Damn Good Biking
Mammath Mountain
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A house without a view, a boy without a home.
A house without a view-
A boy without a home.
Greeting to everyone I apologize for the many agonizing weeks you all have had to endure without any word or any significant updates. In America time flies. In Niger life stands still. Little every changes, but, the days blur so quickly that I begin to note the passing time by the cycle of the moon rather than by each passing day. Even though it seems that my accomplishments are feeble and minute since most of my time has only been spent to prepare for my eventual post. I’ve noticed considerable changes in myself which I anticipate will only intensify when actually placed in my village.
Which brings me to where I am now.
Currently my back is against the wall here….literally. I’m at the Maradi Hostel, leaning on a wall and trying not to move at all. Movement equals sweat; sweat equals loss of hydration and energy, loss of these two means nothing happens. Lost yet….?
My evasive point. I am not at my new village!! Why? Well lend me your ear, or I guess in this case you eyes and time and I’ll tell you a story about a boy without a home.
Yesterday morning began as all mornings should when a new volunteer was awoken by the 0545 prayer call and says to himself “God thanks for sending me the most reliable alarm clock in the world.” Nothing wakes the anti-morning man like a devoutly religious old crow excuse for a man who ka-caws a terribly crackled sound from a loud speaker blaring “Allah Akbar!” “Allah Akbar!”,….and then after enduring through the five minutes of ensuing confessions of allah’s greatness one can either fine tune one’s ability to ignore it, or say “By God” I think I’ll get up and do something now.” Islam is a very functional religion. Maybe that’s the point?
So the little boy arose bright eyed and motivated because this was the day our little hero was to be placed in his new village. Dan Saga…..HooooRAYYYYYY!!!! But little did we know of the impending drama to unfold!!!!! So by seven our protagonist was loaded into the truck and off he went meeting all the regional dignitaries in his amazing second hand boo-boo. (which dazzled many over the Nigerien TV airwaves it should be said)
While approaching his new village the butterflies in his stomach fluttered, his imagination wondered, and dreams of his future home satisfied many of his curiosities. In essence today was to be the beginning of the rest of his life. This was to be the culmination of years of daydreaming, years of hard work, and many years of patience, finally his day had come. Or so he thought.
Inching through the sandy and shaded paths of Dan Saga, his Africanized Land Cruiser was chased after by laughing children while the adult citizens of Dan Saga raised both their arms above their shoulders in triumph and gave their blessed greetings. Today their new volunteer had come. A day of rejoice for all.
The anticipation was feverish, and the satisfaction of rounding the corner and meeting the welcoming party while running through the gambant of typical Nigerien greetings with his new friends was magical. However, the time to nestle into a new home was meant for another day. One this day only half the equation was written the greeting party was in full form, the home however was not. Devastated by this new development, his dream of living in Africa was going to have to wait for another day.
Each passing moment in Niger is an opportunity to learn something about oneself, or the people who inhabit this wonderful continent. In the Sahel life is supported by the available elements, homes are made from earthen materials dug by the hands of men. The earthen Nigerien communal networks are simple but functional, and take the support of the whole community to construct. Unfortunately similar to all places in the world when it comes to work some within the community work and finish their parts, while others slack and leave their responsibilities unfinished and leave others in wait. In this case me.
As mentioned the villagers were over rejoiced in the young mans arrival, however the Peace Corps staff was not amused by their efforts, and they immediately pulled the distinguished chief to the side berated him about the villages’ lack of ko’kari “effort” and said if his house wasn’t built within the week they would not be receiving a volunteer. So against the volunteer’s will “well some pretty good acting” he was pulled away from the people and taken back to Maradi where now time is spent laying in wait and attempting to pass the heat of the day while watching a movie and hydrating for my bike ride to the hajji shop to grab some fix’ns for tonight’s dinner.
Tonight the meal will be fried tuna cakes with pasta marinara. “Hopefully” Cooking in Niger is always an exercise in creativity and experimentation since we often lack pretty much all the frivolous items such as cheese, butter, and milk. Which for those of you in the know of our wayfaring waifs culinary prowess you can be rest assured that once again at the end of the world, he is once again feeling at home.
