Hello from my new home in Taabo, Cote d'Ivoire! Hans wrote a few weeks ago about his time in the Peace Corps. He said he would think either, "How did I get so lucky to live & work in this wonderful place?" --OR-- "What evil minds conspired to send me to a place such as this?" I liked the contrast so much that I started to notice I am at both extremes several times each day.
I thought you might enjoy the roller-coaster ride of my first week in Taabo:
Evil Minds: Monday 10 a.m. Water place not open yet. Supposed to open at 8:00 a.m. Employee arrives at 10:15, but not the employee who can open new accounts. He arrives at 10:30. Yes, we tell him, I'm the new Peace Corps volunteer. No, I don't have the $40 to leave for a deposit. He won't waive the deposit since I work for the mayor? No, nice try. Return to Mayor's office to get $40 from the city accountant. He's out sick. We'll try again Tuesday. Just one more day without water. I fill 2 buckets at the neighbor's.
Lucky: The neighbor's wife is happy to cook for me all week! In fact, if I need anything at all, day or night, I should come find her. It's so wonderful being a stranger in this society. Strangers are honored guests.
Lucky: Went to the market Tuesday a.m. I love the market with all its colors, languages, people, etc. My neighbor's 18 year old daughter, Diane, went with me to do the haggling. That way I'm sure to get the non-tourist price. I also buy a kickball for the little boy in their house, just because I'm feeling generous -- and lucky to be here!
Evil Minds: Tuesday my boss is out of town & can't approve the water deposit, so we try the electric company. I have the $9.00 deposit they need. Only -- they don't do new accounts on Tuesday, just Mon/Wed/Fri. And by the way this Wed is the Feast of the Assumption, so all public offices are closed. I'm going back to the training site early Friday a.m., so I'll be spending the week without electricity. This African work ethic could drive a girl to drink!! Whoever heard of only doing new accounts three days a week. It's not like electricity is a luxury...oh wait...yes it is, at least around here!
Lucky: Amazing what necessity can breed. Armed with 10 candles, 2 coffee cans, and my leatherman pocket knife, I fashioned two "lamps" to get me through the week. I'm quite impressed with my own ingenuity and take a photo to show everyone at home!
Lessons? Well, I guess it comes down to this for me... Would I trade this adventure for a nice desk job where electricity, air conditioning, and a steady salary are assured? Not on your life!! But, I've also learned that if forced to choose between electricity and water, living without water is a lot harder!!
My dear neighbor has plucked, cleaned, and cooked a chicken for dinner tonight, so I must get moving. When I'm doing my own cooking next month, I'll be eating vegetarian!!
Love, Kate