November 17, 2012- Before the World Wakes

Silence is sometimes the most beautiful sound. These days, my internal clock is firmly set on 5:30 am; occasionally, I “sleep in” until 6. There was a time when this irked me to no end, I’d lie in bed fuming at the impending dawn and lost shuteye. Lately though, I’ve found that these precious moments, before anyone else stirs, are indeed lovely. Today, I made breakfast (muffins, eggs and tea), checked the news (trouble in Gaza), fetched water (yes, I have to do that) and started laundry (hand wash now has a whole new meaning), all before the chickens’ early morning yammering. Alone with my thoughts and quiet routines, I’ve begun my day on the best foot. So though I may be due for a nap come 3 pm, I tend to believe I deserve it. And besides, there’s no time like the present, wake up!

October 29, 2012- I’m Trashed

Chirp, chirp…………. Anyone out there?

Oh hi! Remember me? I’m the terrible blogger who was supposed to keep everyone updated on life in Africa. Instead, life got in the way. I guess out of all the things that could happen that’s not too bad. So, I’m not going to try and summarize the happenings of half a year. I’ll just start fresh.

Yesterday, I did a thorough “spring” cleaning of my little house. I found lots things to donate to the PC exchange pile and discovered that in Rwanda, I’m a hoarder. I guess when I first arrived, with only 50 lbs of luggage, I got a little freaked out. To calm my nerves, I started collecting. Random kitchen supplies? Yes please! Scratched CDs? Me, me! XXL ripped T-shirt? I can use that! You get the point. It was not long before I was boasting a full house of trash and treasures. Well, now I know better. I’m (as per Oprah’s suggestion) cleansing and de-cluttering. I’ve let go of my ugly skirt collection and am sorting through the most ridiculous assortment of used-up pens.

Despite my efforts, Rwanda is NOT my ally in this mission. Sure, when I got here I worried about not having enough. But did I consider how to get rid of things when the time came? No. Silly Vanessa, there are no garbage men in Rwanda. Trash bags? Literally illegal. Trash cans? Dig a hole. Recycling? ROTFL.

So, I will do what any good PCV does—pack it all up for a 3-hour bus ride to Kigali. At least I’ll know it’s taken care of, a small comfort. Until next time, if I survive looking at these skirts any longer, be well and say thanks to your local sanitation officer; send them my love!

May 14, 2012- Paper Anniversary

365 days, 52 weeks, 12 months.  You would think that I’d be used to all this by now, and in many ways I am, but sometimes I’m still amazed that I find myself in Rwanda.  May 5^th marked a year of my being in country and what a year it has been.  I have yet to truly digest my experience to date, but I thought that a look back at where I was in 2011 might be a good place to start.

A year ago, I didn’t know…

How to: kill a chicken, eat a passion fruit, bucket bathe, ride a motorcycle, build a cooking fire, and speak Kinyarwanda, among other things.

I would love: crocs, ponytails, plantain soup, my host family, solar showers, wax matches, painfully slow internet, good rope, mosquito nets and my fake Blackberry.

I would never need: high heels, bug spray, a hair straightener, or a refrigerator.

I should have brought: candles, Christmas music, pencil skirts, multiple dictionaries, black pens, Tupperware, rain boots and a Magic Bullet (the blending kind, no hidden meaning).

That I could/would: make a speech in Kinyarwanda, manage a maternity ward, happily pay $10 for cereal, become (basically) vegetarian or bake pumpkin pie on a camping stove.

I would really miss: Target, carpet, driving a car, window-shopping and toasters.

All that being said, I still have so much left to learn and do.  One more year?  Bring it on! 