In short, if a village wants a volunteer their responsibility is to provide a home, a hole in the ground for dirty business, and a space reserved for bathing. In return they receive the privilege of having a person living with them for the next two years whose primarily is to learn from them and attempt to make their lives better.
This boy has no home, but a view of the world that never ceases to amaze him. The End.
Wayfaring Peacefully.
A boy without a home.
Greeting to everyone I apologize for the many agonizing weeks you all have had to endure without any word or any significant updates. In America time flies. In Niger life stands still. Little every changes, but, the days blur so quickly that I begin to note the passing time by the cycle of the moon rather than by each passing day. Even though it seems that my accomplishments are feeble and minute since most of my time has only been spent to prepare for my eventual post. I’ve noticed considerable changes in myself which I anticipate will only intensify when actually placed in my village.
Which brings me to where I am now.
Currently my back is against the wall here….literally. I’m at the Maradi Hostel, leaning on a wall and trying not to move at all. Movement equals sweat; sweat equals loss of hydration and energy, loss of these two means nothing happens. Lost yet….?
My evasive point. I am not at my new village!! Why? Well lend me your ear, or I guess in this case you eyes and time and I’ll tell you a story about a boy without a home.
Yesterday morning began as all mornings should when a new volunteer was awoken by the 0545 prayer call and says to himself “God thanks for sending me the most reliable alarm clock in the world.” Nothing wakes the anti-morning man like a devoutly religious old crow excuse for a man who ka-caws a terribly crackled sound from a loud speaker blaring “Allah Akbar!” “Allah Akbar!”,….and then after enduring through the five minutes of ensuing confessions of allah’s greatness one can either fine tune one’s ability to ignore it, or say “By God” I think I’ll get up and do something now.” Islam is a very functional religion. Maybe that’s the point?
So the little boy arose bright eyed and motivated because this was the day our little hero was to be placed in his new village. Dan Saga…..HooooRAYYYYYY!!!! But little did we know of the impending drama to unfold!!!!! So by seven our protagonist was loaded into the truck and off he went meeting all the regional dignitaries in his amazing second hand boo-boo. (which dazzled many over the Nigerien TV airwaves it should be said)
While approaching his new village the butterflies in his stomach fluttered, his imagination wondered, and dreams of his future home satisfied many of his curiosities. In essence today was to be the beginning of the rest of his life. This was to be the culmination of years of daydreaming, years of hard work, and many years of patience, finally his day had come. Or so he thought.
Inching through the sandy and shaded paths of Dan Saga, his Africanized Land Cruiser was chased after by laughing children while the adult citizens of Dan Saga raised both their arms above their shoulders in triumph and gave their blessed greetings. Today their new volunteer had come. A day of rejoice for all.
The anticipation was feverish, and the satisfaction of rounding the corner and meeting the welcoming party while running through the gambant of typical Nigerien greetings with his new friends was magical. However, the time to nestle into a new home was meant for another day. One this day only half the equation was written the greeting party was in full form, the home however was not. Devastated by this new development, his dream of living in Africa was going to have to wait for another day.
Each passing moment in Niger is an opportunity to learn something about oneself, or the people who inhabit this wonderful continent. In the Sahel life is supported by the available elements, homes are made from earthen materials dug by the hands of men. The earthen Nigerien communal networks are simple but functional, and take the support of the whole community to construct. Unfortunately similar to all places in the world when it comes to work some within the community work and finish their parts, while others slack and leave their responsibilities unfinished and leave others in wait. In this case me.
As mentioned the villagers were over rejoiced in the young mans arrival, however the Peace Corps staff was not amused by their efforts, and they immediately pulled the distinguished chief to the side berated him about the villages’ lack of ko’kari “effort” and said if his house wasn’t built within the week they would not be receiving a volunteer. So against the volunteer’s will “well some pretty good acting” he was pulled away from the people and taken back to Maradi where now time is spent laying in wait and attempting to pass the heat of the day while watching a movie and hydrating for my bike ride to the hajji shop to grab some fix’ns for tonight’s dinner.
