March 23rd
Today was one of those days. You know, the kind of day where bad news just kind of filters to the surface and somehow during the day you overlook the good things until you look back on the events of the day. Its really easy to overlook these good things when news you have been waiting for is not what you want to hear or a child that was discharged from the nutrition center is brought back to you because of a leg infection. These things happen and the first thoughts of the day are “Ah, CRAP!” and “What now?” or “Where do we go from here?” and maybe a silent pleading “why!?” in the back of your mind.
The morning began by finding out that the grant we had been working so hard on through the French Embassy for a tractor was turned down. I was heartbroken. So much time, effort, and travel was put into the paperwork. This was a blow. We could have used the tractor. It would have been our Swiss army knife, so many uses. Eventually I remember a conversation I had with Beth. Thanks to her I now know that the French were not the last stop. Ghana has a program to help its farmers obtain tractors. There might be hope yet....and it might be easier than navigating the FSD application and demands. This could be good...yeah good.
Before the morning was over the rest of my day showed up at the nutrition center. One of the mothers we have been working with showed up with the child we had discharged the previous week. This case is special because the father has abandoned his five children and wife, leaving them with nothing. We are doing what we can to get them back on their feet. Karim, my local counterpart, has even taken money out of his own pocket to help them. The child has a pretty bad infection and blister like swelling on his leg. He doesn't want to walk on it, but this is a tough kid...not one tear the entire time. I go with mother and child to the clinic, their lack of health card is more likely to be overlooked with someone from the nutrition center there (or maybe just the white lady). Karim has given me money to pay for treatment and I am cursing the sun for being bright and sunny. At the clinic the staff agree to see the child without the “required green health booklet” and I am trying to not get irritated because I am still having to deflect “I want to be you friend” proposals from male nurses. The treatment prescribed involves injections and lacerating the infected area on the leg. The child is a rock star! Mom looks away everytime a needle goes in or when the nurse begins work on the leg. The child does not cry out, and still I swear not one tear shed. He has to go through this again tomorrow. The staff tell me, in a show of good will, that they will not require payment. I heard some whispered dissension among the ranks, but the decision was made. I was told before leaving that just as we at the nutrition center are trying to protect these children it should also be the duty of the clinic to do the same. This was a pretty stressful (big stress on the “ful”) afternoon. On the surface you ask yourself “how much more can this woman take?” let some good come her way. Past the surface you see that good did find its way to this mother; Karim and the nutrition center will do anything to get her and her children back on their feet and the clinic took care of her child and gave her medications without charge. Small blessings, right?
Exhausted. Tired. Hungry. Thirsty. I have been all over town. To the nutrition center twice. To the clinic (opposite side of town from the nutrition center). I am sporting a pretty good sunburn. My legs feel like jelly from all the bike riding. NAP TIME!! Phone rings. Grumble. Hello? Catherine? Yes. Please hold for John. (last time the Peace Corps office called me was because I had not notified anyone at the office that I survived the windstorm, so I am thinking to myself that John is now going to ask me why I neglected to pass on my continued living and non-injury to him). “Congratulations!” That is what John has called to tell me. My day has become a sandwich. I started it hearing about a grant proposal and now I am finishing it the same way...but this slice of the loaf is better. John has called to tell me that my grant proposal has gone through. We will have the money soon and will be able to start building next week. I celebrate with a soda. Call Karim and tell him the good news....he needed some good news for today too. Now its nap time.
March 24th
Today I went on a house call with Faruk. House calls seem to be a necessary evil. They mainly consist of of us going to a house and demanding that people find some good sense and seek out treatment for a malnourished child. However, lately a pattern has solidly emerged that pulls at the heartstrings even more than just a malnourished child.
Here is the scenario - Go into a house. 4 or 5 children live there. Can you tell which one is the orphan. (orphan here usually means that only one parent has died and the new stepfather refuses to take responsibility for the child not of his blood). If you are in the US it is probably not immediately apparent. You might look for a genetic separation such as different shape, size, color, subtle mannerisms. If you are in Ghana....the of the five children the 4 non-orphans greeted you at the door. They are healthy, curious, all that a child should be. The fifth child at first is only a vision of a retreating ankle being Harry Pottered by a guardian and going to some place out of sight. Seeing this as a clue you should follow this child. Upon finding the fifth child (and getting a good view) it is immediately apparent that this child is the orphan. S/he is the only person in the house malnourished, dirty, and carries an overall air of neglect. This child is passive, introverted, and everything a healthy child is not.
We are working with the local human rights organizations to bring greater attention to these children. Karim is the best bully I know...he bullies parents and demands that they get help for children in need of care. We are just hoping we get to these children before we lose them forever.
March 27th
I have an internal radar for rain. Its true. As a rule and a habit I do not get up in the middle of the night to pee. Middle of the night is for sleeping not peeing. Even when I worked crazy shifts and hours, whatever my night was it was for sleeping. Last night around 1am I had to pee like no other. After getting back to my house, the power was out and a few moments pass and torrential rain downpour. I think my body knows when the latrine is not going to be available for awhile. The good news is that I was not only able to collect enough water to fill my barrel, but also to fill my two water cans, my water filter, and several buckets. I used the bucket to do some much need underwear washing.
I just hope not too much of the mud walls on the poultry coop got washed away...we roof this week!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Wind: another word for HOLY #@$%^
March 15th, 2011
Holy Hell What A Storm!!!!! Last night we had a pretty damnable storm. There was some rain, but the lackluster waterfall could not hold a candle to the wind...most likely because the wind would have blown out the flame and then would have sent the candle flying to China just out of spite.
Luckily due, I believe, mostly to luck (all of which I probably cashed in last night) my house is in tack. Unfortunately, destruction was evident throughout all of my Town. Roofs had blown off houses and merchant buildings, tin roofing lay crumpled everywhere. Houses with a straw roof found that their roof could be located all over the street and, if they were lucky, trapped in larger clumps between structures. A good number of structures collapsed under the gale force that swept through Karaga. Buildings freshly constructed crumbled, old clay houses vanished, and many others are simply missing crucial walls.
The nutrition center I work at resembled a good sampling of the carnage I saw throughout Karaga. The roof to the patio was blown off and made an new acquaintance with a nearby roof, leaving a gaping hole where they met. Madam Kate's future mineral (soda) stand returned the earth in which its bricks were originally made. Only a few bricks stood where there were once walls and where we had planned to roof today. Trees were splintered, branches everywhere reminding me of the self-trimming tree that once stood in my backyard back in Phoenix.
Though an actual cone shaped tornado did not pass through town, if you saw what I saw you would have definitely thought one had...or at least that you were standing on a long forgotten movie set for Twister.
Luckily, no one seems to be hurt. The worst of it is in the viewing of the damage to building, homes, stores, nutrition center. We count our blessings where we can find them.
Sadly, the battery to camera is dead and the wind took with it at least five, so far, power poles. I can not charge the battery and provide you with pictures. Maybe I am not meant to take a visual document of this “tragedy” but only to write about it (computer is fully charged) and then take picture when things are rebuilt, restored, and shiny once again. Think of me in the next couple days as power is not expected to be back again for the remainder of the week, it is still hot and my room still has a heat absorbing west wall.
Love and miss you all
Holy Hell What A Storm!!!!! Last night we had a pretty damnable storm. There was some rain, but the lackluster waterfall could not hold a candle to the wind...most likely because the wind would have blown out the flame and then would have sent the candle flying to China just out of spite.
