tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68694108570886140512024-03-13T08:36:32.630-07:00Chels's African Adventures in Lion King LandChelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-46563171725714660412013-09-28T23:31:00.003-07:002013-09-28T23:33:23.587-07:00It's Official....I'm the WORST Peace Corps blogger in the world Alright, let the comments begin....I know I've been MIA-blog wise for the better part of a year. Don't get me wrong, I've had witty, funny, even poignant posts all working up in my brain as I sat in the village/traveled around/been in town, and I could try to appease you with my excuses (lack of electricity/internet, limited exposure to fancy things/Americans while in town, travels, tiredness, etc etc), but as my loyal blog readers you deserve better than that. So, in an effort to make you like me again before I return home to mooch from you, I will try to catch you up here very quickly. And, if the spirit moves me, (actually more like if I actually have time to do it and find electricity/aren't job researching all the time,) I will try to write some of those blogs I had a working in my brain. Sawa? (Okay?)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>2013 In a Nutshell (Blog-Shell): </u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Quick, informative, only slightly disgusting</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>PLEASE NOTE: While I didn't write teaching at the Secondary School, Teaching to the waiting patients at the Zahanati, Clinic, village health announcements, and other weekly work, I did them, I promise. Figured whale sharks and all that would be exciting to read about though. Will hopefully get a vill- centric blog in somtim</i><u>e</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">January:</span><br />
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<li>Parents came and left (wahh)- Safari, Christmas in my village (HOT!), Zanzibar, Tanga town (12 days!)</li>
<li>Mid-Service Conference with all my long-lost PC pals from my class in Dar (big city, big prices, good food)</li>
<li>Had quite the 14 hour journey adventure to Mafia to SWIM with WHALE SHARKS! Such an amazing expirence. p.s. they don't have teeth</li>
<li>Came back to vill</li>
<li>Started up withe Life Skills class at the Sec School, those little rascals</li>
<li>Water Shidas started (problems!!)</li>
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<span style="color: orange;">February</span><br />
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<li>NO WATER</li>
<li>SPENT ALL MONEY on buying hauled water from an hour away</li>
<li>LAID on concrete floor to try to cool off</li>
<li>(can you tell i won't miss Feb 2014??)</li>
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<span style="color: yellow;">March</span><br />
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<li>Completed my first 5k in Africa, near the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, sporting a fine eyeliner mustache</li>
<li>Watched several of my friends complete the FULL MARATHON (in the hottest season in TZ!)</li>
<li>Swam in Hot Springs (not hot, but very clear, clean water near Moshi/Arusha)</li>
<li>Back to the Vill</li>
<li>Hand-Washing demo days at the Primary Schools</li>
<li>Tried to get Zinduka started again (HIV centered youth soccer program)..of course nothing happened</li>
<li>Tried to get village health group motivated to write World Malaria Day grant....nothing happened til too late</li>
<li>Easter Feast at Peace Corps Extendee's house with Italians, Germans, Americans, and Tanzania...with easter egg dying and the hunt!</li>
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<span style="color: lime;">April</span><br />
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<li>Had my 2nd birthday in Tanzania...the big 2-5. Was a difficult age to turn in my head, but ushered it in on the quiet beautiful private beach of Pangani with a some friends</li>
<li>Continued the usual teaching at the school/helping/teaching at the Zahanati, etc</li>
<li>Held a pretty unsuccessful World Malaria Day (30+ handwritten flyers and 15 ppl show up? not that I'm still bitter. :), but a successful Cinema night about malaria</li>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">May</span><br />
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<li>Headed to the Usambara Mountains of Lushoto to hike, celebrate a friend's birthday, buy a real coach leather purse for $2.50 (didn't really know or care its Coach, but liked it!)</li>
<li>Taught/taught/helped..almost got Zinduka started, but then school was to close in June so didn't start yet</li>
<li>Hosted a new Tanga friend's bro, a young British doctor, at my site and got to show him the "real tz", and he brought me solar lights and hung up my hammock.. fair deal if I say so!</li>
<li>Read copious amounts of books (add this to every month along with the working)</li>
<li>Counted down the days to pick up my friend (see June)</li>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">June</span><br />
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<li>Headed back to Moshi to pick up my dear bestie, Sarah Jones and to begin our adventures! Safari with near Jurassic Park-like experiences with Elephants, High School Musical themed guest rooms, shopping extravaganzas, private beach villas in Zanzibar for the price of a hut on the beach, village encounters, and Tanga fanciness. Reconnected after a year and a half, was a lovely trip. :) </li>
<li>After dropping Sarah off at airport, met up with a fellow PCV friend, then headed to get scuba certified!! definitely one of the coolest things I've ever done. and I saw Nemo.</li>
<li>Temps dropped! It rained alot!!</li>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">July</span></div>
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<li>Hosted the (now) annual Tanga 4th of July Bash on the Sandbar (well an hour on the sandbar) with 40+ PCVs. woof! but fun, including sparkler candles and clubbin!</li>
<li>Hiked up to Lushoto again, and sat on the edge of the world (or so it feels), froze</li>
<li>Back to the vill, STARTED ZINDUKA!! This time with Standard 6 kids (or like 7th graders)</li>
<li>Played with some babies, ate a lot of chappatis</li>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75;">August</span></span></div>
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<li>Worked, played, read, plotted</li>
<li>Took another 2 week vacay (hey, i had alot of vacay days to use) before and after my COS Conference (more later). Headed north solo to see the desert-y accaia-lined area of the Katesh, Manyara, then headed to see Lake Victoria at Mwanza...rocks and home of the haggled happy hour!Then took another flight! (between my fam, sarah, scuba, and then mwanza to dar, I rarely took the bus this year, WOO!) to Dar.</li>
<li>COS (Close of Service Conference) in Dar, but not just any Dar place, a fancy beach resort! Paid for by Peace Corps (and you, American taxpayers, thank you). Wonderful way to wrap up two years with friends and a wonderful facilitator, my ex-pat friend Pam from Tanga. Also, we all started planning our adventures before returning home (more later)</li>
<li>After Dar, headed back to Zanzibar (what a life, I know), to go see the HUMPBACKS migrating through! A dream come true for a Free Willy obsessed little girl. Then on to Iringa (southern TZ), to complete my TZ quest</li>
<li>Back to the vil, teaching, teaching, trying to get projects wrapping up/hugging up every minute with my babies</li>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">September</span></div>
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<li>Got Zinduka rolling again after my travel absence, they kids were so excited and kept coming to my house to see when we'd do it again (def a great work motivator!)</li>
<li>Continued teaching at the clinic and really trying to teach/work with the pregnant mamas and regular mamas that come through. Going to miss them...</li>
<li>To make a long story short (ha, Mom), finally got in contact with a man from Muheza who works with the local government on sustainable energy, climate change adaptation, and <u>fuel efficient stoves.</u> Had learned about these a year ago, but wanted someone with better knowledge of it to really lead the demonstration, and the angels sent Mr. Nyimbile! So within the span of three weeks, we met, planned, and will now HOST the training (for free! no grant!) in my village this coming week! wooot!</li>
<li>Carried a bunch of babies on my back because I know I have limited time with them</li>
<li>Had a full moon party bonfire with Americans, Brits, Austrailians, Kenyans, Indian Tanzanians, and who knows where else. Gotta love the many sounds of English!</li>
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October....to be continued....</div>
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So, things are moving SO QUICKLY now, my fellow PCVs and I trying to do a little work, do a little playing, do a LOT of getting rid of stuff (who knew how much you could accumulate in 2 years in 2 rooms!), and do LOADS of goodbyes..the hardest part. Though Tanzania has frustrated me like no other, it has welcomed me and pulled me into it, and entrenched me like no other. It is a beautiful, raw, still new country, but ancient with traditions and hospitality. Where else can you see a 90 year old bibi (grandmother) on her cell phone in her mud house? I could never truly do it justice here, but perhaps will try in another post. It has been the best, most growing 2 years of my life, and whet my appiteite for life/traveling abroad even further.</div>
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In that vein, I am happy to report a small group of friends and I are traveling to India, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, before making our way home (before Christmas!!) because being on this side of the world makes it so cheap! ALL of our flights to every country and even around India, including Bangkok to Chicago, are all for less than Peace Corps is giving me for my return ticket home! Then HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!! A bit excited/...</div>
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So thank you, loyal readers for reading this and hopefully forgiving me a tiny bit for my haitus. I appreiciate all the love, support, good vibes, prayers, smoke signals, letters, packages, or whatever else you sent my way. It got to me. </div>
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Pamoja na Upendo, Amani, na Raha,</div>
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Chels</div>
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(With love, peach and happiness)</div>
