This is my life...
Will it ever get old to see roosters in the tree, crowing as I shower? Will I ever get to the point at which I wonder what is making noise beside me in my bucket and say, “oh, it is just the family pig walking around.”?
When I was washing in the bucket shower this afternoon I heard some crowing. I looked up to see what was going on and I found a rooster in a tree flapping its wings, while some chickens were below pecking the ground looking for food. First I was like “oh yeah, just the chickens.” But then I was like “no wait! Never have I ever been half naked washing myself with roosters barking in trees!” I did the same thing with the pig like two days ago too! I looked up to see a huge pig just hanging out in the grass, doing his thing. I laughed out loud at that point because I just could not believe it. Never would I ever have imagined that I would be washing outside, people and animals around, with only a little piece of sheet metal to block passersby from seeing me! I don’t even know what is normal anymore!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
September 19: Day 18
Coffe with ants please!
Coffee here is not exactly what you would you get at your local starbucks. For one, it is all instant. For two, it is about ½ milk (powdered or boxed of course…canned if I am lucky) ¼ sugar and ¼ coffee. And for three, this morning in my “coffee” there were two ants taking a bath. But that is not where the ants stop. I had peanut butter on bread and there were ants that came out of the jar and I know I ended up spreading them right onto my bread. Extra protein right? It is very interesting how you just get used to these things. At first I tried to pick the ants out of my food, but now I just try to go with it. Sometimes I get a little grossed out with the ants and I kill them or try extra hard to keep them off my plate. For the most part it is part of the routine. Avoid bugs.
I don’t know if I mentioned this before but Pohnpei, actually Micronesia, is incredibly rainy. You would think that there would be TONS of bugs from all of the rain, but there really are not that many. My host father, Makansi, says that the only poisonous but here is the giant centipede…and I have not even seen one yet!
On a different note, I do not think my family used toilet paper. They bought me some and gave it to me when I first got here, but I have not seen any in the outhouse at all. And I never see them take any with them back there. In fact, there is a bag hanging with scrap paper in it. I think my host sister, Q-vera, old tests from school. I’m pretty sure they use that instead…each to their own…
Coffee here is not exactly what you would you get at your local starbucks. For one, it is all instant. For two, it is about ½ milk (powdered or boxed of course…canned if I am lucky) ¼ sugar and ¼ coffee. And for three, this morning in my “coffee” there were two ants taking a bath. But that is not where the ants stop. I had peanut butter on bread and there were ants that came out of the jar and I know I ended up spreading them right onto my bread. Extra protein right? It is very interesting how you just get used to these things. At first I tried to pick the ants out of my food, but now I just try to go with it. Sometimes I get a little grossed out with the ants and I kill them or try extra hard to keep them off my plate. For the most part it is part of the routine. Avoid bugs.
I don’t know if I mentioned this before but Pohnpei, actually Micronesia, is incredibly rainy. You would think that there would be TONS of bugs from all of the rain, but there really are not that many. My host father, Makansi, says that the only poisonous but here is the giant centipede…and I have not even seen one yet!
On a different note, I do not think my family used toilet paper. They bought me some and gave it to me when I first got here, but I have not seen any in the outhouse at all. And I never see them take any with them back there. In fact, there is a bag hanging with scrap paper in it. I think my host sister, Q-vera, old tests from school. I’m pretty sure they use that instead…each to their own…
Thursday, October 8, 2009
September 16: Day 15
I AM GOING TO WOLEAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am soooo stoked!! Site placements were announced today and I am going to the island of Woleai! AAAH! I am sooo excited!! It is exactly where I wanted to go! J Life is good!
Here is a tid bit of information from the site folder I was given:
School: Falalop Woleai Community School
Grades: 1-8 (I will be focusing on 7th and 8th English though)
Co-teacher: Juliana
Work hours: 8-2:30ish
Language: Woleaian (which I heard is one of the hardest to learn!)
Population of island: 300
Family: Simion and Bibiana (not sure if they have kids or not)
Housing: my very own thatched hut!
