It's Blanket Weather!!! Woot Woot!!

June 7, 2011

So I decided to take a few days off from writing and I also went into town this last weekend to try and get my head back on straight or at least straighter. And I think it worked, at least a little. I am able to think and was actually able to finish my homework and turn it in on time. Which was nice although I also had to turn in 2 research proposals and I do not think that they were that good, but I really liked the ideas and am hoping that maybe my professors can help me sift through my thoughts and come up with something. I am hoping something with firewood that would involve surveys and GPS. We shall see what comes of this. I have also thought about my projects a little more and am working on trying to get some other things started. I am just not sure how I want to go about some things yet, I want to make sure I know my expectations before I start something.

Randi left yesterday and I was planning on that too, until after I sat on the bus for 1.5 hours, I realized I left my keys at Claires. So I walked back to Claires which really sucked because I had my bag that the airport lost and it was really heavy. And I did not want to wait for the bus today, so I walked back this morning with my small backpack. I am glad I did too, because it is so nice out right now. A little hot but nothing horrible. I can actually walk in the middle of the day which I love so much.

Claire called me a few days ago and told me that her friend thought that she had been bewitched because she kept waking up in the night to sounds, but her friend did not hear anything thus her friend decided that she had a curse on her. She called me to ask my thoughts and of course I told her that I think she is ok. But then she called me and told me that she had got stung by a tons of jellyfish and she now looks like she has chicken pox and welts all over her body. I just said that sucks and hope it goes away before she goes home next week. Well it turns out that she has scabies or some other parasite. Very happy that I am not her at the moment. Also 2 days ago I woke up at 3:20 am because the whole house and everything was shaking. I was very groggy and unsure if I had dreamed this or if this was actually happening so I asked Randi the next day. She said that I was not crazy and that she felt it too. Turns out there was an earthquake or something like that in town. Crazy. If things keep happening like this, I might actually believe that Claire has a curse on her and it is not just a string of bad luck.

Also made Spanish rice today. It is definitely not the same without bread and butter and meat. But it was something different. I think I am going to try and make a list of food that I like and can make really easy here so that I can just look at that instead of having to remember what I have made in the past and what is good. Also I think I might attempt sourdough bread this week, still not sure yet but thinking more seriously about it now. (it is a commitment because you have to let the sugar and yeast sit for a few days)

I also think that I am going to do some more exploring this week in the mountains. Kind of excited but I know this is crazy, but sometimes when I go out in the mountains by myself I have this huge fear that a lion or bear is going to jump out of nowhere. This is so stupid and yet I cannot stop myself from thinking like this.

Also I have decided the joke about Grandpa talking your ear off, might be the best joke ever. And I never get tired of hearing it. It always makes me laugh.

June 8, 2011

So today seemed like the longest day ever, I am not sure why either because I did a ton, but I still had a ton of downtime. I harvested all of my sunflowers today, so now they are all sitting on the floor of my house drying out. I think I am going to take them into town and get them pressed so that I have some sunflower oil to cook with. I did not know this, but sunflower oil is really good to cook with. Paul also came over and we talked about possibly teaching a environmental class together at the secondary school. We also talked about getting solar power for the secondary school. He thinks it is do able but I am skeptical. The school has to come up with 800,000 shs which is 10% of the cost. (500 dollars) I am not sure if this is possible considering he couldn’t even get his villagers to pitch in together and buy some soccer balls and our water system is definite need of repair, but I am going to try and help and see where it gets us. I also made white bread and banana bread today on my charcoal stove. They both turned out wonderful. I still have so much more stuff to do it is unreal. I am trying to plan out my next few months which is proving to be very hard because PC is not always on top of things. And I am hearing a lot of different things at the moment about seminars but hopefully it all gets worked out soon. I have also decided that I might be a little OCD when it comes to making lists and planning things. I need to know what is going to happen and when I am not good with being left in the dark.

Also think that I am going to start training for a half marathon. Not sure if I will actually run it, but I really like running and following a training program so we shall see how it goes.
I also got to climb on top of the water tank today it was awesome. It has a really nice view. Might make this a new spot to sit.

June 9, 2011

First I found out today that if the radio is really loud at someone’s house that could mean that they are having sex or it could just mean that they like the radio loud. I find no comfort in this, now I am just going to confused and wondering which of the two is really going on. I much rather would have preferred not to know this little tid bit because now I will always be wondering.

Also saw a lady today with only 1 leg and she had a fake leg made out of wood. It was pretty impressive. I saw it in the next village over, I was there with Jessica giving out vitamins to the little kids. I also found out today that they are building a clinic in the next village and have somewhat started already. This is all news to me because when I last asked it was suppose to be built behind the school. But it looks like they might actually start working soon which would be awesome. Also I on that note I was talking to Randi and it seems like a lot is happening within our villages that we are not a part of. She had some good advice in saying that theses other projects included tons of people, resources, and money and we cannot really compare ourselves to them. She is very wise.

Also I am turning into a villager, I saw 2 white people today and all I could think was white person and what the hell are they doing here. Nobody ever comes to Mpwapwa. There is literally nothing here. I am also finding out that other volunteers have a lot more fun on the weekends and get to go water skiing, etc. because they have ex pats living in their banking town. We have none. Although we do have Claire so it could be worse and I love hanging out with Claire so I guess I cannot complain.

Making Sourdough bread tomorrow and it has to sit for 2 days first, My kitchen does not smell good at the moment.

‘June 10, 2011

I had a chicken meeting today and I think that it went really well as usual. We are also going to learn how to make soap and lotion using leaves of the neem and mlonge tree next week. I have never made them before so we shall see how they go, if they go good, maybe we can find a market for them. But I think in general it is just going to be something fun for us to do.

I am kind of going crazy a little but, I think this has more to do with the fact that I am just unsure of things that at the moment,. I really want to have a plan but I do not so I am hoping that this weekend I can figure out a plan for the next few months and that will help me feel a little better.

Also made sourdough bread today. Totally not worth it. It did not turn out good at all, but of course I am still going to eat it. I might even make French toast tomorrow. I am going to climb my little mountain in back of my house tomorrow and try to get some exercise and clear my head. I am really excited about it, I hope it goes as well as I hope.