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<br />Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-27773654088508788662012-12-11T10:25:00.001-08:002012-12-11T10:25:24.546-08:00Do They Know Its Christmas Time? (Yes, They Do.)<span style="color: red;">Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, and Krismasi Njema</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> to all the fine followers of this blog! Another Christmas season spent in Tanzania, and while I occasionally miss the cool weather, the spirit of the season, and the ever popular sweaters*, it is a refreshing, wonderful experience not to be all caught up in the shopping/buying/spending/extravagance that Christmas usually becomes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">* And of course, the seasonal hot beverages, Christmas cookies, and non-stop Christmas music. But those are second tiered misses. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Because it is now Summer here in the Southern Hemisphere, and I live next door to the Sun (or so it feels like), it has been really hard to wrap my mind around the concept of Christmas. Even though my FAMILY is coming NEXT week and we are traveling, doing all the fun touristy things I can't usually afford, and spending Christmas EVE and DAY in my village, with my lovely friends. I'm more than excited, and I'm pretty sure every single person I come across in the village knows. Its been 13 months now, and I feel like a kid whose parents are coming at the end of summer camp. Except I'll be staying after they leave again. But still, the effect is the same. :) I believe the planning is all set (or as set as it can be in Tanzania...let's just say everything runs at its own pace here. I am just so excited to share what has become my home for the last year with my family. And also to see them not bathe and live with out electricity for a few days. muahahaha. All teasing aside, it will be a wonderful way to spend my 2nd Christmas in Tanzania.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">So, to prep and get in the Christmas-y spirit, I've been trying to listen to my recently created Christmas playlist on my Ipod (since sweater wearing and hot cocoa drinking are pretty much out with the 90 degrees with 100% humidity). In prepping for TZ, I added about 10 Christmas songs to my playslist (great planning, Chels), of which 3 are "I'll be Home For Christmas" (again, GREAT planning, Chels. Not a hard song to hear around teh holidays 8000 miles away). Of course there is the other classics, The Christmas Song, Felix Navidad, and All I want for Christmas is you (hahah). And then there is the ever popular, mid 80's classic, "Do They Know Its Christmastime?" Which I used to really enjoy. But as I say listening to the words of the song (yes, I know it was made to raise awareness, and for a good cause), but the words are really kind of off. Granted, I know the writers of the song were probably not talking about Tanzania, so I shouldn't neccissarily judge it against here, but even for other parts of Africa, it seems off. For instance, "where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow, " seems a bit harsh. But the line that really got to me is "The greatest gift they'll get this year is life." Which I know, they are trying to help the disenfranchised, starving people in this song, but still, Isn't life the greatest gift any of us will get? Is a new IPad or who knows whatever new technology (I've been out of the loop). The real message we should be sending out is this to everybody, life is a gift and blessing. And yes, the people here realize it...as the song goes "Do they know its Christmastime at all?" Sure, there are no pine trees (artificial or otherwise), stuffed Santas, porcelain nativity scenes, or any other of the many "Christmasy things" we are used to, but yes, even people with out cable, landlines, and gasp, the internet!, know it is Christmastime. And while the celebrations may seem simple and plain compared to our elaborate feasts, they are still celebrations, and celebrating the special day with family and friends, sharing food, and fellowship are the main acts of the day. Even for those not going to church (which in TZ means they are Muslim...its literally one or the other), they can still enjoy the holiday. While I don't know all the trappings of a Christmas in the village (this will be my first, the last one was in Dar), I was here for the Iddi (Eid),the end of Ramadan the huge Muslim Holiday, and Christians and Muslims alike were able to celebrate together in the spirit of fellowship (i'm sure not ALL Christians do, but I was invited to many a party, and perhaps others were too). So while they may not watch "Its a Wonderful Life" or "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!" (Both my favorites!), the people of Tanzania DO know its Christmastime, and I can't wait to celebrate the day with my Family and my village friends. Not to say we won't bring a little American Christmas to the village (lets just say Selha may be getting baby sunglasses!), but we can also enjoy Christmas from the Tanzania perspective. And maybe that's the best gift we can get this year. Besides Life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Seasons Greeting, Happy New Year! Love and Hugs to all in 'Merika!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Chels </span>Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-24854144305902214222012-11-24T05:34:00.000-08:002012-11-24T05:34:15.972-08:00Inaanza Sasa Hivi (It is starting right now!) Hello lovely blog readers. It's your old pal, Mkunde. I know I have been absent (AGAIN) for way too long, but please forgive me. This month, November, I have been trying to stay in my village, to kind of make up for, and preemptively make up for my absence in December. Staying in the village has been a worthy mission, and I'm going to let you in why:<br />
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I FEEL LIKE THINGS ARE JUST GETTING GOING IN MY VILLAGE. and I have been here ALMOST 11 MONTHS NOW.<br />
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While in PC, its best not to compare yourself/your service to other volunteers, but its also ridiculously hard not to. And so, for the last 6 months or so, hearing about all these fabulous projects/actual work being done by my friends, and feeling rather inadequate/slow has been a little bit of a challenge. But after being gone, and then staying around, perhaps it was my presence by now getting better Kiswahili, or pure dumb luck, but things seem to be rolling. Our youth group (Zinduka is the name, google it! Its with Grassroots Soccer out of South Africa), is about for finish our first group/graduate them! We are also going to take a few of them to perform at at World Aids Day Event! Woo hoo! My LifeSkills kids listen better and seem to pay more attention (could be because we talk about sex and things now). The teaching at the clinic is rolling along great, people are askign more questions than ever! There is even a grant I'm hopefully going to getting started with the clinic to help them build a new, bigger laboratory hopefully! The village health group started by the previous volunteer has beeen showing up to meetings and I held a workshop to make a natural mosquito repellant (learned from PC, its really cool!), and now they want to teach the sub-villages how to make it, and also to sell it for their own group's income! Woo hoo! So that has been a major motivation for me, as I move into my second year of service.<br />
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Since its now SUMMER IN TANZANIA, i am once again coated in a perpetually coated in a thick coat of sweat. It adds lustrous volume to my already poufy hair, and causes lovely pimples to sprout on my face. Lets not even talk about the aromas. Thus begins the laying on the concrete floor-wearing next to nothing-while cursing the volunteers with electricity phase. Also means I'm giving in to the temptation to buy cold water/sodas more often. whoops. BUT it also means ORANGE SEASON! Yum. and the Beach is still jsut an hour away. And It makes me look forward to JUNE. :) But the BIGGEST THING i'm looking forward to will happen in just less than a month. MY FAMILY IS COMING!! We shall do the touristy things I have not yet done due to money/work, but they are also going to experience my village. for christmas. talk about a humble Christmas All 4 of us in 2 rooms in 90 degree heat....I feel like a reality show would love this! While talking to them once a week has been amazing, there is nothing like a mama hug (sure, I have gotten mama hugs, but not from original mama (though she may be extra crispy after being in the african sun! ba dum dum chssssssh)). So the prep of getting ready for their trip has been extra work too, but DEF worth it.<br />
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Selhie, Sheddie, and the gang are all still well. Peeing, whining, cracking up when i make weird white girl face at them. My dear friend in the village lost her sister this week, and while I didn't really know the sister, I definitely felt the loss as they grieved. Its so different to experience deaths in the village when you are finally understanding what's happening and know people. Also though, I do feel my connections in the village are getting much deeeper. Could be because we can get past "How is your house? How is your wife? How is your farm?" Already I'm worried about saying goodbye. And thats a year away. woof.<br />
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Well I always have witty (well not actually witty, but witty in chelsea's head) blog ideas, but lack of internet/energy drained from heat/life has prevented them. I will TRY to be better, especially now since I've found a semi sweet spot in my door frame where I can get basic internet to load once in a while. But know I"m sending profound thoughts/love/and snuggles from across the pound.<br />
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Remaining your ever-sweaty-hot-mess,<br />
ChelsChelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-64112399532878086682012-10-08T15:15:00.000-07:002012-10-08T15:17:32.940-07:00Excuses, Newbs, and Maisha Plus<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PREFACE: Initially, I thought I'd have a witty, up-to-date, informative, class act of a blog. But then, as most things go in Tanzania and life, it didn't exactly happen as planned. It's not like I haven't thought of funny/witty stories, or haven't been on the internet in the past 4 months, but due to a variety of circumstances I just haven't gotten out a blog. It's like the journal...started out solid, then puttered out. I'm going to say its because I've gotten busier. right? So again, I am apologetic for my lack of new blogs. Its like I always get a fabulous idea for a blog, but by the time I get to a computer/see the next shiny object, its out of my brain, or I am too swept in by Facebook email when I get to the www. Also, if people were to start commenting again...ahem...perhaps I'd be more apt to write..maybe. :) But, its been a full few months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The months of August and September were fast, slow, hot, cold (okay less hot), companionship and loneliness, and pretty much every other contradiction I could through out. Karibu, Tanzania, the land of lovely imperfections and contradictions. Getting much "work" done during the month of August was lets say, less easy than normal. It was "Sensa" time (the census) and school was closed, partly due to this reason. My health group in the village were pretty absent, and a few other things I wanted to get rolling were kind of at a standstill. So, I started my chalkboard (my new favorite project), played with Shedrack and Selhie, tried to start a garden, hosted a shadower, and most recently, went to multiple Peace Corps trainings and conferences. So, back to the black board was an idea after seeing a smaller one painted at a friends house, I decided to capitalize on the fact I live in the middle of town and there are constantly people walking by, you know lemonades out of lemons or something like that. :) It started out as a possible teaching spot for the hoardes of little children that live near me, but then I thought it might be a really great way to reach other adults I may not come across on a normal basis, and it would be a like a village health advertisement board. I think the colored chalk really takes the cake/interests the kids as they walk by. Anyway, it is really small, but that has been/is my philosophy towards my service; to quote Peter Jensen, "small, do-able actions." So