Yes, I missing out on all that snow in MA, but we have our fair share of sand storms. Its currently cold season in Niger, which really means it gets to 55 in the dead of night. The best way to describe it is something like a Mid-June beach day in Maine. Not bad right? Except the dust storms are slight annoying. I’ve been hearing a few things about blizzard-like conditions hitting the east coast and I will admit that that is something I do not miss. I believe I will always call New England home so I don’t feel too guilty for leaving it for the desert sun for two years. The jury is still out on whether that was a good idea.
This past Thanksgiving my team and I decided that sticking to the traditional entrees and desserts was the only way to go. My contribution to the menu was Stove Top stuffing, not my own recipe I will admit. Our dinner would not have been possible without the care packages we get from our families. WinkWink! This year we were able to successfully recreate the breakfast turkey sandwich, except with roasted chicken. Still Yummy!! We located a bakery that sold loaf bread, it was quite the discovery.
I have to say, it was a bittersweet Christmas. The thought of being home for the holidays next year really gets me through the tough days, but leaving my friends and my village gets me all teary eyed. I also got some news regarding my mother’s health, which added my longing for home. She was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks into December. The surgery she had to remove the malignant lump was a success; we are just waiting to hear from the doctor regarding the biopsy results. As long as she continues on with her follow up treatments she should be out of the woods very soon. This isn’t the first time she has had to battle the villain known as cancer. She conquered leukemia during my junior year of college, so I have complete faith in her ability to do it again. Go Trish!
In the spirit of my family I came up with the idea of having an Italian themed Christmas. The team and I came up with the menu, which included eggplant parmesean, lasagna, meatballs, and garlic bread. I am so happy my mom taught me how to cook. Thank you Mom!! The whole team got on board early Christmas morning and we had the kitchen smelling like an Olive Garden before noon. We also had a gifted exchanged were I received a small leather jewel box. It’s a typical Niger souvenir, but very practical
I few of us are going to get together for New Year’s a fellow volunteer’s house. We are planning a Star Wars Movie Marathon. Jealous I know. We are all going to bring a snack type food and most likely some sort of beverage, preferable with alcohol. And I would like to point out that 2011 is the year I am coming home. Don’t run to your calendar just yet, but I believe my estimated arrival date would be September 20.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
a little bit late
At the end of September my new neighbor, Carlo, arrived. I was with him for most of his first month, but my vacation overlapped. I brought him to our market and gave him a brief tour of ville, but with his Zarma language skills I wouldn’t doubt it if he ends up teaching me a few things about Torodi. He’ll be working with the Mayor’s office and partnering with local NGOs. It is very uncommon to have two volunteers in the same village so I’ll use that to my advantage. Neither of us goes far when we need American time.
On a gloomier note, the new PCVs experienced something very rare in PC Niger. A fellow PCV passed away only two weeks into their first month. Stephanie was an MCD volunteer living in the Zinder region. She, like Carlo and I, had another PCV living in her ville. She was a very bubble young woman with a bit of sass, which I enjoyed. I had brought her to my tailor only a few weeks before to get her swear in dress made. This loss was hard on all of us in the country. It’s like losing a family member. In PC Niger history (50 years) there have only been 6 deaths. We held a memorial service for her, where her closed friends shared stories and photos. Our country director, Valerie, traveled to Arizona to bring Stephanie home. There Val took part in the family’s services. We still don’t know the cause of death, but foul play was ruled out. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prays.
Only a weeks after this experience I left for my trip to Spain. I felt very blessed to get the opportunity to be with my family so soon after this tragedy occurred. I definitely hugged my parents a bit longer. I originally just thought it was going to be a group of ten, a mix of family and friends, but on the day they all arrived my Uncle Ben and Aunt Cindy surprised me at the hotel. It was a wonderful reunion involving a delicious shadow cake and my Aunt Mary’s hermits. It felt as if no time had passed. We slipped into our familiar ways, teasing and pestering. I shared some recent stories and they exchanged their life updates.
The tour began on a Saturday and finished up the following Friday. We had a very cute guide and driver. Of course I noticed! We traveled first to Portugal then made our way back to Spain. The landscapes were so beautiful and green; I didn’t miss all the sand back in Niger. I unlike most of the family I enjoyed the food, but to be honest I’m not so picking anymore. While on vacation I made sure I ate as many ice-cream sundaes, donuts, and cheese treats as possible. My family was very sweet with their compliments on my appearance, but I did my best to pack on some extra pounds during our trip. It was worth every calorie. I’ll be back to my running routine soon enough.
Now that I am back in Africa I will be focusing on the next 8 months of village work. I am starting up my English club again and adding another level for high school students. In addition I am in the final drafts of my book project proposal.
My team is getting ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. We have already made our carepackage requests to our families. Cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, etc. Holidays here can be a reminder that you are away from home, but we do our best to distract ourselves and spend time together. Mushy I know, but true.
