Anna Marie... BACK from Africa

Well, as you all know I got a job in Chicago... on the south side. I think in my last message I was pretty excited about getting back to work. So, this is going to be a little review of the last two weeks of my life.. with some reflections from my other teaching experiences. Before I start, let me just remind you that I now teach junior high.

Day 1:

I had a little bit of an orientation in the morning which I was happy about because I was a little nervous that they were going to expect me to walk in and teach... but then I just realized I was having flashbacks of my first day of teaching. Anyway- in the morning I had a bit of an orientation and found out that I was going to be teaching with another guy who is preparing them for the upcoming ISAT. So right now the deal is that I'm teaching the first half of class and he's teaching the second half. This is going to go on until March. And I can't lie, I'm not too upset about that. I was a little nervous because I haven't had the best experiences with other teachers in my room but so far it's going well. But I guess I'm getting a little ahead of myself. Okay, back to day one. So after I was done with my meeting I went to meet my first class. Of course when you very first meet your students they listen and there's always one who has a smart comment or something of that sort. I had one inappropriate comment from a 7th grade boy-- I won't quote him but he made a comment about my body and I pretended like I didn't hear him until after I was done speaking, which is when I told him that I would give him a fresh start tomorrow and told him that for future reference he should know that I have the best ears ever! He was embarrassed and stayed quiet after that. The other big event from the first day of school occurred when the bell rang and all the students left the building. As soon as most of the students exited the building a group of guys in a car drove by and started shooting at our students. Of course everyone ran back inside and the police were called and thankfully no one was hurt. So overall, a pretty eventful day.

The rest of the week was interesting. I introduced my rules as I usually do and had a big talk about respect and didn't expect any problems because I've never had classroom management problems. Having said that, I realize I've only been there for two weeks but I'm not big on junior high. Before I walked into this job I expected these kids to be like my Calumet (the first school I worked at) kids and have the same issues, etc. Well I was pretty wrong to say the least. A lot of them are pretty spoiled, have their own blackberries, etc. So, yeah. Don't get me wrong- I'm thankful for my job. But it does confirm that I love my high schoolers and I love kids who need me. I don't have a lot of patience for any child, no matter the age, who doesn't listen and shut up when someone tells them to do so.... not that I tell my kids to shut up. I don't. Let me just say that I have a whole new respect for junior high teachers. I mean I'm going to do it. I will conquer these little kiddies (not what I call them in private..ha) one day. But I can't promise that I won't continue to look for an administrative job.

I think the only other thing that is worth mentioning is that one of the smallest students I have had to be removed from the classroom after talking back to the other teacher and then when the dean came in to get him he dared him to come get him... keep in mind that this kid weighs like 85 pounds and the dean is a big guy. So he walked over and dragged him out. The best part is that no one even knows why he was mad in the first place! Gotta love kids....

Reflection:

I remember my first day of teaching ever. I received my "report to work" paper and walked in my school at about 10 am and when I asked, "Do you want me to tell the substitute to leave?" they replied, "There's no teacher up there." I knew it was going to be interesting from that moment. When I walked in the room there were kids playing cards, sitting on desks, listening to music, sleeping, and whatever else they wanted to do. The room was filthy and there was a hole big enough for my head to fit through in the chalkboard. The first thing they wanted to know was how long I was gonna last. The second question was if I was scared. The third question, and the last I remember from that particular day was if I would go on a date with one of the guys in the class. When I responded with, "no, I'm pretty sure that's illegal" he responded with, "No it's not. I'm 20." I had just turned 22...

Well I've decided to continue with my blog. I've noticed in the last 2 months that I kept in touch with people better when I was living in another continent and if you ask me that just doesn't make a lot of sense. I loved keeping in touch with all of you on a regular basis and if you're interested, then I will keep this up just to keep everyone updated with my life in general.

One of my regrets was not keeping a journal of my experiences when I previously taught on the south side of Chicago. Since I'm going back I thought that I'd make this an online journal of life in general, yes, but also share my experiences as a teacher. Even though I'm probably working in a "better" school (which basically means more organized with better behavior) I'm sure there will still be entertaining stories as every teacher has. So if you're interested then you can check back here for updates!

I've been back for 2 months now. It will officially be 2 months tomorrow. It hasn't been easy adjusting and mentally it's a lot harder than I thought. I'm not gonna lie... there have been days where I've thought that it was a mistake coming back home. I've had feelings of guilt, depression, disappointment, and thoughts that I just gave up... that I should've tried harder to make a change. But the fact is that I'm home. I'm glad to be home. I'm ready to get back into my life. The big news is that after almost 2 months without a job (which is CRAZY for me. I've been working since I was 14 I think), which seemed more like 6 months, I got a job. I applied for a lot of jobs throughout November and December and the one that I ended up getting I think will be perfect. At least I hope so. I know that everything seems great at first, no matter where you go but I was impressed with the school. I'll be teaching junior high Spanish on the south side of Chicago. It's fairly close to my old school and I feel at home in the area so that's exciting. I've decided to live at home probably until May or June and then I may move in with my cousin or see if I need to move to the city again. I've already bought a car and a cell phone so I'm back in the swing of things as far as communication and transportation goes! It's so convenient to live in this country. I still think of Africa on a daily basis. There is always something that reminds me of The Gambia whether it's a smell or song. I'm also still in touch with Tara and Natasha and I can't wait to get a paycheck so I can send them a package! The other thing that I think about often is Tijan. I still want him here with me. I don't know if I'll be able to live with myself knowing that I can bring him to the United States and change his world... without doing it that is. So in the next year or two I hope to save some money and maybe buy a house-- even possibly apply for an administrators job (and get it!) and go back to The Gambia and get Tijan. And if things go really well then I'll bring his "cousin" too. I can't forget about them.