Bathing facilities: ocean/bucket shower
Community activities: weaving baskets and other things, making lavalavas, making marmars, doing house chores, weaving rope from coconuts and various other island activities.
Primary religion: Roman Catholic
Food: fish, rice, yam, taro, fish, rice, banana, fish, rice, sea turtle, fish, rice, coconut
Woleai has not had Peace Corps Volunteers in 10 years so they are very excited about it! There are actually 3 of us going to Woleai, which is really great because we are really far from anyone! There are 2 locations on the main island of Woleai and then there is another about a 12 minute boat ride away. I will be working at the elementary school in Falalop, Porter (a guy) will be working at the high school right by me in Falalop, and Emily (love her!) will be working on the other island at another elementary school. So if I ever need to vent in English, I can just go to them!
Dress in Woleai is a bit different. Men in Woleai wear a loincloth. Now, when I think of loincloth, I think of Tarzan, but these actually cover a lot more then Tarzan’s did. Women wear a special skirt called a lavalava, which I get to learn how to make!! They wear a lot of lei’s, but not much else up top. I think it is going to be a little awkward at first, especially working so close to Porter, but I don’t think it will be too much of a problem. I mean every one else won’t be wearing a shirt, so if I were to wear one, I would be the weird one! Now, teaching with no shirt may be a little odd at first…but I’ll have 2 years to get used to it right?!
Regina, my Program Administrator, showed us some pictures of Woleai this afternoon, and they are absolutely perfect. Just picture an island paradise with blue waters and white sand, jungle in the background and island people doing dances in grass skirts…that’s where I’m going! I feel that I completely lucked out when it comes to locations. And the people that I am with are way cool too!
We have one more week of training here on Pohnpei, and then we are all off to our main islands for more training! I think there are about 7 of us going to Yap where we will have 6 weeks of training in language, community, culture, and education. Then we swear in as PCV’s and we are off to our sites!! YAY!!
I am soooo stoked!! Site placements were announced today and I am going to the island of Woleai! AAAH! I am sooo excited!! It is exactly where I wanted to go! J Life is good!
Here is a tid bit of information from the site folder I was given:
School: Falalop Woleai Community School
Grades: 1-8 (I will be focusing on 7th and 8th English though)
Co-teacher: Juliana
Work hours: 8-2:30ish
Language: Woleaian (which I heard is one of the hardest to learn!)
Population of island: 300
Family: Simion and Bibiana (not sure if they have kids or not)
Housing: my very own thatched hut!
Bathing facilities: ocean/bucket shower
Community activities: weaving baskets and other things, making lavalavas, making marmars, doing house chores, weaving rope from coconuts and various other island activities.
Primary religion: Roman Catholic
Food: fish, rice, yam, taro, fish, rice, banana, fish, rice, sea turtle, fish, rice, coconut
Woleai has not had Peace Corps Volunteers in 10 years so they are very excited about it! There are actually 3 of us going to Woleai, which is really great because we are really far from anyone! There are 2 locations on the main island of Woleai and then there is another about a 12 minute boat ride away. I will be working at the elementary school in Falalop, Porter (a guy) will be working at the high school right by me in Falalop, and Emily (love her!) will be working on the other island at another elementary school. So if I ever need to vent in English, I can just go to them!
Dress in Woleai is a bit different. Men in Woleai wear a loincloth. Now, when I think of loincloth, I think of Tarzan, but these actually cover a lot more then Tarzan’s did. Women wear a special skirt called a lavalava, which I get to learn how to make!! They wear a lot of lei’s, but not much else up top. I think it is going to be a little awkward at first, especially working so close to Porter, but I don’t think it will be too much of a problem. I mean every one else won’t be wearing a shirt, so if I were to wear one, I would be the weird one! Now, teaching with no shirt may be a little odd at first…but I’ll have 2 years to get used to it right?!
