Sweeping Sand

There are those moments here when I've literally have to stop whatever it is that I'm doing because I realize, wow, I'm really living in Africa. When it hits me, it's this fleeting rush of weakness in my muscles saying that I'm in a place so far removed from everything I once new, yet mystifying and exotic in it's range from misery to beauty. It's everything from walking through putrid smelling streets of trash and rotting animal carcasses, to bargaining in a crowded market for a banana, to sweeping the sand in my room and my front yard. It was that time when I walked into the breath-takingly beautiful Health Center, where I'm assigned to work for the next two years, lined with pink and purple desert flowers and tropical trees but packed with a line of women outside, covered from head to toe in Moulafas or Boubous, in 100 degree weather, unknowing as to why their babies have chronic diarrhea, eat sand, and have swollen bellies and stick-thin arms. It's each high- of a warm welcome of jack-o-lantern-like smile and an unbelievably hospitable culture- to each low when I'm personally unable to communicate or the witnessing of the community's lack of basic education we as Americans have taken for granted- that whips me through a rollercoaster each hour. It makes it hard to write a blog because I can never decide what to write on! One second I think of something great and inspiring to write about. But if I don't get it down right away, some random donkey cart drivin' bandit will come and drive off with my good mood. Overall, I'm really happy I am here. Anyway, so much has happened in the last two weeks! Here's a basic update on what's going on:

Stage is over; leaving Bababe was so bittersweet. I will miss my family there but there is so much to look forward to here. I really became great friends with my sister Hindou and I'm gonna miss her tons but it looks like my new family is amazing, too. Stage was like being a fifth grader trying to learn at a college level. I had no control over food, got a minimal allowance, couldn't have an adult conversation with other adults, had to be home before dark, and couldn't leave the town without a chaperone. Adding to that, I had to spend every hour possible learning French and a new culture. But some great things did come out of stage. I'm slowly feeling comfortable with communicating; I've been able to teach a class on Malaria and work with an elementary school teacher how to integrate a lesson basic nutrition into a standard 5th grade lesson plan. Me and the other health PCVs in Bababe were also even able to get a few boutiquiares (little shop owners) to make and sell the Neem Cream.

But now that I'm settled in Kaedi, have a place I can call home for two years, unpacked all of my bags, and have a little French under my skirt, I feel almost adultish again. I am starting to create work contacts here and my own work schedule. (I am technically not supposed to start working on a project for a few months but I consider work as networking and chatting... hehe...) Yeah, and so I did I say how awesome my new family was? The first day I was here they cleared out a place in the yard for my garden (i.e. got the trash out of the sand), helped me buy wood in the market and then they built me a bed- all before lunch! At this home, I have a well, electricity, and I rent out two private rooms. I bought some kitchenware and a little gas stove (that almost blew my hand off this morning) where I can cook oatmeal and drink coffee whenever I get up... well that's usually before the sun comes up anyway... Now I just don't have to wait for the family to eat breakfast. And, if you know me, you know how important that is for me!!! Also, I can go over to fellow PCV Nick's-soon-to-be-old and Sam's new house to cook a meal if I want. Last night, the five Kaedi volunteers all got together and made Chicken Alfredo! Here in Kaedi, too, I can buy fruits and veggies everyday. Basically, I'm really happy to be here in Kaedi. My new family has welcomed me in, as have many coworkers and people in the city. There is a huge market and I feel like I'll be able to survive, even without the oh-so-appreciated care packages (thanks Lis, Mom, Dad!!! and PS anything you send, if want to only, will not go unused!). Overall though, it is really amazing what your body can adjust to. I'll leave it at that...

The next challenge: Ramadan! It started today. For the next month, everyone fasts from sun up to sun down each day. I'm really nervous for their health. Not drinking or eating and still working in this heat can't be too good. I'm on my way home to go make Oral Rehydration Fluids for my family!! Eh Sante!!! (That's our cheer for our class of health PCVs, yeah we're dorks...)

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