearing inappropriate clothing
• Get to know local officials, police, and neighbors
• Travel with someone whenever possible
• Avoid known high crime areas
• Limit alcohol consumption
The Mali Country Director sent an email to volunteers about the 20/20 piece.
January 19, 2011
Some of you may have already heard that this past Friday evening (Jan. 14) the ABC news show "20/20" aired a report about the safety and security of Peace Corps Volunteer service. In response, Peace Corps has shared two statements: the first (at the bottom) dated Jan. 11 and the second (from Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams) dated Jan. 14.
I would like to mention that your safety and security is the single most important priority for Peace Corps agency-wide, as well as for all of us working so hard to support you here in Mali. It is disheartening that the agency has been portrayed in a way that implies we are not committed to safety and security operations. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Peace Corps devotes significant resources to providing Volunteers with the training, support, and information they need to stay healthy and safe during their service. Peace Corps maintains policies that coordinate an integrated approach to safety and security. Additionally, every post (re: Peace Corps country) maintains a specific volunteer safety support system designed to minimize safety risks and promote effective and safe service. Peace Corps, as an agency, is regularly reviewing and improving its global operations to ensure that we are all doing our best to keep the more than 8,600 Americans serving as Peace Corps Volunteers around the world healthy and safe.
While it will never be possible to completely eliminate crimes involving Volunteers, we continue to do our best to minimize the risk factors for crime and to make Peace Corps a safe, productive, and rewarding experience for our Volunteers. If you would like more information about Peace Corps’ commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for Volunteers, please visit the Peace Corps web site at www.peacecorps.gov where there is a specific section on the safety and security of our Volunteers as well as information for the friends and family of Volunteers.
I appreciate your dedication to working in service to the Malian communities where you live. I find you all to be extraordinary in your passion toward what we do, fueled by your energy and commitment for making a positive difference.
Sincerely,
- Mike
I have no doubt that the PC does amply trains its volunteers in safety and security. After training it is then our responsiblity to take the proper precautions to stay safe.
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