Also a grandpa came to talk to me today because he said that he had a problem. This worried me a little because I did not know exactly what he wanted and I was thinking that it was probably money and he probably wanted a lot. He came over today and did want money but he only wanted 1,000 shs which is like 75 cents for a funeral. I gladly handed it to him. I think this is the first time that I have given out money to someone. I have decided that I will give a little if it is related to church, funerals, or sick people. If it is what I consider charity I have no problem, it is when they start asking for money to build a house or get more animals that I have a problem. Especially when I see these same people day in and day out at the bar.

June 11, 2011

I woke up and climbed my little mountain and checked my email this morning which was both awesome and not. First my computer was acting weird so that kind of scared me, but then it went back to being normal. Secondly I checked my email and was both happy and sad about this. I think I am starting to get somewhere with my research proposal if only a subject which is good. But I also got an email saying that they had not received my second grant proposal which sucks because I have been trying to get a hold of the guy for the last 2 weeks to make sure that he got it. Not cool. I am 99% sure that I sent it to him, but I am going to go into town Monday and resend it to him along with everything else. Hopefully he gets all of it. It is also really frustrating because while I do have internet in town I am not able to send pictures and can only send small attachments. Kind of nerve racking sometimes.

After I climbed the mountain I came back and rested which was nice, but I miss being at home a lot still. Even more when I realize how small my world is at the moment. I miss being able to go to other cities and back in the same day, or spending a few hours shopping. It just does not work like that over here.

When I got back Jessica said that we have a meeting Monday with the village government. I think they are going to ask me to help them build their clinic which is awesome, but last time they asked me to help them , all I asked for first was a letter saying what they wanted and how they were also going to help. Which I never received so I hope this meeting goes better and I actually see a letter this time.

Claire had been gone for 2 weeks now and it kind of sucks. I am not sure what life will be like when see is gone for good. I love how easy it was to go in and see her and hang out now if I want to go and see someone I really have to plan. Like next week I think I am going to go to Randi’s but there is only 1 bus a day there and back. So I have to be in town by the afternoon to get there, but then to get back I have to leave at the crack of dawn. But at least I get to visit someone and add some excitement to my life. I also signed up for theater camp (which I am not necessarily a huge fan of but I think my village could really benefit so I am doing it. We are going to go down to Iringa for a week. I am really excited. I think it will be tons of fun and I will get to hang out with people again. Which I LOVE.

June 12, 2011

I got up the earliest I have in a while and swept the dirt in my yard. Yes I swept dirt. I still think this is pointless but everyone loves when I do it, so I try and do it every now and then. The neighbor kids helps too so I cannot really complain. Things are starting to get busy again between projects and just hanging out with people which is good. Today I tried honey beer which I actually really liked and I think I am going to teach some of the women how to make a few different kinds of wine/ beer to add to their businesses. Also I talked to this grandma who was super drunk and when I got up to leave, my friend asked me why I was running away. I am not to good at concealing when I am uncomfortable.

I also had a lot of people come and ask me about chicken vaccinations which is awesome because I can start this up again and it will help keep more chickens alive.

Besides that, not much is new. Although the last 2 times I have talked to Andrew he has had awesome weekends and I have been really jealous, but everything is going pretty well. Every day is getting better. I just need to remember why I am here and all that I have accomplished, but some day I just wish I had a car so I could go and see my friends and do things quickly. I am not one for this slow paced life. Also Uncle Mike’s hot wings would be amazing at the moment.

June 13, 2011

As usual, I waited to go to a meeting this morning and of course it was cancelled. It just sucks, I never know if I should put other things on hold for these meetings or just continue with my life, but then I think what if one of these meetings is really, really important. But none of them ever happen or are really that important so I guess I should stop worrying.
I walked into town today to take care of my grant, I hope and get some more work done. So far it has been really productive, I think a lot of this has to do with there is no one in town to hang out with so really what else am I going to do but work.

June 14, 2011

So I spent yesterday and the beginning of today in town working on my homework and trying to get my grant thing figured out. I think it is all figured out now, but I am not really sure. I will not know for about a week I think if they have everything and then who knows how long before I get it approved or have to revise it. Grant writing is a hard, long process. I do not want to grow up to write grants and ask people for money.

I am revitalized and ready to start more projects and get things going in village which actually brings me to… I have officially been in Peace Corps for 1 year. I cannot believe it. This is definitely the hardest thing that I have ever done. I know their slogan is the hardest job that you will ever love or something to that effect, and I am not sure what my thoughts on this are yet. It also doesn’t help that I am the kind of person that forgets about all of the bad stuff after it happens and only remembers the good stuff. Both a good and bad thing I have decided. But anyways tomorrow me and a few women from my chicken group are going to attempt to make soap with the seed of a tree. I am very optimistic about it but also scared because we are going to be using a really strong chemical. I really hope things go smoothly tomorrow. I also have meeting with the headmaster of the secondary school to see about teaching and getting solar power for the secondary school.

I wrote my mom and email about possibly coming home in November for a week for Ashleigh’s wedding and to see everyone. I am not sure at the moment if this is a good or bad thing. On one hand I think it would be good because it would give me something to look forward to and I think it would help me stay focused on my projects but at the same time I am not sure. Most people do not go home at all, a few go home once and even fewer go home twice. So I really do not know. I think this would be great for my confidence and help me get things started knowing I have something to look forward to but then I do not know. I think I could get by without it, I just think it would be a lot easier this way. So this has yet to be decided. I was thinking to that the money that I was going to use to climb Kili could just be use for my plane ticket instead because they are both comparable to each other. And I think in the long run I would rather go home and see everyone instead of climb Mount Kili. But I am not sure I need to think about this a little and talk to some people about this and see what they think. This could be a really good idea, or this could be a really bad idea. Not sure which one yet.

