Is the Earth spinning weird for me down here? Me clumsy bad bad.

I knew that when I joined the Peace Corps, my mental health would be challenged in ways I couldn't even predict. I knew homesickness, loneliness and change of routine was expected. Culture clashes and language miscommunication would be obvious challenges. What didn't even cross my mind was the impact the Peace Corps would have on my body. It is interesting to reflect on all that has happened in the last 18 months; and the moment when things just came to be it is what it is....oh a rash... eh, Peace Corps... oh, a worm... obvi, that is so Peace Corps. Because this is supposed to be informative for ya'll, I am going to share with you what has happened to me since I left for Guyana over 18 months ago, to today. Don't let it scare you if you are thinking of joining the Peace Corps. Some volunteers never have any issues and are in perfect health the whole time. I think of it as building up my immune system. If you don't like feet pictures... just ignore the feet.

 1. The first week or so of training I bashed my head on things a few times. I rarely do this. This has continued to be an issue throughout my service. I am short. Why the heck am I bashing my head on things? Twice on a boat - HARD;  ran into a boxcar mirror; climbing my stairs (low ceiling);  standing up and bashing my head on open cupboards. I don't know what is going on. I think it is because I am close to the equator... maybe the earth's spin is getting to me. I am out of whack?
2. Strep Throat (or something of the sort - nasty throat bumps) - don't remember the last time I had strep... if ever?
3. Common Cold - numerous times- SOAP SOAP SOAP
4. Sprained right ankle walking down a dirt road, fell in a pothole
5. 5 days later... sprained my ankle worse x 1000 - possible micro-tears in ligament. THIS IS STILL A MESS and has been paining me all service
6. Hang Over(s) - Alcohol + Heat + Dehydration = nasty hangover
7. A bout of  Depression/Anxiety - more to this story at a later time
8. A WORM! I named him Frank. Luckily Frank didn't find a girlfriend, otherwise I would have had a ton of little Frank Jr's in my tummy.
9. Ankle Sprains led to tendonitis in ankle. needed phisiotherapy.  bad bad bad
10. Fell off my bike and busted up my knee - again - can being close to the equator mess with coordination?
11. Respiratory/lung infection - possibly asthma/allergy related
12. unbelievable heat rash in crevices that shall remain unnamed - Guyana is known by volunteers as the FUNGAL JUNGLE
13. sleep issues - insomnia and/or nightmares involving death of loved ones (lots of people, including family and close friends have died unexpectedly since I have been here)
14. weird skin rash on knees - ezcema? (note I have never had ezcema that I can remember, soooo...?)
15. Really bad HUGE unknown rash on arm and chest ------------>
-contact dermatitis - WHAT did I touch? no clue. Now I have a        crazy trail of scars down my arm. Cool.
16. PLUS SOOOOOOOO many scars from mosquito bites
17. Nose ring infection from the lovely water situation here + sweat and dirt
18. Sliced my foot open in a the Mahaica River on a branch
                                                                                                  Foot infection -->

19. Possible scabies eh, not sure about this one (in denial)
20. Rash on hands - contact dermatitis - still no clue what I am touching. I am so itchy! (Still going on)
21. Rash on foot - is now infected, puss, painful and puffy (as of today)
22. Hair loss - my hair is so thin now
23. 3 really bad sunburns - I have scars on my forehead from one burn
24. I almost had heat stroke at school sports last year - I was on the verge of passing out (nausea, loss of coordination & mental clarity, shivers) and had to get inside asap- luckily my friend Jenny rescued me and got me home and in a cold shower. FUN TIMES near the equator.
25. my boobs shrunk 2 cup sizes - agh ....
26. BUT,  lost 50 lbs.... gained back 10. Down 40 total as of now. Not complaining about this one.
27. I got bit by some sea creature at 63 beach while swimming (ok I was peeing in the ocean, maybe it was revenge)                                                                  ------------------>
<--------------28. Gigantic blisters

