Challenges and Important Lessons: Week One

We are in a 3 bedroom house with one shower. There are 14 of us. Everyone is 21 or below … except for me (don’t ask). It is a constant place of motion and volume. So where does one study who must have quiet to read a book entitled, The Pedagogy of the Oppressed? I tried sitting on my bed, but I fell asleep. I have noticed that everyone is getting quieter as assignment deadlines approach, so there is hope. We are settling into a routine.

I have to say that everyone is pitching in and helping out where needed. I have watched students share their small stock of special shampoo or soap, knowing they can’t replace it when it is gone. I have shared my priceless medicine cabinet of ointments and Pepto Bismol. This would include the medicated baby powder that is great for that rash you get on the thighs from wearing skirts in hot, humid weather.

We are learning to wash clothes by hand. Notice I say “learning.” Our first lesson was that soap here is very concentrated. When you use too much, it takes a really, really long time to rinse it all out. It was easier to just wear them with soap in them. If we get caught in the rain, which is a strong possibility, we will leave bubbles wherever we go. The children will love it. We also learned that things do not dry quickly in the rainy season, so wash only ½ your clothes at a time. Finally, you just have to deal with your under things blowing in the wind for all the world to see.

We have also discovered what it feels like to live one week with NO money. We haven’t shopped or had the ability to fill even the basic of needs or to put offering in the church plate. When you are not in charge of the schedule, have no transportation, or any say on the rules, you have to do what you are told. This has probably been the greatest challenge for me, so little control over me. Today I really looked at my frustration and realized it was a helpless feeling. This must be how so many Africans feel every day of their lives. It must be frustrating to have a store, but no money for bread. To have roads, and no way to get to a hospital. To have access to ARVs, but no money to pay someone to take you the long way to the clinic.

To end on a lighter note, our last lesson is to always, always, carry toilet paper with us wherever we go! I miss all of you very much and wish you could be here with me, because I do not wish to be there with you in -20 degree temps. Love, Melinda