Regina, my Program Administrator, showed us some pictures of Woleai this afternoon, and they are absolutely perfect. Just picture an island paradise with blue waters and white sand, jungle in the background and island people doing dances in grass skirts…that’s where I’m going! I feel that I completely lucked out when it comes to locations. And the people that I am with are way cool too!
We have one more week of training here on Pohnpei, and then we are all off to our main islands for more training! I think there are about 7 of us going to Yap where we will have 6 weeks of training in language, community, culture, and education. Then we swear in as PCV’s and we are off to our sites!! YAY!!
September 11: Day 10
Makansi speaks English very well, so I speak with him the most in my family. He has been telling me about the Nan Marquee (high chief) that lives on a nearby island. There are 5 municipalities in Pohnpei and each one has a Nan Marquee that is kind of like the king. Everyone respects him and gives him money and honor. Apparently each Nan Marquee of this municipality has lived in a “palace” like place that was built n the 30’s. He has 2 sons, but they do not inherit the thrown. It is already decided who is the next Nan Marquee and there is a whole line of people with special titles that no one seems to be able to explain to us. This is typical of Micronesians though, they never really give you the whole story.
Today was liberation day! The day that Micronesia broke free from the Japanese! I am pretty sure that the US helped them too. Go us! It is a pretty big deal around here so they had a special event in the village’s Nas. Every family has a Nas, which is a special place for celebrations and ceremonies. It is also where they pound the Sa Kau. Sa Kau is a special drink that is incredibly important to Pohnpeians. Sa Kau comes from the root of the Kava plant and takes special preparation to pound it to make the juice. It looks like muddy water and tastes just a little bit worse, plus it feels like a loogie going down. Even Pohnpeians say its gross, but they ALL drink it.
Another thing they all do here is chew betel nut. They are these green nuts that grow on a tall skinny tree that looks like a palm tree. EVERY ONE chews them here and I am not exactly sure why because it rots their teeth like it is nobodies business! I think the only nice teeth that I have seen here have been on the kids! And even some of them are chewing betel nut! But I guess it is a cultural thing and it is just what everyone does!
Today was liberation day! The day that Micronesia broke free from the Japanese! I am pretty sure that the US helped them too. Go us! It is a pretty big deal around here so they had a special event in the village’s Nas. Every family has a Nas, which is a special place for celebrations and ceremonies. It is also where they pound the Sa Kau. Sa Kau is a special drink that is incredibly important to Pohnpeians. Sa Kau comes from the root of the Kava plant and takes special preparation to pound it to make the juice. It looks like muddy water and tastes just a little bit worse, plus it feels like a loogie going down. Even Pohnpeians say its gross, but they ALL drink it.
Another thing they all do here is chew betel nut. They are these green nuts that grow on a tall skinny tree that looks like a palm tree. EVERY ONE chews them here and I am not exactly sure why because it rots their teeth like it is nobodies business! I think the only nice teeth that I have seen here have been on the kids! And even some of them are chewing betel nut! But I guess it is a cultural thing and it is just what everyone does!
September 9: Day 8
Training so far is going well! It has moments that are really boring and I feel as though I am not really capable of everything they want. There is a ton that goes into working with the community and making positive change. It is definitely going to be a challenge! I’m sure that with time and more training I will feel better equipped to go into a village and help them they way Peace Corps would like me to.
I almost feel over stimulated. I have people around me constantly. I have to pay attention to lectures, stay mentally awake, and I am constantly thinking about what I am going to put for my site placement preferences! That is a really big one right now! I spoke with the Programs Advisor (PA) for Yap, Regina, to try and get a better feel for what Yap’s outer islands are like. There is one specific island that I am interested in called Woleai (wol-ee-eye). It is the most outer of the outer islands. There is no internet or phones on the island and mail only comes about once a month. So, I would not have a whole lot of communication with the US. There is also the factor of dress. Women wear only Lavalava’s (hand woven skirts that I would get to learn how to make) and no tops! Of course, I would have to do that too out of respect for their culture! I’m not so sure I could do that! EEK!
