On My Way!!!

This past week went by remarkably fast. Here's a recap:

On Monday, I went to my friend Chelsea's site. I kept on telling her I would come and visit, but it never happened. I went to the bus stop early, but ended up waiting 1 1/2 hours. WAIT. I finally made it to her site, but it was completely dark. I kept on saying her name when I got off the bus, and a nice man helped me get to her site. We greeted the chief, and he invited us to eat. We ate toe with him, but she told me he doesn't wash his hands before. But, it would be extremely impolite to refuse the chief....I woke up sick the next morning. I don't know if it was mental or if I really ingested...I don't want to think about it.

Tuesday morning, Chelsea and I went around to greet people. One concession made me so mad and sad. There was a two year old that was completely alone in the concession. Apparently, all of the adults went to gather firewood. This two year old is malnourished and is basically fending for itself. It truly angers me. After greeting, we went to the well. Chelsea organized her village to empty the well. It was quite a feat. I helped carry buckets. I pulled water a few times, but I was a little weak, and the Malian women were so much more efficient. We pulled for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, but Chelsea wasn't sure if it was refilling. Everybody was tired, so she called it and got the information about the bottom of the well. The well is quite damaged and needs repairs. That afternoon, Chelsea was finishing her formation. I didn't really understand what was going on (surprise...no really, it was in Bambara), but it was cool watching another PCV led a session and interact with her community. That night, we were talking about April Fool's Day. We got some great laughs with her prank. That night, I saw a HUGE spider in her house. I think it was pregnant. Apparently, she lives with spiders and has come to terms with it. I wanted to stop shining my flashlight on the wall, but I kept on doing it and seeing more and more spiders. I was thankful that I slept outside.


On Wednesday, we went to the waterfalls. It was fun, except I got a little burnt. I realized that I have to start carrying water tabs. It's quite a hike from the village to the waterfalls (get ready Dad!), and I drank all my water on the way there, so I am glad Chelsea came prepared! I didn't bring a suit, but I got drenched filling up my water bottle! We went back and had toe for lunch. I think I took a nap and then they got my bucket ready for me (for bathing). I bathed and then watched a soccer game with 30 other teenage male Malians. I think I would use my car battery for a refrigerator, not a tv, and then sell cold drinks. Surly you would be successful being the only cold drink seller! But, in many villages, one person has a tv that is powered by a car battery. After the match, I had dinner. I went to sleep really early because I was tired and there is nothing else to do. I woke up in the middle of the night. It was either a bird or a bat, but I decided it wasn't that important to investigate.


I began my Thursday morning with a hot bucket bath! It was such a pleasant surprise! I was bracing for the cold water, and delighted that they heated water for me. I then greeted people for a long time. I really don't know how long I was actually gone, but it felt like a long time. I proved to be excellent comic relief. My favorite concession was a girl about the age of 12 and a few other children. I greeted her (in Bambara), and continued walking towards her. She looks at me with total fear on her face and sprints out of the concession. I would be curious to know what she was thinking. After I had a herd of 15 kids following me around, I decided to go back with my host family. I cracked peanuts for a few hours and then had lunch. I took an afternoon nap, but woke up in a sweat. I cracked more peanuts, and then learned a Malian card game. I'm not very good, but I don't think it's a good game any way. Then, I bathed, ate, and went to sleep.


Friday morning, I left the village and waited for a bus. I got ripped off, but I was ready to go home to start packing. I told the guy which quarter I lived in, but he either didn't understand me, ignored me, or didn't hear me. We stopped, and they pulled off my bike. I explained that I told the guy my quarter, but they didn't care. I threw a small fit, but didn't get my way. It was purely principle. If they are going to charge me to transport my bike, why wouldn't they drop me off at my quarter, which is on their way to their next destination? Anyway, I was tired, hungry, and irritable and began crying when I left. I was so upset, and then a kid, unknownto him, yelled, Tubabu! Wrong thing to say. I whipped around and definitely scared him. I went to my homologue's house, and she gave me rice and I bought some dehgay. I took a nap, and it's amazing how naps can refresh you and get you to think clearly. That night, Trinh, Lindsay, and I made macaroni and cheese. It was fun catching up.


Saturday, I was packing, cleaning, and getting ready for my trip. I was slightly sick, but ate dinner any way (bad call).


This morning, I woke up sick. But, I took some medicine, and am feeling much better. I was running around, trying to get last minute things done. I really hope I didn't forget anything. The ride to Bamako was wonderful! Private transportation is the way to go! I had lunch and hung out with Emily and other volunteers that I never get to see.


Right now, most of my stage is at Tubaniso. So, I was catching up on the internet. I think I am going to limit myself when I get to America.


I am so excited right now! I hope I keep this energy up because my plane doesn't leave until 3:30 am!!!


So, my next entry, I will be in America!!!

America, Here I Come!!!