Many people have asked about sending me things.
Shipping is ridiculously expensive.
However, if you really want to send me something here are some tips:
-see my earlier blogs for my address. Or Facebook
-Cards and letters are very inexpensive but mean a lot :-)
-check out flat rate boxes; I've heard those are cheaper in some cases
Things that are cheap and light to send:
-magazines (esp Black ones)
-drink packets
-gum
-Eclipse mints
-random colors of nail polish
-tea/coffee
-shower puffs/loulfas
-Pics (of you of course! or the US in general)
-smell good lotions/sprays
Things you shouldnt send:
-dry milk
-peanut butter products
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Hair in Mali
(see “Hair in Mali” album here: http://picasaweb.google.com/veroniquelporter/HairInMali# )
Surprisingly my hair has been thriving in Mali. Despite the fact I’m a little protein deficit, which makes my hair lose its spring a little, my fro has lots of definition and its growing. Malians hate my fro. They think its unkempt, and they’d much rather I get it braided, like in simple French braids, or at least keep it covered. I found this out when I got to country and mostly kept in fro under wraps (literally- ha, ha). After rocking the purple braids for a month and a half, I told the villagers I was wearing my hair out for two weeks. It needed to air out, but more importantly, I wanted them to see that with good care,; their hair could have definition and look good without braids, weaves or wraps all the time. Yeah, they weren’t having that. I got asked by people in my concession when I was going out where my head wrap was. I replied that it was in my house. Married women keep their hair covered out of respect for their husbands. I weaseled out of that one since I wasn’t married. My old homologue asked me what was going in with my hair. He told me there’s a salon in town he could take me to. I was sitting with him and his friend at the time and I asked ‘what’s wrong with my hair? I like wearing it like this… In the states, women wear their hair like this…Is it ugly?’ This is a trick question because technically it’d be rude for them to say yes ;-) My old homologue said no, its pretty, but his friend quickly said “you need to get it braided… you live in Mali so you should do what the women do.” I told him of my two week plan and said after that period I’d get it braided. He confirmed that it’d be only two weeks and then agreed that if it was only two weeks, it’d be ok.
My new homologue’s co-spouse didn’t fall for the pretty/ugly question. Instead she said outright that I needed to get it braided immediately. Anything women in village, who gives me flack all the time, responded to the trick question by saying it ugly and I needed to get it braided. Then every other time I saw her, she asked when I was going to braid my hair.
There’s a women in my village that I saw braiding and she did good work that wasn’t that tight. My two weeks had become three weeks and I told her I wanted braids like those she did. During the fourth week of frodom, she braided my hair. Right now, I have long, long, itty, bitty twists that took 15 hours over the course of four days. In the States, these braids would be upwards of $200. Here in Mali, it cost about $7, hair and labor.
It’s not purple, but that’s only because the boutiqui only had black or blond. Yeah, not going blond anytime soon.
Surprisingly my hair has been thriving in Mali. Despite the fact I’m a little protein deficit, which makes my hair lose its spring a little, my fro has lots of definition and its growing. Malians hate my fro. They think its unkempt, and they’d much rather I get it braided, like in simple French braids, or at least keep it covered. I found this out when I got to country and mostly kept in fro under wraps (literally- ha, ha). After rocking the purple braids for a month and a half, I told the villagers I was wearing my hair out for two weeks. It needed to air out, but more importantly, I wanted them to see that with good care,; their hair could have definition and look good without braids, weaves or wraps all the time. Yeah, they weren’t having that. I got asked by people in my concession when I was going out where my head wrap was. I replied that it was in my house. Married women keep their hair covered out of respect for their husbands. I weaseled out of that one since I wasn’t married. My old homologue asked me what was going in with my hair. He told me there’s a salon in town he could take me to. I was sitting with him and his friend at the time and I asked ‘what’s wrong with my hair? I like wearing it like this… In the states, women wear their hair like this…Is it ugly?’ This is a trick question because technically it’d be rude for them to say yes ;-) My old homologue said no, its pretty, but his friend quickly said “you need to get it braided… you live in Mali so you should do what the women do.” I told him of my two week plan and said after that period I’d get it braided. He confirmed that it’d be only two weeks and then agreed that if it was only two weeks, it’d be ok.
My new homologue’s co-spouse didn’t fall for the pretty/ugly question. Instead she said outright that I needed to get it braided immediately. Anything women in village, who gives me flack all the time, responded to the trick question by saying it ugly and I needed to get it braided. Then every other time I saw her, she asked when I was going to braid my hair.
There’s a women in my village that I saw braiding and she did good work that wasn’t that tight. My two weeks had become three weeks and I told her I wanted braids like those she did. During the fourth week of frodom, she braided my hair. Right now, I have long, long, itty, bitty twists that took 15 hours over the course of four days. In the States, these braids would be upwards of $200. Here in Mali, it cost about $7, hair and labor.
It’s not purple, but that’s only because the boutiqui only had black or blond. Yeah, not going blond anytime soon.
God Bless the Rains In Africa
October 24, 2009
It’s raining and I’m so glad. This whole day was ridiculously humid, despite the fact rainy season is close to an end and we don’t get much rain up here. But not quite over, as tonight indicates.
Rain has never been so comforting to me as it is here in Africa. Rain has always created the lazy, ‘lets get under some covers and watch movies all day’ feeling. (To me that also sounds like a snowy day, when everything has shut down or I ditch my responsibilities for the day to avoid the snow.) Rain- I used to dread it because work doesn’t shut down and I have to go out in it and be wet in my clothes (I hate being wet in my clothes) and drowsy and lazy and outside its hazy but still productive despite the fact that the weather sucks.
