Bacterial Infection

 

Manda, Salva and I

Friday, 14 July 2023 (151)

Salva and I picked up the Taxi-brusse in Sahanivotry and headed north to Manadona to pick up Manda. Today the three of us are headed to Antsirabe for an adventure. We are filming for the video idea I have for the "Day in the Life" video. I've got my list of shots, except I don't have it synced on my phone nor am I referencing it, but at least I thought it through and think I remember what it is I need to shoot. Salva is fairly typical for an 18 year old. He's on his phone a lot, doing many selfies and he's also shooting with the GoPro some - both good and bad.

We pulled out the audio recorder and staged some good 10 minute interviews with a metal worker, a PusPus driver (two actually), a seamstress (or one of the ladies who sewed my curtains for my place and the CSB), a blacksmith, charcoal seller and one of the teachers at the English Center of Antsirabe (ECA). Eleo Raharimiadana is her name and was the supervisor of Michelle before she ET'ed last week.

I mentioned to them that I might be interested in teaching some English in Antsirabe to help cover for the missing Michelle and then promptly realized I would likely be over extending myself. But after talking with Eleo (short for Eleonore), the president of their association and seeing the school - I suddenly saw a way to make a greater impact than I feel I am doing with health in Sahanivotry. 

Now the possibility of getting moved over here and doing English instead of health is probably close to zero. I don't have that kind of pull and Eleo likely doesn't either. But perhaps we could get me involved in a class a week - as I will or plan to be here every week anyway. Not sure how or why I turned on the enthusiasm and charm but you would think I was interviewing for a job. I'm confident I have it as they would love almost any American and I am more than your average American.

I was asked to come back later and meet their head honcho and I did. 

Eventually we got Salva on a Taxi-brusse back to Sahanivotry with four 8k buckets of paint. Manda and I are staying at the Lovasoa hotel - he in a dorm room and me in a single. I figured I'd rather pay for us to have our own privacy than share a room. For dinner I took him to the fancy restaurant Chez Jenny, next to Green Park Hotel. I don't think he is used to being so lucky and going to fancy restaurants. Yes, it's expensive for Malagasy but was only about $10 US for a nice meal for the two of us. 

I'm running through lots of money every weekend I come up here - most of it in paint.

We got a lot of good shots including some street people, the PusPus guys sleeping in their vehicles and misc. shots throughout the day. I didn't get everything on my list but close.

Saturday, 15 July 2023 (152)

It's has been a tiring weekend and it's only half over.

We were out and filming about 6:30am. More interviews, more early morning shots, lots of kids, faces and market images. The people here are unlike anywhere else I've filmed. I can literally turn the camera on them and very few turn away or say no. Perhaps the hardest part is getting them not to stare at the camera. But if you just frame the shot, turn away from the camera or take a step or two away from it - maybe talk with another person, eventually the subject with go back to ignoring the camera and act natural in their environment. 

I did pay some of our interviewees for their assistance. Most got 2000-3000ar (40-60 cents).  Our second PusPus driver got a lot more, not necessarily because he gave us a better interview but because I felt inspired to. When we connected with him - I mentioned to Manda that we shouldn't just interview the first or any PusPus driver we encountered. But how to determine who that should be. Soon thereafter, I saw this guy. He looked very stern, outright mean - but he had character, a big guy. Once we started filming him we saw how soft spoken and kind he came across. He has been doing this job for 40 years and is just a year or two younger than me. He has ten children.

I worry though that these interviews won't be deep enough or get to the real point of them, to tell people's stories. Yes, I understand we'll never really get there with these short 10 minute interviews. I need to spend some real time with people and get material over the course of a season or over a planting season. Film their working, the processes they take with their products and services. But right now, this is what we are doing and how we're doing it. Manda is trying to interpret my questions for him to ask and he's playing director for me. There's no way I could do this without him and it will also require his help when we get to editing.

And then there's the crowds we've getting whenever we do one of these. People and children gather all around us (which can't make it very easy for our subjects to be completely relaxed and candid). We pulled our second PusPus driver off the main street and we still got a few people stopping to watch.

We also ran into Royal (one of the LCF's from PCTC) and we had breakfast with him. A few other PCV's were in town as well I think for one of the girl's birthday. And we ran into Thomas from G57. Tojo was also in town and although we tried to connect, we were not able to.

Home about 1 or 2 pm. I was able to have Salva put Dobby inside when he came home yesterday with some of the paint I bought. I also paid him to let here out again this morning. That seemed to help out with Dobby's messes inside but will never be the best solution if I intend on leaving here for 24 hours at a time.  And she's still not housebroken though I am getting here outside more mornings first thing and in the middle of the night once or twice.

