Hello and Welcome!
- TaylorDaphne
- Quelimane, Zambezia Province, Mozambique
- A small look into what my personal experiences in Mozambique are like. Written as a stream of consciousness, these are my thoughts, my successes and my failures. Life is all about the moments that we live in. I hope that the moment you take out of your life to read this blog is a positive one. The views and opinions in this blog are my own and do not reflect those of the U.S. Government or U.S. Peace Corps.
Friday, May 24, 2013
The tooth fairy exists!
Hello all! Its been a while- for that I'm sorry, I've been 'busy' haha.
So some things that have happened lately; the hospital workers in Mozambique have gone on strike. For lack of proper compensation, the workers (technico's, medico's and enfermera's) have all gone on strike, therefore the hospital is not really open. This is an issue. A BIG issue. The health care system here is faulty enough, with lack of patient return, lack of medications and technology etc. But when the actual system comes to a screeching halt, and people have no way of getting medication or treatment, including those with HIV who need their ARV meds?? Come onnnn!!
Frustrating does not even begin to cover it.
I was in Maxixe this past weekend for a seminar about Malaria- learned a lot about how to approach people about the disease while out in the field doing home based visits. Was interesting and helped shed some light on how we can communicate with the people in our community.
Of course, since I was that close to Tofo I couldn't not go.. So I spent a sunday-funday in the sun, sand and waves. No complaints from me!! I arrived back to site Monday morning, and spent the day cleaning my house, and hanging my new mosquito net! Its a pretty blue color, and I have decided (upon entering into the blue cube the first time) that I feel like I'm in an underwater cave - and often find myself singing Little Mermaid songs.
-not sure if I should have admitted that out loud ... But there it is haha!
In other news, my work with the two REDES groups here continues to go well as does my work with my community orgs. In June I will be traveling with dad for about 2 weeks, and in July I am heading down to PST to meet the new group of health volunteers! We are already at Moz 20! Wow! The 16er's will be COS'ing (close of service) soon, and the 20ers will take many of their places.
Some shorts from around town;
-sitting in the shop of my good friend/second family, their grandson recently lost a tooth, I started explaining how in America we have a 'tooth fairy' and how children receive toys or monetary compensation for the lost tooth. . . Turns out- the tooth fairy exists in Mozambique too!! Hahaha wild.
-hanging out with my neighbors after a quick visit from my Peace Corps supervisors, I was passing out the insaneeee amount of condoms we get in every medical package. Since (sadly) I'm not using them, I figure my neighbors could benefit from my lack of activity. They were stoked!! Chique american-brand condoms?? Yes please! Even my one neighbor who we always joke prefers 'carne ao carne' (meat to meat) said she will use them. As a health volunteer, I sat there and silently gave myself a *pat on the back!*
I suppose that'll be all for now. 18 days until dad arrives!!
Oh- I was able to skype this past weekend with a few people from home; Dave, Auntie and Nick- it was SO GOOD to see your faces and chat with you all. Words can't explain how nice it is to talk to 'yinz'
Until next time!!
-t
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Exerpts from Moz
So this blog is just a random assortment of 5 different thoughts and experiences here in Quissico. They range from work experience, to personal thoughts. Enjoy.
1) Sitting in my meeting. We are discussing one of our clients who is HIV+ he has a wife and 5 children already. His wife is no longer able to have children, but he still wants more. So he's gone out and found a girlfriend. But the new woman is not + We are discussing how this man could possibly have more children without infecting his girlfriend. OMG!!! I have lost all faith and respect in men in this country. You have 5 children already. You have a wife. You are HIV + and infected your wife and children. Your kids are not in school, you have no $ or food to provide for them. Fucking keep it in your pants.
2) So in lieu of not having a computer or iPod, I have been listening to the local radio channel with my solar powered radio. Needless to say my world has been rocked with Celine Dion, James Blunt, some smooth jazz, and Disney theme-song classics. Dear goodness, help me keep my sanity.
3) I have a rat problem in my house and have been trying everything from poison and rat traps to no avail. So I am sucking it up and trying to find a cat/kitten. Problem is, whenever you need one they are never around. Those pesky buggers. Finally I heard through the coconut wireless that a local shop owners cat had kittens. So I hauled my white girl self over there as fast as my Teva's could take me. About an hour of trying to find the right woman to ask about kittens passed. Finally getting in touch with her she says 'you can have as many as you like, as long as u can catch them'. Cut to me running around the back of a shop, box in hand trying to snare a little bugger. . . You can imagine how much the locals liked to see that.
