Work has started.
This week has been a lot of meetings to finalize exams for November (exam period), lots of discussion about wording and content. My lower back hurts from all of the sitting. Other than exams, Lauren is starting a huge project that just got funding approved to get the BLS (lab) students to do rapid HIV testing in 36 high schools around the country, and I am going to be helping in any way that I can. Then, I have research proposals to mark for tomorrow, and to prepare a course on Dermatology to teach for the next two weeks. After that the students will be doing skills exams (I will be evaluating), and I will be supervising students in clinical around the country. It feels good.
I’ve been learning so much participating in these exam meetings. Decisions have been made by the collective - everyone is consulted in the process, every decision is a group decision mutually agreed upon. This presents obvious challenges, but somehow it seems to work okay, and it’s totally different from my western background. It surprised me to have my opinion valued and effecting change in this process. It also surprised me to be pseudo-bonding with my boss, Constance (from Kenya). Constance is a powerhouse of a woman, is always at work first and always leaves last. She’s strong willed, overworked, and realistic. I am rarely any of these things. Hah.
I walked up the dirt path today from where the moto dropped me off on the main road, and it hit me (like it does so often) that I am in Africa. That I am in Rwanda. That I am a part of this community. This is the life that I have dreamed about for so long. Actually, it is better than the dream. In my dreams, the work I’m doing is never tangible, there is no sweat on my brow, there is no stress. Life here is not like that. Work is stressful, as is life, and I walk around all day with sweat on my brow. It doesn’t even get washed off most nights because we frequently lack water. So there.
What I am trying to say is that there is a different happiness in this stress, in this sweat. No, its not the happiness that I am used to – the barbeque-and-country-music-with-a-beer, but it is a pure type of happiness. It’s the type of happiness where you feel exhausted most of the time, and are constantly fighting an uphill and sometimes losing battle. A happiness where you forget about pleasures like personal space, simple tasks, and whole wheat bread, and instead indulge in the happiness of almost getting hit by cars and not even flinching, embracing squatting more than you ever have before, or having that awkward moment where you go to shake someone’s hand and they are going for the hug so you compromise with a half hug followed by the handhold.
I am exhausted, broke, smelly, and completely content with my place in the world.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
His Excellency President Paul Kagame
Could this be any bigger? Doubtful...very doubtful. Oh PK, you're the man.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Living inside the glow.
I'm unsure of how to begin. It is surreal that I am going to be doing this for the next 6 months (with varying degrees of dedication, of course).
I am siting in my bed at the KHI (Kigali Health Institute) guesthouse right now, hungover, happy, and having just watched one of the first rains of the season, a rain that is highly reminiscent of massive buckets of water being dumped over the entire country. I love these rains.
I find myself constantly in a state of disbelief; it doesn't seem real that I am back here. Or maybe my life in Canada doesn't seem real. I can't really tell.
So, for the more practical details! We were supposed to get in Tuesday at noon, but were delayed in Addis for 4 hours as we watched crew members work on the plane we would eventually board. (anxiety when that plane took off?) When we got into Kigali it was the unpleasant but not all together unexpected hassle of arriving without any of our luggage, which we claimed with huge amounts of enthusiasm on Friday. Hilaire and Egide were waiting (for the extra 4 hours) to greet us at the airport - it was the best welcome I could have asked for.
Anthony took us to KHI after we had a sort-of-good-nights-sleep to meet many many people with names that I can only hope will stick after a few months. We've been living it up large our first week here, eating well and generally relaxing (and/or partying). Cadillac - which was the club of choice of the 8 muzungu (white person) nurses in April, and as Miller light described "where everything from the floor to the drinks glow and the party doesn't stop till 7am" - was a huge success as well as a hit on my system, but a loving hit at that.
We (Anthony - X grad who has worked for the past 5.5 months at KHI in the Biomedical Lab Sciences department, and Lauren - also an X grad who came with me and is taking Anthony's position) went to see our house on Thursday. Anthony was entrusted with the search, and we paid for the first 3 months. 300$/month. It is in a part of the city called Nyakabanda, just on the outskirts of Nyamirambo. These two districts are sort of known as what we would call "sketchy", but in my opinion they are the best places in Kigali. They are grimy, on the poor side, and real. We move in on Wednesday (waiting for it to be furnished). I am so excited to settle in.
