How Far We Have Come

Another lesson I have learned and feel could be beneficial to us all is realizing and acknowledging how far each of us have come. This is an important thing to do every once in a while. It makes me happy to think of all the places I have been, work I have done and things I have seen while living in Africa. Far too often we fall into a cycle of taking things for granted. It’s automatic. This is why it is nice to take time and notice where we are and what we are doing.

With April showing up and making itself at home I have realized that I am unsure if or when I will return to Africa and, therefore, better make the most of the time I have left. Due to this realization I am determined to enjoy my last months and do what I try and do with everything else – make the most of the time that I have. You should do the same.

Whether you are reading this while lounging around your dorm room, sitting back in your chair at the office, relaxing on your couch at the cabin, spending quality time on the toilet (we’ve all been there), sitting in the cockpit of your airplane (that would actually be really cool) or while driving your car (alright, that’s just irresponsible, though, I do appreciate your dedication to my blog) take a minute to realize how far you have come and all the things you have experienced. It’s pretty great once you do so.

Our past is the only reason we have a future. Past memories guide us to what is next. We constantly build off of what we have learned, seen, heard, liked, disliked, want and need. I am using what I have learned from this past year to make these last months the best. Furthermore, what makes the future so exciting and inviting is the fact that I get to bring with me all that I have learned to the next stage in my journey. You get to do the same and so you should.

This whole ‘reflecting on the past so it can benefit the future’ idea may seem like I am flying out of Africa tomorrow. Last year’s volunteers may have left at this time, but I am not. No, it’s more about realizing the moment while we are still in it and once you do move onto the next stage in your journey you will not only be ready, but have that wealth of knowledge stowed away in the overhead bin just waiting to be used.

For me, work has begun to pick back up. Schools are resuming and I have stopped by the clinic to see what I can help with. Additionally, Br. Germanus has returned. His sister recently passed due to complications of HIV and AIDS. A very sad story, but it is nice to see him around the monastery again.

At the clinic, I may be able to get involved with the sick bay and dispensary. I think I have had enough of the dispensary life while in Zambia (you can only hand out so many pills) and so working directly with the people will be more fun. I believe there will be a clinic check-up next week where a number of children will come in and be checked over. Height, weight and overall health will be assessed. Malnutrition is a serious issue and so being able to monitor the children as they grow helps keep an eye on each one.

This past week Antonella and I worked together on an informed consent form for patients. It pertains to blood transfusions. In very simple English we outlined what they would be consenting to. This is something that adds a little structure to the processes done by the clinic.

In April, I will focus more on midday prayer rather than morning mass. I think it will fit into my day a bit better. I will go to daily mass when able, but midday prayer will fit nicely with my work.

One thing I have really enjoyed are the sisters (nuns) who I eat every meal with and see constantly around the guesthouse and village. They continue to speak to me in full Swahili which can be difficult, but I am learning to pick the key words out of the sentence and go from there. 

Constant jokes are passed back and forth and I feel I have become closer with them than the brothers. Of course, this is not to say I don’t know any of the brothers. I know many and they are very kind. One brother always responds ‘indubitably’ when I ask how he is. Not sure if it makes much sense, but it is so common and such a funny word for one of them to say that it always gets a laugh. Furthermore, back when I was becoming used to Swahili and how to ask for someone to pass me something I would say, “May I please have the rice?” Well, the word raisi in Swahili is the word for president. So, I am actually asking for someone to pass me the president. This probably isn’t too funny for you reading this, but these kinds of things happen often and make for a fun time.

I think I will have to bust out my mom’s sewing kit again. I have found a few tears in my clothing. I am no expert sewer, but I might as well give it a shot. I’ll probably end up leaving the majority of my clothing anyways.

Avocado has begun being served at meals which is a delicious addition. I have begun mixing it with my rice, beans and vegetable. I am one of those guys who doesn’t mind when one food touches another. I actually prefer it. Anyway, the addition of the avocado is great. However, I am sure now that my stomach is so used to rice and beans that when I get home it will be in all sorts of knots when I try something much different ha.

My passport has been shipped off to the border. No, seriously, it has been given to an immigration officer who will then take it to the border and get it stamped for me. This sounds super weird to us Americans, but things here operate in a much different fashion and so you just end up going with the flow. The weirdest things tend to be the ones that work.

If something does happen to my passport then I will have to march over to the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam. Good thing I have a copy of my passport and driver’s license on me.

Plane tickets out of Africa for the middle of next month are being looked at. The BVC has a travel agent and I have discussed my European plans as well as my final flight home with her. Lots of connecting flights, but I am hoping we can narrow that down a bit.

In African news, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa has been told by the high courts to pay back some of the money he took and spent on luxurious items and improvements to his home. Rumors of impeachment have spread and tension has risen. I believe Mr. Zuma to be a poor president for such a wonderful country. I hope he is removed from office soon.

The United States has issued attacks on terrorists in Somalia which is just north of Tanzania and Kenya. I believe they are tracking down a leader of one of the groups who is hiding out in Somalia.

Well, I better get on over to midday prayer. Tonight I think I will stop by Saint Monica’s restaurant in Hanga for some chipsi (French fries mixed with egg), a Tanzanian special. I did just talk about enjoying my time here, right? Chipsi has and will continue to help me do so. Yum!

Thanks for reading!