June 15, 2011

This has been one of the most productive days of my life. It almost feels like I am back at home, I was so busy and did so much. I woke up this morning and cleaned my house because I had a meeting at my house today and then I did some work while I waited for a dad to come and talk to me about his albino son, but as usual he did not come. Side note I am not sure if albinos are that much more common here or if they just stick out more here, but I have seen more than a few albinos. Then Paul came and we went and talked to the headmaster of the secondary school about teaching at the school and figuring a way to get solar power for the school. Paul found an NGO (non-governmental organization) that will cover 90% of the cost, so we put it in the schools hands. I hope they can come up with the money because I think that would be awesome. I also think I might be teaching science or math which is really cool because those are my favorite subjects, but at the same time I am scared because I have horrible language skills even though they are suppose to be talking only English at the secondary school hardly anyone can speak or understand it even some of the teachers do not know that much English. This paired with the fact that I have never taught before. A little scary. I do not want to screw up and teach them stuff wrong. But Claire thinks because this is a concern that I might be an even better teacher, I am skeptical but I am going to give it a try. Then I had a meeting with my chicken group although now we have branched out and are learning to make soap and a few other things. Right now, we are just learning things for fun and to see if things turn out. In the future we might sell the stuff but right now we are just learning different things. We are planning on learning to make soap, lotion, candles, wine, jam, bread, cookies, and cakes. If you can think of anything else that would be fun easy and useful, please let me know. I am going to compile a book for them in Swahili like a cookbook. I think I am also going to teach them to make Spanish rice too.

So I am still unsure about going home or staying, I was thinking today that that would be awesome and Paul says that you should do what you need to do. Randi was on the other end and said she thought it might be a waste of money, which I also totally understand. I just do not know. I also know that I should not rely on other people to make my decisions, but as you know I usually use others. But I am also thinking that I need to do what I need to do and the money does not matter to me although it is a lot I have no problem spending money to come home and see all of you (sorry Jenna, you are going to have to wait one more year) but at the same time I cannot spend $3.00 on powdered milk. My priorities are slightly skewed. So after this whole thing, I think that I might actually come home but of course I think this will probably change 15 times in the next week.

This weekend I was going to go to Randi’s but I have too much to do and am going to stay in the village and get some things done. There are some people coming from different parts of the region to sing also so I am really excited to see them. I think I am going to take some pictures and maybe some movies. Tanzanian’s have the most beautiful voices EVER.

June 16, 2011

I have a few different thoughts today. But first I have to tell you that I ate almost a full bag of mini M&m’s today and am very much regretting that at the moment. They are just so good, the smaller they are, the better they taste. I really wish I had some self control. Also I have a tree right outside my house that has the equivalent to apples on the branches and at anytime throughout the day and night they like to fall and scare the living daylights out of me. Just think about a nice quite night and then bombs exploding this is what it sounds and feels like. Also I have seen 2 snakes in the last 2 days. This does not make me happy as you well know that I am deathly afraid of them. Me and Paul we talking about them and he said that he thought people did not like them because they moved without appendages. And I have to agree with him. But really everything about them makes me cringe. And finally a few women were looking through me magazines and there was an ad for hot dogs and the hot dogs had ketchup on them. They thought the ketchup was a snake. Crazy how do you explain a food and condiment that do not exist here.

I made more soap today with Jessica and then I also made a cake with old Jessica. It was a really good day. Tomorrow I have a chicken meeting and then I need to get a lot of work done in the next 2 days. I have a lot of translating ahead as well as working on my proposal. I really hope to accomplish a lot. I am also thinking about buying a table. Very exciting. I might get furniture after all.

June 17, 2011

Had a pretty slow, uneventful day. It was nice though. I worked on a bunch of translations in the morning and then we had a chicken meeting in the afternoon. I also tried making a tomato sauce but I really wanted it with breadsticks from Pizza Hut and of course this did not happen so I have to say I was not that satisfied with dinner.

Tomorrow I was going to go to Randi’s house but now I am going to stay here and get some more work done and then hopefully go to church and listen to the choir. I am not sure what the occasion is but they have been practicing all week so I have been going to bed each night listening to drums and people sings.

Also talked to Hannah last night. She sounds like she is doing really good. And as usual I am still jealous I think she might be living the best life at the moment. I also have decided that I am either going to live super close to a lake or on a lake when I get older. Little whitefish or Lake Michigan would be the best I think.

June 18, 2011

I spent the entire morning finishing Empire Falls. I am not sure what my thoughts on it are yet. I really expected a better ending. And now thinking about it, nothing that exciting happened in the book. Why do I always have to finish things that I know I am not going to like in the end. I have wasted a lot of time on bad books and bad movies for that matter. The last week I have been making honey peanut butter banana pancake sandwiches. They have been awesome with a cup of tea because it has been so cold lately. I am loving the weather right now. It feels like fall.

I stayed in the village today and went to church with Jesca. We went and listened to a choir from out of town, it was really nice except that Jessica made me dance with her in front of the church. I hate dancing in front of people in the USA my hatred/ self-consciousness is 10 fold here in front of Africans but they all loved it. I am not sure why but they do. They also loved showing off that I knew Kigogo. It was nice but I still hate to dance. The worst was a guy wanted to take my picture and I said no but he didn’t stop so Jessica said that he could take a picture of her, me, the choir, and the pries. Great so I took a picture in front of the entire congregation. Definitely felt like an outcast a little bit today. I know that it is all in good fun but I really like being the one in the corner that no one notices but I know that is impossible here. So I guess I have a lot more dancing in my future.

I also watched Jessica wash clothes today.OMG I think there might be more soap than cotton in all of her clothes. I have to say though she always looks amazing so maybe that is her secret.
I am going to church tomorrow morning again and then I am hoping to go into town to check my email and recharge my computer, but I am not sure If there is going to be time. I might have to wait a little longer.

Also not sure if I told you about my teaspoon that went missing yesterday. I knew I washed it but the kids were putting all the dishes away and it went missing. I searched everywhere and then I just asked if anyone has seen it because I seemed to have miss placed it. They all said no of course. But I figured it was worth a try and then today when I was sweeping I found it under my front door. I think it was returned sometime within the night. What a weird thing to steal. I do have to say that I was heartbroken for a minute though because I really liked that spoon to use for my coffee. I know stupid but it for some reason I really like using it. I think I might be getting weirder after that last statement.

