This week has been a little tough. The initial shock of arriving has turned into what we have dubbed a "SIX MONTHS?!" moment. This happens when you stop and think for even a second about what and who you left behind at home, and the fact that you won't get to see, be with them, or be apart of it for another six months.
Now we do try to convince ourselves that six months will fly by. And I know that by the end of January I will ask myself "where has the time gone?" and will be sad to move on from what will inevidably be an amazing experience. But sometimes, especially when I cannot be understood, I'm tired, I'm lost, or I'm all alone, six months seems like an endless stretch of time. I have been asking myself "why, really, am I doing this? Why did this seem like a good idea?"
Luckily, I have found many answers.
I have pushed my limits many times before, and through those experiences I have grown into somene who is more confident, open-minded, compassionate, and kind, and ultimatly someone I like to be. I can only imagine how much I will grow personally during this adventure. I am really excited for the world view I will come away with. Not only am I travelling, but also living in a different culture; forced to meet people, make friends, and cope on my own (with the help of Skype and a few phone calls, too). I will eventually become comfortable with the noise of the bats as I lecture, the bustle of the people, the language and the local customs. The moral and ethical dilemnas I face every day as I walk past begging children, see immense suffering in patients, or learn about the genocide can only lead to spiritual and moral growth that will stengthen my belief in the potential for good in this world, as well as inspire me to be a courageous, generous, giving and kind person.
I also get to see my work from a nursing and development perspective, continuously on the lookout for solutions to problems and ways of doing things that can be adopted into my own professional demenor, and potentially the community where I work. I will really come to understand how there truely is many solutions to a problem, and many ways of being.
Hopefully through my own growth and knowledge development I will learn how to be a global citizen. In this world that gets smaller everyday, but somewhat nastier as we look at the future of the environment, global conflict, poverty and hunger, it is more important now than ever for everyone to know their community. Not only the small area where they were born, but the entire world and global community in which we live. We can no longer trick ourselves into believing that the consequences to our actions only affect us, so we must strive for those consequences to be positive for everyone they touch. And how are we to know how far our actions can reach if we never go out there an explore the world around us?
The huge bonus of this experience that I was not expecting is the professional development. The fact that I am a lecturer and incharge of a course will look stellar on a resume, so on that more superficial level this may lead to some career opportunities I hadn't thought of. Also related to the actual work is this grand opportunitiy I have to actually make a contribution. I wasn't ever expecting to be a "big help" or change the world, but it is nice to know that the work I'm doing is actually meaningful. In front of me is this huge potential to build the capasity of the nurses here in Rwanda. I do believe in nursing, and I know that the health care in this country will strengthen in proportion to the growth of the profession. And that's pretty exciting to be (a small) part of it!
I ran into a nurse who I met last time I was here. He was thrilled that I will be here until the end of January, because that is just enough time to become "culturally bilingual". He told me that there are only good and amazing things that can come from such an exchange of ideas, language, and culture, and that I will forever be a better nurse and person because I will be able to step more readily out of my comfort zone after this. His words of wisdom (without even knowing how daunted I felt!) were so comforting and welcome. As have been all of your emails and praise and your own words of wisdom. My dad reminded me that this is the ultimate learning experience, so I will do my best to soak it all up! Maybe I can even inspire you to take a daring risk and find yourself overseas, changing the world through understanding, one person at a time.
(P.S. I will explain more about my house, job, and the city in the future, but I'm waiting on some better pictures and tonight I needed to put this into some sort of meaningful blurb for myself as well as for you!)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
First Weekend in Kigali
I spent the weekend at Crystal, Cassandra and Katie's apartment. I shall no longer complain about my house being too colonial... their place is very African, with no running water or furniture. Their kitchen consists of a 'sink' in which water can drain, and a hot plate which shocks you if you're not grounded (ie: wearing shoes). I found that out the hard way when I got electricuted to the extent that my arm flailed and hit Katie in the boob. After the initial shock (literally) it was actually really really funny.
