keeping on keeping on!

---

hi friends!
to those of you who read and respond, thanks for your support and comments. i haven't been very mazoto to write in the blog as i'm doing mass emails as well, and it gets a little overwhelming. but, the momentous occasion of 6 months living in madagascar has occured! that's it, i've made it a half a year here! it's hard to believe!
my language is improving, as i notice with every visit to a different city. it's still very frustrating though as i feel like if i talk to someone for more than 5 minutes it mostly consists of me say "i don't understand" over and over again!
as i grow older as a pcv (i'm 4 months old now!) i begin to develop a concept of the culture. i'm discovering the diversity that exists just within this tiny island. i liken to the united states. in every area you travel to, people speak just a bit differently (like accents!)...the flora and fauna vary from place to place, with apples being in season in Tsarazaza while oranges are in season in Isoanala. (gaga aho! apples and oranges are american fruits! hahah!) Tsarazaza still astounds me because it looks so much like Montana. i'm really looking forward to my travels to the coast next week to see some of tropical madagascar.
i'm working on coming up with unique ways to reach people, so if any of you out there have fabulous ideas on how to talk about healthy food, hygeine or family planning...let me know! that's about what i got for now!

---

Comments

[Jessica]

Fleas
Hey there, I had a letter all set to send to you and some how I still have it. I had a little method for helping with the flea situation. Uou put a low pan, kind of like a baking pan on the floor and fill it with water, then set a small cup upside down with a little candle on top, and keep it on at night. The fleas will try to hop to the light, and end up in the water where they will meet their demise. It's better than using a chemical although you end up waking to the Poseidon Adventure. My neighbor had a cat whose fleas decided to seek asylum in my place and this little method helped a lot. I hope it can bring you a little peace. Hugs, Jessica

[anne gannon]

you go girl!
Hi jamie, I'm mama ny Patrick and have really enjoyed connecting a little more with Pat thru sharing your experiences. You have even inspired me to incorporate some Malagasy in my letters to Patrick! I so admire all of you for stretching yourselves and in the process leaving this earth a little better place. You go girl!!!

[Jean Sayer]

It was so good to hear from you again. I really enjoy hearing about the country and, of course, hearing about you and what you are doing) It's hard to believe you have been there for six months. About the time you really get comfortable with the language, it will be time for you to come home! Love, Grandma

[Sheila]

still having trouble with fleas?
Do this: at night, set a roasting pan or low container on the floor containing soapy water (dish soap is what I used) and shine a light on it. A desk lamp works perfectly, but a table lamp will also do. The closer you can get the light to the water the better. The little fleas commit suicide by jumping toward the light and into the soapy water. No pesticides!