Hi everyone, this is Kira's mom again. She has not been able to post for a while, but I speak with her often, so I thought I would send an update.
Kira spent her 1 month in her village - learning to cope with loneliness, isolation, new language, constant stares, cut hands, mice, flies, more cut hands, a bathroom door swelling shut, a wallet being stolen, her sister announcing her pregnancy (much to Kira's dismay) and awesome new friends!
She is actually doing really well. Quite of few of those who made this venture with Kira have ET's (Early Terminated) which speaks to the harshness of Niger. Kira is lucky, she was placed in a Region that enables more contact with other Peace Corps Volunteers and they seem to have developed a great support system.
Since moving to her village, Kira has had a lot of 'firsts'. She has been truly alone for the first time in her life. She has had to cook for herself. Experimentation has taken on a new life of it's own. She absolutely loves the food we have sent, and she is great at mixing new concoctions. Rice with ANYTHING, and gravy mix.... of any kind makes a great meal. Oatmeal suddenly is 'amazing' as breakfast. (too bad she didn't agree as a child!) I sent her a box of food and it was like Christmas... if only Christmas was so easy! I could just buy her food and she would be content... lol... NOT.
Kira got a cat. The cat's name is Roo.... named after her old roommate Amanda... her prior Roo. The cat helps with the Mice problem and the Fly problem - and it provides Kira with responsibility. She has bonded with Roo, with I was not sure would happen.
The village she is stationed in has a fantastic market, which offers fresh fruit, eggs, chicken, and other wares. Kira is pleased that their market is large and considered the best in the Region. Many of her Peace Corps Volunteer friends come into her village every Friday to purchase goods and they often spend the evening to relax and enjoy each other's company - and speak ENGLISH...
Kira has befriended many of the villagers including the Vice Mayor and his two wives. (that takes some getting used to) but she tells me that she feels very safe and everyone is extremely nice and helpful.
She has had some tough moments.... especially cutting her hands severely on the ceiling fan (yes, her temporary home has a ceiling fan - which is no more than a sharp metal fan). She probably needed stitches, but we decided they were African Tattoos - to show her character. But her hardest moment was when her Laptop failed (power cord issue and a new one is on the way...) but that was her lifeline, where she could play cards, view her pictures, listen to music, etc.... so it was a hard moment.
Kira does have cell phone service in her village, so we can speak often - which is a god send for both of us. Internet is only available when she is in the regional capital every few weeks.... but since her laptop is out of service for another week, she hasn't been able to post.
Kira has been getting involved with the schools, sat in some French classes, made friends with the 'seniors' and talking with the teachers. She is excited over the prospect of getting more involved.
Kira has lost a good bit of weight and toned nicely, as she is working out daily.... (shouldn't we all?).... She plans on coming home with a six pack... so all need to be prepared...
Kira's French is amazing... and really fun to hear when we are on the cell phone. You can't imagine what it is like to hear your child speak in another language. I am so impressed... and proud.
Well, Kira hopes to post soon, she plans on being in the Regional Capital over Halloween Weekend (they have planned a party) so she hopes to post to her blog then.
Meanwhile, thanks to all of you who have posted, sent her letters and care packages, she is always so excited when she receives mail, she reads every word to me!
Many thanks for your support -
Pam
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Peace, Love, and Care Packages!
I’ve had a number of people ask me to post of a list of things I would like in care packages. If you don’t want to send me a care package, I completely understand – I love phone calls, letters, photos, emails, and facebook messages too. But if you do want to go out of your way – it’s always appreciated, and it makes my week! ;)
Here are some ideas (honestly, be creative – I love surprises!)
Pictures!!! I’m creating photo boards for my house, so it will feel like home.
Letters (best thing EVER)
Flip Flops
Lotion & other smell good stuff, make up, nail polish & remover
Books (I love bestsellers, Sudoku, and other puzzle books)
Markers, Paper, Pens, Stickers
Deck of Cards
DVDs (anything and everything – except things that will scare me when I’m watching them by myself…New releases/Disney)
Travel games
Food
- Gummies & Candy
- Spices
- Beef jerky
- Dried fruit & nuts
- Tuna/chicken/other cooked meat packages
- Soup mixes
- Crystal light/drink mixes
- Baking mixes
- Velveeta
- Peanut M&Ms
- Trail Mix
- Gum
- Things to make smores
- ANYTHING!!! (except rice, beans, or pasta…i.e. starches)
Anything that reminds me of home…I’m really not picky – it makes me happy that anyone even loves me enough to send me one. XOXO!