Luckily due, I believe, mostly to luck (all of which I probably cashed in last night) my house is in tack. Unfortunately, destruction was evident throughout all of my Town. Roofs had blown off houses and merchant buildings, tin roofing lay crumpled everywhere. Houses with a straw roof found that their roof could be located all over the street and, if they were lucky, trapped in larger clumps between structures. A good number of structures collapsed under the gale force that swept through Karaga. Buildings freshly constructed crumbled, old clay houses vanished, and many others are simply missing crucial walls.
The nutrition center I work at resembled a good sampling of the carnage I saw throughout Karaga. The roof to the patio was blown off and made an new acquaintance with a nearby roof, leaving a gaping hole where they met. Madam Kate's future mineral (soda) stand returned the earth in which its bricks were originally made. Only a few bricks stood where there were once walls and where we had planned to roof today. Trees were splintered, branches everywhere reminding me of the self-trimming tree that once stood in my backyard back in Phoenix.
Though an actual cone shaped tornado did not pass through town, if you saw what I saw you would have definitely thought one had...or at least that you were standing on a long forgotten movie set for Twister.
Luckily, no one seems to be hurt. The worst of it is in the viewing of the damage to building, homes, stores, nutrition center. We count our blessings where we can find them.
Sadly, the battery to camera is dead and the wind took with it at least five, so far, power poles. I can not charge the battery and provide you with pictures. Maybe I am not meant to take a visual document of this “tragedy” but only to write about it (computer is fully charged) and then take picture when things are rebuilt, restored, and shiny once again. Think of me in the next couple days as power is not expected to be back again for the remainder of the week, it is still hot and my room still has a heat absorbing west wall.
Love and miss you all
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Where Did February Go?
March 2, 2011
So I have been slacking on the whole blog thing. I could lie and say I wrote something out, but the goat ate it. I hate lying, so the truth is...the Donkey ate it. ;)
It has been pretty hot lately. Sweat behind the knees hot. I never knew I could drip sweat from behind my knees, but its possible and every time I have a good sweat going (in the shade under a fan) I always initially freak out and think a bug is on my legs. For us non-exercisers this is not natural. None the less I am hoping for an early rainy season. Other volunteers hiss at this idea, but I can handle the bugs with a good bug repellent and a mosquito coil. What I am ready for is not to have to haul water in 98 degree morning weather and sleep in my sweat.
About a month ago my neighbor Suyini decided he was afraid of white people. From across the courtyard he would spot me, freak out, cry, and try to crawl to safety. The adults think this is very funny. According to Nikki, another volunteer, he just hit that age where kids begin to realize that they see color and differentiate between them. One guess who in the neighborhood is not like all the others. I have been working on this kid for a month now...we have progressed to holding as long as someone else is around, as soon as all the Ghanaians leave the courtyard the crying commences....the adults still think its funny. This kid will like me.
I am currently trying to put together a Girl's Health Club in Karaga. I am green with envy of volunteers in sites that do not have Ghana Education Services stationed within town limits. Trying to work with them and convince them that an informal club is a good thing is starting to get frustrating. I can't go around them for fear of insulting/offending them, but I am pretty damn close to pulling my hair out. Hopefully I will be able to get this club started before my service is over...if not hopefully I will have laid the groundwork for the next volunteer. These girls will learn about safe sex practices GOSH DERNIT!
I went to a funeral the beginning of February with Beth. It was a nice event and nothing like funerals back home. People danced and we paid the dancers/instrument players with small coins, we ate local food, and at one point the mourning party walked around the house 3 times while shotguns were fired. The shotguns sounded like cannons. I have spent some time around guns and people who shoot guns...they don't make me jump and as nervous the way these home made cannon rifles do. I kept picturing them exploding.
For all of you that are wondering about the mice in my house, I am now averaging one per month. That is right, just in time for March (MONTH 10!!!) I got mouse number 10. He was glad to see the groundnut paste I left out for him, though the menu price was probably more than he was willing to pay. Take that mice.
I promise to try to be better about the blog. I have always been bad at this sort of thing. 1/3 of the way done....and can't believe I am going to miss the Captain America movie.
Love you all.
Send Macaroni.
March 4th, 2011
So it hit me today, a revelation that will make me a better customer, patron, and overall person. Well, if not “overall person” maybe a better customer. Today was market day in Karaga and I went ready to but my usual supply of onion and tomato ** little yay **. Making my way through the chaos I noticed it from a far....AVOCADO **BIG YAY**. I bought five of those suckers. Avocado here does not look the same as it does in the states (the peel is different), but it tastes just as glorious. Today was a good treat. How does this make a better customer you ask. Simple. Have you ever worked customer service? Ever wanted to strangle the customer? Ever wanted to cry because that customer took it out on you because their shoe size, favorite snack, or police report was not available. I will never be that customer...if I ever have been, I will never be again. If ever the store is out of fruit loops, crazy band aids, or video games I will look back on this day. I will remember my excitement over seeing an avocado and say to myself “hey, at least it won't take 9 months for Safeway to get it back in stock.”
March 5th
Ever wake up in the morning and ask yourself “how can I cause trouble in my village today?” I tell you that this is a really simple task. The result is at least one crying child, maybe two, confused parents, and one less trip to the garbage bin. Its fun! First you need some empty Altoids tins, you know the ones your mom sends you (full) and you have been saving. You also secretly wonder why your breath does not have some residual freshness after easting so many delightful and curiously strong mints. Second go outside with the intent to give these tins away, this goal is accomplished easily as soon as one child receives a tin even some adults will materialize out of nowhere to obtain a tin. Where is the “trouble” in this...simple...the child who got a tin will now spread the word showing off her new treasure. One child who sees this will assume that the tin had fish in it and that instead of empty tins she will assume I was giving away delciousness. When new children show up for tins (which you no longer have) give them plastic bottles and containers from other thing you have collected. At least one child from this group will be upset she (Becky) did not get fish, and at least one parent (Becky's mom) will come over to find out why her child did not get fish. Luckily the parent is understanding of the “I was giving only empty containers away and there are no more tins” explanation. This is good for a least a few hours solid entertainment. Guaranteed.
In other kid news. My neighbors are still finding it quite hilarious that the children are split between half being afraid of me and the other half completely obsessed with trying to play with me. One such child, Valeria, is in the obsessed category. She is only two, so her cuteness wins her some points though we are trying to work on the “I will not pick you up because if I do you will not let me put you down” issue. Today, she was handed off to me to watch for a little while. The neighbors laughed as I sat down and let Val climb all over me. Eventually the heat kicked in, she grew tired, and plotzed in my lap. Awwwwww. Cute, right? Wrong! As soon as she passed out in an adorable state of cuteness, Valeria then peed all over me! Now instead of the picking her up issue we are working on the “you don't pee on me” new development. Granted it is hard to stay mad at her for long as she has started trying to say my name. Instead of Tiyumtaba (tee-you-m-ta-ba) she say it Diumpa (dee-umm-paa).
So I have been slacking on the whole blog thing. I could lie and say I wrote something out, but the goat ate it. I hate lying, so the truth is...the Donkey ate it. ;)
It has been pretty hot lately. Sweat behind the knees hot. I never knew I could drip sweat from behind my knees, but its possible and every time I have a good sweat going (in the shade under a fan) I always initially freak out and think a bug is on my legs. For us non-exercisers this is not natural. None the less I am hoping for an early rainy season. Other volunteers hiss at this idea, but I can handle the bugs with a good bug repellent and a mosquito coil. What I am ready for is not to have to haul water in 98 degree morning weather and sleep in my sweat.