Tonight the meal will be fried tuna cakes with pasta marinara. “Hopefully” Cooking in Niger is always an exercise in creativity and experimentation since we often lack pretty much all the frivolous items such as cheese, butter, and milk. Which for those of you in the know of our wayfaring waifs culinary prowess you can be rest assured that once again at the end of the world, he is once again feeling at home.
In short, if a village wants a volunteer their responsibility is to provide a home, a hole in the ground for dirty business, and a space reserved for bathing. In return they receive the privilege of having a person living with them for the next two years whose primarily is to learn from them and attempt to make their lives better.
This boy has no home, but a view of the world that never ceases to amaze him. The End.
Wayfaring Peacefully.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Training
So to detail briefly my training routine.
0630 Wake UP
0700 Yoga
0730 Breakfast, tea, oatmeal, bread
0800-1000 Language lessons (Hausa)
1045-1200-Cross Culture/Medica/Safety Class
1200-1400 Freetime
1400-1530 Hausa Language
1600-1700 Agriculture Activities ( I have two gardens)
1700-1800 Happy Hour
1830-2100 Hang out with host family
2200 Bed time
The people I am with are great and I enjoy our ventures incountry. So far I have trekked to some villages far away from my post during fieldtrips and have seen many intersting things which you all will be informed of soon.
All the best,
Joshua
0630 Wake UP
0700 Yoga
0730 Breakfast, tea, oatmeal, bread
0800-1000 Language lessons (Hausa)
1045-1200-Cross Culture/Medica/Safety Class
1200-1400 Freetime
1400-1530 Hausa Language
1600-1700 Agriculture Activities ( I have two gardens)
1700-1800 Happy Hour
1830-2100 Hang out with host family
2200 Bed time
The people I am with are great and I enjoy our ventures incountry. So far I have trekked to some villages far away from my post during fieldtrips and have seen many intersting things which you all will be informed of soon.
All the best,
Joshua
Taking life by the horns
Hello friends, family, and all loved ones!!
I am currently alive and well, despite being admitted at the peace corps clinic for dehydration and diahrrea. But that's minor, no biggy. I head back to training tomarrow.
So many of you are wondering what exactly are you doing in Niger. My answer taking life by the horns, and many other great things. During my first week here in country I was walking in the market looking at livestock when that that all to familiar sensation of liquid poo squeezed between my toes so stopping to think to myself .... shit! I owe a round of beers, then I heard screams in an unfamilar language and found myself looking into the eyes of a very large bull with very sharp horns charging towards me.
So there I was, no time to think only react so I hunkered down extended my arms and grabbed my foe by the horns and with all my strength shifted his head away from my targeted torso. then dodged the beligerant bovine and watched thankfully as the future T-Bone charge ahead towards other trainees while pinning many nigerians behind my back. Stupid white people don't you know your not supposed to run, just wait and get out of the way.
Afterwards the nigerians jumped up and down then pointed out that I was white and that I had wrestled a bull...No bullshit...except for that between the toes. Next morning after my neighbors hut burned down and guess who was first to help prevent the flames from spreading.....yours truely...Two days and I already had street cred. My host family is proud of me.
Times are good
Peace
Joshua
I am currently alive and well, despite being admitted at the peace corps clinic for dehydration and diahrrea. But that's minor, no biggy. I head back to training tomarrow.
So many of you are wondering what exactly are you doing in Niger. My answer taking life by the horns, and many other great things. During my first week here in country I was walking in the market looking at livestock when that that all to familiar sensation of liquid poo squeezed between my toes so stopping to think to myself .... shit! I owe a round of beers, then I heard screams in an unfamilar language and found myself looking into the eyes of a very large bull with very sharp horns charging towards me.
