Alright, So apparently a few of you wanted more details than I was giving out. I'm not crazy about the LONG blog posts, so this will be one of the few....
Most of you wanted to know my daily routine and a few more specifics about Mozambique's program. Peace Corps has been in Moz since 1998 and only started sending health volunteers 2 years ago. There is a great overview of the country at http://www.worldviewmagazine.com/issues/article.cfm?id=211&issue=48. Our Country Director, Dave, is a pretty fantastic human being with a lifetime of experience in Peace Corps, Ameri Corps and the like. Sadly he is retiring in January, which surprisingly is the biggest thing that most volunteers are worried about. His past policies have put the volunteers more in control of their environment and the projects they take on. As a result, Moz is one of the stronger model programs in the world. Our Health Trainer is Caroline, a shorter woman from Zimbabwe that most of us refer to as God. She is a nurse, a midwife, an AIDS Activist and an amazing teacher. She has lost family members to the disease and brings an amazingly real perspective in dealing with the more human side of the epidemic. She also did some clinical trial work at Stanford, so her understanding of the disease (not to mention her English) is better than most. The training staff (Claudia) is fantastic as well. You can tell they have gotten good at their jobs...
Everyday I wake up...twice. First when my Cows go off, along with the other symphony of goats, birds and roosters, at around 4am. Amazingly, I am able to suppress my anger at any creature not wielding oposable thumbs long enough to drift back to sleep. Mama Florencia knocks on my door at 6am and gives me about 5 minutes to rouse myself. The moment my door opens I am handed a broom and bucket to clean my floors, afterwards I empty out my "Xi Xi" bucket from the previous night's....tinkles.
I go get the boiling water that mama has lovingly prepared and mix it in my "basiha" to take my bucket bath. To be honest, I actually enjoy my bucket baths. It is a very freeing experience and once you get over the concept that you will NEVER REALLY be as clean as you were in the States, everything falls into place.
After my bath I go and have breakfast, which usually consists of freeze-dried coffee (which I am trying to stop drinking), and egg and bread. I head to class at about 7:30am and we have language for 4 hours. There are 2 "pods" in my village, so they can keep the language groups small to about 5 people per group. We break for lunch for about an hour, then return back for a few hours of technical (health) sessions and/or cross-cultural sessions. These are led by Carolina or one of the 2 current volunteers that visit us each week. After that we have language tutoring and then head back home to study, help make dinner, take another bath and study some more. Everyone is pretty tired by about 8pm, so there are very few wild nights. I have introduced my family to sweet potato fries and also beets. They loved both.
The health care in Peace Corps is impressive. We have gotten just about every vaccine that you can imagine, and are issued a fantastic medical kit filled with all kinds of goodies. The medical teams is always available for questions or concerns, and Peace Corps will fly you down to Maputo for any medical appointments or mental health check ups. One thing they don't mess around with is the health of their volunteers.
It's hard to imagine that we are almost halfway through training. After the first week, things started speeding by. The week after next we will have our site visits. This is where we go to stay with another health volunteer in the field and get a little hands on experience. The week after that is a very heavy tech week, and then the following week is the administrators conference, where we will meet our new NGO's....I think.
The nights get a little lonely, but they are very manageable, since we are loaded with work each day. Many of us fear going to site and not having much to do for the first few months while we acclimate. I need to start looking for hobbies that can keep me busy. Might not be bad to have a few...
Overall, this is a pretty secure program. The kids are energetic, motivated and capable. We have had a few ET (early terminate) for various reasons, but most of us are still in it for the long haul. Knowing the good that will come from our being here helps when questioning our commitment and our...intestinal fortitude.
Once we get to site we will have less monotony. Right now they are trying to keep up busy with a daily routine, and it's certainly for the best. We all miss our family, our boyfriends or girlfriends, our favorite foods and our emotional security....and by missing these things together, it bring us closer and makes it all very manageable.