March 26, 2012- The Tides of March

Lately, I’ve been so busy (yay) that I’m missing out on some pretty big changes in my town (boo).  It seems as if Karongi is developing overnight.  If I thought it was an up-and-coming place when I arrived, then it’s a booming metropolis by now.  Where there was once unkempt fields, there is now a public garden; unused land has suddenly sprung storied buildings occupied by well-stocked shops.  Things that were first confined to Kigali (ATMs, snack boutiques, apples and peanut butter) are quietly invading the West.  Although this makes my life easier and more pleasant in many respects, I’m beginning to lament the loss of what was, the unadulterated way of life that is slipping away.  Sooner than I know, the boy that bicycles around with a cart of fresh bread will be replaced by a delivery truck; the unseen lakeside path will be converted into space for a new hotel; and the days of just walking around talking to anyone and everyone will be strange and frowned upon.  Ultimately though, I can’t begrudge anyone the opportunity of advancement and I’m happy at least to be a part of this change.  I get to see both sides of the story and for that, I feel very fortunate.  So, as I head off to conduct yet another meeting over endless cups of chai, I’ll count my blessings and smile that this where I find myself, in this place, at this time.

March 12, 2012- Hello Monday

Hi again!  It’s looking like a busy Monday to start off a busy week, so I’m going to make this quick and, dare I say, to the point.

Weather:  Still rainy season, which means no gardening for me but the market has been surprisingly lush– I bought a pumpkin last Friday (my bigger market day) and saw one lone cauliflower; heartbreakingly, it was already claimed but they do exist! and I will somehow get my hands on one.  Whereas broccoli is figment of my imagination from another world.

Health Center:  Busy, busy and recent changes in staffing means that I am now running maternal services completely on my own.  At first, I felt WAY over my head but I’m getting into the swing of it and really enjoy the challenge.  

Home:  I’m on the hunt for a kitty.  In Hong Kong I bought everything I needed to gain the love of said feline but I have yet to locate one.  There are rumors of pregnant cats but if I have to wait for the birth and weaning it could be a while.  Some volunteers have kittens and puppies brought to them on a weekly basis.  Not that I want a constant supply of pets needing my rescue, but I can’t believe it’s been this hard to find just one…  

Adventures:  Went to visit the farmland of my co-worker, it was the most beautiful journey I’ve been on here even though I was slightly distracted by the frequent drop-to-your-death road conditions.  I now know the meaning of “holding on for dear life.” 

Ok, wrapping it up for now.  I’ve UPDATED MY PRAYER BOX, please take a look.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.– Philippians 4:6-7 

February 22, 2012- There and Back Again

Apparently, I’m not cut out for this blogging business, but greetings to you who weren’t put off by my long absence.  So much has happened since my last update.  Let’s see… in January, I put together a health resource center that I will be managing throughout this year.  It is pretty basic (health tips, nutrition facts, patient feedback and reading material) but it was something tangible that I knew I could complete and I’m excited about how it will grow.  I also continued to work in maternal services and teach English at my health center.  At the end of the month, my town hosted an Open Day Expo.  All the local organizations had booths to present their services and different groups came to perform throughout the event, which lasted two days.  In addition, local leaders gave speeches and outside vendors sold goods and crafts.  I managed our health center’s activities in the expo.  Mainly, we offered voluntary testing and counseling (VCT) for HIV/AIDS.  This means that anyone could receive education, testing and supplemental support free of charge.  I was encouraged to see many young people participate.  Normally, there is a social stigma associated with visiting the health center at their age so this venue was ideal.

Following the expo, I got ready for my first vacation since coming to Rwanda.  Hong Kong is about as polar opposite to Karongi as possible.  It is hard to believe that both places exist on the same planet.  My visit was full of the things I had missed most– food, family, shopping, Starbucks, TV, bookstores, McDonald’s, IKEA, etc.  Most of all, I relished being just another unnoticed Asian.  Here my presence, and even absence, is big news.  My actions and words are constantly scrutinized and discussed at length.  I know I’m not a big deal, but try telling my neighbors that.  Surprisingly, I found that I began missing Rwanda.  Part of me wanted to return to its simplicity.