On a gloomier note, the new PCVs experienced something very rare in PC Niger. A fellow PCV passed away only two weeks into their first month. Stephanie was an MCD volunteer living in the Zinder region. She, like Carlo and I, had another PCV living in her ville. She was a very bubble young woman with a bit of sass, which I enjoyed. I had brought her to my tailor only a few weeks before to get her swear in dress made. This loss was hard on all of us in the country. It’s like losing a family member. In PC Niger history (50 years) there have only been 6 deaths. We held a memorial service for her, where her closed friends shared stories and photos. Our country director, Valerie, traveled to Arizona to bring Stephanie home. There Val took part in the family’s services. We still don’t know the cause of death, but foul play was ruled out. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prays.
Only a weeks after this experience I left for my trip to Spain. I felt very blessed to get the opportunity to be with my family so soon after this tragedy occurred. I definitely hugged my parents a bit longer. I originally just thought it was going to be a group of ten, a mix of family and friends, but on the day they all arrived my Uncle Ben and Aunt Cindy surprised me at the hotel. It was a wonderful reunion involving a delicious shadow cake and my Aunt Mary’s hermits. It felt as if no time had passed. We slipped into our familiar ways, teasing and pestering. I shared some recent stories and they exchanged their life updates.
The tour began on a Saturday and finished up the following Friday. We had a very cute guide and driver. Of course I noticed! We traveled first to Portugal then made our way back to Spain. The landscapes were so beautiful and green; I didn’t miss all the sand back in Niger. I unlike most of the family I enjoyed the food, but to be honest I’m not so picking anymore. While on vacation I made sure I ate as many ice-cream sundaes, donuts, and cheese treats as possible. My family was very sweet with their compliments on my appearance, but I did my best to pack on some extra pounds during our trip. It was worth every calorie. I’ll be back to my running routine soon enough.
Now that I am back in Africa I will be focusing on the next 8 months of village work. I am starting up my English club again and adding another level for high school students. In addition I am in the final drafts of my book project proposal.
My team is getting ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. We have already made our carepackage requests to our families. Cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, etc. Holidays here can be a reminder that you are away from home, but we do our best to distract ourselves and spend time together. Mushy I know, but true.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Smile
It’s been over a YEAR since I arrived in Niger. Wow! I can’t believe
how fast this year has gone by. Presently, I am at the hostel getting
ready for a day full of Niamey errands. Bank, grocery shopping,
tailors, and market.
I spent the last two weeks at the training site VATing (volunteer
assistant trainee). It was a lot of fun being able to spend time with
the new volunteers and getting to know them. I was responsible for
facilitating 3 technical sessions in CYE related topics in addition to
just being a resource as a PCV. We all know I have the gift of gab so
none of these tasks were all too difficult. My first session was on
Empowering the Youth. After, one of the new people told me that they
were happy that I didn’t put them to sleep. I took that as a
compliment. I presented two others on the Life Skills with my advisor,
which also went over well.
The village where the training site is located has been divided in two
separate towns. I decided that I would bike to the session taking
place in the other part of town. The ride round trip was 22k. Who knew
I was mildly athletic. Between that and my running I have surprised
myself because normally I am a bit clumsily. I guess my spunk makes up
for it.
Ramadan begins today, meaning the streets in my village will have
fewer crowds, have less food vendors, but much more villagers praying.
This will go on for the next month. I was considering fasting along
with my neighbors because I share a daily dinner with them already.
Though I don’t think it’s a smart idea for my health, seeing as I just
recently broke my arm possibly due to a lack of vitamins in my diet. I
may attempt it for a few days, but I’ll just wait to see how I feel.
Some things I am looking forward to in the next few weeks:
Sept. 23 The new volunteers will be swore-in.
Sept. 25 I get a new neighborhood that replaces Ricky’s post.
Oct. 19 I head to Spain for two weeks to meet up with my family!!!
Overall things are moving along pretty smoothly and I happy to report
that I am doing well and that my spirits are as high as always. I have
learned a lot about myself these past few months and remain very
confident in my decision to join PC even with my broke bones. What can
I say I am just happy.
how fast this year has gone by. Presently, I am at the hostel getting
ready for a day full of Niamey errands. Bank, grocery shopping,
tailors, and market.
I spent the last two weeks at the training site VATing (volunteer
assistant trainee). It was a lot of fun being able to spend time with
the new volunteers and getting to know them. I was responsible for
facilitating 3 technical sessions in CYE related topics in addition to
just being a resource as a PCV. We all know I have the gift of gab so
none of these tasks were all too difficult. My first session was on
Empowering the Youth. After, one of the new people told me that they
were happy that I didn’t put them to sleep. I took that as a
compliment. I presented two others on the Life Skills with my advisor,
which also went over well.
