Sunday, January 11, 2009

I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-D

I hit intermediate mid in Mandinka and I get to swear-in and become an offical Peace Corps Volunteer on Wednesday! Everyone did, and it's so exciting. I am so proud of our group, we are all still here, which seems to be quite the feat. I seem to be so happy here, despite major setbacks. It's really amazing :o]

On a side note, some more stories. We are staying at stodge, which is the Peace Corps Transit House in Fajara [an area of Kombo]. Lizzy, Marnie and I are in a room with 2 bunkbeds. I decided to go to sleep at 9 the other night because I was wicked tired. The girls stayed out in the living room to watch tv with everyone and socialize.

Around approximately 10:13pm, I hear Matt's voice. Now, he has quite the distinguishable voice. [side info: Matt is an agfo PCV and he's downright amazing/hilarious] Our bedroom door creaks open and the light is switched on. Okay, I think. No big deal, just Lizzy or Marnie. Then the light shuts off and I hear footsteps. Then the bathroom light goes on and I hear someone urinating. I remember thinking, okay, cover it up Kase, so I threw the sheet over my body and feigned sleep.

I hear the sound of the bathroom door opening and closing, the light being turned off, and someone leaving our room. Okay, no big deal. Just Lizzy or Marnie.

Lizzy strolls in around 11:30. I have yet to really sleep at all.

"Hey Lizzy Lizzy, did you come in to go pee?" I asked.
"Uh, nope! Been out in the living room socializing." She answered.
"I'm pretty sure Matt came in here and used our bathroom," I said.
"WHAT?! No he didn't. Why would he do that, there's a bathroom right down the hall!" Lizzy replied.

Well, I thought, that's very true. I must have been dreaming.

Since the light was on anyway, I crawled off the top bunk and went into the bathroom. Sure enough, the toilet seat was up. No surprise that there was urine in the toilet bowl as well.

"Ah-HA!" I shouted. "HE DID PEE IN OUR BATHROOM!" Lizzy rushed in and this became quite the show. Matt ends up walking by our room and we yell to him. He admits to urinating in our bathroom and then explains his reasoning as to why he used ours and not any of the other 12 bathrooms in the house.

He leaves, Lizzy and I go to bed.

30 minutes later, Rachel shows up, calls us all crazy, and tries to set Lizzy's bunk on fire.

About 15 minutes after that, the door opens again.

"Who's there?!" Lizzy asks.
"It's no one," a muffled voice answers. Then the muffled voice trips over the mess in our room and the bathroom light is flung on. Sure enough, it's Matt.

[pardon the swear, mum] "Your shit is EVERYWHERE!" he shouted. "I JUST WANT TO BRUSH MY TEETH!"

Needless to say, I got no sleep and it was an amazing night. We have the best half-roommate ever. Probably not as funny as I thought it was but hey, TIA.

I'll be coming back to the office later to write more, I have some amazing pictures from our night on the town last night that I want to post :o] Miss and love you all so much!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Worried/Stressed

I just took my language test and I think I bombed it. I legitimately think I bombed it and I am freaking out. I am going to finish typing this up, wait for Liz to get done her test, and we are going over to the office so I can post this.

If I didn’t pass, I don’t swear in. That means I stay in Kombo for an extra week and I don’t want that, I will be mortified. I have to hit intermediate mid. Please pray for me…. I am hoping that the LCF’s opinion will override any mistakes I made personally, as Babucar and Bakary both talk about how I am always with my family, greeting, speaking and studying Mandinka. And that’s all I’ve done since being in Kombo, is study.

Okay, deep breath. I will live. On a lighter note, I stuck my foot in a bucket of hot salt water for 30 minutes and you’d be appalled to see the amount of pus that leaked out of the wound. It is now saturated in Neosporin and looks like someone spit on my foot. The throbbing has somewhat slowed down, so that’s good.

Okay, I’m saving this and heading to the office. I miss everyone! I hope everyone is doing amazingly :o]

Thursday, January 8, 2009

More travelling and stories



Just a quick blurb about my day yesterday/today. Yesterday was just wonderful. We all awoke at the Basse house at 6:30 and traveled 2km through town [again] with all our bags [again] and grabbed a Gele to Soma on the Southbank road. That equals pure torture.