About a month ago my neighbor Suyini decided he was afraid of white people. From across the courtyard he would spot me, freak out, cry, and try to crawl to safety. The adults think this is very funny. According to Nikki, another volunteer, he just hit that age where kids begin to realize that they see color and differentiate between them. One guess who in the neighborhood is not like all the others. I have been working on this kid for a month now...we have progressed to holding as long as someone else is around, as soon as all the Ghanaians leave the courtyard the crying commences....the adults still think its funny. This kid will like me.
I am currently trying to put together a Girl's Health Club in Karaga. I am green with envy of volunteers in sites that do not have Ghana Education Services stationed within town limits. Trying to work with them and convince them that an informal club is a good thing is starting to get frustrating. I can't go around them for fear of insulting/offending them, but I am pretty damn close to pulling my hair out. Hopefully I will be able to get this club started before my service is over...if not hopefully I will have laid the groundwork for the next volunteer. These girls will learn about safe sex practices GOSH DERNIT!
I went to a funeral the beginning of February with Beth. It was a nice event and nothing like funerals back home. People danced and we paid the dancers/instrument players with small coins, we ate local food, and at one point the mourning party walked around the house 3 times while shotguns were fired. The shotguns sounded like cannons. I have spent some time around guns and people who shoot guns...they don't make me jump and as nervous the way these home made cannon rifles do. I kept picturing them exploding.
For all of you that are wondering about the mice in my house, I am now averaging one per month. That is right, just in time for March (MONTH 10!!!) I got mouse number 10. He was glad to see the groundnut paste I left out for him, though the menu price was probably more than he was willing to pay. Take that mice.
I promise to try to be better about the blog. I have always been bad at this sort of thing. 1/3 of the way done....and can't believe I am going to miss the Captain America movie.
Love you all.
Send Macaroni.
March 4th, 2011
So it hit me today, a revelation that will make me a better customer, patron, and overall person. Well, if not “overall person” maybe a better customer. Today was market day in Karaga and I went ready to but my usual supply of onion and tomato ** little yay **. Making my way through the chaos I noticed it from a far....AVOCADO **BIG YAY**. I bought five of those suckers. Avocado here does not look the same as it does in the states (the peel is different), but it tastes just as glorious. Today was a good treat. How does this make a better customer you ask. Simple. Have you ever worked customer service? Ever wanted to strangle the customer? Ever wanted to cry because that customer took it out on you because their shoe size, favorite snack, or police report was not available. I will never be that customer...if I ever have been, I will never be again. If ever the store is out of fruit loops, crazy band aids, or video games I will look back on this day. I will remember my excitement over seeing an avocado and say to myself “hey, at least it won't take 9 months for Safeway to get it back in stock.”
March 5th
Ever wake up in the morning and ask yourself “how can I cause trouble in my village today?” I tell you that this is a really simple task. The result is at least one crying child, maybe two, confused parents, and one less trip to the garbage bin. Its fun! First you need some empty Altoids tins, you know the ones your mom sends you (full) and you have been saving. You also secretly wonder why your breath does not have some residual freshness after easting so many delightful and curiously strong mints. Second go outside with the intent to give these tins away, this goal is accomplished easily as soon as one child receives a tin even some adults will materialize out of nowhere to obtain a tin. Where is the “trouble” in this...simple...the child who got a tin will now spread the word showing off her new treasure. One child who sees this will assume that the tin had fish in it and that instead of empty tins she will assume I was giving away delciousness. When new children show up for tins (which you no longer have) give them plastic bottles and containers from other thing you have collected. At least one child from this group will be upset she (Becky) did not get fish, and at least one parent (Becky's mom) will come over to find out why her child did not get fish. Luckily the parent is understanding of the “I was giving only empty containers away and there are no more tins” explanation. This is good for a least a few hours solid entertainment. Guaranteed.
In other kid news. My neighbors are still finding it quite hilarious that the children are split between half being afraid of me and the other half completely obsessed with trying to play with me. One such child, Valeria, is in the obsessed category. She is only two, so her cuteness wins her some points though we are trying to work on the “I will not pick you up because if I do you will not let me put you down” issue. Today, she was handed off to me to watch for a little while. The neighbors laughed as I sat down and let Val climb all over me. Eventually the heat kicked in, she grew tired, and plotzed in my lap. Awwwwww. Cute, right? Wrong! As soon as she passed out in an adorable state of cuteness, Valeria then peed all over me! Now instead of the picking her up issue we are working on the “you don't pee on me” new development. Granted it is hard to stay mad at her for long as she has started trying to say my name. Instead of Tiyumtaba (tee-you-m-ta-ba) she say it Diumpa (dee-umm-paa).
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Attack of the Evil Bugs!
January 6th
Slowly the projects are being brainstormed and coming together. Unfortunately the dry season is doing a number on my sinuses and I have not been too motivated to do anything. My pillow is full of dust, therefore I don't sleep, therefore motivation takes a big hit. One of my moringa trees is trying to commit suicide. All the leaves are gone and it looks as if it has given up....poor little guy. The other tree seems to be doing okay, standing 3 inches tall. If I can get one tree to grow it will be a win, both for the center and me personally (I have always fancied that I have the black thumb of death rather than the much needed green thumb)
Taidu informed me today that he is moving to Tamale...or rather the Carter Center Guinea Worm team is stationing him in Tamale for data collection. This is a neighbor that has taken good care of me in Karaga. Usually when he comes back from a trip he gives me a loaf of bread, he always makes sure I am doing okay, and never once has he made me feel awkward (a lot of Ghanaian men have a tendency to make you feel awkward once they find out you are single, liberal minded or enjoy your very own personal space. There has been many a conversation where I begin spotting escape routes or wishing that my tendency to say exactly what is on my mind uses the elusive filter first – thats right people I am trying to filter. Paul probably thought he would never see the day) Anywho, I am going to miss Taidu, but I wish him the best of luck.
I am still on the quest for easy water transport. By the time I figure it out the rainy season will have made its way back to the Northern Region. I have finally got around to getting my bike fixed, it is no longer a brakeless screaming deathtrap. I even got the back tire fixed so it does not go flat every five seconds. The back wheel makes a funny sound, but I am going to take this fixit adventure one day at a time.
Tomorrow feels like a trash burning day. Nothing like getting up at 4am to burn your trash. At least it is chillish in the mornings, so the fire will not be all to uncomfortable =)
Love and miss you all.
January 8th
You know whats disturbing....a big unknown bug moving its way across your bedroom wall. You want to know whats more disturbing than that....the smallest spider in existence after claiming victory over said bug casually hauling across your bedroom wall.
January 11th
Today I found out that petrol prices went up and as a result so did my tro fare from site to Tamale. Good thing I always have extra money on me...not much but enough to qualify as extra. I'll just have to cut back on my Tamale trips, though with any luck my proposal for the poultry farm will go through and I will have to make trips to Tamale for supplies. Arg! Good thing about Tamale is that is where the mail is kept...**hint** the trip is always worth while if a card or package is waiting for me at the office.
January 14th
This month's theme is bugs. I don't know why...maybe because they are EVIL!! Today I found out the true meaning of fear and prayer. A black wasp type thing landed on my back while I was taking a bath! OH MY GOD! I stayed very still, closed my eyes, and hoped satan's helper left me be. As soon as it took off from my back, no stinging involved thank god, I grabbed my two yard and practically still indecent launched myself to safety outside of the small room. I found a sliver of bravery and approached the door and held it open, hoping that the wasp would fly to light and freedom. After a short time it took my offer of open air and I was able to finish my bucket bath in peace. You may be saying to yourself “Oh Catherine, you are quite silly.” but I doubt you would have acted any differently if you were in my shower shoes.
