I made it. 6 days in the village without internet, without a phone, and without a lot of toilet paper and I am alive. While I thought the conditions were going to be the thing that killed me, and the heat nearly has, it's actually the Africa time and the boredom that's getting to me. I'm slowly coming accustomed to waking up drenched in sweat and chocking down the rice and fish that I eat every day. What I'm dealing with is desire, passion, and goals.
The agriculture people get to see immediate results with their gardens, but the SED people may not ever see two companies merge or a grant come through and I don't know if talking to villagers and being a good example of an American are fulfilling enough for me. Even during the home stays right now the Ag people can work and tend to their gardens. I'm really bored and don't really have anything to do. I want to make sure the work is challenging and interesting. I want to make an impact and use the skills I died for at Ross.
The other challenging part of the home stay was what I thought I was getting into and what actually happened. I don't know what I thought Africa was going to be, but the poverty, ignorance of the outside world, and just general malaise is unnerving and takes a lot to get used to. I know that I can become used to the conditions, but do I want to? Do I want to give up everything I had in the states and live in a village, especially if I don't love my work?
I'm happy to be back in Thies. I'm happy to have the internet and be in communication with everyone. I need to find out if Peace Corps can make me happy. I hope it does. Hopefully, I will find out tomorrow.
Sorry for the lame post. More tomorrow.
Hang in there Alyssa! Give it some time. If anyone can make a difference it will be you! I love the cultural differences you describe. Many of them are laugh out loud funny. Will you keep in touch with your homestay family or see them ever again? love, Aunt Cindy
ReplyDeleteI think this is the hardest part Alyssa - once you get your own assignment and begin working, I know you'll find more satisfaction. Your family sounds great, despite the force feeding. Do they speak English? If not, I'm SUPER impressed with how much you understood/learned about them! Will you stay with them again or visit them? Hang in there - you're doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteALYSSA, DAD AND I ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. FOR SOME REASON YOUR DESCRIPTIONS OF SHITTING IN A HOLE AND WASHING CLOTHES WITH YOUR KNUCKLES AND BATHING IN A BUCKET FILL ME WITH AN INDESCRIBABLE PRIDE!!! ANY GIRL FROM EGR AND U OF M CAN BE "SUCCESSFUL" YOU HAVE TRASCENDED ALL EXPECTATIONS I'M MORE PROUD OF YOU FOR SHITTING IN A HOLE THAN E ANYTHING YOU'VE EVER DONE!!! AND YOU HAVE DONE AMAZING THINGS MY DEAR!lET NOBODY EVER CALL YOU A JAP AGAIN!!! YOUR POST IS FAR FROM LAME IT IS RIVETING. YOU ARE INSPIRING US ALL!!
ReplyDeletelOVE MOM
hey alyssa, i was so behind on your blogs because of my roadtrip out to LA. sounds like youre having a really interesting experience so far and i'm super proud of you! i'm sending you an email now - hope you get it soon.
ReplyDeletesend my love to the other james birney.
-linds