I am in the process of allocating funds to purchase text books for Kwemvumo Secondary School because they have zero. My close of service is steadfastly approaching which restricts the opportunity to formally write a grant. For one student, a set of books cost around 125 USD. My aim is to have five sets for each form. If you are able to make a financial contribution, please contact my mother, Chris at: cemyers@gmail.com

Other news: summited Mt Kili and Mt Meru, water tank project finished, still building the PLWHA chicken coop, life skills zinaendelea

The digging for the water tank broke ground earlier this week. The system will be comprised of two tanks: the first, a catchment at the spring, and the second which will hold about 15,000 L, where the main pipeline will lead to the different areas at the school ground. Target date is to have it finished for the opening of the school on January 4th.

PLWHA Chicken-coop: It’s coming along polepole. We still need to build the outer fence, put on two doors, seal the space between the roofing and the building, and hold the husbandry seminar. Out here in the wild forest there is a type of large rat/raccoon animal that rips of the heads of chickens during the night for dinner. I didn’t believe the size of these animals until a few weeks ago when I hiked out to a fellow PCV’s house; I saw the sucker scamper across the road and believe me, it’s about 3 feet long. Also, Mama LPZ and I built an efficient mud stove the other day complete with chimney. Materials needed are clay soil, ash, and bricks. The stoves save firewood, cook food faster, protect children from falling into fires, remove smoke, save time, keep coals burning longer, slow deforestation, and generate income just to name a few of the benefits. I hope to get a small project going building these stoves for PLWHA.

Life skills is also on hold until January. I’m looking forward to teaching the secondary school girls and women in the community about family planning/sexual health. In the one-day workshop we’ll talk about periods, condom use & negotiation skills, the pill, and make cycle beads & pads.

The farm is coming along… planting season is now so I’ve been busy out there getting to work. Both the primary and secondary school have shown interest in school gardens. So, once they get the materials ready... that is polepole also.

Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu – unity is strength, separation is weakness

Thank you to all who donated to my water catchment tank grant... it is fully funded! Wow!

My Peace Corps Partnership Program grant (project number 621-207) was just placed online: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.donors.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=621-207

A secondary school in my village has addressed the need of safe water access in order to provide the students with a better learning environment. Currently, there is a dilapidated water catchment tank and no pipeline to the school. Consequently, the students and teachers drink contaminated water. Once completed, this project will provide the school with a dependable and clean water source from the nearby spring. Funds will be used to reconstruct the tank and a new clothes washing area, deliver a pipeline 190 meters to the school grounds that will reach 6 different areas: kitchen, auditorium, toilets, shower room, clothes washing area, and garden. The school leadership has already begun planning for the construction of the water catchment tank and pipe line and will be providing over 25% of the funds. In addition to improving the health of 200 students, teachers, school workers and family members, this project will continue improvements on the school that the teachers have already initiated and will make the school a better learning environment and more appealing to the students and community members.

All donations are tax-deductible and please enquire from your employer about the matching gift program.

Nashukuru sana

Haba na haba hujaza kibaha – drop by drop the bucket is filled

All;

My PCPP Grant for a water catchment system for Kwemvumo Secondary School has recently been placed online. Project number 621-207.

https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.donors.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=621-207

All donations are tax-deductible and please enquire from your employer about the matching gift program.

I'll post a more detailed blog in a few days.

Thanks for the support

I’ve been slightly busy traveling, working, and partially too lazy to write an update. Samahani lakini.

On a positive note – I have successfully made banana wine and lotion for potential income generation projects for the PLWHA group. However, their community garden is having a few matatizos. The problem is that they are not coming to water, pull weeds, etc. as I suspected. With that in mind, we are shifting our intentions somewhat and the plot will now be for growing maize because it takes little effort. Starting next week Alex and I will be working steadfastly to place 2 or 3 bio-intensive beds at every home. I know some houses will be put on hold as I will be traveling for work-related purposes for the next month (Peer Support & Diversity Network training and community theatre workshop). I will have an intermittent week at the end of July to finish the rest of the houses before I head off on vacation to Ngoro Ngoro Crater and the Serengeti with C and E.

The past two weeks I have been in Muheza and Dar working with the new PCTs as their PCV of the Week. During that time, I was able to reflect on where I was and where I want to be with my last year approaching within Tanzania. My approach to teaching Life Skills will be receiving a face lift when I get back to teaching in September. My intentions are to focus solely at Zeba Primary each week and my Health club at my secondary school will focus on Life Skills. The older students will be paired with one from the primary school; a big brother/big sister of sorts. Every other weekend we will do activities outside the classroom… nature hikes, arts, crafts, etc. This week I am also starting to plan a seminar/soccer tournament bonanza for World AIDS Day to target out-of-school youth.

On a side note, check out my pictures of Mzee Philemon digging a 6 meter trench for his drop-toilet mpya, by himself, in only 3 days…. Watanzania have a will power like none other.

Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta – If you don’t repair the crack, you will build a wall.

Peace, Emilia

I recently submitted my quarterly report for Peace Corps; I’ll give you a quick recap.

