Thanksgiving and Mexican Night 07....Huge Success!

This week went by so fast! I’m trying to remember what happened on Monday. Oh, on Monday, (like every Monday) I go to the post office and I got a card from my Mom with Will’s (my little bro) senior picture and soccer picture. All grown up!!! And, she included my graduation picture. I was grinning ear to ear. And, my friend from Auburn who is getting her Ph.D. in molecular biology (or something like that) sent me a book by one of our favorite authors! Our freshman year, Hannah introduced me to this wonderful author, so I was delighted that she mailed me her newest book! I thought I was going to have to wait until 2009 to read it, so imagine my surprise!
On Tuesday, I had a group of people over for dinner. We made stir fry. I thought it was terrific and so did everybody else (or they could have been really hungry) because we didn’t have any leftovers.
PreThanksgiving Day, I cleaned my place and went over to Trinh’s. I helped a little with the pies. We made 10 pies. Next year, we are going to make 12 or so. The apple pies were delicious! I enjoy pumpkin pies, but I really like cool whip (haven’t found it in Mali yet) on it. For dinner, a group of us ordered these gyro sandwiches. They were so scrumptious; I woke up the next day thinking about it. Sikasso Group Shot
On Thanksgiving, I went over to Trinh’s in the afternoon. I played hearts, and unfortunately didn’t win (the guy who won was definitely a beginner because we had to explain the rules to him…beginners luck), but had a lot of fun. People would come up to us and ask, what are y’all playing. All the guys were such smart allecs, they said, cards. Thanksgiving was so much fun! Dinner was ready at 6. We had 6 turkeys, sooo much mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, stuffing, jay, vegetables, watermelon, pineapples, and pie. I was a little disappointed because after trip 1, I wasn’t full. But, I was able to go back for seconds and stuffed myself silly. While I missed being with my family (and Gramma’s dressing), it was fun being surrounded by other PCVs. When I went home after dinner and hanging out, my power was still out (it when out that morning, but I didn’t think anything of it because it is a weekly occurrence). But, the next morning, my power was still out and the businesses on the first floor had power. They explained that they came yesterday morning to turn it off.
Now let me explain. I pay my upstairs neighbor because the circuits are connected. Instead of paying the bill, the money went elsewhere. And, he went out of town Thursday morning. So, as I am writing this, I still don’t have power at my apartment. I don’t want to pay the bill because what if he doesn’t feel the need to pay me back for HIS portion? While you may think I’m being ridiculous, his portion is much higher because he has a tv and a refrigerator! So, Mexican Night was lit by lanterns. Everybody was giving me a hard time because I didn’t know how to light it. I’m a city girl with power (when my neighbor pays the bill) who has never needed to light my lantern. So, my brand new, never been used lantern was used for Mexican Night. I felt Mexican Night went so smoothly. We ate on the roof because my apartment was so hot. We had tortillas, meat, beans, guacamole dip (which was extremely popular), salsa (both hot and mild), cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and something similar to sour cream. It was absolutely delicious! And, everybody appeared to be having a good time. 2 annoying things about hosting. Somebody took one of my glasses. And, while I deeply appreciate people cleaning the kitchen, it was so clogged; I had to get a repair guy to come today. I guess people forgot I didn’t have a garbage disposal. He not only pulled out so much food, a spoon made it down the drain too!
Saturday, I went to the English Club meeting. I then cleaned some, and had lunch with Echin and the guy I replaced, Adam, and his girlfriend. Echins’ wife make out of control green beans! They had chicken cooked in it as well! I then went to the Basketball Tournament that Trinh is managing. It was suppose to start at 3. But, it’s Mali, so things got rolling at 4:30. The guys played first, and then the girls. The girls were way more fun to watch because they are so aggressive! I went home and had a wonderful olive oil, tomato sandwich (a little taste of Italy), and read by lantern light. I’ve never had a mosquito problem, but because so many people were in and out of my house, I was thankful to have a mosquito net!
This morning, the repair guy came. (I even programmed him into my cell). He fixed the sink, with I am extremely grateful for. I am at the PC office, and am about to head on to the internet café. I then am going to the Basketball Tournament. Guess what tomorrow is? Monday! Post office day!!!Just a side note: my picture didn’t make it into the calendar. I didn’t make the cut (just kidding! The volunteer putting together the calendar forgot to include my picture). So, if you still want a calendar, just let me know.

Boo (Trinh's Dog) and Me

The computer is way slow today. Hopefully next week will be faster so I can post more pictures!

