April 14, 2008

“Sirri, you’ve been missing!”. I tend to get that phrase when I have been out of village for a bit of time, whether it being 2 weeks or 2 days. Though its true, I have been missing and haven’t posted an update in months. It’s slipped my mind; also I have noticed that things whatever it may be from day to day have become a normalcy in my African life. We are about to hit our 7th month mark in a few days, and in that time we have all adapted to so much. Cramming 9 people into a car suited for 5, and being proposed to for marriage daily doesn’t really turn my head or shock me anymore. The things that used to baffle me have become everyday normalcy. In fact, if I could walk down the main street in Bamenda without a proposal I would be disappointed!

People say the first 3 months at post are the most difficult, funny they say that after those crucial months are over. Trying to find your place in a tiny African village has been quite the task. Some days are better than others of course but in the end it all counts for something. Work is finally starting to take shape. With a new matron of the hospital I have been able to take more imitative with the patients. In the next few weeks I am beginning a series of lectures for the staff along with continuing health talks with pregnant/new mothers. Speaking on the importance of nutritious food is nice, but weighing the babies is one of my new favorite hobbies. After baby 36 last week I was hurting! It’s a great chance to speak to the mothers one on one, which I enjoy the most.

The 2 health clubs are going well. I find that allowing students to speak and talk about health topics is most important with them. The African system of education doesn’t allow for much critical thinking and group work, so I feel fortunate to work with the girls in that manner. It’s my hope to see the members trained as peer health educators, which will be the main focus this term. My assistance with the Compassion Campaign, Mambu-Bawum Water Committee, Frisbee/sport clubs, women’s groups, art classes at SAJOCHA, counseling diabetic patients, and extending to more rural health clinics will continue.

As many of you may know, or may not know. Cameroon faced a series of strikes due to the rising fuel/food prices. The strikes/political lasted about 5 days, at the end of February. Most people rely on the public transportation system, which is mostly small taxis. Once the cars stopped, so did the country. It remained peaceful for a bit, then got ugly. Lives of protestors were lost, though the true number may never be reported. The small village I live in remained safe, I was fine. Once it was safe to move volunteers, all of those living in the N.W. province were consolidated to Peace Corps headquarters in the main capital city of Yaounde. This was done as a precaution in case it became worse. Luckily, all returned to normal the following week. Peace Corps and the US Embassy do a fine job of monitoring national security, which is comforting.

The rainy season has begun, which means planting season as well. My postmate Cate P. helped me plant my garden last week. We are both anxiously waiting for sunflowers, pumpkins, carrots, peas, and corn in the coming months. The past few months have been full of ups and downs, folks always explained Peace Corps as a roller coaster…though I feel like this quote suits it just fine:

“Shopping for a wedding dress is like joining the Peace Corps of Couture – it’s the toughest retail you’ll ever love. The process is rigorous (back to back appointments without lunch), pressured (how many Saturdays can you spend with your Mother?), invasive (septuagenarian seamstress manhandling your breasts), and unforgettably rewarding (seeing yourself for the first time in “your dress”). But you’ll do it, even if you’re not a full-time princess because you’re not just buying a dress; you’re living out your dream.”
-Francessa Castagnoli

January 22, 2008

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.

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.

December 27

On my way to a meeting some folks in Mr. John’s bar stop me. Meetings never really start on time so I figure it’s a good way to meet some new folks. Halfway though my Fanta someone offers me a chicken for Christmas. He tells me to be around on Christmas day so one of his children can bring it over, kill, and clean it for me. Merry Christmas! At first it seemed like a good idea to ignore the holiday and pretend it was July. Though instead I decided to try and embrace it. This being listening to Xmas music non-stop, baking/delivering sugar cookies around, attending the hospital Christmas party, and going to mass on the big day.

Most of it was wonderful and a good experience. The hospital party was a hoot! Let me tell you. We basically had a “Secret Santa” dance party, this being you draw the name of someone and buy them a present. Instead of handing the recipient a gift you dance around the room with it and fake people out by making them think you are giving it to them. Just a side note, many people gave chickens out. So this meant people dancing around with well, live chickens. Sister Emma gave me a traditional purse with roasted peanuts (groundnuts as they are called here) inside. I experienced a Christmas miracle: The water in my house stayed on the whole time while I had a houseful of guests. When it goes out I pay kids to fetch water from down the hill, which still feels weird to do - but the children want to earn the money and it seems socially acceptable here. It was a nice holiday overall but being away from family and friends was much more difficult than I ever imagined.

Things are good though. Each day is so different but these activities are quite common: working on Pidgin, running from mice, cooking elaborate meals (because I have the time), greeting almost everyone I walk past (Afternoon! How? I be fine. How fo yu, ho fu skin?), reading (I’m averaging 2 books a week – yea!), and really just trying to find my place here. Work now has become life, which is fine by me. Some of my most successful needs assessments are sitting, chatting, and figuring out how I can help here. I’m looking forward to the new year in Africa and what it may bring.