First, the goals of the Health Education Project, “Goal 1: Young people will make healthy life choices to protect themselves from becoming affected with HIV and other STIs. Goal 2: Tanzanian teachers will make healthy life choices in order to protect themselves from becoming infected with HIV/AIDS and serve as role models in their community. Goal 3: Teachers will confidently implement integrated HIV/AIDS curricula using a participatory approach. Goal 4: Communities will increase their awareness of HIV/AIDS/STIs and actively participate in developing HIV prevention strategies.”

The following were trained in HIV/AIDS/STIs and Life Skills: 24 secondary school peer educators, 427 primary and secondary students, and 4 secondary teachers. I also collaborated with the Multi-sectoral AIDS Committee (MAC) to assess the community’s awareness level of HIV/AIDS/STIs and perceived needs and available resources, which in turn, led to the development and implementation of an action plan in prevention and care of PLWHA.

Next week, I am heading to Dar with my counterpart and 2 other pairs of PCV/CP to review the Health Education Project.

Now, it’s time for a little story. After International Women’s Day, a mid-wife approached me about getting latex gloves to wear during childbirth. At the local dispensary, they either don’t have any, or they want to sell them. I’m pretty sure international precautions don’t apply at the village level. Furthermore, they ran out of condoms in December and haven’t restocked. This truly is a slight problem since I am Mzungu Condom Woman and the various condom-drops in my village have been empty for two months... So, one morning I headed off to the hospital on this side of the Usambara’s to request 500 pairs of gloves and 1,000-2,000 condoms. Upon arrival, I had chai with the staff, toured the 120 bed hospital, and checked out their HIV testing laboratory. After rummaging throughout the storage closets in the hospital, one of the doctors named Emanuel explained that they did not have any gloves to donate due to the limited supply. At times, he refuses to work because he isn’t provided with a pair. Luckily, I was not completely defeated and emerged with one pair of gloves. In the States, this would be completely unacceptable, but here in TZ, anything goes. I was grateful and also walked away with 300 condoms. Emanuel also promised to call in April when the next shipment from Dar arrives. Better than nothing, right?

Now a little about the healthcare system here... children under five years of age receive free care; for those above this age the CHF (Community Health Fund) exists. For 5,000 TSH (~3.80 USD), a family can purchase health insurance/waiver for a full year. On average, one visit to the hospital costs more than this. Fortunately, last year the government mandated that ARVs and check-ups on T-cell counts were free of charge, but one can only receive drugs if their count is below 200, meaning they have progressed to AIDS. If you are HIV+, you are eligible for vitamin supplements only. Shida kubwa – big problem. A good friend of mine is HIV+. Last year her husband died of an opportunistic infection because of the virus. She recently decided to go to the hospital, check her T-cell count, and the like. As of last week, her T-cell count was 461. I have seen a difference in her as she is being more proactive about her nutrition. I’m starting to understand why people are afraid to get tested. For example, if you test positive, some see it as a death sentence even though drugs are available. There are not any counseling services that I am aware of; maybe in Lushoto town but villagers don’t have the means to travel there bi-weekly or once a month. This is a problem, but I think the PLWHA support group here will play a minor role in fulfilling this need.

On the lighter side, I’ve decided that if my dog doesn’t arrive, I’m getting a duck. Also, I’ve had a little problem of people (or security guards) stealing my flowers, herb plants and sunflowers… so, I wrote with chalk on the side of my house to not steal my plants; hopefully it works. In the world of cooking I’m becoming a decent baker. After my corn bread didn’t survive, I came back with relentless determination to conquer the Tanzanian oven (imagine1 small pot on top of rocks inside a cauldron with towels on top to insulate). Thus far I have successfully cooked toffee, mango bread, Baylor’s bread, English muffins, and a chocolate cake!

And in close, in honor of all the mentally unstable people in my village, especially Ajabu, who walks around with his pants falling down masturbating, steps on plants and walks through rose bushes, normally is intoxicated off of pombe, talks to himself, and steals light bulbs, to name a few of his activities, this Kiswahili Proverb is for you: Sikio la kufa, halisikii dawa – a dying ear doesn’t listen to the medicine… a crazy person is a crazy person.

I recently submitted my quarterly report for Peace Corps; I’ll give you a quick recap.

First, the goals of the Health Education Project, “Goal 1: Young people will make healthy life choices to protect themselves from becoming affected with HIV and other STIs. Goal 2: Tanzanian teachers will make healthy life choices in order to protect themselves from becoming infected with HIV/AIDS and serve as role models in their community. Goal 3: Teachers will confidently implement integrated HIV/AIDS curricula using a participatory approach. Goal 4: Communities will increase their awareness of HIV/AIDS/STIs and actively participate in developing HIV prevention strategies.”

The following were trained in HIV/AIDS/STIs and Life Skills: 24 secondary school peer educators, 427 primary and secondary students, and 4 secondary teachers. I also collaborated with the Multi-sectoral AIDS Committee (MAC) to assess the community’s awareness level of HIV/AIDS/STIs and perceived needs and available resources, which in turn, led to the development and implementation of an action plan in prevention and care of PLWHA.

Next week, I am heading to Dar with my counterpart and 2 other pairs of PCV/CP to review the Health Education Project.