29. Sliced my heel opened (now resulting in a cool jagged scar!) on a rusty gate while searching through a field for another PCV's cat, which escaped from my house while I was supposed to be kitty sitting
30. Oh, and the obvious... diarrhea, dehydration and stomach bugs galore

So this is the list with 8 months to go, hoping it will stop right here. A lot of my friends have gotten dengue or Zika... crossing my fingers, knocking on wood, using endless bug spray, hoping I don't join that list. Please note that I was in excellent health (besides overweight) before I left, rarely sick and hardly ever clumsy. I don't know what the heck is happening to me here. Maybe it's just new germs and change of latitude/longitude. Despite all of this, I am glad that I am still here - the adventures I have had, people I have met, and work I have done, make it all worth it. Since I never want to end on a depressing note... Here is a list of awesome things that have happened over the last 18 months:

1. Adopted Bora (my cat)




2. Adopted Phoenix (my dog)
3. moved to Adelphi and met Seeta and co.
4. climbed a mango tree & climbed my windows/walls to hang hammocks like a spider monkey- - proving age is just a number
5. Re-discovered bike riding - I get to ride my bike to work everyday!
6. Done a ton of cool stuff at school:
                a. Library
                b. literacy lessons
                c. girls club
                d. staff development sessions
                e. holidays at school like Diwali, Phagwah, Christmas, Guyana 50th Independence
7. Met some awesome people, kids and friends at school
8. A few kids told me they wanted to be like me when they grow up ... scary but cute lol
9. grew my own basil from seeds
10. learned I was more creative and resilient than I ever thought possible
11. Went to Kaieteur Falls with Steve & Saba
12. Trip to Orealla and Siparuta with Seeta & Company (see blog) - was amazing!
13. Brittany came to visit!
14. Christmas with Suzy and Cassie in Alness Village - going to the beach on Christmas... yaaaas!
15. Adventure to Mara village
16. learning to make pizza on a towa on the stove (No oven)
17. Speaking Creolese - so fun - and endless entertainment for my neighbors
18. Heritage at St. Cuthberts with my PC friends!
19. My host family during training - love them!
20. HAMMOCKS HAMMOCKS HAMMOCKS.
21. FINALLY read all the Harry Potter books (and over 50 other books, including ones on the list for years like: Uncle Tom's Cabin, A Long Walk to Freedom, and some old favorites like: Pride & Prejudice, Clan of the Cave Bear)
22. discovering the pointy broom. I am obsessed.
23. Seeta's Jandi - participating start to finish - blog coming jus now
24. Phagwah - my favorite holiday ever now!
25. Pandama Winery
26. The great kitten rescue! 
27. My house, community and school.
28. Peace Corps friends!
29. Endless adventures with Peace Corps and Guyanese friends

On Racism, White Privilege, and the journey towards acceptance and peace

I have mentioned before in a past blog, but the subject of race and diversity just keeps coming up and is o-so important a subject to keep on discussing. I am hearing from an international setting about the continuous murders of black men at home, and the American peoples response, or lack there of of a response. Race and diversity are also relevant to my experience in Guyana as a white Peace Corps Volunteer amidst a sea of brown. I am experiencing being the center of attention simply because of my white, (sometimes pink) skin and blue eyes; but in contrast to the experiences of minorities in the United States, I am constantly told how they want my skin color and how beautiful it is. I am envied for my white skin, and it is as uncomfortable as it sounds. I didn't ask for it, it was what I was born with and for the first time I am seeing that I can get away with things that my fellow Guyanese friends or volunteers of color can not. I am truly seeing and experiencing first hand the privileges that my whiteness grants me and it is eyeopening and scary. Before my Peace Corps experience, I had heard about white privilege, but never experienced it firsthand; I was naive to it being very real and very much alive in America. When I look back at my life before Peace Corps, I can see the times when white privilege reared its ugly head and popped in and out of my life at various points.

