So, as my posts show, I am not very good at this posting thing. I think my last post was almost more than a year ago. Fortunately, I still have one more year left. So the first two years will definitely be different from this upcoming year. It's really interesting how my experience in Tanzania has changed over the two year. My first year was definitely a learning curve, figuring out how I, Megan, fit into the Tanzania culture, making the transition from student to teacher, and learning how to make it. The second year was mastering or getting better at what I had learned the previous year and expanding the life I built the first year. I finally feel I have a handle on so many things and feel apart of my community. So many times, I walk down the street and I can greet a person and stop to have a quick conversation. I think this is one of my greatest joys. As many of my fellow peace corp volunteers are headed home and summing up the amazing times they have had, I decided to take a quick opportunity to do a quick remembrance as well.
I remember my first day at site like it was yesterday and wonder where all the time has gone. The first year was definitely one of the greatest challenges of my life. I have to learn all these new ways of doing things. People think you can't do anything. My school wouldn't let me go to the market alone because they were afraid I would get cheated on prices, and I always had to go with someone. You feel a certain way but don't know why. You feel like no one understands you. You get so frustrated all you want to do is scream. II remember so many days I came home, blasted music singing along because I was so frustrated. People don't understand what you are trying to say because you have the language skills of a 3 year old. Overall, it tests your ability to adapt, be flexible, learning to be patient, and you have to pick and choose your battles. I met some amazing people who have kept me sane and I don't know what I would have done without them. Some of them were fellow volunteers and many were Tanzanians. These Tanzanians are my family away from my family. I know I can go and ask for advice, get cultural understanding, and just have someone to visit when being by myself was enough.
I think some of my favorite memories from the first year was making pizza with my Tanzanian Family, joining the local choir and becoming a more apart of the community, visiting Dodoma for Easter and "helping" cook, taking my students on a trip to the national parks even though I couldn't go in and had to come back early, and so many other things. It was really the little moments that make this experience amazing. This year I learned a lot about me and what challenges I can face but also my limits.
Into the second year, I think is more like reaching a slight peak in the mountain. I mean I can't say that I ever really feel that my mountain ever stops but you definitely get better at trekking though the small things and feel more confident going through the difficult. You definitely still stress out. I felt more confident in my role as a teacher and as resident of Tanzania. My school has become my home. The neighbors know me, and I know a lot of them. My students know me and give me the same respects as the other teacher. I learned how things are run better at my school and how to get things done better. I feel like I am similar to other Tanzanian teachers. I finally feel established in my community.
Some of my favorite memories from my second year include the Kili Half marathon, dancing the night away at Glaciers with friends, getting to show the wonderful country and its people to my sister and two of my best friends, traveling to more places, my daily interactions with my students, the weekend visits with the Mwadumas (who are like family), seeing my first true class of students graduate and talk to them about their dreams and futures, and getting new friends.
As these two years come to an end, my fellow volunteers move on and I remain, some may wonder why I remain and why I remain at my same location. I know it seems silly or illogical, but it just feels right and my time at this school is not done. So as the two years comes to an end and my last year begins, I look into the future with excitement as my Form 6 take their exams in February and another class hopefully go on to fulfill their dreams and change their country, my Form 5 turn into Form 6, and I get a new incoming class of Form 5. I don't know if I have made a difference (I like to think so even if it was one person), but I know these people have definitely changed my life. So moving into the next year, I think I might try a new post each week but with pictures to help show my life in Tanzania. I saw the People of New York which shows the people of New York through portraits. I think it might be interesting to do the same. Well, I think I will leave it at this, because this is a rather long post.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Hey Jude, Don't be afraid.... Lyrics in my head today!
Hi Everyone,
So I know that it has been a really long time since I have posted, and yes I hate excuses, but really, I have been busy. Technically now I should be going to bed but I really just wanted to send a shout out. After training in Morogoro at the end of March, I started teaching A-level Math only instead of chemistry and Basic Applied Mathematics. Well, I am getting a run for my money. All those things in college I never thought I would use again... Guess what.... I have to relearn them. But don't worry, my worries of forgetting math while I am in TZ is no longer a worry. In fact, I am learning some new things, like sets and logic. So now I will be able to make a sound argument. Anyway, my weeks have been a bit rough. So I haven't had much time to post or write letters. But I hope to send some letter this weekend. It is my first weekend to myself...well kind of. I tell you, when you think you are finally free, your weekend fills up so fast that next thing you know, it's Monday and you start it all over again.