Bike trip starts today. I hope they all have fun. I am really hoping that one of these years I get to do it again. I had so much fun last time I did it with everyone. Something about getting up super early is really fun to.

June 19, 2011

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!! I LOVE YOU DAD.

So think of the longest you have ever sat in church. I am betting Easter Vigil comes to mind. I have now surpassed this I am sure. I sat in church today for 5 ½ hours listening to people singing and speaking Swahili as well as sitting in a chair with no back the entire time. Words cannot describe how bad my back hurts or my head from trying to figure out a little bit of what was going on again. I again was asked to take a picture with people. I am like an attraction at the zoo. It is ridiculous, especially because I think about myself and pictures and how I only want people I know and matter and in pictures. Here it is not the case, they want the white girl in any picture they can. The reasons, I am not sure.

Tomorrow I am going into town now and going to see Jesca’s daughter and get some more work done. It is insane, there is always work to be done. And of COURSE I do need to charge my computer and phone. I am not sure that I could live without blogging every night in the village. I know this is bad, but It is part of my routine and I really like it.

June 20, 2011

It has been another crazy day. I am not sure where the day goes or what I am doing with my time. Today I woke up super early (at least for me) and got on the bus to come into town. I went with old Jessica to see her daughter and meet the lady she lives with. I am not sure my thoughts yet. She was nice but it was a little weird, although it is always a little weird when I meet new people so maybe that was it. Also I know my Swahili sucks but it gets even worse if that is possible when I am talking ot new people so I made a complete idiot out of myself. Oh well.

I then went to the post office and thought I was getting my GPS unit for school but it turned out to be my malaria medication. That was a little disappointing but of course still needed.
So I did not get a lot of productive stuff done today but at least I did some stuff and I am super tired now. I also talked to PC and they said that my grant is getting reviewed again so hopefully everything works out this time. Cross your fingers.

June 21, 2011

Life is just AWESOME at the moment. It is weird, things are just falling into place and I am so happy about this. Blair was right when he said that things start really moving and getting places after a year. I am so happy I finally feel like I am doing something and not bored all the time. Actually the last week has been crazy, I have been so busy. I hope it stays like this.

Talita and me started vaccinating chickens today. It is amazing how something so easy can
help people so much and yet they have not themselves figured out that they could buy it together. Oh well I think it is going to be a good money maker for my chicken group and then for Talita after I am gone.

I cleaned my whole house today while all the children just kept saying “you know how to wash the floors” and asking for all kinds of things. I really do love them but as with anyone I could have killed them today. I added a spice rack to my kitchen, it is awesome. It makes me so happy . Again amazing how even the smallest things can make your day. Hoping for a table next week and life is going to be sweet.

Jessica and I are going to Dodoma next week to talk to Peace Corps. It should be fun, we are staying in a nicer hotel than I usually stay in and rumor has it that it might have a pool. This would be the greatest thing ever, except that it is actually kind of chilly at the moment.
Also my friends brother might come and stay with me this weekend. I really hope he does because I love visitors. Keep your fingers crossed.

June 22, 2011

Today was another full day full of interesting conversation and lots of work and yet I still had time to take a nap. I woke up of course to the greeting of Jesca through the window on the way to the farm. That women is a super hero she has been at the farm from morning until night the last few days. I would be dead if I did that. I then went and did some vaccinations this morning, took a nap, and made fried rice. The fried rice was good, but I think it would have been better with an egg. I might attempt it tomorrow with an egg, not sure yet. Then the women’s group came over and we made lotion. It was super easy and I think they liked it. I gave them each some and told them to try it for the next few weeks. If they really like it and think people will buy it, we will try and sell it. Jesca is really good with this, she knows what to say to the women and thinks big picture. It is awesome. While we waited for everyone to get their old Jesca was explaining to me how one of the neighbor boys who is 10 got circumcised today. It was a very interesting conversation to say the least. I think I understood most of it. They said the they do not use medicine and the boy will sit for about the next 3-4 weeks until he has healed. It sounds horrible painfully to me. It was funny when they asked about back at home. I of course had little to say on the subject but I told them what I knew. It was even funnier to see/ hear them try to explain how they did it with actions. I was horribly embarrassed and interested all at the same time.

Then me and Talita went to one of the sub villages to vaccinate chickens, I thought it would take 15-20 minutes to get there. WRONG. It took 40 one way. These people lived way out in the bush. I thought I lived in the middle of nowhere these people live in the middle of nowhere. They have no neighbors in site. Seems like you would just make more work for yourselves living so far away from everything, even water is a challenge. Again grateful that I live in the middle of the village. Also I might have been a little jumpy. It was pitch black out and who knows what is crawling/ walking around. It was not as bad as the frogs in Hawaii but it might have been close.

Also met an albino baby today. She was very cute and not at all scared of me which was really nice. Her mom came to ask me about how to take care of her because her skin is like mine. I told her what I do and said that she wanted to make sure that she used lotions of sunscreen but I also said I did not know that much about it, but I would ask some people and try and get some information.

Also I was thinking today how trust worthy we are in the US. It is weird because you would not think we are. This coming from a girl that has a chain link on the front door. But it is weird because we leave things in the front yard and backyard and most of the times it is still there. That is not the case here. I am not exactly sure why but if I left things out in the year 9 out of 10 times it would be gone within the hour. This led me to think about camping. I am not sure a Tanzania first could fathom why we would want to do something like this and then to leave all our stuff in a tent that is not locked. I think they would think this is crazy. Which it kind of is, but I like that you do not have to worry too much when you are camping and I think for the most part people are trustworthy.

June 23, 2011

And the vaccinations continue. It is nice every day I have more vaccinations to give, but I do wish that they could be during the daytime and not at night. I was kind of bored today. Yes, I know there is tons of stuff that I could of done, but I was lazy and it was just be awesome if I could do them during the day because I love the nights here. They are so quiet and peaceful.