I am also very excited to get to Butare... there are lots of people there that I need to see, and I am just craving the bus ride there. It is my favourite part of Rwanda. And I find that since I spent most of my time in April outside of Kigali, I am hyperaware of the way that Kigali is built up to look a certain way for the international eye and for tourists in general. While tourism is becoming a major income for Rwanda (rightly so) and in many ways these changes can be seen as "development", I can't help but think about all the rural families that don't get their struggle recognized because they are not being seen. There is a whole other Rwanda outside of Kigali's walls.
On that note, tomorrow is Kagame's inauguration. National holiday. Hopefully all goes off without a hitch, the police and military presence are certainly prepared for the opposite if it should happen. After this holiday it will officially be my first week of work. I really have no idea what that will entail. For anyone who doesn't know, I am here to teach nursing students, supervise clinical placements, and participate in community outreach programs. When I sit down at a desk Tuesday morning, all I know is that I need to make some goals. We'll see what happens after that. More updates to come! Comment with questions if there is anything you are wondering about or anything you would like to hear more about :)
I am siting in my bed at the KHI (Kigali Health Institute) guesthouse right now, hungover, happy, and having just watched one of the first rains of the season, a rain that is highly reminiscent of massive buckets of water being dumped over the entire country. I love these rains.
I find myself constantly in a state of disbelief; it doesn't seem real that I am back here. Or maybe my life in Canada doesn't seem real. I can't really tell.
So, for the more practical details! We were supposed to get in Tuesday at noon, but were delayed in Addis for 4 hours as we watched crew members work on the plane we would eventually board. (anxiety when that plane took off?) When we got into Kigali it was the unpleasant but not all together unexpected hassle of arriving without any of our luggage, which we claimed with huge amounts of enthusiasm on Friday. Hilaire and Egide were waiting (for the extra 4 hours) to greet us at the airport - it was the best welcome I could have asked for.
Anthony took us to KHI after we had a sort-of-good-nights-sleep to meet many many people with names that I can only hope will stick after a few months. We've been living it up large our first week here, eating well and generally relaxing (and/or partying). Cadillac - which was the club of choice of the 8 muzungu (white person) nurses in April, and as Miller light described "where everything from the floor to the drinks glow and the party doesn't stop till 7am" - was a huge success as well as a hit on my system, but a loving hit at that.
We (Anthony - X grad who has worked for the past 5.5 months at KHI in the Biomedical Lab Sciences department, and Lauren - also an X grad who came with me and is taking Anthony's position) went to see our house on Thursday. Anthony was entrusted with the search, and we paid for the first 3 months. 300$/month. It is in a part of the city called Nyakabanda, just on the outskirts of Nyamirambo. These two districts are sort of known as what we would call "sketchy", but in my opinion they are the best places in Kigali. They are grimy, on the poor side, and real. We move in on Wednesday (waiting for it to be furnished). I am so excited to settle in.
I am also very excited to get to Butare... there are lots of people there that I need to see, and I am just craving the bus ride there. It is my favourite part of Rwanda. And I find that since I spent most of my time in April outside of Kigali, I am hyperaware of the way that Kigali is built up to look a certain way for the international eye and for tourists in general. While tourism is becoming a major income for Rwanda (rightly so) and in many ways these changes can be seen as "development", I can't help but think about all the rural families that don't get their struggle recognized because they are not being seen. There is a whole other Rwanda outside of Kigali's walls.
On that note, tomorrow is Kagame's inauguration. National holiday. Hopefully all goes off without a hitch, the police and military presence are certainly prepared for the opposite if it should happen. After this holiday it will officially be my first week of work. I really have no idea what that will entail. For anyone who doesn't know, I am here to teach nursing students, supervise clinical placements, and participate in community outreach programs. When I sit down at a desk Tuesday morning, all I know is that I need to make some goals. We'll see what happens after that. More updates to come! Comment with questions if there is anything you are wondering about or anything you would like to hear more about :)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Oh! Hi there, Coady.
Well well well, we meet again. The "Nish" has dragged me back for yet another round of education. I vaguely recall vowing a mere 5 months ago that my educational journey in this town was through! My, how the mighty have fallen. I guess this place just has a hold on me.
I am back in a big way - camped into the International House of the Coady International Institute, and I gotta say - its luxery. This building is giving me vivid (maybe a little too vivid) flashbacks of my first year res in P-L-E-S-S-I-S, Plessis Panthers are the best!!!! (...they yelled with gumption).