Cheers to a happy, healthy, and beautiful New Year!

December 19

White man! Auntie Kate! Sister Kate! These are just some common greetings I hear as I walk around my new village. Half the time I assume people just think I’m Kate R., the volunteer who I replaced. I gave up on the Katherine name change and have since embraced Kate. It works and half the time it’s a joke, this village is the place for Kates. It makes things easy and I feel awfully welcomed when people automatically know my name.

Overall the past few days have been good. Surprisingly busy but I welcome it. I find I am much happier when I am out doing things and meeting new people. For the first few days when I didn’t really know anyone or what to do I thought, “Oh sheesh, this is going to be a long 2 years”. Though I have already made some friends in village to pass the time with. Prescaline who is a member of the Compassion Campaign assisted me with greeting the Fon down in Bafut. This meant waiting for a good two hours in one of his wives homes and drinking palm wine, a rather strong drink around these parts. It’s seen as a cultural faux pau to refuse drinks and food. Needless to say by around 2 pm we used each other’s support to walk back to our part of village. She cracks me up, especially when we run out of things to talk about and she sighs out a long-winded “wow”.

Along with palm wine, religion plays a rather large role in the village. About 1.5 hours into mass I began to drift on Sunday. I blame this on trying to get used to the length of church around here and the fact mass is spoken in Pidgin, a language I am in the midst of learning. Though in the bit of Pidgin I hear Kate R.’s village name, Manika being said. Before I know it I’m being ushered up to the podium, where Father instructs me to tell everyone my name. As I step up and turn I look out on to the girls from the private boarding school, all dressed in beautiful white dresses. I then realize about 350 people are waiting me to say my name and introduce myself. “I am called Kate”, I say. Applause and smiles soon follow and I have never felt so welcomed before. After mass I stood outside and greeted most of the congregation. Even though going to church was not a large part of my life before coming here it definitely will be here. It really gives you the ability to connect with people and get your face out in the community. Will I have perfect attendance for 2.5 hour-long masses? I highly doubt it.

It seems I’m not the only one struggling with mice, just to keep you all updated. My friend Kim who is also in the NW province lost a decent loaf of bread to those pesky critters. Seth sent me some moral support last night via text: “Hope all your mice are dead. One just ran across my foot”. Mr. Jesiah my gracious counterpart came over earlier today to declare “Operation catch the mice”, though mice traps are a bit different here. They consist of super sticky glue on cardboard, which unfortunately have the ability to catch other things such as lizards. I guess will have to count those 2 as casualties, sorry guys.

As for work I have been quite busy. Met with school principles today to talk about my hopes to start a girls health club and introducing this strange sport called Frisbee. Went to a Compassion Campaign group meeting last week, which was pretty productive. Defining work in the first few months or sort of difficult but in time it will work itself out. As volunteers now our real job is to get situated into our new homes, make friends, and really figure out the needs and how to do our part. Though in the 2 short weeks I have been here things are starting to come together. I’m starting to find my way around and I have found this truly is the place for me.

December 7 PCV

December 7, 2007

Today I made it to post, as a volunteer. Goodness gracious, goodbye to being a trainee. The Northwest gang boarded a bus headed for Bamenda. We made it safe and sound with aside from a breakdown along the way. Once we got into Bamenda Kim and I opened new bank accounts and hit the “white man store”, basically a place where you can get imported foods from Europe. We went out for a nice dinner and turned in early because it had been a long day. A contractor who works for the hospital, Mr.C picked me up this morning. Once I got into village I was welcomed with open arms and rushed into my new home. I spent all afternoon cleaning the kitchen. Mostly killing cockroaches and sweeping out mice poop. I have a message for the mice:

“Don’t come into my new house or prepare to die.”

Sure I’m a peace-loving gal but when it comes to those gosh darn rodents I can’t take it. One of the Sisters came over tonight to check on me. She reassured me the mice were gone; they caught 3 after Kate left. Fantastic, they’re gone. After Sister left I decide to do some more unpacking. Hangers, ok those go in the closest. I open it up only to find a mouse sitting on the rod starting at me. Good god. Not only do I have mice but acrobatic ones at that. First thing on my list tomorrow: Mouse poison that the nurses can mix up in the hospital. I’d much rather find a dead mouse than one eating my food.

I lucked out though; besides the mice my new home is wonderful. It is totally furnished and ready to be lived in. Most people in the group are opening new posts which means they’ll move into empty houses. Nura’s most recent text message pretty much sums it up:

“I’m currently in my house with no furniture and the power’s out. I’m lying on my thermarest which is on my bed frame. It’s actually pretty hilarious and actually blissfully wonderful.” Love it, Nura.