So! I start my first day of work on January 7th and I'm gonna start getting my teachers boxes out of storage tomorrow. I have to thank Dr. Gray or helping me with job resources and your knowledge. You've been a help to me since the first day I met you. And thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Many of you have emailed and asked for updates and just offered your support and it's much appreciated. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years! Keep in touch! I will try to upload my Africa pictures since I now have access to do so!

Well, I have to be honest and say that I don't really know where to start. I'm home. And many of you have been emailing and wondering what's next, how I'm feeling, how my mom reacted, etc. So I will do my best to inform you of my life since my arrival in the states.
First of all, let me tell you about my moms reaction. So when I told my dad that I was coming I suggested that he tell mom that he had to pick up a football recruit at the airport because I couldn't think of any other reason that they would leave the homecoming basketball game to go to the airport. But, last I talked to him he hadn't decided what he was going to say. So anyway, the plan was for him to pick me up in Chicago at 9:30ish and I didn't know if mom would be with him or not. My flight got in a couple hours earlier so I just sat downstairs and people watched (particularly this one lady with a bright green and brown outfit on... brown cowboy boots with green jewerly on them, her hair done, and her dog in a little carrier who she later got out and put a sweater on... that had a hood-- yeah, just a bit of culture shock there). I had just got done telling this guy that I was coming back from Africa and surprising my mom and I turned around and saw her and dad. I got my camera out and yelled Vicki. So she turns towards me and just stares. So I get up and start walking towards her and say, "mom!" She continues to stare for about 15 seconds and then says, "Marie, is that you?" And I go over and hug her and dad and we all cry and cry and cry... and we get done and look over and this guy is crying too. It was pretty funny. The same thing happened with my sister-- I walked in the house and she was sitting on the couch and she jumped back like she'd seen a ghost... and then the tears came again. Then I had to see my cousin so I had my brother-n-law call her and tell her there was an emergency at the house (mean, I know) and when she walked in the crying started all over again. So it was fun overall. It was very exhausting, but fun.
So the big question is, "What now?" That's what everyone wants to know and that's the first question I get asked after the infamous "So how was it?"

So! To be perfectly honest it has been a very hard adjustment. Of course I'm glad to be back with my family but I've never been so broke and jobless in my life. My mom and dad have been incredibly supportive so I'm very lucky (as usual) but it's hard coming back and not being able to explain to anyone what I've been through. It's officially been a month since I've been back and I still don't have a job. I have applied to some places that I've always wanted to work that would just be considered fun jobs and it didn't work out. And I've applied to some teaching jobs (even elementary) and haven't heard anything from them either. There was one school that wanted me to be a full time sub (with no benefits) but I don't think I'm interested. They said that they didn't want to lose me and they definitely want me to come back next school year but that's no help right now. So! And on top of all that the question is whether or not I want to teach and I'm not completely sure. I'd much rather be an administrator of some type but with no experience I think that'll be a hard transition. So for now I'm trying to be patient and tomorrow I think I'll apply at some banks. I just need to make some money. And on top of that, I don't think November is a good time to look for a teaching job... or any type of education job for that matter. Some days are good and some days are not and I've definitely broke down a couple of times since I've been home because there are days when I wonder why all this happened and just think about the fact that everything wasn't suppose to end this way but I'm trying to stay positive.

Okay- well I have to apologize that it's taken me so long and I will definitely try to keep everyone posted! Please keep in touch and thank you soooo much for praying for me and keeping me in your thoughts. :)

