A day in the life and random tidbits. Many friends receive emails with this title from time to time to just give them a glimpse into the crazy comedy that is my life in Rwanda. I decided to post some for everyone's reading pleasure.
-My Kinyarfranglish is rapidly improving, but my command of the English language is slowly but surely diminishing as a result.
-My supervisor is a career development expert from Scotland...she's done alot and is pretty awesome. However after working with her for a couple of months I now find myself responding to and/or saying things like, "Do you fancy a cuppa?".
-I can either be called skinny or fat, depending on what I'm wearing, all in the same day.
-It always seems as if I get into the 30 passenger buses when travelling in Rwanda, and end up sitting in the middle...with NO WINDOW!! It wouldn't be so bad if once you started driving, like a domino effect, EVERYONE didn't start closing their window. Now you end up getting to your destination smelling of sweat, other people's B.O., vomit (in some cases), and the man that was sitting waaaayyyy in the back's cologne (I'm tired and couldn't figure out how to grammatically fix this sentence).
-I went to a going away house party for a friend the other day (We miss you Louise!!), and found out from many Rwandans in attendance that I was the first black American they've ever met. I was dancing with this one guy, he asked where I was from, and I told him. He didn't believe me because he said I didn't dance like other Americans, I danced like a Rwandan. We went back and forth about this, and I ensured him that I was American. He said, but I don't understand, Americans can't dance. He had only met white Americans, and his generalization was that none of them could dance. We laughed about it for a bit and he danced away. I then realized as he walked past others they all began to look at me. The volume of the music just so happend to be turned down as someone said..."What?! She's American?!?! You lie!". I decided to take a break from all the stares at this point, and went to have a seat. That's when I noticed this other guy looking at me in the distance. He then walked over to me, knelt on his knee, and started wiping away tears. Me: "Why are you crying?" Him: "I am just so happy that I have met you. You have come all the way from America to work with us, and that makes my heart happy." Me: "Uhhh....that's great, but can we talk about this some other time? People are starting to look." I know it sounds touching, but not when you're at a house party and everyone has already been staring at you all night.
-I got the cotton part of a Q-tip stuck in my ear (dont' ask and don't judge). In my attempt to get it out, I ended up pushing it in even further. I was too embarrassed to call the PC doctors, because of an equally embarrassing* incident that took place a couple of months ago, so I went to the nurse at my school. I told her...in KINYARWANDA, what happened. She then calls over the guards, matrons, head of maintenance, etc INDIVIDUALLY, so they could better "explain" to her what happened. After I explain it...in KINYARWANDA to the last person, all of a sudden she gets why I'm there, and proceeds to tell me that she doesn't have the tools to help me, and that I must go to the hospital. No offense Rwanda, but I absoultely refuse to go to the hospital here, to have someone stick some large instrument into my ear to remove some Q-tip cotton. So...sigh...I had to suck it up and call the PC doctor. They tell me to come in, ask me what happened, take it out in less than a minute, and I was on my way. Yes they were true professionals about it, but I'm sure I heard uproarious laughter as I was walking out of the med unit. I see you PC doctors...I see you.
*Small details on embarrassing story: I had a really long day, and hadn't eaten, so in my haste to have a delicious PB&J, I accidentally cut my hand (really really bad, almost needing stitches bad) trying to open up a jar of jam with a knife. Don't ask and don't judge, but that PB&J was on point!
-Why do I have a mouse in my house (haha that rhymed)? I don't leave any food out, I thoroughly clean my house...what else must I do? He comes around pretty often, so I just named him Ben. He's cute, and is my friend now. No point in trying to get rid of him, he's a beast and just keeps coming back for more.
-I am now Rwandan...says everyone (including myself). I now grunt in response to things, hang up the phone before saying goodbye, put waaaayyyy too much sugar or salt on/in things before even tasting it, when I don't understand a question instead of saying excuse me, come again, I just scream Eh?, and say to people I haven't seen in awhile, "so and so...long time!".
-I met a guy and told him I was from America. He said ohhh, do you know Mark? He lives in Virginia, and is a black American like you. I say no, sorry don't know him. He looks at me incredulously and says really?! well you should know him...he's a great guy. Uhhhh...I'm sure he is.