This Week is OVER!!

Well, other than an eventful start to my week, I spent the majority of my week sick. I felt it coming on, and my body was dead on. I missed 2 days of work and had to leave early one day. I was following the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet, but no matter what I ate, I was sick. So I figured that if I’m going to get sick, I might as well eat.
My eventful start: I woke up last Sunday morning 4ish (BEFORE the rooster!) to guys screaming “Voleur”! (French for Thief!) I know that I wouldn’t have received the Good Samaritan award because I stayed in my bed. Why you might ask? Well, my language isn’t that great, (sad, but true…but it is improving…I hope?!) my self defense skills are lacking, and I’m not going to lie. I was scared (I actually knew what voleur meant!). I adore being on the second floor!! Other than dorm life and living with my family, all my apartments have been on the first floor. Well, the second floor is fantastic! It turns out, the guy who sells gas and is technically homeless woke up to a guy stealing his gas. He runs around and the thief steps on the water pipe and cracks it. The guy gets away. Well, when I wake up the next morning, I was wondering what idiot turned off my water. It turns out, when the guy stepped on the water pipe to get over the fence, he broke it. So my apartment complex and the apartments (I’m using the word apartment loosely) or residences behind are all without water. I talked to the landlord, and within an hour, the repair guy was there. According to my neighbor, the guy who sells the gasoline was the thief. My French is lacking but the facts I know are:

1. there was a thief
2. gasoline was stolen
3. the water pipe was broken

That was the beginning of my week. Then I was sick for several days. On Thursday, I was literally sick, homesick, and it was the first time I ever doubted myself finishing my 2 year service while in Mali (before, I definitely had self doubts, but when I got here, they evaporated…until Thursday that is). I am so glad I have cell phone service!!! I called Trinh and that was good. I then watched the sunset from my roof. I then went to the bakery, and got distracted because Echin lives on the way to the Bakery, so I stopped and chatted. He invited me for dinner, and since I was going to get sick no matter what I ate, I happily accepted. Good decision!!! Chicken, green beans (that could rival Gramma’s), and fried plantains. DELCIOUS!
Last night, I ate dinner with Trinh. She wrote me the sweetest “You can do it” note that said it’s important to celebrate the little victories. Anyway, her dog Boo is a handful (but I think you could say that about most dogs). I was calling him inside because one of his hobbies is terrorizing children. Now it’s not all his fault. If they didn’t scream bloody murder, I’m sure he wouldn’t get a kick out of watching them (excuse me chasing them) around. (The last time I was at Trinh’s he went to the store with me. I told Trinh he would be fine…I was a little wrong…He saw these kids that I didn’t see because it was dark outside. The little boy was hysterically crying, so I picked him up…Boo ended up taking the wrap skirt off one of the girls…) It’s not uncommon for me to call pets food names, so last night, I called Boo Honeybun. Right after I said it, I thought man would a honey bun taste incredible right now! Don’t get me wrong. I like rice, but I think all PCVs have to deal with food cravings that aren’t available here. It’s just funny to me how calling a dog a Honeybun triggered, the oh, I wish I had one now!
Also yesterday, when I was buying vegetables from the market, I was rummaging around trying to find more change. The old lady beside me demanded that I give her some money. I was happy I was able to communicate my idea (while probably not grammically correct). I asked her if she thought I was the bank. I don’t think she got it (she appeared to only speak Bambara), but the guy who was listening thought it was hilarious and told his friends. I probably shouldn’t have said it because she was older than me, and Malians respect their elders. I don’t know. I just get tired of being targeting because I am “blanche” (white). This is my life in Mali.
Today I taught at the English Club meeting. I think it went well. I discussed Women and Children’s Rights. Which reminds me…report cards were given out (Let me rephrase. Each student has a page in their notebook that all the subjects are written down. They are tested on it, and the teacher goes around and writes their scores.) One of the boy’s that lives with Echin (I don’t know if he is Echin’s son or nephew...Here, everybody appears to be brothers and sisters) showed him his scores. Then the girl did. There were 10 subjects, and she got 0s in a few subjects. When I was walking back home, three girls were calling me Tubabu. I explained I was American, not French and asked to see their notebooks. Each girl had a few zeros. I told them it was unacceptable and I would be checking on their next report. Which got me thinking that I hope in February (January is a really busy month), I can go around to different elementary schools in hopes to start a tutoring program for girls. They need (I feel) somebody to tell them that they are smart and zeros are unacceptable. Maybe I can be that person for some girls. I don’t know. I’m also hoping to get a few girl members of the English Club to assist me. It’s one thing for a white American to come in and say that school is important, but it’s another for your neighbor to tell you to study hard. I know school is probably more challenging for girls because they aren’t just students. They go home to become cooks, cleaners, and babysitters.
Mali’s adult literacy rate in 2004 (people 15+ according to worldbank.org) was 26.7% for males and 11.9% for females. Some numbers for thought.
Well, this week is the big Thanksgiving Feast! I was planning on cleaning last weekend, but it never happened, so I will have to do it this weekend. Thanksgiving should be so much fun! Trinh said we are getting 6 turkeys! Because there are so many of us, we are going to be divided into teams: meat team, dessert team (I hope I’m on that one), vegetable team, fruit team, etc. And, the day after is Mexican Night at my house! My next blog should be full of funny stories and lots of pictures.
In case you’re wondering, I’m feeling much better thanks to my new best friend Cipro! I tried to let my body to fight it, but after 4 days of not improving, my body needed medical assistance…Thanks Cipro!