Now, it’s time for a little story. After International Women’s Day, a mid-wife approached me about getting latex gloves to wear during childbirth. At the local dispensary, they either don’t have any, or they want to sell them. I’m pretty sure international precautions don’t apply at the village level. Furthermore, they ran out of condoms in December and haven’t restocked. This truly is a slight problem since I am Mzungu Condom Woman and the various condom-drops in my village have been empty for two months... So, one morning I headed off to the hospital on this side of the Usambara’s to request 500 pairs of gloves and 1,000-2,000 condoms. Upon arrival, I had chai with the staff, toured the 120 bed hospital, and checked out their HIV testing laboratory. After rummaging throughout the storage closets in the hospital, one of the doctors named Emanuel explained that they did not have any gloves to donate due to the limited supply. At times, he refuses to work because he isn’t provided with a pair. Luckily, I was not completely defeated and emerged with one pair of gloves. In the States, this would be completely unacceptable, but here in TZ, anything goes. I was grateful and also walked away with 300 condoms. Emanuel also promised to call in April when the next shipment from Dar arrives. Better than nothing, right?

Now a little about the healthcare system here... children under five years of age receive free care; for those above this age the CHF (Community Health Fund) exists. For 5,000 TSH (~3.80 USD), a family can purchase health insurance/waiver for a full year. On average, one visit to the hospital costs more than this. Fortunately, last year the government mandated that ARVs and check-ups on T-cell counts were free of charge, but one can only receive drugs if their count is below 200, meaning they have progressed to AIDS. If you are HIV+, you are eligible for vitamin supplements only. Shida kubwa – big problem. A good friend of mine is HIV+. Last year her husband died of an opportunistic infection because of the virus. She recently decided to go to the hospital, check her T-cell count, and the like. As of last week, her T-cell count was 461. I have seen a difference in her as she is being more proactive about her nutrition. I’m starting to understand why people are afraid to get tested. For example, if you test positive, some see it as a death sentence even though drugs are available. There are not any counseling services that I am aware of; maybe in Lushoto town but villagers don’t have the means to travel there bi-weekly or once a month. This is a problem, but I think the PLWHA support group here will play a minor role in fulfilling this need.

On the lighter side, I’ve decided that if my dog doesn’t arrive, I’m getting a duck. Also, I’ve had a little problem of people (or security guards) stealing my flowers, herb plants and sunflowers… so, I wrote with chalk on the side of my house to not steal my plants; hopefully it works. In the world of cooking I’m becoming a decent baker. After my corn bread didn’t survive, I came back with relentless determination to conquer the Tanzanian oven (imagine1 small pot on top of rocks inside a cauldron with towels on top to insulate). Thus far I have successfully cooked toffee, mango bread, Baylor’s bread, English muffins, and a chocolate cake!

And in close, in honor of all the mentally unstable people in my village, especially Ajabu, who walks around with his pants falling down masturbating, steps on plants and walks through rose bushes, normally is intoxicated off of pombe, talks to himself, and steals light bulbs, to name a few of his activities, this Kiswahili Proverb is for you: Sikio la kufa, halisikii dawa – a dying ear doesn’t listen to the medicine… a crazy person is a crazy person.

With two weeks of IST completed in Dodoma, it feels good to be back in the village. I have a few new ideas for projects on my plate. First, my counterpart and I have a desire to start a PLWHA support group that will meet weekly. I foresee challenges with logistics; how will we localize these people? Do people want to meet in secret? If so, how is this overcoming the battle with stigmatization? I’ll keep you posted. Second, I am extremely enthusiastic to begin constructing and teaching about permaculture and bio-intensive home gardens. The concept deals with double digging two feet into the soil, adding compost, controlling water, and crop-companion planting. This method increases household food production, nutrition security, and income generation for the fight against HIV/AIDS... and all you need are a few buckets and a hoe. My demonstration garden is finished; aloe vera, lemon grass, a papaya tree, corn, green beans, lettuce, carrots, potato leaves, scallions, and parsley were planted. Right now I am working with LPZ to makeover her garden/micro-farm using biointensive methods. After working the soil, my guess is that we will construct 25 new beds. The completion date is set somewhere in March. Thirdly, working with the NGO, Trees for the Future (www.plant-trees.org), I am starting a mini agroforesty/Johnny Appleseed project of planting trees in my village. The organization came to IST and held a brief session about their work and what we, as volunteers, can do in our communities.

What’s new? My basketball hoop is finally installed. The rim is slightly deformed with a negative slope, but it’s suitable. I’ve started teaching a few kids basketball; maybe we’ll start a revolution. In cooking news, I found a different type of bean which tastes much better when cooked and have ventured into the land of baking with a 50% success rate. March is the beginning of the rainy season here, so I am busy translating “Singing in the Rain” into Kiswahili to burst out in melody when the time is right. Also, I think I’ve established the point in my village that I don’t respond to clapping, guttural noises, or “wewe” (you). That’s the reason we all have a first name, right?

Lastly, I’d like to leave you with a short story. Always take the cow. During PST in Kilosa, on a sunny afternoon in Rudewa Village, a fellow PCT at the time named Korie sparked up a conversation with a Massai man who was taking his herd of over 300 cattle out to pasture to graze. As the two were departing for their separate ways, the man graciously offered one of his sturdiest bulls to her as a gift to show his hospitality. As they stood in the field, she debated much and wasn’t sure if she should take it, so she turned down the offer. Once time had passed she regretted not having taken the cow. It could have been a gift to her homestay family, or somehow the cow could have been transported to site. The moral of the story is to always take the cow. Don’t let chance occasions pass you up.