I’m beginning to think that taking Seasonique was a bad idea, as my period decided to come while I was on the gele and it was not pleasant. We were smooshed among several Gambians and I am pretty sure our driver was 15. We ended up in the African Bush and we pulled over several times so the cops could inspect our luggage [apparently there is a lot of drug smuggling over here]. After about 9 hours of driving, our gele broke down. Let me please include a picture of this scene.



If you will look to the right of the vehicle, you will see Babucar, one of our LCF’s, praying. In the middle of the street. To the left of the vehicle is our driver with our other LCF’s and a random man attempting to fix the tire. To the complete left of the picture, you see a bunch of Fula children staring at the toubabs. This was surreal. I took this picture directly after having a gardia attack behind a large baobob tree [thank you again Liz for guarding].

We climbed back onto the gele and finally made it into Soma. Let me rewind a little bit and give a little story. Approximately one week ago, a small red ant viciously attacked my second toe [yes, Marsey, the hideous ET toe that’s longer than the big toe]. It was no big deal until the past few days. By the time we got to Soma, my entire foot was swollen to twice its’ size and was red. My ankle looked like it was pregnant and my toe was throbbing. My foot was FILTHY. We hopped on a gele and rode into Kwinella… on the way there, we passed by Bambako and Bumari. I saw Mustafa! He is such a sweetie. I hung out the window to yell to him and he was like, “SAAATUUUU!!!!” and waved, despite carrying a bucket of water on his head.

I tapped Babucar on the shoulder and said, “Babucar, Ismila le?” And he was like, “A be je” [Where is Ismile? He is there only]. I was like, man. Then Babucar goes, “Ismila a fele!” and points to the road. Sure enough, he is walking in all his African glory with a few of his buddies, sees me, and does a double hand-wave. When we got back to Kwinella, Babucar called my host father and told him to send Ismila to Kwinella after 9o’clock prayer. HE CAME. He brought attaya, we all drank it, and I didn’t get to bed until 11:30. It’s rather interesting and awkward and I don’t really know what to do about it. So that is all I will say about that.

Next. Liz and I sleep on the floor that is crawling with ants. I have a bizarre dream that she’s under the bed and wake up all messed up. 5:30am comes and we leave to go to Kombo. The gele is fairly uneventful. The only thing that really happened was an insane dust storm evaded the ‘bus’ and I inhaled it all. Lungs didn’t feel so great but that’s not a big deal.

And now, here I am. Off to study for my Mandinka test! I am very tired after 3 days of insane traveling, and I am broke, so I need to find a bank as well so I can cash the 20 my gramps sent me for Christmas :o] Love you all!





a picture of Lizzy and my delicious egg sandwich! HEAVENLY.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Missing Kasey's Stories? Read This...

January 6th, 2009

Happy New Year :o]

I haven’t written in awhile because I have been so busy, but wanted a chance to write about my day today. I am currently sitting on the floor at the Peace Corps Transit House in Basse. 2 days ago, we traveled to our sites to visit before our last 10 days in Kombo/swearing-in ceremony. My host family is absolutely amazing; instead of paying rent, I will purchase a bag of rice every 2 months for the family. This is truly astounding, and I am so grateful for them. I live in a round hut, and my backyard is HUGE! I have a ton of cockroaches in my pit latrine [not the best] and I had to fix part of my fence, but that’s fine. Yesterday, I opened my door to welcome the day, and a dog comes bounding in, wagging his tail and licking at my palms. Since then, he has not left my side. He is very well-kept, with a gorgeous roan coat and pale yellow-brown eyes. He follows me about Kuraw and chases the donkeys.

Oh, before I forget --- LOADS of horses in Kuraw. That is amazing, they ride them, they treat them well, I am in heaven and plan on shipping one home. Mum, be ready.

So, onto my day today. Bakary came to my site to help negotiate with my family meals, rent, and laundry. We were told a car would be picking us up at 5:30 this morning, and to be ready. I spent the night anxiously awaiting the dawn, hearing mice scurry around my head and listening to the deep breathing of Dean Pritchard at my feet [my dog. Anyone who knows me knows where that name came from]. By the time 5:00am crawled around, my bags were packed and I was ready. I was donning pants, a tank top, a hoodie, and my raincoat. Needless to say, I thought I was freezing; a quick look at the thermometer had me feeling my head: 72 degrees. I have a problem… and it is Africa.