I am beginning to wonder if I am working harder here than last year! I know you may laugh Laina, Michele, and Maureen, because we worked our butts off last year, but this is pretty demanding. Anyway, I hope everyone had a good Easter. I went with a fellow teacher to visit Dodoma. It was very pleasent. I got to see the biggest University in TZ. UDom. It is really nice, a lot of it is being built new right now. Also, i got to see the Dodoma region while it is green because it is rainy season right now. And boy, was it gorgeous! Well, sorry to be so short. More later, but dishes are calling before I go to bed so I don't find them attacked by ants in the morning (may be slight exageration).
Meg
So I know that it has been a really long time since I have posted, and yes I hate excuses, but really, I have been busy. Technically now I should be going to bed but I really just wanted to send a shout out. After training in Morogoro at the end of March, I started teaching A-level Math only instead of chemistry and Basic Applied Mathematics. Well, I am getting a run for my money. All those things in college I never thought I would use again... Guess what.... I have to relearn them. But don't worry, my worries of forgetting math while I am in TZ is no longer a worry. In fact, I am learning some new things, like sets and logic. So now I will be able to make a sound argument. Anyway, my weeks have been a bit rough. So I haven't had much time to post or write letters. But I hope to send some letter this weekend. It is my first weekend to myself...well kind of. I tell you, when you think you are finally free, your weekend fills up so fast that next thing you know, it's Monday and you start it all over again.
I am beginning to wonder if I am working harder here than last year! I know you may laugh Laina, Michele, and Maureen, because we worked our butts off last year, but this is pretty demanding. Anyway, I hope everyone had a good Easter. I went with a fellow teacher to visit Dodoma. It was very pleasent. I got to see the biggest University in TZ. UDom. It is really nice, a lot of it is being built new right now. Also, i got to see the Dodoma region while it is green because it is rainy season right now. And boy, was it gorgeous! Well, sorry to be so short. More later, but dishes are calling before I go to bed so I don't find them attacked by ants in the morning (may be slight exageration).
Meg
Saturday, March 5, 2011
March Already?
Hey Everyone,
So I am officially able to travel. I have been a volunteer now for 3 months! What am I going to do. I don't know yet. But will definitely keep you updated. So last week was my birthday and I baked cookies as a birthday gift to myself. I even got to use real American chocolate chips, and they were Toll house too! THANKS MOM AND DAD! I even shared them with the some of my fellow teachers. But don't worry I ate my fair share too. I think they were part of my dinner that night. I have made cookies before but I didn't have vanilla and boy does that make a difference. Some of you may be thinking. Baking cookies how can that be. Did you know that you can make your own oven using a small stove of wood, kerosene, charcoal, maybe even electricity a big pot, three rocks, a smaller pot, a lid, and a damp towel. I have even made banana bread this way.
Also for my birthday I was able to have ICE CREAM. It was pretty amazing is all I have to say. I with fellow Tanzanian friend, and they asked if it tasted like ice cream from the states. I said I had forgotten and that all I knew was it tasted good. I tell you it is the little things that can sometimes make your day - sometimes it is hearing that one song on the radio.
This past week I was able to see some other volunteers that were in town. It is nice to see other people that share the other experiences with you. And to speak English fast. If you have ever lived in a foreign country where all you here is another language, and you are trying to comprehend what is said. Sometimes you get tired and space out. Let's just say that this can happen a lot. For me, this happens especially in church. First, it is in another language. Second, there are really now books. Third, it is in another language. Though, I have to say, I went to a local church this last weekend and I actually understood the main points. Let me tell you how good that made me feel.
Let's see, I am still figuring out this teaching thing. It is definitely a little harder than I thought it would be- at least for the chemistry. But slowly, I am getting it. Hopefully in the next 6 months I will get it down. So another week will continue, though it will definitely be a bit slower that A-level is on break. I don't have to go in as much because I am only teaching the 6 classes a week. I wish you all a great week! Until next time Kwa heri!