That’s a wrap. Don’t forget to write.

Kiswahili Proverb: Fimbo ya mbali haiui nyoka – A stick that is far doesn’t kill a snake.

Heri na mwaka mpya - good wishes for the new year. School starts this week, so I’ll start in the classroom teaches HIV/AIDS education and life skills within 5 primary and 2 secondary schools within the ward. Also, I’m starting Health Clubs for the secondary and 2 primary schools within my ward. A variety of issues with be discussed. I’m also putting health bulletin boards in the schools, at the dispensary and the village office with the focus on HIV/AIDS. Tomorrow I am presenting a seminar on water-borne diseases for the village leaders. On Saturday, will be the village-wide seminar on the same topic; hopefully people show up. One of the visual aids I am using are Pur Tablets. After you drop one of these bad boys in the water, stir for 5 minutes, and then wait for 5 minutes… it sterilizes your water and you can see all the bacteria, germs, etc. clumped together at the bottom, which you then strain with a pillow case. I envision this to be an effective tool to encourage boiling of drinking water. My counterpart, Alex, is great and creative. He thought to have a sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll – well, minus the rock n’ roll – seminar for the youth. It will culminate in a soccer tournament, with the winners getting a soccer ball. Also, a seminar about reproductive rights will be in the works, too. My VSA is completed, finally. It is a large document, so I’ve been having trouble e-mailing it to the States. But, if you are interested in reviewing it, send me an e-mail I’ll get it sent to you in the near future. Also, coming up is IST (In-Service Training) in Dodoma, the parliamentary capital of Tanzania. I’ll be there for two weeks learning about grant writing and a week long seminar from PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief).

The month of December was filled with extremely strong sun. Alizeti yangu (my sunflowers) are hanging on by a thread; some of the leaves are charred black. Also, my backyard garden is dwindling. I soak them all day when I get a hose from the tea factory, but it is barely helping. What else is new? I painted my living room and bathroom, taught the game of catch with baseball mitts to my neighbors (they all found the mitts amusing), found a snake and a frog in my house, fell in a hole, and I am getting a basketball court installed behind my house.

Switching topics, the role of women here is frustrating, which I may have mentioned in letters. Not based on documentation, but ½ of the men are drunks and the other ½ help at home. Those that do not assist the women, leave them to cook, clean, chop firewood… all matters at home. Then when the husband comes home, he wants to have sexual intercourse. Then after a few years, they have a family of eight kids and no means to support. Mama LPZ refers to it sort of like slavery. And little did I know my 16 year old neighbor just got married and lives in Morogoro now. LPZ said within 3 years, she’ll have 3 kids. I was flabbergasted at this. Married at this age isn’t the norm, but getting knocked up around 20 is. People find it abnormal since I’m 23 years old and not married, haven’t born a station wagon of children, and that I know how to drive a car. Right now I’m reading Second Sex by Simone DeBeauvoir, so it all is timely.

Kiswahili Proverb: Barabara ndefu haikosi kona – A long road doesn’t miss a corner.

Each year, December 1st is designated World AIDS Day. Two primary schools (about 200 children) met at my house and marched along the streets with signs, songs, and drums chanting about HIV/AIDS. Upon reaching the village office, the celebration began. Troupes from both schools performed rhythmic song and dances, speeches were given by respective dignitaries and myself, 50 copies of Si Mchezo (No Games), a bi-monthly magazine about HIV/AIDS, along with 200 condoms were distributed, and a viewing of various clips from Scenarios from Africa took place. The event was a success for awareness and youth empowerment.; Tanzania bila UKIMWI - inawezikana! (Tanzania without AIDS - it’s possible!)

I took a little R&R break from the bush in Lushoto this week. It was nice to take a hot shower finally, meet new Education PCV’s, kick it with some of my rasta buddies who are tour guides, and I even watched Monday Night Football (a re-run, but nonetheless). And a personal request: send me a letter since you’re reading my blog; my PO box was empty last time I checked.

This is baptism weekend, so that means party time up in the bush. Sunday afternoon I’ll be attending two social gatherings. So, I’ll attempt to shake my groove thing, and eat - a lot - of delicious TZ food.

My Frisbee got lost and/or stolen last week. Two of my neighbor's (ages 5 and 7) pegged a security guard in the face on accident. The man was infuriated and launched it into the jungle of banana trees next door as the kids ran home trying to avoid being beaten. Later on in the evening he took it and kept it... or so myself, and my neighbors believe. It isn't the best thing to steal since it's bright orange and they are non-existent in TZ. But, I guess it'll be more of a center piece in his house. Oh well.

TZ Proverb: Dalili ya mvua ni mawingu - Clouds are a sign of rain. As well, sometimes situations are unanticipated or not desired. In the words of my friend, Mouddy, “You can’t stop the rain, so bring an umbrella.”

