Doing this for the 2nd time...the joy of things that dont work right.
6/10/08
Comfortable being a "have"
Imagine a person moving in next door, they have a big house, they have nice things, a company car, they can buy food with ease and with the luxury of choice. Imagine being that “rich” person (me).
I’m struggling coming to terms with this reality. Everywhere I go I am watched with a continual gaze-part envy and part curiosity. My bike is like having a Land Rover when only a lucky few have a Ford-Pinto.
What is the Poverty like in St. Luce?
As mentioned before, my host family would have been one of the poorest in the community we trained in-St. Luce makes my host family seem well off.
If you’re a male you fish-good money, but the sea is unpredictable. Women care for children, farm cassava and sell extra fish and cassava to fellow villagers (family) and the porters that bring the daily fish to the main road 15k (Mahatalaky) to go to market.
The Sea is the like-line of the community. Every respectable family owns a boat. Wealth does exist here….and its more apparent the longer I live here. Some have nice cloths, larger houses, can eat a more varied diet (some could be considered overweight by US standards)
Wealth is expressed in a feeling of comfort. Peace Corps gives me a modest living allowance $24 USD a month, its small but still makes me feel like a millionaire at times.
6-11-08
Another Development Downer
If you have a toothbrush and it works-no cavities, no issues. Why would you put your life on hold to learn about a new electrical version? (Best analogy I could come up with-guess what I was doing when I came up with it?)
This is the situation my NGO found itself in today—a common experience in the “murky waters” of development.
THE SITUATION:
We want to save the forest. People cut down the forest for firewood. Introducing feul efficient cook stoves seems like a rational solution. Decrease the amount of firewood and save trees. Funding was found and the project implemented. Six people showed up for the training .
In Anthropology its called the emic vs. etic perspective (insider vs. outsider view) . What seems practical as an outsider doesn’t always take into account those you are trying to help. We know that the forest needs—Stop cutting it down! What about the people? What are their wants and needs?
After today I began to recognize that this will be a large part of my job here. Helping to bridge two very different worlds….
*Taken from the book ‘Out of Poverty”
Food for thought…..
“Sadly, the people in charge of the world’s poverty programs rarely focus on simple solutions, and the monumental investments made in poverty programs rarely focus on simple solutions, and the monumental investments make in poverty eradication initiatives have at best produced meager results.”
“We have invested a staggering $568 billion in development aid in Africa over the past 42 years and have very little to show for it”, says William Easterly, formerly a senior economist at the World Bank. Over those same 42 yrs. The per capita growth rate of the median African nation has stayed close to zero. “
Why...?
6-15-08
The Joy of Play
The children here are remarkable! I read recently a quote (from a book given to me by Mrs. Joanie Perkins) that said something along the lines that “the issue with US poverty is that the “poor” in the US have forgotten how to be “poor.” We all live in the suburbs with nice things and where more is better.
The children here don’t need Ipods, video games, or TVs, they invent their own entertainment. Here is a small list of what I’ve seen. Each can entertain for hours.
Tapy- an unripe Nato fruit with a stick through the middle. Used as a top and is spun with a rope.
Picutre drawling in the dirt (universal)
Valala- a live cricket tied to a string (think top plane, but living)
Capshill- a game played like shuffle board with old bottle caps.
Kanett- a game played with marbles (kind of like mini-golf…?)
A bombill- a stick with a bottle tied to the end-makes a neat noise when you drag it. Some have wheels.
Toy Laka- Built out of a Papaya. They play in puddles with it.
I watched a kid build a moto out of sticks (no need for Power Wheels here!)
6-17-08
A Long Day
I thought it would be a good idea to eat some greens this week and bought them from a friend—Lets just say I must have missed a step in treating them before eating them.
Being sick here is not like being sick at home. Your are alone—No TV, a pounding head makes reading difficult, body achs restricts movement (no radio). What do you do between frequent trips to the hole in the ground?
Its just my bed, the four walls of my house, the sound of shouting children (think inner-city park), a Nalgene full of salt water (oral rehydration salts), and my aches and pains.
Today I missed Home….really bad…
6-20-08
My Subsistence
“God….if I know it was going to be this bad I would have brought your some vegetables.”
-Steve, Director of Peace Corps Madagascar
Steve came for a surprise visit today to check up on things, he was in the area and took advantage by visiting volunteers in the Ft. Dauphin region. His comment above made me stop and reflect on my food situation here. My diet doesn’t get much variety but its getting better as I get more inventive the longer I am here. I have four staple food that I know I can always get, they include rice, cassava, and peanuts. Veggies are rare-I’m lucky if I can buy a green pepper at my market. Onions are really the only veg. easily found and available in St. Luce. The wonderful news is that I have a garden right now and if all goes well I should have beans, peas, onions, garlic, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, potatoes, bananas, and watermelon all in a few months…..
*I’m not starving, don’t panic!
Its strange how removed you become. It took a comment like Steve’s to remind me what I have to look forward to when I go to Ft. Dauphin and Tana. By the way…I had no problems eating all that junk food he brought.
6-27-08
A Middle Class
I live on less than one US dollar a day. But I’m not the only one who has expendable income.