P.S. One month until my birthday.
January 16th
My tree is dead. I can't seem to get the little seedlings past 3 inches in height before they finally realize I am their caretaker and give up on all life. I am going to keep trying. One of them has to make it right???
found green onion at the market today. I am going to make soup and fried rice....and anything else I can think of to put this new flavor of goodness into. Never did I think I would be so excited about an onion, but a new flavor is a new flavor. I miss Safeway, oh the convenience and the variety. I think I will go food crazy when I get back tot he states...or definitely sandwich crazy. I had a dream about sandwiches the other night and it was glorious, so many finely sliced meats, breads, condiments, and vegetables. Mmmmmmmmmm.
Slowly the projects are being brainstormed and coming together. Unfortunately the dry season is doing a number on my sinuses and I have not been too motivated to do anything. My pillow is full of dust, therefore I don't sleep, therefore motivation takes a big hit. One of my moringa trees is trying to commit suicide. All the leaves are gone and it looks as if it has given up....poor little guy. The other tree seems to be doing okay, standing 3 inches tall. If I can get one tree to grow it will be a win, both for the center and me personally (I have always fancied that I have the black thumb of death rather than the much needed green thumb)
Taidu informed me today that he is moving to Tamale...or rather the Carter Center Guinea Worm team is stationing him in Tamale for data collection. This is a neighbor that has taken good care of me in Karaga. Usually when he comes back from a trip he gives me a loaf of bread, he always makes sure I am doing okay, and never once has he made me feel awkward (a lot of Ghanaian men have a tendency to make you feel awkward once they find out you are single, liberal minded or enjoy your very own personal space. There has been many a conversation where I begin spotting escape routes or wishing that my tendency to say exactly what is on my mind uses the elusive filter first – thats right people I am trying to filter. Paul probably thought he would never see the day) Anywho, I am going to miss Taidu, but I wish him the best of luck.
I am still on the quest for easy water transport. By the time I figure it out the rainy season will have made its way back to the Northern Region. I have finally got around to getting my bike fixed, it is no longer a brakeless screaming deathtrap. I even got the back tire fixed so it does not go flat every five seconds. The back wheel makes a funny sound, but I am going to take this fixit adventure one day at a time.
Tomorrow feels like a trash burning day. Nothing like getting up at 4am to burn your trash. At least it is chillish in the mornings, so the fire will not be all to uncomfortable =)
Love and miss you all.
January 8th
You know whats disturbing....a big unknown bug moving its way across your bedroom wall. You want to know whats more disturbing than that....the smallest spider in existence after claiming victory over said bug casually hauling across your bedroom wall.
January 11th
Today I found out that petrol prices went up and as a result so did my tro fare from site to Tamale. Good thing I always have extra money on me...not much but enough to qualify as extra. I'll just have to cut back on my Tamale trips, though with any luck my proposal for the poultry farm will go through and I will have to make trips to Tamale for supplies. Arg! Good thing about Tamale is that is where the mail is kept...**hint** the trip is always worth while if a card or package is waiting for me at the office.
January 14th
This month's theme is bugs. I don't know why...maybe because they are EVIL!! Today I found out the true meaning of fear and prayer. A black wasp type thing landed on my back while I was taking a bath! OH MY GOD! I stayed very still, closed my eyes, and hoped satan's helper left me be. As soon as it took off from my back, no stinging involved thank god, I grabbed my two yard and practically still indecent launched myself to safety outside of the small room. I found a sliver of bravery and approached the door and held it open, hoping that the wasp would fly to light and freedom. After a short time it took my offer of open air and I was able to finish my bucket bath in peace. You may be saying to yourself “Oh Catherine, you are quite silly.” but I doubt you would have acted any differently if you were in my shower shoes.
P.S. One month until my birthday.
January 16th
My tree is dead. I can't seem to get the little seedlings past 3 inches in height before they finally realize I am their caretaker and give up on all life. I am going to keep trying. One of them has to make it right???
found green onion at the market today. I am going to make soup and fried rice....and anything else I can think of to put this new flavor of goodness into. Never did I think I would be so excited about an onion, but a new flavor is a new flavor. I miss Safeway, oh the convenience and the variety. I think I will go food crazy when I get back tot he states...or definitely sandwich crazy. I had a dream about sandwiches the other night and it was glorious, so many finely sliced meats, breads, condiments, and vegetables. Mmmmmmmmmm.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Merry Christmas - Don't Eat the Hot Dogs
December 5th - 11th
This week was spent in Kumasi for our first In Service Training (IST). First thins is first...the week begins with the 5th and the 7th – HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM AND REESIE!!!
This is the first time I have been to the office in Kumasi...I feel us northerners got a bit jipped. The office in Kumasi is nice and dangerously enough runs a “store” in which volunteers sell goods from their communities and various projects. I picked a few bars of moringa soap and some earrings made at one of the schools for the deaf (the art teachers have got these kids doing some amazing work).
This week we learned about the various grants that are available to PCVs and my counterparts eyes lit up like it was Christmas. I know I will have to reign in some of his ideas back to what is actually within the realm of doable, but I have to admit I am excited at the prospect of getting some funded projects going. (We are going to try a poultry farm and moringa tree nursery to help supplement the nutrition center both in terms of food and money).
We also learned this week about the amazing moringa tree and its many uses. They never end! Look this tree up people. Nutrition in the leaves, pain killer in the roots, oil in the seeds, and one hundred uses. We were given some seeds and I hope to try to grow some little seedlings before attempting the tree nursery...start small aim big.
I am looking forward to applying a lot of the things we covered in training in the upcoming months. I am even excited about growing the mushrooms from the kit I got!
December 16th
FIRE FESTIVAL! One of the bigger holidays in the Northern Region is the fire festival which takes place nine days after the new moon. Today is the day...or night rather. I arranged for someone from the center to walk me through town. The scene was spectacular and the feeling of the night in comparison is like a roller coaster – awesome but at the same time a little terryifying. Little children throwing firecrackers at your feet, adults setting off a fire cracker that sounds like a bomb. Children and adults running through the streets with flaming torches and cutlasses. A large group of children saw me coming and ran towards me, cutlasses in hand, and I immediately adopted the deer in headlights look hoping to walk away unscathed...no one means any harm but accidents have been known to happen. All in all the festival was spectacular. I tried to take some pictures which I will put on facebook.
December 24th
Merry Christmas Eve! I am celebrating the holiday in Tamale. I have successfully downloaded Miracle on 34th St onto my ipod. The church across the street had a choir singing christmas themed religious songs....and then something that made me smile they sang Feliz Navidad! Not a very religious song and they probably dont understand the Spanish, but it brought a little bit of home to the holidays. Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you all have a good holiday. Miss you lots.
December 25th
Merry Christmas! I miss and Love you all. Here is hoping that you all had a wonderful holiday and that santa came to visit...according to the online santa tracker Ghana got skipped...but we made due. Happy New Year...19 months to go.
This week was spent in Kumasi for our first In Service Training (IST). First thins is first...the week begins with the 5th and the 7th – HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM AND REESIE!!!
This is the first time I have been to the office in Kumasi...I feel us northerners got a bit jipped. The office in Kumasi is nice and dangerously enough runs a “store” in which volunteers sell goods from their communities and various projects. I picked a few bars of moringa soap and some earrings made at one of the schools for the deaf (the art teachers have got these kids doing some amazing work).