So, here I find myself, unplugged once again.  It took leaving to realize the things that are most important to me– family and friends, working hard and doing good.  Do I wish I could have another Big Mac?  Disgustingly, yes.  But that’s not what I need to thrive here.  For now, I’m content seeking His will for me in this place.  As my story continues to unfold, I’ll try my best to keep you updated.  As always, please let me know how things are on your end!  Heart, V

December 30, 2011- At Year’s End

A windy Friday at the end of December and the close of 2011. It has been such a long while since I last posted that I don’t even know where to begin updating. These past two months have gone by in a blur of activity, which has been really good for me. On Thanksgiving weekend, a BU friend working in Burundi came up to visit Rwanda. We stayed in Kigali and I was able to properly explore the city for the first time since being here. Many volunteers think it would be nice to have their site in Kigali but I’m a little over it– things are expensive and the weather is hot, not to mention it would be difficult to integrate into a Rwandan community and not just remain another expat. That being said, I do enjoy it for the occasional break and it is the only place I can get the giant Nutella I need for life. Afterwards, the first week in December, I travelled to Rwanda’s Southern Province to participate in Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World). As a PC facilitator, I spent 4 very full days with 35 very energetic teenagers. The focus of Camp GLOW, which is a fixture in many PC countries, is to empower young women (and boys, with Camp BE) to make positive life choices. This includes teaching life skills such as effective communication, goal setting and decision making as well as various health topics. When we weren’t teaching sessions, we played games, made crafts, had a talent show and did other camp-like things. It was nice to collaborate with other volunteers and I was really happy to work with youth who were excited about the change they could make in their communities. Returning to Kibuye, we had our company picnic/Secret Santa which was so fun. All 30 of my co-workers and I bused down to Nyanza where we went to the Ancient History and Art museums. That afternoon we went to a restaurant and did our gift exchange. The whole day was just so heartwarming– from endless bus songs to Rwandan photoshoots– I was really glad to be a part of this community. Now I am writing from the Bethanie Center on Lake Kivu. Kyle from BU is here to visit me (my first site visitor!!!) and we have been exploring little Kibuye as best we can and I’m showing him my strange PC ways. More on this week later, but for now I’m wishing everyone a wonderful New Year and sending my love from far away!

November 15, 2011- Early Gobbles

What if we woke up today with only the things we thanked God for yesterday?  I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately, especially with the conclusion of our PC Regional Thanksgiving.  The affair was certainly one to be remembered– PCVs don’t joke around about their holidays.  I thought that being away from home would make it somewhat depressing.  Although it wasn’t at all the same as a November in the States, I now see how new traditions can have their place.  I still managed to spend a whole day baking and was ultimately surrounded by good food and good company.  I’m also happy to report that one of my most successful pies ever was conceived here– yay, I haven’t lost my touch.  We ate outside by candlelight, plates piled high and a clear sky full of stars– it was an amazing reminder of how blessed I am, something I have recently needed to work hard not to forget.  Anyways, I can’t believe it’s already the holiday season!  I imagine that back at home everyone is busy and malls are filling with decorations and customers.  Though I’m sad to miss it all, I think it’ll be good for me to step away from the fluff and remember the heart of these celebrations– I hope you will join me in that this year 🙂

November 10, 2011- Marilyn Moto Moment

Yesterday, I found myself on another infamous moto-trip to visit Community Health Workers in the further parts of the district. Though many PCVs over the years have had very bad luck with motos, I had thus far been unscathed. The roads in Karongi are well kept and I am only super vigilant when we get off the main parts. So, my coworker and I were motoring along a large stretch of paved road and I was absentmindedly enjoying the scenery. Around a bend, my skirt caught the wind and blew up… all the way up. Needless to say, I had to fight the current of a fast moving moto one-handedly to get the thing back where it belonged. It’s funny now, but it was not a bit amusing in the moment– us puttering along, me wildly flailing about, I’m sure it was quite a scene. Today, writing from the comfort the health center, I’m wearing pants– lesson learned.

November 2, 2011- Snapshots of Service

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A view from Lake Kivu on our way to Amahoro Island.