I was sitting reading a book by candle light when I heard the knock on the door.
“Ody Oh!...Salama eh!”
It was Kolastant.
After the standard greeting, he invited me over to his father’s house (Sasony-my counterpart).
I quickly grabbed a sweat shirt and closed/locked my door. We walked the 200 meters down the sandy road to Sasony’s. (Quickly stopping along the way so he could replenish an old coke bottle with some moonshine-homemade rum made of sugarcane)
As we approached Sasony’s house the sound of music and the hum of a generator became more prominent. I knew Sasony had just returned from Ft. Dauphin, buy I had no idea he purchased a generator. As I approached the doorway it was clearly noticeable that the room was not only lit from the warm glow of a low watt bulb, but with the smiles and laughter of everyone packed inside the small 2 room hut.
I took a seat next to Sasony in the corner. For 3 hours we sat-I danced a little to the five songs that were played on repeat. He sat motionless with a small grin while he soaked up the radiant joy of the room packed with his grandchildren. The children danced themselves to complete exhaustion.
There is a “middle class” here but its an elite. A private club with only a few lucky members. They work for my NGO (ie Sasony) , they work for the mining company, which has a small camp that employs locals as guards and caretakers, and they work for the Madagascar govt. (as school teachers, politicians, or implementers of national programs-nutrition). The small shop holders do well, but all work or have worked in one the 3 groups mentioned (that’s how they got the start-up capitol). It’s a small version of the “power elite.”
Thinking about it, maybe Jeff Sachs (economist in charge of the UN’s millennium initiative) is correct when he suggests giving everyone 500 USD as a legitimate way out of pversty. It seems that the members of the “Elite” here have been given opportunity from a 3rd party and have invested it to increase wealth. (Sasony plans on using the generator to start a little movie theater showing films for a small price).
6-29-08
My Starbucks
Since I come from a family of diehard coffee drinkers I feel it is approapriate for me to comment on my “Starbucks” a.k.a Madame Sarahfyn’s coffee.
The coffe here is an “local” as coffee can get. The coffee is farmed 80k away in the town of Ranomifana (I visited PC friends and have seen the coffee growing under the shade of Neem Trees).
Sarahfyn’s coffee is the best in St. Luce. (I have tried all) She gives the most, which as an American I like…I tell here all the time her coffee is the same as in American..Delicious! She even has pastries, small fried dough balls. All my walks usually include a visit and I usually bring a bucket along to collect her coffee ground for my garden (great compost!)
7/1/08
A call to Culture and the Guilt that Follows
I’m not sure if its because I was an anthropology major in college or I just over think things…but they thought of teaching English here makes me feel a bit guilty, like I am destroying something “unique” by helping to assimilate yet another group of people into the mono-culture of the global world.
English has been adapted by the govt. and encouraged in schools and everyone is eager to learn-I get asked at least once a day if I can teach.
One of the goals of Peace Corps is to Educate other ‘Cultures” about American Culture (the ambassador portion of my job). But I need help this task. You can help by including a cultural picture item with any mail you send. Culture is a broad term and you may be thinking….where do I begin? What would be interesting to share? I assure you that anything would help me in fulfilling this part of my job. Peace Corps already provides me with Newsweek Mags., but most of the picture are political (Picture are the best).
I just want to say Thank You. I haven’t been receiving mail since I arrived at site- two months now-and is one of the many things I need talk with PC headquarters about. Anyway, thank you friends, family and past Co-workers (United Way) for all the support! It helps in a BIG way.
7-4-08
Happy Independance Day!
I wanted to just write quickly about the progression of things here. I’m tow months at site and each passing day feels more and more comfortable. Although each day is a rollercoaster with its many peaks and valleys, overall things are good. This experience is providing me with one hell of a challenge….this is hard!
Communication/language is still a struggle. Generally they pace of things is slow and the daily routine is as unpredictable as the sea. You are always in the “hot seat.” Continually learning from mistakes, answering questions, surviving—sleep is the only real time for rest.
The cook stoves my NGO built has cracked—we think the damp weather didn’t aid in them completely drying before being used.
We planted 300 moringa trees a month ago for Env. Day most of which have died. The eight (not ten) that I planted near my house are doing real well and I’m currently building a sign and promotional poster to display near them.
I’m working with a local on deigning a t-shirt to use a s a possible fund-raiser (more details to come). Still working on logistics. I’ll post more about this later.
The garden is doing well—all my seed with the exception of Basil have germinated. My tomatoes are another story, they have developed a purple tint on the underside of the leaves and aren’t growing (a nutrient deficiency-phosphorus I think…) I’m experimenting with some organic fertilizers-urine, cow tea, kelp.
I hope to get in contact with a guy from USAID (State Dept Aid program) about a new variety of sweet potato with more nutritional benefits than the variety already being grown.
I have IST (in service training) in August and look forward to seeing friends and learning about funding opportunities for various projects.
Thank you all for the support (prayers, letters, emails, and comments) please keep them coming. Also, I have just learned that my Grandmother is going into Surgery-I don’t know any details. But thoughts and prayers are always welcome!