October 27, 2007

Well, after much thought and deliberation, I’ve decided to go home! I have to tell you, when I started this experience I never even let the thought of going home early enter my mind. Even through the entire harassment situation and even when I got robbed. I remember my mom asking either that day or the next if I was staying and I said, “oh yeah, I’m not coming home.” But this last week when I talked about transferring and then they were telling me how it’s a difficult process and to not get my hopes up, etc. it was the first time that I thought about going home. So I started looking for jobs on the Internet and I’ve seen a couple of possibilities. But even then I thought I would come home in January. But when Tuesdays and Fridays roll around and I don’t want to go to work (and I only work 2 days a week) I thought, “What am I staying here for?” I mean there are 2 football games left, Thanksgiving, and Christmas from now to January and I think that’s too much to miss! Plus, when I started to think about going home I became extremely happy. And it was an unfamiliar feeling; I realized I haven’t been happy for a really long time. And in the long run, I think my happiness has to be somewhat important. So I’m keeping it very private… as a matter of fact, by the time this is posted I will already be home. If I haven’t said before, PC tends to be a small circle sometimes and it’s like a college campus as far as gossip goes. I’ve never been one to deal with such rubbish and I don’t want to start now. Plus, I don’t feel like explaining myself to a million people- most of them people who don’t even know me.
So! The greatest thing about all of this is that I’m not telling my mom! I’m going to surprise her! I’m soooooo excited. I emailed my dad and he’s the only one that knows; so I don’t know how we’re gonna pull this one off since I’ll be getting in on ONU’s Homecoming weekend but we’ll see. I’m scheduled to leave on Thursday and will be getting in on Friday evening sometime. Also, my dad says that my brother will be in town and everything. It honestly may be too much to handle. I can’t really grasp the fact that I’m going home. I don’t know when it will hit me. And I think it’s going to be a hard process. Besides the fact that I have no job, car, money, or even a phone, I just have mixed feelings about a lot of things. Part of me feels really guilty. I feel guilty for leaving Tara and Natasha, for having the choice to come to a country and live a completely comfortable life. Part of me feels like a quitter. Even though I don’t see myself as giving up because it’s not like I can’t take PC or Africa—it’s just that I’m not doing anything productive.
So I started the process on Friday- I have to do a bit of paperwork and get a physical again. I also have to write a description of my work and close bank accounts, etc. I’m excited to buy souvenirs for my family and I’ve been stealing some of Nat’s and Tara’s pictures. I’m just so excited. I’m so excited to see my mom and dad and the rest of my family… and my cousin, Bethany. I’ll get to see the last 2 football games too. But I’m also a little nervous about adjusting to the American lifestyle again. I don’t know how it will feel. I’m really emotional anyway and there are definitely going to be some things that are completely overwhelming. And I’m nervous about seeing people and answering questions. I know people are going to say, “How’s Africa?” And honestly, there is no word to describe it… I don’t know if it’s possible to explain this experience. I mean there is no doubt that the country is beautiful so I guess I could comment on that. And I don’t want to group The Gambia with the rest of the continent as if it’s all the same because it’s not. I’m sure I’ll find something to say when the time comes.

I’ll never regret this experience. I’m glad I came. I’ve made really good friends that I know will be in my life years from now. And I’ve learned so much in the past 6 months. I’ve learned so much about the world and religion and culture. I definitely will have a lot to take home.

Funny side note…
So while I was at the beach today (because I’m spending as much time there as I can in the remainder of my time here) I was lying in my chair and this bumster starts yelling at me. So he basically says the following:

Bumster; “Hey nice lady! Hey! Hello? Hello? Hello? Nice lady, how are you? How’s the day? Nice lady, come on and answer me.”
About a 3-5 minute break here---
And he continues: “Hello, nice lady? Boss lady? Nanga def? Salamaaleekum. I know you can speak the local language and you don’t want to speak it? Hello? Boss lady, how are you? Okay, nice girl. You are very nice. Answer me because I’m tired of yelling at you! Boss lady!”

Now I have to say I was feeling pretty calm today so I wasn’t super annoyed but I was annoyed a little- until that last sentence… and then I just started laughing out loud. I mean, really, who say’s that? He said he was tired of yelling like someone was making him or like it was his job to do so! Too funny…. And that’s really bumsters/the majority of Gambian men in a nutshell. I’m not going to miss that.

October 29, 2007

Well, I’m officially out of money. I went shopping yesterday and today to the craft markets to buy souvenirs for my family and I finished today and now have 50 dalasi to eat until Thursday… which is about 2 dollars. But it’s totally worth it. I remember when I got back from Ecuador, I regretted not bought anything to remember my trip so I didn’t want to make that mistake this time. I have to admit that I’ve been very happy since Friday—when I announced that I was coming home and started all the paperwork. There are a lot of things you have to do. I’m done with pretty much everything except for the medical stuff… lots of tests, blood work, etc. Fun stuff! But I actually feel more productive now than I have because I have stuff to do during the day!
Yesterday Tara and I went to a couple different markets and my mom and dad called while we were there. Little did she know I was shopping for her! I can’t wait to see everyone. I can’t wait to see my family’s face.
Anyway, today I went and did more paper work and went to the nurse’s office to start the whole medical process. It should be over on Wednesday. I also found out today that I leave on Thursday night and get home on Friday night. I’m still pretty nervous about life in America but I’m excited to go—the anticipation is killing me. I’m just gonna be really, really said to leave Tara and Natasha. Tara and I pretty much go everywhere together and I think we understand each other well. I mean if we’re not together then people are asking where “the other one is.” They’re not used to seeing us by ourselves. But I’m looking forward to sending them care packages and letters too!

October 30, 2007

More medical stuff today… and more paperwork… but tomorrow I should have everything finished so that Wednesday and Thursday I can hang out at the beach all day before I leave on Thursday night. I must say, today was one of those days where I was thinking, “only 2 more days… only 2 more days.” Although it still hasn’t hit me that I’m leaving either—I don’t know when it will. Even when I get home I think I’ll be waiting to leave again or at least it will feel like I’m suppose to come back to Africa. It’ll be weird to have my days without Tara and Natasha.
I have no idea what I want to do when I get back either. There are a couple Spanish teaching positions on the Chicago Public Schools website but a lot of times that isn’t updated so I don’t know if their actual openings. And there is another program for people who want to be principals that I’m sort of interested in. But part of me just wants to get a job at a clothing store and get myself together. But one thing is for sure... I need a job. I’m trying not to worry about it as God has always provided so I’m sure I’ll find something.
I’m so anxious about seeing my moms face at the airport or where ever I see her for the first time. I really can’t wait. And of course I can’t wait to see my dads either- that’s not what I mean, but he’s expecting to see me and my mom will be shocked.
Well, I’m off to eat dinner at Tara’s and then go to the internet!

