September 29, 2013
So I don’t remember
the last thing I wrote about, so sorry if I already said this. I said goodbye
to my family on September 18th. It was hard. My mom cried, I cried,
my brother (Bisrat) was nowhere to be found as I as leaving. My dad had to yell
for him. My parents walked me to the hotel where everyone was gathering. It was
a rough 30 minutes that’s for sure. I stayed in Addis Ababa for 3 days. On the
3rd day, I swore-in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer!!!! We (G9)
was taken to the US Embassy were, the directing ambassador swore us in. It was
crazy and emotional, I shed a few tears. Then one-by-one, all 57 of us walked
across the stage and received a certificate. My time in Addis was good as
always, I ate American type food and ventured around town on Addis Day (a day
designed for the volunteers to do some shopping and get to know Addis). There
isn’t much else to say about my short 3 days in Addis.
On September 21st,
I arrived in Injibara and it was another culture shock. I went straight to my
liaison’s house and had coffee. I then wanted to see my house; I shortly
learned I didn’t have a house. The house I was shown on site visit was not
finished. I was upset, I almost cried. Luckily I knew who to call and where I
could stay. I ended up staying with my friend Deborah (who is also a G9). The
truck/driver that was bringing our luggage on Monday would be able to find me a
house. He did and now I am in my own, 2 room house. The main guy stationed in
BahirDar still has to visit me and do a final approval, but I’m pretty sure
I’ll be staying here. I haven’t bought much, but it feels like a lot. I’ve
learned I don’t know how to make a fire using a charcoal stove; which is all I
have right now, until I get to BahirDar and buy a propane stove. I’ve already
learned that is rains a lot and it’s cold.
I received 3 packages
from my mom and Aunt Kelly already. I was grateful for everything they sent. I
walk around town a lot, just to show my face, because PC wants us to be seen.
Within my first 3months I have to complete a CENA (community, education needs
assessment). It’s all about getting to know my town and what the needs are in
this community. I will have to talk to some important people and get some
important information, but it’ll all be worth it is what I’m told and I’m sure
it will.
My landlord seems
really nice. She own one the many hotels in this town (it’s not a hotel like
you would think) and a suk (shop). The compound is all concrete so it’s not too
bad. My 2 rooms are in the back behind the main house attached to other rooms
and the shint-bet (toilet which also holds the shower). It’s not Butajira, but
it’s nice and it’s my own. I do miss my family and the food they provided me. I
don’t eat often here, mainly because I have no means to cook (well the charcoal
which I can’t lite).
There was a holiday
recently, Meskel, it’s the holiday of finding the true cross. I’m not sure what
the celebration is for, however they burn a tree shaped like a cross. Deborah
and I attended the town celebration in the market and were the main attraction
for the most part (everyone stared as us non-stop). Then the next day the
individual families/compounds burned a tree. All I know it means lots of food
and lots of coffee. I’m sure there are other things to it; hopefully I’ll
understand more about this holiday next year.
Well it’s been an
eventful week here in Injibara. I hope to have my internet running soon. Love and miss everyone!!!! <3 <3
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