Thank you and until next time,
-Brendan
Jul 4, 2008
Jun 6, 2008
A Mix of Things
OMG: Brendan Ward is alive and well! Praise be! Because I will not be able to post often, I started to write stuff down in a journal and post it all at once. We'll see how this goes!
5/08/08
The Welcoming
"Hey! Its wonderful to see you again."
".....you as well!" I hesitated with a response because I couldnt match the face and voice.
"Welcome to St. Luce, we are all ecited to come and watch this afternoon."
"Watch what?" I said. I was having trouble gathering my thoughts after the 2 hour car ride.
"The big town meeting." she responded
______WELCOME TO ST.LUCE!____________
"Brendan!"
"Yes Stan!" I resplied
"Yea...Im going to talk and see if I stay here tonight."
"Okay, ill wait here." The ocean breeze felt good, but even the ocean view and beach full of small fishing boats did little to calm my nerves. I was trying hard to think of anything....anything to get my mind away from the overwhelming feeling of uncomfort I was feeling.
"What the hell am I doing here?" I said outload.
"Brendan!"
Shit its Raymond the driver, it must be time. I take the opportunity to degrade myself one last time. "You idiot! I should not be here...."
I jump in the car and Stan isnt inside.
"Eza i Stan?" I ask
Raymond doesnt respond he just continues to look forward.
We drive down the road and around a few houses into the crowd slowly gathering in the center of the thatched hut village.
"oh, great!" I think to myslef. Of course the new white guy needs to be driven everywhere.
I step out of the car and curious eyes follow my everymove. We wait longer as more people gather. I try and make small talk with the kids that have gathered around me. I regurgitate some vocab, trying to put words together to make a sentance. I know it makes little sense but the kids smile.
Two chairs are placed in the front of the crowd, facing a row of chairs filled by the political power of the commune. Stan and I take are seats in front of the gazing eyes of the crowd.
"Stan, should I have prepared somthing more formal to say." I didn't help that I was sick during the lesson given on Malagasy speeches.
"Yea, no problem you do your best man."
I found little comfort in those words.
The mayor of the commune spoke first, followed by the Shef Fokatany.
After we were introduced by both men, Stan turned to tell me that he would speak first.
Thank god!
In true Malagasy fashion each man took 10 mins to make his point. I tryed hard to observe each man. The movement, the little eye contact, the tone of the voice. Was this any different than any other thing I've done--A room of trustees, of students, of non-profit reps.
=My speech in Gasy=
Ladies and Gentlemen
First I want to greet you all today. Its nice to be done training in Tana and to be living here. My name is Brendan. I'm a Peace COrps Volunteer working in the Enviornment Sector. I'm not good with the ganguage and I'm not good with the culture, but we will work and learn together (note: I mix up work and learn all the time-but both worked well in this situation). Its nice to have a new home and a new family. Nice to meet you all. Thank you.
After I spoke the crowd rumbled with laughter followed by "Miahy malagash vasa."
Stan turned to me and said " Yea, great speech man" with a grin I'll never forget.
I feeling came over me that I think only Babe the Pig can relate to from the movie Babe. At the end of the movie the farmer turns to Bade and says "That will do Pig, that will do!"
5/15/08
Where a Dilemma Meets Reality
I planted 3 morninga tree seeds next to my house, they survided maybe 24 hours before a few chickens discovered them. The solution....build a fence, its what the locals do and every garden has one. So...I borrowed an ansty from Sasony and wne t to the forest to harvest some wood.
Deforestation is a hudge issue here. Going the 15k from Mahatalaky to Amboatrika (the town I live) is a open hot grassland with few trees. (once all forested). Thus the situation is- don't build a fence and encourage people to garden-malnutrition is a big problem. Or cut down the trees that I'm here to educate the people about protecting.
I need to buy rope for my fence. I walk to Manafiafy
*Conversation in Gasy*
"Hello Sir, how much does this rope cost? (its really vine)
"400 a meter"
"Im building a fence and need something to keep the wood together"
"A fence like this one overhere?"
"Yes"
"Okay, you want to wrap the rope (vine) around like this? This rope isn't good for that, we doent have the rope you need here, this rope is for lobster fishing, you will need to buy the rope you need in Matahlaky. "
"Thank you sir!"
The only thing missing was the orange apron and it could have felt like home.
5/25/08
The closest I will ever get to Racism/Discrimination.
This is worth mentioning because its the closest I will ever get to being discriminated and feeling segregated as a white, middle class, American Male.
First, I've been living here about a month and very few people call me by name-Those that I work with and see daily may call me by name to my face buy when speaking to others about me, my name is never used.
Who am I? I'm a vasa-a name used to classify French/Europeans, but not more broadly to include all non-locals (white people)
Everywhere I go I'm watched-What is he doing? What did he buy? Where is he going?
I experience discriminization everytime I buy somthing-my weak language skills are contantly being exploited. In the market I was denied service because I wouldn't pay double for a cup of peanuts--sounds crazy but true! The goal is to fit in, live and work and be Gasy.
5-30-08
How do you first loneliness?
Last night I woke up to my foot being really really itchy. Lets just say you never feel more alone than being completely alone in the middle of the dark night having to dig out a parasitic egg sack from your foot. (my third try in four weeks to get rid of the thing). This is a feeling that is going to be common during my time here I'm afraid.