I could like the weather here because things do stop or slow down tremendously. Everyone goes inside and I get unguilty alone time. A breeze (or rough wind) starts up right before it starts to rain and it gets cool. After, the cool remains for a while making up for all the mud everywhere and the already non-existing roads fading even more into the muddy (-er) landscape
Maybe I like the rain because… it’s familiar; the same all over the world. It’s just falling water
… And the thunder here rolls and rolls sometimes for 15-20seconds… I don’t know maybe even more. It rolls long enough for me to be lost in the sound for a bit and then smile at that fact once the thunder has finally stopped.
And the thick clouds give plenty of warning that the rain is coming followed by the wind or soft breeze. And I can usually see lightening in the distance.
I do like the rain. Despite the fact that I have a mud roof (lined with plastic), I like the falling water a lot. Maybe I only like the rains in Africa.
Wow, I’m in Africa
It’s raining and I’m so glad. This whole day was ridiculously humid, despite the fact rainy season is close to an end and we don’t get much rain up here. But not quite over, as tonight indicates.
Rain has never been so comforting to me as it is here in Africa. Rain has always created the lazy, ‘lets get under some covers and watch movies all day’ feeling. (To me that also sounds like a snowy day, when everything has shut down or I ditch my responsibilities for the day to avoid the snow.) Rain- I used to dread it because work doesn’t shut down and I have to go out in it and be wet in my clothes (I hate being wet in my clothes) and drowsy and lazy and outside its hazy but still productive despite the fact that the weather sucks.
I could like the weather here because things do stop or slow down tremendously. Everyone goes inside and I get unguilty alone time. A breeze (or rough wind) starts up right before it starts to rain and it gets cool. After, the cool remains for a while making up for all the mud everywhere and the already non-existing roads fading even more into the muddy (-er) landscape
Maybe I like the rain because… it’s familiar; the same all over the world. It’s just falling water
… And the thunder here rolls and rolls sometimes for 15-20seconds… I don’t know maybe even more. It rolls long enough for me to be lost in the sound for a bit and then smile at that fact once the thunder has finally stopped.
And the thick clouds give plenty of warning that the rain is coming followed by the wind or soft breeze. And I can usually see lightening in the distance.
I do like the rain. Despite the fact that I have a mud roof (lined with plastic), I like the falling water a lot. Maybe I only like the rains in Africa.
Wow, I’m in Africa
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Eating with hands REVISITED
First off
I HAVE SKYPE! anytime I have internet access, I'll be on skype and my comp has a video cam! check out my info entry for info.
While talking to a friend with Skype, I realize I forgot a big aspect of eating with your hands.
Malians pass a bowl of water around and everyone must wash their hands in the water before eating, However, many Malians dont wash their hands with soap. Some believe it brings more poverty. But mostly, people dont understand the concept of germs. If something looks clean, its clean. So think of all the times you think washing hands is necessary, like after the bathroom, cleaning, before cooking, etc, etc, Malians do that too, maybe even more, except without soap.
Its one of our roles here to sensitize on the importanc eof soap among other things. This could be in the form of small/larger projects or just informal discussions with people we are in contact with. So for example, during training we werent supposed to eat with anyone who didnt wash their hands, as a rule. As a volunteer, I sometimes carry soap around if I'm eating away from my host family. I always wash my hands with soap before eating and offer to those around me. I always wash my hands before eating and esp after coming from the nyegen (squat toilet).
This also a water sanitation issue too. The canals/rives/water sources are untreated and may be contaminated. People unirate/poop in those water sources, do thewir laundry, swin/play in it, maybe even drink from it. Theey dont see the germs so they dont exist.
See this is why these sorts of entries are hard bc I dont knoow how to end them. Just seems sad and shocking. But these sorts of entries are nessecary. *shrug*
I HAVE SKYPE! anytime I have internet access, I'll be on skype and my comp has a video cam! check out my info entry for info.
While talking to a friend with Skype, I realize I forgot a big aspect of eating with your hands.
Malians pass a bowl of water around and everyone must wash their hands in the water before eating, However, many Malians dont wash their hands with soap. Some believe it brings more poverty. But mostly, people dont understand the concept of germs. If something looks clean, its clean. So think of all the times you think washing hands is necessary, like after the bathroom, cleaning, before cooking, etc, etc, Malians do that too, maybe even more, except without soap.
Its one of our roles here to sensitize on the importanc eof soap among other things. This could be in the form of small/larger projects or just informal discussions with people we are in contact with. So for example, during training we werent supposed to eat with anyone who didnt wash their hands, as a rule. As a volunteer, I sometimes carry soap around if I'm eating away from my host family. I always wash my hands with soap before eating and offer to those around me. I always wash my hands before eating and esp after coming from the nyegen (squat toilet).
This also a water sanitation issue too. The canals/rives/water sources are untreated and may be contaminated. People unirate/poop in those water sources, do thewir laundry, swin/play in it, maybe even drink from it. Theey dont see the germs so they dont exist.
See this is why these sorts of entries are hard bc I dont knoow how to end them. Just seems sad and shocking. But these sorts of entries are nessecary. *shrug*
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Greetings and Dust Storms
During my site visit in late August, my host dad comes to my house trying to convey something to me I didn’t understand. So he pulls me outside and points to the sky. Its rainy season so I figured he was telling me it was going to rain. But when I look up at the sky there are no rain clouds but a huge cloud of sand and dust instead. My host dad was trying to tell me to close my windows to guard against the storm. And it was indeed just wind, sand, and dust for at least 30-45 minutes. Once I got caught in the nyegen (the squat toilet, bathroom area). While I was taking a bucket bath a dust storm suddenly came! I wasn’t very clean after.