The village where the training site is located has been divided in two
separate towns. I decided that I would bike to the session taking
place in the other part of town. The ride round trip was 22k. Who knew
I was mildly athletic. Between that and my running I have surprised
myself because normally I am a bit clumsily. I guess my spunk makes up
for it.
Ramadan begins today, meaning the streets in my village will have
fewer crowds, have less food vendors, but much more villagers praying.
This will go on for the next month. I was considering fasting along
with my neighbors because I share a daily dinner with them already.
Though I don’t think it’s a smart idea for my health, seeing as I just
recently broke my arm possibly due to a lack of vitamins in my diet. I
may attempt it for a few days, but I’ll just wait to see how I feel.
Some things I am looking forward to in the next few weeks:
Sept. 23 The new volunteers will be swore-in.
Sept. 25 I get a new neighborhood that replaces Ricky’s post.
Oct. 19 I head to Spain for two weeks to meet up with my family!!!
Overall things are moving along pretty smoothly and I happy to report
that I am doing well and that my spirits are as high as always. I have
learned a lot about myself these past few months and remain very
confident in my decision to join PC even with my broke bones. What can
I say I am just happy.
Friday, July 9, 2010
JUNE!!!
Not sure where to begin with my June email. I suppose I’ll just bullet the main points with a small description. I felt like changing it up this month
Post Vacation: I was in ville for a little over one week when I decided to start up my evening workout routine. It seemed like a bright idea seeing as after indulging in ice cream and fried foods I had gained a few inches on vacation. Well, turns out that was not the best decision. If you haven’t already found out, as a result of my eagerness to sweat it out to the oldies, I fell and broke my arm. My lady grace persona has followed me to Niger.
Recovery: I was placed on medical hold for one week in Niamey until the PC medical officer placed a hard cast on my arm. I had broken the ulna and fractured my radius, when I do something I do it BIG. As a result of my extended stay at the hostel, I got the chance to hang out with some PCVs who will be leaving next month. It was nice to share some time with people finishing up their service and hearing all the positive things that have come out of their time here in Niger. It gave me a lot to look forward to and reminded me to stay positive even in my current self loathing condition. I kept telling myself, “It could have been worse.”
All Volunteer Conference: Timing was a bit strange this month. I realize breaking one’s arm never occurs at a convenient time, but after my week stay in the capital instead of heading back to ville I headed to an all volunteer coordinated event. The conference was held in Zinder, the furthest region in the country. We shared cross sector projects, testimonials, and got a chance socialize a bit. That of course means drinking and dancing. We even had a Prom! Yeah we are kind of lame, but it was so fun.
Back to Torodi: I got some great news not only did my first proposal get approved and funded, but I was selected to be a VAT in July. Things always turn up I suppose. So I hit the ground running as they say (no laughing please). I got to work coordinating the Library Clean Up project with Ricky and my fellow Tillaberi teammates. We were able to buy all the paint and cleaning supplies on our small budget. We got together on the 26th and were able to get everything done except the outline of the Niger map. But all and all it was a success.
The second part of the project was the open house, which was unfortunately not as hit. We held the open house the following Wednesday, but the guardian in charge of the facility never came to unlock the doors, nor did the community leaders bother to show up. It wasn’t a total bust because instead of worrying about the leaders of the town we decided to have our friends and family come by the next day to see what we had done. It was very well received and it was nice for them to see what I do when I leave my house. I felt validated for all the time and effort I put into this small project. To see my little siblings playing with the chalk and reading the books all the stress and frustrated melted away. It was a very tender moment, sorry to be so sappy.
VATing: The new trainees arrive in a few days, which is crazy because that means I have been in Niger for a year already. My role will be to help with their CYE tech sessions and basically be there as a shoulder to lean on when they get homesick, frustrated, lonely etc. I really appreciated the volunteers that were our VATs and look forward to being a part of their PC experience. It’s a great opportunity to share all my silly stories and even the not so good ones. Like me they just want to be reassured that they made the right choice and that everything will be okay. Peer support is an essential part to surviving this crazy experience and I am so excited that I got picked to be one of those people.
I will be at the training site the week of the fourth to go through some training myself then I will return in mid July to VAT. It is now 11 weeks of training where as mine was only 9 weeks. I am pumped for this summer and hopefully I will have many more exciting stories to share, but I don’t anything could beat a broken arm.
My life is needlessly to say is not a boring as one may expect and this past month definitely proves that. Really though I am doing well and have learned to embrace the ups and downs. It takes some practice to figure out how to cope with it all but I am getting there.
Post Vacation: I was in ville for a little over one week when I decided to start up my evening workout routine. It seemed like a bright idea seeing as after indulging in ice cream and fried foods I had gained a few inches on vacation. Well, turns out that was not the best decision. If you haven’t already found out, as a result of my eagerness to sweat it out to the oldies, I fell and broke my arm. My lady grace persona has followed me to Niger.
