Things I Took for Granted

Things I Took for Granted

I have only been in country for a week, and with my host family for less than that, but I already have a significant list of things I took for granted at home. They include the following:

·      Flush toilets in lighted rooms that I can use easily any time day or night

·      Sinks for washing my hands and brushing my teeth

·      Clean water from the tap that does not require filtering

·      Hot showers

·      Driving places as opposed to walking

·      Not being looked at when I do choose to walk places

·      Consistent data, wifi, and cell service

·      Being able to get anything I could want or need at Walmart

·      Washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers

·      Mirrors

·      Refrigeration

The basic necessities (or what we classify as the basic necessities) were just so easy at home. It’s been an interesting adjustment to say the least, but an important one. It definitely gives some perspective! I’m starting to develop routines and figure out how everything works. Surprisingly enough, it actually took less time to do my laundry by hand than using a machine, because the sun dried my clothes super quick.

That being said, the Rwandan people are incredibly welcoming and helpful, especially the Peace Corps staff. My host mama even brought me a Coke for dinner because she knows it’s my favorite! And the amount there is to learn is enough to tire anyone out enough that a quiet bucket bath is a blessing at the end of the day. Plus, the weather has been fairly excellent so far (knock on wood). We’ve had two downpours, but they haven’t lasted longer than 2 hours and the sun comes right back out.

Anyway, all that being said I do already have some items I want, including: tissues, hand sanitizer, hand soap/shower gel, wash clothes, peanut butter (with spoons), chocolate brownie cliff bars, and US snacks (cheese-its, Goldfish, Combos: pizza flavor in green bag, chex mix, etc). Our address for training is:

Peace Corps Rwanda

Attn: Brooke Terry

B.P. 5657

Kigali, Rwanda

And here are some pictures! If feet freak you out, don’t look at the last one. J

Mosquito net life.

Living situation

The market

That famous red dust!

Blister and dust life.

Rwamagana

This is the first time I have had wifi in a a few days, and goodness has a lot happened! We left Kigali on Saturday for Rwamagana to meet our host families. Rwamagana is much smaller to Kigali, with a lot fewer paved roads and amenities. However, we still get lots of looks!

My host family is very nice, and consists of young parents, their two-year old, a seven year old cousin, the house-girl, and the house-boy. Yes, most of the families have house servants. They do the cooking and cleaning. Since Saturday, I have used a latrine, taken two bucket baths, and done my laundry by hand. The house has a little electricity, but the latrine and bathing room are outside, which is fun to figure out in the dark!

Kinyarwanda lessons are progressing slowly but surely, so hopefully I can hold a conversation soon!

So, I will post again when I have wifi again. I'm not even going to try wifi on this connection.

Welcome to Rwanda!

We have arrived! I just finished my second full day in Rwanda and I am completely exhausted. Between the 15 hours of flying, jet lag, and two full days or training, it's been a lot. But it's been amazing and I am ready for more.

After arriving Wednesday night, we spent all day Thursday in sessions. We focused mainly on health and in the afternoon we transitioned into administrative concerns, including visas, bank accounts, and phones. I now have a Rwandan phone number, which I will probably just use to make local phone calls. I didn't get any data, so I'll just rely on wifi for now.

Today, we started learning Kinyarwanda! We just did greetings today, so so far, so good. Many words are pronounced very phonetically, but some are not, which is always fun to learn. After language lessons, we spoke about what it will be like living with our host families, including how to hand wash clothes, how to take a bucket bath, and how to use a latrine. We move in tomorrow!

Now, a few pictures:

We have arrived!

Kigali

Our med kit

In front of the Peace Corps Headquarters

 

 

Staging

Leaving the Memphis Airport!

The past two days have marked the beginning of my Peace Corps adventure: staging. Staging is essentially like college orientation and serves as a general introduction to the Peace Corps. It is not country specific (i.e. we didn't focus on only service in Rwanda), but instead gives trainees background on the history, mission, and goals of the Peace Corps.

My staging took place in Philadelphia. Now, I've never been to Philly, and unfortunately I did not have time to do the "tourist" thing. However, my parents came with me, and they did have time to go to all of the cool places (the Rocky Steps, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, etc.) and they had a great time. When I get back, this is one city I'd definitely like to explore more!

Staging itself, like I mentioned, was an orientation. Get some info, do some icebreakers, and get ready for pre-service training. And by far the best part was getting to know my fellow trainees. They seem like a very optimistic, enthusiastic bunch, and I cannot wait to go on this journey with them!

In other news, on the flight from Memphis to Philadelphia, they let me have two snacks! I was super excited!

My two snacks!

As for the luggage situation, I think I'm okay. We get 100 pounds total in two checked bags, and mine weighed in at 76 pounds total. I also have a carry-on (the teal bag) and my backpack as my personal item!

The luggage situation

Well, so far, so good. Tomorrow, we are off to Rwanda!

From now on, I may not have regular access to internet and my US phone number will not work. The best ways to get in touch with me will be Facebook or email (brooketerry083@gmail.com). I also have my pre-service training mailing address. If you would like that, please let me know!