November 2, 2007

Well I am officially in the United States. I’m sitting in a New York airport with an African outfit on and people are looking at me like I’m crazy. It’s pretty entertaining to watch people who want to look at you but don’t want you to know that they want to look at you…haha. I just appreciate that they are trying to hide it instead of yelling “boss lady” at me. I actually appreciate it that they act like they aren’t looking at me.
Anyway, I cried when we touched down on the runway. I’m sure the people around me thought I was crazy but I couldn’t hold back. I can’t imagine when I actually touch down in Chicago. I left The Gambia last night—and it was extremely hard for the simple fact that I was leaving Tara behind. It’s really the hardest thing I’ve had to do since I arrived in that country. I felt so bad that I seriously thought about saying, “stop the car.” But I’m praying for her and she’s a strong girl so I know she’ll be okay and make whatever decisions will make her happy. But I already miss her. I grew very attached to our friendship and we were together, I’d say 90% of the time. But I know it’s not the last time I’ll see her. And at least Natasha is still there.
They fed us on the plane. The first meal was white meat, boneless chicken with rice! Amazing! I mean, don’t get me wrong- I definitely got really sick because I ate normal, cooked food but it was totally worth it. That meal was served on the way to Brussels… and then on the way to New York from Brussels they fed us boneless chicken again! This time they gave us mashed potatoes and green beans too! And some apple dessert that was delicious. So I’ve come to the conclusion that either Brussels and Continental Airlines have the best food ever or I’ve been out of civilization for way too long. I’m thinking it’s probably the latter. But it’s okay with me!
Another funny thing is that I’m carrying around these paintings that I bought for my mom and dad, sister and brother and so many people have asked me if I painted them. I’m such a horrible artist so I find it hilarious that people would even have the thought in their head that I’m talented in that way. I think it must be the outfit that I’m wearing… maybe the only way they can make sense of me wearing an African outfit is that I’m an artist.

I’m pretty much in culture shock right now. I’m sitting in this airport looking at everyone talk on their cell phones, race from one thing to another as if life will stop if they just slow down… the majority of people looking very nice and clean with fresh haircuts and make-up. And most of all, I don’t stick out (except for the outfit that I mentioned earlier). I am so happy to be in this country. I think it has to be the most organized country in the world.
On another subject, I cannot wait to see my moms face! I can’t describe in words how excited I am!... and everyone else’s face too, for that matter. I mean, no one knows I’m even in the United States right now! It’s a crazy feeling.

Side Note-- In The Gambia, there are no lines… what I mean by that is that people don’t stand in lines for anything and if they do (which is at the bank because they form one for you with those little line things), you can literally feel their breath on the back of your neck because they are standing so close to you. When you’re standing in the street waiting for a taxi, it doesn’t matter who got there first. If you’re in the grocery standing in “line” waiting for a register to open and someone just happens to walk by and get in front of you no one says anything! Or some people, if they think you won’t say anything then they just literally crowd right in front of you (I ALWAYS said something). For example, one time I’m standing in the road and this taxi pulls up and I’m holding the door waiting for this woman to get out so that I can get in and this woman walks up from no where with her kid and pushes me out of the way and gets in! And I was holding the door! I mean, she ran in front of me! Now this time I didn’t say anything because there was a child present… I just smacked my lips nice and loud. Another example… in the Banjul airport when they were boarding our flight they announced, “You can now board for flight yada, yada” and then everyone goes up in one time—in a big crowd! Not in a line, of course.
The point is, this is one thing that I will not miss about the Gambia. I love that people stand in line here. I love that if you are standing in line then you have room to move without feeling someone’s hot breath down your neck!! Okay, I’m done venting now. ☺

So, to keep ourselves busy and updated on life, Tara and I now spend our nights at the PC office on the internet. I know that it may sound pathetic but our other choice is sitting in our apartments staring at the wall and letting Macy bite us till she falls asleep.
So- with that background information (pause here: I just put my hand on my head to brush back my hair and there was a bug in it. EWWWW) we're sitting here and Tara is watching music videos and one came on by Ludacris. Ludacris is a rapper and he has this song and the chorus says, "I feel like slapping somebody today" and it repeats a couple of times (and yes, I'm serious- that's how the song goes). So anyway, we're sitting here watching the video and I turn to Tara and in all seriousness say, "you know, I feel like slapping somebody everyday... you think that's a problem?" And then we both burst out in laughter.... but I was serious. :)

I was sitting at Nada's yesterday when I felt something crawling on me (which now does not cause me to freak out because it's a normal occurrence) and I look down and there is a spider crawling up my chest... in my shirt!! So I calmly pick the spider up and put it on the table in front of me and then proceeded to SMASH IT!! Actually Tara smashed it because I was too busy having the chills and shaking all over while saying "ew". It wasn't huge, probably the size of a dime but the worst part was that it was red. I hate red spiders!
I also have bumps all over my back and side and I think I get these mysterious bites when I sleep. That's comforting, right?
The good news for this week is that PC says that I'll get packages tomorrow. And there are suppose to be 2! I'm pretty stinkin' excited for that. So, tomorrow will be a good day!