while other things haven't progressed or regressed, this little project has been a favorite/time occupier on those slow days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In September, they announced the dates the new health and environment trainees (henceforth "newbs" in chelseaspeak), and announced that we could help to train the new class. I am the closest to the training site they will be at the whole two months, so I knew I'd be able to pop in and out, but I was also lucky enough to be able to spend the first week here in country with them..this past week! It's so strange to me that there are NEW volunteers...what does that make us? It also has set in a strange, mid-service/life crisis...I have alot to get done! It will happen when it happens I guess. The new pct (that's code for peace corps trainees) are a really fun, sweet, group. Who had lots of questions. :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So for now, it's back to the village. I learned recently from a PC language teacher about "maisha plus." They explained it as when a person from a city (aka DAR) goes to stay in the village to live life without modern conviences (ie water, electricity, etc). So they asked if I lived as "maisha plus." I assured them that my lovely abode was indeed maisha plus. In Kiswahili, Maisha is LIFE. So it basically means Life PLUS. And you know what, it really is a blessing in disguise, and definitely making me realize the truly important things in life. <3</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, while I should continue on, I am heading out in the morning for home; the vil. After 3+weeks of trainings, Americans, good food, electricity, and running water, the transition to the village is always tougher, but I am also looking forward to my "maisha plus" again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I promise to be better/write down ideas/etc. :) Still LOVING the snail mail. Hope America is well. Also, this week is my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY in country. just saying. Next blog will probably be a reflection of that past year. Will hopefully have that before the 2nd anniversary!</span></div>
Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-54413835611707346802012-07-14T22:24:00.002-07:002012-07-14T22:24:28.614-07:00Can't think of anything witty: an equally dry blog postWell, who would have thought this whole no-electricity-maybe-getting-internet-access-living-in-the-vil-thing would put a damper on getting out regular blogs. I do apologize, lovely followers. <div>
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Life in the village has been going well since my semi-long absence due to trainings for Peace Corps, and other general merriment (sand-bar-that-only-comes-out-in-low-tide to reveal turquoise water in tanga for the 4th of July? Why, yes I did, complete with smores, sparkler birthday candles, and loud, off key americans singing patriotic tunes. Upon my return, I have been teaching (or attempting to teach.. you know kids of any nationality around break time aren't exactly into school..) and teaching and helping at the clinic as per usual. Decided to be super motivated and bought seeds to begin the Perma-garden I said I was going to start when i got to site (seven months ago), but now at least the seeds are sitting on my coffee table, so its a start. The Zinduka (youth soccer-teaching-about-AIDS/HIV-program) plan is getting underway, and my two, amazing, motivated coaches are excited as well. Still feel like I am behind or should be doing a HUGE grant or project like many of my fellow PCV's, but for right now, i'm still sticking to the small scale. I have a little time left, right?</div>
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In other news, I will have a "shadower" soon! Don't worry, not a stalker. Just Peace Corps lingo for a trainee (like I was my first two months) to come stay with me for a week to learn about living in the village. The poor sap (and future sitemate of mine!) stuck with me won't find the domestic, bread-baking jiko-loving goddess, but I can teach them to make a mean batch of popcorn, and the proper way to drop in on your neighbors at meal times. It will be fun to have another "Mzungu" (white person...being called this generally gets on my nerves... i do know i stand out, don't need 20 Tanzanian children yelling this to me! :)) It will be a bit different, but should be a new challenge as well.</div>
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Wish i had a better, wittier, more exciting post for all of the lovely Americans reading this, wondering what I'm doing in the African bush. The village has been lovely, cool (too cold for my neighbors who complain about the beautiful weather I am enjoying), but it will soon be over, and the obsessive heat will return. As for now, I'm enjoying the lovely weather, trying to brush up on my swahilli after being gone and around Americans at trainings, and of course, playing with and being peed on by an assortment of babies. Some days it seems like this whole adventure is flyinggggggggggg by! and others seem to drag on. But, this is life! :) Still, the love/good vibes/prayers/etc that are continually being sent my way are greatly apprecitated. Really couldn't do this without the best support staff ever.<br /></div>
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Until next time, my lovies!</div>
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p.s. realllllly love snail mail. write me, and perhaps you'll recieve a really cool letter with a tanzanian stamp (proabably of a grasshopper..they usually are). and of course, love and fuzzies from me. </div>Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-75800023141746122242012-06-08T02:31:00.002-07:002012-06-08T02:31:20.795-07:00Baby Steps, Breezes, and Blister BeetlesAlright, pardon the delayed absence. My own mother scolded me for not blogging, but the past month or so has been full, as my alliteration-y title suggests.<br />
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EndofApril/May/June has flown by much faster than the previous five months or so. While all things are important, I must note that I have now officially cooked on my charcoal jiko, with help from two different neighbors to get the darn thing started. My cooking skills are still clearly sub-par on both American and Tanzanian standards, but for some reason, I'm packing on the pounds again. My rationalization is the weather. Referencing the unyeilding heat mentioned in previous posts, I am happy (no, OVERJOYED) to announce the "cold season" has arrived in Muheza district. My neighbors and friends keep commenting on the <i>upepo kali (cold wind) </i>and how they are just so cold they have to wear jackets. Its literally 75-80 degrees F, but for people who are used to the scorching heat of Tanga region the other 11 months, I guess I can see how the absolutely beautiful, breezey, sunny, gorgeous, little-bit-of-rainy weather would be a shock. But as you can tell, I'm a happy camper and sleep like a baby (well a colicky baby, but still not sweating to death in my sleep anymore).<br />
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Speaking of babies, Selhy has begun to walk! Selhati, the absolute love of my life-little neighbor baby, has just turned one, and is walking a bit, jabbering in indistinguishable baby jabber, and can ALMOST pump out "shel-shee" (what most of the other kids manage for my name). I have definitely taken on the attitude of "its takes a village to raise a child" with her, trying to stop by and hold her/play with her a few days a week (I'm good friends with her mom, aunts, and gma, so its always lovely visit). Her older sister, equally adorable, and I were drawing with chalk on the stoop the other afternoon, and Selhy saw us and just really wanted to join in. She took a few teetering steps, got nervous, and plopped down on her tiny hiney. Realizing she wasn't quite there yet, she got back up and <i>taritibu</i> -ly (carelfully) managed her way to where the portrait-drawing-action was.<br />
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My first few weeks "on the job" were a bit like Selha and her new walking quest. Walking the 15 minute or so walk to the Secondary School the first day I taught "Life Skills" (we've now covered hand-washing and peer pressure), I was beyond nervous and unsure, but figured I had to "fake it til I make it" kind-of-thing. Walking into a classroom of 35-50 teenagers expecting you to know what you are doing, and do it well in another LANGUAGE is a bit intimidating, but after a few chuckles (on both sides) due to language mix ups, and explaining how I expect things to go, the classes are going well and they seem to be enjoying it. Especially the <i>Maswali ya Leo</i> (Questions of the Day), which is a sheet I pass around and the students are able to write (anonymously) questions about health, sex, America, or whatever they want. You can only imagine some of the ones i've gotten so far. :) Its a good way for us to cover some topics they are never taught and have no one else to go with to. Like I said, it's only been a few different classes so far, as I teach two Forms a week and the other two the next week, but its moving along well. Having other PCV friends doing the same thing has been a blessing as well, as we can compare notes and war-stories. :)<br />
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Teaching outside the <i>Zahanati</i> (dispensary/clinic) was also nerve wracking, in some ways, more so. Here was I not only teaching in Swahili but to adults, and about health topics, so I better know my stuff! The staff (2 nurses, lab tech, and clinical officier ("dr")), stop what they are doing, come stand outside with me and help me by encouraging the waiting patients (our captive audience) to answer my questions and also helping me to answer questions from the crowd. I didn't know they were going to be such a big help, but let me tell you, it has gone so much more smoothly than if I didn't have the help! I ask/suggest what topic I cover each month. EndofApril/May was Malaria, which is a HUGE problem here, and June is <i>Kipindupindu</i> (cholera) [side note- isn't that a hilarous name for cholera? As my friend Megan so elequouently puts it, "I can't be scared of a disease that sounds so cute"] because of an outbreak in our district recently (its the rainy season and without any drainage/waste management, you get the picture, problems!), so I teach about cholera and diarahea. Didn't think I'd be drawing and talking about poop quite so much this early on, but hey its fun.<br />
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June is going to be the month of trainings! I'm off to DAR for "warden training" in a few weeks, where I will put my previous fire-marshalling skills to work to help protect the volunteers in my region in case of emergency. :). Basically I'll call the other two girls and say we have to meet somewhere if there is a natural disaster/war/or some other reason PC tells us to get out. It should be fun, and I get to see a few other PCV's and hang out in AC and drink frappecinos. Not a bad deal. The other training is for Zinduka, a soccer program that teaches youth about HIV/AIDS. I'm starting an in and out of school youth/boys and girls soccer/sports/health club (we obviously need a name) with Joyce and a Secondary School teacher, and we are so excited! The training will also provide more PCV fellowship and a chance to see another region (want to hit them all during my 2 years!) I'm going to try to be in the village as much as possible this month, but as you can see certain trips to town are warranted (this weekend, new phone, dowloading still more books on my poor nook that got deleted, and a pcv visitor!). Its all about a balance, and I think the past two months have helped me to find mine. :) <br />