Tired of the two days. Don't want to play any games with the interns or staff here. If every day is an adventure - today I am tired of adventuring.

Salva and I

Sunday, 16 July 2023 (153)

I applied for a position as a Peer Support Network person for our group. The process requires you to send in a 500 word essay and here is what I sent. If it sounds a little formal or clinical it's because I had a little help.

Title: Serving as a Peer Support Network Person: My Motivation, Strengths, and Qualifications

Introduction:

As a 63-year-old individual with a family that has relied on my support, and with shared experiences living in Madagascar, my decision to serve as a peer support network person is shaped by my unique blend of motivations, strengths, qualifications, and cultural understanding. Let me delve into my motivations, highlight my strengths, discuss my qualifications, and emphasize the value of my shared experiences in Madagascar in providing empathetic support as a peer support network person.

Motivation:

My motivation to serve as a peer support network person is influenced by the diverse experiences I have had while living in Madagascar. This rich cultural backdrop has taught me the importance of community, resilience, and mutual support. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by individuals in Madagascar has sparked a deep-rooted desire within me to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Also to help others deal with and cope with the unique challenges we have as Peace Corps volunteers.  I am motivated to provide support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals who are navigating their own unique struggles. I have struggled myself and believe it would be helpful to share what worked for me or at least share possibilities to improve.

Strengths:

Living in Madagascar has endowed me with a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the ability to connect with people from various backgrounds. This experience has heightened my cultural sensitivity, enabling me to create an inclusive and non-judgmental environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves. By valuing diversity and fostering open dialogue, I can build meaningful connections and establish trust with those seeking support.

Furthermore, my shared experiences in Madagascar have instilled in me a sense of adaptability and resourcefulness. Living in a country with its unique challenges has taught me to think creatively and find solutions amidst adversity. These qualities enable me to approach problems with a fresh perspective, guiding individuals towards innovative solutions and encouraging them to tap into their own resilience.

Qualifications:

While my qualifications do not stem from formal education in mental health, my shared experiences in Madagascar have equipped me with a wealth of practical knowledge and insights. Living in a resource-limited setting has taught me the importance of making the most of limited resources and finding creative ways to address challenges. This ingenuity allows me to provide practical guidance and support to individuals who may be facing constraints or obstacles in their lives.

Additionally, I have raised children that are of similar ages and there might be some lessons I have learned from those years of practical experience. I may not have all the knowledge or tools about current practices but I have lived a very long and varied life that taught me a few things a younger person might not yet have experienced.

Shared Experiences in Madagascar:

My shared experiences in Madagascar offer a unique perspective on the challenges individuals may face, both culturally and socially. I have had to deal with my own resilience, strength, and sense of community in the face of adversity. This knowledge allows me to approach individuals' struggles with empathy, understanding, and respect, ensuring that my support is culturally sensitive and tailored to their specific needs.

Conclusion:

Though I am not sure some of the younger Peace Corps volunteers are interested in having a "father" figure assist them - I'd still like to make myself available and try and continue to be a role model for them.

As a peer support network person, my motivations, strengths, qualifications, and shared experiences in Madagascar may assist me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Through my cultural understanding, adaptability, resourcefulness, and commitment to helping, I am equipped to provide empathetic support and guidance to individuals facing challenges. My experiences in Madagascar have broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the difficulties the job, language and lifestyle brings with it. I am dedicated to fostering an environment of understanding and empowerment, where individuals can navigate their struggles with resilience and hope.

Went out on the bike south and shot lots of video for my current project - Day in the Life.

Monday, 17 July 2023 (154)

I had expected kids to turn up for the English class but no one did. Turns out they came at 2pm. I must not have communicated very well. But it did give me the opportunity to take Dobby up the hill and we started painting David, the Carpenter's house (or at least the doors and windows). Bright blue is what they asked for. Got two doors, a window and the bottom part of the upstairs balcony done. I need at least another day maybe two. I may not feel good about my Health volunteer role but I think I can serve in other ways which require no Malagasy communications and no special skills.

My hope is to fill everyday with something useful to others -- health wise or otherwise.

I was up late working on the "Day in the Life" video. Peace Corp has this competition and want videos from us about our day(s). I've turned it around a little and though the voiceover sounds like I'm talking about my day, I'm showing the people of Madagascar going through the motions or in some cases, opposite  of what is being said.  