Last week was somewhat chilly (66 degrees), so I started taking warm bucket bathes again. On average, I use about 7 liters. How many liters does the average shower waste vs. a low-flow shower head? Just a thought. During IST (In-Service Training) at the end of January, I'll learn how to write grants. Water accessibility is an issue here, and I plan to focus my efforts on this. There are underground streams which provide cleaner water. By constructing concrete water tanks (Kisima) will enable villagers to have easier access for choting water together with cleaner water. I'm estimating 8-10 kisima's will cost around 5 million TSH ~ 5,000 USD. Donations will be welcomed.

In work-related news, my Pre-Form 1 English class is going well. What started at 35 students has risen to 54. Teaching methods here are vastly different; lecture, writing notes from a board with the teacher absent, and manual labor, such as lugging bricks or choting water. When asked to choose a partner for an in-class exercise, students don't know how to react. I try to bring excitement and interaction into the classroom using balls and group activities to retain information. Last week, I threw the ball to a student and pegged a different one in the head - opps. Now I throw underhand. I've also been busy planning a celebration for World AIDS Day, December 1st. It will involve songs, traditional dances, HIV/AIDS scenarios, a speech and short educational segment by yours truly, and of course condoms. I'll make sure to get a picture up.

In house news, I found fruit growing in my backyard; lemons, passion fruit, guava, and one indigenous type - I forget the name, nonetheless how to pronounce it. They should be ready in a few months. Also, I introduced Frisbee to a few kids in the area. After an hour of fumbling around, they finally got ahold of it. I'm thinking an Ultimate Frisbee team might be pretty sweet in the near future. One day I was throwing it in front of my house and a neighbor tossed it onto my roof. Oh, no problem she said and she climbed up my roof and got it. I guess it's nice I don't need renters insurance here. After her acrobatic climb to the top, I thought about climbing too, but with the use of a ladder. One of these days I am going to construct a ladder so I can sit on my roof and get a boost to climb the massive tree in my front yard. I've also finally mastered cooking rice and varieties from the legume family. Though I am happy along with my tumbo (stomach), my neighbor's chickens aren't. Daily I would bring them gourmet feasts of burnt or water-logged rice. No more, pole sana kuku (very sorry chickens).

With that I'll leave you with a proverb: Mchagua jembe, si mkulima - The one who is choosing the hoe is not the farmer. Don't complain, just do it. A person who is strong will never give up.

I decided to take my 18-speed out for a test run in the mountains a few days ago. The wind was blowing in my face, the sun glistening... seemed perfect as a treked uphill. Upon descent, different story. I didn't get very far once I discovered my back tire kept spinning even though the brakes were being applied (no problem on flat surfaces). Unfortunately, I do not have a spectacular wipeout story to share with you all, but I assume that is a good thing. There are a few other issues with the bike, so it looks like I'll be walking - or running. My CBT made a pact to run the Kili Marathon in March. Time to start training for that...

My week was pretty fulfilling. I hiked up a hill close to my house and discovered a place to watch the sunset. This past Sunday, the electricity cut in the evening. After digging around in my pantry I pulled out my dusty taa (lantern) and gave her a refreshing gulp of kerosene. It had been roughly a month-and-a-half since I used her daily. Yes, we bonded during Pre-Service Training. I forgot how relaxing writing in the dimnesss and the clarity of the insects singing outside. Tonight, cut back on your electrical consumpton. In the Western world, it is one of the things we take for granit.

In other exciting news, I planted flowers, found another lizard (pregnant), two spiders the size of half dollars, and finally have a completely furnished home. My coffee table, office chair, wooden posts for my mosquito net, and book shelf all arrived fashionable late... by a few weeks. Work went well; I facilitated sessions on the seasonal calends or farming and prevelant illnesses.

Every so often, I'll post a Kiswahili Proverb, and end on that note. Haraka haraka haina baraka - going quickly brings no blessings.

Its named after two enormous trees and the roads of compacted dirt show the well traveled paths where women and children hoist unbelievable loads atop their heads; from, 40 kg bundles of chopped wood to sacks of avocados to sell at the market. Women wear kangas - multicolored skirt wraps filled with lively and vibrant patterns and/or messages about God, faith, or values. Smiles and laughter fill the air each morning as the students sing in perfect harmony the Tanzanian National Anthem. This rural community in the Usambara Mountains is a lively, vibrant and simply place, and it is currently the place I call home.

Although the energy and warmth and undeniable, the village suffers from high rates of unemployment (most are low-scale farmers), poverty, HIV infection and lack of education. Nationally, Tanzania was an HIV infection rate of 7%. Locally, it is unknown. The repercussions I have witnessed thus far are extreme, especially the number of orphans left to raise themselves. My first action is to try to break down the stigma of HIV/AIDS. Thus far in my in house to house survey, around 5% have mentioned HIV/AIDS is a health problem in their community. That speaks for itself.

Currently, I am in the process of starting two girl's soccer teams at the secondary schools in my Ward. If you, or anyone in your professional network would be interested in donating used jerseys to these deserving young women, please contact me. This past week I had an interesting chemical chain reaction in my digestive tract. I believe it was Wednesday; I had PB&J, bannanas, and rice and beans during the day. Around midnight, I was passing gas like none other and having stomach pains. A few hours later, I ended up throwing up. For my friends with a Chemistry background, look into this one for me and let me know what you find out. Combustion.

