new perspectives

10/08/2012
Because Bike Tour and Camp Glow I was out of site for a while. Although they both were great summer programs I never want to be out of site that long again. Being back after that long crazy summer is in a way refreshing. The guilt of being away is gone, it's nice to be back with friends at site,  and I'm back on my own schedule. I started MCAT prep again. Before I left my French was shaky at best, it's still shaky now but I am a lot more comfortable and confident with it. With this new found confidence I am more comfortable starting projects and speaking in front of large groups of people! I did a neem cream (cheap and easy to make anti mosquito repellent) demonstration the other day and it went well. I remember when I was so afraid to do any sort of public speaking. Despite this new found success I really do need to work on my local language. French is a lot easier to me than Moore (and I'm not even good at French.) The mid wife that works at my health clinic started selling neem cream to her patients on a regular basis. Now more people will be exposed to it and hopefully start using it. You can suck it malaria ridden mosquitos! There is a girl in my village who started selling tofu, yay! 1 point for nutrition and 1 point for my happy stomach. People here love tofu! It not like in the states where there is a unjustified stigma against any "healthy, vegetarian, vegan, non meat foods." It's amazing how effectively big business can infiltrate the minds of America.

10/15/2012
Today has been a strange day. This morning while I was feeing my dog I noticed that his skin was covered in ticks...hundreds of ticks. After leaving my courtyard I noticed that he was limping. After further examination I discovered a quarter sized hole on his inner thigh exposing his muscle. I began to take the ticks off outside of my health center with tweezers. While operating on my restless dog my best friend at site, Rouke walked up. She looked really sad and explained that her nephew's wife (Katy-my laundry lady) lost her brother and father last night. I asked how and she told me that a few days ago the uncle of Katy died in a car accident. Katy's father stricken with grief then took his own life by drinking insecticide. I was utterly shocked and wasn't sure how to respond. A few minutes later a lot of people started showing up at my health clinic, healthy people. As everyone stood around in silence looking sad I stood there confused and in the dark. I finally asked what was going on and someone told me that 2 children from my village died in a car accident.

Despite these tragedies it is refreshing to see so many non related community member come and support the family in need. To witness and somewhat be apart of the glue that bonds and strengthens this village, that solidifies the word neighbor, and expands the idea of family is an experience that I will always remember and cherish...gag (sappy I know but true)