I am very happy to be here. Its only Day 1, and I have already met some great people who brought me to the greatest lake-side-dock-picnic this side of the Mississippi. Really, Antigonish treats me pretty well. Who am I kidding, Antigonish is almost but definitly not quite on par with my mother (she happens to pay me 10$ per footrub, feeds me endless supplies of blueberries, and forces me to take any possesion of hers that I show the slightest bit of interest in). And yes, I am aware that life with her is a fantasy land, thank you very much.
I am eager to see what is in store for this month, and I am in high anticipation mode to meet the other YIPs (or YIPPers, as I'm told we are called). And finally, I am beyond eagerness, anticipation, and excitement all together to get back to Rwanda. August 31st - here I come!
And to quote a certain someone... "Exciting times ahead!"
I am back in a big way - camped into the International House of the Coady International Institute, and I gotta say - its luxery. This building is giving me vivid (maybe a little too vivid) flashbacks of my first year res in P-L-E-S-S-I-S, Plessis Panthers are the best!!!! (...they yelled with gumption).
I am very happy to be here. Its only Day 1, and I have already met some great people who brought me to the greatest lake-side-dock-picnic this side of the Mississippi. Really, Antigonish treats me pretty well. Who am I kidding, Antigonish is almost but definitly not quite on par with my mother (she happens to pay me 10$ per footrub, feeds me endless supplies of blueberries, and forces me to take any possesion of hers that I show the slightest bit of interest in). And yes, I am aware that life with her is a fantasy land, thank you very much.
I am eager to see what is in store for this month, and I am in high anticipation mode to meet the other YIPs (or YIPPers, as I'm told we are called). And finally, I am beyond eagerness, anticipation, and excitement all together to get back to Rwanda. August 31st - here I come!
And to quote a certain someone... "Exciting times ahead!"
Thursday, April 29, 2010
wow this is brutes.
Haha. So, I clearly sucked at blogging. My deepest appologies. Telling you people about my time in Rwanda ended up being my last priority, hopefully that is understandable.
I am in Brussels right now, and missing Rwanda horribly. Its actually really eerie coming here, because you can see Rwanda everywhere. Since Rwanda is a Belgium colony, there is a lot taken from the country. For example, there is Primus (the beer I drank every night in Rwanda), fries everywhere, amazing sauces, etc. I am reminded of Butare all the time, but yet its so different here.
Our last weekend in Rwanda we went to Kigali to party - and it was a time as usual. In our last week I went to a pottery cooperative, we had a peds party, had our preceptors over for supper and drinks. I was so sad all week because I knew the inevitable was coming. I fell in love with Rwanda and made amazing relationships there, it was painful to think that I wouldn't be back any time soon.
But then, I got great news! I got an interview for the Coady position at KHI teaching nursing... and I found out last night that I got it!! So, the just of it is, I have never been happier. I can feel like everything is right with the world again. And also I find now I am able to enjoy the rest of my travelling more since I don't have to be sad about Rwanda. SCHWING!!
So, the plan is... Leave Brussels either tomorrow or the next day, and travel to Italy, where I will spend the rest of the month, ending in Naples. I really wanted to get back to Greece, but with the expense and time constraints I just don't think its worth it. Ok - I have to go eat some waffles or something!! Happy reading!!
Rwanda bound.
I am in Brussels right now, and missing Rwanda horribly. Its actually really eerie coming here, because you can see Rwanda everywhere. Since Rwanda is a Belgium colony, there is a lot taken from the country. For example, there is Primus (the beer I drank every night in Rwanda), fries everywhere, amazing sauces, etc. I am reminded of Butare all the time, but yet its so different here.
Our last weekend in Rwanda we went to Kigali to party - and it was a time as usual. In our last week I went to a pottery cooperative, we had a peds party, had our preceptors over for supper and drinks. I was so sad all week because I knew the inevitable was coming. I fell in love with Rwanda and made amazing relationships there, it was painful to think that I wouldn't be back any time soon.
But then, I got great news! I got an interview for the Coady position at KHI teaching nursing... and I found out last night that I got it!! So, the just of it is, I have never been happier. I can feel like everything is right with the world again. And also I find now I am able to enjoy the rest of my travelling more since I don't have to be sad about Rwanda. SCHWING!!
So, the plan is... Leave Brussels either tomorrow or the next day, and travel to Italy, where I will spend the rest of the month, ending in Naples. I really wanted to get back to Greece, but with the expense and time constraints I just don't think its worth it. Ok - I have to go eat some waffles or something!! Happy reading!!