Also, I opened an account on Photo Bucket: http://s451.photobucket.com/albums/qq237/emiliatz/ . The plan is to post 1-2 pictures a week via my family back in the States, so check that often for updates.

That's about it over here on this side of the globe.

So I've been at my site for about three weeks now. What's it like? Well, I live in a four bedroom house and have a hot water tank for my shower (to be installed). My living accomodations are relatively similar to the States, besides the few gecko's that share my dwelling also. I live at a relatively high altitude in the Usambara Mountains... gorgeous I tell you; each morning I open my bedroom curtains and see the sun rise.

Already, I have made an interesting impression on my community. I decided to duct tape each hole I found in my window screens... that caused a lot of laughs. And I cannot forget about constructing my compost pile and my attempt to explain that putting old food scraps, eggs shells, and hair are beneficial. I hope everything decomposes soon so they don't think I'm the crazy mzungu! Ha.

Currently, I am surmounting the task of the Village Analysis Survey. I meet with villages and discuss issues withing the community, education systems and health problems they encounter. Some days everything works well - people are receptive, produce quality answers, and are genuinely motivated to be an assesst to this project. Other days are frustrating because all anwers will be exactly similar if a group decides to congregrate around myself and the interviewee. But, hamna shida (no problem). I have to keep on taking a step back and realizing the situation and that the majority of people finish their education after standard 7 - primary school. Therefore, many of the questions asked are difficult to conceive.

Maybe next post I'll get a picture or two up here. Until next time, be free.

On behalf of Emilia, here is her address:

Emilia MyersVoluntia Wa Peace CorpsP.O. Box 216LushotoTanzania Africa

If you are sending her a letter originating from the US, the postage is 94 cents.

Her brother,

Wil

Hey everyone - I swore in yesterday at MATI and am on my way to site from installation. Saturday night will be my first evening in the Usambara Mountains. Once again a quick post because time is short. Pole sana.

This morning was site announcements... I'll be heading to the Tanga region in a week!

Right now I'm shadowing a current PCV in a small village on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. Yesterday I ate french toast outside looking at Kili with my fellow PCT, Kim. It was a TIA (this is Africa) moment. Today we grabbed a daladala and headed to Moshi town. On the way, the door of the van fell off... yes, you read correctly. No one got off, instead, more people boarded as the door was rigged onto the track. The car load reached to about 26.

Before heading here for shadow visits, I was in Morogoro for Nane Nane - a festival celebrating the harvest. We went to the fair grounds which had numerous booths dedicated to agriculture and HIV/AIDS nutrition. ARV's are free to those infected, however a problem arises with adequate nutrition. It is difficult and expensive to have a healthy diet, and fortified foods are outrageously expensive. It is a complex circle, which infected people rarely surmount.

While in Morogoro, we stopped at a market store for cheese, ice cream, wine, chocolate... you name it. Imagine 46 ex-pats speed walking down the dusty and traffic filled streets to this store. We pretty much bought of the store, and we went there twice. I enjoyed two cans of Pringles, an ice cream cone, and a pint chocolate milk. The milk was wonderful, let me tell you! The best part was I felt no guilt in consuming massive quantities of junk food.

On Sunday, I'm heading to Dar es Salaam for site announcements; I'm excited, nervous, and on-edge.

What else? In my homestay village, I live on a hill. One evening I hiked up it and could see all the villages that comprised the town in which I live. The sun was setting, and the topography was vivd and intense. Also, my CBT accomplished the "Chakula (food) Crawl '08''... we ate at every one's homestay family for a week straight - it was a fulfilling experience. I hope you enjoyed the pun on words.

That's all I have rack from my brain at the moment. Next time I post, I'll be somewhere else in this beautiful land!

Hello everyone. After two failed attempts of using internet, it has finally worked and actually is faster than I expected!

My learning of Kiswahili is slow but stead. By the time I move to site in the middle of August I will have acquired enough language skills to survive. The village where I am staying is cozy, there are about 500 residents. My Homestay family experience and cross cultural adaptation and integration has been going smoothly. Greetings are formal and are a main part of TZ culture - they may last a few minutes. Questions range from how your mother is doing to how you woke up. I do not have running water, or electricity, but I do have a lantern! I share a room with a lizard who passes bowel movements on my desk. Each evening I strive to take a bucket bath before dusk (6:30pm) to avoid sharing the warm water with the cockroaches. My mama finds it hilarious I do not enjoy their presence.

The topography where I am located is beautiful... huge hills/ small mountains, a few baobab tress, palm trees... even regular trees, and some they I've never seen before. The food here is delicious and most dishes require coconut milk as an ingredient. Besides learning the language, I have meet with local NGO's, health centers, and the like. Tanzanians are wonderful people and very hospitable. The country is poor and there are areas for improvement. I am eagerly awaiting my site placement so I can start working and writing grants.

Daily joys are common place. I have realized a few of my American views are skewed and have reevaluated them. For example, the training staff provided the PCT's with pens... which are not of the best quality in my opinion. I had them in the trash, but realized my little siblings love to write with them. I dug the two out that were in the burn pile (no trash collection here) and gave them to Ema and Stefa. Their faces lit up and they were ecstatic. Who knew a pen could make such an impact? Later that evening, Mama thanked me by giving me the heart of the chicken at dinner. Not bad. But anyways, having standards for a writing utensil was ridiculous, and now I have a different way of looking at things. Just one small example of my experiences...