Megan
So I am officially able to travel. I have been a volunteer now for 3 months! What am I going to do. I don't know yet. But will definitely keep you updated. So last week was my birthday and I baked cookies as a birthday gift to myself. I even got to use real American chocolate chips, and they were Toll house too! THANKS MOM AND DAD! I even shared them with the some of my fellow teachers. But don't worry I ate my fair share too. I think they were part of my dinner that night. I have made cookies before but I didn't have vanilla and boy does that make a difference. Some of you may be thinking. Baking cookies how can that be. Did you know that you can make your own oven using a small stove of wood, kerosene, charcoal, maybe even electricity a big pot, three rocks, a smaller pot, a lid, and a damp towel. I have even made banana bread this way.
Also for my birthday I was able to have ICE CREAM. It was pretty amazing is all I have to say. I with fellow Tanzanian friend, and they asked if it tasted like ice cream from the states. I said I had forgotten and that all I knew was it tasted good. I tell you it is the little things that can sometimes make your day - sometimes it is hearing that one song on the radio.
This past week I was able to see some other volunteers that were in town. It is nice to see other people that share the other experiences with you. And to speak English fast. If you have ever lived in a foreign country where all you here is another language, and you are trying to comprehend what is said. Sometimes you get tired and space out. Let's just say that this can happen a lot. For me, this happens especially in church. First, it is in another language. Second, there are really now books. Third, it is in another language. Though, I have to say, I went to a local church this last weekend and I actually understood the main points. Let me tell you how good that made me feel.
Let's see, I am still figuring out this teaching thing. It is definitely a little harder than I thought it would be- at least for the chemistry. But slowly, I am getting it. Hopefully in the next 6 months I will get it down. So another week will continue, though it will definitely be a bit slower that A-level is on break. I don't have to go in as much because I am only teaching the 6 classes a week. I wish you all a great week! Until next time Kwa heri!
Megan
Saturday, February 19, 2011
TWO WEEKS in a ROW
So this is a new record for me. I have officially posted for two weeks in a row. So for those of you that heard about the bombings in Dar es Salaam, about 20 people died and about 300 people were injured. No one I know was injured. And I have not been affected by this not being near Dar.
Not too much as happened this week. It has been kind of slow because the Form VI students finished their test last week, and the Form V were studying for the annual exams. They are finishing up this following week. Then I will only be teaching 6 periods a week on three days. Until school starts up again in the beginning of April. I don't know if I will continue to teach only Basic Applied Mathematics or more. I will see.
Though by the end of the week I was definitely ready for Friday! It had felt like a long week. Also, I was ready to be alone for a little bit. So I have a pretty good sense of humor about making mistakes. I laugh at myself if I fall, but you get to a point where you get sick of people laughing at you. My Swahili is pretty good. I know when people are talking about me but not always what. So, on Thursday I shut the door, turned on my American music, and read all the wonderful mail I received from everyone! SHOUT OUT TO EVERYONE WHO SENT ME MAIL! THANKS! It really brightened my day. Also, glad I have so many people writing because then I get all the stories. Also, if you sent me a letter you should be getting one soon.
Last night was pretty exciting too! I made the most delicious thing ever... banana bread in my homemade oven. YES you can cook without an oven...even bread. And I still had some left this morning. And today, I am going to pick up a new outfit that I am pretty excited about. And get a few items. I am also meeting a fellow PCV. Overall, last night and today have been pretty good. Well, I wish you all the best on your last week of February. Time is flying this year. Before you know it will be December 2011 and I will be seeing you all and wishing you Merry Christmas, baking cookies with delicious frosting, being really really cold (I think I may even be able to empathize with Laina on how cold it is), and putting up Christmas decorations. But now, I will say Kwa heri until next time. Missing you all. Have a good week!
Not too much as happened this week. It has been kind of slow because the Form VI students finished their test last week, and the Form V were studying for the annual exams. They are finishing up this following week. Then I will only be teaching 6 periods a week on three days. Until school starts up again in the beginning of April. I don't know if I will continue to teach only Basic Applied Mathematics or more. I will see.