Another Week Has Come and Gone

This week was a good week with the exception of Tuesday (I believe. I forgot my journal, so I’m doing this off my memory.) I was sick on Tuesday. Went I told others, they asked what I ate. I said eggs and bread. They told me that the eggs probably made me sick, but I explained that I ate eggs every day…Go figure. Glad it was only a day and equally as glad that I can vomit in the toilet where I don’t have to see flies and maggots.
Other than that, it’s been a pretty uneventful week.
I broke down Wednesday (I think) because I found out the guy who sells gas is homeless. It just made me really sad. Poverty is everywhere, but because it hit so close to home, I guess it made it more real to me. He speaks Bambara, and I speak a little French, so I told my friend Mama that if he is interested in going to the Caisse (similar to a bank, but you don’t need a lot of money to open an account), I would be more than willing to help him go to the Caisse and help him get an account open (I know you’re thinking what can you do…perhaps just moral support). But again, he may be fine sleeping outside. I personally think his quality of life would be better if he could lock up the gas and truly sleep, not just rest in a broken lounge chair.
I finally got my shower fixed! Hurray! It dripped constantly!! I was trying to make the best out of the situation, so I put a huge bucket under the dripping water, but it got real old. And besides, clothes left in water for 5 days smells bad. I should have done laundry every day, but I think unmotivated would be the best word for doing laundry (by hand might I add) every day. The repair guy came and fixed it. I washed my hands honestly 5 minutes after he left and water was coming out of where the hot water handle should be. (Who would have thought the shower and sink where connected somehow?) I called him back, and it took him 30 minutes to come back! He ended up coming back the next day to fix it. I’m glad I got that taken care of!
Last night, Trinh and I made stir fry. It was delicious! (I actually did the pasta, Trinh did every thing else.) But, I went to the market to get everything. The lady only spoke Bambara, so some guy helped. I didn’t realize my knowledge of French numbers…not so good. I was frustrated. Then, she laughed at me! The guy who spoke some English asked if I were mad. I said no. I was simply embarrassed. I hate being embarrassed. That sounds so stupid. I mean, really, who likes embarrassment? Sigh. Also last night, I got my picture taken at the boutique. We are doing a Sikasso Girls Calendar to help raise money for projects in the Sikasso region. As soon as I know where you can order them, I’ll let you knowJ (all proceeds going to a worthy cause).

I think the calendar shot...nice tan lines!

The guys working at the store and me

This morning, I went back to the English Club. I don’t think I’ll ever get over how motivated these kids are to come on a Saturday at 8 am! I woke up at 6:55 and seriously considered going back to sleep. Also, the bike ride was 20ish minutes and at an incline. I think if I had to do that twice a day (they get a few hours for lunch for praying), I think I would have played hooky a lot in high school…
I was sitting in class this morning and was thinking, how awesome would it be if every member of the English Club could receive a French/English dictionary? I told Trinh, and she thought that was a great idea too, so we are going to work on getting dictionaries. She suggested writing to a publisher. I’ll keep y’all posted on our progress of obtaining dictionaries.
Today, I hope Auburn can redeem itself. Last year, Auburn lost to University of Georgia (I’m talking about football in case you are wondering) my senior year at Auburn. My last home football game as a student, might I add. I hope I get bragging rights this year! (There are 2 UGA alumni PCV).

Integrating City Girl

This is How I Roll...