Here's the script:

Day in the Life

Nothing here is quite like it is back home.
I begin my day much as everyone.
I often sleep in late enjoying the comfort of a warm bed.
I am fortunate to have my own room.
It’s nice having some privacy.
I'll wear some clean clothes or if I need to, wash them and put the clothes out to dry.
I’ll prepare some hot food for breakfast.
I’m not a vegetarian but am thinking about becoming one.
I've heard the weather here is warm in the summer and not very cold in the winter.
Fortunately, the cold doesn’t affect me much.
Then it’s off to work.
Everyone here has a job or two.
Some work with their hands, or work with machines.
Perhaps, I’ll take the bike to work.
Once in a while I have to take the boat across the river, and I’ll bring my bike with me.
Maybe I’ll get a ride in one of the taxi-brusses.
Or one of the human powered modes of transportation.
Maybe I’ll just walk and bring everything I need with me.

What will I be doing today.
Some of us work in Agriculture and assist those in the fields.
Others are teaching in schools, usually it’s literacy or English
I work in one of the small clinics.
People from the town come in from miles around for various concerns.
Tuesday is also market day. There’s always something I’m needing to buy.
While the adults are shopping, children are often playing.
They may not have the best toys but that does not keep them from having fun.
Even adults love to play games. I avoid doing so.
It’s not that I am unlucky, but I’d rather not take something away from them.

Nothing here is quite like it is back home.
People are happy. People live their lives as we all do – one day at a time.
And at the end of the day,
I recount what I’ve seen, what I’ve experienced, and I wonder if I’ve made a difference at all.
Before retiring I say a little prayer. May God bless the people of Madagascar.

I think it turned out well and gets me very emotional.

Here's the link:

https://youtu.be/qUFwdAA54dc

Tuesday, 18 July 2023 (155)

Had a 20 minute talk with Tovo this morning on the phone. I thought he might be calling about the request for me to teach English but I had to bring it up instead. He said that would be fine on weekends, if I don't ask for reimbursement and if I don't tell my supervisor. He's worried it will show me spreading my time around and I could be teaching more English here which I am. He also said to try not to do so much painting.

Between the Health stuff, the painting, the English classes and the videos I think I should feel better about my helping here. Every once in a while I worry that my efforts are fleeting - the newly painted doors and windows and doors get scuffed and will eventually wear away. And the short conversations and the small talk just doesn't seem to make any long term difference. I will say Salama a million times today, smile and try to be kind. It's not enough or doesn't seem to be.

At the CSB weighing babies again. Not much more. In the afternoon, I finish painting the delivery waiting and patient room. Salva came by and helped. I should pay him something for his help. His aunt's place is on the short list to paint here shutters and doors. Of course I made my rounds of the market. The plan is to visit every week with the same people. One vendor knows I will buy 30 small bars of chocolate (to give away), another knows my favorite soda. I've been paying for a dozen eggs at one restaurant but I think today she just bought them from the store across the street while I waited. I think I'll stop it as it doesn't seem to be helping when she never can deliver them reliably and I'm not sure the extra money I am paying is worth her headache. Two other market day vendors regularly sell me their street food items. 

And I've got a fever this evening. A couple bed bugs have started to get out of control and has pus and started a small lump. Let's see where this all leads to.

Trying to upload the video from here and am at 54% but it says it will take another 3 hours. The ECA school is happy to have me help with English and is expecting me Saturday morning.

Wednesday, 19 July 2023 (156)

Woke up sick. Had the chills, a fever and bad Spo2 levels. I was asked by Peace Corps to go to Antsirabe to be seen by the doctor there.

That put a damper in my plans as I had planned on being there Friday night to be able to teach at the ECA school Saturday morning. Then I was told I needed to come back in the morning for blood tests. It was another bad night with chills and other issues.

Covid and Malaria Rapid tests are negative

Thursday, 20 July 2023 (157)

Instead of doing the tests in Antsirabe, they already had a Peace Corps car nearby who were doing site development work. They would drive me to Tana after first going back to Sahanivotry so I could pick up clothes. I had only bought what I was wearing.

The drive back to my site and into Tana is anything but an enjoyable experience when you are feeling fine. It's miserable when you are sick. Fortunately, I hadn't eaten anything all day so that wouldn't be coming back up.

I think Salva will do a good job of watching Dobby for now. I told him I would pay him to do so and gave him 40,000 for his trouble. Dr. Clertant was there when we drove back to Sahanivotry and I think it was conveyed that I needed some medical attention in Tana.

It took five needle sticks to eventually get some blood out of me. Then we had a chest x-ray. Results came back early evening that I had an elevated white blood cell count and we think it's a bacterial infection. It was serious enough that they brought me the right antibiotic medication at 9pm.