That's all for now. Thanks for the support, love you all. Happy belated 4th of July... freedom is a great thing. Pay it forward.

Mambo!

Everything is going well... I am at the PC Headquarters in Dar at the moment. There is a line to use the computer, so I am making this a quick post, more details to follow later. Sorry for the lack of details. Love you all!

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go. I've got 80 pounds of luggage beside my door... Leaving on a jet plane, see you in 27 months when I'll be back again...

My plane leaves Sunday morning at 9am for Washington, DC. I'll meet the other volunteers, have introductions, review Peace Corps goals, challenges, expectations, go over a bunch of flip charts, receive immunizations, and start my daily malaria prophylaxis medication. On Wednesday I'll land in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania around 10pm. The time zone there is GMT + 3 hrs, so I'll be about 7 hours ahead of everyone in EST. 

I'll spend a few days at the Peace Corps Headquarters, then travel into the interior for 10 weeks of training (learning Kiswahili, cultural immersion, and job training). For security reasons I am not going to disclose my exact location, so send me an e-mail if you would like to know. I'm not sure how accessible Internet will be once I am in country, but I'll try my best to update you on my adventure and any intestinal parasites I contract as Tanzanian infrastructure allows. 

To my family and friends, I love you all. To my sisters, PPL. 

Stay human, Peace!

Emilia

Packing for two years with a weight restriction of 80 lbs has been entertaining at times combined with moments of frustration. So, what items did I deem necessary for survival? Bags PacSafe TrekSafe 100 daypackGregory Deva 60 internal frame backpackSamsonite 30'' rolling duffelSatchel purse Clothes Bras (4 regular, 3 sport)Underwear (20 pr)Slips (3)Skirts (6, below the knee)Shirts (6 Under Armour heat gear t-shirts, 4 dress shirts, 4 cotton t-shirts, 1 long sleeve)Capris (2 dress, 1 Under Armour running)Dresses (2)Inexpensive earringsSocks (4 pr)Basketball shorts (2)Bathing suit (1)Tank tops (2)Bandanas (2)Jeans (1)Charles River KY Alpha pullover jacket PonchoIron Man sunglasses, croakiesUniversity of Louisville baseball cap (Go Cards!)Hemp wristwatch Shoes 1 pr Rieker Antistress shoes1 pr running shoes2 pr Chaco Z/2 sandals1 pr Birkenstock sandals  Toiletries & Meds 1 tube of toothpastePeppermint oilMedical identification bracelet2 Sammy Sport towels1 travel roll of toilet paperHair brush, combHead bandQ-tipsCal Stat hand sanitizerTravel first aid kitVitaminsHair elastics4 packages of travel KleenexLotion (body and face)Fingernail clippersRazors4 deodorantsSunscreen, SPF 503 bars of soap3 tooth brushes2-in-1 shampoo and conditionerFeminine hygiene products, the KeeperChapstickACE cold compress3 months of prescription medicationsNail fileTweezersEye mask for sleepingTravel mirrorMascara and blush for special occasions  Gifts USA map puzzle2 potholdersStickers5 travel size body lotionsJelly beans2 men's ties  Gadgets, Gizmos, & Entertainment iPod nano, 4GB + headphonesShortwave radioSolio solar chargerHand-crank flashlightTravel alarm clock3 jump drivesDigital cameraGames: Uno, Frisbee, hacky sack, deck of playing cardsColored pencils1 journal1 photo album3 Moleskin pocket journals Office Supplies Plastic file folderPC paperwork12 pens, 5 pencils, 3 highlightersPaperclips, rubber bandsStationaryAmerican StampsDay plannerWorld Atlas Books Gulliver’s Travels and Other Writings by Jonathan SwiftTao Te Ching by Lao TzuBook of yoga posesEnglish/Swahili dictionary Kitchen & Household Leatherman Blast multi-toolHand towelHomedics Thera P travel pillowShout wipesLaundry bagSewing kitSheetsDuct tapeSuper glueFruit, vegetable, and flower seedsSpices6'' Teflon panPowder drink mixesCoffee bags10 oatmeal raisin granola barsZiploc bagsKitchen knife Miscellaneous 1 SIGG water bottle, 32 oz2 carabineersLuggage locksAmerican cashWalletBike helmet

"A pessimist sees the glass as half empty, an optimist sees the glass as half full, and a Peace Corps Volunteer sees the glass and says, 'Hey, I can take a bath in that!.'" - PCV

Flight itinerary: Indianapolis, IN to Washington, DC to Frankfurt, Germany to Zurich, Switzerland to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 18 hours and 25 minutes.

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Here is more information regarding my job. The following is taken from the assignment pamphlet provided by PC.

Program: Health Education ProjectJob Title: Peace Corps Volunteer Health EducationDates of Service: August 24, 2008 - August 27, 2010Orientation Dates: June 8-10, 2008 (Washington, DC)Pre-Service Training in TZ: June 12, 2008 - August 22, 2008

Project Purpose:

To assist the Tanzanian government to improve the health of Tanzanians by promoting healthy behavior among community members, particularly teachers and students. This will be achieved by: 1) empowering young people to make healthy decisions about their lives; 2) increasing teachers' ability to make healthy life choices; 3) increasing teachers' ability to integrate HIV/AIDS into their classrooms; and 4) helping communities access health information about disease prevention, especially HIV/AIDS/STIs. 