6-04-08
The Progression of Things
I want to take the opportunity to comment on my pogress here. (and to end on a good note :))
First, I feel I've done a good job making myslef visible and pople are starting to feel comfortable around me and enjoy speaking to me.
I finished the garden fence. It took awhile to gather the wood and I had a few close calls with the ansty. I should be able to fit 3-4 beds with-in the fence and plant a few fruit trees-its a good size. I even planted some tomatoes and peppers that I hope to transplant when they are mature. The soil is questionable because its sand, which means lots of compost is going to be needed!
I planted 8 moringa trees- My NGO is pushing moringa hard and I was told that promoting its use would be a large portion of my work here ( I will post more about this later). Anywho, because chickens eat everything---I had to build samll enclosures around the young trees, this means I had to go back to the forest.
I built a hot box and it works just like a thermos-bring things to a boil (rice, beans) and Vita (done)--In threory. I'm still working on the rice because you need less water-less water evaporates. It has created a lot of curiousity. (I tell people I don't need an apela (a girl) to cook for me becasue I have a Sabika Mifana, which brings a lot of smiles and laughter. Wait till they see the solar cooker I'm going to build out of my Bike Box!
Composting, Moringa, Solar Cookers....What!
Yest I have/had little to no experience doing all of the above before coming here. Being in Peace Corps is about tinkering and experimenting. Two things I can afford to do while living in this community, a luxory no one else here can do.
5/08/08
The Welcoming
"Hey! Its wonderful to see you again."
".....you as well!" I hesitated with a response because I couldnt match the face and voice.
"Welcome to St. Luce, we are all ecited to come and watch this afternoon."
"Watch what?" I said. I was having trouble gathering my thoughts after the 2 hour car ride.
"The big town meeting." she responded
______WELCOME TO ST.LUCE!____________
"Brendan!"
"Yes Stan!" I resplied
"Yea...Im going to talk and see if I stay here tonight."
"Okay, ill wait here." The ocean breeze felt good, but even the ocean view and beach full of small fishing boats did little to calm my nerves. I was trying hard to think of anything....anything to get my mind away from the overwhelming feeling of uncomfort I was feeling.
"What the hell am I doing here?" I said outload.
"Brendan!"
Shit its Raymond the driver, it must be time. I take the opportunity to degrade myself one last time. "You idiot! I should not be here...."
I jump in the car and Stan isnt inside.
"Eza i Stan?" I ask
Raymond doesnt respond he just continues to look forward.
We drive down the road and around a few houses into the crowd slowly gathering in the center of the thatched hut village.
"oh, great!" I think to myslef. Of course the new white guy needs to be driven everywhere.
I step out of the car and curious eyes follow my everymove. We wait longer as more people gather. I try and make small talk with the kids that have gathered around me. I regurgitate some vocab, trying to put words together to make a sentance. I know it makes little sense but the kids smile.
Two chairs are placed in the front of the crowd, facing a row of chairs filled by the political power of the commune. Stan and I take are seats in front of the gazing eyes of the crowd.
"Stan, should I have prepared somthing more formal to say." I didn't help that I was sick during the lesson given on Malagasy speeches.
"Yea, no problem you do your best man."
I found little comfort in those words.
The mayor of the commune spoke first, followed by the Shef Fokatany.
After we were introduced by both men, Stan turned to tell me that he would speak first.
Thank god!
In true Malagasy fashion each man took 10 mins to make his point. I tryed hard to observe each man. The movement, the little eye contact, the tone of the voice. Was this any different than any other thing I've done--A room of trustees, of students, of non-profit reps.
=My speech in Gasy=
Ladies and Gentlemen
First I want to greet you all today. Its nice to be done training in Tana and to be living here. My name is Brendan. I'm a Peace COrps Volunteer working in the Enviornment Sector. I'm not good with the ganguage and I'm not good with the culture, but we will work and learn together (note: I mix up work and learn all the time-but both worked well in this situation). Its nice to have a new home and a new family. Nice to meet you all. Thank you.
After I spoke the crowd rumbled with laughter followed by "Miahy malagash vasa."
Stan turned to me and said " Yea, great speech man" with a grin I'll never forget.
I feeling came over me that I think only Babe the Pig can relate to from the movie Babe. At the end of the movie the farmer turns to Bade and says "That will do Pig, that will do!"
5/15/08
Where a Dilemma Meets Reality
I planted 3 morninga tree seeds next to my house, they survided maybe 24 hours before a few chickens discovered them. The solution....build a fence, its what the locals do and every garden has one. So...I borrowed an ansty from Sasony and wne t to the forest to harvest some wood.
Deforestation is a hudge issue here. Going the 15k from Mahatalaky to Amboatrika (the town I live) is a open hot grassland with few trees. (once all forested). Thus the situation is- don't build a fence and encourage people to garden-malnutrition is a big problem. Or cut down the trees that I'm here to educate the people about protecting.