Friday, 21 July 2023 (158)

Ended up going to bed last night with no observable problem in my calves and woke up with more redness and tightness. More blood drawn - this time only two needle pokes. Feeling better above the waist but looking worse below. They took pictures and send the information to Pretoria, South Africa and Washington DC for medical doctors there to consult and recommend any further treatment.

The doctors have very specific instructions for me which I have a hard time liking. No sugar being one of them. Leaves me just water. In fact I'm about to use up all my food here. I bought enough for the weekend, barely. And the food I have been making is fairly bland. Maybe it's my condition, maybe it just the food I'm buying. It doesn't help that the kitchen here at the hub has no condiments or spices including salt or pepper. The Peace Corps really knows how to treat you well but with just a few gaps in the process. Perhaps no one has mentioned it before.

Saturday, 22 July 2023 (159)

Sleep was better than the night before. You just get used to woolly blankets, a foam pillow and mattresses and room  temperatures not necessarily regulated. The hub here has so many open windows and circulation leaks that temperatures are 10-15 degrees warmer than outside - which isn't bad. Temperatures are 53 to 70 today.

There's no indoor heating just electric ones. 

But now at least, I am feeling that my need to come to Tana has been justified. If I had to come here, I had better have something more than a cold or a few easily overcome symptoms.

At the same time I feel like I am a problem child on most levels. Age, language, rebellion (meaning I don't always do what the doctors tell me to, nor tell them all the issues). I generally have not always followed their recommendation (the water thing, my nutrition - and they don't even know about unauthorized visits.)

I may be at a crossroads. 

To serve here has a very high price. 

One must learn a new and difficult language, only then to barely be able to speak in incomplete phases, work with language apps, all just to express basics. I feel my supervisor, Doctor Clertant must think me a complete language idiot.  We communicate in a Malagasy, French and English dance where only a thought or two can be explained but nothing deeper than the surface. Motivations and details of what is bouncing around in our minds are sparse and almost unknown. I'm sure we've misinterpreted so much between us. We've had some good discussion when Rindra (my language teacher) was here and the Doctor and I were better able to express the thoughts we both had. We each thought the other was unhappy with the relationship and that wasn't the case. Now we are back to guessing what is wanted and how things are really going.

As volunteers, we know enough language to survive but it would take an hour or two a day of study to get much better. And yes, I have a tutor (Manda) for 10 hours a month but I use him more as an interpreter and cultural coach. He helps me get interviews, asks the questions I give him and translates them afterwards. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) who spoke to us during training told us that they still didn't know the language very well and they have been living here for five years. The new words I learn are related to the work I perform and use all the time. I know a few more painting terms, maybe. I've got the word for cold down but can't seem to ever remember the word for hot.

Food is an issue. I already didn't eat healthy in the states but now my choices are severely limited. Eggs, potatoes, good pasta and meat are hard to get in my town. In this area of the country - in the interior, there is no fish available except the dried kind and Peace Corps says we have no idea how long it's been dried or if it's even safe. I wouldn't even know how to cook it and I've tried asking. The fish that can be bought in Antsirabe are usually small and I struggle with seeing the effort to value of cooking them with all the time to scale and debone them. People here can spend an hour or two cooking here on their charcoal burners. Fortunately I have a gas burner stovetop. People here don't catch and release - every fish, whatever the size is food.

The Peace Corps recommends we don't eat the meat from the local butchers. I agree. Twice I bought locally and both times I could not tell if the problem my cooking or the meat. Weekends, I buy a kilo of ground up meat in Antsirabe but I had better eat it in two days. By the third, smell and color tells me it is turning bad without refrigeration. 

I have my staple of six go-to meals. Pasta, pasta with meat, pomme frites, eggs, canned tuna or sardines (bought in Antsirabe) in a mayo/ketchup sauce heated up and eaten with crackers, and fried bread/scones (I drift to the no eggs, no yeast variety which are more crunchy, less bready.) There's no good bread here in Sahanivotry because there's no ovens. The three or four bread sellers during market are drying it out so much it's like a long baguette crouton. I'd love to make and have sandwiches, which I would have every day but alas - no bread, no meat, no cheese. But they do have tomatoes (sometimes) I should probably eat more of them.

I eat one meal a day - maybe I'll fry up some eggs for breakfast when I have them. I may supplement it all with cheap cookie treats unless I don't buy any in Antsirabe which is probably for the best. And I'm never taking enough liquids. It's embarrassing to admit my lack of variety and nutrition so I usually don't. Even admitting it here is embarrassing. Most people don't understand this. They come from a tradition of vegetable eating and I lost that before childhood ended. Most embarrassing is that I live in a country that eats rice with all their meals. I have some, sitting in a container marked "rice". I haven't had any since installation here two and a half months ago. Maybe I'll try it again. Just got to worry about the rocks in it as growers may have dried it out on the road, and not on a tarp. I've already been a victim of the "rock in the rice" when I was served it at a meal at my host family. Maybe that's partially why I am rice skittish.