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So I haven't started any major "building-the-village-a-water-tank/school" projects yet; but, I've decided to take this job/adventure/opportunity just like Selha, one step at a time. While I want to do as much good and help the village as much as I can during my service, I remind myself everyday that it is a process and I will be here for another year and a half. I want the people to KNOW me, and understand what I'm here for and know I do truly care for them before I start a whole huge project they or I aren't ready for; I'd rather they come to me with something we can work on together. So if this means I have to keep playing babies, and making <i>vijana</i> (youth) and <i>wazee </i>(elderly) alike laugh at my badly pronounced Swahili, so be it. :) <br />
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Feeling slightly cooler, happy, and now blister-free,<br />
Chels<br />
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[Forgot the blister beetle story! So one day I was thinking I got a sunburn on the back on my calf and knee cap (not sure why or how I thought I got this wearing long skirts everyday-my pasty white legs can attest to this), but it turned into full on HUGE blisters with red swollen patches around it. In other words, I was even more attractive than I normally am everyday. I had to go to Megan's site for a PC mandated flu shot from the PC doc, and had him look it just to be sure. Sure enough, I got stung by the blister beetle (Nairobi fly). Another awesome story (and hopefully not scar!) for the grandkids I guess!]<br />
<br />Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-62282496440882781672012-04-27T04:21:00.000-07:002012-04-27T04:21:06.454-07:00Amani, Upendo, na Maisha<div>
Amani means "<span style="color: #38761d;">peace</span>" in Kiswahili, and its one of my favorite Swahili words. It also describes my state of being in the village right now. Upendo is "<span style="color: #38761d;">love</span>", and when you have a title like "peace," I think its obligatory to add "love," :). And Maisha is "<span style="color: #38761d;">l</span><span style="color: #38761d;">ife<span style="color: black;">"</span></span>. A little hippy, a little sentimental, a whole-lot Chelsea, haha. </div>
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Well, it's been about a month now since I've returned to the 'vil, and as difficult as reintegration after being away (and around Americans and modern amenities), I am beginning to be really at peace in the my village. The first few weeks were a pretty tough, but as of this week, I have begun to teach at the secondary school, and present on health topics at the clinic, or in other words, do "real" work. As opposed to my visiting, taking walks, and generally just hanging around that I otherwise do. :)<br />
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Starting to present/teach/interact even further in the community has really be wonderful, and being back around my neighbors, friends, and smiling/peeing babies, who were generally happy to see me again, and with whom I can now have slightly more in-depth conversations, (they were mostly 'hello, how are you? how's your family? Have a good day' there for a while...). Sure, there are days/moments/times where I get in a homesick or sad funk, but maybe its the starting work, maybe its the amazing support I get from home, but I'm starting to feel like I'm not COMPLETELY out of place in my village. Its a good feeling. I'm in town this weekend, after spending over two weeks in the village straight. As I was preparing to leave, I was excited (needed to use the atm and hit the supermarket, as well as hanging out with my lovely sitemates!), but I didn't feel like I HAD to leave the village, like I had in moments before. Don't get me wrong, I'm SO happy to be in town and definitely needed it, but, I realized I am really getting to LOVE my village. Which, at times, seems crazy when the roosters start crowing at 3 am, the teenagers cat-call and do other generally annoying things, I can't take a five second walk for pleasure without interrogation of where I am going, but I really am. People are recongizing me and introducing me to others, I get regular "zawadi" (gifts) of fruits from villagers, and the kids as SO excited when I come up the path to my house.</div>
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Besides theses mushy-gushy reasons, I have been thinking of other reasons <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">Why I love my village/TZ</span></span>:<br />
(In no particular order, and will probably add to it in future blogs)</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">1.</span> Where else can I indulge my embarrassing music tastes and sing along without being ridiculed? Yes, Tanzanians love Celine, too.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">2. </span>There is no such thing as LOW carb anything here. Andazi, Chapati, Sconzi, etc. Being the bread queen, I'm loving it.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">3.</span> No make-up? Haven't washed your hair in a few days? These are the days I get the most compliments. Not sure what that says about me, but the vanity is different here, and refreshing.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">4.</span> You greet EVERYONE you meet EVERYWHERE you go in the village. It was frustrating at first, but now I'm going to go back to the states and get stares from the strangers I can't help but greet. I LOVE the friendliness of Tanzanians.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">5.</span> You running late? You forget something? It's "hamna shida" (no worries). For the perpetual worrier in me, the relaxed, understanding of Tanzanians has been a lesson in life for me.</div>
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6. <span style="color: black;">Kids. Though there are times (almost daily) that I wish there weren't a million little kids playing around outside my house, being loud and driving me crazy, when I hear "Shel-She, Mkono, Mkunde" from a group of toddlers and see them waving and jumping around like they haven't seen me in weeks (sometimes its just later that day), I can't help but smile and feel so warm and fuzzy. Then, there's my baby who loves me so much, she pees on me. Can't put a price on love like that. Seriously though, the kids here are respectful, sweet, and always helpful. I promised Mom I wouldn't smuggle any home in a couple years, but we'll see. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: magenta;">7.<span style="color: black;"> Dukas. These are the little stores/more like stands where you stand behind a screen or at the front of the booth and the proprieter gathers all your items for you. The reason I love these is the fact that you never know what they will have. Granted most, have your standard TZ village duka staples: rice, beans, cigarrettes, pens, paper, soda (sometimes), string, razor blades, locks, and other things, but it's the times like the other day when I found a hologram Obama belt buckle, spaghetti (usually just towns!), and bobby pins, that I got excited. Neither have been purchased (yet--trying to be frugal but just got paid, so we'll see), but the discovery was just as exciting . Tanzania makes so much sense, and so little, but I'm loving discovering all its little quirks. </span></span></span></div>
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Maybe it's the cooler weather, maybe it the less stress after beginning work, or the super- resfreshing cold, fresh juice I just drank (one of my fav spots in Tanga!) but I'm feeling pretty positive today. Of course that could change tommorow, or even later this afternoon, but for now, I think I'm supposed to be here and this is what I'm supposed to be doing. For all the being alone and figuring things out on my own, I could NOT do this without the support that radiates to me here from my family and friends at home, and my fellow PCV friends, who, thanks to a free PCV-PCV calling plan, I can to talk often! Cards, letters, packages, and texts are constant reminders of that support, but I also know its the prayers, good vibes, karma, and whatever other positive energy you all send across the pond. I appreciate it and it helps me everyday, because despite growing to love my village, it is a challenge every single day. But then again, I guess life itself is a challenge, right?<br />
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The next month holds teaching once a week at the school and clinic, participating in the village health group, and possibly starting a teen-health/excerise club in the next month or so, a site visit from PC, and continuing to try to learn Swahili and make my village understand my broken Swahili, cooking (hey I used my charcoal jiko for the first time the other day--woo hoo rice and lentils!), and trying to maintain this postive attitude. But with the aforementioned (and probably ongoing) list, that shouldn't be too hard. :)<br />
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Lots of Love from Lion King Land <3<br />
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p.s. I still promise to put pics up here eventually. Technology was not my friend in the 'states, and I am still fighting it here! :)</div>
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<br /></div>Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-89732573598690367862012-04-06T00:50:00.000-07:002012-04-06T00:50:06.726-07:00Ishirini na Nne (24)Mambo, Rafiki!<br />
Today I have officially entered my "mid" twenties...in Tanzania! Didn't feel very much different as I woke up, but then got to thinking about life on my two bus rides to town this morning, and in some ways I feel very much more adult, but then I looked down and realized I was eating my Cinnamon Toast Crunch (from an awesome 'merica package--thanks, Mom!), and in some ways I'm very much a kid still. Guess that's how your twenties go right? Well, I guess at least for me.<br />
I'm in town (Tanga) for my birthday/Easter/seeing PCV friends who are passing through, but will head back to the village to stay for a while after this weekend. I just got back this past weekend from a two week training trip to Morogoro for our In-Service Training with Peace Corps, where I had internet access,but completely goofed on getting a blog out, whoops! It was a wonderful two weeks, full of Peace Corps friends, HAMBURGERS, pulled pork, milkshakes, all night dance parties, and movies nights with a big projector. It was almost <u>too</u> good, meaning the transisition back to living alone and being in the village will require a little more effort, but in some ways, its great to be back again. I feel like half the village has asked where I was, and that they were looking for me, and then are happy I'm back. That's a good feeling. :)<br />
So it looks like it's time to start projects. I am planning to start teaching teh secondary school students "life skills" and present to patients at the clinic as they wait, with other projects to begin as time goes on. Its a little scary, and intimidating, but its time, and what I came here to do. Knowing I have the best support system in the WORLD helps immensely.<br />
I wish I had more quirky anicdotes to add, but I guess i'm on birthday brain right now, and am just hoping the rain will stop so we can hit the beach this weekend! :) Hopefully will be able to check internet at site, or in the next month or so (after this weekend), so hit me up with questions, comments and whatever! Someday I'll get pictures up maybe here.<br />
