tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92004514712867509462024-03-12T23:21:51.016-07:00Aisha in MalawiAisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-70438255428252518392014-08-24T11:27:00.005-07:002014-08-24T11:28:30.687-07:00Final Act<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the past two years I have had the privilege of serving
as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi for a rural hospital in the central region
of Malawi. I have had many ups and downs as you always do in life. The one
thing they tell you about Peace Corps service is that your highs are really
high and your lows are really low. But when I look at the whole thing together,
I only feel gratitude now. I want to tell a story of a girl that I talked about
once before in my previous writing. But I will just tell you the whole story
again from the beginning of my encounter of her. I met Sarah when she was
already 18 years old. She was born with HIV during the height of the epidemic
in the late 90’s. Her father died before she was born and her mother followed
in 2003. This was a time in Malawi when ARVs were still something that was not
consistently found in the hospitals. She was given to her mother’s sister, her
aunt to be raised. She was never told that she had HIV until she was 12 years
old and figured it out. She was at the borehole gathering water where she heard
the women speaking about the room number where people who had HIV went to get
their medicines. But that room number was the same number where her aunt took
Sarah every month as well. She was in secondary school at the time and in a
boarding school. She became afraid that someone would find out that she was
positive. She started throwing away her medicine in fear that the boys would
find out and tease her. While in Malawi the stigma has reduced among adults who
are living with HIV/AIDS, while children and adolescents it’s different. They
still live in fear that their peers will find out and especially if you are a
girl, you fear that the boys will find out. By the time she came home for
school vacation she had rashes all over her body combined with T.B. She was counseled,
given medication in a different bottle (disguised as vitamins) and sent back to
school. That’s when my supervisor met her and then introduced her to me. She
told me her story. By the time I met Sarah, her family was unable to pay her
school fees so she sat at home. She told me her dream of wanting to graduate
from Secondary School and become a nurse. I knew deep down inside that it was
unlikely, but I still tried to find someone to help her. Thanks to a
well-wisher, she was able to go to school. She was happy most of the time. She would
come home sometimes and tell me of her fears that people would find out her status,
but then she would go back after counseling. She came home one time and was
really emaciated. I worried, but we gave her a different diet regimen and she
improved. Some months passed and then she came home sick with T.B. again. I
knew this time her illness was different. But no matter how sick she was she
always wanted to return to school. I knew the conditions of the boarding school
were weakening her immune system; lack of diverse diet, close quarters and
stress. I tried to explain to her that it may be best that she goes to a local
school until she could become strong again. But she refused. She told me once
that ‘I don’t want to be a house girl’. At home she felt like a house girl, but
at school she was free to focus on her education only. She came home one more
time very sick. We laughed together knew that this time it was different. She
tried to return to school to write her final exams, but was turned away because
of her illness. Her mother called me one Saturday morning and said Sarah was
asking for me. I came to her room to see that she was leaving us soon. I prayed
for her, told her I loved her and said goodbye. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Malawi when someone dies there are many different
cultural practices that take place. First the family members come and show
their last respect at the morgue. The chiefs come and give their condolences.
Then they take the body to the home village to prepare for burial the next day.
People come all day and night to sing spiritual hymns and grieve. I was not
able to go the funeral the next day, but was grateful I had the opportunity to
say goodbye to her. A few weeks passed and I was told that I needed to go to
her house to collect something from Sarah’s aunt. I arrived and awkwardly spoke
with her aunt in Chichewa about basic conversation starters. The weather,
farming etc. Then she looked at me and said in perfect English ‘I want to give
you something from Sarah’. She thanked me for the love and help I gave to Sarah.