But those are, as far as I can see, the only negative aspects about Woleai. I will just have to think about this for a bit and see if I could handle those challenges. I mean I’m sure I would have no problem handling them…just do I want to?
I almost feel over stimulated. I have people around me constantly. I have to pay attention to lectures, stay mentally awake, and I am constantly thinking about what I am going to put for my site placement preferences! That is a really big one right now! I spoke with the Programs Advisor (PA) for Yap, Regina, to try and get a better feel for what Yap’s outer islands are like. There is one specific island that I am interested in called Woleai (wol-ee-eye). It is the most outer of the outer islands. There is no internet or phones on the island and mail only comes about once a month. So, I would not have a whole lot of communication with the US. There is also the factor of dress. Women wear only Lavalava’s (hand woven skirts that I would get to learn how to make) and no tops! Of course, I would have to do that too out of respect for their culture! I’m not so sure I could do that! EEK!
But those are, as far as I can see, the only negative aspects about Woleai. I will just have to think about this for a bit and see if I could handle those challenges. I mean I’m sure I would have no problem handling them…just do I want to?
September 7: Day 6
September 7: Day 6
Today I got to meet my family! My host father is Makansi and my mother is Q-leen. I also have a sister named Q-vera who is 14. There are also these 3 little boys who I think are family somehow but I cannot remember how at the moment. The boys are Omar (6), Sean Douglas (8), and Malcom (8) and they are so much fun! All they wanted me to do was take pictures of them as they danced like rappers and threw up gang signs in front of me. I really wish I knew what they were saying because they talk like a mile a minute and they think I understand everything they are saying so I just nod and laugh because I actually have noooo clue! I just imagined what energetic little boys in the states would say and I’m sure its not too far off from that.
The people here are so kind and friendly. They laugh and smile constantly. They are also very laid back and just happy to be. My host father, Makansi, actually knows my brother Mark! Mark and Tracy and Hannah lived here for a year or so about 7 years ago and they lived in this very village! Tracy taught at the school Pohnpei Agriculture and Trade School (PATS) which is right next to our training center here. Mark was doing research and spoke and worked with a lot of the villagers (my host father being one of them), and the woman across the street used to take care of Hannah and her best friend Shauna! It is so wild that they used to live in this same place!! I really want to find Hannah’s best friend while I am here and take a picture to send to Hannah. I think she would really love that!
The place that I am staying at is small house with a main room, 2 bedrooms and a kitchen. During the day the main room is where everyone lies around and watches movies or just talks. At night it is where my family sleeps on grass mats. The kitchen is not what you and I would call a typical kitchen. There are 4 separate gas burners that look like they are ready to blow up at any moment, a sink, a table, and a freezer/fridge thing that looks like a giant cooler. Luckily, Peace Corps requires that we have our own rooms with a door and a lock, so I have my own little room! I have a little mat on the floor with a pillow (that is lumpy and as hard as rocks!) and a nice fan to keep me cool at night! I have shelves to put all my things on and 2 windows that look into the back yard, which is basically just jungle. The other bedroom is only used when their son comes with his wife on the weekends to stay with them.
Now the bathroom facilities are a bit different. There is an out house behind the house with a bucket toilet. Which means I do my business in the toilet looking thing and then pour water down it to flush. Let me tell you, it does not smell the greatest in there. But, I’m sure I will get used to it! For showering I have 2 options. 1. there is a shower shower that is closed in and I am able to get nakie in or 2. a bucket shower where I wear a long skirt or just my undies and pour water on myself from a hose-fed bucket. Both of these are on the porch where everyone hangs out all the time. I’m guessing that I will shower in the regular shower for the most part. J
Today I got to meet my family! My host father is Makansi and my mother is Q-leen. I also have a sister named Q-vera who is 14. There are also these 3 little boys who I think are family somehow but I cannot remember how at the moment. The boys are Omar (6), Sean Douglas (8), and Malcom (8) and they are so much fun! All they wanted me to do was take pictures of them as they danced like rappers and threw up gang signs in front of me. I really wish I knew what they were saying because they talk like a mile a minute and they think I understand everything they are saying so I just nod and laugh because I actually have noooo clue! I just imagined what energetic little boys in the states would say and I’m sure its not too far off from that.