Friday night we tried Sol Luna, which we found out is easier to direct people to if we tell the taxi driver "Italia Restaurant". It was the BEST pizza I have ever had. Legit Italian thin-crust amazing pizza. For about six dollars we each ordered a pizza as big as a medium one, and although we didn't think we could eat it all we most certainatly did. It was awesome. It will be my haven some days, I'm sure.
We found our way to the market on Saturday morning with the girls' landlady who ensured we got fair prices. I wrote them all down so I don't get ripped off in the future and I picked up some good fresh FOOD!!! Yay!!! We also took the Matatus (mini buses for 20 cents) to, well, past where we wanted to go, but backtracked to the Supermarket. I found some pasta, coffee, and some other goodies so that was good. Hopefully the plan will be to eat Rwandan Buffet for lunch each day, and have a small breakfast and dinner in the meantime.
Today I met David, who works with Crystal. He's a good Rwandan friend to know and showed us around town and had coffee with us at Cafe Bourbon... much like Starbucks with food. Unfortunatly we got the wrong order but hey, it was food and it tasted good. I will, however, be glad to stop eating out and spending so much money on it.
I'm nervous for my first full work week... I'm going to be working in the BLS (biomedical laboratory sciences) department on Monday and Tuesday then in nursing for the rest of the week. I'm not sure what I'll be doing for BLS and it sounds like they're waiting on some funding for a research project. They were pretty impressed that I taught SPSS so I might be helping out with that? I guess we'll see. I'll also have to get some laundry done sometime this week, but I'm going to wait until I get to move into the room with the Veranda upstairs because there's a clothesline in the room I can use. I'm excited to move upstairs and put my map of Africa up in my room!
Thanks for the emails and keep them coming. It's nice to hear from home... being here is certainatly out of my comfort zone! xox
Friday night we tried Sol Luna, which we found out is easier to direct people to if we tell the taxi driver "Italia Restaurant". It was the BEST pizza I have ever had. Legit Italian thin-crust amazing pizza. For about six dollars we each ordered a pizza as big as a medium one, and although we didn't think we could eat it all we most certainatly did. It was awesome. It will be my haven some days, I'm sure.
We found our way to the market on Saturday morning with the girls' landlady who ensured we got fair prices. I wrote them all down so I don't get ripped off in the future and I picked up some good fresh FOOD!!! Yay!!! We also took the Matatus (mini buses for 20 cents) to, well, past where we wanted to go, but backtracked to the Supermarket. I found some pasta, coffee, and some other goodies so that was good. Hopefully the plan will be to eat Rwandan Buffet for lunch each day, and have a small breakfast and dinner in the meantime.
Today I met David, who works with Crystal. He's a good Rwandan friend to know and showed us around town and had coffee with us at Cafe Bourbon... much like Starbucks with food. Unfortunatly we got the wrong order but hey, it was food and it tasted good. I will, however, be glad to stop eating out and spending so much money on it.
I'm nervous for my first full work week... I'm going to be working in the BLS (biomedical laboratory sciences) department on Monday and Tuesday then in nursing for the rest of the week. I'm not sure what I'll be doing for BLS and it sounds like they're waiting on some funding for a research project. They were pretty impressed that I taught SPSS so I might be helping out with that? I guess we'll see. I'll also have to get some laundry done sometime this week, but I'm going to wait until I get to move into the room with the Veranda upstairs because there's a clothesline in the room I can use. I'm excited to move upstairs and put my map of Africa up in my room!
Thanks for the emails and keep them coming. It's nice to hear from home... being here is certainatly out of my comfort zone! xox
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Flax Trax
I don't know if you have ever enjoyed "flax trax" snack. It is a "salted flax and corn nibble" and is actually really addicting. Though I must say, I'm getting a little sick of it now. You see, my dear uncle Kirk gave me a HUGE bag of it in the airport, and I'm thinking "sweet! airplane snack!". Well the food on Kenyan airways is AMAZING and in London I enjoyed some curry, so it was forgotten at the bottom of my bag until my arrival.
When the legend of the flax trax began: it is all I have been eating here at home for the last 3 days. I ate out twice yesterday but my first day and today have been flax-a-go-go time. With a clif bar thrown in for good measure. But I will have you know that a mear 3/4 of a cup of this stuff is 280 calories, and even has some trace amounts of vitamin C and Iron. It's salt and fat content are horrible when you are snacking away mindlessly, but when it's making up a meal it is very welcome. Not to mention all the flax fiber is good for the ol' traveller's bowel.
