Life au village is something very hard to describe to someone. But whether you live in a mud hut in an African village or in a studio apartment in Brooklyn, there will always be things that you find simply irresistible or downright sad. As I get closer to the end of my contract of being a Peace Corps volunteer, I find myself anxious to go home, especially since the mango season is ending and the mosquitoes and humidity are becoming more of a force to reckon with. But at the same time, I know that I must not forget the home I have established here, a home that I love and will always hold close deep in my heart. Because I know that when a rude driver, a forgotten smile, or another month’s rent triggers my memory, I will find myself wanting to go back home to Guinea. The following list is something I wrote to help me live in the present and to cherish the time I have left.
I know I complain about it now----------but I will miss…
a high carbohdrate diet that consists of mostly rice----------eating the most natural, non-hormone induced foods that are ridiculously inexpensive...
my neck and back aching, raw knuckles over using a washboard----------laundry day aka swimming with the kiddies in the Niger river...
not being able to eat a sweet and tart, crunchy apple----------mango season...
losing sleep and hair from taking malaria prophylaxis---------the most vivid dreams I've ever had. What? I don't have television or any means of watching the latest Harry Potter movie!
walking through my muddy village during the rainy season----------having the bullfrogs sing me lullabies until I fall asleep...
taking bush taxis anytime in fear of losing my life----------interacting with Guineans in the closest quarters. I've met some of my best friends from traveling.
Burning my hands as I eat rice and sauce with my family---------Eating communally, 10 to a big bowl and not caring about germs. This was a big step for me since I was obsessive compulsive and a microbiology major before coming to Guinea...
Being told in Malinke "May God make you big and fat" and "May God give you lots of breast milk" while being grabbed accordingly in either the gut or the breast ----------Having people wish that God grant me anything. Benedictions are a daily part of life here...
Staying out until 11 pm every night watching the news, drinking tea, and having my ears blown off by loud Guinean music or Akon----------Hanging out with my boys, N fa Mou and Monsieur Diallo...
Hearing "Hee-how" whenever I walk in a big city because everyone thinks I am Chinese---------Having so much attention. I'm like a celebrity...well more like a Disney Character...
Fearing that a donkey stampede might catch me off guard as I go around a hut----------my watch donkey. When I return home I always get a "hee-haw" greeting without fail. It always cracks me up, making me think of Donkey from Shrek. Wait does the donkey think I'm Chinese too?
3 comments:
Yep, your donkey probably thinks you are chinese :) That made me laugh!
I am so glad that you those missionaries to lean on spiritually. Isn't it amazing how God has them their to comfort you, guide you , and love you? Awesome! We love you and can't wait to see you in Sept!
charm
No worries, Fadima. I'll yell hee-how everytime I see you.
You'll leave your heart in Africa and will always want to go back. I went to my village a week ago, and it was incredible...everyone was so happy to see me...I've never gotten so many hugs in my life. It was like coming home. I felt as if I had never left except for the fact that the children were all about a head taller. It was so hard to leave again after such a short visit...
P.S. The hair you lose on the malaria pills never grows back...I mourn the loss of my thick hair :)
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