The other day, I was riding in a car with a few other Peace Corps Volunteers and a Guyanese Peace Corps staff member. The conversation turned to the upcoming election and race issues in the United States. This staff member asked us why WE thought there were so many race issues in the United States. Collectively, without even thinking, we three white gyals immediately responded, “lack of education”. When I was talking about education, I was talking about education pertaining to diversity and the very real, very relevant and very much alive issue of racism in America. The general consensus seemed to be that if you grow up in “white, suburban middle-class America,” you probably aren't aware there even is a race-war going on in the rest of the United States, or if you are aware, you don't understand it; it isn't palpable. Most white people have no personal relationship or experience with what minorities go through every day; of the way they are treated differently, ostracized in social settings, stared at and publicly humiliated; or are receiving sub-standard educations, different – inadequate - resources and poorly configured infrastructure in certain neighborhoods and communities throughout the United States. Or the fact that their very life is at risk everyday because of the color of their skin. We (white people) simply cannot understand the challenges that minorities have faced since the beginning of colonization leading to slavery, and continuing on to even today.

I will admit, that I fit into this category of the unaware. I grew up in a white, middle class neighborhood, with very few minorities represented as my classmates. Everything I knew about being black, Muslim or gay, was from what I read about, saw on television, or heard about from other people. I had no real first hand experience or understanding of what diversity truly was. Throughout my Peace Corps experience, we are constantly challenged to question the world around us, break down cultural barriers, let go of our own personal tunnel-vision and stereotypes, and to embrace the uniqueness and beauty of the people around us; of not only our host country but also our fellow diverse group of volunteers. I will freely admit that before I came to Peace Corps Guyana, I thought myself to be an open, accepting and “color/race/ethnic blind” person... but that was simply naive. Even if I thought I was “color blind”, I, grew up and came with my own host of life experiences, interactions (or lack of interactions) and understanding of what race, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation were. These “background informations” amassed into my own personal rolodex of stereotypes. Maybe I considered myself “color blind” because I didn't believe some of the most outrageous, hurtful or hateful stereotypes, but there was still enough in that card system to consider me racist. Admitting that I was indeed prejudiced, in some way, towards people unlike myself in appearance or belief, and that I was susceptible to even the simplest of stereotypes has been a good first steps towards acceptance. I still have a long journey to go. There are frequently times when old stereotypes pop into my head that I must remember to stop myself and mentally question their origin. I ask myself, “Why did I just think that?” “Where did that thought/belief just come from?”

I think the first step towards our countries liberation is for us all (white, black, brown, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, gay, straight etc.) to simply admit that we are, individually and collectively, in fact prejudiced and racist towards each other. When we can accept this fact, we can then move forward and break down the stereotypes that we have been holding towards and about each other. It is then that we can question their origin and validity, and can challenge the misconceptions and squash the seeds of hatred towards the different and unique. It is only after we admit our weaknesses that we can start the healing in the United States and begin the journey towards true acceptance of each other, creating a stronger, beautiful, more unified United States, and in turn, becoming a true leader of peace in the world.

Adventure down river - latrines, piranha and jungle

My day began early in the morning (early for me for summer vacation), meeting Seeta, Vanie and the gang at 8AM. Not too difficult when you consider they live across the street from me, but nevertheless, if you know me well, early for school vacation. I rolled up with my camping backpack full to the brim – considering it was full of food supplies, a first aid kit, blankets and two hammocks, it was quite a light packing for me. The 63 Bus arrived to the house and we piled in, loading all of our bags, the kids and the fishing gear. Down the Correntyne highway we went, racing towards Suriname. We had no expectations; just excitement. Arriving in Skeldon at 10AM, we learned our boat wouldn't be making the journey until 2PM. Thank goodness I have adjusted to the “Just Now”. So we headed on over to a local Halal restaurant for some fried rice/Chow Mein and chicken, and a few cokes. I showed the kids a magic trick my uncle Buddy taught me when I was about 9 – still was as

impressive as ever... except the 7 year old solved the magic trick immediately after – perhaps he was watching me lay the cards a little too closely. Finally the time arrived and we jumped the sea wall (well, climbed down a rickety old ladder to the concrete beach). We literally walked the plank to get onto the little boat (see pictures) and quite proud of myself I raced across only to bash my head on the low roof... an excellent way to start a vacation no doubt.