-I asked a colleague if now, since I'm working for this major organization in Rwanda, I could get a free Blackberry as well (I knew it was a long shot, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask, and I was half joking when I asked). He said, the organization can't provide it, but I will buy you one in exchange for something else. Uhhh oookayyy. He says that we must sign a contract between him, myself, and the church, then winks and says if you understand what I'm saying. Instead of laughing in his face, which was my gut reaction, I say you must first consult my father. He says no problem, give me his number. Then I say you must talk to my grandfather and all of my many many uncles too...because this is very important to me. He says...Eh eh eh eh, that is too much! I will send them a group email, and our engagement shall be part of a public service annoucement to them all!! Uhhhh.....welcome to my life!
~Amahoro,
Jace, cyangwa Uwineza
Monday, October 4, 2010
We start as fools, and become wise through experience.
I know, I know...it's been almost a year since my last blog entry. Time sure does fly, but in all honesty I felt like I didn't have much to report, or what I wanted to write about I wasn't really "allowed" to. I'll try to update you on what's been going on lately as succintly as possible.
-In December of '09, several PCV's (Peace Corps volunteers) and I planned and held a girls leadership camp (Camp GLOW). Although Camp GLOW is something that Peace Corps has been doing in several countries, it was the first time being implemented in Rwanda. We had over 70 girls from across the country attend, and it was a huge success. We focused on topics such as HIV/AIDS education, proper nutrition, life skills, career planning and goal setting, team building, etc. Sustainability is one of the key factors in deciding to start a project in PC, so we are happy to report that many of the attendees of Camp GLOW have taken the information they learned from the camp and have started GLOW clubs in their communities and respective schools. 2 students that attended the camp from FAWE Girls' School (the school I work at) started a GLOW club that now has 40+ members...not tooting my own horn, but my girls are AWESOME!!
-January, February, March: Another PCV and I planned a benefit concert to supplement the cost of shipping several thousand books to Rwanda. The book project was called Books for Africa, and the books went to build/enhance 14 libraries around the country. The planning of the concert was extremely time consuming (and I've actually blocked alot of it out of my memory), but it was as successful as it could have been considering the circumstances. Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, had been experiencing many grenade attacks leading up to this event, so many people didn't feel comfortable coming out at night...who could blame them? All in all, we raised the funds needed to ship books for a couple of sites. Contined work at FAWE on a slightly lesser scale. I wrote a peer mentorship curriculum that focused on leadership skills, decision making, HIV/AIDS awareness, conflict resolution, etc. I train a couple of my students on the curriculum, and then it is up to them to teach the lesson to students at 4 other schools in a neighboring district one Saturday every month. My girls take what I give them, and make it their own...it blows my mind evertime I see them standing in the front of a classroom teaching a lesson. They have truly impressed me. I'm also the advisor for a couple of after school clubs.
-April, May, June, July: not much was going on, which was IMMENSELY frustrating!! Work at the school pretty much came to a dead stop since the beginning of 2010 (besides the aforementioned after school clubs). I wasn't as upset about it at first because a) I was doing all that work planning for the benefit concert, and b) having me on the teaching schedule would take away from the school hiring someone else (our purpose here is not to take a salary away from someone else). After the concert it hit me how absolutely useless I felt. Those who know me, know that I really don't like being idle, so although I had some activites to work on, those things took up maybe 5-10 hours per week. Believe me when I say I did everything in my power to find work to do. I contacted everyone I knew, just to get my hands on something even if for a day, week, or month. Everyone knows that when you come to PC you don't always start out having much work. They usually drop you somewhere, say assess the needs of your community so you can find some work, and good luck! My experience wasn't like that at all. I had TONS of work at first. I didn't join PC to sit and twiddle my thumbs all day, so I would wake up some days and ask, "Why am I here again?". Then I would walk out my house and talk to some of my students, or look at my affirmation wall and remember my purpose. I may not have been doing anything great at the time, but my students are a constant reminder that the small things matter more than anything. *Also during April: went to Uganda and went bungee jumping over the Nile River!!! It was scary, but I would definitely do it again. During May: I was medically evacuated to South Africa for 2 weeks. No worries, it was nothing serious, just had to go for treatment that couldn't be taken care of in Rwanda. Had an amazing time though. Got to see zebra, giraffe, wildebeast, ostrich, etc that was only like a couple feet away. Also got to eat some really great food that I hadn't been able to get since being in Rwanda. Sigh...S.Africa is a magical place lol.*
-August: Spent a couple of weeks in Tanzania/ZANZIBAR!!! It was amazing!!! Turquoise blue water, white sandy beaches, good food, and great friends!!!