I literally sat on my bamboo bed for 2 hours waiting for Bakary. He finally strolled in as my family began stirring around 7:30am. The car had not shown up, and we were to walk the 2km to Diabugu and try to get a GeleGele. Okay, I thought. No problem. We’ll just load up everything and hit the road, Jack. And off we walked, down the dusty road, greeting the pink African sun as it rose from its’ slumber.

[Time to paint a quick picture: I had 2 backpacks, a purse, and a big plastic bag that contained my mosquito net. One backpack was on the front of me, one was on the back, and I was carrying the plastic bag while the purse was slung over one shoulder. I looked a hot mess.]

Dean Pritchard bounded happily after us, his tongue lolling out of his mouth as he chased after white birds that were freakishly large in size. The dusty road became incredibly tiring as Diabugu ceased to come in sight. 2 km is not far, yes I know this. Try strapping about 90 pounds to your body. Yes, I know I need to learn how to pack lighter. I realized this about 15ft from my door.

Finally, we reach Diabugu, where the policemen inform us that all 10 gelegele’s left at 6am. It is currently 8am. We are told they might all come back around 9 or 10am. Bakary hoists a bench onto his shoulders and carries it to the side of the road, and tells me to sit. Dean Pritchard curls up at my feet and promptly falls asleep. I drop my bags behind me and slump on the bench. I look around and think, probably for the millionth time since being here, This is Africa. Soon, 2 donkeys come strolling up beside us. The one in front has a rope tied to its’ front hoof and is currently tripping over it with his back hoof. Every 3 paces this happens, as if on cue. I notice the second donkey and poke Bakary.

“What’s on that donkey’s foot?” I asked.
“Why, it looks like he is wearing someone’s shoe!” Bakary exclaimed.

Sure enough, the donkey had stepped on some child’s plastic sandal and it had somehow climbed up his hoof and was strapped somewhere near his ankle. It was hilarious. Bakary and I laughed for a good 5 minutes about this, and I seriously debated on whether I was going crazy or not. I think I probably am.

After about an hour, a motorbike pulls up and Bakary speaks quickly to the man in mandinka. The woman on the back hops off, and Bakary looks at me, says, “Get your bags, you’re going to Basse.” Um, okay. WHAT?!

“But what about you?” I ask, trying to gather my things and wondering if I should take off one of my fifteen layers, as I am breaking out into a sweat because it’s well past 80 degrees and I am dressed for a nor’easter.
“I will try to get a gele. I must get Elizabeth in Darsalami, we cannot leave her.” He answered.
“Okay, but you’re leaving me! How will I find you?” I exclaim, as the man is strapping one of my backpacks to the back of his motorbike. At this point, I am slightly panicking. The Africell network is down and has been for 2 days, Basse is a huge city and I have no idea who this man is that I’m about to put my life into his hands.
“Well actually, you’re leaving me. And it’s okay, this man knows the police,” he answers, as if that will reassure me. Next thing I know, I’m on the back of a motorbike with a Gambian and we are puttputting into the distance. Dean Pritchard trotted off behind us happily for about 3 k and then turned around and headed home.

Everything was going fine until the man in front of me [still don’t know his name] ducks and I wonder what he is ducking for. Then I get hit in the face with a branch. Ohhhhhkay, I think. I’m having enough problems with acne over here, now I have a thorn in my face. That’s fantastic. Trust me, I’ve never looked better.

After about 40 minutes, we arrive to the river. We climb into a large metal canoe-type of boat and are transported across, motorbike and all. We end up getting to Basse and have to stop at the Police Stop. They interrogate the poor man [who, might I add, charged me nothing to bring me here] about who I was. He mentioned the Peace Corps, and then they asked for his registration.

“Bring the toubab into town and then come back here.”

All right, this is just fantastic. I am dropped off in the heart of Basse, in front of a Moritanian shop. At this point, I am literally soaked in sweat, and yet I do not take off any of my many layers of clothing. Instead, I put my backpacks back on, yes I understand I looked pregnant, and yes I knew there was a big chance I was going to get pickpocketed.