As I climbed on, my first thought was “oh my god, I hope it floats” , quickly followed by, “Now THIS is an adventure”. After stringing up our hammocks across the small boat with the other passengers the boat looked like it was swathed in a multitude of beautiful fabrics floating in the air (see picture). We waited while bags and bags of cement and rocks were loaded high into the boat, again making me question the sturdiness of the floating vessel. Finally we were on our way. We left Skeldon, traversing down the brown river, surrounded by a green ocean of jungle on both sides: Guyana on our right, and Suriname on our left. The contrast among the blue sky, brown river and green trees was breathtaking. I looked hard for monkeys, but unfortunately didn't see any. What we did see however, was a beautiful rainbow high in the sky woven through the clouds. Eventually, as the sun set, I crept over food supplies, luggage, bags of rocks, and lumber and nestled into my hammock for a night time rest.

We docked at Siparuta late in the evening (or early in the morning depending how you look at it: about 1 or 2 am – long before we reached Siparuta my cell service had gone down so my phone didn't know the actual time), and loaded with our luggage, climbed the sand hill to our hosts house. The house was on stilts overlooking the river and during the day, would have the most gorgeous view of the river, looking across to Suriname. We strung up my hammock across the veranda and piled mattresses out for the rest of the gang to sleep on (4 adults and 2 kids, with me in one hammock and a teenager in the second). Before bed, we filled buckets and took nice cold bucket baths under the house. I have said it before and I will say it again... bucket baths are a MUST try – they are beyond refreshing after a long hot day!

The day started even earlier than the day before, at 4am the rooster began to crow and by 5:30, the whole house but me was up and going about the day. We met more of our hosts children and our tour guide for the few days we would be there. I greeted him as I stepped out of my hammock – what a sight and first impression I must have made; hair flying everywhere, crinkled pajamas, 3 hours of restless sleep. But time doesn't wait for you in the jungle... so up I went in search of the bathroom. It was discovered that the

bathroom was outdoors and was a small latrine. This proved quite difficult for me, as up until now, I had never had to really face a latrine for an extended period of time (if you get what I mean). My host family didn't have one and no one I knew had one, so I legit had to be taught how to use the bathroom – YOU DO NOT SIT ON A LATRINE HOLE... lets just say, my quads got strong on that trip from squats. You Climb on up and squat over the hole until your business is done... Sorry to be graphic... but who knows when you will come across a latrine... this is very useful information.

Moving along... our guide took us all over Siparuta on a hike – through the village, by the river, passed the schools and town volley ball net, to the sandpits and to the black water creek. (see pictures).

Siparuta is a remote, isolated, Amerindian village far down the Correntyne River, beyond Orealla. There are approximately 600 people living in Siparuta. The major employment of the villagers is in the timber or sand business.

Later in the day, we loaded up a boat with the adults and headed out on the river for a fishing adventure. FIRST however, we needed to catch bait. We crossed the river and ducked beneath overhanging branches to the bank. Out we waded and entered pure jungle. The sounds and smells were invigorating and fresh; this was untouched jungle here. We found a small little creek and were taught how to flick the muck up on the bank and search for little fish... All I could think was.... SNAKES SNAKES SNAKES. There was a strong possibility that they were in that creek with us, but eventually, and probably stupidly, we were having so much fun slinging muck I forgot about my fears. In time, no thanks to me, Seeta and Vanie, we had enough bait. We had about 6 lines loaded with hooks and bait, for about two hours of solid fishing... and didn't catch a single fish. My ancestors would be extremely disappointed in my fishing skills. We passed by a lone fisherman in a hallowed out canoe and he proudly held up five fish that he assured us he just caught in the last hour. Giving up fishing, we parked the boat by the biggest sandpit I have ever seen and mountain climbed up the cliff to reach the top. Once we were racing around frolicking through the sand, my tour guide and some of the local teens who went with us pointed out some tracks in the sand they said were 'tiger'... I am pretty sure there aren't tigers in Guyana... but what do I know. Jaguar? Ocelots? Panthers? OK – when you are in the jungle... same difference!

