1st Week in Sikasso = A Good Week

Well, week one by myself in Sikasso is over. I see so many women, or perhaps I should write girls, with children on their back. I know our cultures are so different, but I love having the option of having kids or a career, or both. I'm not stuck in one category. I have options.
I have 2 funny stories. I hit something on this crazy keyboard, and i don't know how to undo it, so it's going to be in italics.
I wanted to buy a comfortable chair. I went to a shop, actually they were selling furniture on the side of the road, but that's how they do it in Mali. I pointed to the chair, and in the best French I could muster, I asked how much is this? He said, 250,000 CFA, which is like 500 USD. I told him to reduce his price. I got it down to 200,000 CFA. He finally asked me how much I was willing to pay and I wrote down 40,000 CFA. I told him he was crazy asking for 200,000, and he thinks I am crazy. But, I not crazy and I'm not paying that price. I think my voice was raised... I went back later with my new friend. Her name is Mama. She is a nurse and lives behind me. She went back with me, and apparently, the 200,000 CFA was for the whole set: 1 couch, 1 love seat, and 2 chairs. Oops.
The next funny story was not funny at the time, but I can look back and laugh. Mama went to the market with me to buy a gas tank. Malians use charcol and fan to get a fire; I'm choosing the option to turn on the gas. I am scared of lighting matches, so I'm sure I'll have another story next week relating to that. Anyway, we went back home with the gas tank. The cab driver was going to carry it in. I unfortunately couldn't find the key to the side door. I dumped the contents of my purse. I couldn't find it anywhere. Mama took her moto and retraced my steps. My choices were to: 1. climb the tree because I have the key to the front door, not the side 2. sleep outside 3. call the other volunteer and ask for her advice. So, I ended up calling Trinh and she said she had emergency voulchers for a local hotel. But, I just spent all my money on a gas tank, so I won't have money to get there. Sigh. I was on the verge of tears, when I decided to lift up my shirt a little...my key was tucked into my skirt. Everybody who saw my face laughed and laughed. I'm glad I found it.
Anyway, my first week was a good week. I am hoping to take pictures of my work and home and post them next week.

Side Note About Boxes...

I talked to somebody, and they got food sent to them. It turns out, worms got in their packaged food! So, if you do send a package with food, please put the food in a ziplock bag (to make it harder for the worms). The volunteer ate it any way, but I would perfer not to have worm infested food. Thanks so much!

The Breakfast Club

Yesterday was quite a hectic day! The morning started off with Phil (the tortoise, named for the one eyed King Philip II) breaking into the hut across from mine. He really likes that hut. He also poops there alot. He not only broke through their screen, but he also went inside! We all think he needs a girl tortoise.

Oh, Phil!

We had a couple of girls come to our room to get ready. It reminded me of the sorority hall in college, where everybody listens to music and puts on makeup in one room. I didn't realize I missed it until we were all together, trying on different outfits, putting on makeup, and dancing our hearts out.

Lindsay and I investigating the shrieks...it was only the troubled Phil...

While walking to the bus, my gold shoes that my mom bought for me broke. We put masking tape on it so I could wear them any way. (My other shoe broke at the Ambassadors house...)

My shoes on a better day (check out those Reef tan lines! Nice!)

After the eventful morning with Phil, we went to the Embassy to get sworn in. It was so much fun seeing everybody (mostly every body...some people didn't get outfits made) all dressed up in their Malian best!

Laura and me on the bus

After we went to the Embassy, all the soon to be PCTs were on one side, and a lot of our family members from home stay. It felt like graduation. Everybody was standing up, trying to find their family. My mom came. I was so happy to see her! I still can't communicate very well with her, but she's coming to visit me at my site, hopefully next year. We took some pictures before the ceremony

Walking to the ceremony

Soon to be PCV! All Smiles!

My Malian mom and me
The homestay group: Illioso, Lala, Saulda, Hamma
My Malian mom; Isn't she so cute?

The ceremony was quite nice. The Ambassador spoke, the Mayor spoke, and something that I thought was really cool is one PCT was selected from the 5 different languages being learned, and that individual gave a speech in the newly learned language. It was great! The harder the language, the more shouts and applause. After the ceremony, we all took pictures at the United States Embassy sign. So many pictures!