Here are some ideas (honestly, be creative – I love surprises!)
Pictures!!! I’m creating photo boards for my house, so it will feel like home.
Letters (best thing EVER)
Flip Flops
Lotion & other smell good stuff, make up, nail polish & remover
Books (I love bestsellers, Sudoku, and other puzzle books)
Markers, Paper, Pens, Stickers
Deck of Cards
DVDs (anything and everything – except things that will scare me when I’m watching them by myself…New releases/Disney)
Travel games
Food
- Gummies & Candy
- Spices
- Beef jerky
- Dried fruit & nuts
- Tuna/chicken/other cooked meat packages
- Soup mixes
- Crystal light/drink mixes
- Baking mixes
- Velveeta
- Peanut M&Ms
- Trail Mix
- Gum
- Things to make smores
- ANYTHING!!! (except rice, beans, or pasta…i.e. starches)
Anything that reminds me of home…I’m really not picky – it makes me happy that anyone even loves me enough to send me one. XOXO!
Fried Chicken and Mountain Dew
Getting to my village was a challenge all its own. We arrived in Zinder Ville (Z City) after a 14 hour cramped bus ride (we rode next to a chicken for the last leg of the trip). We were greeted by the entire Zinder team as we pulled into the bus station. We walked back to the hostel, and proceeded to put on togas and have a few rounds of beer pong…You know I felt right at home! We spent the following day visiting the market and buying things for our new homes. I bought an orange-ish rug…go figure, and some other essential items. One thing that I really admire about Niger is how trustworthy the people are. When we were done shopping in the market, I gave all my items to a random man on a cabo-cabo, along with the fare, and he made sure that my items arrived at the hostel, while I continued to shop. I have never heard of anywhere in the world that you can do something like that. Incredible!
As a side note – cabo-cabos are amazing. They are the cheapest form of transportation, you get to ride by yourself, and you are not stuck in some uncomfortable, sweaty bush taxi next to random Nigeriens. Fabulous! WARNING – don’t burn the crap out of your leg on the muffler though. That’s what I get for stepping off the right side of the cabo-cabo…Apparently, all the PCV women in Zinder have the same branding. I find it amusing.
We were supposed to head out to our village on the third day, but there was a gas shortage in the region, and we weren’t able to get gas for the car to get us to our villages. But the kicker is that my friends are blaming me for not being able to get to their villages. Apparently the day prior to leaving, a vendor that has shop close to the hostel told us that he was going to pray to God that Lalla (me) could stay in Zinder Ville an extra day. When we went to get breakfast the next morning and tell him that we weren’t leaving for another day, he was excited because he had prayed that I would stay for an extra day. From this point forward, my friends have asked me to have this guy pray for them in certain situations, since he has it in good with God…
My village is awesome. If you can imagine Niger – never-ending sand, dirt/poorly paved roads, huts far from markets and cities, lack of food choices, and a garbage problem, then you can understand why I was so excited to drive into my village. The road has been newly paved, so it doesn’t take very long to get there from Zinder Ville (2 hours), and the streets are tree-lined…I felt like I was driving somewhere in the states…You have no idea how much this one comfort made me feel at home. My village is not far from Nigeria, so there is a lot of influence in my community. That fact alone makes a world of difference. Fried chicken. Fries. Deep fried eggs (who knew?). Mountain dew and other Pepsi products. Loaves of bread. Shaded market. Choices. How exciting! The country director told me that my village was her favorite place in all of Niger, which of course makes me even happier about my placement.
My most positive experience in my village was going to the market and bargaining for something for the first time. I have had my eye on the intricately designed calabash bowls for a while now, and after some observation, I saw that a local woman paid 300CFA for a bowl. Immediately, vendors try to jack prices up because they know I’m a stranger. I was able to explain to the man that I would not pay 1000CFA for the bowl because I knew the prices, and I had seen a woman who did not pay that amount. He eventually allowed me to buy the bowl for 300CFA and an additional larger bowl for 400CFA. As I was walking home, I was so happy that I had actually used my language skills to make this happen. Then I realized that I paid 700CFA for two carved and painted bowls and that total is worth less than a stamp in this country, which costs 750CFA. Then I was SUPER proud of myself. It’s so funny how the little things will bring you the most joy in life.