I'm going to close for now. Hope this has been a more informative post than my previous ones. If any of you have specific questions, let me know and I can answer. Letter and packages are always nice. I am always in need of more books to read (and index cards to study language with).
Keep me posted on gossip and news from back home. I miss you guys, but as always, I'm having a blast.
Much love,
Zacariah
P.S. Also, I had a Duh Moment on my last post. I called Sandra "Shirley". Also, thanks to Jeffrey for his second card. Made me miss Weho's Halloween festivites....
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Guess who got his first pieces of mail.....
Hey Kids,
Who rocks my face off?? Shirley in Oklahoma and Jeffrey in WeHo Rock my face off! They were the senders of my first pieces of mail. Jeffrey, a return volunteer, sent me some encouraging words, and Shirley sent me a little care package with bandanas and other goodies to enjoy. Much thanks, as it made me the envy of the other volunteers. Any kids in South Carolina that can, I want some Gamecock attire.... Those of you who asked, the address again is:
Zachery Scott, PCT (After my training, it will be PCV)
Corpo Da Paz/U.S. Peace Corps
C.P. 4398
Maputo
Mozambique
My beard is growing out nicely, and I look 40 again. I will keep taking pictures and upload them all in a month or so. Learning Portuguese is coming along slowly but surely. It is an intensive program, but effective. We are also intertwining technical classes and cross-cultural classes in as well, resulting in little free time. The emotional roller coaster is slowing down a bit. I feel less manic, and more secure about our role and need in the country. Mozambique remains to impress me with the overall hospitality of its people and the beauty of its lands.
Once I get more into training and eventually to site, I will have more to report. Right now they are just working us pretty hard to get everyone up to speed before letting us loose on our projects.
Keep the letters and packages coming. They are always a nice surprise.
Much love,
Zachariah
Who rocks my face off?? Shirley in Oklahoma and Jeffrey in WeHo Rock my face off! They were the senders of my first pieces of mail. Jeffrey, a return volunteer, sent me some encouraging words, and Shirley sent me a little care package with bandanas and other goodies to enjoy. Much thanks, as it made me the envy of the other volunteers. Any kids in South Carolina that can, I want some Gamecock attire.... Those of you who asked, the address again is:
Zachery Scott, PCT (After my training, it will be PCV)
Corpo Da Paz/U.S. Peace Corps
C.P. 4398
Maputo
Mozambique
My beard is growing out nicely, and I look 40 again. I will keep taking pictures and upload them all in a month or so. Learning Portuguese is coming along slowly but surely. It is an intensive program, but effective. We are also intertwining technical classes and cross-cultural classes in as well, resulting in little free time. The emotional roller coaster is slowing down a bit. I feel less manic, and more secure about our role and need in the country. Mozambique remains to impress me with the overall hospitality of its people and the beauty of its lands.
Once I get more into training and eventually to site, I will have more to report. Right now they are just working us pretty hard to get everyone up to speed before letting us loose on our projects.
Keep the letters and packages coming. They are always a nice surprise.
Much love,
Zachariah
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Stop Blessing the Rain Down in Africa!!!
Hey Kids,
So we took a day trip to Maputo to buy some extra supplies and to check our internet. The trip took an hour on a Chupa, which is basically a 10 person van that has 30 people shoved into it. It cost me 20 Metacais one way which is less than a dollar. An hour in an Internet cafe costs 2 dollars. So in a month when I an travel on my own, it will be easier and inexpensive to update everyone.
The days of pre-training in Maputo were pretty posh compared to the village we are in right now. As we are on the bus headed to Mafuiane, they told us that because it had rained, the bus could not get through the streets, so we would have to walk. Oh sweet heaven was it muddy! Our moms were already waiting for us. Momma Florencia yelled out "Zacheria" and when I looked up, came over and gave me hugs and kisses. She is a delightful young woman, only 28 years in age. Papa Augusto is 30 and both a farmer and contract brick layer. I have 3 younger sibling; Padmiera is 7, Anna is 4, and Leno is 1. They are beyond precious and I play games with them every day, which is exhausting. And yes, I have taken pictures and will send them out in the months to come.