October 24, 2007

Well, it’s been a while again, huh? Just when I said I’d get better at updating… sorry! To tell you the honest truth, I kind of haven’t written on purpose. I haven’t been feeling very positive lately and have had a rough week and I didn’t want to put that on my blog. I try to keep this thing as nice and politically correct as possible. But the fact is that I’m feeling like I’m pretty done with The Gambia. Don’t get me wrong, I have good days; and usually when I have good days they’re close to great but the majority of my days are filled with harassment. There are some things that I haven’t included in this journal and one of them has had a pretty big impact on my service here. On my third or fourth day in The Gambia I started to get harassed by a Peace Corps staff. Now this guy was one of the people who met us at the airport and we were told that if we needed anything that we could trust him so I was confused, to say the least, when this started happening. This harassment lasted all the way through training and then turned into a sexual harassment case in August. It has been taken care of but it still didn’t add to my happiness in this country. About two weeks after that was when the robbery occurred and as you all know, it has taken a while but I’ve pretty much recovered from that too. I mean it has definitely altered the way I think and sometimes gets the best of me but for the most part, it’s over. I write all of this to say this: when I was going through these things I still had in my head that I was here to make a difference and I thought that my work would keep me here. So, knowing that the University position isn’t really what I had in mind and that it consists of teaching 6 people, at the very most, for 2 hours a week, I was counting on the local orphanage. I visited the orphanage last week with Tara and to be very honest it was a complete disappointment. They weren’t interested at all and told me to email, which I’ve done already and she said, “Well, email again… you know how those things are… they get deleted sometimes.” This is when my mood and attitude began to change. I’ve done a lot to get here… in the Peace Corps. I’m not a straight out of college graduate that came here because I don’t know what I want to do with my life or because I want a 2-year vacation. I came here to make a difference. I came here to help people that no one else will help. Helping people and making a difference in people’s lives has always fulfilled me. It’s not about the money or the popularity or the outward appearances. I knew that if I was doing something worthwhile that everything I gave up to be here, well, it would be worth it. But what now? I’m teaching 3 hours a week in a place where the students have enough money to pay to get there and I know that if I left tomorrow there would be no problem finding someone to take my place. So, what am I doing? Okay- so because of all of this I’ve decided to ask for a country transfer. There are 2 programs that I’ve been looking at that have to do with helping at-risk youth, which is something that I love and that I’ve always had a passion for. If I am accepted for either of these programs they will probably start in February and I’ll have to do training all over again but I think that it’s worth it. Both of the programs are in Latin America so I’d also be speaking Spanish so at the very least I’d be improving that aspect of my career. The thing is, it’s not a guarantee that I’ll be allowed to transfer. Apparently it’s up to the country director and depends on if they have a place for me. Overall, it’s pretty disappointing and so right now I’m just trying to keep my head up. Please keep me in your prayers as I make a difficult decision because if the transfer doesn’t happen I don’t know what I’ll do next.


More on this…
The other really hard thing to deal with is that I signed up for the PC wondering if I’d be able to live without air conditioning, running water, electricity, hot showers, etc. And you know what? I’m past all of that. I’m used to living without water and electricity most days. I know how to have a back-up water supply and how to live and get ready by candlelight. Taking bucket baths has become normal… bathing with cold water has become normal. I can kill spiders that are bigger than the palm of my hand without any problem. It never occurred to me that the thing I would have to worry about was my work assignment and feeling like I’m doing something helpful…

The other thing about this country…
You know, when we came here I remember someone saying that the problem with this country was not that it needed help but that it was so accustomed to the help it receives. What they were saying was that there are plenty of volunteers and non-profit organizations that are based here. They have plenty of people from Europe and the rest of the world sending them money. When I heard this I thought it was just another bitter person who was being pessimistic or who liked to complain. But as I’ve been here the past five months I’ve come to realize that they were right in a way. Most organizations/people that we help want us to do things for them. We’re here to help them learn how to successfully run a business, computer program, or school not to do it for them. And there are so many organizations here that many people will just sit until you do it for them and if you don’t then they’ll just wait for the next person to come. It’s crazy!
You know, the other day one of my friends called me from the states. He’s Nigerian and he just found out I was here and the first thing he said was “Why are you in The Gambia?” And he went on to say how far behind they are (as far as development goes) and that he’s been here before. During our conversation he said, “I know if a group of Nigerians were in culture shock, coming from Nigeria, that you Americans probably didn’t know what to do!” It was pretty funny… but more than funny it was interesting to hear that the rest of Africa is “not like this.”

But- more than anything I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining. I realize this blog isn’t necessarily happy… but I still know that I’m blessed. I have nothing to complain about. I have an amazing family that has supported me since I’ve left home. I have great friends. I have a great home church. I have the choice to return to a country where I can get a job and live comfortably for the rest of my life. I will never have to worry about having enough to eat or whether or not I’ll have shelter. I’m healthy. I’m educated. I will never forget this and I don’t mean to sound like I forget it now. I have a God that is faithful to me no matter how faithful I am to him. And I live in a society where I am free to praise Him. I’m unbelievably blessed. I guess this is one of the reasons that it’s so frustrating that it’s not that simple to help others who are in need right now. I don’t understand why it has to be so hard.