My biggest challenge has yet to happen; it will be my first month at post (my village) by myself. I only spent one evening by myself in my village, while most people got several days to feel a little crazy. I did realize, however, that when the PCV who assisted with my live-in left me, I was truly alone for the first time since I’ve arrived in country. Most people never have the opportunity in their life to experience this type of loneliness. You are left by yourself in a country that is not your home, you don’t speak the language (at least not well), and you feel like a complete stranger. I can’t explain how difficult this is…All I know is that that night I had to make a conscious decision that I would not cry, and that I would be happy by myself. I had another PCV tell me to embrace the feeling because no matter what happens in your life, you will never feel like this ever again. Even if you join the Peace Corps again, and train in a new country with a new language, it will never be the same as the first time you were truly alone. After your first month, you will start understanding the language better, make friends in the community, and have your ‘American reprieves.’ And it’s guaranteed that you’ll never feel that way again. It’s a very humbling experience to say the least. Now, let’s see if I can get through the first month without going crazy…I expect phone calls people!
As a side note – cabo-cabos are amazing. They are the cheapest form of transportation, you get to ride by yourself, and you are not stuck in some uncomfortable, sweaty bush taxi next to random Nigeriens. Fabulous! WARNING – don’t burn the crap out of your leg on the muffler though. That’s what I get for stepping off the right side of the cabo-cabo…Apparently, all the PCV women in Zinder have the same branding. I find it amusing.
We were supposed to head out to our village on the third day, but there was a gas shortage in the region, and we weren’t able to get gas for the car to get us to our villages. But the kicker is that my friends are blaming me for not being able to get to their villages. Apparently the day prior to leaving, a vendor that has shop close to the hostel told us that he was going to pray to God that Lalla (me) could stay in Zinder Ville an extra day. When we went to get breakfast the next morning and tell him that we weren’t leaving for another day, he was excited because he had prayed that I would stay for an extra day. From this point forward, my friends have asked me to have this guy pray for them in certain situations, since he has it in good with God…
My village is awesome. If you can imagine Niger – never-ending sand, dirt/poorly paved roads, huts far from markets and cities, lack of food choices, and a garbage problem, then you can understand why I was so excited to drive into my village. The road has been newly paved, so it doesn’t take very long to get there from Zinder Ville (2 hours), and the streets are tree-lined…I felt like I was driving somewhere in the states…You have no idea how much this one comfort made me feel at home. My village is not far from Nigeria, so there is a lot of influence in my community. That fact alone makes a world of difference. Fried chicken. Fries. Deep fried eggs (who knew?). Mountain dew and other Pepsi products. Loaves of bread. Shaded market. Choices. How exciting! The country director told me that my village was her favorite place in all of Niger, which of course makes me even happier about my placement.
My most positive experience in my village was going to the market and bargaining for something for the first time. I have had my eye on the intricately designed calabash bowls for a while now, and after some observation, I saw that a local woman paid 300CFA for a bowl. Immediately, vendors try to jack prices up because they know I’m a stranger. I was able to explain to the man that I would not pay 1000CFA for the bowl because I knew the prices, and I had seen a woman who did not pay that amount. He eventually allowed me to buy the bowl for 300CFA and an additional larger bowl for 400CFA. As I was walking home, I was so happy that I had actually used my language skills to make this happen. Then I realized that I paid 700CFA for two carved and painted bowls and that total is worth less than a stamp in this country, which costs 750CFA. Then I was SUPER proud of myself. It’s so funny how the little things will bring you the most joy in life.
My biggest challenge has yet to happen; it will be my first month at post (my village) by myself. I only spent one evening by myself in my village, while most people got several days to feel a little crazy. I did realize, however, that when the PCV who assisted with my live-in left me, I was truly alone for the first time since I’ve arrived in country. Most people never have the opportunity in their life to experience this type of loneliness. You are left by yourself in a country that is not your home, you don’t speak the language (at least not well), and you feel like a complete stranger. I can’t explain how difficult this is…All I know is that that night I had to make a conscious decision that I would not cry, and that I would be happy by myself. I had another PCV tell me to embrace the feeling because no matter what happens in your life, you will never feel like this ever again. Even if you join the Peace Corps again, and train in a new country with a new language, it will never be the same as the first time you were truly alone. After your first month, you will start understanding the language better, make friends in the community, and have your ‘American reprieves.’ And it’s guaranteed that you’ll never feel that way again. It’s a very humbling experience to say the least. Now, let’s see if I can get through the first month without going crazy…I expect phone calls people!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Official Peace Corps Volunteer!