It’s quite strange being out of Bangante. I said goodbye to the host family and the rest of the volunteers. Getting used to being away from so many Americans will take awhile. Just adjusting to village life is going to be a task aside from starting work. I just have to be patient with things and how life is lived around here. Training isn’t really set up for smooth transitions: Say goodbye to everyone and everything in Oregon, Culture/language/etc shock plus a ton of Americans, say goodbye to things you’ve built in roughly 3 months/curfew and totally scheduled days, get wisked off to a village with no Americans and more freedom you’ve had since stateside, along with more time you’ve had in your entire life. EEK! Yeah eek is right.

Jumping right into work with the water project and getting things settled will get good for the first month or so. All I really want to do now is chat with people and figure out what is really going on here. Though Kate did her best to fill me in I have so much to learn, especially in terms of the water project. Other than that I plan on reading, running, and recruiting some kiddos for the health/Frisbee club. Life in Africa as a PCV is not what I expected, though I’m not entirely sure what I truly expected. Just know that I am fine and learning to live in my new world here.

**Side note. I have deleted my phone number and address on the blog. This is due to advice of the Peace Corps and my realization its quite silly to post such private info. If you’d like either just shoot me an email at: wrightk21@gmail.com

Also, another tip in sending packages. Use RED electrical or duct tape to seal the edges. Red and Africans don’t go well together so they’ll be less likely to look through my things.

November 24

November 24, 2007

Thanksgiving was a smashing success, or shall I say a mashing success. In order to fill the bellies of 50 volunteers/staff teams were created for food prep. Our team later claimed the name Team Ireland/Mashed potatoes. Preparation of potatoes in Africa requires 4 Irish lads, beacoup de butter, quite a bit of garlic, and a visit from gangster…Papa of Megan. We donned pilgrim top hats and bonnets in recognition of the special day, along with quite a bit of political incorrectness. Anywho since a turkey wasn’t found, 11 chickens were sacrificed instead. There was an abundance of wonderful comfort foods. Not to mention quite the performance from a soon to be named band and in my opinion covers Stones tunes quite well. All and all it was a fantastic fete, without famine. Here’s to hoping everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Stage is winding down. Though the amount of work has done the opposite. I suppose they meant to do that, keep us out of trouble. One more week of classes, head to Yaounde for logistical things, and back to Bangante for swearing in. It’s officially been over two months since we have arrived. Though time here is difficult to gauge. I blame this on wearing dresses and sunglasses most everyday of the week. Though overall things are well. Since my language has improved things are better with my host family. I tested to my French level so I can begin Pidgin classes as well.

I recently learned a grand difference between American families and those here in Cameroon. This was brought on when I learned my host sisters aren’t actually sisters, they’re cousins. That’s how it works here Nieces, nephews, sisters, cousins, or whoever lives together. Since my host folks are quite well off and live in the city they take on family members to put them through school. Marian is the only child of my host parents and my other 3 siblings are cousins. Their parents live out of town in petite villages. Marian is the youngest of 5 siblings, the rest are grown. I find there is something beautiful about a family really taking care of each other, which extends far past the “immediate” family.

A note on packages/mail:

Thank you to everyone sending things. It feels like Christmas when things arrive – no joke! Mostly because the build up is over a month – ha! When they said it was slow this was the truth. Unless the package is sent DHL (which costs a good arm and a leg) it’s going to take over a month or so. It seems that packages sent via flat rate boxes (through the US postal service) get here in pretty good shape. Also write “Sister Katherine” on it. Religious symbols like crosses help too. People in the postal system tend to give religious packages priority, or that’s the rumor here at least. If it has religious verses or symbols people are less likely to rifle through it. If you are sending food make sure to put it in Zip Loc bags so it doesn’t leak on other things.

What I’ve received so far:

2 postcards from Lauren @ John Hopkins!

1 Halloween card from Dad and Carol, which I received ON Halloween - nice timing folks!

1 card from the Shaddy Shack

1 Turkey Day card from Momma and Bill

1 card from Veronica – aww shucks!

My first package from Dad and Carol – fantastic! Just wonderful: a box filled with Luna/Cliff bars (great for traveling), hand sanitizer (Carol’s got me set for the next two year – yea!), deodorant (I’m good for about 4 months!), nail polish which I painted my host sisters nails with, a journal, a pumpkin Pez, gum (great cause its hard to find sugar free here), and perfume (a lovely scent to lessen my stench).

Thank you SO much!! I understand it takes a lot of time, money, and patience to send things all the way over here. I appreciate it so much. I can’t imagine being here without a family and friends at home who supports and loves me, so thanks again.

My next entry will be as an official Peace Corps volunteer!

Love,

KT