I do know better. We've had classes and training on nutrition. I'm even provided with flip charts to give presentations on nutrition. That doesn't change my mindset. I don't eat what I don't like and that’s usually most foods. There are plenty of vegetables and I know everyone likes them. Or so they say. I don't. I bought some pickles when I first got here but they were not sweet pickles - more cucumber than pickle. I do eat bananas (when available) and if I can find a pineapple that doesn't look so bad. I don't think they are in season so most of them are not the good summer ones or I'd eat a pineapple a day (no apples here).

Had some peanuts the other day (they don't salt them here). They didn't digest well. It's as if I was raised on another planet when it comes to what I eat. Eating brings no real joy or satisfaction - certainly not here - it's mostly for the calories and because I occasionally do get hungry - but not much. Food can bring a level of comfort or happiness or even escape from whatever. But not for me, not here. But hey - I take a daily vitamin.

Health is an issue. I'm generally fine but these last few health issues have worn on me. In the last few days I've had no appetite for food or Madagascar.

Mental and spiritual issues. Church does not give me a lot of value or strength. I say that knowing I am wrong but I have not felt it and don't expect I need to see it's long term effects and how it fills those needs. I'm an oddity even at church and sitting in on a Sunday School or priesthood lesson just doesn't serve much purpose except to fulfill a duty or obligation. I might as well be studying language. Mostly I just study the congregation. Church doesn't have to give me something. In fact, the lack of the opposite is the issue. I only go to church to give. It is all about giving and serving but here there is so little I am able to communicate or understand. I can't contribute except is silent ways, example maybe? I can't listen (well maybe that's all I can do - without understanding). There's no calling or role for me here. I'm not even sure my records have been transferred here. I'm an hour away by bike.

My prayers and mind are fine. I do not question God, or think badly of the way things go when they do. He's allowed me to experience something I asked for. I'm learning lessons. Lessons that can only be experienced by going through. I am not sure I was or am prepared for the empathy and concern in seeing what I am seeing. My heart is breaking and here I'm writing about my problems. They are nothing in comparison.

I have a very hard time seeing the success - and I certainly know how little we can measure it. The little I actually can contribute appears to have so little long term effects. I know it's there but it is so difficult to find or believe in. Weighing babies, painting doors and windows, playing American games, handing out chocolate and balloons, and taking their picture. The people here need so much more than my full 24/7 efforts and I am far from doing that. No matter what is going on in my life, I still have a life of privilege as the people here are doing so much worse and dealing with it better. They have less to compare, they know less of what is available, what could be.

I feel so badly that I cannot do enough, communicate enough, nor serve enough to justify my being here. At least in the states I can communicate. Here I am a mute servant with no way of truly knowing, understanding, sharing, and taking action in a meaningful way. I'm always working on it though. I'm sure it must all sound negative. It's not meant to be.

I know am doing what I can, however I can, where and when I can, and with whatever means I have available. But this place is so poor, these people are just surviving day to day. It is so overwhelming that anything and everything I do can never, will never be enough. I know my staying or leaving is not entirely in my hands. I see the crossroad. It appears I don't get to have full say in which direction the travel takes me in.

Keeping Busy

PCV's Michelle and Kristy

Friday, 30 June 2023 (137)

Waiting at the taxi-brusse in Sahanivotry for it to leave - I’m the first and offered the front seat which is a highly prized location usually less packed than the rest of the vehicle. I think the driver is the doctor’s brother but I'm not going to ask him. Other brusses pass us also headed north to Antsirabe but it is impolite to hitch a ride on these, otherwise passengers would never fill up here in town. It's about thirty minutes before we leave but I'm in no hurry. The driver says for another two thousand ariary (less than 50 cents) I can have the front to myself and my backpack. I pay the man.

Yes, I'm in the death seat should we experience a head on crash and there are no seatbelts. Some vehicles are so used up and not cared for that there's no door handles or even windows. I hadn't noticed until I was asked to step out so they could lift the front seat and add water to the radiator but there is a glass window up against my back.

Safety is always a concern but because the road is so bad with potholes that most vehicles are traveling at slower speeds - usually 20-30 mph. This driver was especially slow. At times I wondered if we weren't any faster than a bike. Maybe it was because we needed the air that was put in the van as we approached Antsirabe.