October 13, 2007

Today is Koriteh which is the last day of Ramadan… so everyone gets dressed up in their nicest clothes and the women get their hair done. The kids go around and ask people for candy or money which happens to us anyway so that’s nothing new except that their dressed up today. I think that some families have celebrations but since we don’t live in a family compound we don’t get to experience that. But of course we are going to have our own celebration and get dressed up and go dancing!
Macy is as wild as ever. As I speak she is climbing up my back while biting me—feels great! I forgot that kittens are so hyper! She loves to attack my feet and bite me so depending on what mood I’m in it’s either really cute or really annoying. I have scratches all over me and she already likes to sleep on my lap—she sits at my feet and meows until I pick her up! Can you believe that? She’s already spoiled.
As for the bug life: my spider bite is slowly getting better, but I saw the biggest spider I’ve seen in my apartment the other night when I was going to sleep. I tried to spray it but I don’t know if I got it. It was huge and disgusting. Then, because I was so freaked out about the spider I went to sit down in my chair just to relax and I see a cockroach on my chair—yeah, the one I was sitting in! And here’s news: did you know that African cockroaches fly?!? That’s right, they fly! So not only are they disgusting but they’re hard to kill because when you get close they fly away! This place is crazy…

October 16, 2007

You know, when I came here I would hear volunteers speak using Gambian English (which is sort of the queens English with an African accent) and I thought it was ridiculous. I’ve always been one of those people who think that when people have an accent after three months of living somewhere different it’s pretty much made up. So anyway like I was saying, I thought it was crazy but after living here a while I realize that you truly start speaking different and sometimes you have to in order for people to understand you. So I thought I’d include some new things that I’ve either had to say for people to understand me or that I am realizing that I do without thinking about it…

My old English vs. My New English

Water-- wattah
Butter--buttah
I haven’t eaten yet.--I have yet to eat.
Do you have change?--Are you having change?
Yes--click my tongue once in the back of my mouth
No--click my tongue twice in the front of my mouth
Can you give me a ride?--You can drop me?
I’ll be right back.--I’m coming.
They didn’t get the mail today.--They have yet to pick the mails.
What’s your problem?--What’s your local problem?

While I was walking to work today I noticed that I passed a group of guys cutting weeds with machetes and didn’t think anything about it. You know you’re in Africa when you’re used to seeing people walk down the street with a machete.
I had six people in class today. It was one of my better days… class went well and then after one of my students ask me to help her with an assignment for another class. She has to talk to someone and find out what a typical American family is like. I’m really excited to help her but I also don’t know which typical family to tell her about. I could tell her about my family but I realize that having parents that are not divorced isn’t really that typical in America these days. I guess we’ll see what she wants. At least I can say that it’s illegal to have more than one wife… and usually people don’t have 15 kids although I’m related to someone with 16 brothers and sisters! So who knows? We’ll see what she’s looking for…
And the greatest news of the day is that I watched ‘So you think you can dance’ on TV at Nada’s and I saw a commercial for the Grammy’s and Khalil said Tara and I could come watch them at 7 tonight!!!! When I told Tara she said, “Is it weird that I’m so excited?” And I said, “uh, no! I can’t explain how excited I am!” It’s the small rewards in life that really count, right?

You also know you’re in Africa when 10-12 year old boys come up to you and say, “Give me your watch!” or “Toubab, I love you!” Who teachers little boys to say that?!?

So it’s still October 16 and today was a great day. I went to the office and got a package from my mom and dad (yay!) and then Tara and I went to Nada’s and watched the Grammy’s (from this last year), Seinfeld, and Frasier… and then we found out he had music videos! It’s really weird to see people already that we’ve never heard of. I’m going to be totally out of it when I get back entertainment-wise. So anyway, now I have a battery for my computer AND my textbook! That’s too much excitement for one day!

I got a kitten... and I love her dearly but you know when you want a kitten or puppy and all you can do is think about how cute they are and then you get one and remember that they're pretty annoying like the whole first year of their life!?! That's the stage I'm in right now... but I like her.
I also have more updates than the one below but I must have forgotten to save it so I'll have to include it at a later date.

October 11, 2007

So yesterday turned out to be a pretty terrific day. I was feeling kind of sluggish and Tara came over and convinced me to go to the beach with her and one of our friends. So he took us to a beach that it about an hour away and it was amazing! There was a little place to get cold drinks and then we drove on the beach for awhile and met his brother and some other people and we were the only people on the beach! It was completely secluded… so Tara and I swam for a bit and then just laid on the beach and watched all the crabs dig holes in the sand. It was great. But the even better news is that while we were drinking our cokes before we started driving on the beach my friend left and told me he had a surprise for me. So, it came up in a conversation before that I’d like a kitten but it was a while back so I didn’t really think about it and sure enough he comes around the corner with a kitten! So now I have a kitten! And she’s adorable, although she’s making a lot of noise right now while she gets used to being inside. I made her a litter box out of a box that one of my packages came in and right now she’s eating tuna I bought from a local store that I don’t like because it’s too fishy. But she seems to be enjoying it a lot. She’s black and white with a black face. So now Tara, Natasha and I have a kitten. It’s very exciting. It’s days like yesterday that Africa is great. Today Tara and I went to look for cat stuff but there seems to be a minimal supply. I heard there is a vet around here somewhere so I need to find him. She seems pretty healthy and plays a lot but she has fleas so I need to do something about that. But overall, I’m very excited. Oh, and I’ve named her Macy.