Though by the end of the week I was definitely ready for Friday! It had felt like a long week. Also, I was ready to be alone for a little bit. So I have a pretty good sense of humor about making mistakes. I laugh at myself if I fall, but you get to a point where you get sick of people laughing at you. My Swahili is pretty good. I know when people are talking about me but not always what. So, on Thursday I shut the door, turned on my American music, and read all the wonderful mail I received from everyone! SHOUT OUT TO EVERYONE WHO SENT ME MAIL! THANKS! It really brightened my day. Also, glad I have so many people writing because then I get all the stories. Also, if you sent me a letter you should be getting one soon.
Last night was pretty exciting too! I made the most delicious thing ever... banana bread in my homemade oven. YES you can cook without an oven...even bread. And I still had some left this morning. And today, I am going to pick up a new outfit that I am pretty excited about. And get a few items. I am also meeting a fellow PCV. Overall, last night and today have been pretty good. Well, I wish you all the best on your last week of February. Time is flying this year. Before you know it will be December 2011 and I will be seeing you all and wishing you Merry Christmas, baking cookies with delicious frosting, being really really cold (I think I may even be able to empathize with Laina on how cold it is), and putting up Christmas decorations. But now, I will say Kwa heri until next time. Missing you all. Have a good week!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Back with a superb internet connection...well, at least for today!
Guess what everyone! I was able to post! So I haven't posted since before Thanksgiving. HAPPY CHRISTMAS and NEW YEARS! Hope your new year's resolutions are going well!
I am currently teaching at a school in the Mt. Kilimanjaro region. I am teaching mathematics at the A-level (kind of like the first two years of college) and computers. Then, I am teaching chemistry at the O-level (like high school). It is going well, but there are a few things that are a little rocky. All the things that go along with being a first year teacher. I am slowly learning.
I am really enjoying my life in Tanzania and I actually feel that I can get around by myself. People finally believe that I am able to go to the market by myself and find my way around town. I can even bargain. Last weekend, I bargained for a taxi (trust me this is a big stepping stone). I am able to somewhat communicate with the students. Though my form 2 student still laugh at me. Eventually, I will be able to communicate and teach in English and Swahili without laughing.
I had a good holiday season. I spent it at school. I went to church on Christmas. So during the service, I was really trying to pay attention and understand. But I just didn't know what was going on. So I found out later, that the service was actually in kichaga, which is a local language in the area. Also, I now know about 10 words in kichaga. I am learning both kiswahili and kichaga. When I speak kichaga, everyone always laughs because I am a mzungu (which means white person). On New Years, I visited the mother of my friend.
Since then, I have been teaching. On the weekends, I go to the local market to buy food for the following week. On Sunday, I go to church and do all the cleaning and washing for the week. So the average day is as follows:
6 am- I wake up and go for a run or do yoga.
6:30 am - I return, get ready for school and eat.
7:35ish- Running a little late, I head to the school chapel for school devotions.
8:00ish - School starts and I teach, prepare lessons, and correct. It depends on the day for my teaching schedule
4:00ish - I leave school and go home about a 2 minute walk. I live on campus.
until about 5:30ish I do whatever and then prepare dinner, and do whatever until about 10 pm when I go to bed.
I am really excited to return and cook some of the tanzanian food I am learning to cook. I am learning to cook boiled bananas (don't say you won't try it before you have tasted it) because it is delicious. It is probably one of my favorite food. I can make ugali, kind of rice, and chipati. I have had a failed attempt of doughnuts, but I think I figured out the problem today. So I will report back on that.
So since today is the 12th of February, I am going to throw out a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELE! I hope that you have a great birthday!
Well, that is all for now.
Megan
I am currently teaching at a school in the Mt. Kilimanjaro region. I am teaching mathematics at the A-level (kind of like the first two years of college) and computers. Then, I am teaching chemistry at the O-level (like high school). It is going well, but there are a few things that are a little rocky. All the things that go along with being a first year teacher. I am slowly learning.
I am really enjoying my life in Tanzania and I actually feel that I can get around by myself. People finally believe that I am able to go to the market by myself and find my way around town. I can even bargain. Last weekend, I bargained for a taxi (trust me this is a big stepping stone). I am able to somewhat communicate with the students. Though my form 2 student still laugh at me. Eventually, I will be able to communicate and teach in English and Swahili without laughing.
