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Published: September 10th 2006
So I've just spent my first two weeks or so in village and to be totally honest it was much harder than I expected. I am living on my own now in a rural African community, which means I do all my shopping, manage my time and schedule, and my learn the ropes of who I can depend on around me. It's difficult to constantly feel like a stranger since every time I leave the house children shout the Yovo song at me, and even adults address me loudly as 'foreigner.' But I am still new and as I get more comfortable it's becoming easier and I'm feeling more like I belong in Elavagnon.
To be fair, I have a strong support system, starting of course with you all overseas, but extending to my fellow PCVs and people in my village, especially my counterpart who is amazingly responsive to my needs. He wants me to eat at his house all the time, and I do at lunchtime but I try to take care of my own meal for dinner, whiwh is tought because the only time you can find a variety of fresh food is on Saturday; market day, when my village probably triples in sizer and people come from all over to sell their goods. My counterpart also hooked me up with a woman that does my laundry, sweeps, and does some small sewing projects for me like making my drapes. I just pay her a small fee and she's happy to help. I have been working a lot of my house, trying to make it more comfortable, and holding off on any big projects until I feel situated.
At the same time I am making friends and contacts in the community. I've had a few phone conversations with the area's representative in the national assembly, and I've been attending CVD meetings, king of like the city council. The needs of the villager are pretty basic so far: potable drinking water, decent school buildings, and a trash depository. PLAN Togo, the int'l NGO, is working extensively with the CVD on these priorities and I hope to add some ideas to their collaboration. But for the time being I am taking things slowly and observing and learning. I hope to start with a small youth-based project, maybe teaching business with the Junior Achievement program or starting a gardening club and helping the kids to sell their produce and reinvest in the club. I've also met with a few womens groupements and they are very welcoming and open to my input.
So things are progreessing slowly but surely. My house is big and beautiful and has endless potential once I fill it with furniture and decoartions. I'm throwing a housewarming party on Oct 13 to get some PCVs to visit. And on my birthday we are having an inservice training so I will see all my stage mates and my friends in Adeta, whom I miss very much.
I've heard that the first 3 months at post are some of the hardest, but I am growing so much from the challenges. Who knows, I might even be fluient in Ewe when this is all over! At least then Ièll understand what people are saying about me when I walk by lol! But seriously, things are good and getting better. Thanks for all your support!
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Nyomi
non-member comment
Still going strong!
hi Steve, good to hear that you're okay. I can't imagine how it is to live so far from family and friends for such a long time (4 months in SA is compared to your experience in Togo too short). That's why I really admire you're attitude towards all that is new and strange to you. I know you will do well. I wish you all the best and take care. Greetings and a big hug