Although its rainy season, since I’m further up north, I have experienced little rain up here, just dust storms.
Greetings are very important in Mali. The start of every conversation, no matter what it’s about is “Good morning/ afternoon/ evening/ night! How’s your family? How are your children? How is your husband? How is their health? Does your morning/day going?” No matter if you are stopping to ask directions, buying stuff in the market, you greet. In my village people ask about my family twice though. They say good morning… how’s your family? … how’s your family?” Sometime the questions are in two different forms and sometimes they just ask the exact same question. I’m not sure why. And its not just me they do this too- this is the greeting for everyone. And if you don’t greet, it seems offensive and disrespectful.
Although its rainy season, since I’m further up north, I have experienced little rain up here, just dust storms.
Greetings are very important in Mali. The start of every conversation, no matter what it’s about is “Good morning/ afternoon/ evening/ night! How’s your family? How are your children? How is your husband? How is their health? Does your morning/day going?” No matter if you are stopping to ask directions, buying stuff in the market, you greet. In my village people ask about my family twice though. They say good morning… how’s your family? … how’s your family?” Sometime the questions are in two different forms and sometimes they just ask the exact same question. I’m not sure why. And its not just me they do this too- this is the greeting for everyone. And if you don’t greet, it seems offensive and disrespectful.
Tidbits #2
-Malians LOVE President Obama!!! I’ve seen more Prez O paraphernalia here than all the Prez O stuff in the States: sandals, soccer jerseys, belts, shirts, etc. I’ve seen at least four different types of Obama fabric, including one with him and Michelle. I have an Obama tafe and I plan on getting more Prez O fabric. There are even places named after Obama, and I’ve seen hair cutting places with Obama’s face on the side. And to top it off, almost all Malians know the English word for President
-I’ve seen numerous cock fights! Lol- really! More like cock standoffs. There are animals wondering around the streets and my compound. My host family just has chickens and guinea mostly. At any given time, if you pay attention, you’ll see the male chickens, young and old, face off against each other. They’ll stare each other down for minutes on end. They almost never really fight. If one jumps, the weaker one will prob give up. Any other time, I guess they are equally matched because they just stare each other down and eventually walk away. I find this hilarious! Do I have too much time on my hands? YES
-Every time I come to my regional capital, I end up with lumpy arms. Really only one lumpy arm. I still haven’t figured if its bed bugs from the hotel or mosquito bites. The first time is went from my right shoulder down to my elbow. Last time, it was my left forearm. Itches like hell but looks even worse! I’m here now and what do you know- lumpy left foreman. TIA- This is Africa
-People just like to call my (Malian) name. Literally. At first I thought it was just the kids; they’d just call my name, first or first and last. And even after I’d answer they’d still call me. But adults do it to. Except when I answer, they say the obvious. So I could be reading and they’ll say “you’re reading huh?” and I go “yep” and they continue.
-I'm almost done with the third Twilight book. (I know- I gave in- I'm got a lot of time here!) I've decided just now that I dont like Bella. TEAM JACOB!!!!
-I’ve seen numerous cock fights! Lol- really! More like cock standoffs. There are animals wondering around the streets and my compound. My host family just has chickens and guinea mostly. At any given time, if you pay attention, you’ll see the male chickens, young and old, face off against each other. They’ll stare each other down for minutes on end. They almost never really fight. If one jumps, the weaker one will prob give up. Any other time, I guess they are equally matched because they just stare each other down and eventually walk away. I find this hilarious! Do I have too much time on my hands? YES
-Every time I come to my regional capital, I end up with lumpy arms. Really only one lumpy arm. I still haven’t figured if its bed bugs from the hotel or mosquito bites. The first time is went from my right shoulder down to my elbow. Last time, it was my left forearm. Itches like hell but looks even worse! I’m here now and what do you know- lumpy left foreman. TIA- This is Africa
-People just like to call my (Malian) name. Literally. At first I thought it was just the kids; they’d just call my name, first or first and last. And even after I’d answer they’d still call me. But adults do it to. Except when I answer, they say the obvious. So I could be reading and they’ll say “you’re reading huh?” and I go “yep” and they continue.
-I'm almost done with the third Twilight book. (I know- I gave in- I'm got a lot of time here!) I've decided just now that I dont like Bella. TEAM JACOB!!!!
Seli Jinin 9/20/09
Today is the end of Ramadan, Seli Jinin in Bambara. For a month, all the Muslims have been fasting (no water or food while the sun is up). It’s incredibly hot so this is no small feat. They have been preparing all week for this day, getting outfits made, doing their hair/ getting hair cut and henna-ing on their feet. (I have a cool box pattern on the soles of my feet now- my family insists that when I go back to America I have to get my feet done so everyone in America can see- lol).
I get up later than everyone in my concession, so when I went around to greet everyone, I was handled a pot with some pancake-shaped cakes, with meat and sauce. I’ve never hungry in the morning and they know that, but I ate a little anyway. Everyone is hustling and bustling. My host dad gets dressed up in a green grand buba (a man’s outfit that consists of pants, a shirt, and a long tunic with no sleeves) and his friend that’s there tells me that they are going to pray. I say, ‘yeah, at the mosque’ and he says no we’re going to pray. And I’m like ‘yeah, at the mosque.’ He explains that everyone, men, women and children, are going to pray so they’re going to an open place. (Only men and old women can pray at the mosque). The children are washed and dressed nicely and one of my host brothers is like ‘lets go.’ I’m horrified; I cant possibly go since I’m Christian and have no clue how to pray the way they pray; I don’t want to defile the ceremony or whatever. But he and my host moms don’t have any problem at all. In fact, they encourage me to go and take pictures. So “An ka taa” (Lets go!)