Anyways, I just though you should all know how important it is to bring some flax trax along with you. Also a big shout out to Kirk Purdy for nourishing me all these days. I will find food soon... as soon as I don't have to work and can venture out in daylight. Until then, flax trax it is.
When the legend of the flax trax began: it is all I have been eating here at home for the last 3 days. I ate out twice yesterday but my first day and today have been flax-a-go-go time. With a clif bar thrown in for good measure. But I will have you know that a mear 3/4 of a cup of this stuff is 280 calories, and even has some trace amounts of vitamin C and Iron. It's salt and fat content are horrible when you are snacking away mindlessly, but when it's making up a meal it is very welcome. Not to mention all the flax fiber is good for the ol' traveller's bowel.
Anyways, I just though you should all know how important it is to bring some flax trax along with you. Also a big shout out to Kirk Purdy for nourishing me all these days. I will find food soon... as soon as I don't have to work and can venture out in daylight. Until then, flax trax it is.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Let the Stories Begin!
I am pooped after a full day researching what I'm going to need to know in order to teach a class in Adult Nursing II tomorrow morning first thing. We are doing a case study on broken jaws. Apparently I know enough about these sorts of things to engrain the information into Rwanda's future health care providers...
But in all seriousness, I'm really excited about this job. Last time I was here I really struggled with the fact that I didn't contribute a single thing, other than some coloring supplies to sick kids. I know that this job is going to provide me with confidence in knowing I have genuinly helped out. They are so desperate for nurses here to teach other nurses. Since they are just getting their degree program off the ground (thanks to a project supported by UWO and STFX) there is still a lot of curriculum development and many many other kinks to work out. If I wasn't here the students would have to wait around until someone appeared to teach them. They even have a student assigned as "head of class" and he records what they have learned on which days, so that with all the inconsistancy they can make sure they have learned what is necessary. Since there is no governing body (such as a nurse's college or association) those who graduate automatically pass nursing. There are so many more strides to be made and I'm really excited that I get to be apart of it. The best part of my day was when the Dean of Nursing gave me a huge hug and said "I've been waiting for you!!".
So I have already been fully ripped off as the stupid tourist. Yesterday, after meeting everyone at work and flying for 3 days the driver offered to take me to exchange money. I didn't know when the next opportunity would arrise, so I went with him and got some Rwandan francs. Next door was an MTN shop, the local phone service. I figured I may as well get that settled, too, so I asked to buy a SIM card and have my phone unlocked. The guy was english speaking, helpful, and set the whole thing up for me. I paid 40$ for that... 20$ for the SIM card. Katie bought hers at a different place today for 2$. HA I was fooled. Probably the guy hitting on me the whole time was set there as a distractor. As in making me think "How can I get this guy to piss off?" distraction. He chatted me up for sooooo long as the other guy went off somewhere with my phone to have it unlocked. Then chatted me up once again while the guy went off somewhere again to pay the guy who unlocked it. "Charles from MTN" wanted to have my number, so I had to give him a fakie because I knew I'de never hear the end of him and his LOVE FOR PEOPLE FROM CANADA! I was so tired that thankfully it just struck me as hilarious. My big booty is finally an asset.
I went out to "Republica" bar/ restaurant with 3 american women who are here at the guesthouse until sunday. It was much like the Rupublik in Calgary - wannabe high class. It actually was really good food with bruchetta served in lieu of a bread basket and real chicken. However, it seemed very unlike I was in Rwanda. I think the only Rwandan people there were with ex pats or other muzungos. The neighborhood I'm living in is very bourgeouis and I hope I can explore outside of it often. I think it would be very easy to come to Rwanda and never see poverty or the issue the country faces - there are many establishments and outlets to help you ignore it and pretend it is "westernized". I even found a mall today with a coffee shop much akin to North America's beloved Starbucks.