Recovery: I was placed on medical hold for one week in Niamey until the PC medical officer placed a hard cast on my arm. I had broken the ulna and fractured my radius, when I do something I do it BIG. As a result of my extended stay at the hostel, I got the chance to hang out with some PCVs who will be leaving next month. It was nice to share some time with people finishing up their service and hearing all the positive things that have come out of their time here in Niger. It gave me a lot to look forward to and reminded me to stay positive even in my current self loathing condition. I kept telling myself, “It could have been worse.”
All Volunteer Conference: Timing was a bit strange this month. I realize breaking one’s arm never occurs at a convenient time, but after my week stay in the capital instead of heading back to ville I headed to an all volunteer coordinated event. The conference was held in Zinder, the furthest region in the country. We shared cross sector projects, testimonials, and got a chance socialize a bit. That of course means drinking and dancing. We even had a Prom! Yeah we are kind of lame, but it was so fun.
Back to Torodi: I got some great news not only did my first proposal get approved and funded, but I was selected to be a VAT in July. Things always turn up I suppose. So I hit the ground running as they say (no laughing please). I got to work coordinating the Library Clean Up project with Ricky and my fellow Tillaberi teammates. We were able to buy all the paint and cleaning supplies on our small budget. We got together on the 26th and were able to get everything done except the outline of the Niger map. But all and all it was a success.
The second part of the project was the open house, which was unfortunately not as hit. We held the open house the following Wednesday, but the guardian in charge of the facility never came to unlock the doors, nor did the community leaders bother to show up. It wasn’t a total bust because instead of worrying about the leaders of the town we decided to have our friends and family come by the next day to see what we had done. It was very well received and it was nice for them to see what I do when I leave my house. I felt validated for all the time and effort I put into this small project. To see my little siblings playing with the chalk and reading the books all the stress and frustrated melted away. It was a very tender moment, sorry to be so sappy.
VATing: The new trainees arrive in a few days, which is crazy because that means I have been in Niger for a year already. My role will be to help with their CYE tech sessions and basically be there as a shoulder to lean on when they get homesick, frustrated, lonely etc. I really appreciated the volunteers that were our VATs and look forward to being a part of their PC experience. It’s a great opportunity to share all my silly stories and even the not so good ones. Like me they just want to be reassured that they made the right choice and that everything will be okay. Peer support is an essential part to surviving this crazy experience and I am so excited that I got picked to be one of those people.
I will be at the training site the week of the fourth to go through some training myself then I will return in mid July to VAT. It is now 11 weeks of training where as mine was only 9 weeks. I am pumped for this summer and hopefully I will have many more exciting stories to share, but I don’t anything could beat a broken arm.
My life is needlessly to say is not a boring as one may expect and this past month definitely proves that. Really though I am doing well and have learned to embrace the ups and downs. It takes some practice to figure out how to cope with it all but I am getting there.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Merry May
I didn’t journal during my trip so it’s a bit hard to recall all the days and events so I will just give a little description of each country. I won’t be able to post pictures till some time in June, but when I do I will make the albums by country so they are easier to look through.
I left my village in April the week of the 23rd and traveled to Dosso( another region in Niger) & Gaya for two nights to meet up with my travel buddies (Rebekah & Tess). From there we crossed the border into Benin for the first leg of the vacation.
Benin- We spent close to three days in the capital Cotonou, which was like a 3rd world NYC. I was not a fan, it was just too overwhelming & very congested. Next we travel to a village on the water, Ganvie, where the houses/huts are built up on stilts. That was really incredible to see. My favorite village that we stopped in was Ouidah, which is known for its practice of Voo Do. We met a PHD grad student living in the town, who took us around and even gave us Voo Do readings. Apparently my life is on path…I could have told anyone that. We also stopped at the serpent temple and held some large snakes, of course I’ll post those picture. Our last stop was in Grand Popo on the coast for one night. That was the first ocean I had seen in 10 months and of course it rained that day. LAME.
Togo- Okay, this country was a big deal for me because its where I saw my first African waterfall. It was absolutely amazing to stand under the rushing falls. It was something I never that I would do and still cant believe I did. We had to stay in the capital Lome for one extra day because our Ghana visas took a bit longer then expected. One great advantage to this delay in our schedule was our dinner/dessert at Cafe Festival De Glace. It was freaking delicious. I told the waiter we needed one in Niger. It was my first sundae in Afrik!!! I didn’t know I missed hot fudge that much.