This week we learned about the various grants that are available to PCVs and my counterparts eyes lit up like it was Christmas. I know I will have to reign in some of his ideas back to what is actually within the realm of doable, but I have to admit I am excited at the prospect of getting some funded projects going. (We are going to try a poultry farm and moringa tree nursery to help supplement the nutrition center both in terms of food and money).
We also learned this week about the amazing moringa tree and its many uses. They never end! Look this tree up people. Nutrition in the leaves, pain killer in the roots, oil in the seeds, and one hundred uses. We were given some seeds and I hope to try to grow some little seedlings before attempting the tree nursery...start small aim big.
I am looking forward to applying a lot of the things we covered in training in the upcoming months. I am even excited about growing the mushrooms from the kit I got!
December 16th
FIRE FESTIVAL! One of the bigger holidays in the Northern Region is the fire festival which takes place nine days after the new moon. Today is the day...or night rather. I arranged for someone from the center to walk me through town. The scene was spectacular and the feeling of the night in comparison is like a roller coaster – awesome but at the same time a little terryifying. Little children throwing firecrackers at your feet, adults setting off a fire cracker that sounds like a bomb. Children and adults running through the streets with flaming torches and cutlasses. A large group of children saw me coming and ran towards me, cutlasses in hand, and I immediately adopted the deer in headlights look hoping to walk away unscathed...no one means any harm but accidents have been known to happen. All in all the festival was spectacular. I tried to take some pictures which I will put on facebook.
December 24th
Merry Christmas Eve! I am celebrating the holiday in Tamale. I have successfully downloaded Miracle on 34th St onto my ipod. The church across the street had a choir singing christmas themed religious songs....and then something that made me smile they sang Feliz Navidad! Not a very religious song and they probably dont understand the Spanish, but it brought a little bit of home to the holidays. Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you all have a good holiday. Miss you lots.
December 25th
Merry Christmas! I miss and Love you all. Here is hoping that you all had a wonderful holiday and that santa came to visit...according to the online santa tracker Ghana got skipped...but we made due. Happy New Year...19 months to go.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Holy Cow!!! Half a YEAR
November 2, 2010
5 months down! Time is flying fast!!!
So...any of you that have known me for a while know I have had a long standing with relationship with Murphy, Murphy's law that is. He likes to pop up every now and then to remind me that even Dorothy found trouble over the rainbow (in case you forgot, over the rainbow is the place where she isn't supposed to get into any trouble). I got back from a nice weekend celebrating Halloween with other volunteers to find my latrine was backing up. Further inspection revealed that it has indeed rained too much and I need to wait for the water to drain...for possibly three weeks! Good thing Ghana Education Services is not a far walk and they have a latrine I can use in the meantime. But to continue the spirit that is Murphy, last night was west wall facing, no breeze, stagnant hot...my standing fan after two generations of volunteers and probably several falling accidents died. I stared at that fan all squinty eyed, lips pursed, cursed its mother and had a restless night. I replaced the fan today, but it cut into money I had hoped to save...so I cursed the fan again and mocked it as I plugged in the newer and better model. Murphy, however, was not done yet, he killed my toilet and my fan and continued on be the right old bastard he is. The nutrition center bought a donkey last week, to help cart water and firewood. The volunteers I replaced left the center money for the donkey as a parting gift. It was going to be totally sweet and extremely useful. I use the past tense here. Yesterday a snake bit that donkey and today we buried it. This is what makes Murphy a real bastard, I would have survived sans latrine and cutting into my savings for a fan...but come on THE DONKEY!!! Now I just hope our application for financial assistance with the French Embassy goes through, we are applying for assistance in obtaining a tractor which will help with the growing of pepe (which is very much like a chile pepper and we can sell for sustainability and use as a food stuff within the center) and hopefully use to help haul water and firewood...though there is a rumor that “they” are working on piping water to the center which would be nice. Maybe the same NGO can help work on piping water to other key buildings in the area ;)
Oh yeah, one piece of good news for those of you who despaired with me in my sadness of the lack of honey in Tamale. There was honey in Tamale this last trip. Not much, but there was a bottle just sitting and waiting for me. That on top of getting mail, it was like Christmas (and as I was born and raised in Phoenix and it is still about 90 degrees here, definitely just like Christmas). Joy was to be had and I shared a cake mix with some volunteers, we all got chocolate sugar highs. You just don't appreciate cake until it isn't there anymore.
November 6th
I found a subject that blows the minds of Ghanians more than a 27 year old who is still single and not worried about getting married...a 27 year old that is still single without children and not worried that she may hit “menopause soon” despite assurances that her own mother did not have her 5 children until she was in her thirties. The conversation went further down hill when I mentioned that if having children was not in my future, I would adopt because I would have all the pride in the world in giving a child a home, love, education, and everything my parents gave me. According to the women I was speaking with, there is only absolute pride and honor in having your own children who carry on your own blood. I dare not tell these women that many American women choose not to have children...even the married women. The idea of a woman being anything other than a baby factory is baffling. I have already created scandal by telling some local men that when I get married I will be in charge, meaning I go to work or sit under the shade while the man cooks, cleans, and takes care of the children. Seeing as I replaced a married couple I can tell I am going to be quite a phenomenon.
In other local news: The children continue to flock to my door. I recently received some Halloween candy (thanks Jean), bubbles and bouncy balls (thanks mom) in the mail. The local children are in heaven! I have tried expressing to them that these items were gifts from my family back in Arizona, I think they understood. I love watching Valeria chase around the bouncy ball. This next month I am going to try and teach the kids how to make paper snowflakes (I know...snow...could I pick a more fantastical topic for the children to grasp...but come on its Christmas and I plan on sharing some of my traditions)
I have also been trying to master making some of the local cuisine. I make a pretty dandy groundnut soup with rice balls. I make it chunky style by adding lots of onion, tomato, and boiled peanuts! Its delicious and yes, you will be subject to it when I get back stateside. I hope to learn how to make banku next.
Love you all.
November 14
This last week has been pretty busy....or at least I have felt the need for several naps.
My latrine is still 10-7. The water table is still too high and so most of my pooping is done a ½ mile away at the nutrition center. I hope to get this problem fixed soon.
Last week my supervisor and I surveyed the local schools (13 in total) to find out how many students are registered, how many teachers are at each school, how many individual classrooms are available, and whether or not any type of toilet facility was available to the students and teachers at the school. We learned that most schools only have a handful (if that) of teachers who are responsible for more than one grade level at a time and averaging over 100 students to a teacher. Most of the schools do not have toilet or urinal facilities available...the few that did admitted that either the structure was in disrepair or that students still went out in the bush. The bush is a scary place with snakes and open defecation is not quite healthy. The purpose of this trek all over Karaga was so we could compile the data and hopefully seek help for our school that is run in conjunction with the Nutrition Center. Mr. K has a “no child left behind” mentality, and it shows since our KG1 orphans can say their ABC's and P4 kids at some of the other schools had difficulty getting past the letter D.
The dry season is getting into full swing here. My bedroom is a cool 92 degrees when I go to bed at night. God Bless fans. I have also taken to pulling out the hammock that was left behind by the couple I replaced and chilling on the veranda with book in hand. The local children like to poke and push me while I am in the hammock...but such is the price for cool breeze.
P.S. HALL-LE-FRICKIN-LU-JAH late this afternoon my latrine/outhouse/VIP was fixed, is now 10-8, and I promptly celebrated! Woot! You never appreciate your toilet until it isn't there.
