Things are starting to fall into a routine, or anything I can make of a routine here. Most days begin around 6 am, whether I want them to or not. This is all in thanks to the neighborhood roosters. Just the things you get used to here I suppose. Though each day is always vastly different from the next, no real “9 to 5 here”. The past few weeks have been spent attending community group meetings and trying to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of the community, and how to help. Meetings here are quite different from ones in the states. The biggest difference I have found so far is the concept of TIME, or the lack thereof. If someone tells you the meeting starts at 10 AM, it probably won’t start till 11 or 11:15 AM. My latest record of waiting: a meeting that started 2 hours late.
Though sometimes, while I am waiting for meetings it allows me to chat with folks and learn more. What is important now is to sit back, listen, observe and learn. I have been making nutrition presentations at the health clinic about once a week, which has been good. The beginning stages of things here are slow going, though I hope it will pick up soon. In the meantime I am enjoying Africa Cup! It kicked off on Sunday evening and I’m hooked! Every night here at 6pm feels like Super bowl, aside from the Nachos and the halftime show….dang. Literally every house and bar is filled with folks watching the game. Watching it at the convent with the Sisters is a hoot! Those ladies really get into the game, lots of banter and yelling. It’s great! They also have the nicest TV in town, who knew the nuns would have a flat screen?
I have also begun working in Bamenda counseling diabetic patients. The pharmacist Dr. N, whom graduated from OSU has graciously taken me under his wing. This past weekend he invited Cate P. (my post mate) and I to his family’s Thanksgiving. This is much different from the one we are all used to, no turkey and pumpkin pies. A Thanksgiving in Africa is when a family or a large group of people donates money or things (for auction) to the church. It is quite the event. This particular Thanksgiving was in remembrance of his late father-in-law who served as a Reverend. The church service is dedicated to that particular person and the family is blessed and prayed for. It was a beautiful service with African drumming and dancing. Afterwards we went to the family’s compound where the Reverend is buried, literally in the backyard. Many foods and drinks were served while people told thoughtful stories about the Reverend. He passed 4 years ago to the day, though his family is doing their best to remember him. Seeing relatives come together and reminisce about someone was eye opening. I am amazed at times that amidst struggle and difficulty people have the ability to be positive and pass that along to others.
Quote that made my day:
“When you go back home you’ll be an African American”
–Eunice.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
January 4, 2008
My mornings always begin with a cup of tea and BBC world news/ “Wake up Africa”, in my attempt to stay connected with the real world. Though this morning I was absolutely shocked by two things. One was being the Iowan caucuses and the other having to do with the Beatles. Who knew Obama would stomp out Hillary so soon? I’m sure she’s in quite the need for retail therapy. More importantly it seems that the Beatles music is up for auction and is soon to be used for television commercials and God knows what else. Immediately I was saddened and disturbed by this. Here’s to hoping someone with enough sense will put a stop to this. My miniature rant has nothing to do with Africa, but I figure if people are going to read this I can discuss random and obsolete topics from my work here. It’s just disappointing to know music so pure is on its was to sell diapers.
Ok, back to Africa.
One of the major projects I have started working on is the Water Committee. Kate R., the volunteer I replaced found that water was a large problem and burden here. She started working on the project assisting the committee and receiving funding from an Dutch NGO, “Holland Helps Worldwide”. The problem here was that women and children had to fetch water that was only available down a steep and dangerous hill. It was especially unsafe in the rainy season when paths become slippery. Basically, the goal was to rehabilitate an old tank system that was put in place years ago and to get water closer to village. Fast forward to this week: a new pump has been installed which pumped water into 2 store tanks, 2 “stand taps” have been built in central/safe/close areas in village, and the water is flowing! The stand taps are areas where folks can fill up their buckets and containers. The 2 store tanks had been empty for 10 years, which says a lot about this accomplishment.
This is a wonderful and early example of projects in Africa; they need a lot of time and patience. Kate R. began working on this project early in her service and its unfortunate she wasn’t able to see it, just yet...though there are talks of a return trip of the 1st Kate! My major role now will be to assist with the management of the project. Since the pump will acquire electric bills each month, our next task is getting those paid for…i.e rallying the village to pay up. This will be done through word of mouth, talks with the fons (traditional head honchos in village), announcements at churches this Sunday, etc. We are in the midst of planning a “christening” ceremony near Easter as well. Seeing this project going through gives me hope that projects CAN be successful here, even though at times it may be slow going. Also, seeing the excitement and happiness from people is pretty amazing.
Notable event of this week:
My Monday and Thursday evenings are spent dining with the Sisters at the convent. This week the Provincial Sister for the Northwest came through for dinner. To welcome her, we presented her with special foods. I was given strict orders to dance and “tantalize” the Sister with the cake. Done and done. While the sisters sang, drummed, and clapped I danced around the dining hall...while holding a big cake. Yes, this is my life.
Ok, back to Africa.
One of the major projects I have started working on is the Water Committee. Kate R., the volunteer I replaced found that water was a large problem and burden here. She started working on the project assisting the committee and receiving funding from an Dutch NGO, “Holland Helps Worldwide”. The problem here was that women and children had to fetch water that was only available down a steep and dangerous hill. It was especially unsafe in the rainy season when paths become slippery. Basically, the goal was to rehabilitate an old tank system that was put in place years ago and to get water closer to village. Fast forward to this week: a new pump has been installed which pumped water into 2 store tanks, 2 “stand taps” have been built in central/safe/close areas in village, and the water is flowing! The stand taps are areas where folks can fill up their buckets and containers. The 2 store tanks had been empty for 10 years, which says a lot about this accomplishment.
This is a wonderful and early example of projects in Africa; they need a lot of time and patience. Kate R. began working on this project early in her service and its unfortunate she wasn’t able to see it, just yet...though there are talks of a return trip of the 1st Kate! My major role now will be to assist with the management of the project. Since the pump will acquire electric bills each month, our next task is getting those paid for…i.e rallying the village to pay up. This will be done through word of mouth, talks with the fons (traditional head honchos in village), announcements at churches this Sunday, etc. We are in the midst of planning a “christening” ceremony near Easter as well. Seeing this project going through gives me hope that projects CAN be successful here, even though at times it may be slow going. Also, seeing the excitement and happiness from people is pretty amazing.
Notable event of this week:
My Monday and Thursday evenings are spent dining with the Sisters at the convent. This week the Provincial Sister for the Northwest came through for dinner. To welcome her, we presented her with special foods. I was given strict orders to dance and “tantalize” the Sister with the cake. Done and done. While the sisters sang, drummed, and clapped I danced around the dining hall...while holding a big cake. Yes, this is my life.
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