Just returned from a two week In-Service Training (IST) at the College of Forestry in Dedza on Monday. Week 1 was the 15 health volunteers staying in on hostel, attending workshops from 8-4:30, and then going to Ed’s Bar for beers afterwards . The dynamics changed in Week 2 with the arrival of our Malawian counterparts, but the topics we touched on that week were much more relevant (in my opinion) than the first.The food here is delicious and plentiful, there is running water and warm showers, and though there are even more bugs here than at my site, they are only beetles, moths, and grasshoppers (which Malawians sautee in oil and eat. And of which I was adventurous enough to try); no ugly spiders, thank god. It was fun to be back at the college after three months at site. Not only am I so much more worldly and wise (haha), but the weather is different, the group is better adjusted, and our views on Malawi are more well rounded.
A couple days ago I had a chance to check my email and briefly read an article SF sent me in which a former Malawian PCV described Malawi as looking like Iowa in both the landscape and the fact that maize is the main crop. After reading the article, I began mulling it over in my head, wondering how it could be possible that Malawi looks like Iowa. Then, after climbing the small, yet surprisingly tall mountain behind the college and gaining a beautiful and far reaching view of the surroundings, I realized how different the Malawian landscape is from anywhere I have ever been. The land is admittedly flat, yet punctuated by tall (though small compared to the west) mountains. Even at my site, which is flat as a table, I can look into the distance and see mountains. So, despite the fact I have never visited Iowa, I would wager Malawi looks nothing like it.
The rains have come and the country is turning green and lush; finally Malawi looks like what I always imagined Africa to be. The foliage is amazing, the flowers are bright and colorful, and the birds and bugs are constantly singing and humming. The rains are like nothing I have ever experienced before; it literally pours and pours and then the sun comes out, making everything steamy, warm, and tropical feeling. However, though the weather in Dedza was pleasant and cool at night, upon returning to my site, I am dismayed to discover it has gotten even hotter with the arrival of the rains. The humidity is outrageous and my body is constantly sticky.
And so, back in the hot, wet weather for a week and a half before Christmas in Cape Maclear, I have dug and planted my garden, will build a classy bookshelf made from bricks and plywood, set into motion work plans for the beginning of the year, and think about my New Years Resolutions. I must admit I am feeling apprehensive about the first of the year, since it will mark the true beginning of my work as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Until this point, the expectations have been fairly straightforward; you were expected to show up and be present for training and then observe and learn as much as possible in the first three months . However, now that we have a level of comfort in the village, an understanding of our community, and the tools from IST, the pressure is on to get serious. Thus far, I have had fun weekend trips, IST and Christmas vacay to look forward to as I move up and down (as the villagers say), but once the New Year hits, its business time (even though it is too freaking hot to wear any kind of socks, let alone those of the business persuasion).
But oh, I am just taking it one day at a time, which is a surprisingly great way to live. Despite the fact that Malawi is the 4th poorest country in the world mainly because of the Malawian way of living day to day, there really isn’t any other way to go about life here. The American style of hurrying about, traveling large distances day to day, and being able to access whatever you want, whenever and wherever creates a frenzied energy; a feeling that would drive a person living in the village crazy in one day for want of results and action. However, in the village, no one wears a watch and everyone is flexible to a fault (like when you planned for a month to have a meeting on a certain day and then the week before someone breezily tells you that day isn’t good), making living in the present a necessity.