I worked on my proposal today and tomorrow I either have to climb the mountain and send it to my professors or go into town. I am not sure what yet because I do have some things to do in town, but I do not want to go into town and find out the office that I need to go to is closed. I have been calling all week to no avail so I might bite the bullet and go in or I might not. I think I will decide tomorrow.

Jessica again spent the entire day at the farm. I have no idea how she and her mom do it.
I am reading The Brothers Karamazova at the moment. I am still in the beginning of it, but I am not sure my thoughts yet. I really liked Crime and Punishment so I think I am going to end up liking this book, but so far it has been kind of boring and it is a huge book so hopefully it gets better. The faster the better.

June 24, 2011

Vaccinated more today. I love it. It actually makes me feel like I am doing something. I am also hoping that since Talita comes with me she will take it over and can actually make some money off of it. We shall see.

I made an orange chocolate cake today without eggs or butter. It was awesome and I was so happy that it did not take eggs.

As usual, the children are killing me. There are these new ones that have been coming to my house and they try and walk into my house. I am not happy about it and I tell them to leave which they do but then they come back. They are super annoying. I really do not like them. Maybe they will get the hint.

Randi went with her friend Patrick to the train station today. They left at night and were going to walk and then sleep at the train station. I told her that she better call me when she returns home. I know that she will be alright but it is so freakin dark out and anything can happen. Especially when you are a young white girl. But she was excited to go so hopefully she has a good time.

June 25, 2011

I love waking up in the village. It is so nice and peaceful until the children come and will not leave. It drive me insane and I know the neighbors hear me. But they do not do anything. I tell the kids to go because I am trying to read and work but this doesn’t do anything. I am back to shutting my door which just drives me insane because then I feel caged in. I am so ready for Dodoma on Tuesday you have no idea. Jesca and me are walking in in the morning and then taking the bus. It is going to be a long day.

I went and got my tire of my bike fixed today. It took them 2 hours to fix it. This makes me a little weary to ride it but I am going to and hope for the best, II think it might be time for new tires.

Talked to the family today at the cottage. They seem to be doing good and again make me jealous that I am not at the cottage but life is not to bad Here as along as you stay busy.

June 26, 2011

Today had a little bit of everything in it. It started out with me biking into town and back to buy bus tickets for me and Jesca. I found out just how out of shape I am and now I have bikers butt because it has been so long since I road. Not cool. But it was nice to get some exercise and make sure that I got a seat on the bus and did not have to stand. I hate standing.

Then I came back and went to old Jesca’s and we had chai and chit chatted. She just went to a chicken seminar so she talked a lot about chickens. And all her daughters are coming in in the next few days so she is super excited. I am a little excited to, because I have heard so much about them.

I almost forgot, I opened the door to my bedroom and a lizard fell from the ceiling. Got to love it. Now I have to worry about lizards attacking me in the middle of the night. As if I already don’t have enough critters to worry about at night.

I went to the open market and bought these fried bean flour donuts. ( I know they do not sound good but they are awesome) They really make my day although of course they are about the worst thing that you could ever eat. Then again nothing in TZ is really that good for you unless you are eating fruit.

Also young Jesca came over to greet me and then this guy was standing outside my door, so we told him to come in. And then I greeted him but he did not respond. It took a few minutes but we figured out he was mentally retarded. At this point Jesca took me by the hand and led me out of my own house. And then we got the neighbors to go find his brother because he was not responding to anyone. It was really weird. Jesca said something about the fact that he could hurt us although I am not sure this is necessarily true. It seems that everyone was a little afraid of him but I am not sure if he has actually done something to make them scared or if this is just the general consensus with mentally retarded people. I just thought he did not hear me greet him. Good thing Jesca was there because I am not sure what I would have done. I guess I would have told one of the children to go get someone because I did not know what to do.

Again me and Talita vaccinated chickens. I really like that we do this, but it is very tiring and kind of stinks because we have to do it at night when the chickens all return home. It makes for some late nights.

Also talked to a teacher at the secondary school today, he did not think that there any farms in the US or dirt roads or people that lived in the middle of nowhere. I tried to explain to him that he was wrong but as you all know I am not the best person to explain things.
Tomorrow is another full day of work. Hope to accomplish a lot, wish me luck.

June 27, 2011

We vaccinated about 300 chickens in the last week, which is awesome. And I definitely could not have done it without Talita helping me. But I have to say some people just are not happy about it, they say that we are coming to late. People it is only 7:45 pm come on give me a break and if you would keep your chickens locked up I could come in the day but ya don’t.
Worked on my chicken grant today because they think that I should ask for me money which I am fine with, the women will be super excited. Besides that not much else going on today talked with a bunch of people and planned dates to have the goat and cow seminar. Pretty excited about this, hope it all goes as planned.

Tomorrow heading out to Dodoma with Jesca bright and early. We are walking in on foot to catch the 9:30 am bus. I am going to sleep like a baby on that bus.

June 30, 2011

It has been a really fast and crazy few days. Tuesday morning me and Jesca woke up super early and walked into town to catch the bus to Dodoma. It was a really nice walk but the bus ride was long and horrible more so than usual. We then got to Dodoma and ran some errands and then hung out with other PC people. It was really fun. PC put us up in a really nice hotel which I was ecstatic about until I found out the hot water did not work and there was really nothing on tv and no 3G in my room. Turns out my $5 a night hotel is much better. Oh well, you live and you learn. Wednesday we had a meeting with a Programmer from Madagascar. Which was really nice we got to voice our concerns about our program and figure out how to make it better. Me and Randi then ran some more errands and then we all went out to this Italian Restaurant for dinner it was really, really good. After that me and Randi sat in the bar and talked to the family on skype. IT was really nice.

Today we got a ride back to site in a PC car which was awesome 2 hours vs 4 + by bus and nobody pushing me. I bought Pringles and cheese in Dodoma so now I am eating a grilled cheese and eating Pringles. It is pretty sweet.

