People are incredibly friendly in Botswana and it is impossible to walk down the street without someone stopping you to ask how you are doing. My walk to Setswana lessons start at 7:15am, arriving in less than ten minutes. I usually pass school children on my walk and very few adults. This morning I greeted a man in the traditional fashion, “dumela rra” meaning “hello sir.” He responded with “hello my sister.” I often get back “dumela mma” meaning “hello ma’am,” but never have I been called “sister” by a complete stranger. It was endearing and for the first time since arriving in Botswana I felt as though I didn’t stick out like a sore thumb, I truly felt like I belonged.
In Setswana class we were given a three part handout where we had to rearrange words to create a sentence, input the correct word into the sentence, and translate a paragraph from English to Setswana. Most people in my class were able to rearrange the words to create sentences with few mistakes and everyone was able to input the correct words; however, I was the only one to completely translate the paragraph. There were two minor mistakes, but considering it was a hefty paragraph, I was pleasantly satisfied with my product.
It was a busy, tedious day full of sessions where we recognized volunteer resiliency, learned about malaria, and discussed dealing with unwanted attention. We identified the four goals of volunteer resiliency as being EPIC - empowerment, protection, integration, and connection. This simple, but thorough acronym aptly describes ways to be resilient in high stress, debilitating situations. I’m sure there will be plenty of times while at site when I feel lonely, bored, or isolated, so it is essential to counteract these potential feelings by recognizing what works best when I’m feeling down in the dumps. Connection and integration will be critical to my wellbeing. I thrive off human relationships, so it is important for me to have an outlet where I can write letters home, look at pictures, or have tea with a Motswana friend. By recognizing my weaknesses it is easier to plan for those challenging days.
The basic gist of what I learned in the malaria session is: don’t get it. We watched a terrifying video that meticulously described cases of government employees getting malaria and one girl in the Peace Corps that died due to the disease. Basic gist: avoid mosquitos, take medication, and don’t get malaria.
It is tremendously difficult to construct a training based on dealing with unwanted attention because it is a subjective, personal process that should be considered on a case by case basis. This was the basic trend of the day, discussing subjective means for coping throughout service.
At home I learned to make phaletshe, the corn meal mix with a gummy consistency. I learned the process and attempted to stir the mixture, but failed miserably. My stirring was not adequate, probably because I’m a weakling, so Mme Chiliwa quickly took over and finished stirring so I wouldn’t destroy the meal. I pledge to start working out and building muscle simply for the sake of making phaletshe once I am living alone at my site. My goals of pre-service training have modified to 1. Learn Setswana and 2. Successfully make phaletshe.
My belly was full of phaletshe and beef as I sat with Mme and Princess watching television and practicing Setswana. In the corner of my eye I saw something scatter across the floor. Turning my head, I found a bug at least the length of my pinky finger, and I have long fingers. Before putting on my glasses to verify my findings, I asked Princess if that was a bug. She responded that it was a cockroach and promptly walked over to it and smashed it beneath her slipper. She made no attempt to pick up the splattered remains so they sat there until I went to bed. I don’t know what the protocol is when it comes to bug extermination and clean up, but all I know is the remnants better not show up in my lunchbox tomorrow.
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