I need to buy rope for my fence. I walk to Manafiafy
*Conversation in Gasy*
"Hello Sir, how much does this rope cost? (its really vine)
"400 a meter"
"Im building a fence and need something to keep the wood together"
"A fence like this one overhere?"
"Yes"
"Okay, you want to wrap the rope (vine) around like this? This rope isn't good for that, we doent have the rope you need here, this rope is for lobster fishing, you will need to buy the rope you need in Matahlaky. "
"Thank you sir!"
The only thing missing was the orange apron and it could have felt like home.
5/25/08
The closest I will ever get to Racism/Discrimination.
This is worth mentioning because its the closest I will ever get to being discriminated and feeling segregated as a white, middle class, American Male.
First, I've been living here about a month and very few people call me by name-Those that I work with and see daily may call me by name to my face buy when speaking to others about me, my name is never used.
Who am I? I'm a vasa-a name used to classify French/Europeans, but not more broadly to include all non-locals (white people)
Everywhere I go I'm watched-What is he doing? What did he buy? Where is he going?
I experience discriminization everytime I buy somthing-my weak language skills are contantly being exploited. In the market I was denied service because I wouldn't pay double for a cup of peanuts--sounds crazy but true! The goal is to fit in, live and work and be Gasy.
5-30-08
How do you first loneliness?
Last night I woke up to my foot being really really itchy. Lets just say you never feel more alone than being completely alone in the middle of the dark night having to dig out a parasitic egg sack from your foot. (my third try in four weeks to get rid of the thing). This is a feeling that is going to be common during my time here I'm afraid.
6-04-08
The Progression of Things
I want to take the opportunity to comment on my pogress here. (and to end on a good note :))
First, I feel I've done a good job making myslef visible and pople are starting to feel comfortable around me and enjoy speaking to me.
I finished the garden fence. It took awhile to gather the wood and I had a few close calls with the ansty. I should be able to fit 3-4 beds with-in the fence and plant a few fruit trees-its a good size. I even planted some tomatoes and peppers that I hope to transplant when they are mature. The soil is questionable because its sand, which means lots of compost is going to be needed!
I planted 8 moringa trees- My NGO is pushing moringa hard and I was told that promoting its use would be a large portion of my work here ( I will post more about this later). Anywho, because chickens eat everything---I had to build samll enclosures around the young trees, this means I had to go back to the forest.
I built a hot box and it works just like a thermos-bring things to a boil (rice, beans) and Vita (done)--In threory. I'm still working on the rice because you need less water-less water evaporates. It has created a lot of curiousity. (I tell people I don't need an apela (a girl) to cook for me becasue I have a Sabika Mifana, which brings a lot of smiles and laughter. Wait till they see the solar cooker I'm going to build out of my Bike Box!
Composting, Moringa, Solar Cookers....What!
Yest I have/had little to no experience doing all of the above before coming here. Being in Peace Corps is about tinkering and experimenting. Two things I can afford to do while living in this community, a luxory no one else here can do.
Apr 24, 2008
I'm a changed Man!
Now that the chapter of my host family experience here in Madagascar is now over, it seems appropriate for me to list a few highlights (cultural indicators) from the experience that reminded me I';m not in America anymore.
1- The priceless look on my host mother's face my first night when I gave her a box of cookies and she discovered that they had been open...I got a little hungry.
2- Awkward communication with family and others in the village I wont list them. (Lost of frustration around gift giving the last few days).
3- The one year old peeing on the floor in the middle of lunch one day, and the awkward silence that followed.
4- Six-year-olds' taking care of two-year-olds'--a long way from the American daycare system.
5- Cutting a tomato and having my host mom tell me I'm really "smart." She must have had really low expectations.
6- The one-year-old playing with a knife and it was OKAY with everyone.
7- Eating whole fired little fish-for some reason a feeling of comfort came over me when I found out they fished them from the rice field...*Side note: all kinds of little edible creatures come from the rice field once rice is harvested...who knew...?
8- the mysterious light bulbs that hang from strings in a few houses, despite no electricity (I think ites a decoration/status thing)
9- Being told I look like a movie star / Prince Harry / David Beckham.
10- Hitting my head on everthing (i.e. doorways).
11- Eating lots of rice--once you accpet it, its not a meal without it.
12- The Sur'Eau bottles that began to line the shelf in the kitchen as weeks past. PC provides it to host families every week to clean cooking water and soak veggies. I was told it was being used.
13- A crazy Easter I'll never forget, known as "Mitsangasanga."
14-Putting Nicole in awkward sistuations during the first five weeks of language class--it took Fanjava a few weeks until she undertood my sense of humor.
15- On our first tech-trip Stan (the Env. PA) turning to me in the car and saying in broken English "yea...this is the enviornment" --he overheard me complaining about the roads.
16- The chicken that got in my room.
17- Cell phones -"Hello, Hello, Hello....*hang up*"
18- The intense Domie Games with the Family and Family friends.
19- The 1 pm afternoon radio soap opera.
20- the radio with one volume set at LOAD @ 4 in the morning.
In closing...I will MISS Mahitsitady.
SHOUT OUT!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER BRYAN
&
CHEERS TO JOANIE AND MIKE PERKINS...THEY ARE GETTING MARRIED THIS WEEKEND!