As a Health Educator, your work will entail initiating health education programs for in-school youth, teachers, out-of-school youth and different community groups as well as health workers and their clients. Work with out-of-school youth might be through collaboration with service providers, CBOs (community based organizations) or NGOs (non-governmental organizations). 

I will also be involved with a secondary project with my communities. A special area of focus in TZ is girls' empowerment. My tentative idea is to initiate a health club... I would love to teach basketball. Another project idea deals with sustainability and starting a garden and/or improving school facilities by constructing latrines and a library. 

The following is my mailing address during pre-service training from June 12th-August 22nd. Airmail takes a minimum of two to three weeks, packages by mail three to eight weeks, and packages sent via surface mail normally take three to six months to arrive.

Please number your letters and include "Airmail" on the envelope.

If sending a package, it is imperative to send it in a packing envelope that weighs less than 5 lbs to avoid customs. 

Emilia Myers, PCTPeace Corps Training SitePO Box 9123Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaAfrica

I've started using Rosetta Stone to learn Swahili. My goal is to practice four hours a week. The program is very nice and immerses you by using audio and visual stimulation. 

Upon accepting your Peace Corps assignment, invitees are required to send an aspiration statement and updated resume for the in-country staff to review. The following is my statement: A: The professional attributes that you plan to use, and what aspirations you hope to fulfill, during your Peace Corps service.          My professional attributes I plan to use include: strong communication skills, interpersonal aptitude, diligence, organization with attention to detail and theoretical thinking abilities. Upon arrival, my ability to effectively communicate may be altered due to the unfamiliar environment. My outward appearance as a white, American woman, along with beginner’s fluency in Kiswahili may present potential obstacles. I will remain diligent and utilize my interpersonal skills by maintaining awareness of verbal and non-verbal communication cues. Patience, reflection, and expressing my sincerity will ultimately be the elements aiding my success as a PCV.           In regards to my project, I hope to make a positive impact on the youth and the community. I plan to empower others to become personally responsible for their health. The difference may not be seen while I am there, but I hope to make an impact, even if small. Through my work, I hope I change lives not only by increasing awareness of healthy behaviors, but by leaving a positive impact of Tanzanian’s view of the United States. Cultural awareness is imperative to global understanding. I want to know the Tanzanian people on an intimate level and be known as more than just the “American.” We all are humans, mirrors of one another. Personally, I hope to come to a deeper understanding of who I am, what kind of world I want to live in, and how I can be the steward of change I wish to see. B: Your strategies for working effectively with host country partners to meet expressed needs.          To be an effective Volunteer, I must be able to understand presented issues and address them appropriately in various contexts. Developing rapport and trust within the community will be vital to my success. Furthermore, trial and error will occur; I must remain patient, positive, and flexible to fulfill my goals. C: Your strategies for adapting to a new culture with respect to your own cultural background.          Adapting to a new culture starts now by mentally preparing how my life will be drastically different for 27 months. Current amenities and my day-to-day lifestyle will bear little resemblance. I plan to continue reading Tanzanian PCV’s blogs and visit the websites listed in the welcome manual; this will help to prepare me for what I may encounter during my service. I also will utilize Rosetta Stone to jumpstart-learning Kiswahili. I may even try out a few regional recipes! Upon arrival, observation will play a key role during my adjustment to a new culture. Through respecting their customs and philosophy, I will be able to feel comfortable and adjust my mannerisms as necessary without losing my personal cultural background. Keeping an open mind and avoiding assumptions will help in my cross-cultural transition. D: The skills and knowledge you hope to gain during pre-service training to best serve your future community and project.          During my pre-service training I must develop language comprehension. It is also imperative to learn local and governmental resources that are accessible for my project. I want to understand their local history, stability of neighboring countries, topography, customs, social norms, gender roles, and religious beliefs to limit my impact as a foreigner. Furthermore, I want the skills to live independently, to take control of my personal safety, and how to transverse across the country. E: How you think Peace Corps service will influence your personal and professional aspirations after your service ends.          Serving in the Peace Corps will make a lasting impact throughout the course of my life, increasing my open-mindedness and bestowing innumerable skills. I believe I will more fully understand my privilege as a U.S. Citizen and my view of American society will alter in some fashion. I hope my service will make a small, but important, impact in the international health crisis mosaic. I foresee that my experience will be a catalyst for a deeper understanding of my role as a humanitarian and show me my place in the world, so to speak. My service will bestow life-long blessings and hopefully, an unbreakable connection with the community I serve.

Tanzania, Health Education Project. 

Assist the Tanzanian government to improve their citizens health by impacting knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in Tanzanian youth and teachers, particularly HIV/AIDS awareness. Departing June 8th, 2008 and serving until August 27, 2010. 

More details to follow later...

Nominated: October 26, 2007 - Health Extension & HIV/AIDS departing June 2008, Africa

Medically Cleared: January 3, 2008

Invited: February 5, 2008

Now I'm just patiently waiting for the parcel service to deliver my invitation....