Hair and Umuganda

Hair Washing Experience

So just yesterday I ask my host mom to show me how to wash my hair with the bucket and she said that we would do it today.  I was hoping for this evening, but when I woke up this morning and went to take a bucket bath, she gave me a quick demo and told me to do it while I bathed.  And so that's what I did.  She always gets my "bath" water ready for me...she boils a little bit so the water isn't cold and then she mixes it with some cold water in a bucket.  My mom is a huge fan of not wasting anything, including water so after I bathe she always expects me to have some water leftover for her to use for whatever else.  So since I have to wash my hair, I expected her to give me more water, but no, she gave me the same amount as usual...and so I said thank you and went into the "bathroom" with the bucket."  Once  I closed the door, I had to think of how I was  going to do things.  Mind you, I was running a bit late and was not expecting to have to wash my hair; so I had to do that for the first time AND bathe in like 15 minutes.  So here's what I did: I quickly took the twists out of the front of my hair, took my little cup and used it to pour water all over my head (it was tough trying to use as little water as possible, but I made it work okay), then I shampooed, half-way rinsed again, added some conditioner and then bathed.  I used what water I had left to rinse the conditioner out of my hair and when I was all done I felt so very accomplished!  Yes, I used all of the water, but I did it!! AND within my desired time frame!! But the story doesn't end there.  For some reason I thought it would be okay to bring Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner to Africa (the fruitiest shampoo of shampoos) and low and behold I hear a buzzing sound above my head.  I think nothing of it as there are flies everywhere...but then I look up and it's a BEE! I panic and bust open the "bathroom" door to run out, but then I remember I'm naked and there's some guy outside doing something for my mama.  I begin to calm myself, but the bee keeps flying closer and closer to my head!  So I grab my little katanga (an African cloth), half wrap it/half hold it around me, grab my stuff and jet out of the "bathroom."  And that was my hair washing experience.  I have got to get some new UNSCENTED shampoo!

Cow Chitterlings! Yikes!

OhEmGee!!! I'm pretty sure what just sat before me on the dinner table was a huge bowl of chitterlings prepared just for me.  But, here's the thing...I don't eat chitterlings...and even worse, THERE ARE NO PIGS AROUND HERE!!! So I'm sitting at the table telling myself, it's okay you can do this.  It's okay, you can do this.  Just chew and swallow...chew and swallow...QUICKLY!

**Sidenote: To have meat in Rwanda is a privilege.  The people here are usually unable to afford it and so when my mom said "inyama" ever so proudly, I shuddered a bit.  I don't like the way the meat is prepared here and I have already decided that I am going to keep with a vegetarian diet until I get back to the states. ..but then my host mom makes meat.  And it's rude to not eat it...**

Back to the story,

The Beauty Within

Wow, where on Earth do I begin.  This place is so amazing!  From the people, to the food, to the beautiful views, to the cultures and traditions, I am simply amazed.  Words cannot express the way I feel about my Rwandan experience so far, but I will do my best to capture my most memorable and captivating moments so that you can somehow understand why I love it so much.  There is a beauty within Rwanda that can only be seen when you are living as a Rwandan national, rather than as a visitor.  You get to experience everything first hand and live in the moment with such a great and generous people.  In just 5 short days, I have experienced so much, here are the basics and the main parts that stand out:

Food

DELICIOUS!  The diet is mainly vegetarian unless a family has a lot of money or if a special meal is being prepared for the holidays.  A few of the volunteers' families are what is considered rich and do get meat cooked for them.  It's funny though, the ones that ended up with rich families are all vegetarian so that didn't really work out too well.  One girl's family killed a cow in honor of her coming to stay with them for her Peace Corps training, and she didn't even eat it (yes I know, how rude lol).  I think I ended up with a poorer family, not that that's a problem.  My "mama" is amazing, as are my "little brother" and "little sister."  For dinner the past few nights, we have had a bean type stew (kind of reminds me of a thick gumbo) made with beans, carrots, squash, and something else that I haven't quite deciphered yet.  We had that one night with rice, another night with plantains, and another night with fried potatoes.  Yes, every night (and for lunch) but I can't seem to grow tired of it..its soooo good and sooo flavorful!  For breakfast we've been having amandazi, which is a type of fried doughnut.  We have each of our meals with itchaye (tea with milk and sugar) and it is sooo good!  It kind of reminds me of chai tea.  We don't drink anything during our meals, instead, we wait to drink  the tea at the end.  So, once everyone's plate is clean, we pour our mug full of tea and sit and "talk."

The food is cooked on a small coal stove about one foot high.  It is basically just a metal tub that holds coals and has a place for ashes to fall below.  These are not your run of the mill coals though.  There is no lighter fluid or easy way to light it.  You break up some coals on the ground, put them in the "stove," put some leaves and branches in there to help start the fire and then you fan it really hard so that the fire will grow.  I called myself trying to help one night and apparently I wasn't fanning hard enough.  The fire ended up going out and Mama had to relight  it...and then she fanned it herself, the right way.

Dametreea Takes a Tumble

Lah dee daaah...so this typhoid shot really hurts and this flu shot has me feeling anything but normal (or maybe its all in my head).  I'm pretty sure my arm is going to fall off any minute now :-/  ...on 5/11/12 (the date that this blog was written) we had some logistic type training which included a whole heap of administrative information and expectations, applying for visas, getting sized for bikes (I ended up with the smallest one possible of course), received a space in the Peace Corps safe for important papers and such, and getting our Rwandan Monaaaay Heeeeey!!!!!  They gave us a living allowance for the next two weeks of 37,500 francs; we're supposed to spend about 2,500 each day until its gone.  For an easy conversion, you can use 600 francs per the dollar (now do the math), we're living off of about 4.16 per day (and for Rwanda, this amount is pretty generous).  After receiving our money, we went to the phone store to get cell phones and modems for internet.  I ended up spending 20,000 on just two sim cards and a modem (so much for 2,500 francs per day).  Guess who's going to be hungry this week lol...I do have a phone number and I would love to get some phone calls as I am not able to make outgoing calls (its waaaay to expensive)!  So with that being said, if you would like my number, please give my older sister a call, I would say email me, but I won't have enough internet time to respond to everyone seeing how I just spent more money than I was supposed to on a modem.

New Phone!! Yay!

I have a number now!! Assuming that if you're close to me you know my older sister, please Facebook or call her for my number and she will give it out at her discretion...I get a little homesick at times (yes, already) so please do call :)

I'm in Rwanda!! Woot Woot!!!

Here is a short update and notification that I MADE IT!!!! The entire group arrived in one piece, our luggage is in tact, and we all have smiling faces. Once we arrived at the airport in Rwanda, I'm sure you can imagine my little "Oh my gosh, I'm so excited voice" and my 5'1" body bouncing off of the walls. Some of the Peace Corps staff (which were all Rwandan except for one) met us and helped us carry our luggage to the very suspect unmarked white vans. haha! It seemed a little sketchy, but we all made it to the Peace Corps hostel at which we will be staying together for the next few days. In the photo gallery you can view my bunk. Although I haven't seen any bugs yet, my bunk is at the top to avoid any critters that may be lurking around while we sleep.

When we first got to the hostel, we honked outside and some guy with some contraption with a light and a mirror on it came out to pass the contraption under each of our suspect unmarked vans to ensure that no one was hanging on underneath?? That's my assumption with that. Right now we are all just sitting and talking and taking turns using this ONE modem so that we can update blogs and notify our families that we made it safely. Tomorrow we will be going to get cell phones and any other immediate things we need. After that, we'll have some short language and culture trainings so that we can at least have a slight clue of what to do and what not to do when we go to meet our host family in a few days. I am beyond excited and although I miss everyone back home, I am sooooo very happy I'm here. I'm living my dream...and if I'm living yours as well, feel free to live vicariously through me :) I will be holding nothing back!