Ghana- On to the relaxing part of my vacation. Our first stay was in the capital Accra for one night. And of course we had to stop at the MALL. It was ridiculous, they even took credit cards there. I was in a bit of retail shock looking at the prices and wide selection of western clothes; however I didn’t purchase anything (that took a lot of strength). I did stop by their “Apple” store called iShop and snapped a photo. It was just a little too strange being in a mall knowing what kind of poverty exists in the country/west Africa. Both Rebekah and I had birthdays in May, which was a happy coincidence. Rebekah’s was during our time in Ghana. As a gift her mom booked 2 nights at a beachside resort for all of us to stay in (with continental bfast). I have nice friends! After two days of air conditioning, TV, and pool time we moved on to another beach resort in Akwata called Green Turtle (much less luxurious). We stayed in a very clean mud hut on the water with an outside shower. Two other PCVs (Brian from MA & Will from TX) met up with us on our 2nd to last day at Green Turtle, which was a nice surprise.
Burkina Faso-This was our final stop and gave us a few days to prepare for our bus ride back to Niger. We did travel outside of the capital city Ouagadougou to hopefully see some hippos, but it didn’t work outL We celebrated my 24th at a local Italian restaurant, where I preceded to order everything on the menu including lots of wine and ice cream. The waiters even sang to me in French. We did a few tourist things and some shopping, but not as much as I would have liked. Then we were back to Niger on Friday evening.
I know I am forgetting lots of little details, but that comes with my old age. But really it was an incredible trip and I am so glad I took the time to do it right. I neglected to add that in each country Peace Corp is present and that’s where we stayed some of the time if we couldn’t find other hostels or hotels. The other volunteers were very helpful and extremely welcoming. I must say it’s a nice club to be in.
Other news aside from vacation: my first project proposal got funding!!! I will be working with my English club on cleaning and organizing the library so that we can have an open house for the village. I am super excited to get back to ville and get the project moving. I am also in the process of applying to be a peer trainer for the new volunteers coming in July. Hopefully I get picked because I think that peer support is really what you need in your first few weeks here, I know it helped me. So cross your fingers for me!
I left my village in April the week of the 23rd and traveled to Dosso( another region in Niger) & Gaya for two nights to meet up with my travel buddies (Rebekah & Tess). From there we crossed the border into Benin for the first leg of the vacation.
Benin- We spent close to three days in the capital Cotonou, which was like a 3rd world NYC. I was not a fan, it was just too overwhelming & very congested. Next we travel to a village on the water, Ganvie, where the houses/huts are built up on stilts. That was really incredible to see. My favorite village that we stopped in was Ouidah, which is known for its practice of Voo Do. We met a PHD grad student living in the town, who took us around and even gave us Voo Do readings. Apparently my life is on path…I could have told anyone that. We also stopped at the serpent temple and held some large snakes, of course I’ll post those picture. Our last stop was in Grand Popo on the coast for one night. That was the first ocean I had seen in 10 months and of course it rained that day. LAME.
Togo- Okay, this country was a big deal for me because its where I saw my first African waterfall. It was absolutely amazing to stand under the rushing falls. It was something I never that I would do and still cant believe I did. We had to stay in the capital Lome for one extra day because our Ghana visas took a bit longer then expected. One great advantage to this delay in our schedule was our dinner/dessert at Cafe Festival De Glace. It was freaking delicious. I told the waiter we needed one in Niger. It was my first sundae in Afrik!!! I didn’t know I missed hot fudge that much.
Ghana- On to the relaxing part of my vacation. Our first stay was in the capital Accra for one night. And of course we had to stop at the MALL. It was ridiculous, they even took credit cards there. I was in a bit of retail shock looking at the prices and wide selection of western clothes; however I didn’t purchase anything (that took a lot of strength). I did stop by their “Apple” store called iShop and snapped a photo. It was just a little too strange being in a mall knowing what kind of poverty exists in the country/west Africa. Both Rebekah and I had birthdays in May, which was a happy coincidence. Rebekah’s was during our time in Ghana. As a gift her mom booked 2 nights at a beachside resort for all of us to stay in (with continental bfast). I have nice friends! After two days of air conditioning, TV, and pool time we moved on to another beach resort in Akwata called Green Turtle (much less luxurious). We stayed in a very clean mud hut on the water with an outside shower. Two other PCVs (Brian from MA & Will from TX) met up with us on our 2nd to last day at Green Turtle, which was a nice surprise.
Burkina Faso-This was our final stop and gave us a few days to prepare for our bus ride back to Niger. We did travel outside of the capital city Ouagadougou to hopefully see some hippos, but it didn’t work outL We celebrated my 24th at a local Italian restaurant, where I preceded to order everything on the menu including lots of wine and ice cream. The waiters even sang to me in French. We did a few tourist things and some shopping, but not as much as I would have liked. Then we were back to Niger on Friday evening.