4) A Thursday, Friday and Saturday have passed; work was cancelled each day. I stayed at site because of these work plans that had been made, only to have some of the most uneventful days ever. Highlight of each day was leaving my house to go to the market. My town is small, and without work there isn't much for me to do here, socially wise. So for the past three days I have read, cleaned and cooked. I'm bored out of my mind. Feeling restless and a bit depressed. I miss having friends close by, I miss having a computer to watch movies/media on said days, or even to just have some music. Yes I have many friends in town- but even with all of my integration, I will always be the white girl. The outsider. Rough few days emotionally and mentally wise.
5) I wonder what peace corps service was like before the available technology of today. In such a hyper-connected world, even here in my tiny reed hut in a small village in Mozambique, I have the ability to have instantaneous updates about life at home and news from around the world. Would my service be easier if I didn't? Not having constant reminders about what's going on at home to make me miss it? Would I be even more integrated? Or would I be even more lonely, not being able to communicate with my loved ones. In the reverse, I think having this blog helps share my experiences, I can send emails and pictures to people to explain my life here. In-country it offers me the ability to stay in touch with my 'government issue' friends, who have become my family. The issue can be debated on both sides, and often is in my mind during my many hours of down time.
1) Sitting in my meeting. We are discussing one of our clients who is HIV+ he has a wife and 5 children already. His wife is no longer able to have children, but he still wants more. So he's gone out and found a girlfriend. But the new woman is not + We are discussing how this man could possibly have more children without infecting his girlfriend. OMG!!! I have lost all faith and respect in men in this country. You have 5 children already. You have a wife. You are HIV + and infected your wife and children. Your kids are not in school, you have no $ or food to provide for them. Fucking keep it in your pants.
2) So in lieu of not having a computer or iPod, I have been listening to the local radio channel with my solar powered radio. Needless to say my world has been rocked with Celine Dion, James Blunt, some smooth jazz, and Disney theme-song classics. Dear goodness, help me keep my sanity.
3) I have a rat problem in my house and have been trying everything from poison and rat traps to no avail. So I am sucking it up and trying to find a cat/kitten. Problem is, whenever you need one they are never around. Those pesky buggers. Finally I heard through the coconut wireless that a local shop owners cat had kittens. So I hauled my white girl self over there as fast as my Teva's could take me. About an hour of trying to find the right woman to ask about kittens passed. Finally getting in touch with her she says 'you can have as many as you like, as long as u can catch them'. Cut to me running around the back of a shop, box in hand trying to snare a little bugger. . . You can imagine how much the locals liked to see that.
4) A Thursday, Friday and Saturday have passed; work was cancelled each day. I stayed at site because of these work plans that had been made, only to have some of the most uneventful days ever. Highlight of each day was leaving my house to go to the market. My town is small, and without work there isn't much for me to do here, socially wise. So for the past three days I have read, cleaned and cooked. I'm bored out of my mind. Feeling restless and a bit depressed. I miss having friends close by, I miss having a computer to watch movies/media on said days, or even to just have some music. Yes I have many friends in town- but even with all of my integration, I will always be the white girl. The outsider. Rough few days emotionally and mentally wise.
5) I wonder what peace corps service was like before the available technology of today. In such a hyper-connected world, even here in my tiny reed hut in a small village in Mozambique, I have the ability to have instantaneous updates about life at home and news from around the world. Would my service be easier if I didn't? Not having constant reminders about what's going on at home to make me miss it? Would I be even more integrated? Or would I be even more lonely, not being able to communicate with my loved ones. In the reverse, I think having this blog helps share my experiences, I can send emails and pictures to people to explain my life here. In-country it offers me the ability to stay in touch with my 'government issue' friends, who have become my family. The issue can be debated on both sides, and often is in my mind during my many hours of down time.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Coming up on one year!!
So its coming up on a year here in country. . . Where is the time going? I have learned so much in this past year, and have had life-changing experiences, but am definitely glad I still have another year (if not two) here in Mozambique.
My computer is being taken back to the States by some vol's in my group heading home for a visit (thanks guys!) And hopefully my dad can bring it back with him in June. Not having workout video's and or music (iPod was stolen in January) has put a serious damper on my workouts. I am trying to stay motivated, but finding it hard. I miss gyms, pilates and yoga classes etc. Eh. Third world problems.
Last week, I found myself on what I'm classifying as a 'mozambique date'. For the record, here at site I constantly tell people I have a boyfriend or husband, to avoid being harassed about my personal life. But nevertheless I found myself being set up on a 'date' by Dona Julia. That wiley minx. We (my 'date' and I) went to the overlook of the lagoon, and had a beer or two, and just chatted. Very nice guy, smart, college educated (rare to find in Quissico) has traveled abroad and lived in other countries (even rarer) so we were able to discuss a variety of topics. But still, I don't think I would ever want anything more with this man than friendship, and help with my Portuguese.