Droit II: Illiso, Cisse (our LCF), Saulda, Hamma, Hamma's mom, Illiso's mom, and me and my mom in the front

PCVs 2007!

I did it!

After the photos, (which reminded me of my dance team in high school, where everybody wanted a picture with their camera, so you had to stay posed for 5 minutes), we had lunch at the Ambassadors house. It was so nice! Apparently, there were some issues last year with the swimming pool, we weren't allowed to go swimming. Sigh.

The food was fantastic! And, the best part was dessert. They served us chocolate cake AND a brownie!!! DELICIOUS!

The buffet

Happy girl!
A little piece of heaven! (I know, fau pax...using my left hand)

me, Greg (from Charleston), Amanda (from Rock Hill) Carolina Kids...Best in the World!

We then went back to Tabiniso. I basically hung out and got ready for the big night! We had some guests (I'm not going to lie, I have no idea who they were) come to dinner. They got the food out, and we all started going through the line. Apparently, our guests hadn't arrived yet...oops. Putting out hamburger buns, fries, chips, pasta salad, and then telling us that we have to wait...not a good idea. When we did get to eat, it was fantastic! It was so weird because we aren't use to 2 great meals. I know most of us were still stuffed from lunch...hello gluttony. We all ate.

me and Susie: sexy faces

I was told 3 different times that the buses were suppose to leave for Bamako. At 19:22, the buses were honking for us. Can you say miscommunication? We eventually left and went to the hotel. We had to pay for the hotel a few weeks ago, and at that time, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to pass my test. That was my main reason for not spending the night. Secondly, I go to sleep at 21:30 most nights. I figured I would be ready to go back to Tabiniso at 1:30. I stuck my feet in the pool, and was wondering if they could squeeze me in somewhere... I decided against it. We then went to the bar and danced the night away. Every stage has a name, so we got named last night. Our name....The Breakfast Club. I thought it was appropriate because there are so many different people in our stage. Goody too shoes girls, crazy girls, quiet boys, the bad boys, we have them all! We were happy with the name because we thought they were going to give us a name that related to the stage before us because they did alot of things that we aren't allow to do. Anyway, cheers to The Breakfast Club! I already shortened it to TBC because that is what we do in PC, abbreviate when possible.

The reason I am able to post all these pictures and write so much is because everybody is in the hotel, except for me and John (another volunteer who is about 60). We were the only two that came back. I know, I'm a real party animal.... It is nice to be able to stay on the computer as long as I want and they are taking us back to Bamako sometime this morning. I think a lot of people are going shopping for their new residences (I can't say apartments or houses because some people are living in mud huts). It's Mali's Independence Day, so I think only Tubabu stores will be open. I am going to a celebration tonight with tons of food and dancing. It should be a good time.
Tomorrow, we are leaving before the crack of dawn to catch our bus. It's so crazy that the time is here! I (luckily) have 2 Internet cafes in my town. I am planning on going to one every week, maybe biweekly. (Some people are 4 hours away from the closest Internet cafe!)

Oh, the places you go!!

Happy Swear in Day!

In one hour, I will be leaving for swear in and officially, my T becomes a V!!! Yeaaaa! Some people already have their Malian clothes on. It's so cool seeing everybody all dressed up!!! So, after swear in, we have a picnic. I think we are also going swimming today. I hope so! Tonight, we have a swear in party! I think I am the only one coming back to Tabiniso. Everybody else is getting a hotel room. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was swearing in, and I didn't want to spend the night with everybody who become a V, and I was still only a T. I would have nothing to celebrate except almost becoming a PCV. Anyway, I'm glad I passed, and it's way okay that I'm am coming back to Tabiniso at 1:30 am...I go to sleep at 9:30 pm, so I'm confident that I will be ready to go back.
Tomorrow is Mali's Independence Day! Nothing is open, except Tubab stores, so I should have lots of pictures to post!

Life in Africa is GREAT!