I leave my compound and it’s a ghost town outside. Everyone has gone to the big soccer field on the other side of the canal to pray. There are a few women and children here and there but there’s a big assembly of people all there to pray.
Now I love me some Jesus, but I’ve always been impressed by the discipline Muslims have by praying the exact same way the exact same time, EVERYDAY. In the same vein, Friday is a special day here. Everyone gets off work 11:30ish and all the men go to the mosque to pray. In Bamako, (the big city) there are literally thousands of men lined up praying at noon. It’s a beautiful site.
This prayer time was similar in its beauty. There are men to my left and women to my right, side by side, dressed in their finest, praying. Even the children are there, quietly watching. I was in awe of such a beautiful moment, and all of a sudden my host brother is like “Take pics!” I feel almost blasphemous taking pictures of this moment but he kept insisting, pointing out good spots. So I took a couple pics (see the Picasa album- Seli Jinin) and it was over. Afterward, everyone peacefully went home.
The rest of the day is chill. Lots of relaxing, snacking and the women cook (of course). Later, there is dancing and eating a big feast! People are still dressed very nicely. At one point during the day, a group of young men came into our compound singing. It instantly reminded me of Christmas caroling! And this holiday is like Christmas without gifts. People dress nicely, go to pray, then spend time with family while eating a lot of food. And the whole point of the holiday is to remember/ be closer to Ala.
I get up later than everyone in my concession, so when I went around to greet everyone, I was handled a pot with some pancake-shaped cakes, with meat and sauce. I’ve never hungry in the morning and they know that, but I ate a little anyway. Everyone is hustling and bustling. My host dad gets dressed up in a green grand buba (a man’s outfit that consists of pants, a shirt, and a long tunic with no sleeves) and his friend that’s there tells me that they are going to pray. I say, ‘yeah, at the mosque’ and he says no we’re going to pray. And I’m like ‘yeah, at the mosque.’ He explains that everyone, men, women and children, are going to pray so they’re going to an open place. (Only men and old women can pray at the mosque). The children are washed and dressed nicely and one of my host brothers is like ‘lets go.’ I’m horrified; I cant possibly go since I’m Christian and have no clue how to pray the way they pray; I don’t want to defile the ceremony or whatever. But he and my host moms don’t have any problem at all. In fact, they encourage me to go and take pictures. So “An ka taa” (Lets go!)
I leave my compound and it’s a ghost town outside. Everyone has gone to the big soccer field on the other side of the canal to pray. There are a few women and children here and there but there’s a big assembly of people all there to pray.
Now I love me some Jesus, but I’ve always been impressed by the discipline Muslims have by praying the exact same way the exact same time, EVERYDAY. In the same vein, Friday is a special day here. Everyone gets off work 11:30ish and all the men go to the mosque to pray. In Bamako, (the big city) there are literally thousands of men lined up praying at noon. It’s a beautiful site.
This prayer time was similar in its beauty. There are men to my left and women to my right, side by side, dressed in their finest, praying. Even the children are there, quietly watching. I was in awe of such a beautiful moment, and all of a sudden my host brother is like “Take pics!” I feel almost blasphemous taking pictures of this moment but he kept insisting, pointing out good spots. So I took a couple pics (see the Picasa album- Seli Jinin) and it was over. Afterward, everyone peacefully went home.
The rest of the day is chill. Lots of relaxing, snacking and the women cook (of course). Later, there is dancing and eating a big feast! People are still dressed very nicely. At one point during the day, a group of young men came into our compound singing. It instantly reminded me of Christmas caroling! And this holiday is like Christmas without gifts. People dress nicely, go to pray, then spend time with family while eating a lot of food. And the whole point of the holiday is to remember/ be closer to Ala.
Eating with your hands
So one of the things we learned in training was eating with our hands. You think it wouldn’t be that hard, but you try to scoop rice up without spilling it everywhere. Hard than you thought, huh?
Most Malians eat with their hands. There are forks and spoons in the markets but if you’re poor, with ten kids and two wives, that’s a lot of silverware. More money than necessary when you can just eat with your hands.
Malians gather around a big bowl, men crouching, women sitting on small stools. Men usually eat from a bowl and women and children eat from another. Often there will be a child or two at the men’s bowl. Everyone will wash their hands before digging in the bowl. The center of the bowl has meat and vegetable or more sauce and this area is up for grabs, but the general rule is to stay in the area in front of you- no reaching! You use your fingers to gather a clump of food to the side of the bowl, using your thumb to mash together into a ball. Then you’d curl the ball of food into your hand, into a half fist. I usually turn the half fist toward my face, and gather food in my mouth from the bottom of my fingers to the top. I end up with most of my fingers in my mouth. Some Malians get big handfuls of food and create balls in their hands and take bits from that ball. I can’t do that bc the food is usually too hot for me to take more than a small handful.
When you’ve had enough or the food is gone, one says “A Barika” to the oldest/head of the family down to the youngest. This essentially means thanks for providing. The response is “A barika Ala ye”- thanks be to God.
Most Malians eat with their hands. There are forks and spoons in the markets but if you’re poor, with ten kids and two wives, that’s a lot of silverware. More money than necessary when you can just eat with your hands.