We all say it when we get here “I’m not dating a Mozambican”. We say it after all the terrifying health talks in PST about the rampant rates of STDs and HIV, after Alfredo(our safety/security director) tells us that having a pop with a Mozambican male is the equivalent of going out on a date in the States- what does that mean for me and my beers the other night? Or the daily experiences of how most men will tell you they’re not married, when their wedding ring is with their spare change in their back pocket, and that’s only for the men who take it off in the first place.
Through PST and the first few months at site, we stand strong in our conviction that we’re here for ourselves, to grow on our own, and that we’ll have a liberating 27 months of self discovery.
That’s a real cute thought there menina. Turns out you can have all the self discovery you need within the first 11 months. Around this time you begin to get a little lonely and bored with your newly empowered self, rock on girl power, but it’s time to shave your armpits, and stop spending every night with your dog.
Its an interesting way of life here. Oftentimes I am very uncomfortable with this attention, and I find that I have become even more awkward in social settings than I was before. -is that possible? Although I am a "local celebrity" here, I still have yet to become comfortable with this, yes I like being greeted by people here in town, it makes me feel like I am an actual part of it, but in the personal sense, it does get old to be greeted, and then instantaneously asked for your phone number, and or if you have a boyfriend. Like, easy there pal, do you even know my name??
When at a night club a few weeks back, I was dancing with a man who confessed his undying love to me. I asked him if he even knew my last name...
- love doesn't have a last name
What a line.
Did I mention this man's wife just had her second baby last weekend??
I have lost all hope in men in this country.
Work-wise, everything is moving along. My moringa garden project at the hospital is taking off, we are doing a big plant on saturday morning. At Acomuza we are presenting our project we designed at PDM conference this wednesday for everyone in the org, hopefully it will manifest soon. And with Despertai... Well, we have a meeting on Thursday - let's see if it actually happens, and how many people show up.
REDES continues to go well, I have two groups, a younger group of girls that meets in the mornings on T/Th, and an older group that meets in the afternoons. We have been focusing on different topics; gender discrimination, different types of verbal communication, puberty, etc. So far, so good. Hopefully we can start getting into our income-generation projects soon as well.
My computer is being taken back to the States by some vol's in my group heading home for a visit (thanks guys!) And hopefully my dad can bring it back with him in June. Not having workout video's and or music (iPod was stolen in January) has put a serious damper on my workouts. I am trying to stay motivated, but finding it hard. I miss gyms, pilates and yoga classes etc. Eh. Third world problems.
Last week, I found myself on what I'm classifying as a 'mozambique date'. For the record, here at site I constantly tell people I have a boyfriend or husband, to avoid being harassed about my personal life. But nevertheless I found myself being set up on a 'date' by Dona Julia. That wiley minx. We (my 'date' and I) went to the overlook of the lagoon, and had a beer or two, and just chatted. Very nice guy, smart, college educated (rare to find in Quissico) has traveled abroad and lived in other countries (even rarer) so we were able to discuss a variety of topics. But still, I don't think I would ever want anything more with this man than friendship, and help with my Portuguese.
We all say it when we get here “I’m not dating a Mozambican”. We say it after all the terrifying health talks in PST about the rampant rates of STDs and HIV, after Alfredo(our safety/security director) tells us that having a pop with a Mozambican male is the equivalent of going out on a date in the States- what does that mean for me and my beers the other night? Or the daily experiences of how most men will tell you they’re not married, when their wedding ring is with their spare change in their back pocket, and that’s only for the men who take it off in the first place.
Through PST and the first few months at site, we stand strong in our conviction that we’re here for ourselves, to grow on our own, and that we’ll have a liberating 27 months of self discovery.
That’s a real cute thought there menina. Turns out you can have all the self discovery you need within the first 11 months. Around this time you begin to get a little lonely and bored with your newly empowered self, rock on girl power, but it’s time to shave your armpits, and stop spending every night with your dog.
Its an interesting way of life here. Oftentimes I am very uncomfortable with this attention, and I find that I have become even more awkward in social settings than I was before. -is that possible? Although I am a "local celebrity" here, I still have yet to become comfortable with this, yes I like being greeted by people here in town, it makes me feel like I am an actual part of it, but in the personal sense, it does get old to be greeted, and then instantaneously asked for your phone number, and or if you have a boyfriend. Like, easy there pal, do you even know my name??
When at a night club a few weeks back, I was dancing with a man who confessed his undying love to me. I asked him if he even knew my last name...
- love doesn't have a last name
What a line.
Did I mention this man's wife just had her second baby last weekend??
I have lost all hope in men in this country.
Work-wise, everything is moving along. My moringa garden project at the hospital is taking off, we are doing a big plant on saturday morning. At Acomuza we are presenting our project we designed at PDM conference this wednesday for everyone in the org, hopefully it will manifest soon. And with Despertai... Well, we have a meeting on Thursday - let's see if it actually happens, and how many people show up.
