African Creations

This will challenge me in every day,

It will take my heart and unstitch it.

The fibers of my being will be stretched to their limits,

And there will be nothing left but the bits of my soul.

This will challenge me in every way,

But the drum will replace the rhythm of my heart,

The thatch will bind what has fallen apart.

And my soul will have nothing but a new start.

This has challenged me in every way,

But what challenges me, creates me! 

Willingness

It has been 12 months with about 14 months to go, just about at the half way point. I have adapted to my environment where honestly couldn’t tell sometimes what would be considered normal American behaviors. I think certain kaf-tans (local celebration attire, a mid-thigh shirt with intricate embroidery)  would be quite nice back in America but from what I am told it would not fly.

Adaptation is my body’s natural response to survival and further more thriving in this environment, what 12 months ago was forgotten. Although, I don’t think that I am that different from the general society. I think most of you could do this. Playing to the same cord, just like I think any physically able bodied person can complete a marathon. The most important ingredient being- willingness.

Willingness is to train 3 times a week for 6 months

Willingness is to leave everything you know and move to a new continent.

Willingness is to cut certain foods out of your diet so you have the energy to run 20 miles a week.

Willingness to wear someone else shoes for a change or in the case of Africa, take your shoes off completely.

To be completely honest I am no different than any of you because all humans can adapt. I just might be a tiny bit more willing at times. This is where you might compare yourself to those of us in the Peace Corps, but I challenge you to think differently. Because willingness isn’t moving to Africa, it is accepting a challenge of something that by most standards is considered difficult. Willingness isn’t succeeding but the effort put forth in the attempts to succeed. “To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded (Ralph Waldo Emerson).” So go work with children or plant a garden. But if that child doesn’t  smile or the plants die. “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow.”(Mary Anne Radmacher) This is how I get through my days. What great is that it doesn’t only work in Africa, it works everywhere.

You know you have adapted to Africa when:

• 
  
  ·         80s feel like 60s
  
  
  ·         Your poop is solid
  
  
  ·         You ask for more rice
  
  
  ·         You agree with the driver a full 20 seater van can definitely fit 5 more people
  
  
  ·         You think something is wrong when you’re not sweating
  
  
  ·         You know all of the radio commercials by heart
  
  
  ·         Carrying things on your head is easier then out in front of you
  
  
  ·         Eating some foods with your hands is much easier than with forks
  
  
  ·         You can tell the difference between the attaya brands (local tea)
  
  
  ·         You have a favorite rooster
  
  
  ·         You prefer a pit latrine over a western toilet
  
  
  ·         You eat sooooo much of the seasonal fruit during season, that you can wait till the next season to eat it again
  
  
  ·         You have named the rodents that moved into your house
  
  
  ·         Stripes goes with plaid (sorry Nicole)
  
  
  ·         Greet callers from American in Gambian English
  
  
  ·         Can’t wait for the full moon because you get to save the batteries on your flashlight
  
  
  ·         Village shorts: worn everyday and they are starting to look like the shorts the village kids wear
  
  
  ·         You can put your feet on anything just as long as you take your shoes off. 

Pilgrims and Indians

Even though Thanksgiving was 3 weeks ago, I still want to speak my thanks.

                But first, I want to tell you about my first ever real Thanksgiving the way the Native Americans intended it:

                Ten friends and I slaughtered a turkey. Someone cut the turkey’s throat while two others held it down (it was one big bird). Another volunteer gutted it and the rest helped clean and cook it. We also made several sides from scratch, including my favorite garlic, cheese mashed potatoes. You could not get any closer to the real deal then that, beyond dressing up like actual Pilgrims and Indians (although we did consider that option).

                The whole ordeal brought a lot of appreciation to my consciousness. We all learned lasting lessons in food preparation- from field to table. The ability to go to the store and buy ready made food in a grocery store has taken on a whole new meaning. Having this experience with 10 friends in a foreign land will forever change the meaning of being thankful on Thanksgiving.

                On Thanksgiving, I like many of us do, we had the round table pre-dinner ‘what we are thankful for’ conversation. Although every year I earnestly thankful, it was not until this year was I able to match that gratitude with experience.

                Not until this year did I really know what good health was until I saw how malaria affects a           village during rainy season.               

                Not until this year did I totally value my own education until I saw kids go to school every day     and sit in a classroom all day with no teacher.           

                Not until this year did I understand the books I read.  I majored in African Studies in college. I     read books about culture, societies, history, and the effects of colonialism but not until I got here did I totally understand what it all meant.

                Life experiences.  Education.  Health. I have been thankful for these things before but now I know what it feels like. I knew the weight of it in my hand. I know what it looks like and I cannot change the channel.

                And of course, I cannot forget all of you at home and all my new family and friends here in Africa. I am thankful every day, while a bit corny, for the love that I have all around the world.

                Speaking of family, my mom is coming to visit in 2 weeks for the holiday season. I am both excited and nervously awaiting her arrival. This is not an easy place and I hope all goes well. She told me when I was selected for the PC that she had once had dreams of joining the PC when she was young. (shhh….. don’t tell her but I am going to try and give her a mini- PC experience). So send her good luck and happy travels her way just like you did for me.

                Until the next time, stay happy and healthy. Go experience the day. 

Photo Blog

I want to post this blogs with as little writing as possible and let the images do the talking. They will tell a story. So enjoy reading and I hope all is well:

I saw a lot of great sunset while I was in the capital for a month

I worked with WFP on a rice distribution project

Back at site I did a lot of reading and playing cards

...and hanging out at my compound

... and sitting in the dark.

Then I got hit in the face by my own shovel...Och!

Thank you so much Wendy_I received your package

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