November 19th
So....I have come to the realization that my destiny in life is to make people cry. For four years as a dispatcher I made people cry...heck I might have caused a few tears before that, but that is a different story. As a dispatcher I made people on the phone cry, at the front desk cry, sent officers to dorms or after cars knowing that people would cry (especially if it was my shift buddy, she has a superpower that can not be matched), I am even sure that the occasional co-worker took a few moments in a back room when they realized that their usual dispatcher was out and I was working a 12 hour shift. (Being a cluster magnet is also a part of my destiny, ask 405 he'll tell you). During those four years I grew strong. It is not an ability to make people cry, but to be immune to that siren song of distress that I take pride in. Why do I write these cold words you ask? Why am I finding pride in this you ask? It is because my ghostly and foreign presence not only made one child cry today but a simultaneous 4 children. Usually able to hide from me by turning their heads into their mother's shoulder, it was the horror of these children to find out that the only person available for the daily weigh in was me. Panic flitted across their faces, despair in their eyes as each mother stepped back leaving them for but a moment. They will never be the same again...though I have no doubt they will grow up to be the next generation of children yelling from afar “Salliminga, HOW ARE YOU?” or “Silliminga, Silliminga, SILLIMINGA!” For now I laugh and tell the child that it will be okay or simply say “wula,” which means “why?” in comforting tones. Though to be fair, most volunteers will tell you their day is not complete until at least one child has cried.
Thanksgiving is fast approaching. I have taken a few moments to think of things that I am thankful for. I am thankful for my family, I don't think I would have made it these six months in Ghana without their support, I love and miss you all so much. I am thankful for friends, new and old. Old friends you are in my thoughts everyday and hope you are all doing well (Theresa tries to keep me well informed). New friends I look forward to you becoming old friends. I am thankful for my supervisor, Mr. K is a rock and has helped me so much and I hope in turn I can help the Nutrition Center. I am thankful for the many blessings that have come my way and bug spray...definitely bug spray.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ramona.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone. Eat pumpkin pie and watch Harry Potter for me.
5 months down! Time is flying fast!!!
So...any of you that have known me for a while know I have had a long standing with relationship with Murphy, Murphy's law that is. He likes to pop up every now and then to remind me that even Dorothy found trouble over the rainbow (in case you forgot, over the rainbow is the place where she isn't supposed to get into any trouble). I got back from a nice weekend celebrating Halloween with other volunteers to find my latrine was backing up. Further inspection revealed that it has indeed rained too much and I need to wait for the water to drain...for possibly three weeks! Good thing Ghana Education Services is not a far walk and they have a latrine I can use in the meantime. But to continue the spirit that is Murphy, last night was west wall facing, no breeze, stagnant hot...my standing fan after two generations of volunteers and probably several falling accidents died. I stared at that fan all squinty eyed, lips pursed, cursed its mother and had a restless night. I replaced the fan today, but it cut into money I had hoped to save...so I cursed the fan again and mocked it as I plugged in the newer and better model. Murphy, however, was not done yet, he killed my toilet and my fan and continued on be the right old bastard he is. The nutrition center bought a donkey last week, to help cart water and firewood. The volunteers I replaced left the center money for the donkey as a parting gift. It was going to be totally sweet and extremely useful. I use the past tense here. Yesterday a snake bit that donkey and today we buried it. This is what makes Murphy a real bastard, I would have survived sans latrine and cutting into my savings for a fan...but come on THE DONKEY!!! Now I just hope our application for financial assistance with the French Embassy goes through, we are applying for assistance in obtaining a tractor which will help with the growing of pepe (which is very much like a chile pepper and we can sell for sustainability and use as a food stuff within the center) and hopefully use to help haul water and firewood...though there is a rumor that “they” are working on piping water to the center which would be nice. Maybe the same NGO can help work on piping water to other key buildings in the area ;)
Oh yeah, one piece of good news for those of you who despaired with me in my sadness of the lack of honey in Tamale. There was honey in Tamale this last trip. Not much, but there was a bottle just sitting and waiting for me. That on top of getting mail, it was like Christmas (and as I was born and raised in Phoenix and it is still about 90 degrees here, definitely just like Christmas). Joy was to be had and I shared a cake mix with some volunteers, we all got chocolate sugar highs. You just don't appreciate cake until it isn't there anymore.
November 6th
I found a subject that blows the minds of Ghanians more than a 27 year old who is still single and not worried about getting married...a 27 year old that is still single without children and not worried that she may hit “menopause soon” despite assurances that her own mother did not have her 5 children until she was in her thirties. The conversation went further down hill when I mentioned that if having children was not in my future, I would adopt because I would have all the pride in the world in giving a child a home, love, education, and everything my parents gave me. According to the women I was speaking with, there is only absolute pride and honor in having your own children who carry on your own blood. I dare not tell these women that many American women choose not to have children...even the married women. The idea of a woman being anything other than a baby factory is baffling. I have already created scandal by telling some local men that when I get married I will be in charge, meaning I go to work or sit under the shade while the man cooks, cleans, and takes care of the children. Seeing as I replaced a married couple I can tell I am going to be quite a phenomenon.
In other local news: The children continue to flock to my door. I recently received some Halloween candy (thanks Jean), bubbles and bouncy balls (thanks mom) in the mail. The local children are in heaven! I have tried expressing to them that these items were gifts from my family back in Arizona, I think they understood. I love watching Valeria chase around the bouncy ball. This next month I am going to try and teach the kids how to make paper snowflakes (I know...snow...could I pick a more fantastical topic for the children to grasp...but come on its Christmas and I plan on sharing some of my traditions)
I have also been trying to master making some of the local cuisine. I make a pretty dandy groundnut soup with rice balls. I make it chunky style by adding lots of onion, tomato, and boiled peanuts! Its delicious and yes, you will be subject to it when I get back stateside. I hope to learn how to make banku next.
Love you all.
November 14
This last week has been pretty busy....or at least I have felt the need for several naps.
My latrine is still 10-7. The water table is still too high and so most of my pooping is done a ½ mile away at the nutrition center. I hope to get this problem fixed soon.
Last week my supervisor and I surveyed the local schools (13 in total) to find out how many students are registered, how many teachers are at each school, how many individual classrooms are available, and whether or not any type of toilet facility was available to the students and teachers at the school. We learned that most schools only have a handful (if that) of teachers who are responsible for more than one grade level at a time and averaging over 100 students to a teacher. Most of the schools do not have toilet or urinal facilities available...the few that did admitted that either the structure was in disrepair or that students still went out in the bush. The bush is a scary place with snakes and open defecation is not quite healthy. The purpose of this trek all over Karaga was so we could compile the data and hopefully seek help for our school that is run in conjunction with the Nutrition Center. Mr. K has a “no child left behind” mentality, and it shows since our KG1 orphans can say their ABC's and P4 kids at some of the other schools had difficulty getting past the letter D.
The dry season is getting into full swing here. My bedroom is a cool 92 degrees when I go to bed at night. God Bless fans. I have also taken to pulling out the hammock that was left behind by the couple I replaced and chilling on the veranda with book in hand. The local children like to poke and push me while I am in the hammock...but such is the price for cool breeze.
P.S. HALL-LE-FRICKIN-LU-JAH late this afternoon my latrine/outhouse/VIP was fixed, is now 10-8, and I promptly celebrated! Woot! You never appreciate your toilet until it isn't there.