So there I was, no time to think only react so I hunkered down extended my arms and grabbed my foe by the horns and with all my strength shifted his head away from my targeted torso. then dodged the beligerant bovine and watched thankfully as the future T-Bone charge ahead towards other trainees while pinning many nigerians behind my back. Stupid white people don't you know your not supposed to run, just wait and get out of the way.
Afterwards the nigerians jumped up and down then pointed out that I was white and that I had wrestled a bull...No bullshit...except for that between the toes. Next morning after my neighbors hut burned down and guess who was first to help prevent the flames from spreading.....yours truely...Two days and I already had street cred. My host family is proud of me.
Times are good
Peace
Joshua
Thursday, January 11, 2007
I am on my way....
Hello squad,
My three days in Philly were rad, the people were super cool and very interesting. It feels incredible to be surrounded with so many people devoted to many things in concert to help sustain a better world.
Yesterday we were divided into groups and discovered I was not the only musician good time....okay were doing head counts and its time for me to jam.
I won't have email for 4-5 weeks so I'll post as soon as possible
My three days in Philly were rad, the people were super cool and very interesting. It feels incredible to be surrounded with so many people devoted to many things in concert to help sustain a better world.
Yesterday we were divided into groups and discovered I was not the only musician good time....okay were doing head counts and its time for me to jam.
I won't have email for 4-5 weeks so I'll post as soon as possible
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Jitters?
Welcome friends, family, and stumbling strangers into my blog-o-sphere. The time is currently 0147 CST US and in a slight bit more than a day I leave for Niger. Many of you may be wondering what are my emotions, my thoughts, concerns, and most importantly what is going to happen to charlie while I am away for the next 27 months in Niger.
This my first offical posting and experiment, I'll try my best to excercise breivity and keep my thoughts concise and to the point. As for the many who know me best, you do understand that this truely is my most challeging disability and I expect to fail miserably on this occasion.
Concerning my emotions they have been on a pendulum ticking back and forth between anxiety (to leave) such as "my goodness can I really do this"...To overexcitement, for example. Roy our resident golden retriever is infamous for his ability to wake up from a dead sleep and be overjoyed and uncontrollable when he has had someone either call his name, step over him, rattle some car keyes, or throw a ball in general direction. Lately I have woken from many -a- dead- of -the- night slumbers and given myself the all too familiar white guy congratulations by heaving my fist in the air and slamming it down to my side and making a swooshing "Yesssssssss!!!" sound.
Or I have been spotted on occasion weeping happily to myself or with a close friend when I think of all that it has taken to get to this juncture especially in the twilight hours prior to my departure, and how appreciative I am to have had so many wonderful individuals guide me, or feed me along the way.
On another spectrum I wonder if I am being that beloved family pet who was flattened when they forgot to take the time to look both ways before crossing the road. "Should I have checked the other way for cars before running over to chase that ball?" Its not that I feel like resident Roy, its just that he's sleeping contently near my feet and I know we can all relate to our beloved pets.
I guess my greatest concern is how am I going to deal with the distance, and the detachment from my own culture and family. While pondering this concern I often reflect on some very influential lyrics an amazing musician named Bruce Goldish put in his song it goes "Home is where I am and the Company that I keep". Roaming about for nearly a decade I left my home as an 18 year old bright eyed boy who had aspirations to see the world, and after many, many, adventures I roamed this planet true. Now I look into the mirror and look into the eyes of an older, slightly wiser 28 year old man and think to myself that none of my adventures would have been accomplished if it were not for the inspiration, hospitality, and love shared amoungst so many great people throughout the many homes and countries passed through along the way.
With this notion in mind, I am reminded of how great it is to be human and share worthy moments amist so many delightful souls. Joyfully then, my concerns dissipate and the only thing left worthy to ponder extensively is if I learned everything I could from these people. Afterwards balancing the weight between wondering if you are saying good bye or see you later to friends and loved ones becomes much more bearable. I assume this is just little jitter that everyone will naturally have before embarking on 27 months in the Sahel. Its going to be a challenge, but as I say if Jesus can survive for 40 days and nights in the desert with no food or water and only faith I can make 27 months in the Sahel with the help of freinds, and a little nudges of encouragement from the maker from time to time.