Rwanda bound.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
i must be getting better at this...
Or maybe the internet is faster...
I can't even remember what i said in my last blog... umm.. I think that the gorillas is new!! We went on the weekend, it was un-fucking-real. We saw the largest silverback gorilla (aka the BOSS!!!) in the world. I took a bunch of videos which I can post to fb when i get home. It was insane. getting there was like walking through a prehistoric jungle, and the gorillas were SO beautiful. so majestic. (side note Miray: "It could rip your dick off like a celery stock, throw it in the tall grass, never to be seen again!!!!")
Work at the hospital is nuts. I went to neonatal this week, and spent today in medicine. My patient today was just devastating. I don't feel right talking about it with god knows how many people, but let me just say that we must always be thankful for the lives we have been blessed with. We really can't even begin to understand how great we have it. Everday in the hospital is so tragic. The emotional stress is just exhausting. But everyday I go to visit my favorite peds patient (is that bad to have a fav? I dont care.).. his name is Patrick, and I feel like he's my own. He is 9 years old and just such a badass but such a great man (thats right, man). I took pics with him too so you can all see him when I get home *i wish i was bringing him with me*
I'm not sure what else i can tell you. I am going to a rural health center tomorrow, which i have been eagerly anticipating since that is the kind of work I want to do, I'm sure it will be an eye opener. Everything is here.
Thats all for me. Oh wait, no its not. Just one other thing. My legs look like they have herpes I have so many mosquito bites. and they are not the average bites. they are the size of a person's finger pads. YEAH. Calamine lotion is literally saving my sanity.
annnnnnnnnnnnd THATS all. hah.
Good night, sleep tight, and don't let the bed bugs bite! (oh yah, and a bunch of us got bed bugs too. Luxery.)
I can't even remember what i said in my last blog... umm.. I think that the gorillas is new!! We went on the weekend, it was un-fucking-real. We saw the largest silverback gorilla (aka the BOSS!!!) in the world. I took a bunch of videos which I can post to fb when i get home. It was insane. getting there was like walking through a prehistoric jungle, and the gorillas were SO beautiful. so majestic. (side note Miray: "It could rip your dick off like a celery stock, throw it in the tall grass, never to be seen again!!!!")
Work at the hospital is nuts. I went to neonatal this week, and spent today in medicine. My patient today was just devastating. I don't feel right talking about it with god knows how many people, but let me just say that we must always be thankful for the lives we have been blessed with. We really can't even begin to understand how great we have it. Everday in the hospital is so tragic. The emotional stress is just exhausting. But everyday I go to visit my favorite peds patient (is that bad to have a fav? I dont care.).. his name is Patrick, and I feel like he's my own. He is 9 years old and just such a badass but such a great man (thats right, man). I took pics with him too so you can all see him when I get home *i wish i was bringing him with me*
I'm not sure what else i can tell you. I am going to a rural health center tomorrow, which i have been eagerly anticipating since that is the kind of work I want to do, I'm sure it will be an eye opener. Everything is here.
Thats all for me. Oh wait, no its not. Just one other thing. My legs look like they have herpes I have so many mosquito bites. and they are not the average bites. they are the size of a person's finger pads. YEAH. Calamine lotion is literally saving my sanity.
annnnnnnnnnnnd THATS all. hah.
Good night, sleep tight, and don't let the bed bugs bite! (oh yah, and a bunch of us got bed bugs too. Luxery.)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
FINALLY!
SORRY i have not blogged yet... the internet is brutal obv. so i dont think this is going to be quite the operation i had planned, although I will try my best.
What can i say about Rwanda.
First of all, this country is more beautiful and stunning than anything anyone could have dreamed. I will never get over it. It shocks me every day. The land of a thousand hills really is something of gods.
Apart from the landscape, the people here are unreal. I have met and learned so much from Rwandans. They just have such a way about them, i can't even describe it. Tomorrow is a national holiday as it is the "official" beginning date of the genocide. I don't know what to expect. You can feel the soul of the country. The best way I can say it is that it is such a sweet sorrow. I don't even know what else to say.
There is so much I don't and can't understand. I am learning about myself and others everyday. Everyday there are wonders and challenges and lessons that I never would have dreamed of.
Right now I am working on the Peds unit, and i love it. These kids are so amazing, and their parents and families - I can't even begin to talk about it.