I'm sure from my title that you would guess that I passed my test today:) I didn't know that he was recording until half way into my test!! There was 3 of us that were really struggling. 2 of us passed. The person who didn't pass is learning Ful Ful Day. I can only assume that if I learned Ful Ful Day, I probably wouldn't have passed either.
Also, another great thing that happened today is they found my bike! When PC came to get my stuff and bike from home stay, I didn't have a marker or tape. And, besides, I thought I could identify my bike. I forgot that 40 other people have my exact bike...All the bikes have numbers on them, but I couldn't find the guy who had the sheet that matched up the number with the PCT. Sigh. But, the guard found my bike, and I gave him a big hug! They already think I an unusual kind...
This week has been crazy! I unfortunately lost my package slip. Letters and packages make any day a great day. I've told 3 people about my problem, but I talked to the head guy (which is who I should have talked to to begin with, but I really have a hard time keeping people straight...especially when you thrown in an African name that I need to remember too). Anyway, I paid for my package, so hopefully I'll get it before I leave for Sikasso region on Sunday.
I get to go to Bamako today:) The 3 of us have to talk to our directors. I enjoy going to Bamako, and since I passed my test and all my stuff is on a truck heading to Bamako, it's the perfect day to go.

A few more picts of Africa:

My favorite twin goats

Smiling in the rain!

My sister Bintu and me

French, French, and more French

My days have been filled with French! I feel good about taking my test tomorrow. I think I am getting a LCF to come to my site for a week for tutoring. PC doesn't pay for transportation or food, but I think it would be so worth it to have somebody there the first week.
We (the PCT) started the game Assassin last night. I had a failed murder attempt (you kill somebody by throwing something at them and nobody can witness it.) last night. It was really funny because she was paranoid every time she saw me after the attempt. I died this morning. I deserved it. Somebody was brushing their teeth, and I went over to say good morning, and it was just the two of us. I turned around, and she threw a bracelet at me...No you didn't!! I hope we get to play again when we come back to Tabinso in January.
Today, we had to pack up all our stuff. These 2 months have flown by! It's funny because I have already acquired so much stuff! But, very little will be coming back to the States with me in 2 years.
My Malian mom called me today. It made me happy. I talked to Papa, but I think they wanted to get some information, but I really don't know. My American mom is calling me tonight. I am also happy about this, even though reception at Tabinso is terrible! I keep on thinking how much technology will improve in 2 years (or we can hope).
I posted my new address for Sikasso region. The other address will still work, but I should get letters/packages faster because it will go to my region. Thanks to everybody who has already sent me a letter &/package and emails. I still haven't gotten stamps yet. It will be wonderful when I get to site and the post office is a bike ride away! I've kept every letter, and I will write back soon.
Hopefully, the next time I write, it will be confirmed that my T will become a V!

More Pictures

WEDNESDAY: OUR FAREWELL PARTY
My family and me at the farewell party! (minus my dad and Habib)
My brother Ishmael dancing with a little girl

Our group plus Oscar, a LCF for another group: me, John, Holly, Westin

THURSDAY: OUR HIKE
A woman washing clothes during our hike

And, we're still walking...

Such a beautiful day!

Holly, me, Chelsea at the top

TIA

2 people bringing sticks down, they were definitely point to the sky

And, they were right...it was so windy

Update!

We went to a Malian party 2 Saturdays ago. We arrived at 9 pm, and everybody was just hanging out. No dancing. So, Holly and I decided to bust a move. At 11:30, they brought out snacks, popcorn and candy. Then, the guest of honor had the "first" dance. Apparently, you don't dance until the guest of honor has the first dance. Oops.

I left at midnight (which is SO late for me!!) Apparently, they served chicken at 1:30 am (which is really expensive if you think about it...cows feed so many more people), and people left at 2 am. Oh, a side note. PC was telling us how conservative Malians are, long shirts, baggy shirts...not when they are going out at night. I saw sheer, tight, and even some legs!
On Sunday, I didn't go to the pool with the other PCT because my mom invited a woman over who was selling fabric. It turns out that it was my oldest brother Habib's older sister who was selling the fabric. Oh, the joys of communication! Anyway, got some fabric. I took it to the shop Sunday night. It was pouring! I wanted it ready by Wednesday for the big party. The roads turn into rivers when it rains. My sister Bentu (sp I know) and the housekeeper/maid (who's 12ish 13ish) and I took a picture under the umbrella. I also love this other picture. Some kids came out to see what the Tubab was doing in the rain.