Love and Peace Corps,

Dametreea

PS On second thought, photos will have to wait (sorry) this internet is NOT working out for me right now :(

Recharged

Okay this one is going to be short and to the point.  It's 3:22 am and checkout is at 9am so that we can begin our bus ride to JFK...soooo, here it goes:

Orientation today was AMAZING! Not your average "job" orientation.  It recharged me for what I am about to be doing.  I, along with everyone else, was feeling a bit drained from all of the emotions and stress, but now everything is okay.  The other volunteers all felt the same way I did--nervous and unsure, but I really think orientation helped to push out all (or most) of our anxieties so that we can focus on the tasks ahead.  I came to realize today that I can't keep worrying about what I am leaving behind.  I need to focus on what lies ahead because that is where I will make a difference.

After our SEVEN hour orientation, a group of us went to downtown Philly to hang out and have our very last American dinner.  I had a seafood roll (crab meat, shrimp, and scallops on a yummy bread roll) and avocado fries (fried slices of avocado) and it was yummazing!  For the beverage I had a Pineapple Express (I won't be sharing those ingredients) :)  The food was great and the conversation was interesting!  I'm having a great time getting to know the other PCV's (Peace Corps Volunteers).  There are 26 of us and this is in a sense my new family, and as of right now, things are looking bright for us!

Here is the next part of the journey as I know it:

My Life-Saver

I'm pretty sure I sat by an angel on the airplane.  His name was Edward.  As I cried my way down the aisle to my seat, I must not have been able to see well because I ended up sitting in the wrong seat.  As soon as my seat mate looked up, he asked me if I was okay and against the evidence pasted on my face, I said yes.  When I sat down, he asked again, are you sure you're okay?  Finally I obliged and told him about my Peace Corps journey and that I had never been away from home before.  He told me a short story of when his son moved away and after a few short words of wisdom, he offered me a lifesaver "to brighten my day."  I laughed a bit and although the small candy didn't save my life, it did brighten my mood.  He was such a nice man.  He proceeded to talk with me throughout the flight and he had to have taken out a million snacks and offered me a few.  I kept saying no until finally he just poured a bit of trail mix onto a napkin for me and said, "you've got to eat something." I am grateful he did that because I hadn't eaten anything all day and after eating some of the mix, I did realize how hungry I actually was.

All in all, it amazes me how a complete stranger can care so much.  Either that, or he really was an angel.  It seems as if God has already placed a hedge of protection around me.  Things have been working out so perfectly.  I have the armor of the Lord all over me and I am grateful for the smooth-sailing nature of the past few days.  This experience just couldn't get any better!

Love and Peace Corps,
Dametreea

A Tear-Filled River

Here I am at 2am trying to type as quietly as possible so I don't wake my roommate.  Tomorrow is orientation and I'm in Philadelphia at the Crown Plaza sitting in my bed trying to keep myself from doing what I've been doing all day--crying!  I'm still happy and excited, I just have never been away from home all alone and the thought brings tears to my eyes.  It's hard to leave those who you love behind while you embark on a new journey.  To put the way I'm feeling into perspective for anyone who can't relate, this feels something like breaking up with a long-term boyfriend--except worse.  It's my family I left; and although I'll be back in just two short years, the time I've spent away today already feels like an eternity.

Minus the river we cried at the house, on the way to the airport, and at the airport, we shared a few rather funny moments before it was time for me to board the plane.  I'll start by saying that I finished packing today at 12:30 pm...this probably doesn't sound like much of a problem until I tell you that my flight was leaving at 2:50 PM!  So, here is the series of events:

More Stuff than Space

Here is my packing list, give or take a few things.  Now you can see why I'm having such a hard time fitting it all into just TWO suitcases!