I had a good holiday season. I spent it at school. I went to church on Christmas. So during the service, I was really trying to pay attention and understand. But I just didn't know what was going on. So I found out later, that the service was actually in kichaga, which is a local language in the area. Also, I now know about 10 words in kichaga. I am learning both kiswahili and kichaga. When I speak kichaga, everyone always laughs because I am a mzungu (which means white person). On New Years, I visited the mother of my friend.
Since then, I have been teaching. On the weekends, I go to the local market to buy food for the following week. On Sunday, I go to church and do all the cleaning and washing for the week. So the average day is as follows:
6 am- I wake up and go for a run or do yoga.
6:30 am - I return, get ready for school and eat.
7:35ish- Running a little late, I head to the school chapel for school devotions.
8:00ish - School starts and I teach, prepare lessons, and correct. It depends on the day for my teaching schedule
4:00ish - I leave school and go home about a 2 minute walk. I live on campus.
until about 5:30ish I do whatever and then prepare dinner, and do whatever until about 10 pm when I go to bed.
I am really excited to return and cook some of the tanzanian food I am learning to cook. I am learning to cook boiled bananas (don't say you won't try it before you have tasted it) because it is delicious. It is probably one of my favorite food. I can make ugali, kind of rice, and chipati. I have had a failed attempt of doughnuts, but I think I figured out the problem today. So I will report back on that.
So since today is the 12th of February, I am going to throw out a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELE! I hope that you have a great birthday!
Well, that is all for now.
Megan
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Happy Early Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy family, food, and football (all the american joys of Thanksgiving! Especially the Turkey!
Well, I will become an official PCV next Wednesday! I am super excited! I am excited to move into my own space and have everything be mine and not feel like a guest. My host family is great, but you never truly feel at home home! Also, I can wait to make whatever I want when I want. With the Christmas season coming, you can bet that I will be making or trying to make cut out cookies and buttercream frosting. I may even post pictures! Sorry, but pictures may take a while to get. I promise hopefully by New Years! I have a lot of pictures to post... safari, new house and hopefully delicious cookies!
Also, since last post was before or near Halloween, I hope everyone had a safe and great Halloween! Really the only exciting thing that I am now about to finish as I become an offical PCV is PC Training. I had my final Language Proficiency Interview and hopefully got a Intermediate-Mid. I apologize for those who don't know what this means but it is way more complicated than I have time for. But hopefully I made the cut! Boy though, am I excited to be done! I can't wait to just sit for one day and do absolutely nothing. I will be able to do whatever I want when I want... to a certain degree. I could sleep in later than 6 am if I want. Got to go only 2 minutes to spare!
Megan
Well, I will become an official PCV next Wednesday! I am super excited! I am excited to move into my own space and have everything be mine and not feel like a guest. My host family is great, but you never truly feel at home home! Also, I can wait to make whatever I want when I want. With the Christmas season coming, you can bet that I will be making or trying to make cut out cookies and buttercream frosting. I may even post pictures! Sorry, but pictures may take a while to get. I promise hopefully by New Years! I have a lot of pictures to post... safari, new house and hopefully delicious cookies!
Also, since last post was before or near Halloween, I hope everyone had a safe and great Halloween! Really the only exciting thing that I am now about to finish as I become an offical PCV is PC Training. I had my final Language Proficiency Interview and hopefully got a Intermediate-Mid. I apologize for those who don't know what this means but it is way more complicated than I have time for. But hopefully I made the cut! Boy though, am I excited to be done! I can't wait to just sit for one day and do absolutely nothing. I will be able to do whatever I want when I want... to a certain degree. I could sleep in later than 6 am if I want. Got to go only 2 minutes to spare!
Megan
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Another Post.
So today was the site announcement. It was so cool. They had African dancers and drum players. I even got to try the bass drum. Well, it was quite the anticipation because mine was called near the end. I will be teaching math and probably chemistry at a boarding/day school for boys and girls. I am super excited.