Last Monday, we had a SED project. It was very Apprentice like. We had to take out a loan, and the goal was essentially to make a profit (some things are universal). We brainstormed, and finally decided on bakeless cookies. We talked about it during our debrief, but we really needed to go to the store to see how much things cost before submitting how much of a loan we were taking out. We didn't know how much things cost (and frankly, we didn't really think it through), so we figured to take out the biggest possible loan. We submitted our loan amount on Monday. We went shopping on Tuesday. We realized that we needed to make 100 cookies just to break even! Another thing we encountered that, in retrospect is so obvious, we needed to charge 50 CFA to make 8 CFA on each cookie. We were planning on selling for 25 CFA but we would be losing money. We couldn't get all the ingredients in our town, so we had to go to Bamako. We rode on the green bus type thing. One lady got on and she smelled, if you can believe it, just as bad (and maybe worse) than Jamie when he got off the AT. The first chance I got, I moved. Even the Malians near her where covering their faces!! The kid (whom she was breast feeding...I've seen more breast in my 2 months in Mali than I've seen my entire life), had like 10 (no joke) flies on him. Oh, the stench! After I moved, I found it hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing. I think one reason was I wasn't beside her any more, and John was kinda turning green. I'm surprised that nobody threw up. Seriously.
Anyway, we made cookies Tuesday night. It was so much fun! They weren't aesthetically pleasing, but sure tasted delicious!
On Wednesday, we attempted to sell them. The Malians were extremely confused seeing Tubabus selling cookies? The highlight of several other PCT's day is when I ran up the green busy trying to sell them...Apparently, my Bamara is even worse than my French and nobody understood me! Anyway, we sold them all (aka we all bought a bunch and sold a few). And, we made a profit...about 600 CFA (which is a little more than a dollar). Wednesday night was our farewell party. Lots of kids showed up. Dancing and awards were given out the the family. It was a good time. My mom said I was "perfect". Crazy huh?

Thursday was test day. I didn't do great. Oh, well. I went to the Internet cafe that afternoon and gchatted with my mom and dad. After that, Holly, John, Westin, Chelsea, Greg, and I went hiking to see the sunset. I learned from my experience to always take water (lesson learned: Yosemite 2007). I still didn't take enough. It was so crazy going from an Internet cafe to the busch. John took a picture of me leaping over the water that some people were washing their clothes in. It was absolutely beautiful!! We went to the top and got a group shot. I need to figure out the time feature on my camera. Hopefully, I'll get that shot soon. Anyway, we were walking down and a lady carrying sticks on her head kept pointing to the sky. We knew it was going to rain, but we had no idea how windy it would be! Pretty crazy!!!

On Friday, I studied...French. A lot of people in my group went out to Bamako, but I was flat broke. I can't imagine spending so much money, but it's possible. I wouldn't put it past me.

Saturday, I got tutored some more. Oh, boy. My Droit II group went out. I hung out at home. My mom took me to the bakery. It was so hot!! My mom bought the really good bread. We then went to her friends house. My mom knows I love kids (for the most part) and they put the child on my back! I was so paranoid!!! But, these women have kids on their back and are working in the fields. Incredible really. And, sometimes they have a kid on their back, a bucket on their head, and have their hands free.

On Sunday, we went back to Tabinso. I took the French exam...again. I did better, but not up to par. Oh, well. I listened to music, and the girls and I around our huts had a dance party. Fun times.

Today was...long. SED had a debrief about our projects. Some people sold popcorn, another group onion rings, and another group donuts. Everybody made a profit, but we all learned some valuable lessons. I took the darn test. I am still one step below where I need to be. So, I had another 2 hours of tutoring. All week, I am missing meetings to get tutored. I am optimistic, and I do enjoy getting one on one time.

I still need to work on layouts and pictures and such. In 2 years, I should get it down. The Internet is being stupid. Will try to post more pictures tomorrow.

Real Quick

I'm back at Tabinso. I have so much to write, but so much to do! I didn't pass the language test...so I have to retake it tomorrow. And, I have 8 forms to fill out. So, after I pass my exam tomorrow, I will try to post pictures and stories.
Oh, I don't know if this is "blog material" but somebody in our staige has a boil on her bottom....so if you are sad it's Monday tomorrow, life could be worse...