Clothing

Underwear

Slip

Sports Bra

Cotton Socks (gray or athletic)

2 nice outfits (khaki/dark pants/dress/skirt/cardigan)

2-3 jeans/cargo pants

3-4 casual cotton shirts

1-2 button down, polo type shirts

1 swimsuit

1 pair active wear shorts

1 hat/visor

Bandanas/scarves

1-2 pair sandals (chaco's or keen) /flip flops

1-2 pair running shoes/hiking shoes

2 pair closed toe work shoes (low heels)

2-3 tank tops

1 pair each pj shorts/pants

1 belt

1 windbreaker/raincoat

1 jacket

1-2 pair sunglasses

1 waterproof wrist watch

1-2 light sweaters

1 sweatshirt/fleece

Thong slippers

Toiletries (for 3 mo)

2-4 toothbrushes

2+ toothpaste

Floss

Face wash/lotion

Shampoo/Conditioner

Soap

Body lotion

Comb/brush

Metal hair clips

Bobby pins

Hair ties/head bands

Razors

Tweezers

Nail Clippers/nail file

Hair cutting scissors

Travel toothbrush container

Hand sanitizer

Aloe

Tampons

1 towel

3 mo supply prescriptions

Deodorant

Purple Listerine

Baby wipes-big pack and travel size

Mirror

Sunscreen with high SPF

Travel Toilet Tissue

Electronics

Kindle with case/Reading light

USB flashdrives/external drives

Flashlight

Solar/Rechargeable batteries AA AAA /Solar recharger/energizer recharger

Camera

iPod

Portable battery/solar powered ihome

Headphones with mic

Laptop with camera

Headlamp

Voice recorder with usb port

Everyday Tools

Leatherman knife

Tool kit

Money belt that fits passport

Can opener

Kitchen knives

Cutting board

Potholder

Spices

Work gloves

Umbrella

Camping mattress/sleeping pad

Compressible pillow (camping pillow)

2 sheets

Sewing kit

Duct tape

Super glue

Thermometer

Measure cups

Spiral notebook

Mini LED flashlight lantern

Nalgene water bottle

Crystal Light

Luggage

Day Pack

Two rolling suitcases

Miscellaneous

Invite kit with PC Books

Accordion folder for sorting papers

1-2 books

Ziploc bags

Reusable grocery bags

1-2 travel sized games/puzzle books

Small calendar/day planner

Photos-family, friends, home in US

A roll of US forever stamps

1-2 notebooks/journals

Art supplies (pens, pencils, colored pencils, scissors, sharpener, sharpies)

12 passport photos

Snacks (granola bars, candy, etc)

Gifts for host family (postcards of home, Arizona Souvineers, playing cards, etc)

Paper clips

3 small-med totes

Camping/hiking gear

Packaged sauces, spices, seasonings, drink mixes

Sunglasses

Bed sheets

Love and Peace Corps,
Dametreea

3am and Packing

I'm leaving in just 11 hours!!! Aghhhh!!!

I am beyond excited and mentally, I'm about as ready as I can be.  Now in all reality, I'm actually still not packed! Most of my stuff is currently in suitcases however, the two suitcases, yes TWO, that I am allowed to bring are completely full and overweight.  Not to worry though, I only have to take out a couple pairs of shoes, a few shirts, a couple bottles of shampoo, maybe some lotion, a pack of deodorant...haha! I guess you can say I over-did the shopping a little bit.  At least if I leave some of this stuff behind my mom will already have the items for her first care packing :)

After typing this short update, I will be painting my toe nails for the last time :) I figure I can at least leave the states pretty and in style.  Next up will be making copies of some important documents that need to be left with my family.  And finally, I will be stuffing my tummy with all the yumminess that it can stand without beginning to ache.  Oh yeah, and then finally finally, I will be finishing off those suitcases.

This weekend was pretty much the best weekend ever in the history of weekends.  I had the chance to