I know I am forgetting lots of little details, but that comes with my old age. But really it was an incredible trip and I am so glad I took the time to do it right. I neglected to add that in each country Peace Corp is present and that’s where we stayed some of the time if we couldn’t find other hostels or hotels. The other volunteers were very helpful and extremely welcoming. I must say it’s a nice club to be in.
Other news aside from vacation: my first project proposal got funding!!! I will be working with my English club on cleaning and organizing the library so that we can have an open house for the village. I am super excited to get back to ville and get the project moving. I am also in the process of applying to be a peer trainer for the new volunteers coming in July. Hopefully I get picked because I think that peer support is really what you need in your first few weeks here, I know it helped me. So cross your fingers for me!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Maybe in my book, someday
This was written after my Nana's death in December.
Tonight after an evening bucket bath Lamra happened to notice her emerald green aloe Vera plants across from her latrine, which she had successfully harvested from the abandoned Peace Corp hostel in her ville only a few months ago.
She thinks to herself, “ Wow, they are really beginning to grow.”
Because of these spiky, but squeezable plants Lamra is instantly brought back to an old but familiar place in her childhood. Immediately after she closers her eyes the smells and sounds coming flashing back. The stale odor of her grandfather’s cigarettes leaking from the basement, his once private dwelling and next, its what may possibly be some kind of vegetable or produce item being boiled to the point of becoming unrecognizable in her Nana's kitchen.
She soon begins to picture the landscape: the bumpy shared driveway great for biking, next the rose bush cared for by Papa Benny, the not so ‘safe’ looking metal swing adorned with a Ernie rubber topper (of 'Bert & Ernie'), and of course the tulips and daffodils, that arrived each spring which led you to the overly painted white door.
After making her way up the yellow stairs lined in metal that had once caused a large bump on her forehead either due to a trip up or down, does she soon recall her many afternoons on 76 Vista Ave.
In the small rooms on the main floor, she recalls each one being decorated with plants of the leafy variety both hanging or housed on the windowsills. Most important of course were the pots in the kitchen full of aloe Vera.
Next, Lamra begins to recognize the faces in the frames adorning the walls. That’s Elizabeth and Kristen at Easter with their white tights. Oh, and that’s Danny with his big plastic bat and classic 90’s shorts, so trendy. Of course it’s Erin and me, at Christmas in front of the fireplace with our ‘oh so long’ hair. I can’t forget those pictures from Patrick’s modeling years either. And lastly, Alexandra’s baby pictures at her welcome home party.
Lamra begins to feel her eyes swelling up and soon a tear falls from her face. She can't stop herself from thinking about her Nana. It was only a month ago that she died.
Her mind pauses, then quickly returns her back to reality. Never will she eat an omelet “microwave style” or get to dry pasta on a broom stick. Better yet, taste Nana’s “oh I substituted the baking powder for soda” cookies. She lost her chance to feel those amazingly soft hands that squeezed her face as a child. And the worst of it, she'll never get the opportunity to get a kiss on the cheek by those forever red lined lips, ever again.
Softly she whispers to herself, looking up at the darkening sky, “I love you Nana Ann, my only Nana, and the only one I ever wanted.”
Tonight after an evening bucket bath Lamra happened to notice her emerald green aloe Vera plants across from her latrine, which she had successfully harvested from the abandoned Peace Corp hostel in her ville only a few months ago.
She thinks to herself, “ Wow, they are really beginning to grow.”
Because of these spiky, but squeezable plants Lamra is instantly brought back to an old but familiar place in her childhood. Immediately after she closers her eyes the smells and sounds coming flashing back. The stale odor of her grandfather’s cigarettes leaking from the basement, his once private dwelling and next, its what may possibly be some kind of vegetable or produce item being boiled to the point of becoming unrecognizable in her Nana's kitchen.
She soon begins to picture the landscape: the bumpy shared driveway great for biking, next the rose bush cared for by Papa Benny, the not so ‘safe’ looking metal swing adorned with a Ernie rubber topper (of 'Bert & Ernie'), and of course the tulips and daffodils, that arrived each spring which led you to the overly painted white door.
After making her way up the yellow stairs lined in metal that had once caused a large bump on her forehead either due to a trip up or down, does she soon recall her many afternoons on 76 Vista Ave.
In the small rooms on the main floor, she recalls each one being decorated with plants of the leafy variety both hanging or housed on the windowsills. Most important of course were the pots in the kitchen full of aloe Vera.
Next, Lamra begins to recognize the faces in the frames adorning the walls. That’s Elizabeth and Kristen at Easter with their white tights. Oh, and that’s Danny with his big plastic bat and classic 90’s shorts, so trendy. Of course it’s Erin and me, at Christmas in front of the fireplace with our ‘oh so long’ hair. I can’t forget those pictures from Patrick’s modeling years either. And lastly, Alexandra’s baby pictures at her welcome home party.