Malians gather around a big bowl, men crouching, women sitting on small stools. Men usually eat from a bowl and women and children eat from another. Often there will be a child or two at the men’s bowl. Everyone will wash their hands before digging in the bowl. The center of the bowl has meat and vegetable or more sauce and this area is up for grabs, but the general rule is to stay in the area in front of you- no reaching! You use your fingers to gather a clump of food to the side of the bowl, using your thumb to mash together into a ball. Then you’d curl the ball of food into your hand, into a half fist. I usually turn the half fist toward my face, and gather food in my mouth from the bottom of my fingers to the top. I end up with most of my fingers in my mouth. Some Malians get big handfuls of food and create balls in their hands and take bits from that ball. I can’t do that bc the food is usually too hot for me to take more than a small handful.
When you’ve had enough or the food is gone, one says “A Barika” to the oldest/head of the family down to the youngest. This essentially means thanks for providing. The response is “A barika Ala ye”- thanks be to God.
Swear-In Sept 10, 2009
So until Sept 10, 2009, I was just a Peace Corps Trainee (PCT). Me and all the other PCTs of my stage where taking language class, cultural sessions, technical sessions and administrative sessions. In essence, we were being taught how to survive and be efficient volunteers. I was surprised at how thorough training was. I figured, we’d get some language training and they’d toss us in a village. The director of Peace Corps Mali said it was kinda like that for him when he served (in the 70’s or 80’s???). I figured our director would be some distant, obscure figure head we never really saw, esp for special ceremonies. But in fact our director is mad cool. He met us at the airport when we got to Mali, passing out mosquito repellant and helping get luggage. He sat in on many of our sessions, adding his input whenever he could and I’ve had many opportunities to just chat it up with him.
Anyways, we were all anticipating Sept 10- the day summer camp would end and we’d be real volunteers! The day started at the US Embassy in Bamako. We had an official ceremony where the US Ambassador, PC Mali director, Minister of Education, and five PCTs gave speeches. We all learned a language that (in most cases) we could use in village, depending on where we were being placed. A student from each language was chosen to give a speech, in that language, during the swear-in ceremony. I was chosen to give the Bambara speech! And this was esp an honor because most volunteers learned Bambara; it’s the dominant native language here.
Almost everyone wore Malian dress up clothes we got made especially for the ceremony and a Malian television station and radio station recorded the whole thing! We also had photographers. I was told that later the ceremony would be broadcast over TV and radio!) After the ceremony, one of the radio station reps wanted to interview me. I tried to tell him my Bambara wasn’t good enough to do that but he insisted it’d be fine. After a couple questions, I couldn’t quite understand or answer, he was a little frustrated, switching between Bambara and French. I tell him I only know a little Bambara, and he exclaims “You know Bambara- you just gave that speech!” And I explained to him that was pre-written and practiced. I guess I did give the speech pretty well. (Another volunteer recorded my whole speech!)
Many volunteers stayed in the city to celebrate, esp since we’d all be going to site a couple days later. We had group hotel rooms and went out to clubs later. I figured my clubbin days had ended in Chicago! We got dressed up; I wore a tube top and jeans. This was only ok because we were in the city; I would never wear that in village! Bare shoulders are ok, but showing your knees is never ok unless you are a prostitute. Many of us stayed out til 3am or so, dancing to somewhat new American music. It was good, clean fun!!!!
(See Picasa album- Swear-In!!!!)
Anyways, we were all anticipating Sept 10- the day summer camp would end and we’d be real volunteers! The day started at the US Embassy in Bamako. We had an official ceremony where the US Ambassador, PC Mali director, Minister of Education, and five PCTs gave speeches. We all learned a language that (in most cases) we could use in village, depending on where we were being placed. A student from each language was chosen to give a speech, in that language, during the swear-in ceremony. I was chosen to give the Bambara speech! And this was esp an honor because most volunteers learned Bambara; it’s the dominant native language here.
Almost everyone wore Malian dress up clothes we got made especially for the ceremony and a Malian television station and radio station recorded the whole thing! We also had photographers. I was told that later the ceremony would be broadcast over TV and radio!) After the ceremony, one of the radio station reps wanted to interview me. I tried to tell him my Bambara wasn’t good enough to do that but he insisted it’d be fine. After a couple questions, I couldn’t quite understand or answer, he was a little frustrated, switching between Bambara and French. I tell him I only know a little Bambara, and he exclaims “You know Bambara- you just gave that speech!” And I explained to him that was pre-written and practiced. I guess I did give the speech pretty well. (Another volunteer recorded my whole speech!)
Many volunteers stayed in the city to celebrate, esp since we’d all be going to site a couple days later. We had group hotel rooms and went out to clubs later. I figured my clubbin days had ended in Chicago! We got dressed up; I wore a tube top and jeans. This was only ok because we were in the city; I would never wear that in village! Bare shoulders are ok, but showing your knees is never ok unless you are a prostitute. Many of us stayed out til 3am or so, dancing to somewhat new American music. It was good, clean fun!!!!
(See Picasa album- Swear-In!!!!)
New Blogging Style
Blogging is hard. I often feel like I have a whole lot to write about but when I get internet access, I seem to think none of it is really important. Other volunteers have expressed a similar sentiment, and they feel like its hard to explain things so that you understand what’s going on.
