Ms. Terry's Blog: 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