Lamra begins to feel her eyes swelling up and soon a tear falls from her face. She can't stop herself from thinking about her Nana. It was only a month ago that she died.
Her mind pauses, then quickly returns her back to reality. Never will she eat an omelet “microwave style” or get to dry pasta on a broom stick. Better yet, taste Nana’s “oh I substituted the baking powder for soda” cookies. She lost her chance to feel those amazingly soft hands that squeezed her face as a child. And the worst of it, she'll never get the opportunity to get a kiss on the cheek by those forever red lined lips, ever again.
Softly she whispers to herself, looking up at the darkening sky, “I love you Nana Ann, my only Nana, and the only one I ever wanted.”
Saturday, April 10, 2010
a Sandy Spring
So this is more of a test entry then a post. This is the fam/friend email, but I didn't have a chance to be creative just yet. I've been a bit busy in the capital the past 2 days. I figured I would at least get something out for you to read. Next time it will be a for "real" entry.
The Easter weekend has finally passed. Honestly, I was not looking forward to being in ville alone on Sunday. Ricky left for vacation last Friday to visit some other volunteers out east, leaving me in Torodi. I was able to talk to my family for close to an hour, but sometimes that’s just not enough.
When I look back on my life around this time last year, I was struggling with some personal stuff and of course that same week my invitation to the Peace Corp arrived. I truly believe there is a reason for everything that happens in one’s life. (sorry for the generic ‘mom’ statement) I cannot believe it's been that long since I accepted my invite to Niger. The next milestone will be my year mark in country, which is quickly approaching. I would say time flies when you are having fun, but it hasn’t be an easy road for me. But, I have reached a really healthy happy place and wouldn’t change a thing.
I have been doing a lot of self-reflection on what I want the next year to be like regarding my service, which can get overwhelming. I am trying to make realistic goals that I know are attainable or at least settling on the fact that I can not change the world. I am good, but not that good. So I am trying to find a middle ground between those two.
Enough personal stuff, lets talk ville!
Here’s some social life news. All of my team members were able to visit me this month, which was so great. First, was Robyn after St.Patty's Day. She is about 2hrs from me and lives in urban ville similar to mine, though she has a FRIG in her house. Not that I am jealous or anything. We did the basic walking and chatting with villagers during the day, but at night we had cocktails, read magazines (5 months old), listened to girlie music (I suck & didn’t bring my ipod so thankfully she brought hers over), and talked about American food way too much. Next, were Emily and Nick this past weekend. They left early Sunday morning for Nick’s ville for work related things. During there visit to Torodi, I also put them to work. We sketched out Niger on the grid for the map that Ricky and I started in the library. After that we went to a small ‘café’ in my town to unwind. It was delicious, had music, and was super cheap. The owner even gave us free hats!
Yes, its great to catch up and have Amerik time, but one really nice thing about having friends come that may not be so obvious is realizing how widely known you are in your ville. With Emily especially, she came on market day and pointed out to me that so many people in my ville were calling my name or waving. It was nice to finally feel like a “Torodian” and not just some white lady. And of course, the reverse happened to me in Emily's ville. I went to visit for a few days to work on cook stoves, like my Dutch oven, for her neighbor, Rahinna. I felt so weird having to stop and explain who I was, where I was from, and of course if I had a husband. You begin to appreciate the familiar feeling of your own ville.
Now for some Nigerian family updates. Perhaps, because I am getting a bit lazy due to the heat or just plain lazy I have decided to stop cooking dinner. I will now eat with my neighbors Fatima and her daughter Ramatu, who has 5 kids. She gave birth to her last child during my IST. His name is Ibraham, but we call him Eboo. I'll take some pictures. From time to time I’ll be buying them ingredients & getting them meat or beans for their sauces. Aside from not having to cook, I figure my use of the native language (Fulfulde) will only improve, but I will have to learn that Eboo is not an American baby with diapers so if I hold him I have to time it so that I don't get pissed on during a meal.
.
On to the work and project topic. I have established my English Club with the C.E.G. students, which has close to 12 members. (5 of which are girls) The club takes up between 2-3 days of my week, but just in the evenings. Next I hope to work on the Teacher Appreciate Day with these students. I hope to have the event in June at the close of the school year. In regards to the library possibly reopening, not so sure it will happen. Ricky and I tracked down the man that worked there last and he informed us that he quit because he was not paid for close to 2 years. I have set some long term goals in the hope that I can get it up and running, but it won’t happen while Ricky is here. I am writing up some funding proposals today and tomorrow that will provide my club with some basic materials and also help with any future events the students want to plan at the library.