The people here are so kind and friendly. They laugh and smile constantly. They are also very laid back and just happy to be. My host father, Makansi, actually knows my brother Mark! Mark and Tracy and Hannah lived here for a year or so about 7 years ago and they lived in this very village! Tracy taught at the school Pohnpei Agriculture and Trade School (PATS) which is right next to our training center here. Mark was doing research and spoke and worked with a lot of the villagers (my host father being one of them), and the woman across the street used to take care of Hannah and her best friend Shauna! It is so wild that they used to live in this same place!! I really want to find Hannah’s best friend while I am here and take a picture to send to Hannah. I think she would really love that!
The place that I am staying at is small house with a main room, 2 bedrooms and a kitchen. During the day the main room is where everyone lies around and watches movies or just talks. At night it is where my family sleeps on grass mats. The kitchen is not what you and I would call a typical kitchen. There are 4 separate gas burners that look like they are ready to blow up at any moment, a sink, a table, and a freezer/fridge thing that looks like a giant cooler. Luckily, Peace Corps requires that we have our own rooms with a door and a lock, so I have my own little room! I have a little mat on the floor with a pillow (that is lumpy and as hard as rocks!) and a nice fan to keep me cool at night! I have shelves to put all my things on and 2 windows that look into the back yard, which is basically just jungle. The other bedroom is only used when their son comes with his wife on the weekends to stay with them.
Now the bathroom facilities are a bit different. There is an out house behind the house with a bucket toilet. Which means I do my business in the toilet looking thing and then pour water down it to flush. Let me tell you, it does not smell the greatest in there. But, I’m sure I will get used to it! For showering I have 2 options. 1. there is a shower shower that is closed in and I am able to get nakie in or 2. a bucket shower where I wear a long skirt or just my undies and pour water on myself from a hose-fed bucket. Both of these are on the porch where everyone hangs out all the time. I’m guessing that I will shower in the regular shower for the most part. J
September 5: Day 4
Sep
Kasalehlie! That’s the greeting I received when I got off the plane in Pohnpei, Micronesia! The crazy hot sun was also blazing its welcome as we walked down the runway to customs. It is stinking hot here! After we were greeted by current Peace Corps Volunteers and staff, received marmars (flower crowns), and piled on an old school bus, we went to Yavonnes hotel. We had a little welcome session that completely confused me because I was going on like zero sleep! I was pretty much questioning my sanity at this point because I felt like a zombie, the food was spam sandwiches, I was hotter then I ever remember being in my life, and they were throwing all of this important info at us that I did not understand! At this point I could not remember why exactly I chose to come here….
The next morning, after falling asleep at 6pm and waking up at 8am, I felt much better. Things solidified and were not that confusing at all! They are actually really exciting!! Tomorrow we are going to meet our families that we will be staying with for the next 3 weeks of training and I am totally stoked!!
Kasalehlie! That’s the greeting I received when I got off the plane in Pohnpei, Micronesia! The crazy hot sun was also blazing its welcome as we walked down the runway to customs. It is stinking hot here! After we were greeted by current Peace Corps Volunteers and staff, received marmars (flower crowns), and piled on an old school bus, we went to Yavonnes hotel. We had a little welcome session that completely confused me because I was going on like zero sleep! I was pretty much questioning my sanity at this point because I felt like a zombie, the food was spam sandwiches, I was hotter then I ever remember being in my life, and they were throwing all of this important info at us that I did not understand! At this point I could not remember why exactly I chose to come here….
The next morning, after falling asleep at 6pm and waking up at 8am, I felt much better. Things solidified and were not that confusing at all! They are actually really exciting!! Tomorrow we are going to meet our families that we will be staying with for the next 3 weeks of training and I am totally stoked!!
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