KayKay in Africa

2008-09-15T14:54:00.001-07:00

...And I'm Back!!!

2008-09-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Okay! very sorry I haven't updated my blog! This Google taking over blogger screwed everything with my passwords and e-mails, but I think I got it straight....I mean I can type a blog right now so I think I have everything down. - Okay what has happened since.....March??? or whenever.

I've been in country for eight months! That's definitely something to celebrate! Village life has been calm. The rains came and are currently coming to an end. Rainy season was a blessing for getting a little cold weather and water. Everything got greener and things actually grew taller then me! Planted moranga and watermelons which have decided to invaded my entire backyard. (mosquitoes are thanking me for providing a lovely home) My house didn't collapse or leak, also a positive. My fence is hanging on to dear life, but my villagers have been sweeties about helping their anasara try to fix it, but honestly the rains wash everything away. I'll fix it all this harvest season...lots of fresh strong millet! YES!

Okay now with the good comes the bad too. I had a very bad case of bacteria in July that took me out for two days. After that (two days later) a very vicious sandstorm was kicking up and while running to get my laundry from outside the door to my hut kicked the back of my ankle and slammed shut! This resulted in me cutting a 2in wide/3in long/4 tissue layers deep gash on the back of my ankle!!!! OUCH! That happened mid July...my wound has still not held completely. The scar makes an excellent battle wound story, but getting hit by a door in a sandstorm?.....Yeah I think I'm going to change that one.

"I was bit by a talibize child begging for money...."
"Attacked by the last wild lion in Niger..."
"Don't mess with chariot spiders..."
"Land Sharks...don't fuck with them."

Please let me know your in-put.

NOW current news- I have amoebas and bacteria AGAIN! Round two is always better! Actually I feel like my stomach has been pillaged. However, I got my meds and I'm heading back out to the bush tomorrow! (If God wills it) I spent last week in my friends village discussing the importance of spending young girls to school. Went very well, spoke to about 80 villagers and got good feedback. We also did a radio show on the subject. 97% sure I got sick from the food their, but that's life. At lest it was good food! coco with sugar! yummy! (note: coco is a hot millet drink)

My weekly radio shows have been exciting and entertaining for all Nigerians in the region (They really do love to hear us on the radio)...my current favorite is the Birthday script we wrote to discuss about American traditions, birth spacing, etc. The whole show was dedicated to my 23rd birthday (8/21) last month! So, no bias opinions when I says its my favorite :)

I have tons of plans for the upcoming months...cook stoves, world maps, teaching GLOBE! So my next entry will discuss more projects and work aspects of my life as a PCV.

Oh and my vacation never happened. Sorry guys I was really hoping to run that Marathon. I've decided not to discuss any vacation plans until I have the plane tickets or visas in my hand.

Our AG/NRM sister stage comes in one month! If you read this can't wait to meet you all and don't stress about learning language. Get your lives in order and say goodbye to the people that matter. Spend as much time with friends and family. Also bring flip flops/bathing suite/cute clothes! You well have times where you can be an American. These times might be limited, but they happen so bring some tank tops! Its fucking hot here...and head-lamps are very sweet to have so bring one!

Okay that's all I have to report from this side of the world. Cannot express how excited I am to know my password again so I'll write soon! Like OCTOBER soon! YAY! (Dad you can stop yelling at me to update)

Kala Ton Ton

*Amina*

Two Months in the Bush

2008-05-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

Fofo,

I've finally completed my PC training and proud to say officially I'm a PCV now!!! I've also just finished my first two months at post and have made it out alive and healthy. Although, my trip in wasn't as smooth. The day of my village installation I was taken down by a 103 temp. from a lovely dose of bacteria. Oh the joys of moving to a new country! However, I recovered quickly and was back on my feet and in my village the next day.
The first month is said to one of your biggest hurdles in PC. Yet, I was lucky enough to have some awesome neighbors and a local radio station to start working with. We started putting together 30 min. shows aired once a week about the enviorment and other African issues. It's nice to be writing scripts again, just a little difficult to write in another language!

*sorry can't post any names or details of where I'm living and working PC rules or something...

My Zarma I feel has come to a holt. I'm currently in the process of finding a teacher to help me out. It's hard when you go from 4hours a day of classes to nothing! Guess I'm have to discipline myself more. However, I do walk around with my dictionary and notepad to help with convos.
Right now its all about adjusting to the village and living alone. I'll keep you posted on future projects I hope to accomplish.

Oh! I did get a kitten from our hostel to take with me out in the bush! So cute! His name is Admas, but my villagers have given him the Nigerian name of Adamoe. It's nice having a companion, but the little shit likes to destroy my mosquito net at night! Already ripped 7 wholes in it! I'm hoping real soon he'll do his job or killing scorpions and chariot spiders. Again, I post any of Adams killings!

love,

Amina

WHERE AM I!!!!!!

2008-03-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

OKay I made it to Niger! And let me start by saying that I have a new address and please send lots of letters and DRIED FRUIT would be amazing!!! So far everything has been good. I'm settling in well with the country. Culture shock was a bitch, but I think everything is going to be okay! This Friday is our swear-in and finally after two hard months of training we'll be PCVS!!!! YAY! I'll try to post more next time and get some photos up! But I miss you all!

P.S. I'm training for a 1/2 marathon in Ghana!!!

LOVE,

Amina
(Oh yeah I have a new African name)

Goodbye USA

2008-01-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

Alright everyone the time has come and finally I leave for the Peace Corps tomorrow morning! I'll be in Philadelphia for three days then leave for Niger, West Africa on Wednesday after all my lovely vaccinations. (oh joy) I still don't feel like this journey is about to happen. It's weird to think that I've finished college and on to the next chapter in my life.
I'll be honest these past couple of weeks were not easy. I truly underestimated how hard it would be to leave the people I love. However, my last week at home was great! Got to bring in the new year with friends, celebrate my best friends 22nd birthday and got to spend the weekend with a very special man and my family.
Everyone.Please! Please! Please! write to me as many letters as you can and remember to number them. My address is posted on the left and please watch for blog up-dates. I don't know the next time I'll be able to post, hopefully in a couple of weeks. I'll also add more photos and albums, but a few photos are up that were taken recently.

Well thats all for now! Hopefully everything with Peace Corps will be a success and I'll be back March 2010!

Love,
~*~Kaylee~*~