Only 2 more days till Ramadan is over! I'm excited. But that also means that there are a ton of public holidays (whenever the President says so) which means that PC still hasn't picked up my packages!! I know they are there and no one will pick them up! Frustrating... hopefully tomorrow or Friday.
I did get a letter today from Betty (thanks!!) so that was fun... and the card sang a song so I got to dance too!

October 1, 2007

Yesterday was a good day. I’m feeling more normal every day and am slowly getting my self confidence back. I’m getting used to the harassment again without feeling like something is going to happen to me so things are getting better. I would say back to normal but Africa isn’t quite normal yet. There are still too many random things to remind me I’m not at home. And I finally feel like I’m getting settled in my house. There are so many things you need to buy when you’re moving into an apartment and on my budget it’s going to take a long time. Today I bought a much needed cutting board and knife for cooking… and yes, I’m finally cooking. I have one main vegetable guy now who usually throws in a couple extra goodies after I’ve paid him if I don’t argue too much about the price. I eat things here that I’d never think of eating in the states. Pretty much everything is fresh here so you have to buy and eat every couple of days if you know what I mean. Preservatives aren’t quite so popular here as in the States. I eat avacado, tomatoe and cucumber rolled up in Lebanese bread, ramen noodles (did you know they were a world wide food?) with vegetable soup on top, and my favorite snack is peanut butter and Lebanese bread. Sometimes for a snack I’ll have a mango… the food is generally pretty good. But anyway, I ran some errands today and feel like I got a lot accomplished. Oh, and I also bought a notebook because I found a Arabic teacher! So that gives me something to look forward to…

October 2, 2007

I found a site on the internet that has the Arabic alphabet and beginning lessons for free… and I gave my first sheet of translations to Khalil, who is my teacher. He’s great… he owns a little restaurant here and at night I just stop by and we sit outside (usually Tara comes too) and he fixes hot tea and gives us sweets and I practice my Arabic. This is going to be a very relaxing, nice tradition.

October 3, 2007

Well, I have to be honest; this morning when I was out I felt like it was National Harassment Day and somebody forgot to tell me! Again, it’s normal for men to hiss, or say “boss lady,” “nice lady,” “sister,” etc. as you walk but today there were A LOT. And on my way to meet my co-worker for a meeting (who by the way, had a car breakdown so he couldn’t make it) one guy stopped beside me and got off his bike to walk with me even though I wasn’t responding and then when I did I made it clear that I didn’t want to chat… “buguma waxtan” in Wolof… so that was annoying. And then I go to the nurse’s office and as I turn the corner to go down the street this older man says, “sister.. excuse me! Sister!” So silly me, I think that maybe I dropped something or he’s trying to be nice so I turn around and he takes my hand (and won’t let go until I literally pull it away with all my strength) and says, “Do you live here or are you just visiting?’ Hearing this I start to walk away and he says, “No, don’t go… I need a job. Can you please give me a job?” And as I say, “I don’t have work for you” and try to turn around he grabs my arm and pulls me towards him and that’s when I said…. Quite loudly…. “Don’t you dare touch me!” And he got the point. But, even though I was completely appalled and annoyed (and slightly amused he asked me for a job seeing how I don’t even have one) I have to also admit that I was pretty proud of myself for scaring the brotha! Ha! I’m slowly returning back to normal…
I also visited a craft market today to get some ideas for Christmas presents and that was a good experience. It’s always neat to watch someone carve a masterpiece out of wood or make great jewelry out of natural stones. It refreshed my memory to why I’ve always had a passion for Africa and their people.
And what really made my day is that I got a package!!! My sister sent me a package and of course it was perfect! And of course I’m sitting here full because I ate half a bag of Chex Mix! But it’s totally worth it… Thank you Jill!! Love you and miss you lots!
Hopefully tonight I’ll make it down to Khalil’s to practice some Arabic.

TAXI!
I don’t think I’ve ever explained how the taxi system works here. There are two types of taxi’s. One is yellow and one is green. The green taxi’s are meant for a town trip. A town trip is if you want a ride to a specific place or if you want them to take you off of the main road. These cars are used by tourists 99% of the time. The yellow taxi’s run in three directions. They go up and down the three main roads that we have here and so you can get in for 5 dalasi and get out when you want as long as it’s on the main road. So- the problem is that the yellow taxi’s think they can trick you because you’re a toubab and you don’t know any better so they’ll drive up (or do a U-turn in the middle of the road to come get you) and say, “Yes, get in, town trip.” And then you have to say that you “know it’s suppose to be 5-5 because I live here!” But, of course, that’s just an example…