November 19th
So....I have come to the realization that my destiny in life is to make people cry. For four years as a dispatcher I made people cry...heck I might have caused a few tears before that, but that is a different story. As a dispatcher I made people on the phone cry, at the front desk cry, sent officers to dorms or after cars knowing that people would cry (especially if it was my shift buddy, she has a superpower that can not be matched), I am even sure that the occasional co-worker took a few moments in a back room when they realized that their usual dispatcher was out and I was working a 12 hour shift. (Being a cluster magnet is also a part of my destiny, ask 405 he'll tell you). During those four years I grew strong. It is not an ability to make people cry, but to be immune to that siren song of distress that I take pride in. Why do I write these cold words you ask? Why am I finding pride in this you ask? It is because my ghostly and foreign presence not only made one child cry today but a simultaneous 4 children. Usually able to hide from me by turning their heads into their mother's shoulder, it was the horror of these children to find out that the only person available for the daily weigh in was me. Panic flitted across their faces, despair in their eyes as each mother stepped back leaving them for but a moment. They will never be the same again...though I have no doubt they will grow up to be the next generation of children yelling from afar “Salliminga, HOW ARE YOU?” or “Silliminga, Silliminga, SILLIMINGA!” For now I laugh and tell the child that it will be okay or simply say “wula,” which means “why?” in comforting tones. Though to be fair, most volunteers will tell you their day is not complete until at least one child has cried.
Thanksgiving is fast approaching. I have taken a few moments to think of things that I am thankful for. I am thankful for my family, I don't think I would have made it these six months in Ghana without their support, I love and miss you all so much. I am thankful for friends, new and old. Old friends you are in my thoughts everyday and hope you are all doing well (Theresa tries to keep me well informed). New friends I look forward to you becoming old friends. I am thankful for my supervisor, Mr. K is a rock and has helped me so much and I hope in turn I can help the Nutrition Center. I am thankful for the many blessings that have come my way and bug spray...definitely bug spray.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ramona.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone. Eat pumpkin pie and watch Harry Potter for me.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
5 Months Down, 7 Mice Down (the mice are winning)
October 7th
Four Months have come and gone. Holy Cow! Can you believe it??? I can barely believe how quickly the time has flown by and without any warning I am nearing the second week in October.
This last week I started teaching some lessons at the nutrition center. It only takes about thirty minutes out of my day (the walk there and back home takes more time), but I am learning that despite my lack of a health related degree or background, I am still leaps and bounds ahead of some of these women. What I have taken for granted as common sense and undeniable, is new to these mothers. I am sharing the knowledge that my mother had taught me before she would even allow me to have a watch (I had to be able to count to 60 flawlessly before I could have that totally sweet crayon watch I got for Christmas one year). So far we have covered complimentary breastfeeding (breast milk + other foods = healthy child), hand washing, and vitamin A. Tomorrow we are going to discuss personal hygiene. I have been dispelling rumors about vitamin supplements causing diarrhea and making children sick. I am also trying, through constant and daily repetition, to express the importance of food variety (a child can not live on yam alone) and cleanliness (wash your food, your hands and your child's hands, its the lack of this behavior that is causing the diarrhea). The women seem to be learning or at least listening, getting them to participate is like pulling teeth...pulling teeth through a translator. The goal is to deliver this knowledge and hope they absorb it so they don't have to return to the center. Like my last job...not having any “customers” is a good thing. You want to be there for the service you can provide, not because you have to provide.
October 10th
I went to church again today. Fr. Phanuel informed me that October is the month of the rosary. (I had bought the little “how to” book two weeks prior.) Noticing today that rosaries were being offered for sale (the cheap plastic ones you get as a child), I began to ask Father how much, all the students had bought one (the congregation is now 10 people strong), and figured if the money in any way supported this church the money would be well spent. Before I could finish my question Fr. Phanuel gave me a rosary...a nice rosary with multicolored beads and chain linking them together. He explained to me that the saints on the medallion were the saints that represented the Mission he belonged to and then blessed it for me. The gesture alone moved me. While the rosary looks new and well cared for the little plastic bag it was in looks well traveled and as if it has housed that rosary for some time...I have a sneaking suspicion that Father gave me his rosary. From a church that has no ornaments, where the cross on the alter is a small plastic one, a priest that has to travel quite a distance on a bad road to do the Sunday Mass...this was a big gesture! I will take care of this rosary, probably more so than some of the others I acquired in my pre-Christer (Chreaster, Chrieaster, Christmas+Easter=?) youth. Today was a good feeling day.
Oh yeah...Has anyone ever rode their bike through the middle of a herd of cattle? I have! Thats right people I braved my bike through beef and horns and came out unscathed. (Those cows are probably used to it, but I felt brave).
October 20th
Of Propane, Cows and Mice
Those three things could probably sum up my day...probably even my week. A few days ago my propane tank changed its status to empty. Luckily empty came after my water was sufficiently warmed for my morning tea and oatmeal. When I first moved to Karaga I bought a coal pot and some coal...and sans propane I have been trying to use it with little success. I must be a sorry sight trying to light it, this morning my neighbor went to the neighboring building and borrowed pre-lit coals to help with mine (there are no easy starters—you light, pray, and use a braided palm frond fan and hope your little spark spreads to the other coals). This afternoon my other neighbor told me that I will suffer until I get my tank filled and insisted that I use his until mine gets filled. My tank/cylinder will be going to Tamale with the Carter Center/Guinea Worm guys...they are kindly taking it down for me, filling it and bringing it back. Thats right folks, no nearby corner gas stations to fill the tank, the nearest propane is a four hour dirt road journey away. I love my neighbors, though they laugh at me they take good care of me.
Today I also went with the Carter Center on their search for guinea worm cases and filter replacement/distribution in Karaga. Largely I was paired up with a local volunteer and went to several houses to replace filters-- if their filter was no good (we took the spoiled filter so they could not keep using it) or we gave filters to families that said they did not have any. Some people even stopped us between houses to grab a filter...I don't think all of them will use them and just wanted the freebie but even if a couple of people use them...Yay! At the end of the day the “volunteers” were paid with a bar of soap and 1 cedi. I tried to leave without taking either (Peace Corps already pays me to be a volunteer...so no double dipping), but the Carter Center guys insisted I at least take the soap when I told them they don't need to give me anything for my time and that I am here for them. I took the soap and the jesting from the other volunteers that I refused the money instead of giving it to one of them. But this was not even the important part of the day...during the case search my partner decided to take a small break in front of the butcher! The butcher was in the process of killing and skinning a cow! My morbid curiosity watched the whole thing...right up until my partner decided we need to go meet up with the rest of the volunteers. Throat slit to end its life (and bleed out a little) the butcher began the skinning process. Without skin/hide everything seemed to expand, it was gross and cool!
In other animal related news, I have a mouse update. I have killed seven, but now it seems I am left with the smart ones, the ones who know to avoid the traps and know I fear them more than they fear me. Today the little bastard crawled across my feet and squeemed me out! If anyone has any ideas for a better mouse trap they would be appreciated...never in my life have I had a greater appreciation and understanding of man's unending quest to “build a better mouse trap”
October 26th
Power has been out all day. I joked two days ago that I prayed for rain (on Sunday) and that my prayer was answered...I think too many people prayed for rain, it has been raining since. It is supposed to be the dry season, or at least the beginning of it. I love the rain, it cools everything down and makes sleeping at night possible. However, rain means the power goes out, my freezer defrosting all over my floor, and me stuck inside in the dark (cuz of that no lights thing). I also have not been to Tamale for about a month now, and am going a little bit stir crazy. I love my neighbors and co-workers at the center, but I need some American contact, or a least a conversation guaranteed not to be awkward, limited by language, or centered on how I am not married or should be someone's third wife!