I also got to talk to my professors which was really nice. I think I am still headed in the right direction and am going to work on surveys and gathering information on how to define the different social classes that exist within the community. Looking forward to it, I also have a meeting with the forestry office tomorrow so hopefully they are helpful. I also talked to my boss in PC which was nice after it I felt like I was doing something . It was nice.
Also talked to the programmer from Madagascar and we were talking about the Master’s International Program that I am in. Because I asked him about a friend that went there to serve. It was weird he said that very few people overseas know about the program and very rarely know when they are getting Master’s student mixed in with everyone else. I thought this was kind of weird but explains some things about PC. You would think that they would be somewhat more joined together as they are a joint program but it seems like they are pretty separate still.

I lost my voice this week and sound exactly like Hannah on one of her all nighters. It is not pretty when I talk, good thing they recorded all of our conversations yesterday. So I am sick and Randi is to. Everyone thinks she has malaria. We are skeptical considering there are like no mosquitoes in our village. We think it is just the flu.

I turned in a revised copy of my grant again today. I really hope this one is better. Apparently grants are not my strong suit. It is really nerve racking to be wanting to ask for money to help the community but at the same time not because of all the work and time on my part. But really more because of the frustration. I feel like I am back in Organic Chemistry Lab trying to make crystals. It is trial and error all over again. AAHHH. Also I have used to Chemistry analogies for life this week. I am pretty sure Tanya thinks that I am crazy now. Also it is a little annoying, the guy in charge of grants, cannot seem to remember my name when I call him. I have talked to him at least a dozen times in the last month. Come on man is it that hard. I always get “who am I talking to?’

I bought a new blanket today. Super excited, it is a Masi wrap. Think of the tribal people that you think of when you think of Africa. That is what I bought. I also bought a soccer jersey and coffee. It was a big spending week. Headed to Paul’s for the 4th and then vaccinating more chickens starting the 8th. Yay.

Also I have gone an entire year without seeing a dead dog on the side of the road. This week I saw 2. The first one was burned to death. How could someone do that. And the second one I have no idea. I looked like it just fell over. It is kind of scary both of these were on main walking roads. It is so hard to remember that they do not think of their animals as pets

Uncle Mike's Hot Wings are the BEST

April 12, 2011

I went to town for the weekend. It was awesome and very productive, although it did not start off to well. I went to get my bike to head into town and found that it had a flat. Not wanting to deal with it, I decided to walk into town. So I definitely got my exercise for the day. I again got passed by the sugar cane man. I do not know how he does it, he comes out of nowhere and passes me, has time to rest, and still passes me. I was walking pretty fast too because the children were jogging to keep up with me. It’s like he is super human. But anyways, me and Randi had a meeting at a coffee shop and talked about our projects and what are plans were. We gave each other constructive criticism and it was great. Then yesterday we went to the Agriculture college and talked about how to get a goat project started. It was very informative although I am not sure what it is, but every time me and Randi go to meet people about business more than not they are complete jerks. There are some great ones, but there are also a lot that have no faith in their own people and think what we are doing is a lost cause. Yesterday this guy lectured us for 1 hour on reasons why this was not a good idea and how the people would not be able to take care of the animals and that they are just using us. I am not sure he got the idea that we were volunteers. He also wanted out phone numbers, luckily Randi said that if we needed something we would contact them, which is good because last time I gave my number out, the guy has still not stopped calling and this was months ago. I do not even answer, but he will not stop calling. It is really annoying.

Yue is leaving Friday, so we looked through his house. It was nice. I have acquired more buckets for water, which is great now I do not think I will worry as much about getting water. Hopefully anyways.

I turned in my grant last week and found out yesterday that, that grant is out of money. Kind of a bummer but my boss said that he thought if I did some revisions that it would be great for this other grant. So not a total loss, just disappointing. It is really stressful for me to write grants, I get really stressed about them. I do not think I like the thought that they might get rejected. Who likes to get rejected.

April 13, 2011

I am not sure what it is but I am so tired all the time. I did not get up to actually do anything until after lunch today and that is only because Jessica came by. I am just exhausted all the time. Hopefully that changes soon. I know this has to do with my sleeping habits, so maybe I need to switch malaria meds but I am not sure if that will actually work and that means that I have to take doxy which I really do not like. So I do not know.
I went and got my bike fixed today which I am always amazed goes super fast. Then I made banana wine with Jessica before we went to one of the sub villages, so that she could buy tomatoes. It was about an hour walk there and then back. On the way back I carried a bag on my head and did not use my hands at all. This is a huge accomplishment for me although we will see what my neck feels like in the morning. When I got back to the village, every one that saw me was laughing. It was pretty funny.

Their laughing got me to thinking about how awesome of a culture I live in. for the most part everyone is super happy and laughing all the time. They live such a hard life and yet still they always have a smile on their faces. It is wonderful. I wish I could say the same for myself here. Although I think for the most part I am pretty happy but it is weird how my mood does change so fast. One of the staff told us at training that during his service he was the most angry that he has ever been in his life. And I completely understand why. Take for instance me losing my face wash. I went from awesome to crawling back in bed in the matter of seconds. It is interesting how your emotions changes while here. Weird too. I was also thinking about how I got ‘most laid back’ in high school. That would never work for me now. I am so high strung it is ridiculous.

April 15, 2011

Best day yet. It was awesome. Have I told you that I am in love with my chicken group. They are amazing. Today we had a meeting in the morning about chicken illnesses. And of course everyone was late included the teacher. I was really scared that nothing was going to work out, especially because today I was suppose to vaccinate 300-400 chickens. And to my surprise everything turned out beautifully. I have vaccinated about 300 chickens today and have a few more to do tomorrow. And so many more people want chicken vaccinations I think I will be doing it possibly all week. Cloud 9 right now is all I can say.

Also made coffee cake today with blue band (chemical butter) and I think the butter went bad although I am not sure what could be in it to go bad. But it tastes really weird to me but everyone else says that they are awesome. If I die tonight, blame it on the blueband. Speaking of dying, I saw my first dead body in the village today. She was an old lady that had high blood pressure. It was crazy to see everyone standing around her and touching her. I am just not that good with death, especially if bodies are concerned. I am going to blame this on the lack of people I know that have died yet. I think I am destined for old age.
Also watched Cold Mountain with Claire. Not sure what my thoughts on that movie are. Although I really do not like Renee Zelwinger and I really liked her in this movie. It is do weird to think about the civil war and what life was like over 100 years ago and even compare it to now in Africa. Although me and Claire were talking and decided that you really could not compare it. Western culture vs African and what is considered development.