The Lord was with me today, as none of the above happened. I found a small ‘restaurant’ and completely ravished through a meat and mayo sandwich that was covered in flies. I thought it was delicious.

The man who owned the shop asked me my name and was interested in my story. I explained the events of the morning; he could not believe I was in Basse with no one to help me. “If you wait just a few moments, I could bring you to the Peace Corps house. It is about one kilometer in that direction, but I have my motobike.” Okay, sure, why not. I’ve already done several illegal things today, why not add more to the list? Perfect stranger that wants to bring me somewhere on his bike? Sure, sounds great. Truly. Let’s trust him.

Sure enough, I hop on the back of this motorbike [I am a pro at this point], a bit queasy from the greasy sandwich [still not sure what kind of meat that was? Hopefully not testicle again! Although I could not smell wet cat so I’m sure that wasn’t it] and hoping that I will not die.

We ZOOM off. I am talking insanely fast. There was no puttputting. This man FLEW. After about 3km, I start to get nervous. Okay, he said 1k away…. I’m going to die, he’s going to bring me into the African bush and rape me and then possibly eat me.

Nope, he was just lost. We found the Peace Corps house, and now I am here. WHAT A MORNING.

…this part written later: Lizzy and I have ventured into town 3 times today and had 3 separate sandwiches. This is becoming a problem. Is it really a wonder that I’ve sat on the latrine with gripping stomach pains and GI problems 4 times today? Not at all.

Our last walk into town was around 4pm. Everyone was closed up for prayer, and as we are scurrying through the heart of Basse, I hear a voice.

“Hey, hey you! Did you find your friends?” Sure enough, it was the nice man who had given me a ride. We conversed with him for a bit, asking if he knew where we could get sandwiches. “Well, everyone is closed up for prayer, but if you would like, I could open mine and send my small boy to get eggs! Would you like that?”

Well, TIA again. We just had the most amazing egg omelet and fried onions with mayo sandwich EVER. This man is definitely my new best friend.

I must get to bed now as I am tired and we are leaving around 7am tomorrow back to Kwinella. I have received 3 phone calls these past 2 days from my host sister and father, saying they miss me and I promised to stop in and see them…. As well as my Gambian boyfriend, Ismila Samiteh :o] Who resembles Taye Diggs very strikingly so…. But this is a story for another time. I shall write more later.

Lots of love and prayers to you all!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

YAYYYY!!!!! :o]


[My little Ousman, husband numero uno! Is he not fabulous?!]

So many amazing things happened this evening! Number one being, my mama musoo and Fatou came back from Kombo! This is wonderful for so many reasons, number one being that Fatou is no longer sick. Number two, my best friend is back! We were seriously inseparable. Yes, I know she’s 6 years old, but she is the only girl in this entire compound and we bonded. What can I say? THIS IS AFRICA.

Then, as they are getting off the gelegele, I notice a boy dragging in a sheep with a baby! The baby was probably 2 days old, max. Might I add, momma and baby are currently tied to my front porch post. Pretty amazing, despite momma sounding like a man.

Did I mention that I cried when I saw Dobally and Fatou get off the gelegele? Cause I did. And I am pretty sure they think I am crazy, but that’s okay with me. I am so incredibly happy for them to be back! Fatou came running up to me and I am sniffling away, struggling to find the Mandinkan words for “I missed you, you were gone too long, I’m so glad you’re back!” and instead I just crushed her to me and was blubbering away. Had we been in the states, someone would be yelling to ‘get that girl a Kleenex stat’. I promised Brendan’s host sister [also named Fatou] that I would help her with her homework tonight, so Fatou, Manding [she’s the 2 year old who has finally decided that she likes me] and Ousman trudged up through the town. It was the Von Trapp family, I swear. I have taught the little Ousman to sing the “Dayyyyyoooo… me say daaayyyyoooooo” song and I am determined to videotape it before I leave on Sunday.

We also went to visit Whitney. There was a boy there that told his mother he was going to marry me. His name is Ismila [pronounced iSmile-yah… perfect because he has a gorgeous smile!] and he’s actually super attractive. I told him my husband was in America, but he insisted he’s in love with me. He’s 27. Should be interesting, haha.

Pretty crazy that we are already done with our training villages. We shall see how this goes!

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