The next day, we piled onto a tractor for the most unique hay ride I have ever been on... through the jungle to the savanna! The flat, grassy savanna dotted with trees and flowers was breathtakingly beautiful... until one of my travelers showed me a giant metallic silver spider... but I was assured that this wasn't one of dem biting spiders. Even still, keep it away. 

We went back and swam in an icy cold black water creek. There is a saying in Guyana that you won't leave if you eat the wild meat (labba) and drink the black water... who knows what is floating in there, so I haven't yet drank it... jus' now.

We packed up our bags and said goodbye to our wonderful host and tour guide, who quickly became our friends. We piled into a much larger boat with several decks and spots for hammocks, but as our trip was short, just up river a few hours to Orealla, we skipped the hammocks and limed on the top deck watching the scenery pass us by and gaffing. We saw another beautiful rainbow on the trip.

As we docked into Orealla, I looked out over the village and saw that this was much more tourist geared than Siparuta. There were snackettes along the river walk, a gazebo and even a volleyball court. When you arrive at an Amerindian village in Guyana, the first thing you must do is find the

Tochou (“too-shou”) or chief of the village to ask permission to stay in the village. With this accomplished we began a short walking tour before the sun set. In Orealla, you better be prepared for some leg work – there were houses nestled into the mountain cliff and to reach them, you hiked straight up the hill. We watched little old ladies race up past us as we fought for breathe. The view looking out over the bay, yet again, was breathtaking. The bay looks out onto three islands called “the three sisters”. We watched boats come and go, birds of all variety, including giant carrion, and people going about their afternoon.

The next day we hiked up the giant hill and waited for a tractor to take us and about 60 other people to the resort that was being created deep past the savanna and into the jungle. When you hear the word resort, like me, your mind undoubtedly goes to those fancy Marriott or Hilton beach side resorts... but this was not that kind of resort. The resort had benabs to sit under, campsite fire pits for cooking and latrines. The beach side water was typical black water creek... but surrounded by lush jungle. The owner of the resort was training the locals on guest hospitality to promote ecotourism. We were their guinea pigs. After a meal of ramen noodles, we jumped in the cool water and swam for a bit... realistically... I swam... my fellow friends are not the swimming abled. Yet again, I wondered how many snakes we were swimming with. A small boat pulled up from down the creek and I immediately volunteered to be the trainees guinea pig to take me on a tour through the jungle creek. Initially, we had about 12 people pile in the boat and as it rocked back and forth, I wondered yet again about the buoyancy of Guyanese vessels... 

fortunately, my tour guides realized that the boat was way overloaded and quickly turned back. We cut the number in half and went on our way.  I asked my guides how old they all were, and they responded from age 16-18... MY LIFE WAS IN THE HANDS OF A BUNCH OF TEENAGERS! Once we left the other trainees and my friends, we were surrounded by silence broken by chirping of birds and the rustling of jungle leaves. White bright light poked between the thick jungle canopy. The feeling of being alone with nature was overwhelming. The boat rocked back and forth with every move we made and I asked my guides if there were snakes in the creek. I probably shouldn't have asked the question, but my curiosity got the best of me. “oh yes,” they said. “The bone crunching kind.” GREAT! I chuckled thinking they may want to work on a better answer for their tourists. As we went along, our path was suddenly blocked by a downed log. We simply could not pass over, so my tour guides got the idea that we would lift the boat over the log. Now mind you, we are in a creek that is way over our heads, with bone crunching snakes. I did what any reasonable Peace Corps Volunteer would do... I agreed that the adventure needed to continue and precariously climbed out of the boat onto the log. All 6 of us balanced on this one log and put our efforts into heaving and lifting the heavy boat over the log. After about 5 minutes of teamwork, and two tour guides falling in the water and quickly jumping out, we got the boat over. I was so glad I hadn't fallen in and encountered the bone crunching snakes. Again I chuckled realizing that we would have to do the same on the way back. We continued on our adventure, ducking below low branches and gaffing about their lives in Orealla, and my role as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I asked the guides if they come down the river a lot... to which they eagerly replied...”No... this is our first time!” - OH MY GOD! What had I gotten myself into! On we went and we came to a fork where we could go left or right. At this point, my guides decided that we had gone far enough – perhaps because they didn't know what was either way. We turned around and headed back to the resort. When we reached the log the second time, we got it over much faster – but still with a few guides taking a dip. We made it back to the resort safely and headed 'home' back on the tractor. I will never forget this boat ride!