Until then, I'll be trying to act 24.....well, maybe. :)Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-39412635659460502972012-02-25T00:15:00.000-08:002012-02-25T00:15:34.108-08:00Feeling Cold...and Loving itGreetings from the Swiss Alps! Ok, actually Lushoto, which a town in my region, but its wayyyy up here in the mountains and is absolutely beautiful and, get this, CHILLY at night. After what I'd like to consider perhaps the hottest week of my entire life, I decided it was time for a break from the vil. I think the heat had gotten to me, and it was a rougher week than I've been experiencing, so a relapse from the heat was much needed. And when I say heat, I mean heat (it was 87 at 7 pm...without a humidity index). I had to lie on my concrete floor and fan myself with a magazine. Sure glad I have shutters on my windows! When the Tanzanians are saying its "Jua Kali (Hot Sun!)" you know its unebearable. I must have looked especially pathetic, because my neighbors and fellow villagers were constantly reassuring me it would be cooler in June. Can't wait......<br />
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My village survey and analysis are nearly complete, though with a few snaf-us. Meetings are generally started hours after their "start" time, and that's only if everyone has hauled water, and/or there hasn't been a death in the village, or they decide there wasn't time to have a meeting after everyone arrived too late, (all of which happened this week). Its hard to acclimate with my "american go go go" attitude, but I'm learning! The biggest worry now is preparing my report for my Training/Conference in a few weeks for PC, which is difficult without internet/electricity at site. Looks like more trips to town? Oh darn. :)<br />
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I'm definitetly getting a much better grasp of my village, and am generally recognized and greeted warmly. Feels good to be known! :) Once again, not a whole lot to report on this end, but looks like I'll be working with the clinic and the secondary school so far, and perhaps more to come. Right now, STILL just figuring it all out. I wanted this to be a focused blog, with one topic, but here I go again rambling on a million topics.<br />
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In a few weeks, I'll be heading to Morogoro for my conference/training, and will hopefully have more internet opportunities, so hit me with those emails and perhaps we could even schedule a Skype date with those of you so inclined? As for me, I'm going to enjoy my weekend in the cold, (i wore a jacket last night!), and the beautiful change in scenery (despite not being very far from my area, it looks like a whole other region!) before returning to the sauna that is my village. :) Rainy season is right around the corner though! Hopeall is well in Stateside, and love hearing from all you! BIG Thanks for the Packages, its like Christmas every time. You spoil me, Friends and Family! :) Lots of Love! (and sorry for the randomness, sometimes you just have to take advantage of an intenet cafe when you see one! :)Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-11772445208849000242012-02-04T23:06:00.000-08:002012-02-04T23:06:35.486-08:00Recharged (in more ways than one)Greetings from Tanga! After four weeks, yes thirty days of village life, I have a recharged computer, recharged phone, and recharged spirit. While I have managed to get a little closer to integration in my vil from the last post, every day has been that wonderful, Peace Corps roller coaster! Some days are tough, some days are wonderful, but I guess that is life, right? Just seems magnified in TZ. :) I'm been able to begin the survey of my village PC has asked us to do, visit more with my neighbors and other friends, and even understand/convey a bit more swahili. Like I said, everything is pole pole, but as crazy as it seems sometimes, I now have one month at site under my belt.<br />
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Which means, one month of bucket bath, "cooking" (aka popcorn) and my continually waged WAR on the ANTS. These little boogers have over taken the outside of my home, but i have held my own with "dawa" (medicine, but in reality poison) from the local duke. Go me.<br />
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Hence, when my new site mate Nicole suggested a trip to the big city (Tanga), I was more than a little excited. Also, down to my last five dollars, was super excited to hit the ATM. And what a fabulous weekend it has been. Meeting up with, and staying with a former PCV and her family who now live here in town in a beautiful house on the ocean, hitting a TZ night club and learning some sweet moves, and even finding SPECIAL K bars at a random duke in town! That's what I call success. So now, a quick internet check and soon to dip in the ocean, then more PCV fellowship this evening, and I am recharged for the next few weeks at site. Just what the doctor ordered!<br />
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Now, if only the umeme (elec) would stay in my village for more than a few hours, I would be really recharged! I am able to charge the computer so hopefully a movie/intenet check in the village before another return trip to town, and my phone has been charged a few times in the vil again, so I'm feeling less disconnected. I did feel guilty leaving my village (even just to get to town), but did realize we all need a little recharging sometimes. I'll be a better/happier volunteer if I take care of my mental battery too.<br />
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Still loving the mail! I get to "little" town, Muheza to check about once a week, but sometimes takes longer, so please excuse tardy letters. Still hot, still not sure of my jobs in the village, still being taken care of by my VEO, and still being offered random Ugali and food from neighbors. Wish I had more excitement to report, dear friends, but this is all a process, and I'm just getting it started. Hope all are well, and lots of love (especially on Valentines Day! I probably won't post before then, but who knows!)<br />
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Chels (or Mkunde as I'm known in the village. It means you are loved. I melted, naturally).Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-47513119202188092402012-01-20T05:04:00.000-08:002012-01-20T05:05:52.364-08:00Pole Pole (or Chilling in the Vill)Habari Rafiki na Familia! A quick greetings from my new home (quick because i have like ten min of computer battery!)<br />
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Where to begin? Well my new home is what I like to call a Tanzanian apartment. Its two rooms, attached to the WEO (Ward Executive Officer)'s office. It has concrete floors, mosquito screens on the windows, a NEW porcelean choo. Lucky girl, right? I had a desk, a cabinent to hold my clothes and coffee table made to supplement the bed, couch, and two bookshelves the previous volunteer left for me. Its starting to feel like a home, and I was able to hang some pictures that I have been dying to get out of the plastic baggie they have been in since October.<br />
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Like I said my "house" is right by the WEO's office, and very near the village office and a place where they grind corn into flour (when there is electricity--another story). So, I pretty much always have people walking by, and my neighbors are literally right outside my window. Everyone is sweet, and my broken, awful Swahili has garnered a few smiles and nods. The kids play "football" (mpira la miguu) on a field near my house, and the little bitty kids play their own version under a tree right outside my window. Nothing like hearing a little kid laugh to turn a day around! :)<br />
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My VEO, Joyce, has been a God-Send. She has led me to meetings, visited schools with me, taken me along to her family gatherings, and generally led me around like a puppy. Thank God for her! She was the previous volunteer's counterpart, and I wasn't sure how it would work, but she has been such a help to me. Like I said, I have visited the two primary schools (i could write a whole blog about the kids and schools! :)), visited the 4 sub-villages of my village--yeah, its pretty huge! People sometimes teasingly ask why I dont' remember their names....i think i've met 300 people! I'm trying to remember names, but it will take time.<br />
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Which leads me to title of this blog, "Pole Pole" or slowly, slowly. I think I repeat this phrase 400 times a day: when trying to explain i'm trying to learn Kiswahilli, or that I can't remember someone's name, or just asking them to speak slower! Its definetely a trying time, but I just keep reminding myself this is the time to learn about my village, and what it needs and how I can help. I have been visiting the Zahanati (clinic) to "help" (more like wave at/tickle the babies bellies that come in for weighing or shots on Fridays...imagine that?). The nurses and "daktari" are very welcoming, like my village government.<br />
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Now to the important stuff, because my computer is on the brink and it'll be at least a few weeks before I can charge it. I haven't found that special "mama" yet to follow around/beg food off of, but my neighbors are kind, and everyday I feel more and more a part of the community. I did however, find a little "chai" stand, where I've been frequenting for a morning cup of chai, chappati, and beans. All for 400 shillings! (20 cents or so!). Helps with getting to know people and beats cooking! :) I'm taking after Grandpa Hand, sitting in the coffee shop.<br />
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My village is blessed with a pretty good variety of foods! I can buy bananas, oranges, mangoes, potatoes, rice, beans, flour, break, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, and a few other things---that's like everything! What I can't I supplement with trips to Muheza (kerosene, oatmeal, etc), which I'm getting the hang of! Speaking of Muheza, I now have a PO box! (check fb or contact my fam for it...not putting it on the web i don't think). Hope to get to check it about once a week or so, so can't wait to be pen pals! :)<br />
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While my daily routine has differed day to day, without electricity, I've been heading to bed so early. Which is nice, because with the motorcycles, *^#^%@! Roosters, and other village sounds, its often I wake up before 6. For those of you who know me at all, I know this is a shocker! :) Life is the village is slow paced, which is nice, considering the sweltering heat we've had. This is supposedly the hottest time of year, and let me tell you, it is rather warm! :) Come June, I'll probabbly wish for this.<br />
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My battery is blinking, so I better close. I appreciate the AMAZING support I constantly have from all of you at home, and it helps me to continue on this crazy journey I've begun. I'm still unsure of the work i'll do here, but everyday I feel closer to my village, and the new job i've undertaken. Know I"m thinking of all of you, and willl randomly find myself rememering funny stories with friends and fam, so know you are never far from mind.<br />
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Lots of love and I will eat a Mango/Orange for you! :)<br />