Inspired

So, I was looking at Jared's blog this morning. I am inspired to take more pictures and spruce up my blog...Coming soon!

ps...

PS My hand looks better. I think it was bed bugs. There was a song Libby (my childhood bf's mom) use to sing, that went something like this, "if you have bed bugs, Take your shoe, and Beat them 'til their black and blue" If I only knew that they would actually bite me 15 years later in Africa...

Oh Mali!

I noticed my last several blogs relate to my health. Yesterday, I got sick (but I really think it was carsickness, which still isn't fun but it sure isn't an infection.) I'm feeling pretty good today. I got my roommate sick last week. I only spent one night in the health place, and I should have stayed more. I feel so bad for her because she has fever blisters in her nose! Yeah, I didn't know it was possible either!! I was trying to cheer her up and said well thank goodness their not on your butt. She made a really good point. I use my nose more than my butt. Oh well for cheerful thoughts.
I haven't journaled in a while (over a week because I was sick), so I really can't remember anything. We did take some pretty cool field trips. We took a field trip to some water falls. It was gorgeous! I really wanted to go swimming because it would have been so refreshing but I didn't want to get some kind of animal that can get in you via water (?) You can tell I'm so interested in biology...(jk)
We took another field trip to a microfinance institution. It was really interesting. I don't think they were fulfilling their mission statement and all the goals, but they were doing a good job. We also went to 2 boutiques. My brother owns a boutique, and we were planning on interviewing him, but he's sick. I really take our health care system for grant in the States. But, I take paved roads for grant. And hot water. And ovens. And like 500 other things you just don't think about until you are completely out of your element. Anyway, sorry about the tangent. My brother, Hapib, may have malaria. How much would that stink? We went to another boutique and the woman didn't really seemed interested. At the other shop, we would ask the questions in French, but it was so bad that our professor had to translate our French to French. A little annoying.
One last thing. Last night, Jigiya came to dance. Jigiya is an organization made up of disabled individuals. They truly get no support here. Jigiya connected with an organization in NY, and they send money (a very small amount) monthly and they opened an account and are able to give out grants. It's quite impressive how far they strength the money. It was extremely emotional for me. Just looking around, watching them dance their hearts out and sing...Such passion!!!! If everybody could live their lives with an ounce of their passion....
I haven't really thought deeply since coming to Mali until yesterday. I have been constantly overwhelmed with new faces, languages, and cultures. But, I really got thinking yesterday. Their is so much I want to do in Mali!!! I really want to start a program for adult literacy (both men and women), maybe get a library going, and I want to talk to high schoolers about HIV/AIDS and safe sex. And, after last night, I want to work with disabled individuals. And, let's not forget my job of working with ecotourism. SO much to do!!! I was overwhelmed last night (not a new feeling). How can I prioritize when they are all so important? And jeez, I'm just an Auburn girl from SC. Then I thought of this quote:

"Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can."
John Wesley

It might seem crazy that sometimes I think in quotes...I don't know. I've always enjoyed quotes that capture my feelings or thoughts. Anyway, it was good for my spirit and I feel energized and refreshed. If I could only get French under my belt...then Bamara...always something, isn't it?
I know I'm a simple person with a simple blog but it was good to get this off my chest.
I added Brooke's blog. His blog is terrific, and he has more information about Jigiya.
I'm going back to homestay tomorrow. It's my last week. I love my family and will miss them, but am excited about spreading my wings in Sikasso region.

Okay days

Well, I'm not feeling 100%. My fever ended up being a symptom of a chest infection. I am on antibiotics, but I have so many infected mosquito bites, there's not enough antibiotic to go around.
I got sick again today. I don't know if I'm car sick, or if I'm developing something else. It really was no fun. We took a pretty lengthy car ride to attend a memorial service for Matt Costa. It was so emotional for me. At the end, I gave Matt's sister a huge hug. It was definitely worth the car ride. Matt's mom did something really cool. He loved soccer and she helped raise money to get soccer fields built with a nice plaque. They also brought a bunch of soccer balls, basketballs, and volleyballs to distribute.
Here's the press release for the deaths of Matt and Justin. Life truly is precious. I'm getting emotional writing this. Carpe Diem!

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.media.press.view&news_id=1148

I will write more tomorrow (hopefully).