I’ve decided to type blog entries and save them (I don’t have internet at site). And once I get access, I’ll post them. When necessary, I’ll put dates in the titles. So don’t be alarmed if seven new entries appear after weeks of no updates. And if there is something not thoroughly explained, please ask questions and post comments- you may not be the only one. :-)
I’ve decided to type blog entries and save them (I don’t have internet at site). And once I get access, I’ll post them. When necessary, I’ll put dates in the titles. So don’t be alarmed if seven new entries appear after weeks of no updates. And if there is something not thoroughly explained, please ask questions and post comments- you may not be the only one. :-)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Update
So this week is a pretty crazy one. I’m back at the training site and we had a mid-training language test and a mid-training technical test. In addition, we found out our permanent site of service and we’re going to meet out work counterpart.
After all that jazz, we’re going to visit our permanent sites by ourselves for a week straight!! Craziness!!!!!
So I’m in the Segou region of Mali in a town/city called Dogofry (google it!). It’s a big town by Malian standards, with access to public transportation. I’m going to live in a compound with the chief of village; there are a decent amount of volunteers fairly close to me; and its toward the north of Mali in the dry heat ;-)
Hmmm, what else is new?
I love Malian clothes and fabrics and I plan to buy a lot! Lol so far, I have bought a women’s day fabric and gotten a shirt, tafe (wrap shirt), and a headband made from it. That’s basically what women wear here, and its very comfortable. I have another tafe with letters and numbers on it (I am an education volunteer) and I bought a fancy outfit for swear-in, the ceremony in which I officially become a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Now it seems like I’m balling out of control, but really, I’m not. I promise! In fact, the outfit I got made cost $10 and some change, including cost of fabric and the labor of the tailor. Here in Mali, they practice bargaining. So you got up to a vendor, or the vendor calls you over to sell you something and you ask how much. They give you a price and you bargain them down. Volunteers have giving me the guidelines of going ¼ of the price they initially give and don’t settle for more than roughly 1/3 or ½ of the original quoted price. This goes for everything except for produce bc they usually arent trying to make a profit.
At first thought, it seems great, but this system only values the customer, NOT the vendor/businessperson. In fact, Malians would rather give you a lower price to make you a happy, return customer, than get the worth of an item. Or they just don’t realize the total worth of an item given the time put into it, transport, labor, etc. This is def something I want to inform Malians about bc there are many things of value here.
Other than that, I’m doing well. Food is good; I’m not sick, and I’m still having fun. I do miss you all greatly though!
Love, hugs and kisses! Whats going on in the States?
After all that jazz, we’re going to visit our permanent sites by ourselves for a week straight!! Craziness!!!!!
So I’m in the Segou region of Mali in a town/city called Dogofry (google it!). It’s a big town by Malian standards, with access to public transportation. I’m going to live in a compound with the chief of village; there are a decent amount of volunteers fairly close to me; and its toward the north of Mali in the dry heat ;-)
Hmmm, what else is new?
I love Malian clothes and fabrics and I plan to buy a lot! Lol so far, I have bought a women’s day fabric and gotten a shirt, tafe (wrap shirt), and a headband made from it. That’s basically what women wear here, and its very comfortable. I have another tafe with letters and numbers on it (I am an education volunteer) and I bought a fancy outfit for swear-in, the ceremony in which I officially become a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Now it seems like I’m balling out of control, but really, I’m not. I promise! In fact, the outfit I got made cost $10 and some change, including cost of fabric and the labor of the tailor. Here in Mali, they practice bargaining. So you got up to a vendor, or the vendor calls you over to sell you something and you ask how much. They give you a price and you bargain them down. Volunteers have giving me the guidelines of going ¼ of the price they initially give and don’t settle for more than roughly 1/3 or ½ of the original quoted price. This goes for everything except for produce bc they usually arent trying to make a profit.
At first thought, it seems great, but this system only values the customer, NOT the vendor/businessperson. In fact, Malians would rather give you a lower price to make you a happy, return customer, than get the worth of an item. Or they just don’t realize the total worth of an item given the time put into it, transport, labor, etc. This is def something I want to inform Malians about bc there are many things of value here.
Other than that, I’m doing well. Food is good; I’m not sick, and I’m still having fun. I do miss you all greatly though!
Love, hugs and kisses! Whats going on in the States?
Malian Resourcefulness/Purple Hair
So I am amazed at the different ways in which Malians are very smart/resourceful. For example, I will often see trucks drive past with a load strapped to the top that is bigger than the height of the truck! Seriously, no exaggeration! Each time, I stand in horror thinking its going to tumble over at any second, esp since the trucks are going way fast. And after the truck passes, I ask aloud, “how do they even get that stuff THAT HIGH?” I truly don’t understand. Its usually bigger than a 6ft tall person. I think if they started a worldwide moving company and changed a flat rate, they could just stack a whole house worth of stuff on a car and move it to the new destination. LOL
Anyway, I tell that story for say- I’ve got purple hair!!! Yep, for real. In the states, when I get the type of extensions I have this time, we wrap the ends around rods (little curlers) and dip them in boiling hot water to make the ends curly. My braider didn’t have any rods (or a means to get them) so I was kinda concerned about how this would work. She finished braiding my hair and she took a section and wrapped a small piece of the extensions around the section in a tight spiral. Then she dipped in it in hot water and VOILA! Presto- change- there are curls everywhere! And I never would have thought of that!
Purple is the “IN” color for any sort of weave/braids/extensions for women in Mali. At first I wasn’t into it. But then I figured, ‘what other time can I get purple hair and still be respected/ workplace appropriate?’ Having purple hair (and being Black) actually helps me in this situation, to better fit into Malian culture and be accepted according to Malian standards. Plus its kinda cute.