She spoke of how happy she was whenever she spoke of me. She said in Malawi,
when someone dies they wrap the body in clothe. Then they take a piece of the cloth
and cut in it in remembrance. She told me that I should take this clothe and
wherever I go, whatever I do, always remember Sarah. Finally she told me to
never forget her and to tell her story. So this is me sharing her story. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sarah was my friend. She liked to read the bible and talk
about the stories from the New Testament. She liked cake and liked to laugh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is her story. <o:p></o:p></div>
Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-50996078326337711532014-06-05T13:45:00.001-07:002014-06-05T13:45:20.534-07:00Are you a Hippo or a Cheetah?It's been a while that I have written and I must admit that as time has gone on I write less and less. It doesn't mean that I have lost hope in blogging or communication with those that are interested in my experience. It just means that the more I spend my time here, it becomes less extraordinary and more ordinary. Recently there was a NPR podcast about the 'haves and have-nots' . Spending my last two years with the 'have-nots' it has given me a unique perspective of how more than half of the world lives. And how that has changed over history. The question is asked during this podcast, should we continue to send aid to developing countries? Are we really making a difference?<br />
This question I think lingers in minds of most who serve their countries in the name of development. Some say yes and some say no. What do I think after spending more than 2 years in rural community in one of the poorest countries in Africa? It's not that simple, I say yes and no. As I have learned as volunteer over the time, it's not what I do but what I don't do that really matters. Yes I can physically start programs and help with new innovative ideas. I can help launch programs that help reach Millennium Development Goals. I can give in a way that makes me feel good. But what is it that I think at least my community needs? I think they need capacity building. Which is what I am told by people,is what I should be doing. Either way you should listen to this podcast and see what you think. Then you can see if you are a Hippo or a Cheetah?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?showDate=2014-05-30">http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?showDate=2014-05-30</a><br />
<br />Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-61356474033003677772014-03-09T08:08:00.000-07:002014-03-09T08:08:27.153-07:00The story of "Jane"This month marks my 30th Birthday. What a place to mark such a special occasion. I was grateful that on my 30th birthday I was able to celebrate with the great friends that I also came to Malawi with exactly 2 years ago. I can still remember my feelings at that time as though it was yesterday. I remember the anticipation mixed with sheer terror. I remember having no idea of what to even expect. I feel now that life can never really give you more than you can handle. Looking back now, I know that I am exactly where I am suppose to be. For that reason I have extended my contract for an additional 6 months to finish "unfinished business". Though I struggled with this decision for a long time, I eventually came to this conclusion with a lot of faith as well. I am grateful that 2 years later I still find things that are unfamiliar, exciting and at times uncomfortable. It is that uncomfortableness that allows for a person to grow. To be pushed beyond normal limits. To become that person that we all hope to be. But most of all I'm grateful for my community who continues to be a great support system for me. Now I would like to tell you a story of a girl in my village that has given me passion for my work, in hopes that one day I can help combat and fight for people like this.<br />
The Story of "Jane"<br />
Jane is a 18 year old girl in my village. Both of her parents died when she was a child in the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She was born with the disease without a choice. She started taking the ARVs when she was a young child, not even knowing what the medication was for. It wasn't until she was in the 7th grade that she heard women gossiping at the borehole that people who have HIV take their medicine in room 5 at the hospital. Terrified that anyone would find out that she is positive she became nervous. When she went away for secondary school, her aunt who raised her arranged with the headmaster that she could take the medicine from him everyday. Afraid that people would find out she stopped taking her ARVs. By the time she came back to the hospital she had a terrible rash and TB as a result of a lowered immune system. Since then we have been able to send her back to school with the help of well-wishers. In Malawian culture because the girl is a niece to the aunt, her uncle stopped supporting her financially including paying her school fees. As a result she sat at home waiting for nothing. Until a well-wisher was able to sponsor her at school. She was afraid to go to school locally as the schools in my catchment area aren't of the best quality. ( If one wants to be a nurse in Malawi you must have good grades, and as this is her dream she knew it wasn't possible with a mediocre school )She also had fears of the gossiping women that might gossip about her HIV status and boys would tease her in school. She then found a school about 40 minutes away that allowed her admittance. She has had a second chance with this school. She has found other girls that are positive and they can support each other. She has good teachers and a good support system there as well. The only problem is boarding in secondary schools, gives little options for diet. The food is so poor that she is unable to go a month without some type of illness as her immune system is again weakened by the poor diet. We have tried to talk her into going to a local school so that she can have a better diet at home, but she refuses. She know that if she goes to school locally she has little to no chance of advancing professionally. Therefore, she risk her life, literally to go to school. Each time coming back from school holidays, more ill and thinner.<br />