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p.s. no electricty in my village til next month! Yikes! Cell phone may be dead. alot. hope it gets resolved soon!Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-33630066642489194692011-12-27T06:24:00.000-08:002011-12-27T06:25:53.172-08:00Call me a Rubber Band: Christmas Adventures In DarSo, as of the last posting, I was in the hospital with infection on my face, (the picture is just as lovely as the visual and outside of the doctor and me, you'll have to have a huge bribe to see it), but healing and headed to my site, only a few short days after the rest of my training class. Well, that didn't happen, but I did manage to have some adventures in the meantime, and have yet another cool story to look back on. (In case I was worried about acquiring those in the next two year--haha).<br />
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The title of this blog is a reference to my newly acquired flexibility after being delayed going to site. It will be almost two weeks after the rest of my class headed to their new homes that I will finally get to go. TOMMOROW!! For the past few weeks, I left the hospital, moved in with an amazing American family who lives here in Dar, left their house for Christmas so they could celebrate, moved in to another house of a nice PC family, visited the PC doctor at least two times to hear that my head is healing (I knew), did some shopping on Christmas Eve and bought a celebratory Diet Pepsi and Ice Cream Cone, watched countless unknown Christmas Specials, had running water, electricity and internet, had a family Christmas dinner complete with turkey!!, attended an awesome party of Expats from all over, delighted/disgusted many locals with my broken Swahili, and spent wayy to much money. Not exactly the first few weeks at site that I had in mind, and it was almost too much for me at times, as I had been preparing myself for living alone. In the village. In the dark. Some call this a vacation, but for the other Staph victim (or as we have christened ourselves, "Staph Sisters") who also stayed with me the whole time-luck for us actually- it was difficult to hear from our friends about their new homes, . Round one of flexibility.<br />
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Being away from home for the first Christmas in my life was another challenge, but one I knew was coming. I did think that I would be with my region mates, celebrating with a glass of TZ wine and probs rice and beans, but instead I cooked a Christmas Eve Spaghetti with my SS, got to Skype my family on their Christmas Eve, and enjoy a family Christmas with the Ex-Pats on Christmas Day! Flexibility goes both ways. :) Hearing from family and friends back home as well as new friends here made it easy to get the "warm fuzzies" of Christmas that I love so much. Presents and snow don't make Christmas. :)<br />
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A final test to my already stretched patience was learning that my house, well its not the house they told me i'd have. So, of course, being the worrier of the world, this just added to my stress/anxiety level. PC is taking care of it, and I'm sure my new house will be just as fabulous, if not more so than the original (minus all the leftover furniture I was to inherit...yikes). I got all worked up and then I realized, hey you can't change this and maybe this was supposed to happen. After Staph, being stuck in Dar, and switched houses, my karma for site has to be awesome right? :) <br />
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So after two weeks of living in pseudo-America (the ritzy, ex-Pat part of Dar--AC, real grocery stores, and wifi), I'm headed back to Tanzania, the village. I get to move in, find a "mama" ( you know I love my mamas--all of them!), figure out my vil and where I fit it, and oh yeah, how to feed myself/survive. I forsee some "hodi"-ing going on (which means I'll convientely 'stop by' neighbor's houses around dinner time..muhaha). The biggest thrill for me is going to be NOT living out of my duffle bags for the first time since October. I don't have electricity, so charging up the ol laptop and even cell phone will be a challenge, so don't look for blogs too regularly, pals, but i will try for when I head to "town." I have been receiving some AMAZING letters and packages (got yours today Jess--THANK YOU!), and PINKY SWEAR i'll get a po box soon after I get to my site so I can pass it along to those inquiring minds.<br />
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So yesterday, as I'm taking a walk with a bunch of Americans/Brits/South Africans along the rocky, super steep coast off the Indian Ocean with the salty spray in my face, I was once again humbled and amazed at this remarkable journey I am so lucky to be on. A little scar, a shaved/bald spot, and being two weeks behind everyone else isn't even close to the worst things that could have been, and a new lesson in flexibility never hurt anyone. So, the next time you hear from me, I will have actually LIVED a my site, cooked on MY jiko, used my CHOO, and hopefully made some new friends in the village who can understand my elementary Swahili. It will also be a new year, and one full of more challenges, adventures, and more tests in flexibility. I can't wait.<br />
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Much love to you and happy 2012 (is it really 2012? crazy!). Tutonana baadaye! (See you later!) Love from TZ (and my new site!!)<br />
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p.s. I'll try to figure out adding pictures at some point, but just look to facebook for them in the future (could be months)!Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-30104311008704759172011-12-16T04:38:00.000-08:002011-12-16T04:54:07.403-08:00New Adventures and Blessings (Or "How I watched Kindergarden Cop and soaked up AC")Well, the great thing about life is that it is never what you are expecting! Especially here in Africa. In my last post, I was excited about my upcoming move to my "site." But now a day after all my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers [that's right, we aren't trainees anymore!] have headed to site, I'm still in Dar Es Salaam. We all headed here this past Sunday from our training site, all 41 of us and our i'm sure nearly a 1000 bags. After the 5 or 6 hour ride, we finally allowed a little freedom, and a small group of us headed to a MALL. (I'm sure you can guess the gender of this group). After a recharging of a gyro-like meat hamburger, real french fries, and a DIET pepsi, a smaller group of us headed to a MOVIE THEATER to see "breaking dawn." Well, it was probably the most ridiculous thing i've seen, but it was totally worth it, and sitting in the AC-ed room felt like America for two hours. Topped off with a soft serve chocolate cone, Sunday was a very good day in Chelsea's book. The next day, well not so much.<br />
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It all started with a pimple. Well, I'm not so sure it was a pimple, but something of that nature got inflammed and was bugging me enough to figure I had better let the PC doc look at it, since we were headed to the Peace Corps office on Monday anyway. He looked, said it was infected, told me to come back to get antibotiocs, and then I came back later and started to look puffy. Well after taking the antibiotics a day and still looking like a bee had stung me under both eyes, he decided I better go to the hospital for IV antibiotics. Please don't pity or stress or worry, this is not pity blog post!<br />
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So since Tuesday, I have been in, what I believe one of the nicest hospitals I've ever been in. Seriously fancy. <br />
My room is like a small apartment and I have what I believe to be the nicest bathroom in all of Tanzania. A flat screen tv, AC, and a balconey with a view of the Indian ocean have definetely been nice, but its kind of bittersweet for me. I was preparing myself (and still am), to head to my site, without electricity, alone, and without any real direction. I've been taken care of by the nurses, doctor, PC doctor, had so many texts/words of support/calls/skypes and everything from PC friends, family and friends at home. I'm supposed to be sitting alone at my house now, trying to figure out what the heck i'm doing! Its just adjustment and adventure.<br />
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I added blessings to this title because really I have been this week. No, not talking about the amenities. This infection (not sure what it is) started up really quickly, and was actually pretty painful for a while, but I was here in a Dar, taken to I'm sure the best hospital in the country, and taken there and put up by Peace Corps. Now, had this happened after I got to my site, I would have had to figure out how to get on a bus to Dar and to the PC Doctor. The timing, though awful because I had to miss my swearing in ceremony with all the PCVs and the last few days of hanging out an being together for three months (boo), was actually sort of better I was here. So though this is not the ideal situation, and its hard to see the silver lining, I've just been trying because its all in how you look at things. The one thing the Peace Corps mentions for your service is flexibility. Well, I'm starting to stretch now.<br />
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So though I might have a gnarly scar (right on my forehead awesome), and I have a small bald spot my Doctor so lovingly called the Sinead O'Connor look, (more like a receding hairline), this experience has actually made me feel more blessed than ever. I have the best support team in the world, and knowing that has excited me to begin my service that much more. I really am getting too spoiled being here, and am excited to meet the people of my village, the people I will be working with and for the next two years.<br />
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My hope is I can get to my site soon, but its looks like I'll be in town for at least a few more days. Hopefully Christmas can be spent with my new Region-mates, but now I'm just taking it one day at a time. That's really all you can do with life anyway, right? So thank again for all the love and support and prayers coming my way. I really do appreciate every bit of it. I'm not sure the internet situation again until Christmas, but please know that, I'm thinking of you and wishing you all the Merriest of Christmases! (Or Hanukkah or Kwanza or Solstice, whatever you are celebrating). Eat something bad for you for me, and watch every Christmas special they show (you know i'm a sap like that!). Seasons Greetings from the hot African Sun! :)Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-46360416282132752052011-12-02T00:51:00.000-08:002011-12-02T00:51:05.658-08:00December in AfricaHappy December, All!<br />
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It blew my mind yesterday when I realized that it was December already! November certainly flew by in some regards, but in other ways it feels like I have been here for months. I'd like to put some pictures [it sure is a good thing I got the HUGE memory card because i'm the Tanzanian paparazzi] up here, but as you all know, my technological capacity is so limited even in the states. I'm hoping to figure it all out better once i'm in my "home."<br />
