So, it's been a while since I wrote but couldn't really figure out what to write about. I mean, how many stories can one really tell about monk ordinations, funerals and other Thai events? That's much of what happens in my life these days, and although it's usually fun/strange/interesting for me, it may not be so much fun to read ALL the time. So, for fear of disappointing my avid followers (thanks guys!) I thought that I'd have to write about something to keep you guys in the loop on my life in the hood. So I figured I'd bullet out a few random things - here's my Top 10:
1. There's a lot of paperwork in Peace Corps (PC)....every time I complete something I feel like I'm back in NY, but not for the good stuff! Sorry PC, I love you but there really is a lot of papework.
2. I was attacked by a chicken a couple of weeks ago. Most people are afraid of the stray dogs (which there are lots of) while bike riding, b/c they like to chase you, but I'm offiically more scared of the chickens. This particular chicken thought I was going to run over her chick, which I came close to I'll admit, but was able to avoid. But mama wasn't happy with me and went balls out crazy. I practically fell off my bike, screaming like a mad woman. Seriously, my initial reaction was to scream and curse at it. Once I got away and gained my composure I was completely embarassed and hoped that my neighbors were taking their mid-day nap and didn't see the scene.
3. In Ayutthaya during training, I washed my clothes by hand - literally the worst experience ever. It takes hours, working hard in this heat is excruciating and once you are finished you question whether or not your clothes are even clean. So you could imagine my excitement when my host family in Don Nang Hong (DNH) let me use their washing machine and agreed to let me come do my laundry even though I'm not living with them anymore. It's been a blessing. But the other day, riding my bike home with my huge and very full basket of clean clothes after a nice down pour was difficult (rainy season has begun). I was pulling into my 'driveway' and fell off of my bike and so did all of my clothes. Oh well!
4. The village I live in is quite compact with the houses being very close to each other. But only about 50 meters away, the land opens into field upon field and it's beautiful and refreshing. There are always cows and buffalo grazing and it's lovely to see. Sometimes the cows cause a little traffic jam for me.....they like to hang in the middle of the road and lazily munch on their grass. It's actually very cute. One of the farmers takes his cattle for a walk every day and they pass my house on their route. It makes me feel like I'm living a bit of a peace corps life, even though I'm in my house with my fan blowing on me because I'm fortunate enough to have electricity.
5. I had to leave work early today because I was having some stomach issues. This is not all that uncommon here, but everybody at work was so concerned about me. Three people called me tonight to see how I was feeling and if I needed to go to a doctor. Thai people are kind.
6. I received a few packages from home including some of my favorite goodies (thanks Mom, Jackie and Mo!) I ate a box of cheez-its in less than 24 hours - can you tell I'm missing cheez-its? Good story, I was sent huge bags of raw nuts b/c Thailand just doesn't have raw nuts, it's a shame. But some of the hood kids and ladies came over the other day and asked what I was munching on. I offered the nuts and the older woman said no because they were fattening. What I wanted to say was: "you just ate dinner doused in oil with 10 tablespoons of sugar, and you are concerned about my nuts being fattening?". But instead, I said they are a little fattening but to eat a few are really healthy for you. So, she caved in and tried it and so did the kids. the kids loved them and came back for second and third helpings....another health victory for me!
7. I've been interviewing community leaders and other community resources to learn about the strengths and needs of my community. There are 11 villages in my community, so I've been meeting with a lot of people and it's keeping me busy. I've assessed that every village has stated that lack of exercise is a big problem. Meanwhile some of the villagers have told me that they would like the community to have dance aerobics (this is huge in Thailand and great exercise). Apparently, we used to have it but they stopped - they wanted me to teach it but I immediately nixed that idea. So, I spoke to the women who used to lead the class and she said if I get people, she'll teach it every day! Now that I've interviewed most of the villages, I am aware of some resources, know some important people and have some great promotional ideas for this (i.e. DJ announcements on a local radio station - the DJ and I are tight; the daily morning announcements that each village makes through the information tower enormous speakers). I'm so excited to get this started and give the people something they have asked me for. And I'm not doing much - I 'm doing what the CBOD program encourages. Use the communities resources and strengths and make stuff happen that can be sustained when I leave in 2 years....check this one off as a hook up!
8. I played dominoes Monday morning with some village ladies....they were really good and I lost 30 baht!
9. I helped some village women and young girls make baskets out of bamboo that hold the sticky rice. I was excited to take part in something very traditional and cultural here.
10. I've been accepted to the Gender and Development GIG for the Peace Corps. There are a group of 5 (2 were just chosen from my group 123, me and my friend Joe) who meet regularly to talk about issues related to gender and development in Thailand (which there are lots of things to discuss). From there, we have the freedom to do what we want to address these issues. As a PCV, my work is limited to my tambon, but this is something that allows me to work on something a bit more large-scale/country-wide. I'm very excited!
11. BONUS: I skyped my sister and brother-in-law today and got to see my 2 beautiful nephews. It was the first time I've seen them since I left in January and it gave me such a boost :)
Till next time.....
No comments:
Post a Comment