Doesn't Kira look amazing? She has officially been sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer - having passed her French requirements! Now off to her village. Hopefully she can post more observations soon...... meanwhile - check out her pictures - click the links to the right of her post.
Monday, August 25, 2008
“Life is like a chicken butt…”
By far, my favorite Nigerien proverb was mentioned a few days ago in our diversity session. A volunteer that was leading the session mentioned “Life is like a chicken butt, one day you get eggs, the next day you get shit.” I couldn’t help but laugh. I was having a really terrible day, in part the dreary day, in part my mood. That cheered me up, and I knew that tomorrow would be a new day. I think that saying might be going on our stage t-shirts.
Everyone gets weary here of people having bad days (because we’re 4 people down from staging). We also know the group that is COSing (Close of Service) is about 25 people, when they started with 45. So around 20 people have ETed (Early Termination), gotten MedSep’d (Medical Separation), or AdminSep’d (Administrative Separation). My roommate here pegged me last night when she told me that she wasn’t worried about me ETing. I asked her why she thought that, and she informed me that I would be too upset at the idea of disappointing my friends and family back at home. It made me laugh at how well she understood me. I absolutely could not get through this without everyone supporting me. You have given me so much strength to get through the bad days. I am so grateful to have you all – writing me letters, calling me, sending packages, emails, and facebook messages. I was explaining to my mom just a few days ago that here a facebook message is so much more than just a facebook message. A comment on my blog means SO MUCH. And letters mean the WORLD. One of my biggest fears going into this whole process was that the life I was leaving behind would continue on and forget about me. It makes me so happy to know that my friends and family would take time out of their day and think about me. You’re all so wonderful, and I’m so happy with the decision I’ve made to go to Africa, but I know that I never would have gotten to this point without all of you. I just realized today that I have officially been outside of the states longer than I ever have before. I’m going to keep taking things one day at a time, and I’ll be home before you know it!
Everyone gets weary here of people having bad days (because we’re 4 people down from staging). We also know the group that is COSing (Close of Service) is about 25 people, when they started with 45. So around 20 people have ETed (Early Termination), gotten MedSep’d (Medical Separation), or AdminSep’d (Administrative Separation). My roommate here pegged me last night when she told me that she wasn’t worried about me ETing. I asked her why she thought that, and she informed me that I would be too upset at the idea of disappointing my friends and family back at home. It made me laugh at how well she understood me. I absolutely could not get through this without everyone supporting me. You have given me so much strength to get through the bad days. I am so grateful to have you all – writing me letters, calling me, sending packages, emails, and facebook messages. I was explaining to my mom just a few days ago that here a facebook message is so much more than just a facebook message. A comment on my blog means SO MUCH. And letters mean the WORLD. One of my biggest fears going into this whole process was that the life I was leaving behind would continue on and forget about me. It makes me so happy to know that my friends and family would take time out of their day and think about me. You’re all so wonderful, and I’m so happy with the decision I’ve made to go to Africa, but I know that I never would have gotten to this point without all of you. I just realized today that I have officially been outside of the states longer than I ever have before. I’m going to keep taking things one day at a time, and I’ll be home before you know it!
Appreciation - A New Outlook
Things I have come to appreciate:
1. Coca Cola (especially cold bottles)
2. Fruit (mangoes, bananas, and pineapples are incredible!!!)
3. Hugs (when you can sneak them)
4. The internet (I smile non-stop from the time I get on until I am forced to leave the café or the internet goes out – whichever happens first)
5. Chocolate cookies (I didn’t even like chocolate much before I came)
6. Gum
7. Laughing cow cheese (doesn’t need refrigeration)
8. Nutella (I keep thinking about those jars of Nutella in the cabinet in the kitchen, Amanda…People would give their first born child for some Nutella…)
9. Anything with sugar
10. Tanktops (I love my mosquito net time)
11. Cold air (we love being sick, so we can spend time in air conditioning)
12. Ice cubes (which we aren’t allowed to have most of the time due to bad water)
13. Rain (cooler weather)
14. My computer (I have realized how much I love writing, and watching movies, and listening to music, and looking at pictures…and studying French verbs?)