Often the vans stop for gas but rather than filling up, they will get just a couple liters or maybe a couple gallons. It may have something to do with the fear of running out of gas which I have experienced on a trip. Or maybe they have to justify a profit on every trip. Even in leaving Sahanivotry with me and a handful of others, we were beyond safe capacity upon arrival. And we had ten or so charcoal bags and a bike or two overhead as well.

Met with Michell from G58 group. She and I are both older (she in her 50s) and we both had Rindra for our language coaches. And of course, we both struggle with just the basics of the language.

She explained how she's not liking her role as an English teacher. She says is very rigid and she doesn't like teaching just grammar. She also doesn't like living in a large city like Antsirabe but would prefer wide open spaces. When she asked about being moved to another location, the Peace Corps said that is not possible and instead suggested she consider going home. She needs only to send an email with that request and she'll be on her way in 72 hours.

I'd like to video interview her before she leaves, possibly next week.

Another person I'd like to interview is Kristy who is a deaf volunteer who was sent home when Covid hit and returned to finish her two years. She's been teach deaf Madagascar students English this whole time.

It was nice to have a night in Antsirabe as we've been without water for six days now other than an hour or two. A hot shower. A meal I did not cook. A bed without bedbugs, I hope. The hardest part is leaving Dobby in the house for 24 hours or more. She has plenty of food and two water dishes.

I had taken my very large yellow bag that I brought with me to Madagascar to carry 50 pounds of gear. This weekend I hoped to bring back a lot more paint than usual 4-8k plastic containers rather than the two I've been getting as well as more canned goods and supplies.

I got to Antsirabe early enough that I was able to have lunch with Michelle and Kristy who is a deaf volunteer finishing up her two years in the next two months. She too was sent home when Covid hit and she came back sometime between or around the time the G57 group was in training.

I was amazed that you could serve the Peace Corps being deaf, but she is teaching English to other deaf students. I would like to interview on video both of these women for the channel and hope to do so in the next couple weeks. Kristy goes home in a couple months while Michelle is thinking of leaving next week.

They both are on the older side, both probably in their 50s. I think the three of us constitutes the three oldest volunteers currently in Madagascar. I am likely the eldest. It's always nice to compare stories and experiences. Sometimes it helps to understand how we all are having similar difficulties - with language, food, the job or socially - and sometimes we hear how much more difficult it is for others and we feel grateful for the circumstances we find ourself in.

This afternoon I headed out to Antsirabe's Saturday Market (Tsina Sabotsy) to get many of the items I had on my list. Every time I come to town, I have a list of foods and supplies I want or need. Unfortunately the paint store didn't have the gray paint I was needing to finish my doors back at the CSB. He did say he'd be able to have it in by tomorrow morning though.

Tonight, I'm staying at the other official Peace Corps hotel in town - Lovasoa. Rather than spending the big bucks for a room with its own bathroom, I went for the 47,000ar room (less than $10) with shared bathrooms and showers across the hall. I've been told there are also dorm rooms available for only 17,000ar (about $3.50) but I am concerned about security with all the items I'm hoping to buy and take home on this trip. I was surprised to find the hotel nearly empty. Even Peace Corps volunteers were not in tonight but many have work to do on Fridays and wouldn't come in till tomorrow. Thomas from G57 was here but he was sick and unable to visit. Michelle and Kristy live just minutes away so they have no need of hotels here. Tracy won't be in town till tomorrow afternoon. Emily and Tahlia would also be here in the morning.

Dinner was at the Green Park hotel restaurant - just me.

Saturday, 1 July 2023 (138)

This morning I heard my name being called out in the hallway. It was Emily. The hotel people were planning on putting her and Tahlia in my room when I vacated it. Emily and I went to breakfast and caught up. Again, it was good to hear how difficult and complicated she was having at her site which is just a short bicycle ride out of town.  

At the paint store they only had two of the gray paint buckets instead of the four I had hoped for. Ended up getting two light blue buckets for the delivery room. Just a another stop at one of the four American style food stores for some meat and canned items. I don't think I can buy meat in Sahanivotry anymore. It's bad enough to make anyone a vegetarian - maybe even me - or at least a non-meat eater.

Home on the Taxi-brusse. Bought candy but it was all given away before we even left Antsirabe. 

Dobby missed me and had lots of small messes in the house but nothing to worry about. She got into the box of additional food items under the kitchen table and had herself some cookies and crackers. I'll be more worried when she gets some bigger teeth and actually does damage to my shoes and various cables here and there.

Sunday, 2 July 2023 (139)

Woke up not feeling well and thus didn't get to church in Manadona.  I've got to stop compensating meals with cookies and treats. Maybe instead just live with the one maybe two meals a day without additional treats. I feel like I'm headed back up with the weight.