The count down to my vacation has official begun. I leave in less then 12 days! I will arrive in Dosso ville around to the 20th and spend one or two nights visiting fellow volunteers then on the 23rd off to Benin! The girls and I have planned it out so that we are in Ghana for the a little over 2 weeks and can really enjoy all the touristy goodness of the country. I will be back in Niger on the 21st (day after my bday) and plan on celebrating my 24th on that Saturday with my team. My aunt sent me FunFetti Cake mix and frosting so all I need to buy is the extremely expensive ice cream and I’ll have all I need for a full on American Birthday Party, soda is also included.
Okay, hopefully this is enough Katelyn News till (maybe) June. I hope spring is treating you well and that the weather continues to be beautiful.
The Easter weekend has finally passed. Honestly, I was not looking forward to being in ville alone on Sunday. Ricky left for vacation last Friday to visit some other volunteers out east, leaving me in Torodi. I was able to talk to my family for close to an hour, but sometimes that’s just not enough.
When I look back on my life around this time last year, I was struggling with some personal stuff and of course that same week my invitation to the Peace Corp arrived. I truly believe there is a reason for everything that happens in one’s life. (sorry for the generic ‘mom’ statement) I cannot believe it's been that long since I accepted my invite to Niger. The next milestone will be my year mark in country, which is quickly approaching. I would say time flies when you are having fun, but it hasn’t be an easy road for me. But, I have reached a really healthy happy place and wouldn’t change a thing.
I have been doing a lot of self-reflection on what I want the next year to be like regarding my service, which can get overwhelming. I am trying to make realistic goals that I know are attainable or at least settling on the fact that I can not change the world. I am good, but not that good. So I am trying to find a middle ground between those two.
Enough personal stuff, lets talk ville!
Here’s some social life news. All of my team members were able to visit me this month, which was so great. First, was Robyn after St.Patty's Day. She is about 2hrs from me and lives in urban ville similar to mine, though she has a FRIG in her house. Not that I am jealous or anything. We did the basic walking and chatting with villagers during the day, but at night we had cocktails, read magazines (5 months old), listened to girlie music (I suck & didn’t bring my ipod so thankfully she brought hers over), and talked about American food way too much. Next, were Emily and Nick this past weekend. They left early Sunday morning for Nick’s ville for work related things. During there visit to Torodi, I also put them to work. We sketched out Niger on the grid for the map that Ricky and I started in the library. After that we went to a small ‘café’ in my town to unwind. It was delicious, had music, and was super cheap. The owner even gave us free hats!
Yes, its great to catch up and have Amerik time, but one really nice thing about having friends come that may not be so obvious is realizing how widely known you are in your ville. With Emily especially, she came on market day and pointed out to me that so many people in my ville were calling my name or waving. It was nice to finally feel like a “Torodian” and not just some white lady. And of course, the reverse happened to me in Emily's ville. I went to visit for a few days to work on cook stoves, like my Dutch oven, for her neighbor, Rahinna. I felt so weird having to stop and explain who I was, where I was from, and of course if I had a husband. You begin to appreciate the familiar feeling of your own ville.
Now for some Nigerian family updates. Perhaps, because I am getting a bit lazy due to the heat or just plain lazy I have decided to stop cooking dinner. I will now eat with my neighbors Fatima and her daughter Ramatu, who has 5 kids. She gave birth to her last child during my IST. His name is Ibraham, but we call him Eboo. I'll take some pictures. From time to time I’ll be buying them ingredients & getting them meat or beans for their sauces. Aside from not having to cook, I figure my use of the native language (Fulfulde) will only improve, but I will have to learn that Eboo is not an American baby with diapers so if I hold him I have to time it so that I don't get pissed on during a meal.
.
On to the work and project topic. I have established my English Club with the C.E.G. students, which has close to 12 members. (5 of which are girls) The club takes up between 2-3 days of my week, but just in the evenings. Next I hope to work on the Teacher Appreciate Day with these students. I hope to have the event in June at the close of the school year. In regards to the library possibly reopening, not so sure it will happen. Ricky and I tracked down the man that worked there last and he informed us that he quit because he was not paid for close to 2 years. I have set some long term goals in the hope that I can get it up and running, but it won’t happen while Ricky is here. I am writing up some funding proposals today and tomorrow that will provide my club with some basic materials and also help with any future events the students want to plan at the library.
The count down to my vacation has official begun. I leave in less then 12 days! I will arrive in Dosso ville around to the 20th and spend one or two nights visiting fellow volunteers then on the 23rd off to Benin! The girls and I have planned it out so that we are in Ghana for the a little over 2 weeks and can really enjoy all the touristy goodness of the country. I will be back in Niger on the 21st (day after my bday) and plan on celebrating my 24th on that Saturday with my team. My aunt sent me FunFetti Cake mix and frosting so all I need to buy is the extremely expensive ice cream and I’ll have all I need for a full on American Birthday Party, soda is also included.
Okay, hopefully this is enough Katelyn News till (maybe) June. I hope spring is treating you well and that the weather continues to be beautiful.
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