MISS YOU ALL!
best,
Brendan
1- The priceless look on my host mother's face my first night when I gave her a box of cookies and she discovered that they had been open...I got a little hungry.
2- Awkward communication with family and others in the village I wont list them. (Lost of frustration around gift giving the last few days).
3- The one year old peeing on the floor in the middle of lunch one day, and the awkward silence that followed.
4- Six-year-olds' taking care of two-year-olds'--a long way from the American daycare system.
5- Cutting a tomato and having my host mom tell me I'm really "smart." She must have had really low expectations.
6- The one-year-old playing with a knife and it was OKAY with everyone.
7- Eating whole fired little fish-for some reason a feeling of comfort came over me when I found out they fished them from the rice field...*Side note: all kinds of little edible creatures come from the rice field once rice is harvested...who knew...?
8- the mysterious light bulbs that hang from strings in a few houses, despite no electricity (I think ites a decoration/status thing)
9- Being told I look like a movie star / Prince Harry / David Beckham.
10- Hitting my head on everthing (i.e. doorways).
11- Eating lots of rice--once you accpet it, its not a meal without it.
12- The Sur'Eau bottles that began to line the shelf in the kitchen as weeks past. PC provides it to host families every week to clean cooking water and soak veggies. I was told it was being used.
13- A crazy Easter I'll never forget, known as "Mitsangasanga."
14-Putting Nicole in awkward sistuations during the first five weeks of language class--it took Fanjava a few weeks until she undertood my sense of humor.
15- On our first tech-trip Stan (the Env. PA) turning to me in the car and saying in broken English "yea...this is the enviornment" --he overheard me complaining about the roads.
16- The chicken that got in my room.
17- Cell phones -"Hello, Hello, Hello....*hang up*"
18- The intense Domie Games with the Family and Family friends.
19- The 1 pm afternoon radio soap opera.
20- the radio with one volume set at LOAD @ 4 in the morning.
In closing...I will MISS Mahitsitady.
SHOUT OUT!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER BRYAN
&
CHEERS TO JOANIE AND MIKE PERKINS...THEY ARE GETTING MARRIED THIS WEEKEND!
MISS YOU ALL!
best,
Brendan
Apr 2, 2008
My Site Visit--A Reality Check
Just a few words regarding my site visit last week.
Last Wednesday all our couterparts (the gatekeepers to our community) were flown from all over Madagascar for a little conference PC style. They met us (PC Trainees), learned about Peace Corps and its policies. After a short (it felt short) meet and greet. I hopped on a plane to Fort Dauphin. A popular tourist site and a future mining location (strip mining for a titanium deposit used to make white dyes). My village is about 60k north of Fort Dauphin in the commune of Saite Luce, made of three small villages (Manafiafy, Ambandrika, and Ampanasantomboka). My house is in Ambandrika. Its a small fishing community, with little farming. All I saw was Cassava (a tuber plant) with the occasional pineapple. They have a great need for the introduction of vegitables(any. Mal-nutrition in rampant, and healthcare is non-existent. I spent my last morning having a cup of coffee, trying not to focus on the little girl in front of me with flies swarming here burnt arm from when she fell on the fire. The mining company built a hospital, but it hasn't seen a doctor since it was contructed a few years ago(?). My NGO built a house and latrine to help attract a doctor. Anyway, enough of this....WELCOME TO THE PEACE CORPS
My site resembles nothing like the small rice community I've been training in. The soil is sand and trees are sparse because of deforestation. My NGO is working on reforstization projects (tree planting etc.).
Good news! My house is rather large and I had an opportunity to walk the 14K to Mahatalaky on Monday to see the weekly market. I was impressed with the variety of food and should have a rather varied diet with the vegtibles I'll be growing thrown into the mix. Also, PC will give me a bike so it should only be an hour ride, rather than a 6 hour walk both ways.
I was really impressed with the communities embrace. I was under the impression that I was requested by my NGO on the community's behalf. But I met with the President of Saite Luce and the Mayor of Mahatalaky--both very supportive. I was paraded around the three villages and introduced at formal meetings (my language is still really weak-so my kobary (speech) will wait till I get installed.
In closing, I have a lot of challenges ahead and I'm still processing the last five days. I'm also a little sick. I'm eager to take advantage of my five weeks of training, so I can "hit the ground running."
Sorry about any spelling/english mistakes-I hope it makes sense, I have no time to edit!
Best,
Last Wednesday all our couterparts (the gatekeepers to our community) were flown from all over Madagascar for a little conference PC style. They met us (PC Trainees), learned about Peace Corps and its policies. After a short (it felt short) meet and greet. I hopped on a plane to Fort Dauphin. A popular tourist site and a future mining location (strip mining for a titanium deposit used to make white dyes). My village is about 60k north of Fort Dauphin in the commune of Saite Luce, made of three small villages (Manafiafy, Ambandrika, and Ampanasantomboka). My house is in Ambandrika. Its a small fishing community, with little farming. All I saw was Cassava (a tuber plant) with the occasional pineapple. They have a great need for the introduction of vegitables(any. Mal-nutrition in rampant, and healthcare is non-existent. I spent my last morning having a cup of coffee, trying not to focus on the little girl in front of me with flies swarming here burnt arm from when she fell on the fire. The mining company built a hospital, but it hasn't seen a doctor since it was contructed a few years ago(?). My NGO built a house and latrine to help attract a doctor. Anyway, enough of this....WELCOME TO THE PEACE CORPS
My site resembles nothing like the small rice community I've been training in. The soil is sand and trees are sparse because of deforestation. My NGO is working on reforstization projects (tree planting etc.).