One day, pics will come ;-)
Anyway, I tell that story for say- I’ve got purple hair!!! Yep, for real. In the states, when I get the type of extensions I have this time, we wrap the ends around rods (little curlers) and dip them in boiling hot water to make the ends curly. My braider didn’t have any rods (or a means to get them) so I was kinda concerned about how this would work. She finished braiding my hair and she took a section and wrapped a small piece of the extensions around the section in a tight spiral. Then she dipped in it in hot water and VOILA! Presto- change- there are curls everywhere! And I never would have thought of that!
Purple is the “IN” color for any sort of weave/braids/extensions for women in Mali. At first I wasn’t into it. But then I figured, ‘what other time can I get purple hair and still be respected/ workplace appropriate?’ Having purple hair (and being Black) actually helps me in this situation, to better fit into Malian culture and be accepted according to Malian standards. Plus its kinda cute.
One day, pics will come ;-)
Cutest thing ever! Baby on Back!
So women here have a lot of babies and a lot of work. To do both, they strap babies on their backs. They literally take a big piece of cloth, bend over, and put the baby on their back. They secure the baby by tying a big knot at the top across their chest, gather the rest of the cloth under the baby’s butt and tie a knot across their stomach. I think it’s very smart and efficient.
Anyway, I’m in village, in my compound for lunch and one of my host sisters (who cant be more than 4-5 years old), takes a little toy bear, bends over and her sister (who’s 6-7yrs old) ties the bear to the other sister’s back.
Seriously, the cutest thing I’ve seen!!!!
Anyway, I’m in village, in my compound for lunch and one of my host sisters (who cant be more than 4-5 years old), takes a little toy bear, bends over and her sister (who’s 6-7yrs old) ties the bear to the other sister’s back.
Seriously, the cutest thing I’ve seen!!!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Some tidbits
I'm horrible at this blog thing. So I'm just going to say random things
-I sweat A LOT. More than I ever have in life! Its crazy! Right now its rainy season so it rains like everyday/every other day. I've never been a fan of rain in the states but I love it here bc it cools off considerably after a rain.
-I take bucket baths! And use less than a full bucket. It converses water and its very refreshing. I ususally shower twice a day bc its hella hot (see above fact ;-) and a bucket bath helps me to cool down
-I was asked to breast feed a child. I know random right?!
-A little boy told me a was chinese! Never got that one before.
-My sector is extremely new here in Mali. My training group is the second one in the Community Development Education. Ther e a only a few other volunteers doing education. We have five objectives: literacy, youth developement, girls development, community development, and supporting/working with local and international NGO's/USAID.
All for now
Kisses!
~V
-I sweat A LOT. More than I ever have in life! Its crazy! Right now its rainy season so it rains like everyday/every other day. I've never been a fan of rain in the states but I love it here bc it cools off considerably after a rain.
-I take bucket baths! And use less than a full bucket. It converses water and its very refreshing. I ususally shower twice a day bc its hella hot (see above fact ;-) and a bucket bath helps me to cool down
-I was asked to breast feed a child. I know random right?!
-A little boy told me a was chinese! Never got that one before.
-My sector is extremely new here in Mali. My training group is the second one in the Community Development Education. Ther e a only a few other volunteers doing education. We have five objectives: literacy, youth developement, girls development, community development, and supporting/working with local and international NGO's/USAID.
All for now
Kisses!
~V
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Homestay/ Cell phone
It feels like I've been in Mali forever! There's so much to say but I guess if I leave anything out or you want to know something specific comment or msg/email me!
My Malian name is Kadiatu Cisse. I almost dont answer to Veronique anymore :-)
Right now I'm in training and I officially become a volunteer in Sept. I train at a training site but I live with a host family for two week stints. There I do intense language classes and cross cultural lessons. I'm learning Bambara, which about 80% of Malians speak and A couple neighboring countries speak it as well.
Oh yes, I HAVE A CELL PHONE. I dont have anyone's numbers bc my old cell is stateside. But you can call me and its free for me to get calls or texts. So here's my number 011-223-78455481. There's a five hour time difference from Central time. So its 10am here but only 5am in Chicago or IC. So get skype or something and call me!
Thats all for now.
Lots of love!
~V
My Malian name is Kadiatu Cisse. I almost dont answer to Veronique anymore :-)
Right now I'm in training and I officially become a volunteer in Sept. I train at a training site but I live with a host family for two week stints. There I do intense language classes and cross cultural lessons. I'm learning Bambara, which about 80% of Malians speak and A couple neighboring countries speak it as well.
Oh yes, I HAVE A CELL PHONE. I dont have anyone's numbers bc my old cell is stateside. But you can call me and its free for me to get calls or texts. So here's my number 011-223-78455481. There's a five hour time difference from Central time. So its 10am here but only 5am in Chicago or IC. So get skype or something and call me!
Thats all for now.
Lots of love!
~V
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I'm here!
In Mali! I am really happy! I have small points of overwhelming-ness then I step back and I feel great again!
And often I have moments of deju va! They are small and usually insignificant moments that happen again. But I believe that its God's way of telling me I made the right decision/ confirmation.
So one of the volunteers was teaching me and three others to play Pitch (card game) as we waited for immunizations. And suddenly, there was deju vu! The volunteers in front of me, the cards, the table, the whole room was the same as before (before as in a dream??? idk). So it was my small confirmation that I was makong the right choice!
I know- lame right. =)
I left the states with 6hours of sleep (over 48hours-ish) and had like 30hours traveling. Yeah, I wass on crack (not really- just an expression). Anyway, here's good ole' Charles de Gaulle airport.
