In other words, here's some stuff I didn't anticipte this time last year. This post goes out to all the future PCM Ed volunteers, leaving for staging in just over a month!
1. I have become extremely dirty. In America, I haaaaated getting dirty. Here I still hate it, but what with all the dirt, you can't help it. Also, sometimes I don't wash my hair 5 days in a row, and I don't feel that bad. Even though I bafa everyday, I don't really think I ever get clean. Yesterday I soaked, scrubbed, and pumiced my feet for the first time in a few months, and realized I'm way less tan than I thought. Last year's me is disgusted.
2. I casually walk by all sorts of creatures - camel spiders, scorpions, crazy giant centipedes - and think to myself, "hmm. That's not good." And then I go under my mosquito net and fall asleep. Seriously, mosquito nets protect you from everything!
3. Hitching. The first time I hitched I was terrified, but it's honestly the best way to travel. The people are usually nice, English speaking, appreciative of the work PC does, and way better drivers than minibus drivers. Not to mention the cars are more spacious, generally not falling apart, and smell better. Plus, it's cheaper and sometimes the driver gives you snacks!
4. Everything is late, and no one follows the schedule. Except for me. I'm still working on this one.
5. Drink beer. I was never a fan of beer, although I respect it as a beverage. But here, although wine and other beverages are usually out of my price range, Carlsbergs still cost the equivalent of a dollar. Apparently I drink them now. My dad should be proud.
6. Survive hot season in a "hot" region. Without air conditioning or a fan or anything. But I did it! The mangoes helped.
7. Eat powdered cheese and velveeta. Past me was such a cheese snob that I actually told my mom I didn't think it was necessary to buy powdered parmesan for my care packages. Thank heavens she knew better! Today, even fake cheese is important. Speaking of, I'm running low on parmesan.
8. Have a "servant". That word still makes me cringe with the guilt of the priviledged, so I end up calling Agnes really long-winded things like "the woman who does my laundry." Is it really necessary to pay someone to wash my dishes and clothes? No, but for the record, she also carried my water until I got a hose. And she's awesome, and a widow who still supports two sons in school and needs income. Plus she keeps me updated in the goings-on of the community, and sometimes she brings me stuff from her garden (ground nuts! Pumpkins! Greens!).
9. Accept that it's the students' jobs to do manual work. It doesn't shock me anymore to see students sweeping or mopping, but it still pisses me off when other teachers pull them out of class to draw water and start a fire for our tea, slash grass as punishment, or run errands at the trading center. Lame, guys. School is for learning.
10. Climb mountains. I'm still pretty bad at this, and I have a relatively significant laziness problem, but it's apparently something I can do.
11. Become besties with my training class. Everything I read about the PC really built up the bond volunteers form during PST, so by the time I got to staging, a bundle of emotion and anxiety, it was bound to be a letdown. Sorry to say I looked around at everyone and thought, "really? These guys are supposed to be my PC family?" Apparently yes. I donn't know when it switched, but there is seriously not one member of my group that I don't care deeply for, or feel comfortable with, or miss at site. They are seriously the best and I am sooo grateful for them.
12. I get up between 5:30 and 6 most days. Even when I try to sleep in it's impressive if I don't wake up till 7. Bizarre.
13. Yell at students. I usually feel bad afterwards, but there is nothing more irritating than a student who is sassing you in Chichewa and purposefully not doing what you ask of them.
14. Call the cops on some kids. Yeah that happened. Read the last post for reference.
15. Anything can be transported on a bicycle. No really, anything! A goat, a basketful of goats, a person, an adult holding two children, pieces of furniture, roofs... The sky is the limit!
16. Shock villagers by not having a laptop at home. My laptop died right when I got electricity, right when everyone, from my head teacher to the community-based organization workers who want my help, started asking if I could do stuff on my computer. Um hello guys, I live in the African bush. I did not bring the best electronics out there. Further, they all ask when I'm getting a new one. Oy. Haha.