April 27, 2011

So I have not wrote for over a week now. Right before I left it was really, really crazy because almost every night I was vaccinating chickens, so I was selfless for once and gave my computer to Claire for the week so that she could surf the internet and watch a ton of movies. She is finished in October and is then thinking of taking some classes for teaching at a university in Ireland. I told her it was a great idea both because I want to go visit her and also because I really think the man of her dreams is waiting there for her. Plus she really needs to get out of this culture I think for a bit, she has been dating a Tanzanian on and off for the last year and I just do not think it will ever work. The cultures I think are to different and they are both really set in their ways. So I think Ireland is the best choice. But anyways, apparently I am a livestock volunteer. I think this is what I see in my future. Which works for me, especially if all the projects work as good as the chicken project. We shall have to see. I am planning on doing a goat project next and possibly a cow project, but only education for both of these. I personally do not think that cows are a good idea here, but at the same time people do have them, so if you’re going to have them, you should at least know what you are dealing with.

As for research, still not sure where I am at this point with this. I did go to the forestry office and got a permit so now I can take specimens out of the forest behind my house. Surprisingly this all happened in about a week (which I think might be unheard of in TZ). So very excited, possible something to do with firewood consumption. I am planning on talking to my professors over my vacation to try and figure it out some more.

I feel pretty amazing at the moment (this being in transit riding out the last 10 hours in London). I actually feel like I am starting to get somewhere in the village and feel really good about TZ in general. I am also I have decided really blessed to have the greatest friends ever in my region. I think without Randi, Tanya, and Claire I would not be here. They make life so much fun here. Claire came with me into Dar to send me off and celebrate my birthday. It was really nice. We went to the beach and all we did was tan and eat lots of food. It was wonderful. We had this drink called a Banana Pao. (Triple sec, banana liqueur, orange juice, and club soda) it was really good. It was awesome too because she loves to swim so I had someone to go in the water with. Although the jellyfish were out in record numbers. Literally just running your fingers through the water you would hit a bunch. They were babies though and did not sting. I only saw a few HUGE ones, and of course after that I ran for cover. It was really nice. We then also went and visited Claire’s friend Haule who goes to the University of Dar. He showed us around campus and then we had dinner together. It was really nice, except for the fact the Haule thinks I do not know any Swahili so Claire started yelling at him and telling him to speak to me in Swahili. You can imagine how this turned out. I was put on the spot and it was not good. I do not think he understands that I can understand a bunch and basic conversations are within my reach it is just when someone actually wants to talk that I run into trouble. Claire thinks that when I come back we should start talking more in Swahili. I will give it a try, it cannot hurt. Although it does suck because I am surrounded by geniuses when it comes to Swahili Randi, Claire, and Tanya are amazing. Claire even said she was surprised at how well the other 2 can talk. How can I compete with this. I guess I will keep trudging along and it is nice that they know it so well and that we are such good friends because then I do not feel that bad asking them anything or correct ways to say things.

So at the moment it is way passed my bed time and I am trying to stay awake until my flight. I do not think this is going to happen. Also looked at my ticket and realized I have a 15 hour layover instead of a 12 hour layover those 3 extra hours might kill me. But I decided to go into town, so I took the subway into Lecester square and walked around. It was really nice. I think it is where all the plays are held. I then kept walking and hit all the shops. I think their equivalent of Michigan Street in Chi-town. After that I walked around a little more and ended up by parliament. I did not go to Westminster abbey or anything both because it was getting late and also the ladies at the airport thought it might be a little chaotic with the wedding Friday. It was so nice to just be able to walk around and not be hollered at and actually walk on cement. I miss the cold air too. It was just lovely. I was unsure about going in by myself, but I am really glad that I did. I now wish I actually had more time here, England never really interested me, but now I think I might want to come back here and explore a little more. I was amazed at the amount of Starbucks and Pizza Huts here though.
Also I wanted to inform the Galen’s that I am on a week Birthday holiday just like them. This might be the first time that I have celebrated so long and by myself. I usually have Andrew and/ or Ashleigh with me, it is about time that I was able to celebrate by myself. It only took 25 years!

May 21, 2011

My flight back so far. It all started on Wed. May 18 when I was suppose to leave but I forgot to check the flights because who would have thought my flight would be canceled. I was only going to Chicago and it is spring but of course it was canceled and the next flight to TZ was not for a couple of days. So we returned Friday and I made it to Chicago where I willingly gave up my seat for some miles and what I thought was going to be a night in Chicago. I thought it was going to be great, I could hangout with Andrew. But of course this was wrong, when I went to get my ticket, I was informed they had no record on my TZ flight so the lady redid everything and I ended up on a later flight to London and did not get to stay in the hotel, although, I did get the free ticket. So now I am in London airport, where I did not pack very well at all and they messed up my bag and now it is lost God knows where. And this would happen because I have a computer inside of it. (this was because I thought I was going to be here for 15 hours again so I was going to go into town, but of course this did not happen and I am sitting here in the airport remembering all of the stuff that is in my lost bag that I actually kind of want/ need right now. On top of that list would be a ipod cord. I broke down and already bought this one (16£, pricey) But I still have 5 more hours in this airport and then a few bus rides and lots of other stuff. I think when I finally get home, I am just going to sleep for days. Another thing that is in the lost bag, my phone charger. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Hopefully this all works out and they find my bag and can bring it all the way to me. Although not sure how this is going to work yet. I put the PC office because I do not have an address, but I really do not want to return to Dar to get the bag so we shall see what happens.

Not sure if I want to travel by myself again. It is taking its toll today.

May 27, 2011

After many days and hours of frustration, I have finally made it back to my village. I think this might have been the worst trip back so far. But I have made it back in one piece and got my bag and everything taken care of so it is not too bad.