But it is my hope that with better policies to support "Jane" and better systems in place future Jane's can live better lives. It is my hope to work to help the next generation face less stigma and less struggles just to get an education...Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-20084195491735931702014-02-01T08:24:00.000-08:002014-02-01T08:24:57.167-08:00What Malawi Has Taught MeThe rainy season is in full force with rains here almost everyday. The rainy season marks the time of year when it is busiest. Every morning people go to their farms and try their best to make their one shot in the year to provide food for their families for the year and if they are lucky to make a little profit. It also brings for me time to reflect. I have been thinking of all the wonderful things Malawi has taught me.<br />
<ol>
<li> How to start a fire with a plastic bag.</li>
<li>How to carry a variety of things on my head.</li>
<li>How to kill a chicken.</li>
<li>How to speak another language.</li>
<li>How to pretend like I understand another language, even if I really don't understand :)</li>
<li>Compassion</li>
<li>Patience-what African time really means.</li>
<li>How to clean myself without a shower ( very effectively I must say ). </li>
<li>How to garden.</li>
<li>How to relate to someone with a completely different culture. </li>
<li>How to make something out of nothing.</li>
<li>How someone can be so proud when it seems as though they have nothing.</li>
<li>How strong a woman can really be as she carries 50 kgs on her head while breastfeeding a child and then come home to cook dinner.</li>
<li>How to laugh at myself.</li>
<li>How human beings can survive in any conditions.</li>
<li>How most of the world lives.</li>
<li>How let everything go at the end of the day.</li>
<li>How to love nature.</li>
<li>How to give respect to the elderly ( because if you live in a place with a low life expectancy, it is truly an honor to grow old.</li>
<li>And most of all....I've learned about myself, my strengths, my weaknesses and how to be humble.</li>
</ol>
It is often said that when you come to call a place your home and really live with the people you are forever changed. As I always say, Malawi has given me more than I can ever give back. And for that I'm grateful.Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-76039830829612987482013-12-30T23:21:00.000-08:002013-12-30T23:21:25.561-08:00A New Years WishAs I was reading the blog of my good friend who is also here in Malawi I was slightly inspired of his blog of 'New Years Resolutions' that I thought I should write a blog as well. Last year at this time I went to South Africa, but this year I have decided to stay in Malawi to see what the holidays are like from here. The holidays in Malawi bring so many blessings. Though it's odd to think about Christmas in a place where the rainy season and the hot season is coming to an end. As per my culture, Christmas is marked by the cold weather, snow and an explosion of Christmas decorations. Here it's a little bit more settle. Though this is a country where majority of people are Christian, there are resources lacking here to make it as colorful as it is in America. Also this is the time of year that for most Malawians, is the most important time of the year. Planting season is marked by the rains. The first rains come at the beginning of December, while 'warning showers' can be seen as early as the end of October. In my district of Mchinji we have had decent rains this year. However that is not the case for some Malawians who live in areas that have had predictions of major food insecurity by this month. So before I talk about my Christmas experience, I must put things in perspective for the Malawians that have a more down-key Christmas, as they are looking for food, money for seeds and fertilizer.<br />
In Malawi, Christmas in the village setting has more of a focus on the birth of Christ. There is less commercial feel as commercialism is less reached in the village setting. I decided to see what that was like by staying in the village for Christmas. I have the privilege to have been invited to the sisters house on Christmas Day as well. I kept asking Malawians in my village what they were doing for Christmas. It mostly centered around going to church, spending time with loved ones and eating some type of meat. So I got up Christmas Day and still had butterflies in my stomach as I always do. I have this thing in my mind that everything has to be perfect. House must be spotless for guest to come by, cakes made for everyone and presents wrapped. I first went to church which was very lively and a festive celebration. Going to the Catholic church that is just outside my door as given me a new perspective to Catholicism. Before coming here, I had little interaction with the catholic church. But here I'm enjoying it. The music was festive with a mix of the keyboard and traditional drums. I then rushed home to give out some gifts and take cakes to different people. I was then went to the sisters house for lunch. It was a beautiful festive mood as I felt just like I could have been back home at a Christmas party. Christmas music was playing, all the sisters made food from their country, Philippine noodle dish, traditional stew from Nigeria and a fresh salad with artichokes from Spain. There were also so German volunteers who brought 'snow'. It was the type that you add water put in the freezer for some time and you have snow. For some it was first time to see snow. There was the polite touching of the snow and sniffing. Then one sisters picked up a ball and threw it! Next thing I knew was that I was in the middle of a snow ball fight in the middle of sub-Saharan Africa. So everything I wanted for Christmas I got and more. I just want to say I am so grateful for everyone who has sent love and wonderful Christmas wishes my way, it means a lot. I would also like to say that I am grateful for the Christmas presents sent by family and friends I am also so grateful. So here is my wish that I hope I can fulfill to the country that has given me so much and I feel that I have given so little in comparison. I will work harder.<br />
