This is Africa

I always imagine what my life MIGHT look like in the Peace Corps. I didn't have any concrete facts, just a wild imagination that made the extensive application process seem normal and the long wait just a simple test of patience. Throughout training the other volunteers and I would laugh about ridiculous and awkward moments remembering T.I.A. (this is Africa). We were still fresh in country and not used to being put in a minibus with 20 of our closest friends, or standing next to a seizing chicken on a four hour bus trip, etc. Recently, I have had more T.I.A. moments that remind me I am not imagining my life in the Peace Corps anymore. This is my life.

T.I.A. Moment 1
One of my cluster schools (about an hour bike ride away in the rainy season) is a very small school with only two forms. The school is new and growing and hoping for school blocks to accommodate forms 3 & 4. They just received a third teacher from the ministry of education and the Form 1 classroom doesn't have benches or desks so the students work on the floor. So, this little school with about 120 students and 3 teachers sits about an hour away from the road, from electricity, from bread, and cold drinks! I taught a lesson there the other day and looked at the classroom of students ranging in age from 14-25 and thought yes, this is Africa.

T.I.A. Moment 2
After visiting another one of my cluster schools (about an hour in the back of a truck down a crazy dirt road that would give Disney Land a run for its money) I decided I would start walking back home and stop at another school along the way. Two and a half hours later I made it to the school without seeing another vehicle along the way. Yes, T.I.A. For those concerned I did manage to find transportation home via a bicycle taxi and sanitation truck. It was a very long day.

T.I.A. Moment 3
If you need a self confidence booster you should come to Malawi. I walk down the road and the children start jumping up and down, chanting my name. Charity, the girl from school who helps get my water and clean my home (in exchange for her school fees) told me it was because I "have a cheap name," hmm I thought it was because I am a rockstar. : )

** I feel as though I should include another Charity-ism in this category- I hadn't swept in a couple of days and she was over sweeping my house when she asked me "why am I such a dirty being?" I didn't really have a response for that except the thought that my mom would be so embarrassed.

T.I.A. Moment 4 (slightly more frustrating)
Being the only female attending an Area Executive Committee meeting and for 3 hours being asked/told when I am going to leave to cook them nsima. I told them they were probably going to be very hungry because I am never going to cook them nsima. I realize this was not the culturally sensitive thing to do, but I too was hungry and tired.

I know this is just the beginning and there will be plenty more T.I.A. moments. I am trying to take each day as it comes and am doing my best to not take any day for granted remembering that my time here is limited.

But, in the future I will never take a couch for granted or water with lemon or busy Saturday afternoons or jamba juice after a tough workout or being able to visit friends whenever I want....Of course, those are all things that will be there when I get back so until then this is Africa.

loads of love,
elisabeth