I take a bucket bath each morning when I wake up and each evening before dinner. We have chickens, goats, and pigs running around. Once you get over the fact that you will NEVER be as clean as you were in an American shower, you get comfortable VERY quick. The toilet is also outside on the other side of the wall from the shower. I experienced what can only be described as the Mozambican Slide the first 2 days I was in Mafuiane. Thankfully my system has acclimated.
My host family loved the gifts i brought them, but I will keep an eye out for more toys that I can bring to the children. I am keeping both a written and a video journal of my first impressions and experience. They will help supplement this blog.
Overall, I cannot convey how much fun I am having. This is such a different world. There is much to learn on both sides of the fence. I will promise to update more.
Much love and remember...
Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
ZS
So we took a day trip to Maputo to buy some extra supplies and to check our internet. The trip took an hour on a Chupa, which is basically a 10 person van that has 30 people shoved into it. It cost me 20 Metacais one way which is less than a dollar. An hour in an Internet cafe costs 2 dollars. So in a month when I an travel on my own, it will be easier and inexpensive to update everyone.
The days of pre-training in Maputo were pretty posh compared to the village we are in right now. As we are on the bus headed to Mafuiane, they told us that because it had rained, the bus could not get through the streets, so we would have to walk. Oh sweet heaven was it muddy! Our moms were already waiting for us. Momma Florencia yelled out "Zacheria" and when I looked up, came over and gave me hugs and kisses. She is a delightful young woman, only 28 years in age. Papa Augusto is 30 and both a farmer and contract brick layer. I have 3 younger sibling; Padmiera is 7, Anna is 4, and Leno is 1. They are beyond precious and I play games with them every day, which is exhausting. And yes, I have taken pictures and will send them out in the months to come.
I take a bucket bath each morning when I wake up and each evening before dinner. We have chickens, goats, and pigs running around. Once you get over the fact that you will NEVER be as clean as you were in an American shower, you get comfortable VERY quick. The toilet is also outside on the other side of the wall from the shower. I experienced what can only be described as the Mozambican Slide the first 2 days I was in Mafuiane. Thankfully my system has acclimated.
My host family loved the gifts i brought them, but I will keep an eye out for more toys that I can bring to the children. I am keeping both a written and a video journal of my first impressions and experience. They will help supplement this blog.
Overall, I cannot convey how much fun I am having. This is such a different world. There is much to learn on both sides of the fence. I will promise to update more.
Much love and remember...
Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
ZS
Monday, September 24, 2007
Leaving on Jet Plane....
Hey Kids,
So we just finished up a couple days of "staging." Basically they run down what is expected and try and scare off the thin skinned. Well, this Boy is still here! I took my first malaria pill (which is a weekly dosage) and I haven't had one violent dream yet (a common side effect), which is disappointing. The 70 other volunteers who are headed to Mozambique with me are almost all fresh out of college. I'm only 2 years older than then, but that experience working in the real world is apparent.
There are only 20 other health workers in my group, and they are breaking us all into sub-sections. I'm eager to see who I will actually be working with the next 3 months. Also, it looks like there is only one other gay person in my whole class, and he will be separated from my group next week. Looks like I'll have to humor myself with those fun Judy Garland/Barbra Streisand/Broadway/Scathing comments that pop into my head oh so often. Regardless, all is well and I'm excited to go.
I will probably not have much Internet access for the next three months, so don't fret if I don't update. I'm eager to experience this new culture that I have already preordained in my head as stereotypical "African." If I see a Starbucks when I get off the plane I swear I'm coming straight home....lol. My first blog entry had a mailing address for me for those of you who have been asking.