-September: Finally started working again...woohoo!! Started a new job working for a government agency that was entrusted with starting the first ever career centers in Rwanda. We have 18 up and running career centers to date (I still work at the school 2 days a week). Patience and prayer work. Also, was chosen to attend Peace Corps first Post Conflict workshop. This was an amazing opportunity because only 5 volunteers serving in post conflict countries were invited to attend. This was our chance to provide first hand accounts of life in the field and to give any feedback we had about PC operating in these countries to PC Washington. For those that I have spoken to recently, you know that since coming to Rwanda I have a real interest in working in post conflict countries or in the field of conflict resolution/peace building. Attending this workshop gave me an even deeper understanding on the importance of preparing and having knowledgable people working in this field.
**Updates**
-Since Camp GLOW worked out so well last year, we are planning to do another one in December...actually we're doing 2. We have the budget to double our number of girls from last year, and to also do a seperate boys camp. We're expecting great things!
-Our Books for Africa project initially projected that we would receive about 14,000 books, with approximately 1,000 books going to each site. Well...the total number of books received was close to 24,000, and we also received 42 computers!!! Clearly, God is surpassing our expectations!!! Also, instead of just sending books to these sites (because how does that aid in sustainability?) we trained all of the librarians from each site. We focused on maintenance of the library and books, cataloging systems, library events, etc. The training was a huge success...thanks Jess for all of your hard work in making this happen!
After reading this over I've realized that I've done alot in the short amount of time I've been here. Sometimes it takes us taking a step back from our everyday reality to realize the impact we have on those around us, and how much they have impacted our lives in return. I'm extremely humbled for being given such an amazing opportunity to serve in Rwanda. I would never say it's been easy, but it's a challenge I would take on again because I've received more than I could ever give. If I could show any more gratitude for the lessons learned, laughs shared, tears cried (because they have made me stronger), immense joy found, advice and support received, friendships lost (because they weren't enriching), enhanced, gained, or rekindled....trust me I would!
~Amahoro (peace)
Jace, cyangwa Kinyarwanda inzina (or Kinyarwanda name), Uwineza
-In December of '09, several PCV's (Peace Corps volunteers) and I planned and held a girls leadership camp (Camp GLOW). Although Camp GLOW is something that Peace Corps has been doing in several countries, it was the first time being implemented in Rwanda. We had over 70 girls from across the country attend, and it was a huge success. We focused on topics such as HIV/AIDS education, proper nutrition, life skills, career planning and goal setting, team building, etc. Sustainability is one of the key factors in deciding to start a project in PC, so we are happy to report that many of the attendees of Camp GLOW have taken the information they learned from the camp and have started GLOW clubs in their communities and respective schools. 2 students that attended the camp from FAWE Girls' School (the school I work at) started a GLOW club that now has 40+ members...not tooting my own horn, but my girls are AWESOME!!
-January, February, March: Another PCV and I planned a benefit concert to supplement the cost of shipping several thousand books to Rwanda. The book project was called Books for Africa, and the books went to build/enhance 14 libraries around the country. The planning of the concert was extremely time consuming (and I've actually blocked alot of it out of my memory), but it was as successful as it could have been considering the circumstances. Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, had been experiencing many grenade attacks leading up to this event, so many people didn't feel comfortable coming out at night...who could blame them? All in all, we raised the funds needed to ship books for a couple of sites. Contined work at FAWE on a slightly lesser scale. I wrote a peer mentorship curriculum that focused on leadership skills, decision making, HIV/AIDS awareness, conflict resolution, etc. I train a couple of my students on the curriculum, and then it is up to them to teach the lesson to students at 4 other schools in a neighboring district one Saturday every month. My girls take what I give them, and make it their own...it blows my mind evertime I see them standing in the front of a classroom teaching a lesson. They have truly impressed me. I'm also the advisor for a couple of after school clubs.