What have I been up to lately? Well, I finished my student teaching internship this week and our school threw us a little going away party that was nice. A couple of weekends ago, I went on my first safari. I went to McKumi National Park. I got to see elephants, giraffes, warthogs, monkeys, baboons, zebras, wilda beasts, water buffalo, a lot of really pretty birds, a hippo, and even lions. The lions we saw were eating their dinner. I even got a picture of the lion with the carcass. The pictures will come eventually, but it might be a little bit. It was nice to relax for a bit. Normally, I am going going 6 days a week from like 6 until 5 pm. So the days can be long.
Life in Tanzania is great. I really like it. The food is excellent. I just have to learn to eat carb, but guess what..... Tanzania has peanuts AND PEANUT BUTTER!!! I know. How amazing is that! And the peanut butter is appropriately priced. I eat a lot of rice and bean with combinations of tomatos, green pepper, onion, garlic, and meat or coconut milk and peas (FYI.. Christina you would totally be fine in visiting). Most of the stuff I eat is vegetarian or can easily be made vegetarian. I am not the biggest meat eater here either. It tends to be a bit chewy, but what I did learn is I love sardines or small fish!!! Here we call them dagaa. I like them fried best. Also, a lot of the food here is fried, but it is delicious. They even have an omelet with fries in it. It is delicious, but I cannot eat too many. While the food is amazing here, I sometimes have dicussions with fellow PCTs about food that we crave. This is probably one of my favorite discussions in fact. What I would not do for a good milkshake!!!! MMMM! But, don't worry, I have chai time. I get a daily tea break at about 10 am every day. It was great. Also, one more thing I am missing is chocolate which may sound weird to the people that have known me since I was little but I would love a good dark chocolate candy right now. I savor things like this like nothing else. And since I know it is Halloween, I sure am missing Reese's PB shaped pumpkin or bat candies!
Anyway, I am becoming pro Tanzanian kitchen cooker. I hope to become pro baker once I get to site. I am even going to try an continue the Christmas tradition of making cut out cookies with frosting in December. I will let you know how this goes. Like I said before. I will post picture once I get to site.
What have I been up to lately? Well, I finished my student teaching internship this week and our school threw us a little going away party that was nice. A couple of weekends ago, I went on my first safari. I went to McKumi National Park. I got to see elephants, giraffes, warthogs, monkeys, baboons, zebras, wilda beasts, water buffalo, a lot of really pretty birds, a hippo, and even lions. The lions we saw were eating their dinner. I even got a picture of the lion with the carcass. The pictures will come eventually, but it might be a little bit. It was nice to relax for a bit. Normally, I am going going 6 days a week from like 6 until 5 pm. So the days can be long.
Life in Tanzania is great. I really like it. The food is excellent. I just have to learn to eat carb, but guess what..... Tanzania has peanuts AND PEANUT BUTTER!!! I know. How amazing is that! And the peanut butter is appropriately priced. I eat a lot of rice and bean with combinations of tomatos, green pepper, onion, garlic, and meat or coconut milk and peas (FYI.. Christina you would totally be fine in visiting). Most of the stuff I eat is vegetarian or can easily be made vegetarian. I am not the biggest meat eater here either. It tends to be a bit chewy, but what I did learn is I love sardines or small fish!!! Here we call them dagaa. I like them fried best. Also, a lot of the food here is fried, but it is delicious. They even have an omelet with fries in it. It is delicious, but I cannot eat too many. While the food is amazing here, I sometimes have dicussions with fellow PCTs about food that we crave. This is probably one of my favorite discussions in fact. What I would not do for a good milkshake!!!! MMMM! But, don't worry, I have chai time. I get a daily tea break at about 10 am every day. It was great. Also, one more thing I am missing is chocolate which may sound weird to the people that have known me since I was little but I would love a good dark chocolate candy right now. I savor things like this like nothing else. And since I know it is Halloween, I sure am missing Reese's PB shaped pumpkin or bat candies!
Anyway, I am becoming pro Tanzanian kitchen cooker. I hope to become pro baker once I get to site. I am even going to try an continue the Christmas tradition of making cut out cookies with frosting in December. I will let you know how this goes. Like I said before. I will post picture once I get to site.
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