 

Later that day, we did some fishing by the dock, and Seeta's son caught a giant piranha (Piri in local speak pronounced “Peer-EYE”)! I finally got to see a piranha! Let me tell you... you do NOT want to encounter one of those ever in your swims. The teeth were giant and sharp, reminding me of a bear trap; its eyes were red as blood and angrily watching us as we took pictures. There is a “joke” that in the rivering area people never have the same number of toes or fingers they were born with – because of the piranha. Later that night, Vanie and I went for a walk and sat on the dock looking across the water towards the B&B, and there were about 5 kids or teenagers bathing in the river RIGHT where Seeta's son caught the piranha.

The next day, I caught some sort of flu from sleeping outside in the cold and moist air in my hammock for so many days, so I stayed in my hammock and read a book. A few of us actually got sick so we decided to take it easy. When we planned this trip, we were planning to come back on Saturday, but as with everything, the boat schedule is unpredictable and sporadic. The boat going on Saturday was canceled because someone on the crew got his arm chopped in a drunken brawl with a brother. Literally severed with a cutlass. But we later found out that a next boat was going but wouldn't be docking into Orealla until 9:30/10:00. Two of us sickies elected to take this boat to get home and to our own beds. The boat rolled up to the dock around 11:30 at night and we loaded our bag and tied up the one hammock we had (left the other one for Seeta and her family). We decided we would alternate through the night and I piled up my life jacket and rain coat into a little nest on the bottom of the boat.

About 15 minutes into the trip, the skies let loose its tears and I was soaked. The captain took pity on me as the only one NOT under the secure overhang and NOT with a hammock and got a tarp for me. I pitched my umbrella opened and made myself a little tent on the bottom of the boat and slept. I woke up hours later when we arrived back in Skeldon at 5:30 am. My phone chirped with life as it connected to civilization and messages came pouring through.

It is easy to look back at this trip and reflect on the poverty of the communities we visited in comparison to what I am used to in the United States, and even in Adelphi... There wasn't a flushing toilet in Siparuta; electricity was from a solar panel and water had to be lugged from the well up the stairs to wash dishes and cook. There were no fancy electronics or cars, no designer clothing and certainly no excess of imported food. But then I reflected further. A person shouldn't be labeled as poor just because they don't have the latest ipads, trendiest clothing or state of the art electronics – these are first world interpretations of what we consider a lack of wealth and therefore gain our pity. They had enough food, enough clothing, enough water and a beautifully stable house. They weren't tied to a desk, slaves to the clock. All around me on that trip were lush forest and nature, fresh fruit plucked ripe from the tree, natural black water swimming pools for the villagers to play, fish in the river (unless you were bad at fishing as we were), picturesque views, beautiful people, laughter and love – if that isn't “rich” I don't know what is.

This was a once in a lifetime trip and I hope you enjoyed my retelling of this adventure. I saw a quote the other day and I think it fits quite nicely into one of the main reasons I joined Peace Corps. “Live the life you Love. Love the life you Live.” I believe we only get one shot at this thing called life, so better enjoy it while I can. Life is an adventure.

