Here's some advice for you if you're ever in the tropics. Inspect the toilet paper before you use it. Because if it's been in an open air bathroom, like the one I use at school, overnight, chances are there are spiders on it.
First thing yesterday I had a gastric emergency. Happens here. I ran for the bathroom and wiped before inspecting. I then developed spider crotch. Had to make yet another run for the toilet. This was all during morning assembly before school starts. You try to explain what was going on in Samoan to teachers who thought you were being disrespectful by running out.
That was the highlight of my week so far. I'm attributing things to the Prednizone I was taking for the lung infection. I 'm cranky. The infection is better, thanks. Today I developed a sore throat and am exhausted. I'm sick of being sick.
I'm also sick of Year 8 attitude. Today I had them write the characteristics of fa'asamoa. They did a splendid job. Respect. Generosity. Kindness. Gratefulness. Joy. I asked if they were showing me the best of fa'asamoa. Nope, they agreed they were not. But seemed unable to stop themselves. Cheeky little buggers.
My local partner in the homework/reading centers has come to the school every day to change the date/time. We've now cancelled this week and are hoping to start next week.
After cooking dinner, on a hotplate on a clean counter, I did the dishes. When wiping off the counter I found rat poop. It appeared while I was eating dinner. He's going to die.
It has not been a splendid week, so far. It is Ash Wednesday. I'm planning to give up whining for Lent.
Okay, this is not likely to be much of a pick-me-up for you, but I have to say that in our mutual envy of each others' placement assignments, perhaps I did get an edge over you. Despite freezing day and night, wearing multiple layers of clothing, even when sleeping, and having soul-crushing concrete to look at instead of expanses of crystal clear ocean, I might now be a little more satisfied with my assignment. Well, to be truthful, another set of PCVs in the South Pacific helped to sway me. They have put some creative, but brutally frank videos out on this site:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koUWaAr-itY
Or, you can search Facebook, or Youtube for "Pacific Love"
They, much like you, are of a creative mind.
Between your blog postings and their videos, I have come to think that I might have hit the Peace Corps lottery by being assigned to serve in Macedonia.
However, I know that you are writing recently from one of those regularly occurring PC lows which we all experience. I also know that your coping skills are terrific and in the long run, you will be doing a credible job at your site.
Now, be creative and get that rat!