15. My iPod (OMG – my lifesaver)
16. My pillow (thanks, Mom…it’s so much better than a tshirt)
17. Eye makeup (You don’t want to look frumpy all the time…)
18. My mosquito net (HAHAHA – you bugs can’t get me in here!!!)
19. Jeans (I may be considered a prostitute, but I feel GREAT!)
20. Flip flops (I’ve already gone through several pair)
21. My curly hair (I never thought it would come in handy)
22. The fact that I don’t smell bad (self explanatory)
23. Nail polish (it’s amazing how something so small can brighten your day)
24. Letters (I live for mail…and it never fails to make me cry)
25. Emails & facebook posts (ya yi kyau!)
26. My friends at home (thanks for not forgetting me)
27. Deep conversation (finally feeling like I’m making real friends here)
28. Shallow conversation (sometimes it’s great to break up the seriousness – I especially love hearing about the scandalous-ness of my favorite Federal Hillsiders)
29. The fact that I don’t sunburn too badly (good to note when I get my own concession and can walk around in my bikini to even out my tan – my arms, face, and feet are super tan)
30. That I don’t wear glasses or contacts (dust storms are ridiculous)
31. Phone calls and text messages (ya yi kyau!)
32. Vegetables (heavenly)
33. Pizza (yes…even if it’s made with tomato paste, flatbread, powdered milk-cheese, and sautéed weeds)
34. Mesa Parties
35. Amandines (the most American place in Niger)
36. The American Rec Center (bikini and a beer by the pool!)
37. Paved roads (potholes worse than Baltimore – and that’s saying something!)
38. Upkeep of vehicles (I have never seen vehicles in this shape actually run…)
39. My love of reading (I’ve already read 3 books and we are SUPER busy all the time)
40. Patience (I’m working on it)
1. Coca Cola (especially cold bottles)
2. Fruit (mangoes, bananas, and pineapples are incredible!!!)
3. Hugs (when you can sneak them)
4. The internet (I smile non-stop from the time I get on until I am forced to leave the café or the internet goes out – whichever happens first)
5. Chocolate cookies (I didn’t even like chocolate much before I came)
6. Gum
7. Laughing cow cheese (doesn’t need refrigeration)
8. Nutella (I keep thinking about those jars of Nutella in the cabinet in the kitchen, Amanda…People would give their first born child for some Nutella…)
9. Anything with sugar
10. Tanktops (I love my mosquito net time)
11. Cold air (we love being sick, so we can spend time in air conditioning)
12. Ice cubes (which we aren’t allowed to have most of the time due to bad water)
13. Rain (cooler weather)
14. My computer (I have realized how much I love writing, and watching movies, and listening to music, and looking at pictures…and studying French verbs?)
15. My iPod (OMG – my lifesaver)
16. My pillow (thanks, Mom…it’s so much better than a tshirt)
17. Eye makeup (You don’t want to look frumpy all the time…)
18. My mosquito net (HAHAHA – you bugs can’t get me in here!!!)
19. Jeans (I may be considered a prostitute, but I feel GREAT!)
20. Flip flops (I’ve already gone through several pair)
21. My curly hair (I never thought it would come in handy)
22. The fact that I don’t smell bad (self explanatory)
23. Nail polish (it’s amazing how something so small can brighten your day)
24. Letters (I live for mail…and it never fails to make me cry)
25. Emails & facebook posts (ya yi kyau!)
26. My friends at home (thanks for not forgetting me)
27. Deep conversation (finally feeling like I’m making real friends here)
28. Shallow conversation (sometimes it’s great to break up the seriousness – I especially love hearing about the scandalous-ness of my favorite Federal Hillsiders)
29. The fact that I don’t sunburn too badly (good to note when I get my own concession and can walk around in my bikini to even out my tan – my arms, face, and feet are super tan)
30. That I don’t wear glasses or contacts (dust storms are ridiculous)
31. Phone calls and text messages (ya yi kyau!)
32. Vegetables (heavenly)
33. Pizza (yes…even if it’s made with tomato paste, flatbread, powdered milk-cheese, and sautéed weeds)
34. Mesa Parties
35. Amandines (the most American place in Niger)
36. The American Rec Center (bikini and a beer by the pool!)
37. Paved roads (potholes worse than Baltimore – and that’s saying something!)
38. Upkeep of vehicles (I have never seen vehicles in this shape actually run…)
39. My love of reading (I’ve already read 3 books and we are SUPER busy all the time)
40. Patience (I’m working on it)
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