Many people have told me that the first three months are slow due to adjusting to the culture, practicing the language and such. I guess it’s different for me because I’m a city girl! Who would have thought that I would ever classify myself as a city girl?

Running daily with Trinh has been good for me. Some days are better than others, and I had a bad running day last week. So bad it made it to the blog! I understand how bullied children feel. It sucks. And, ignoring it always doesn’t work. The kids were tormenting us. I think I have it better because I can’t understand all of what they are saying where as Trinh can. It was sad that I was spending my “clear my head” time thinking about all the kids that were causing me distress [this sentence was edited]. I know, the kids are like 10 and they are getting under my skin…sad but true.

Mama and me after our new 'dos

Halloween 2007 was fun….not out of control crazy fun, but fun. I wore an orange skirt and black shirt. Nobody got it except the other PCVs. My friend Mama whom I haven’t seen in a while held a wig in her hand. She was going to the beauty shop and wanted to know if I wanted to come. I was really tired, but I was thinking earlier how I need to integrate more, so I went. The ladies were really nice. They first braided Mama’s hair and then sewed in the wig. Pretty neat. I didn’t bring any money, but they braided my hair too. They didn’t pull it as tight as I think they would have if I were Malian, but that’s okay with me. So, for Halloween, we made chili, no bake cookies, and I brought a watermelon.

Close Up of my new 'do

The Cutest Little Boy and me (did you notice the orange and black?)

I went to my first Malian baptism. Let me back up a bit. When a Malian is pregnant, people do not talk about it. No congratulations, no when are you due, no baby showers, nothing. It was explained to me that people see it as “we know what you were doing 6 months ago…” I personally think because infant death rates are so high here, people don’t want to acknowledge pregnancy because if they lose the baby, they have to acknowledge death also. So, a week after the baby is born, the men get together at like 6 am (after prayer of course!) and the baby is given a name. I don’t know what else goes on here because it’s “for men only”. But, in the afternoon, the women get together. I can describe this because that is what I attended. First of all, I have never attended a baby shower or baptism like this before! Katy and I went to this ladies house (even though we didn’t know who the mom was, padi problem! (not a problem!) When we got there, we sat on a rug because all the chairs were filled. The baby was the child of a big time person, hence why so many people came. I forgot to introduce myself and I forgot to tell them I worked at OMATHO. Oops. Oh, well. Within the first 10 seconds, they passed the baby to us. She was precious! Her name is Nana, and Katy (Malian name Tata) took a picture of us. Check this blog after Thanksgiving because I’ll get the picture from her and post it. Meanwhile, these 2 ladies with microphone/megaphone type things were singing/shouting out blessing. It was crazy! You would give them money and tell them who to bless. We brought soap as a gift. There was a huge tub that you could put the soap in. There was another tub full of fabric! I couldn’t believe how much fabric these women brought the new mom and her child! (another example of the status of the father). We left before they began to eat. When we were leaving, some lady gave Tata a blessing and asked for money. What? We didn’t give her any money. I’m sure she cursed us, but we couldn’t understand her so whatever. Apparently, we were suppose to give a blessing back, but right now, my French isn’t doing so good…there’s no way I can attempt to memorize Bambara blessings! I still haven’t even mastered the Bambara greetings!!! (Good morning. How did you sleep? How is your family? How is your home? Etc. etc.)

Sign for the Festival

Mymoona, me, Marium at the Kickoff

At The Beginning Ceramony

The Festival “Triangle du Balafon” has been so much fun! I’m so glad I went!!! It’s a 3 day competition, so tonight is the last night. The music and dancing and singing…so much fun! And, last night, I sat 2 seats behind the Minister of Culture. You might be saying, whoop big deal, but people stand when he enters a room. I thought it was cool. I don’t know if people are posting pictures and such online, but I would be curious to see if they did.

Stadium where the nightly competitions take place

Lastly, I went to the English Club meeting yesterday at the local high school. Finally, something I’m good at!!! It was so cool to see 90 plus kids on a Saturday morning at 8 am!!! It was funny contrasting the roads to the school to the roads at Dorman University. It was a dirt road and 2 cars couldn’t pass each other without one of them getting into the ditch. Most kids road their bikes and a few had motos. Not everybody had a seat, so there were kids hanging out the window. I hope the kids continue to be motivated and come regualarly.Whew! What a week!

I encourage everyone to check out www.hallmark.com/red. I actually saw these bags being made in Mali. If you want any more information about them, send me an email. They make great Christmas presents and will be going to a much worthy cause.

When I took out my braids...