I learned how to say "how much does this cost" and "no, lower the price!" in Kinyrwandan today. The man who taught me didn't even know how ripped off I managed to get myself. Too bad I already forget, and like everyone's name I'll have to ask a million more times. Ah well there is only so much I can take in in one day. Please feel free to send emails or comments because news from home is always welcome!
But in all seriousness, I'm really excited about this job. Last time I was here I really struggled with the fact that I didn't contribute a single thing, other than some coloring supplies to sick kids. I know that this job is going to provide me with confidence in knowing I have genuinly helped out. They are so desperate for nurses here to teach other nurses. Since they are just getting their degree program off the ground (thanks to a project supported by UWO and STFX) there is still a lot of curriculum development and many many other kinks to work out. If I wasn't here the students would have to wait around until someone appeared to teach them. They even have a student assigned as "head of class" and he records what they have learned on which days, so that with all the inconsistancy they can make sure they have learned what is necessary. Since there is no governing body (such as a nurse's college or association) those who graduate automatically pass nursing. There are so many more strides to be made and I'm really excited that I get to be apart of it. The best part of my day was when the Dean of Nursing gave me a huge hug and said "I've been waiting for you!!".
So I have already been fully ripped off as the stupid tourist. Yesterday, after meeting everyone at work and flying for 3 days the driver offered to take me to exchange money. I didn't know when the next opportunity would arrise, so I went with him and got some Rwandan francs. Next door was an MTN shop, the local phone service. I figured I may as well get that settled, too, so I asked to buy a SIM card and have my phone unlocked. The guy was english speaking, helpful, and set the whole thing up for me. I paid 40$ for that... 20$ for the SIM card. Katie bought hers at a different place today for 2$. HA I was fooled. Probably the guy hitting on me the whole time was set there as a distractor. As in making me think "How can I get this guy to piss off?" distraction. He chatted me up for sooooo long as the other guy went off somewhere with my phone to have it unlocked. Then chatted me up once again while the guy went off somewhere again to pay the guy who unlocked it. "Charles from MTN" wanted to have my number, so I had to give him a fakie because I knew I'de never hear the end of him and his LOVE FOR PEOPLE FROM CANADA! I was so tired that thankfully it just struck me as hilarious. My big booty is finally an asset.
I went out to "Republica" bar/ restaurant with 3 american women who are here at the guesthouse until sunday. It was much like the Rupublik in Calgary - wannabe high class. It actually was really good food with bruchetta served in lieu of a bread basket and real chicken. However, it seemed very unlike I was in Rwanda. I think the only Rwandan people there were with ex pats or other muzungos. The neighborhood I'm living in is very bourgeouis and I hope I can explore outside of it often. I think it would be very easy to come to Rwanda and never see poverty or the issue the country faces - there are many establishments and outlets to help you ignore it and pretend it is "westernized". I even found a mall today with a coffee shop much akin to North America's beloved Starbucks.
I learned how to say "how much does this cost" and "no, lower the price!" in Kinyrwandan today. The man who taught me didn't even know how ripped off I managed to get myself. Too bad I already forget, and like everyone's name I'll have to ask a million more times. Ah well there is only so much I can take in in one day. Please feel free to send emails or comments because news from home is always welcome!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
I have arrived!
A quick post to let you all know that I have arrived safely in Rwanda. I am staying at my office's guesthouse with other visitors, and needless to say I am the only woman. I only ran two errands today: I got money and I figured out my phone. Next time I'll pick food and water as the first two stops. Although I have discovered that oatmeal walnut cliff bars are better than the wannabe chocolate ones.
Lots of good stories from the journey here but for now I need to get some sleep. I go to work first thing tomorrow morning (my boss told me he wants me to be busy so I don't miss Canada too much. I'de rather have the day off so I can buy groceries, but I'm going to opt for going with the flow). My office is close to downtown though so exploration over lunch hours will be fun.
Lots of love to everyone back home!
Lots of good stories from the journey here but for now I need to get some sleep. I go to work first thing tomorrow morning (my boss told me he wants me to be busy so I don't miss Canada too much. I'de rather have the day off so I can buy groceries, but I'm going to opt for going with the flow). My office is close to downtown though so exploration over lunch hours will be fun.