REDES continues to go well, I have two groups, a younger group of girls that meets in the mornings on T/Th, and an older group that meets in the afternoons. We have been focusing on different topics; gender discrimination, different types of verbal communication, puberty, etc. So far, so good. Hopefully we can start getting into our income-generation projects soon as well.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Happy Tuesday!
Happy tuesday morning from Quissico!
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend- I know I did.
So I explained in my last blog the work that happened last week with Malaria, my workshops, the skit, etc. It was a great productive week and I felt like a 'good volunteer' haha.
Friday I did a bunch of productive things around the house, cleaned, did laundry/folded clothes, baked some banana bread, made homemade guac (my farewell to avocado season) and baked tortilla chips. It was a really good, really productive day just at home by myself- I needed it after having been traveling/busy all week.
Saturday I found myself heading down to the lagoon with a friend from town. She's a dentist at the hospital, and an incredibly intelligent and funny woman. I feel very lucky to have her in my life here. It makes a huge difference when you can have discussions and conversations that are actually intellectual, not just about food/babies.
It was a truly lovely day at the lagoon. Sun, sand, a picnic lunch, and some tunes. What more could one ask for?
Sunday I had a lazy start to my day, worked out, had some banana bread and coffee while I read my book (now on book 3 of game of thrones). That afternoon I went to my friends house, the one who I went to the lagoon with, to help her with a Fulbright Scholarship application. She wants to go for her master's degree for Dental Health/oral hygiene in the states somewhere. Again, it was a nice afternoon/evening spent with a friend- helping her hopefully achieve this dream. It feels good to help the 'go-getters'. She is a driven woman who is so focused on doing good for her country... Sheesh man. Words can't even describe how amazing she is.
Yesterday I didn't have much work, kinda bopped around town a bit, checked in with my CBO's and went back to my friends house to finish final revisions on the application. Sota stopped by on his way back to Maputo, so it was a quick hello/goodbye type of situation, but great to see him nevertheless. Last evening I had dinner with my friend, as she said it was her way of saying 'thank you' for my help. Again, I didn't feel like I was going out of my way at all to help, I was happy to do so.
We had a delicious dinner of white wine braised pork, rice, I made a small fresh salad and coffee cake for dessert. Again, it was a great time of good conversation, good food, and time spent creating a great new friendship.
I have some meetings lined up for the week, REDES stuff, some project development with my one CBO, and a monthly general meeting with my other one. Staying busy!
Just over a month until Dad's visit!! We have a basic outline of our trip, and its shaping up to be a really fun time.
Xoxo
T
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend- I know I did.
So I explained in my last blog the work that happened last week with Malaria, my workshops, the skit, etc. It was a great productive week and I felt like a 'good volunteer' haha.
Friday I did a bunch of productive things around the house, cleaned, did laundry/folded clothes, baked some banana bread, made homemade guac (my farewell to avocado season) and baked tortilla chips. It was a really good, really productive day just at home by myself- I needed it after having been traveling/busy all week.
Saturday I found myself heading down to the lagoon with a friend from town. She's a dentist at the hospital, and an incredibly intelligent and funny woman. I feel very lucky to have her in my life here. It makes a huge difference when you can have discussions and conversations that are actually intellectual, not just about food/babies.
It was a truly lovely day at the lagoon. Sun, sand, a picnic lunch, and some tunes. What more could one ask for?
Sunday I had a lazy start to my day, worked out, had some banana bread and coffee while I read my book (now on book 3 of game of thrones). That afternoon I went to my friends house, the one who I went to the lagoon with, to help her with a Fulbright Scholarship application. She wants to go for her master's degree for Dental Health/oral hygiene in the states somewhere. Again, it was a nice afternoon/evening spent with a friend- helping her hopefully achieve this dream. It feels good to help the 'go-getters'. She is a driven woman who is so focused on doing good for her country... Sheesh man. Words can't even describe how amazing she is.
Yesterday I didn't have much work, kinda bopped around town a bit, checked in with my CBO's and went back to my friends house to finish final revisions on the application. Sota stopped by on his way back to Maputo, so it was a quick hello/goodbye type of situation, but great to see him nevertheless. Last evening I had dinner with my friend, as she said it was her way of saying 'thank you' for my help. Again, I didn't feel like I was going out of my way at all to help, I was happy to do so.
We had a delicious dinner of white wine braised pork, rice, I made a small fresh salad and coffee cake for dessert. Again, it was a great time of good conversation, good food, and time spent creating a great new friendship.
I have some meetings lined up for the week, REDES stuff, some project development with my one CBO, and a monthly general meeting with my other one. Staying busy!
Just over a month until Dad's visit!! We have a basic outline of our trip, and its shaping up to be a really fun time.
Xoxo
T
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