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Anyway, this past week has been SHADOW week, where all of us trainees follow around a "real" PCV for a week to see how they live, cook, cope with small furry house guests, and "kick it in the Vil." Since I'm staying where I'm training, I was very excited to learn I'd be visiting another region, wayyyyyy across the country for shadow, Mbeya. The bus ride, while a whole experience in itself, took us through a National Park. And folks, it was just "stepping into the sun" (lion king ref!)! I SAW ELEPHANTS! ZEBRAS! GIRAFFES! In the wild! It was such an awesome experience, and if we were standing out enough on the bus, our reaction to the animals pretty much made the other passengers stare/smile/laugh at us. The six other PCT's and I got on the bus around 9:30 am, and got to the shadow region after 8:00 pm, so you can imagine how happy we were to get here. We all got to hang out in "town" the first night/day, then headed to our separate villages with another PCT and the PCV. Mbeya is a beautiful region, and while mountain-y [not sure if that's a word], its a completely different landscape. Michelle and I stayed with Jessica, who taught us the ropes! Basically we got to cook and eat non-Tanzanian food (no rice! Quisedillas with Velveeta, Pancakes, homemade Guacamole, bean burgers!), and relax, which we don't get alot of in training. We hiked a mountain/large hill/call it what you want, and visited her Zahanati (clinic/place I want to help out at), and visited with some villagers. Living on my own will definitely be a change, but I was relieved to find out I'd be able to get popcorn-- rest assured I won't starve, Mom. I'll probably be doing alot of "nesting" the first few months as I begin to figure out my place in the village and the jobs I"ll take on. I'm moving into a house where a Volunteer lived for two years, and just left in July, so I may already have some furnishings, which would be great the first night! December 15th is the big day, so please keep me in your prayers/thoughts/good vibes as I jump the next hurdle!<br />
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I have only one more week with my homestay family, and while sometimes I thought training would last forever, its going to be very bittersweet to leave such a kind family. I'll have to heat my own bath water? Who will shoo away the rats? Haha. Seriously though, they were a great family for me as I began to experience what it means to live in Tanzania. I have only a glimpse of what that actually means, but over the course of two years I will begin to. Like today, as I saw men and women working their fields with a Jembe (like a hoe), I thought to myself, is it really 2011? Life is slower, and in some ways simpler here, and I am looking forward to the amazing lesson in patience and flexibility that I'm sure is in store.<br />
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To the family/friends/others that I haven't been able to get a letter to yet, please accept my apologies. I was hoping the blog to be a letter to all, and then supplemement with actual letters, but the strenuous training/learning to keep house/visiting schedule for training leaves little free time. I have been thinking of you!!<br />
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One final random note, I have been wearing a sweatshirt the last few days we've been down here in the cold(er) region! It's crazy as I am perpetually warm/sweating/a hot mess in Tanga, but then again the freezing water shower at night has made me appreciate the warm weather of Tanga too. At least I can say I wore a sweatshirt in December this year! :) Talking to family at home and hearing about the freezing weather/rain, I do have to say "Pole". IL weather is one thing I do not miss! So think of me when you have to throw on the extra sweater, haha.:)<br />
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Maybe one day I'll have one of those blogs where each post focuses on one thing, and is concise, witty, and informative. But for now, thanks for bearing with me as I spew information and random thoughts with choppy, misspelled sentences. I haven't changed that much yet!<br />
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I don't know if I'll be able to blog before Christmas, so a HUGE MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my loved ones! This is my favorite time of year, and I am wishing you all the merriest of christmases from Africa!<br />
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Oh yeah, I do have a phone now, and i hear skype is reasonable if any of you are so inclined to chat.. hint hint, haha. Love the letters and greetings from home too! [Thanks Rose and Evan for my first Christmas Card in Africa! and Grandma! Six!]<br />
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Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings from under the beautiful African Sun!Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-22153939614920764622011-12-02T00:10:00.000-08:002011-12-02T00:10:34.530-08:00Drumroll Please....So the big day finally arrived on Saturday, the 26th: SITE ANNOUNCEMENT! Or in layman's terms, the day the Peace Corps told us where we'll all be living around Tanzania for the next two years. In my "interview" in the weeks before with my APCD (associate PC Director), I said I'd like to go wherever i'd be a good fit, and that the climate didn't really matter. He had mentioned a region, and I was sure I wasn't going to be placed there just because he had told me that. haha. Anyway, so the big day arrives, and we are all together, dancing to some crazy African beats on local drums and hyped up. Bet you can't imagine me excited/dancing around like a fool, right? :) The first person gets called up, and not long after, it was my name! I will be staying in TANGA region,(the region we are training in,) in even the same district we are training it! Muheza (if you can find it on a map!). I have a specific village I"ll be living in, but would rather not blast it all over the internet for the creep-o's to find and hunt me down. Just kidding. I was SO EXCITED. Fellow volunteers have likened my reaction to be being called down on the Price is Right. It a GORGEOUS, lush, hot, mountain-y, HUMID region, but I think it will be wonderful. The beach is only an hour or two away too, so that sweetened the deal even that much more. My friends Michelle, Brittany, and Glenn are also staying in Tanga so i'll have some great company for Christmas. Which is 10 days after I'm dropped off. Which I'm trying not to think about right now. :) Actually, the PC is like a big family, and I'm thinking it will be a wonderful new holiday experience.<br />
But lets talk logistics now... I'm moving into a home with NO ELECTRICITY for the first time in my life, living ALONE for the first time in my life, and fighting the war on the panya (rats) solo. Time to put on those big girl panties! I'll be setting a PO Box in Muheza probably very soon after moving in, so all those magazines, candy, wet wipes, general goodies, you've all been dying to send (haha), can be sent there.<br />
Perhaps one of the best things about being placed here in the same region was the reaction of my host family, who i've come to really adore. They are such special people! I told my baba that I was staying, and he said "You will visit every Sunday"! For those of your in my family, or know my family and traditions, you know how this made me smile and feel so warm. I told him probably not that often, but I will come down! :) It was definitely a "home is where the heart is" moment, and it was priceless.<br />
The weeks are definetely flying by so quickly, and I will have one more week at training after shadow (which is when I'll be following around another PCV like a lost puppy, trying to learn to survive on my own), then we are off to Dar for a week, then its time to move to my new home. Until next time, my love from the land of Lion King!Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-10101625054139121392011-11-11T23:44:00.000-08:002011-11-11T23:44:41.817-08:00Living the Life!Greetings from the gorgeous African beach! We just had our mid-training language exam yesterday and then we all headed to Pangani, a beach resort with WESTERN TOILETS!! I forgot to mention in my last post that I am using a pit latrine, a Choo, in a little hut behind my homestay house. So forgive me the excitement of a western toilet. Anyway, we feel like we are in the lap of luxury here, and are enjoying our little weekend away. The first thirty minutes here I was of course in the ocean, but sadly, feel and scraped my self to shreds on the coral. Also, I broke my toe. My spirits are still up and I'm not going to let it ruin my awesome weekend away. Its also raining right now, but hey I'm sure by afternnoon it will be sunny. Just wanted to rub the beach thing in the faces of all my family and friends freezing at home right now. Just kidding. :) I have very limited time, but I just wanted to let you all know they did give us a break from language and training, and I'm going to relax til Sunday! I'm not sure when I'll get internet aagain, so in the next couple weeks I will be doing shadowing (staying with an actual PCV and seeing what they do), having oral exams, and gettting my site announcement! My spirits are still high, but all the prayers and love and support really helps! I'll try to keep you all posted on the adventues of lion king land, when I get some internet access! Much love from Pangani!Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-1115699389748881402011-11-11T23:37:00.000-08:002011-11-11T23:37:56.708-08:00Living in a ScreensaverThe last few weeks: October 18-November 10<br />
Hellllllllooooooo, Good People! I finally was able to get to some internet! I should probably break up the last three weeks into something more than one long blog, but I’m not sure how long/reliable this connection will be and just want to get it all out! <br />
So first things first: I’m supposed to tell you how Africa is clichéd and that it’s not what you think it is, but that is FALSE. I’m basically living in a screensaver. I look out the backdoor of my homestay family and see the bluest skies and palm trees and GREEN. Its humid, I don’t think the temperature has dipped below 79 degrees even at night, and I am perpetually sweaty. Pretty sweet visual, right? I always said I preferred heat to cold, and now I have to put my money where my mouth is. Anyway, its gorgeous and hilly and every day I say to myself or actually whichever of the other volunteers is by me at the time, “Wow, I’m actually living in Africa right now.”<br />
My last blog left off right before we were leaving for Muheza, Tanga District (our training area). I was SO freakin’ nervous! The bus of us 41 volunteers first stopped at MATI (the place we all meet a few times a week for seminars/training), and then they split us up into our homestay villages. I’m in a tiny little village called Kibanda, and I was the first to be dropped off at a homestay home. Unfortunately, it was the WRONG HOUSE. The family looked surprised, and while they were sweet, I think we were all relieved when my LCF (language /culture teacher for my village) came back to tell me I was at the wrong house. I finally got it figured out, and I have the sweetest, best family I could have picked. My Baba (dad), is a farmer –oranges, millet, and corn, and speaks English (brokenly, but still awesome). We talk and try to decipher what I’m trying to say in Swahili. My Mama is equally sweet, and doesn’t speak a bit of English. She takes such good care of me. For example, I take a bucket bath everyday (basically I pour water from a cup in a bucket over my head ), and she gets the water (generally from carrying on her head from a watering hole), warms it over the fire, and then puts it into the bucket so I don’t have to take a cold shower! Speaking of water, guys I ACTUALLY CARRIED WATER ON MY HEAD! I went with my mama, and we were walking back to the house and I had another of those “I live in Africa right now moments.” Anyway, back to the homestay. I’m so lucky, my family has electricity and I have a light bulb in my room (and an outlet! But no adapter, lol). We also have a TV which we watch during dinner, which is always HABARI (news). The power goes out very frequently, but its still nice and it’s spoiling me because I’m sure my site won’t have power! The worst thing is the rats. As I’m bucket bathing (in the choo---I’ll explain later), I hear/see them run across the roof or across the concrete wall. I generally give a little girl scream and my mama will come and bang on the top of the roof to scare them all away. See how sweet she is?<br />