I was able to watch "Madagascar 2" and "17 again" which I enjoyed! Then I vomited (tmi?- my bad) so the rest of my flight sucked. I slept while in Paris and then on the next flight.
Now to the good stuff: MALI!
So it's like 9:30pm here. We had a cultural festival and it was soooo fun! Dancing, drinking Malian juice and bargaining. I had to bargain for anything I bought. I was going to buy clothes but I ended up getting a mirror and a ring. The mirror is bc I have no concept of what I look like; its brown leather w/gold accents and custom patterns. And I also bought a ring to wear on my ring finger. Its super cute with lots of fine details and a dark red stone. I wanted a ring for my left hand to say I'm married when I travel (eventually). Its like in the states and women out and a dude wants to talk to her/get her number and she's like "no, I have a boyfriend" Yeah, like that- I have a husband! lol
I also bought a Malian braclet and got henna done! I'm so excited to be here!
ttyl!
FYI: its Mali-an (for the ppl: Ma-lay-n)
I keep trying to upload pics but the blogger upload thingy sucks! So they'll come later.
And often I have moments of deju va! They are small and usually insignificant moments that happen again. But I believe that its God's way of telling me I made the right decision/ confirmation.
So one of the volunteers was teaching me and three others to play Pitch (card game) as we waited for immunizations. And suddenly, there was deju vu! The volunteers in front of me, the cards, the table, the whole room was the same as before (before as in a dream??? idk). So it was my small confirmation that I was makong the right choice!
I know- lame right. =)
I left the states with 6hours of sleep (over 48hours-ish) and had like 30hours traveling. Yeah, I wass on crack (not really- just an expression). Anyway, here's good ole' Charles de Gaulle airport.
I was able to watch "Madagascar 2" and "17 again" which I enjoyed! Then I vomited (tmi?- my bad) so the rest of my flight sucked. I slept while in Paris and then on the next flight.
Now to the good stuff: MALI!
So it's like 9:30pm here. We had a cultural festival and it was soooo fun! Dancing, drinking Malian juice and bargaining. I had to bargain for anything I bought. I was going to buy clothes but I ended up getting a mirror and a ring. The mirror is bc I have no concept of what I look like; its brown leather w/gold accents and custom patterns. And I also bought a ring to wear on my ring finger. Its super cute with lots of fine details and a dark red stone. I wanted a ring for my left hand to say I'm married when I travel (eventually). Its like in the states and women out and a dude wants to talk to her/get her number and she's like "no, I have a boyfriend" Yeah, like that- I have a husband! lol
I also bought a Malian braclet and got henna done! I'm so excited to be here!
ttyl!
FYI: its Mali-an (for the ppl: Ma-lay-n)
I keep trying to upload pics but the blogger upload thingy sucks! So they'll come later.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Contact info
I've been in Chicago for about two weeks. I've said my goodbyes in Iowa city then and now everyone is like "When are you leaving?!" The answer is tomorrow!!!!!!!!
So I'll be up all night tonite knotting all my loose ends and then off to Philly for a day. Fly from Philly to Bamako, Mali by Friday July 10.
I feel like I havent gotten anything done today!!! Oh no!
Well, no worries, it'll get done ;-)
I've gotten lots of love, support, words of wisdom, FOOD and additional blessings from multiple sources. THANK YOU!!!!
For reference: here's all my info:
Veronique L. Porter, PCT
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 3
Niono, Mali
West Africa
veroniquelporter@gmail.com
Skype: laniseworks
Phone: 011- 223- 78455481
...Suddenly I'm feeling like I have nothing to say. Wow, thats unusual! ;-)
Love, Hugs and Kisses
~V
So I'll be up all night tonite knotting all my loose ends and then off to Philly for a day. Fly from Philly to Bamako, Mali by Friday July 10.
I feel like I havent gotten anything done today!!! Oh no!
Well, no worries, it'll get done ;-)
I've gotten lots of love, support, words of wisdom, FOOD and additional blessings from multiple sources. THANK YOU!!!!
For reference: here's all my info:
Veronique L. Porter, PCT
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 3
Niono, Mali
West Africa
veroniquelporter@gmail.com
Skype: laniseworks
Phone: 011- 223- 78455481
...Suddenly I'm feeling like I have nothing to say. Wow, thats unusual! ;-)
Love, Hugs and Kisses
~V
Monday, June 29, 2009
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Where there's hatred, let me show love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, let there be faith
Where there's despair, let me sow hope
Where there is darkness, let there be light
Where there is sadness, let there be joy
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Oh, Divine Master!
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled-
Oh Divine Master!
As to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
And in pardoning we are pardoned
It is in dying that we are born to enternal life
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy peace
Lord of Thy peace
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Where there's hatred, let me show love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, let there be faith
Where there's despair, let me sow hope
Where there is darkness, let there be light
Where there is sadness, let there be joy
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Oh, Divine Master!
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled-
Oh Divine Master!
As to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
And in pardoning we are pardoned
It is in dying that we are born to enternal life
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy Peace
Lord, Lord
Make me an instrument of Thy peace
Lord, Lord of Thy peace
Lord of Thy peace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm8m9606z3E
Anyone who knows me a little knows I sing all the time. In key and out of pitch depending on how I feel, the song, location, etc. I've been in choirs all my life with the excption of the past year. My high school choir sung a song "Lord, Make Me An Instrument." I loved this song!!! Its an adapation of the prayer of St. Francis I believe. And when thinking of a blog name, it seemed to fit, in every way possible. I hope you enjoy the blog. It'll be mostly Peace Corps, but maybe a little bit on natural hair ;-)
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