-April, May, June, July: not much was going on, which was IMMENSELY frustrating!! Work at the school pretty much came to a dead stop since the beginning of 2010 (besides the aforementioned after school clubs). I wasn't as upset about it at first because a) I was doing all that work planning for the benefit concert, and b) having me on the teaching schedule would take away from the school hiring someone else (our purpose here is not to take a salary away from someone else). After the concert it hit me how absolutely useless I felt. Those who know me, know that I really don't like being idle, so although I had some activites to work on, those things took up maybe 5-10 hours per week. Believe me when I say I did everything in my power to find work to do. I contacted everyone I knew, just to get my hands on something even if for a day, week, or month. Everyone knows that when you come to PC you don't always start out having much work. They usually drop you somewhere, say assess the needs of your community so you can find some work, and good luck! My experience wasn't like that at all. I had TONS of work at first. I didn't join PC to sit and twiddle my thumbs all day, so I would wake up some days and ask, "Why am I here again?". Then I would walk out my house and talk to some of my students, or look at my affirmation wall and remember my purpose. I may not have been doing anything great at the time, but my students are a constant reminder that the small things matter more than anything. *Also during April: went to Uganda and went bungee jumping over the Nile River!!! It was scary, but I would definitely do it again. During May: I was medically evacuated to South Africa for 2 weeks. No worries, it was nothing serious, just had to go for treatment that couldn't be taken care of in Rwanda. Had an amazing time though. Got to see zebra, giraffe, wildebeast, ostrich, etc that was only like a couple feet away. Also got to eat some really great food that I hadn't been able to get since being in Rwanda. Sigh...S.Africa is a magical place lol.*
-August: Spent a couple of weeks in Tanzania/ZANZIBAR!!! It was amazing!!! Turquoise blue water, white sandy beaches, good food, and great friends!!!
-September: Finally started working again...woohoo!! Started a new job working for a government agency that was entrusted with starting the first ever career centers in Rwanda. We have 18 up and running career centers to date (I still work at the school 2 days a week). Patience and prayer work. Also, was chosen to attend Peace Corps first Post Conflict workshop. This was an amazing opportunity because only 5 volunteers serving in post conflict countries were invited to attend. This was our chance to provide first hand accounts of life in the field and to give any feedback we had about PC operating in these countries to PC Washington. For those that I have spoken to recently, you know that since coming to Rwanda I have a real interest in working in post conflict countries or in the field of conflict resolution/peace building. Attending this workshop gave me an even deeper understanding on the importance of preparing and having knowledgable people working in this field.
**Updates**
-Since Camp GLOW worked out so well last year, we are planning to do another one in December...actually we're doing 2. We have the budget to double our number of girls from last year, and to also do a seperate boys camp. We're expecting great things!
-Our Books for Africa project initially projected that we would receive about 14,000 books, with approximately 1,000 books going to each site. Well...the total number of books received was close to 24,000, and we also received 42 computers!!! Clearly, God is surpassing our expectations!!! Also, instead of just sending books to these sites (because how does that aid in sustainability?) we trained all of the librarians from each site. We focused on maintenance of the library and books, cataloging systems, library events, etc. The training was a huge success...thanks Jess for all of your hard work in making this happen!
After reading this over I've realized that I've done alot in the short amount of time I've been here. Sometimes it takes us taking a step back from our everyday reality to realize the impact we have on those around us, and how much they have impacted our lives in return. I'm extremely humbled for being given such an amazing opportunity to serve in Rwanda. I would never say it's been easy, but it's a challenge I would take on again because I've received more than I could ever give. If I could show any more gratitude for the lessons learned, laughs shared, tears cried (because they have made me stronger), immense joy found, advice and support received, friendships lost (because they weren't enriching), enhanced, gained, or rekindled....trust me I would!
~Amahoro (peace)
Jace, cyangwa Kinyarwanda inzina (or Kinyarwanda name), Uwineza
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