I had a great time at home with everyone. It was awesome to see everyone and hang out. Although I really thought it was going to be a little more relaxing, I swear I did not have 5 minutes to myself. But that is ok, it was so much fun. I really enjoyed seeing everyone. I went to the Grand Lux Café which I think is at the top of my list now, I always heard of it but had never been their until my mom took me for my birthday, it was really good. We then went to a White Sox game and froze to death. I have not been that cold in a while. On the way back to Michigan, I tried to surprise Hannah and Stephi which I guess we did, but I really wanted the look of surprise. I want to do this to someone just once in my life. I loved going up to the cottage. OMG it looks so good, I would have never thought mom and dad could do such a great job on it, it makes me a little sad that I am not going to be there this summer to enjoy it, but at least I have something to look forward too. Also went and saw Bridesmaids with my friend Lindsey and all of her bridesmaids. It was really fun, we went and bought her wedding dress and picked out the bridesmaids dresses. It was really nice and lots of fun. Her dress is gorgeous. It was so great to see everyone, I am so glad I came home, although obviously it is going to be hard to get back in the swing of things.

I talked to my advisors a little while I was home. I think I am going to go in the direction of firewood but not sure how yet. I am a little worried about all of this because I am approaching the 1 year mark and still have no idea what I want to do. To be honest in general I cannot believe I am still in school. I feel really dumb over here, I feel as if everything that I have ever learned has left me and my brain is just blank. Really need to get back in school mode and figure this thesis out because I know that I really want to do one because that is really the only thing that keeps me here at times, well that and the fact that my friends would kill me if I left. I also think I might want to go on in school at some point, so I always want to have that option.

I had a really hard time getting back to my village. I was really excited and ready to go home until the bus had decided to leave super early so I was stuck in Mpwapwa another day which actually was not that fun because Randi is with her family and Claire is on a 7 week holiday. I really do not enjoy hanging out by myself but it all worked out and I was able to get my bag. So I got back to the village today and the entire time on I was on the bus waiting to go I had a huge pit in my stomach. I really did not want to come back, but it is weird always as soon as I get here I am fine. It is just getting here that kills me. My house is all in order, Jessica cleaned it for me. And everyone was super excited to see me. It was really nice. Jessica told me that a bunch of people have died while I was gone and then of course we talked about chickens. A lot of chickens have been dying but only 3 people lost chickens from my group. It was from some disease I had not heard of, as a result, we might start vaccinating for this disease too. One women lost 23 chickens. That is a ton of money for someone in the village. That is over 100 dollars.

I have also decided to redecorate my house a little. I am not sure how yet but I am going to put up some more stuff and possible buy another bed depending on how much it cost. If I can get one for under 20 I think I am going to do it, we shall see.

I am pleasantly surprised at how I feel at the moment I hope that I am able to stay in a good mood. I know that it is going to be hard to get back into the daily grind, but I am hoping that I can and not slip into a bad place. Hopefully I can keep positive and busy. I think keeping busy is key and having the right state of mind.

Also turned in my grant revisions for the second time on this new grant and am really hoping that everything works out properly. It would be a nice break. I do not think I would ever want to spend my life writing grants, they are just so much work.

May 28, 2011

I have spent my first full day back in the village and I have to say that I am not too impressed. I know that this is going to take a bit to get back in the grind, but it really sucks. I feel like I am stuck in prison at certain points of the day, but then at others I am happy to be here. I just need to keep myself busy, which is actually quite the feat. I am trying my best. I just really do not know what to do. I keep thinking of all the things that I want to do and I am sad to say that Tanzania ranks very low on the list. Oh well. I know it will get better. I think it was both good and bad that I went home. Good in the sense that it gave me something to look forward to this last year, but now I am not sure. I just do not know. I am going to try and get back in the grind soon, it just sucks that I feel like this. I know it will get better. I am also having a hard time because it is memorial weekend and I wish I was at the cottage. I am not good staying in one place. I have also figured out that I really like being around people, which I am here too, But they do not speak English and my Swahili I think is getting worse. Oh well maybe tomorrow will be better.

May 29, 2011

Today has been a good day. I have been reading The Devil in the White City, which is a really good book. It is about Chicago and the world’s fair. I am almost done with it, it is really good. I also spent some time collecting specimens for my project and making my house a little nicer. As usual, I think that I just need to keep busy. Hope I can.

I went and saw Jessica today and she was giving Paputo a bath. He was all clean and ready for bed when of course he fell and was completely covered with dirt again. I am not sure how everyone can live with all of this dirt. It drives me insane. I just think to myself what it the point of doing anything, you know you are just going to end up dirty again. I also was walking through the village today and 2 days ago my neighbor did not have a house, today it is half way built. They can build houses so fast it is insane, it is also built out of mud, so we shall see how long this one lasts.

May 30, 2011

I am freaking out a little, ok a lot about my research project. I have no idea what to do or how to do it. This is not good. I feel like I have writer block only for research and anything related to school. I really need this to go away because I know that I really want to do a research project.

I made corn pancakes with a peppery white sauce today. Not sure my thoughts yet on them. They were kind of like biscuits and gravy, so I guess they were good.

May 31, 2011

Things are slowlu starting to get better. As usual, I am thinking way to much. I just cannot seem to help it. I am also reading this book called Freedom and it is killing me. I cannot stop reading it, not because it is so good, but because I just do no understand it and have no idea where it is going. Claire says that it is really good, but I am still skeptical.
Claire went down to the south of TZ this week. She said the ride down was the scariest ride so far. She then told me that a girl got killed by a lion. Not really sure where this happened yet, but she said she saw it on her way. Really weird, mu guess was it was by the national park.

June 2, 2011

Happy Belated Birthday Hannah!! Happy 22. I came into town and am starting to get somewhere, I feel like I able to start to think again a little bit. Slow and steady I guess. I got to talk to my mom and dad yesterday as well as Hannah and Andrew which was great. Still really jealous of Hannah’s summer. Randi came into town today to, so we are just trying to get some work done and prepare ourselves for the next few months. I am really going to try and get some more projects started and continue some of the ones that I have been brushing to the side.