I’m very very lucky. At least a quarter of all the PCT (peace corps trainees) in my class have been really sick/been to the hospital. Other than an upset tummy a lot and some sunburns, I haven’t had any real health issues. There has already been Malaria, parasites, and lots of diarrhea! Basically, bowel movements and general health is all we talk about. We all meet a few times a week for MATI days and its nice to see everyone! There are three other volunteers in my village who I’m training with, and we have language classes together. There is me, Raychel, Johnathon, and Andrew in my villiage, and we laugh at each other, get frustrated with each other, and generally support one another as we attempt to figure out this new world. Well enough with the philosophical stuff. Lets get to the daily routine that you all want to hear about:<br />
6:00 (or before)- wake up to the sounds of the house – no roof on the rooms, just over the whole thing,-which are: mama sweeping, baba listening to Indian music on his hand held radio, and the kids waking up and helping with the cooking and cleaning. <br />
6:15 – Bucket Bath (shave my legs and clean the three thousand bug bites on my body)<br />
7:00- Get ready, brush my teeth outside with a water bottle, attempt to tame my frizz ball hair<br />
7:30 – Breakfast: Chai (black tea with sugar, the occasional ant), and usually Andaze (like a doughnut without sugar).<br />
7:45- leave for “school”<br />
8:00-10:30- Kiswahili lessons/me attempting to understand<br />
10:30-11:00- Chai break! (more tea and doughnut things or chapatti)<br />
11:00-12:30 More lessons<br />
LUNCH – rice, beans, etc.<br />
After lunch: more lessons, walking around the village and then playing cards with the other volunteers while drinking a Coke at our local duka (shop). Then early evening, like five ish, I head home to help mama cook dinner and study. It takes literally HOURS to make dinner and we never eat before 7:30 at the earliest. The times and activities change on MATI days, but you get the general gist of it.<br />
Speaking of food, for all of you taking bets on me losing all this weight, ALL BETS ARE OFF peeps! Like with most developing countries, the diet consists of starch, carbs, and other cheap fillers. Basically, a carbo loaders dream. I eat rice generally everyday, sometimes beans, sometimes potatoes, sometimes mchicha (like spinach), and luckily, always oranges! Sometimes spaghetti with sugar gets thrown into the mix, but I’m not a huge fan. I don’t think I’ve lost an ounce, and my family always wants me to eat more! When I have to cook for myself at site, I’ll probably lose weight then. <br />
Well this was even more of a jumble of facts, figures, mental pictures, and grammatical errors than before! I’m typing this up before I even get to put it on the internet, and know how crazy it seems but everything is “hurry up and wait.” I haven’t had too bad bouts with homesickness yet (but I know it’ll more than likely happen when I get to my own site). I think just knowing all the love and support I have from all of you at home is helping me, and I HAVE A PHONE NOW!!! Its not that expensive in USD for me to call/text you, but I don’t have access to the minute vouchers and am not making very much money, so generally its better for you to call/text me! I’d rather not put the number on the internet, but contact my mom if you want the number! I’m nine hours ahead of you all, so keep that in mind. I love you all and miss you, but am eagerly awaiting letters from my pen pals! Jessy Lou and Grandma, I got letters from you this week! <br />
Hopefully I’ll be able to post again soon, but the internet is really far away and I have trouble getting to it. Boo. Hope all is well back in IL, and you are all staying warm (haha). I will miss you all TONS on thanksgiving and more importantly, Black Friday! Eat some pumpkin pie for me please! <br />
Lots of Love from Tanzania!Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-31709734283142692162011-10-15T09:02:00.000-07:002011-10-15T09:02:23.735-07:00First Week Shenanigans and FunHamjambo, everyone!<br />
So, technically I've only been here at the Mismbazi Center for now four whole days, it feels like month! What a couple days without a cell phone, the- black-hole -that- is -facebook, and pants can feel like. But it's been a really great week. Meeting my fellow volunteers has been a great expierence and we've already had some bonding moments. Staging in Philly was a bit overwhelming, or so I thought, but when I landed, I saw a sign. I am a big believer in signs from God, signs about your path, just signs in general. So, when I grabbed all 80+ pounds of luggage and started to waddle down the airport to find the other volunteers, I saw a poster advertisement that said exactly, "Never have to say, I should have" ---Peace Corps.!!! Some of the many fears began to melt and I knew I was where I'm supposed to be. Meeting a few of the other volunteers was great, and we headed to downtown Philly for our staging. After all the meeting/activities/skits/everything else they had us to, we were able to grab a bite to eat (I got my cheesesteak--yummmm), and watch the Cards KILL the Brewers (lots of Wisconsin/Michigan volunteers). It was nice.<br />
The flights to Amsterdam/Tanzania....not so nice. I have the swollen cankles to prove it. The first flight I was so excited and actually enjoyed, but the hour layover in Amsterdam (which btw, doesn't get light out til 8:30 am there, which freaked me out), and then the like 11 hour flight to TZ with a stop in Mt. Kilimanjaro then another hour to Dar Es Salaam, I was in a middle seat , and boy was I ready to get off the plane. But since we've arrived, I was much more at ease, and very excited about this whole process.<br />
Now to the stuff you've all been waiting for:<br />
I have: sucessfully used the pit latrine...(didn't say it was fun, just that I was successful), eaten DELICIOUS Tanzanian food, learned some Swahili, received 2 shots (and got out of 2), worn long skirts and frizzy curly hair everyday, and played approx 10 games of Bananagrams, and as of an hour ago, washed my clothes in a bucket and tried to hang them around my room, and most importantly, tried my first Tanzanian beer-Mt. Kilamajaro, which was HUGE and around 1 USD!!, and started my malaira prophylactics. The list I'm sure could go on, but that's the fun stuff.<br />
The other volunteers are really nice, and we all seem to get along pretty well for just meeting each other not too long ago. So, instead to of keep rambling, i'll give you an overview of my day:<br />
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6:00 am (which is 10:00 pm home time...makes for lots of jet lag)- wake up<br />
7:00 Breakfast- Delish! Coffee, Chai, bananas, hard boiled eggs, breads<br />
8:00 Start classes/lectures/medical briefings (how not to get malaria)<br />
10:30- Chai break (and more food--- I have yet to be hungry in Africa)<br />
11:00- More lessons/shots/speakers<br />
12:30- Lunch (yummmm)<br />
1:30- 3:30/4:30- More sessions. Today was our first language lesson! Hujambo? Sijambo!<br />
7:00 - Dinner (also wayyy dark out)<br />
9/10- Bed<br />
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It has flew by, and taken forever in the same breath. I, *knock on wood* haven't had too much homesickness yet, but I think all the love and support and pictures and MAIL (oh yeah, I got Danielle's letter and the guy said ,"wow you set a reccord" )haha, and the supportive staff and being around the other volunteers has really made it not so difficult, but Tuesday we head to our host families, and it will be a new transition. It willl really hit home then. Tomorrow we get to know who is in our CBT (community based training, a small group we learn with everyday), and that is really exciting. Ooo before I forget, I did have a disappointment today. Apparently, Hakuna Matata is more commonly used in Kenya and Hamna Shida means the same thing and that is what is used here. Guess that means I'll have to head to Kenya to tell Simba (really means lion though!) Hakuna Matata! Alright, my brain is still sleepy/jet-lagged and drained, so please excuse the random thoughts/sentences. I wish I could email everyone, but I have only paid for a set amount of time, so hopefully this will suffice for now. I'm on a mission for stamps tommorow to begin the Pen Pal Process!<br />
Hope everyone is doing well back in Merikani (America), and be jealous of my 85 degree heat with humidity! Love you! <3<br />
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P.s. at the compound where we are staying, there have been at least one wedding reception everynight, and boy are they nice! Fancy, shmance. I love seeing the fancy tanzanaian dresses, can't wait to get some made.Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6869410857088614051.post-50945550516720341722011-10-09T19:02:00.000-07:002011-10-09T19:02:59.224-07:00It starts: TOMMOROWOye, this is really happening! So begins my new adventure/life change/job/quest/mission tomorrow morning. I'm about to embark on my Peace Corps adventure to Tanzania tomorrow morning as I leave St. Louis for staging in Philly. (First cheese steak while I'm there? I think so). I've been waiting and packing and worrying and shopping for this time since I got that glorious phone call at the end of June and accepted my invitation that first week of July. Well, here I am, still enjoying the comforting amenities of the good 'ol USA on my last night before I begin the process of becoming a PCV, (that's Peace Corps Volunteer for all my friends who don't know the lingo yet), soaking up some AC, sippin' some wine, and digesting some nachos with my family. For my friends/family/random people who find my blog, please excuse the random/goofy thoughts and inevitable spelling and grammatical errors. My brain works in mysterious ways, and I intend to post pretty much exactly as I am seeing things. <br />
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And the way I'm seeing things now is blurred through a bundle of nerves. Will my luggage (which by the way thanks to Danielle is zipped) weigh the required limit? Will I find the other volunteers in the labyrinth they call Philadelphia airport? Will I be able to handle this whole thing? I'm just going to chalk this up to jitters. The support/love/overwhelming belief in me from my friends, family, and the tiny town I'm from has been unbelievable and a comfort to me.<br />
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I could keep rambling, emotional post going on forever, but I'll wrap this up for now. My motto [what's a motto? I dunno, what's a motto with you?! haha - 1st Lion King reference, oh just wait for more] has always been "Everything happens for a reason." I'm taking this phrase with me as I embark upon the greatest adventure of my life this far. I can't wait to share it all with you. Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15366417171122022781noreply@blogger.com0