The group spent last weekend in Kigali - we went out to Cadillac which is the club here, and let me say - Rwandans know how to party. We went to the genocide memorial on Sunday... and thats another thing that there is just too much to say, too much there, and this blog does not give it the respect and consideration it needs.
This weekend, we will be going to trek for the gorillas, which I am very excited about.
I haven't had any trouble adjusting, I was instantly in love with this country. The girls in the group, we are really starting to get close and get to know each other. There have been countless laughs on this trip - the lack of sleep helps I'm sure.
Our day starts at 530, and we work at the hospital until 3pm. Then its usually going home and chilling, doing laundry (all by hand), reading, napping, going to the market... whatever.
One of the things I would say I love most about Rwanda is the way of the people. Even just the small things... Everyone here holds hands, it is a sign of friendship. I always feel so loved here. Everyone says hello, and being white means everyone wants to know you. We are constantly touching and being touched, constantly saying hello and asking how people are doing, how their families are doing, and getting the same love in return.
I have made absolutely amazing friends here that I would not trade for the world.
And everyone is so damn beautiful here, men and women alike. I can't stop looking at them.
Like mom said, my french is REALLY coming in handy. I am trying my best to learn Kinyarwanda but its not that easy.. slow and steady though! And everyone here wants to learn english, so we swap our knowledge! :)
All of this blog is just not enough. I can't stress enough that this is such a disservice to Rwanda! It is more amazing and interesting than I could ever put into words! But, luckily I am taking lots of pictures (although they also could never do it justice) and will be getting them on facebook whenever I get home.
I guess thats it for now... the internet cafe is about to close. Im sorry I haven't been able to do this more, but we are super busy and the internet is the last thing on my mind lol. If any of you have specific questions feel free to post up and I'll do my best to answer them when I can!!!
Love you all :) xoxox
What can i say about Rwanda.
First of all, this country is more beautiful and stunning than anything anyone could have dreamed. I will never get over it. It shocks me every day. The land of a thousand hills really is something of gods.
Apart from the landscape, the people here are unreal. I have met and learned so much from Rwandans. They just have such a way about them, i can't even describe it. Tomorrow is a national holiday as it is the "official" beginning date of the genocide. I don't know what to expect. You can feel the soul of the country. The best way I can say it is that it is such a sweet sorrow. I don't even know what else to say.
There is so much I don't and can't understand. I am learning about myself and others everyday. Everyday there are wonders and challenges and lessons that I never would have dreamed of.
Right now I am working on the Peds unit, and i love it. These kids are so amazing, and their parents and families - I can't even begin to talk about it.
The group spent last weekend in Kigali - we went out to Cadillac which is the club here, and let me say - Rwandans know how to party. We went to the genocide memorial on Sunday... and thats another thing that there is just too much to say, too much there, and this blog does not give it the respect and consideration it needs.
This weekend, we will be going to trek for the gorillas, which I am very excited about.
I haven't had any trouble adjusting, I was instantly in love with this country. The girls in the group, we are really starting to get close and get to know each other. There have been countless laughs on this trip - the lack of sleep helps I'm sure.
Our day starts at 530, and we work at the hospital until 3pm. Then its usually going home and chilling, doing laundry (all by hand), reading, napping, going to the market... whatever.
One of the things I would say I love most about Rwanda is the way of the people. Even just the small things... Everyone here holds hands, it is a sign of friendship. I always feel so loved here. Everyone says hello, and being white means everyone wants to know you. We are constantly touching and being touched, constantly saying hello and asking how people are doing, how their families are doing, and getting the same love in return.
I have made absolutely amazing friends here that I would not trade for the world.
And everyone is so damn beautiful here, men and women alike. I can't stop looking at them.
Like mom said, my french is REALLY coming in handy. I am trying my best to learn Kinyarwanda but its not that easy.. slow and steady though! And everyone here wants to learn english, so we swap our knowledge! :)
All of this blog is just not enough. I can't stress enough that this is such a disservice to Rwanda! It is more amazing and interesting than I could ever put into words! But, luckily I am taking lots of pictures (although they also could never do it justice) and will be getting them on facebook whenever I get home.
I guess thats it for now... the internet cafe is about to close. Im sorry I haven't been able to do this more, but we are super busy and the internet is the last thing on my mind lol. If any of you have specific questions feel free to post up and I'll do my best to answer them when I can!!!
Love you all :) xoxox
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