Because of the “rain” I ditched out on the center today. Teaching lessons is fun, but getting the women to participate is still like pulling teeth and I know my translator is not telling me everything. I say one or two words and she gives a whole speech...a woman who has decided to participate gives a whole speech and I only get one or two words translated. According to the handout our training coordinator gave us during training --- my feelings of frustration are right on track =) Next month I will be project ready and motivated again!
Oh yeah, I also got my propane cylinder back today! Woot!! Though I did take it as a personal challenge to find a better method and successfully get those coals lit. I think I have it down. It is all about using the small coals and building a kind of wreath so the heat just keeps building off the other lit coals. I still have to fan a bit, but now it does not take a whole day to get it started. I win.
October 31st
Happy Halloween! I made myself a pair of butterfly wings =) What are you?
Month 5 is over, 22 more to go.
Miss you all.
Four Months have come and gone. Holy Cow! Can you believe it??? I can barely believe how quickly the time has flown by and without any warning I am nearing the second week in October.
This last week I started teaching some lessons at the nutrition center. It only takes about thirty minutes out of my day (the walk there and back home takes more time), but I am learning that despite my lack of a health related degree or background, I am still leaps and bounds ahead of some of these women. What I have taken for granted as common sense and undeniable, is new to these mothers. I am sharing the knowledge that my mother had taught me before she would even allow me to have a watch (I had to be able to count to 60 flawlessly before I could have that totally sweet crayon watch I got for Christmas one year). So far we have covered complimentary breastfeeding (breast milk + other foods = healthy child), hand washing, and vitamin A. Tomorrow we are going to discuss personal hygiene. I have been dispelling rumors about vitamin supplements causing diarrhea and making children sick. I am also trying, through constant and daily repetition, to express the importance of food variety (a child can not live on yam alone) and cleanliness (wash your food, your hands and your child's hands, its the lack of this behavior that is causing the diarrhea). The women seem to be learning or at least listening, getting them to participate is like pulling teeth...pulling teeth through a translator. The goal is to deliver this knowledge and hope they absorb it so they don't have to return to the center. Like my last job...not having any “customers” is a good thing. You want to be there for the service you can provide, not because you have to provide.
October 10th
I went to church again today. Fr. Phanuel informed me that October is the month of the rosary. (I had bought the little “how to” book two weeks prior.) Noticing today that rosaries were being offered for sale (the cheap plastic ones you get as a child), I began to ask Father how much, all the students had bought one (the congregation is now 10 people strong), and figured if the money in any way supported this church the money would be well spent. Before I could finish my question Fr. Phanuel gave me a rosary...a nice rosary with multicolored beads and chain linking them together. He explained to me that the saints on the medallion were the saints that represented the Mission he belonged to and then blessed it for me. The gesture alone moved me. While the rosary looks new and well cared for the little plastic bag it was in looks well traveled and as if it has housed that rosary for some time...I have a sneaking suspicion that Father gave me his rosary. From a church that has no ornaments, where the cross on the alter is a small plastic one, a priest that has to travel quite a distance on a bad road to do the Sunday Mass...this was a big gesture! I will take care of this rosary, probably more so than some of the others I acquired in my pre-Christer (Chreaster, Chrieaster, Christmas+Easter=?) youth. Today was a good feeling day.
Oh yeah...Has anyone ever rode their bike through the middle of a herd of cattle? I have! Thats right people I braved my bike through beef and horns and came out unscathed. (Those cows are probably used to it, but I felt brave).
October 20th
Of Propane, Cows and Mice
Those three things could probably sum up my day...probably even my week. A few days ago my propane tank changed its status to empty. Luckily empty came after my water was sufficiently warmed for my morning tea and oatmeal. When I first moved to Karaga I bought a coal pot and some coal...and sans propane I have been trying to use it with little success. I must be a sorry sight trying to light it, this morning my neighbor went to the neighboring building and borrowed pre-lit coals to help with mine (there are no easy starters—you light, pray, and use a braided palm frond fan and hope your little spark spreads to the other coals). This afternoon my other neighbor told me that I will suffer until I get my tank filled and insisted that I use his until mine gets filled. My tank/cylinder will be going to Tamale with the Carter Center/Guinea Worm guys...they are kindly taking it down for me, filling it and bringing it back. Thats right folks, no nearby corner gas stations to fill the tank, the nearest propane is a four hour dirt road journey away. I love my neighbors, though they laugh at me they take good care of me.
Today I also went with the Carter Center on their search for guinea worm cases and filter replacement/distribution in Karaga. Largely I was paired up with a local volunteer and went to several houses to replace filters-- if their filter was no good (we took the spoiled filter so they could not keep using it) or we gave filters to families that said they did not have any. Some people even stopped us between houses to grab a filter...I don't think all of them will use them and just wanted the freebie but even if a couple of people use them...Yay! At the end of the day the “volunteers” were paid with a bar of soap and 1 cedi. I tried to leave without taking either (Peace Corps already pays me to be a volunteer...so no double dipping), but the Carter Center guys insisted I at least take the soap when I told them they don't need to give me anything for my time and that I am here for them. I took the soap and the jesting from the other volunteers that I refused the money instead of giving it to one of them. But this was not even the important part of the day...during the case search my partner decided to take a small break in front of the butcher! The butcher was in the process of killing and skinning a cow! My morbid curiosity watched the whole thing...right up until my partner decided we need to go meet up with the rest of the volunteers. Throat slit to end its life (and bleed out a little) the butcher began the skinning process. Without skin/hide everything seemed to expand, it was gross and cool!
In other animal related news, I have a mouse update. I have killed seven, but now it seems I am left with the smart ones, the ones who know to avoid the traps and know I fear them more than they fear me. Today the little bastard crawled across my feet and squeemed me out! If anyone has any ideas for a better mouse trap they would be appreciated...never in my life have I had a greater appreciation and understanding of man's unending quest to “build a better mouse trap”
October 26th
Power has been out all day. I joked two days ago that I prayed for rain (on Sunday) and that my prayer was answered...I think too many people prayed for rain, it has been raining since. It is supposed to be the dry season, or at least the beginning of it. I love the rain, it cools everything down and makes sleeping at night possible. However, rain means the power goes out, my freezer defrosting all over my floor, and me stuck inside in the dark (cuz of that no lights thing). I also have not been to Tamale for about a month now, and am going a little bit stir crazy. I love my neighbors and co-workers at the center, but I need some American contact, or a least a conversation guaranteed not to be awkward, limited by language, or centered on how I am not married or should be someone's third wife!
Because of the “rain” I ditched out on the center today. Teaching lessons is fun, but getting the women to participate is still like pulling teeth and I know my translator is not telling me everything. I say one or two words and she gives a whole speech...a woman who has decided to participate gives a whole speech and I only get one or two words translated. According to the handout our training coordinator gave us during training --- my feelings of frustration are right on track =) Next month I will be project ready and motivated again!
Oh yeah, I also got my propane cylinder back today! Woot!! Though I did take it as a personal challenge to find a better method and successfully get those coals lit. I think I have it down. It is all about using the small coals and building a kind of wreath so the heat just keeps building off the other lit coals. I still have to fan a bit, but now it does not take a whole day to get it started. I win.
October 31st
Happy Halloween! I made myself a pair of butterfly wings =) What are you?
Month 5 is over, 22 more to go.
Miss you all.
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