Lately I have having discussions about what can help 'develop Malawi'. I am by no means an expert, but I would say I know what I have seen on the ground. Part of my mission to come here as a Peace Corps Volunteer is to see what really happens on the ground. There is always this argument, which is more effective development work on a micro level or a macro level. I'm still not sure about that one as well, but I do know, before I can understand development work on a macro level, I have to see what is happening on the ground. This can be very challenging as you can imagine the amount of poverty and suffering that I see on a daily basis. But the question is, yes people are starving but 'what can I do?' It's the saying of teaching a man to fish....But if want to know what I really think, is that things aren't as sustainable as they could be. I'm just going to speak based on my experience as a development worker here in Malawi for the past 1.5 years. How do you develop a country? I think it's on a macro level and a micro level, they are both important. How do you do it on a macro level? You put policies in place to protect the most vulnerable classes, but most importantly the youth. As it has been said before, the youth will really determine the future of Malawi. And how do you do this on a micro level? You save as many children as you can. The poverty I don't speak of is a reality for girls who come to my door and tell me stories that you can't even imagine. It's easy to say it's better to teach this girl to fish then to give her fish, but it's not that simple. Child marriage is still a problem and seeing that over half the population is illiterate it is easy to see why it would be difficult to even begin developing a country like this when people are not educated and/or exposed. How can someone really understand the importance of water and sanitation if they don't know what bacteria is? How can someone start a business or make a budget if they can't read and write. I have met some of the most intelligent people in Malawi, who never went beyond the 5th grade. So what to do with this poverty? Invest in one child at a time. I pray with the new elections that the Malawian government will do more to support education. Because with my belief from what I have seen in the small amount of time is that if you want to make an investment in a better Malawi, a better Africa and a better world...educate those who have no voice, so that one day they can be productive members of society. I would also like to thank those who have made a small investment to support girls in their education. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-32100667616076105512013-11-30T12:41:00.001-08:002013-11-30T12:41:58.458-08:00Seasons of MalawiThe beginning of Holiday season is marked in America with Thanksgiving. Here in Malawi there is no such holiday that really exist. There are many festivities that take place around the end of the dry season. In Malawi there are 2 main seasons; the rainy season and the dry season. Because we are on the other side of the equator they are the opposite of my homeland. April-May is the harvest season with the rains ending. At that time people have more food and money then most of the year. They have been able to sell their harvest if they have cash crop or extra harvest or if they want to make a little bit of money. The weather becomes cooler by June-August, which is also very windy. This is called the "cold season". When people complain about the cold I just laugh and tell them they would die if they stepped foot on Michigan Avenue in December when the wind comes blasting around the tall buildings and cuts through your body ( this is of course difficult to explain in Chichewa ). This is also wedding season. Because it is cooler, not raining and people have money I presume. This is also time for more traditional dances of the <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.545454025268555px;">Gule Wamkulu</span>. This is a traditional dance that originated from the Chewa tribe which is very prominent in the central region where I am located. From what I have been told is made of men who have been initiated to do these dances during adolescents. There are different levels and no one knows who you actually are because you are dressed in disguise. They were used for many different reasons, but mostly each mask was associated with a special dance that taught a lesson. Now they are used for different ceremonies and celebrations. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">The Chewa believe that living things were created by God — Chiuta — on the mountain of Kapirintiwa, which borders present day Malawi and Mozambique. Ancestors and spirits of other living creatures play an important part in present day society by being in constant contact with the living world, predominately through dance of those initiated to "Nyau", or secret societies.</span>"Gule Wamkulu", literally meaning "big dance", have become a sort of title for secret societies of traditional Chewa religious practices. The Gule Wamkulu ceremonies consist of formally organized dances to admire the remarkable physical abilities of these individuals — considered to be adept at their dance as a result of their spiritual state. Informally, Gule Wamkulu, or "Gule" is a term associated with anyone who participates in the rituals of these secret societies. The peak season for Gule occurs in July, with young men dressed as ancestral animals, trees, or in masks of ancestral spirits. The Gule themselves are initiated through formal ceremony into this society. Gule are considered to be in 'animal state' when they are dressed in such attire, and are not to be approached. If one has the misfortune of passing a Gule on the road, traditional behavior consists of dropping a few coins for the Gule — never handing them the money directly for fear they will grab you and take you to the cemetery for ritual purposes. Generally, it is best to avoid Gule in informal situations. In their animal or ancestral state, they are unpredictable.<br />Within the village, Gule may appear in small groups of 4 or 5 and villagers do their best to avoid any encounters. Gule are common in the afternoons, a strong incentive for tending to all business outside the home in the early hours. These secret societies have allowed for a close knit kinship between members of the Chewa — and equally divided them from neighbor groups.