I have a 17 hour plane ride tomorrow so it's time for me to finish packing and get ready for bed. Will promise to updated you the moment I have Internet access. Until then...
Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
ZS
So we just finished up a couple days of "staging." Basically they run down what is expected and try and scare off the thin skinned. Well, this Boy is still here! I took my first malaria pill (which is a weekly dosage) and I haven't had one violent dream yet (a common side effect), which is disappointing. The 70 other volunteers who are headed to Mozambique with me are almost all fresh out of college. I'm only 2 years older than then, but that experience working in the real world is apparent.
There are only 20 other health workers in my group, and they are breaking us all into sub-sections. I'm eager to see who I will actually be working with the next 3 months. Also, it looks like there is only one other gay person in my whole class, and he will be separated from my group next week. Looks like I'll have to humor myself with those fun Judy Garland/Barbra Streisand/Broadway/Scathing comments that pop into my head oh so often. Regardless, all is well and I'm excited to go.
I will probably not have much Internet access for the next three months, so don't fret if I don't update. I'm eager to experience this new culture that I have already preordained in my head as stereotypical "African." If I see a Starbucks when I get off the plane I swear I'm coming straight home....lol. My first blog entry had a mailing address for me for those of you who have been asking.
I have a 17 hour plane ride tomorrow so it's time for me to finish packing and get ready for bed. Will promise to updated you the moment I have Internet access. Until then...
Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
ZS
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
And I'm Off....
Hey Kids!
Well, it's about that time. I leave Los Angeles tonight to spend a couple days in South Carolina with my dad, and then I will begin my trip out to Mozambique. I am BEYOND ready for this journey and excited for what lays ahead. Because many have been asking, those of you who wish to send letters or care packages, I can be reached at:
Zachery Scott, PCT (After my training, it will be PCV)
Corpo Da Paz/U.S. Peace Corps
C.P. 4398
Maputo
Mozambique
A few words to the wise...The mail service in Mozambique is not as efficient as the U.S. Postal Service; thus, it is important to be patient. If you plan on sending a package, You may want to try to send inexpensive items through the mail, but there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. They do not recommend, however, that costly items be sent through the mail. It is also recommended that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed more frequently.
The first three months of my training will keep me busy and I probably will not be able to update this blog as much as I would like to. If you don't hear from me, don't worry. My modes of communication will broaden as I get the hang of my environment, so just be patient.
I cannot thank my family and friends enough for all the support they have given me. I never thought I would be as eager to take this journey as I am today, and it's because of the support I have received. I look forward to keeping in touch with you all, and seeing a couple of you who are coming out to visit. Have to finishing packing now, but will hopefully update this blog soon. Until next time...
Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
ZS
Well, it's about that time. I leave Los Angeles tonight to spend a couple days in South Carolina with my dad, and then I will begin my trip out to Mozambique. I am BEYOND ready for this journey and excited for what lays ahead. Because many have been asking, those of you who wish to send letters or care packages, I can be reached at:
Zachery Scott, PCT (After my training, it will be PCV)
Corpo Da Paz/U.S. Peace Corps
C.P. 4398
Maputo
Mozambique
A few words to the wise...The mail service in Mozambique is not as efficient as the U.S. Postal Service; thus, it is important to be patient. If you plan on sending a package, You may want to try to send inexpensive items through the mail, but there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. They do not recommend, however, that costly items be sent through the mail. It is also recommended that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed more frequently.
The first three months of my training will keep me busy and I probably will not be able to update this blog as much as I would like to. If you don't hear from me, don't worry. My modes of communication will broaden as I get the hang of my environment, so just be patient.
I cannot thank my family and friends enough for all the support they have given me. I never thought I would be as eager to take this journey as I am today, and it's because of the support I have received. I look forward to keeping in touch with you all, and seeing a couple of you who are coming out to visit. Have to finishing packing now, but will hopefully update this blog soon. Until next time...
Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
ZS
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