Now to address what is going to happen to charlie. I expect her to live a full life lazily observing the goings ons in our backyard and occasionally darting, nay wobbling, her way towards a squirrel who will undoubtedly be in much better shape than my aging, pudgy puppy. I am really going to miss the excitement of witnessing her own typical white guy self celebration, after she wakes herself up from a dream while kicking her legs and barking rapidly after those cotten' pick'n squirrels.
Well guys I'll try to post prior to leaving my 3 day training in Philly, but on the occasion I am not able to, please know I am going exactly where I am supposed to, and be rest easy knowing that as long as my heart leads, the wind stays to my favor, and my feet don't blister, I'll never stop moving.
Until then....
Your sojourner of peace,
JOshua
This my first offical posting and experiment, I'll try my best to excercise breivity and keep my thoughts concise and to the point. As for the many who know me best, you do understand that this truely is my most challeging disability and I expect to fail miserably on this occasion.
Concerning my emotions they have been on a pendulum ticking back and forth between anxiety (to leave) such as "my goodness can I really do this"...To overexcitement, for example. Roy our resident golden retriever is infamous for his ability to wake up from a dead sleep and be overjoyed and uncontrollable when he has had someone either call his name, step over him, rattle some car keyes, or throw a ball in general direction. Lately I have woken from many -a- dead- of -the- night slumbers and given myself the all too familiar white guy congratulations by heaving my fist in the air and slamming it down to my side and making a swooshing "Yesssssssss!!!" sound.
Or I have been spotted on occasion weeping happily to myself or with a close friend when I think of all that it has taken to get to this juncture especially in the twilight hours prior to my departure, and how appreciative I am to have had so many wonderful individuals guide me, or feed me along the way.
On another spectrum I wonder if I am being that beloved family pet who was flattened when they forgot to take the time to look both ways before crossing the road. "Should I have checked the other way for cars before running over to chase that ball?" Its not that I feel like resident Roy, its just that he's sleeping contently near my feet and I know we can all relate to our beloved pets.
I guess my greatest concern is how am I going to deal with the distance, and the detachment from my own culture and family. While pondering this concern I often reflect on some very influential lyrics an amazing musician named Bruce Goldish put in his song it goes "Home is where I am and the Company that I keep". Roaming about for nearly a decade I left my home as an 18 year old bright eyed boy who had aspirations to see the world, and after many, many, adventures I roamed this planet true. Now I look into the mirror and look into the eyes of an older, slightly wiser 28 year old man and think to myself that none of my adventures would have been accomplished if it were not for the inspiration, hospitality, and love shared amoungst so many great people throughout the many homes and countries passed through along the way.
With this notion in mind, I am reminded of how great it is to be human and share worthy moments amist so many delightful souls. Joyfully then, my concerns dissipate and the only thing left worthy to ponder extensively is if I learned everything I could from these people. Afterwards balancing the weight between wondering if you are saying good bye or see you later to friends and loved ones becomes much more bearable. I assume this is just little jitter that everyone will naturally have before embarking on 27 months in the Sahel. Its going to be a challenge, but as I say if Jesus can survive for 40 days and nights in the desert with no food or water and only faith I can make 27 months in the Sahel with the help of freinds, and a little nudges of encouragement from the maker from time to time.
Now to address what is going to happen to charlie. I expect her to live a full life lazily observing the goings ons in our backyard and occasionally darting, nay wobbling, her way towards a squirrel who will undoubtedly be in much better shape than my aging, pudgy puppy. I am really going to miss the excitement of witnessing her own typical white guy self celebration, after she wakes herself up from a dream while kicking her legs and barking rapidly after those cotten' pick'n squirrels.
Well guys I'll try to post prior to leaving my 3 day training in Philly, but on the occasion I am not able to, please know I am going exactly where I am supposed to, and be rest easy knowing that as long as my heart leads, the wind stays to my favor, and my feet don't blister, I'll never stop moving.
Until then....
Your sojourner of peace,
JOshua
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