Lots of love to everyone back home!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
WHAT?!
I am in total shock. I can't believe that I leave tomorrow... it is something that I have been anticipating for so long that it's like a dream I though would never exist in reality. But here it is: Tomorrow I am moving to Rwanda.
I'm not even sure how I feel about that. It is something so unlike anything that I have ever done that I have nothing to compare it to. Nothing to gear up for. No expectations.
My goal is to go with an open heart and mind and embrace everything that comes my way. I know I will learn a lot and have the 'experience of a lifetime', but that doesn't diminish how scared I am. I have to keep reminding myself of the reasons why I have chosen to do this and pump myself up.
Saying goodbye to the diploma participants was a little sad. They are such inspirational people that I'm so glad I had the chance to meet. I'm glad I will see the other interns in February otherwise those goodbyes would be hard, too. Since I said goodbye to my family 3 weeks ago I feel extra ready to leave, and finally GO! I am pretty excited that the Purdy's are coming to say goodbye to me at the airport tomorrow, and Catherine is sending me off in grand style tonight. Goodbyes are strange for sure.
EEEK I'm going!!! Thanks to everyone for your words of encouragement. I'm excited to keep you in touch and share my adventure with you. Lots of love!
I'm not even sure how I feel about that. It is something so unlike anything that I have ever done that I have nothing to compare it to. Nothing to gear up for. No expectations.
My goal is to go with an open heart and mind and embrace everything that comes my way. I know I will learn a lot and have the 'experience of a lifetime', but that doesn't diminish how scared I am. I have to keep reminding myself of the reasons why I have chosen to do this and pump myself up.
Saying goodbye to the diploma participants was a little sad. They are such inspirational people that I'm so glad I had the chance to meet. I'm glad I will see the other interns in February otherwise those goodbyes would be hard, too. Since I said goodbye to my family 3 weeks ago I feel extra ready to leave, and finally GO! I am pretty excited that the Purdy's are coming to say goodbye to me at the airport tomorrow, and Catherine is sending me off in grand style tonight. Goodbyes are strange for sure.
EEEK I'm going!!! Thanks to everyone for your words of encouragement. I'm excited to keep you in touch and share my adventure with you. Lots of love!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Ideas
I cannot believe that I only have one week of "training" left. I am currently feeling torn between a desire to get this show on the road, and an overwhelming fear of leaving mixed with feelings of inadequacy. My orientation time here in Antigonish has been like floating through limbo - not home, but not yet gone.
Through our orientation program we have been met the diploma participants and taken a course called "Fundamentals of Leadership" with them. Hearing their stories is a humbling experience, and I enjoy getting to know them all. I went for coffee with one woman who is struggling with her frustration due to an inability to express herself in English. We went to the used bookstore after and I bought her "Little House in the Big Woods" so she could practice reading English. These sorts of things are really interesting, but the course material itself is pretty redundant. For instance, we spent a whole morning defining Leadership. I'm so trained to learn effeciently and rapidly that this is too slow for me to handle.
I have learned a lot more from the discussions I've had with fellow interns and participants, especially about the moral and ethical implications of "Development", and ideas around the notions of power and privledge. It's helping me form my own opinions about these important issues, in which dialogue is so important. I hope that the experience I'm about to have will be the ultimate lesson in such pressing global issues.
Through our orientation program we have been met the diploma participants and taken a course called "Fundamentals of Leadership" with them. Hearing their stories is a humbling experience, and I enjoy getting to know them all. I went for coffee with one woman who is struggling with her frustration due to an inability to express herself in English. We went to the used bookstore after and I bought her "Little House in the Big Woods" so she could practice reading English. These sorts of things are really interesting, but the course material itself is pretty redundant. For instance, we spent a whole morning defining Leadership. I'm so trained to learn effeciently and rapidly that this is too slow for me to handle.
I have learned a lot more from the discussions I've had with fellow interns and participants, especially about the moral and ethical implications of "Development", and ideas around the notions of power and privledge. It's helping me form my own opinions about these important issues, in which dialogue is so important. I hope that the experience I'm about to have will be the ultimate lesson in such pressing global issues.
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