Good news! My house is rather large and I had an opportunity to walk the 14K to Mahatalaky on Monday to see the weekly market. I was impressed with the variety of food and should have a rather varied diet with the vegtibles I'll be growing thrown into the mix. Also, PC will give me a bike so it should only be an hour ride, rather than a 6 hour walk both ways.
I was really impressed with the communities embrace. I was under the impression that I was requested by my NGO on the community's behalf. But I met with the President of Saite Luce and the Mayor of Mahatalaky--both very supportive. I was paraded around the three villages and introduced at formal meetings (my language is still really weak-so my kobary (speech) will wait till I get installed.
In closing, I have a lot of challenges ahead and I'm still processing the last five days. I'm also a little sick. I'm eager to take advantage of my five weeks of training, so I can "hit the ground running."
Sorry about any spelling/english mistakes-I hope it makes sense, I have no time to edit!
Best,
Mar 12, 2008
A Day in The Life.....
(typed on a french keyboard)
A glimpse into what my days look like during PC training.
My day usually begins at 5am, sometimes earlier depending on when the family gets up. I start by getting dressed, opening my shutters (all windows and doors are closed tight at night...has to do with a taboo about going out at night). My first trip is to the kabone (like an out-house, but with just a hole in the ground and two bricks for your feet) so I can empty my Po (a bucket with a lid used as a bathroom at night b/c I can\t leave my room). After I empty the Po in the Kobone, I go and grab my Tako (bucket) and make the 200m walk down a usually wet and slippery hill to the water hole, if my family has a Tako avalible I go with tow and save them one trip out of the 4 they make every morning. Going down is easy, its walking back up with two full buckets that always makes it interesting. When I get back, I re-fill my water filter and nalgene (nalgene gets two drops of Sur'Rue-Clorine). I gather my soap, bucket with the little water left, and towel and make way to the labozy (an enclosed structure for showering), stoping and picking up some left over hot water (sometimes rice water). Taking a bucket bath wasn't hard to get use to, the hard part is doing it efficiently. I think I have it down now....whcih brings up another point- Everything seems smaller in Mad-Car (chairs, doorways, all spaces really). Its not uncommon for me to hit my head 4-5 times a day, you would think I would learn. After The shower, I grab some food usually mofo vo ronono (bread and milk-fresh every morning form outback) finished with some sweet kafe. Classes run form 8am-12pm and 2-5pm covering everthing from gardening in the tropics, composting, green leguimes, agro-forestry techniques, Malagasy culture, and lanuage-and much, much more. Everthing is experiential based, which means we see it, we talk about it, and we do it. Classes usually run over in the morning and including the walk back home, usually only leaved an hour to eat rick with sometype of veg./bean before going back in the afternoon. After five, I have a little extra time with the language instructor. Im the only one learning the Atonosy dialect and my language time is split between another person-so i get half the time, but its one on one. It can also be nich after class to hand around an indulge in a conversation in english. It get frusterating only having a Malagasy vocab of a small child. Home by 6pm for dinner (rice, veg./bean again). The time spent during the meals usually consist on me pointing at things multiple times and sating "Inon ny" (What is...) My family doesn\t mind it now, but its only a matter of time until that gets real annoying. After dinner I practice vocab, sometimes we play a game-my family created a version of Uno, i think i\ll call it gasy-uno. I'm in bet by 8pm and do it all overagain....
Its still hard to grasp the idea that I\m in Madagascar, my focus has only been day to day, but it is without doubt a beautiful place!
Till Next time. I have about 20 PCVT waiting for this comp.
Velom eh!
-Brendan
A glimpse into what my days look like during PC training.