It was a slow day. 

Still no water - eighth day? We did get a little last night (it may have lasted an hour but with very little flow and pressure) and I filled my plastic laundry bins with enough water to use one for washing and one for rinsing.  Filled up my reserve water containers as well.

Surprisingly, I was able to get all my clothes washed - only took a couple hours. The doctor is still out of town.

Monday, 3 July 2023 (140)

Back to painting. Got the other two kabone doors, their frames and the visitor kabone and its frame. Doctor Clertant asked me if I could paint a couple 4x4 panels gray. I think they are for his house or chicken coop. Eventually, I expect he'll ask me to help paint his place but we'll see. I also presented him with a much brighter light for the delivery room but it needs an adapter as it currently isn't your standard screw-in type but something else.

Dobby and I walked into town together. This is the second or third time we've done this now. She stays right at my heels, almost a little too close as I have to constantly make sure I'm not about to step on her. I think the town residents think it cute if not odd. I've tried to get her to interact with some of the other dogs but that usually turns out bad when they start growling at each other and that just leads to me being in-between two snapping dogs. Good thing I have my rabies shots.

Bought our usual couple bottle of Capris BonBon Anglais soda that tastes like bubblegum. I drink almost no water from the purifier even though I have plenty of Kool-Aid flavoring. I really should be doing that more. I've been trying to get my dozen eggs from the restaurant people but it seems every time I go by, they still don't have them. So my source for getting eggs reliably may not be so reliable after all.

It's very difficult to be honest with my Peace Corps handlers and medical doctors. I doubt they would want to hear how not nutritious my diet is but what are my options. Now that I am here I doubt they would send me home especially if I continue to appear healthy. All they would have to do to find all my rule breaking ways is read this journal/blog which no one would.

Tuesday, 4 July 2023 (141)

It may be a holiday and we may even have it off but it was just another day at the CSB for me. If I'm not here on Tuesdays, I don't feel useful. Thursday's too but they are so much slower and I can usually find some painting or cleaning up around the CSB to do. I'll take my holiday on Friday and head up to Antsirabe for an overnight.

It's the 9th or 10th day without water here. I sent a note to my program guys and they didn't have any answers - not that I expected any - just thought I'd give them an update. We did have a short flow for 20 minutes today and I was able to restock my reserves and my shower water. I've gone back to using the battery powered shower head in a bucket of water so I was able to shower today.

Told the doctor I'd like to buy some curtains but wanted him to pick them out. We went to the market and bought them and the rods to hang them with. I've still got to take them to Antsirabe and have the sewing ladies sew up the ends and create a pocket for the rod at the top.

Wednesday, 5 July 2023 (142)

Manda came over for tutoring. We went up the mountain and video interviewed David - the carpenter. I am using Manda as my interpreter and director. He'll also have to help me in the editing. I also mentioned how I'd like to help David and repaint his house - at my expense. Just needed to check on color and timing. I suppose I have just come across a familiar spirit and I'm going all in at helping. Call it my own brand of Peace Corps helping. The PC hates it when I am giving because they worry it will give an impression about the Peace Corps that they cannot continue.  And they are also not here to fund individuals rather broad strokes like health, economic development and agriculture.

We also set up interviews with the Doctor and the Mayor for Friday morning about 9am.

I think I'm coming down with something. Certainly I have the sniffles and fever.

Thursday, 6 July 2023 (143)

Nothing going on at the CSB so I started painting the windows in the room where pregnant mothers stay. Of all the things I could be painting these windows are the worst. They all have panes of glass that I either have to mask or scrape after painting. And I don't know if a conventional scraper can be found in Antsirabe.

Previous Volunteer Bella & LCF Nico

Friday, 7 July 2023 (144)

This morning Manda stopped by and we filmed the mayor. Then off to Antsirabe leaving Dobby here overnight.

Bella and the LCF Nico was there. We hung out a bit then off to lunch at a new place. I had to leave around 4pm to pick up the curtains I was having sewn. And then off to Hotel Lovasoa to get a room.

Saturday, 8 July 2023 (145)

As usual, my last stop in town is at my favorite paint store so I can take a PusPus to the taxi-brusse heading home. This time, I bought a large 20K bucket of yellow for the CSB pregnancy stay room and 3 small 8K buckets for more doors and windows. 

The taxi-brusse people wanted to put five people in our back row where only four can sit comfortably. 

It was me and three other older types back here. I paid for two seats. Then I gave a couple of the taxi-brusse guys a little money extra. I think they are starting to expect it so I shouldn't keep doing this.

