I have officially been at site now for half a year… I can’t believe it’s gone by so fast! It’s strange to think back to my first reactions to Garissa and how it felt to be here without knowing anyone or having a place to live even. In honor of this occasion I have made a list of things I’ve done/accomplished/got used to etc since living in Garissa.
After 6 months at site…
· I have only worn real shoes once time for less than one hour (my one and only time running in Garissa) – I heart flip flops
· I am accustomed to the call to prayer 5 times a day (even the one that happens around 4 every morning)
· I have given up wearing the head scarf because a) people felt it gave them license to criticize the rest of my outfit, b) I’m not Muslim or a Somali and that is very obvious by my skin color, so why try to hide it, and c) it’s a MILLION times more comfortable without a scarf on my head/neck in this heat
· I’m finding my place and starting projects with my organization and others in town
· I’m growing accustomed to the heat, I think
· I got to witness an awesome solar eclipse (longest of the millennium)
· I no longer get lost in the market
· I know where to find the good samosas
· I don’t think twice about the various animals roaming the town or sleeping in the middle of the road if that’s where the shade falls
· I have friends!!!
· I have honed my skills at bat/rat/scorpion elimination
· I feel a sincere appreciation for my mosquito net (only a thin mesh fabric, but so reassuring considering the nightly visitors – bats/rats/scorpions/bugs… etc)
· I realize that what I miss most about home (aside from family and friends) is cold drinking water and/or Jamba Juice
· I am thoroughly enjoying a better diet, with fresh fruit and veggies on a daily basis, though I miss having a fridge to keep them fresh longer
· I continue to be impressed by the dedication of my supervisors who have such big hearts for the members of the surrounding communities
· I have accepted my Peace Corps service will be without a bike since it wouldn’t be very culturally acceptable for a girl to ride one in this area (it played a key role in all my PC day dreams before I became a volunteer, so this one has been tough)
· Even my English is becoming Kenyan English… the order is changed and the Kenyan sayings are being added, this is going to make coming back hard, haha
· I have read 15 books (one of which was the Lord of the Rings Trilogy)
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Congrats Rachel..We are so proud of you and in AWE!!!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn & Tom
Hi Rach,
ReplyDeleteRemember me, Joy, at the Flynn Ctr?
You are so awesome and such an inspiration. Keep up your good work. You are an example for us all.
Take care of yourself,
Joy
Hi Joy, of course I remember you! Thanks for the encouragement! Tell everyone I say hi :)
ReplyDeleteMarilyn and Tom, thanks for all the positive energy, it's keeping me going and motivated through the harder times. I love you!