My day usually begins at 5am, sometimes earlier depending on when the family gets up. I start by getting dressed, opening my shutters (all windows and doors are closed tight at night...has to do with a taboo about going out at night). My first trip is to the kabone (like an out-house, but with just a hole in the ground and two bricks for your feet) so I can empty my Po (a bucket with a lid used as a bathroom at night b/c I can\t leave my room). After I empty the Po in the Kobone, I go and grab my Tako (bucket) and make the 200m walk down a usually wet and slippery hill to the water hole, if my family has a Tako avalible I go with tow and save them one trip out of the 4 they make every morning. Going down is easy, its walking back up with two full buckets that always makes it interesting. When I get back, I re-fill my water filter and nalgene (nalgene gets two drops of Sur'Rue-Clorine). I gather my soap, bucket with the little water left, and towel and make way to the labozy (an enclosed structure for showering), stoping and picking up some left over hot water (sometimes rice water). Taking a bucket bath wasn't hard to get use to, the hard part is doing it efficiently. I think I have it down now....whcih brings up another point- Everything seems smaller in Mad-Car (chairs, doorways, all spaces really). Its not uncommon for me to hit my head 4-5 times a day, you would think I would learn. After The shower, I grab some food usually mofo vo ronono (bread and milk-fresh every morning form outback) finished with some sweet kafe. Classes run form 8am-12pm and 2-5pm covering everthing from gardening in the tropics, composting, green leguimes, agro-forestry techniques, Malagasy culture, and lanuage-and much, much more. Everthing is experiential based, which means we see it, we talk about it, and we do it. Classes usually run over in the morning and including the walk back home, usually only leaved an hour to eat rick with sometype of veg./bean before going back in the afternoon. After five, I have a little extra time with the language instructor. Im the only one learning the Atonosy dialect and my language time is split between another person-so i get half the time, but its one on one. It can also be nich after class to hand around an indulge in a conversation in english. It get frusterating only having a Malagasy vocab of a small child. Home by 6pm for dinner (rice, veg./bean again). The time spent during the meals usually consist on me pointing at things multiple times and sating "Inon ny" (What is...) My family doesn\t mind it now, but its only a matter of time until that gets real annoying. After dinner I practice vocab, sometimes we play a game-my family created a version of Uno, i think i\ll call it gasy-uno. I'm in bet by 8pm and do it all overagain....
Its still hard to grasp the idea that I\m in Madagascar, my focus has only been day to day, but it is without doubt a beautiful place!
Till Next time. I have about 20 PCVT waiting for this comp.
Velom eh!
-Brendan
Feb 18, 2008
In Washington DC
Quick Update: Made it to Washington DC, anxiety was super high this morning but doing much better now. I even took some time to visit a few Memorials in the Nation's Capital during a run in the 60 degree weather. I'm at staging with a large group about 30 people all Environmental Volunteers with the exception of a few working in a new small business development program. Just had my first anti-malarial pill (Metloquine), the side-affects are long...but the good news is I have access to a great Medical Team. All is well! Not sure when I'll be able to post next (I shouldn't have internet for at least three weeks)Best,
Feb 17, 2008
My Last Weekend in the U.S. of A.
I wanted to get this down before I forget anything. This past week has been wild. I was non-functional for 3 days because of a really bad cold and to top it off my last wisdom tooth started to come in.
Anyway, here are priceless moments from my last weekend in America for the next two years:
10) The look of the host/doorman's face at the authentic Italian Restaurant in Little Italy when he noticed Joe Sarno was walking-in.
9) "Its like a soccer ball," was Dan's reaction when he discovered Madagascar was an Island and not anywhere near Morocco.
8) Never making it to Hoboken (thank god).
7) Joe giving me a Gatorade the size of a small child in preparation for the two hour journey to see Johnny B. run the mile in Reading PA.
6) Pushing the gas tank empty limit further than ever before on the People's Car.
5) Coach Dude while at the Brass describing what it was like working in complete "darkness" for a year and deciding he needed to make a career change.
4) Joanie giving me a lecture on Birth Control over dinner, while Keria ate Mac n'Cheese off the table.
3) The world's ugliest Christmas vest.
2) Receiving complements at the bar while wearing the world's ugliest Christmas vest.
1) A random kid picking a fight with a dove (me) surrounded by hawks (my friends).
0) The awkwardness felt by all when Louis (random guy from the bar) discovered that Bear gave him a fake number.
-1) Discussing the formation and progression of Punk music starting with the year 1968 with Norris. It was as random as it sounds.
-2) The feeling of no control while Joe's SUV tires ripped up the AC practice field (while blasting AC/DC)
-3)Switching seats with Joe at Williamson’s Family Restaurant and as a result getting slapped in the back of the head by our waitress (Joe being Joe).
Anyway, here are priceless moments from my last weekend in America for the next two years:
10) The look of the host/doorman's face at the authentic Italian Restaurant in Little Italy when he noticed Joe Sarno was walking-in.
9) "Its like a soccer ball," was Dan's reaction when he discovered Madagascar was an Island and not anywhere near Morocco.
8) Never making it to Hoboken (thank god).
7) Joe giving me a Gatorade the size of a small child in preparation for the two hour journey to see Johnny B. run the mile in Reading PA.
6) Pushing the gas tank empty limit further than ever before on the People's Car.
5) Coach Dude while at the Brass describing what it was like working in complete "darkness" for a year and deciding he needed to make a career change.
4) Joanie giving me a lecture on Birth Control over dinner, while Keria ate Mac n'Cheese off the table.
3) The world's ugliest Christmas vest.
2) Receiving complements at the bar while wearing the world's ugliest Christmas vest.
1) A random kid picking a fight with a dove (me) surrounded by hawks (my friends).
0) The awkwardness felt by all when Louis (random guy from the bar) discovered that Bear gave him a fake number.
-1) Discussing the formation and progression of Punk music starting with the year 1968 with Norris. It was as random as it sounds.
-2) The feeling of no control while Joe's SUV tires ripped up the AC practice field (while blasting AC/DC)
-3)Switching seats with Joe at Williamson’s Family Restaurant and as a result getting slapped in the back of the head by our waitress (Joe being Joe).
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