Covid / Swearing-In

Brett Coleman - Madagascar Country Director

Thursday, 4 May 2023 (80)

Our group had an impromptu meeting with the Peace Corps Managing Director for Africa this morning. He came in specifically for our swearing in and perhaps because he and Brett are both leaving the Peace Corps in just a couple months. 

There were some good questions asked. I asked for his opinion or philosophy on measuring success as a volunteer. He wants us to remember that two out of the three missions of the Peace Corps are good relations between our countries. So all that we do, including grabbing a drink, or having a conversation with the locals is fostering our jobs. No other job in the US government and many NGO's have such wide and unique parameters. We may not be the health heroes of the world, but we can be friends, and make friends - this is what may truly bring more understanding and peace to the world.

Later, I had the chance to speak with him further about the complication between the younger and older volunteers - how we can often feel bullied or silenced - overpowered by 20 to 1 young viewpoints and standing as a lone perspective. It isn't easy to remain silent but that is the safest to avoid being canceled - though that is exactly what has happened to me.

Our country Director Brett joined the conversation and he again expressed thanks for my having stood with him and the Peace Corps all those weeks ago. But it was a severe price to pay as I lost all respect from half the group. Just last night they still referred to Brett and his actions as a "abuse of power" as they misinterpreted his motives and his choices at the time. Again I stood up for his decisions and that did not go over well.

I know if Natalie was here, she would win over all these volunteer hearts, and be a mother and confidant to all. No one would think her out of date, too conservative, or cancel her. They would welcome her as their own family. I have told several people here that and although they doubt it - I know better. She has a knack for saying the right thing and loving that I do not.

Then I was asked to meet with Amanda and two other staff members. Here it comes, I thought. I had seen one of the volunteers from last night talking with Amanda and expected the worse. I had hoped this close to swearing in, no new dramas would be necessary. I suspected I had hurt someone's feelings and now I would be censored, or counseled, or worse.

As soon as I sat down, I said, "Is this about what happened last night?" Oops - it wasn't. I quickly tried to back pedal and mentioned how some of us didn't like the cow tongue entrée. That didn't fly. 

Instead, we first talked about me getting a tutor at site, and how one of the LCF's would be asked to spend two more weeks with me at site - just as soon as they could find them some lodging. "Who would you like?", they asked. There was really only one person I would prefer. Instead, I named someone who wasn't a good fit and casually said I would be happy with anyone else at their discretion. I really wanted to be humble and insistent I was onboard with improving my language and having a tutor. I did tell them, my first choice…of course would be…Rindra.

Then came the other discussion. I tried to insist that at this point on the last day before swearing in, I didn't want to add any more drama, or throw anyone under the bus. She insisted she would find out anyway. I believed her. I knew it was probably smart to give my impression before I ended up having to defend it instead. I tried to just say there was some differences of opinions. I emphasized those who were wonderful allies and a couple who were easily offended. I mentioned only one name when she again insisted she would find out anyway. I figured she already knew.

That was pretty much it. No one needed be counseled. I wasn't offended or insulted or had any hard feelings. I just chalk it up to youthful ideals and differences clashing against older ones. And it isn't that we differ so much as we differ in expressing those ideas perhaps. My word choices don't always get interpreted properly to people who already have you pegged for an out of touch senior.

The rest of the day was spent in training with our site supervisors. They are taught the Peace Corps program and how they can help and teach us - what they can use us for, how they can assist us - as we become medical ambassadors to their town.

I wasn't feeling well and thought it was because I didn't get much sleep last night (maybe 3 hours). I thought it had to do with my caffein intake having finished off a full two liter of Pepsi (a rarity, but still to be found if you don't mind paying twice as much than other sodas). I haven't had much caffeine at all for these last 12 weeks.

I texted to the training supervisor I felt I had a fever and needed to lie down. 40 minutes later I got a text, my supervisor was looking for me. Supervisors and Volunteers were working through some medical goals for the next year. I had a fever and someone got me a mask. Dr. Clertant and I also planned to leave at 5am on Saturday morning.

This evening - the last night before swearing in - I doubt anyone wanted to experiment with the hotel served dinner. Only those penny pinching ariary and getting another meal for free would experiment this evening. We had been told to try and spend meal times with our supervisors but they were more interested in being at a table with their fellow doctors and talking shop - rather than toying with the new volunteer with just a grasp of the language.

A few went off in their cliques. Others were looking for dinner companions and weren't finding any. One of the guys called me if I had any plans. I wasn't feeling well but decided to get out, get some fresh air, and support someone not always picked first. 

We went down the hill past the Mormon church (yes, it's spire can be seen out the dining room window.) Ordered chicken for a change along with pomme frites. Avoided the milk shake, which is just a cold chocolate milk. Then stopped for ice cream cones and back to our rooms. 

Peace Corps Swearing-In

Friday, 5 May 2023 (81)

I had been taking ibuprofen all yesterday and hoped to wake up with no symptoms. Sam had a Covid test handy and I figured I'd chance it. Within 30 seconds the second line appeared and I knew I would not Swear-In today.

I can't say I was sad. I guess I just immediately accepted the fact that life is full of surprises. This is to become yet another story to tell. My greatest concern was that some of the others might think I wasn't invited to swear-in. My pride did not want that to happen. This old man made it through the 12 weeks just as all others (minus 3). 

I texted and called medical. Just an hour before the ceremony, they needed to know who I had 15 minutes or more contact within 6 feet in the last 48 hours. It was a small list of only four. All tested negative but have been asked to wear masks for some days.

I watched the ceremony broadcast live. What bothered me most was the terrible unmonitored wide shot and camera angle. When they swore in I too stood, raised my right hand and swore allegiance to the government, the constitution and the Peace Corps. I knew it wasn't official and didn't really count but I still felt I was there and a part. I suspect they will end up swearing me in later, so I've been told.

They moved me to the Akoa hotel - the best place I've lodged at in Madagascar. Had a Chicken sandwich and frietes for lunch and a big rib and frietes for dinner. There's a pool here. I'd rate this a 3-4 star hotel on the Madagascar scale.

Struggling with my O2 levels this evening. I'll check them again often as we go into the night. Dash is concerned. Medical staff has instructions for me to call if O2 gets and stay at 94 or below. Going to the hospital for oxygen is the next step but I know my O2 levels are normally low and I struggle to get it more than 95 on a good day. The next step would be to get evacuated to South Africa where there are ventilators and better care. That would be a death sentence for me serving here.