I am Everyone

In response to the attacks on Pulse in Orlando the other day, a lot has been running through my mind. Being so far from home I feel a bit outside of what is going on;  I am seeing news articles and stories through facebook or websites and it just feels so strange and disconnected. My heart is heavy over another senseless attack on innocent, defenseless, good people. I feel so overwhelmed and helpless when I keep hearing about something like this happening. Our generation has GROWN UP hearing, seeing or living through horrible people doing horrific things in the name of "insert ignorant, racist or hateful excuse here" (oklahoma city, unibomber, 9/11, kids killing kids at schools, shootings at military bases, movie theaters, concerts or other random shootings, Boston Marathon bombing, terrorism abroad, the list goes on & on, unfortunately) and it beats us down. It needs to stop and we need to stand up to violence and hate.  In order to do this, when life and sadness beats you down, it is important to build yourself back up SO YOU CAN BE STRONG and therefore STEADFAST in your BELIEFS. From there you can go about your day confidently, spreading love, acceptance, and kindness. We cannot sit idly by when words or acts of hate happen. We need to teach our children/nieces/nephews/neighborhood kids love and acceptance so the next generation doesn't have to see what we have seen... or worse, grow into the people we fear. Not only Believe that love is more powerful than hate, but emulate love in your lives and love will prevail.

Thinking about Orlando, a lot of people have talked about being united and standing together in love and solidarity. With this concept in mind, and expanding on the "single story" and stereotypes I talked about in May of last year (see earlier blog post), I wrote a little something something about how I was feeling.

Dear Haters,

I am Gay; I am Straight.

I am Black; I am White.

I am a Muslim; I am a Christian.

I am Poor and Starving; I am Rich and Well-off.

I struggle to Learn; I am Smart as can be.

I am a Slut who Loves Sex; I am a Prude Saving Myself for Marriage.

I am a Woman; I am a Man.

I am Tattooed and Pierced; I am Straight-Edge and Clean Cut.

I am Young and Foolish; I am Old and Wise.

I am Old and Helpless; I am Young and Thriving.

I am a Soldier and a Veteran; I am a Peace-Loving Hippie.

I am a Democrat; I am a Republican.

I am Shy and Reserved; I am Outgoing and Friendly.

I am Fat and Hungry; I am Thin and Full.

I have Scars and Marks that run deep; My body is Unblemished and Pure.

I am Ugly on the Outside; I am Beautiful and Desired.

I have a Disability Standing in my Way; I am Unstoppable and Successful.

I am Ostracized, Persecuted and Hated; I fit into a Neat, Safe little box, Accepted.

I am all of these things,

Some you don't see,

When you look at me.

You search through my face,

pick through my box;

You stick a label on me -

She must be something you say?

But these identities you can not see-

They exist in my heart;

In every friend who has touched my life;

In every loved one who has supported me;

In every encounter that has challenged me;

In every stranger who has struggled to be free;

In every person that has taught me to love;

I claim their Label; United, I Am all of Them.

No need to label my box with just one thing;

But as haters do, if you feel you must, remember this:

I bleed red;

They bleed red;

You bleed red.

Label my box Human;

Label their box Human;

Label your box Human.

Sincerely,

Acceptance

Clean Hands, Healthy Bodies

I  have posted a lot about my experiences thus far, particularly my challenges and struggles in Guyana lately; I think it is about time to give you an update of something positive that has been very successful and rewarding. You are all probably wondering what the heck I actually do at my school. This isn't quite on point with my primary project (literacy), but Peace Corps encourages us to undertake what they call "Secondary Projects". This project was near and dear to my heart, specifically after the many repeated illnesses I have had since being here. The students at my school participated in a week long hand washing campaign to promote “Clean Hands, Healthy Bodies”. The campaign was in response to the infrequent hand washing habits of the students, and as a result, the frequent illnesses at the school of both the students and teachers (particularly, me!). With the Headmistresses support and encouragement, I prepared visual aids about germs and hand washing. These were hung in the school canteen so the students would be reminded to wash their hands before eating, and while waiting, would read about the other times to wash their hands and learn about germs. 