Home by about noon so I went back to painting the CSB. Dobby had done fine again - this was her second more than 24 hour stays in the house. She did manage to get in the trash so I've got to puppy-proof the place better next trip. Got the first coat of yellow down on half the room. Keeping my mind busy by listening to podcasts as usual. I need a few days and more paint to get this room finished.

I had an interesting idea for the video competition the Peace Corps have invited out submissions for.

Monday 10 July 2023 (147)

Painted thru the weekend including this morning. Got four more of the CSB's of the CSB's doors done and had thought to paint the front doors when some kids came by looking for the English class. I had forgotten all about agreeing to teach some English. Turns out we had 20 kids and even the interns and my co-workers. I pulled out the 100 words cards I had brought from America and adlibbed a class. But it's too large to actually teach and be effective. I have no idea who to turn away and suggested we meet again on Wednesday at 10 when I've got Manda here to help me work through a solution and share it with these kids.. I pulled out the 100 words cards I had brought from America and adlibbed a class. But the group is too large to actually teach and be effective. I have no idea who to turn away and suggested we meet again on Wednesday at 10 when I've got Manda here to help me work through a solution and share it with these kids.

There was one young man - Salva (hard to believe he's 18) who has a good grasp on English who I am hoping to use to help me teach as well as play interpreter for me. I'd like to pay him something but don't know what the best rate might be.

Smaller CSB south of Sahanivotry

Tuesday, 11 July 2023 (148)

At the CSB to start but was asked to go with one of the older AC's (Risda) to another location where I would be giving presentations. I had no idea where she was taking me as we started walking out of town south. We passed the Mayor's house and about 1 mile further came to a small one room structure where women were bringing their infants for weighing and measurements. I gave another presentation on sanitation to maybe 10 people and everyone appeared to find it amusing. Of course I stammer thru and likely mispronounce many words but they sit through the 5-7 minutes with patience. I doubt I do any good with the content about washing hands after using the bathroom and before eating. But this is an essential of Peace Corp duties.

Sanitation Presentation Flipbook

This afternoon I met with Salva's aunt, a cousin or two and explained what I intended using Salva for. Not sure I was asking for permission or just explaining his role. Not knowing what the going rate for paying him would be, we settled on 2000ar an hour but this would not be all hours we spend together, just the hours I determined he was actually helping and not just hanging around to learn. We then went around the market and Salva and I exchanged words for various things around the market. And I finally got that dozen eggs I paid for two weeks ago.

Speaking of Manda's tutoring role - I've reversed the roles with Manda and use him for my benefit in all ways other than language. He's my translator between the doctor and other staff, he's my director on interviews, is translating them roughly into English and assists me in arranging the interviews. He's learning more from me than I from him. Language, vocabulary, and new Malagasy study hardly comes up but he is immensely helpful in making my relationships and cultural understanding much better here.  Well worth the 15,000ar ($3) an hour I am paying him and the Peace Corps is reimbursing me for.

Wednesday, 12 July 2023 (149)

Manda and Salva were here in the morning and we discussed going into Antsirabe on Friday, staying overnight and returning on Saturday. I'll have to pick up the Taxi-brusse, meals and hotel stay for Manda and plan on sending Salva back with some paint and a key to lock the paint and Dobby in the house. I'm trusting that Salva is honest and trustworthy. Though I did say to him - "If anything goes missing, I know who to suspect." 

Back to painting front and back doors of the CSB.

Thursday, 13 July 2023 (150)

I had  forgotten that we had agreed to have English class (or club as they are calling it) at 10 am until half a dozen kids turned up. It was only 8 or 9 total once Salva and his cousin arrived so there was no real need to whittle it down to four to six. I pulled out the "Sorry" game and taught the group. In the process - I had them learn the four colors - Red, yellow, blue and green and the numbers on the cards, as well as counting allowed when they moved their game pieces. It's only a four player game but we doubled up on teams. The plan is to have a one hour class on Mondays and Wednesdays. Next week I should come up with real words and phrases instead of a game. Perhaps we can alternate between games and English structure.

I had hoped to spend much of today editing or at least organizing some of the video footage I have. It's been discouraging believe it or not getting back into editing. The laptop has some real issues and I have not yet troubleshot the new desktop of its original problem keeping it from starting up.

But then the power went out and one realizes exactly how fortunate one is. Often it takes such a small loss to see the blessings we take for granted. My fallback for no power is my kindle and the solar lights. I also now have the two lights placed over the sink and stove that come on by sensor and can be recharged by USB. Fortunately I've never had to go for more than a coupler hours without electricity. And only those 10-11 days without water - so far.