October 5, 2007

Well it’s the weekend! Another week has passed in The Gambia. I had class this morning and I think it went pretty well. I had five students which is pretty good. We talked about some educational theories and I gave them a short assignment; they’re beginning to talk more in class so that’s encouraging. I was really excited today because PC told me I had a package coming today and so I sat and waited for an hour after the office closed to get it off the mail truck only to be told that they didn’t pick them up today. Aagh! And Monday is a public holiday so I have to wait until Wednesday… which wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t know there is a philosophy of education textbook on its way. I need that book! Oh well, patience is a virtue, right? And I did get a letter from one of my friends so that made me feel much better.
I’ve had three Arabic lessons so far. I can greet now and ask people where they’re from so that’s exciting. And even better is that my teacher and I are becoming great friends. Just when I thought it wasn’t possible to have a male friend in this country I’ve made one. It’s refreshing. He’s going fishing this weekend and has invited Tara and I to go so maybe that will be fun. I haven’t decided if I’m going yet but I think it would be nice to get away for a day. And tonight we’re going to play pool. It’s refreshing at the end of the day to go and hang out with someone who can teach you so much. He’s lived in Lebanon, Ivory Coast and here, so he has a lot of stories. I love meeting people who have had such a different life than me; I find it so interesting.
I went to the beach yesterday for the first time since the robbery so that’s gotta be a good sign. I’m becoming normal again and it feels nice. I couldn’t have done it without all of your encouragement and prayers so I can’t thank you enough!
Until next time…

October 7, 2007

Yesterday was a pretty good day. Tara and I went to Khalil’s restaurant because he has a TV and we watched a movie and he gave us watermelon, which was a great surprise. As far as fruit goes here, there are different seasons when you can get certain things and watermelon season has officially begun. But they’re really expensive and a little too big for me to carry on a thirty-minute walk home so I was excited to get some. And then he invited us back for a Lebanese dinner that was excellent. We had rice that was kind of sweet and it had almonds, raisins, and shredded chicken in it. So good! It sure beats bread and peanut butter, which is what I make the majority of the time!
I’m missing home today as it’s the day of the Chicago Marathon and my brother is running in it without me! So of course I wish I could be there; I miss the city. I didn’t realize how much I loved Chicago until I moved here. Plus I know that my mom and dad are there walking around… my dad with a Green Bay shirt on the day the Bears play them- in Chicago!...haha… he’s great.

So while we were sitting at the restaurant Friday (most restaurants here are open or they have tables outside) eating lunch we see this big crowd of people coming. There is a guy in front surrounded by a few adults and there was a crowd of about 60 people following them (mostly kids) and most of them were holding sticks in the air. So of course I’m like, “What the heck is going on?” And the women who work at the restaurant start laughing and say, “It’s a thief.” So apparently this guy was in big trouble. They said they were probably taking him to the police station to get him locked up or to beat him. Oh my gosh, you’d think I’d be happy to see that with my experience with thieves here but I felt so sorry for the guy. Can you imagine being paraded down the main street in your town/city for everyone to see? It was crazy… Only in Africa.
This coming week is the last week of Ramadan so that’s exciting (I say that as if I’m fasting). I hear there will be a big celebration when it’s over so I’m excited to see what this is all about. I think people will be much happier once this is over; and probably more productive. Things tend to slow down a bit during this time period since everyone is starving.

October 9, 2007

Well I had four in class today. I couldn’t find too much on Behaviorism or Positivism which is what I was suppose to be teaching on… I know I’ve said this before but I can’t wait until I get that textbook! This Friday is a public holiday so I won’t have class. It’s the end of Ramadan so looks like the rest of this week is free for me. Unless of course the computer guy calls and maybe I’ll start there.
In other recent news, the bitik owner (bitik’s are these little convenient stores… they have candy, bread, lightbulbs, etc. If they have electricity then they’ll have juice and maybe even cokes… but not like our convenient stores in the states AT ALL. They are about 7 x 7 feet… very small and very packed with random things; cement floor, etc.) tried to convert me to a Muslim by the following conversation…
Him: Oh, Mariama! Nanga def? Nakum? (Hey marie, how are you? What’s up?)
Me: Man fii. Naka ligey bi? (I’m here only… how’s the work going?)
Him: Jama rek. Um, Mariama, you Muslim? (Peace only.. beginning broken English)
Me: Deedeet (No)
Him: You know, Muslim bu baax (Muslim is very nice)
Me: Baax naa… I’m sure it is. I’m Christian. (Okay…)
Him: Baax naa. You switch? (Okay…)
Me: No… deedeet. (No… and no!)
Him: baax na, jerejef! (Okay, thank you)
Me: Ok, be ci kanam. (Ok, see you later)
I guess you gotta give it to the guy for trying…haha. He’s a nice guy; from Maurtania. He smiles a lot.

Other than that nothing new is really going on. I think I might have a bug in my bed because I wake up with random bites so that kind of sucks. Oh, and remember the spiders that pee on you? Yeah, I’m pretty sure one of those got me too. I woke up with this big red spot on my back and it stung all day and then that whole area of my back hurt for about a day. And after a day it turned into this big scab so that’s what it seems like happened. But I’ve been putting medicine on it and it’s slowly, slowly getting better. And PC is picking up packages tomorrow so I’m keeping my fingers crossed!