<br />As they weather becomes hotter in the months of September-December just before the rains come. It is amazing to see the landscape change in this amount of time from a dusty landscape to a beautifully green landscape. It is very easy to forget that it is Christmas time. As of now it is hot and humid as we wait for the rains to come. Luckily enough I have the opportunity of being in a community of a parish. Where Christmas is greatly celebrated and there are feast to commemorate different catholic holidays. Though it isn't the same as being with my family, luckily enough it nice to have a family and community wherever you go.Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-54983477968718741842013-10-13T08:28:00.001-07:002013-10-13T08:28:30.754-07:00Death in MalawiMany times I like to write funny stories to make light of the tough situations that we are faced with everyday. But regardless of what I write I must face the fact that I am living in a developing country where the life expectancy is 57 years which has grown dramatically (almost a by a decade) when it was less than 45 years, and the average person lives off of less than $1.25 a day. When I was home I never had too many people that were close to me pass away so often, here it seems more common. I know I've talked about how the funerals are the most beautiful part of the culture here but it is also the saddest. Because death is so common, you mourn as much as you can that day, then you recover quickly. Here in the past month I have lost 2 people in my life who were so supportive of me in my first year in Malawi. First a priest who died too young and next my Abambo ( father like figure) of my village. Both them were so supportive to me when I was building my clinics. The priest came all the way out to my village 15k away to support me and see the opening ceremony. We he died I never had real closure. Then today my abambo died suddenly. I used to visit him during my first few months in the village. He would give me whatever he had in harvest and always told me he loved me and was so proud of me. When I got to busy to come and visit him at first he was sad. But when I opened my clinics he also came riding his bike 20k. He said to me "now my daughter I see why you were so busy". Now this is sad. But people do die. So all we can do especially here is just know that your time with each person is precious. That no matter how busy you are you should always take your time to greet everyone. I used to get annoyed at having to great every person throughout the day. But now I get it. You must acknowledge them, let them know you appreciate their presence and give respect as though each time you see them, you may not know if you were see them again. In America we move to fast never really looking in a persons eye to actually greet them and send them love. Look into someones eyes today and just thank them for their presence.Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-27938541336598892352013-07-04T23:39:00.001-07:002013-07-04T23:39:46.591-07:00Coming back to Reality<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been on yet another journey in the past few weeks since I have written last. In the past month I made my journey to my “home village” as they would call it in Malawi to ….America! As the anticipation began I kept telling myself to stay calm and not get overwhelmed. When I told people here that I was going home to visit they seem upset. Though this is somewhat flattering yet upsetting because they thought if I went back home I would see “glorious America” and never come back to Malawi. I tried to assure them that it was just to see my family, loved ones and friends but they were not convinced. Other volunteers warned me of the ‘hangover’ after coming back to America. So all of this at the same time as my grant arrived </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> was a bit overwhelming. The saying when it rains it pours is so true. I remember during the rainy season while I was still in the transition of moving to my house and waiting for the end of the rains to start my projects almost questioning my purpose here. But alas, when the rains finished and I moved into my house things were moving at light speed. There are two things I learned about this rainy season. It’s amazing to see a landscaped totally transformed by water! Everything was so beautiful and colorful. There was an abundance of veggies and fruit. Also this was the first time I really had time to reflect upon my first year in Malawi. Now I have been told that this was this season was not a good season as the rains started too late while finishing too quickly. There are some with nothing to harvest and others having crops that just stopped in the middle of their prime growing. What to do? As in Malawi, you just go on in life and have faith that all will be well. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They last few days before I went home many people visited me and gave me some small remembrances. I ate as much Nsima as I could and ate at many people’s houses </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Then when I was in Lilongwe the capital, I received carvings from friends as remembrance (as they were still under the impression that they needed to convince me to come back to Malawi) that I was able to give as gifts. Coming home was wonderful. I was met with a great welcome of my husband and our family dog. For the past 5 years I have been with a dog that is like my child, who I left to go to Malawi. I was slightly worried that she wouldn’t remember me. At first she sniffed at my feet and when she realized who I was she went crazy (one of my best moments home). Then America! I was slightly overwhelmed by the wealth and choices when I came home. But then I found my happy place, the local co-op where I felt at home again. I must say I felt out of place. For the past 14 months America kept on going on as to no surprise, while I kept growing in Malawi. It was awesome to see my friends and family, but at the same time I kept feeling that feeling of my heart was in Malawi. We have so much, which is a blessing yet I still feel the guilt. After a week things seemed so