On  Day 1 of the campaign, I visited each class individually to make sure greatest absorption of the information was obtained... sometimes in the big groups I wonder what is actually retained, i.e. who was paying attention; can they hear the speaker? who even cares!  As soon as I mentioned an activity with shine shine (glitter) I had their attention.  I first explained what germs were, and we talked about how germs make a person sick. I called on the students to fill in as much information as they could on their own  to make sure the information wasn't over their heads (ex. What kinds of illness do you think are caused by germs? Where do germs come from? How do you think germs spread?). The main point was to explain to the kids that germs are spread from friend to friend through hand contact, coughing, and food/drink sharing - they are each responsible for their own health and the health of their friends. To demonstrate this point, we did the “Shine Shine Germs” activity. One student started with a handful of bright shine shine that represented diarrhea or the common cold germs. The student then shook hands with their neighbor, and then their neighbor shook hands with the next person and so on. This showed the students how far germs could spread even if you didn't touch the initial sick person. 

We then read a story that was written by a prior Peace Corps Volunteer several years ago called, Squirt, The Slimy, Gassy, Ooey, Gooey, Invisible, Diarrhea Germ. After the story, I picked a few students in to stand in front of the class and ask the other kids to find glitter in places other than their hands. This demonstrated that if you get germs on your hands, they spread quickly to other parts of your body and will ultimately travel to your clothes and face, and finally in your eyes and mouth (some students had glitter on their lips 5 minutes after the initial glitter activity).  The kids were shocked to see how quickly the shine shine traveled... this seemed to be a very effective visual exercise.

On Day 2 of our campaign, at the school assembly I taught the students the hand washing song sung to the tune “If you are Happy and you Know it, Clap your Hands” . With the singing and moving around, I had the kids attention. I explained the proper method for hand washing and we sang the song, which included hand motions a few more times through. After assembly, a Grade 1 student came up to me and handed me 4 bars of soap. This meant that he came to school with the soap even before we started the hand washing session. He saw the look of perplexity on my face as I pieced that fact together and said, his mommy sent them with him. I asked how his mommy knew to send soap and he told me that he went home on Monday and told her that I taught them about germs in school that day. This meant that he was sharing what he was learning at school, with his family. I actually teared up because as I am sure many teachers can relate to... I was wondering if the kids were sharing what I taught them with others, or if they actually retained the information. That afternoon (and the many days since the activity),  I saw several students at the hand washing station after using the washroom or before eating, singing their ABC's as they rubbed their hands with soap. Many students still come up to me several weeks after the activity notifying me they washed their hands. 

On Day 3 we discussed proper etiquette for if you do have a cold, particularly, the proper way to cough... into your inner elbow (which in my infancy and to this day call my "armbow"). I referenced the glitter activity, reminding the students that if you cough in the air, on your hands or in a napkin, the germs will be where you coughed and spread to your friends if they touch your hands or pick up your napkin. Since most people don't go around rubbing their inner elbow all over the place, this is the "safest and most thoughtful" spot to cough to keep your friends healthy.  Since the activity, several students have been demonstrated properly coughing into their inner elbow. One student actually coughed into her hands in the library and about five students yelled, “Germs!” She quickly jumped up and ran to wash her hands! 

On the final day of the campaign, the Grade 6 students wrote compositions from the perspective of a villainous germ. The kids really got into it and were very creative with their stories. They even got to design their own germ super-villain. As with every villain, I reminded the kids that their germ must have something, anything,  that will bring about their germs downfall. Not surprising, most of their germ villain's kryptonite was soap! 

This activity has definitely been one of the highlights of my Peace Corps service. I am seeing immediate positive changes in the students behavior following the campaign, and I am hoping that we see a decrease in illness related absences (including my own!)