familiar and I felt at ease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saying good-bye was tough but I felt so much love in those 2 weeks I was so grateful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Coming back I felt a slight hangover from America and coming back to the village as well. But by the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> day all was well. I guess I’ve been too busy to even think about it. Also I’ve had great things happen when I arrived. I must give you background. I used to worry that one day when I leave nothing will be sustained and that the work I asked to be done wouldn’t be done. Yet in most cases things worked themselves out naturally. And things that didn’t need to work out or shouldn’t (as my boss says) it died a natural death </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> so progress so far this year. We have completed home based care training for community volunteers, started working hard in the communities to find those that are chronically ill to receive help and resources available to them. The beginning stages of youth friendly services from the hospital. Started some pad projects in the community. This is for young girls who are unable to go to school during their menstruation because of a lack of sanitary pads. So I and my counterpart have begun teaching women and girls to make their own with cloth. Next I will be doing natural medicine training for the support groups to help them start their own gardens in their communities to use for immune systems and nutrition. Along with many other things I think I will have a lot in my next year. But in general I must say I’m just feeling so grateful that I have the opportunity to do these projects. I once was telling someone. The projects themselves don’t need a lot of help from me, unless I write a grant. Most of it is me being there to encourage the people. The sense of community has always been here they just need a reminder at times. My friend says the biggest steps we take are the ones we can’t see ahead of us. But I feel like most of the developing is happening in me. I’m learning to be patient, actively listen and be easy. There are times when we want to just get to the point or correct, but I’m learning to sit back and wait. Either things that are supposed to happen will happen or ‘it will die a natural death’. I’ve learned to listen to nature as she is always there to teach us a lesson. Example: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aisha: I’m feeling so overwhelmed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mother Nature: You need to rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aisha: but I only have so much time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother Nature: Time is relative</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aisha: so what to do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mother Nature: You’ve planted your seeds so see after the rainy season which ones will sprout</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aisha: OOOOhhhh I see, but as a human being I have a short memory so I will need reminders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mother Nature: I’ll be here just look around and listen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So you may think after this I have gone crazy….but it’s just a metaphor of course. I only talk to the trees on really bad days…. (Sarcasm). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I must give a shot out to all the wonderful people who helped me have a wonderful time while I was home and your continued love and d support. I will try my best!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Funny story time:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So when I first moved into my house I had a really bad time with termites. I have a great house that I love and appreciate, yet it was not maintained to the best of its ability. So when I moved in I used a mixture of many different chemicals to keep my ‘security guard’ as my friend says. Yet they always come back! My first night consisted of them welcoming me by crawling in my bed and me not sleeping. After many attempts to rid myself I asked my friend Emily what to do. “It’s just the season” she says. So I guess I have to let it go. What would a Buddhist do? “Find ways to not invite your security guards in”. I guess it will just have to die a natural death </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-68459081757318295912013-07-04T23:15:00.002-07:002013-07-04T23:15:24.883-07:00Coming to America!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems only fitting that after more than a year in Malawi I make a visit home. There have been times when I missed my family tremendously but now I feel I am at a good point to go home and not feel hesitant to go back to Malawi. We recently had our Mid-service training for Peace Corps. This is a time when all of the people from the health sector that I trained with more than a year ago come together to discuss our experiences from this past year at our respective sites and our future. We all looked at a photo taken just days before we swore in and moved to our sites. We made comments like “I looked so clean” or “I looked so innocent” or “I had no idea what I was getting myself into”. But in general this was the best training we had yet. It seemed with were all in a similar place of contentment for the journey we are experiencing. I say that we were not sure of what we were getting ourselves into not in a negative way, but how can you be able to predict the experience of living in a village for 2 years. I remember that feeling of anticipation and hesitation when we were leaving for site more than a year ago. At first we had the awkwardness of training with 38 other individuals who I knew nothing about and living in a village with a host family for 4 weeks. But by the end of the 2 month training, I had a new family. Not only just the peace corps family, but my home stays family as well. When we returned after being at site for 3 months which is called ‘Introduction Service Training’ because our first 3 months at site we are suppose to find out the needs of our community and not start projects. At this training we all seemed still a little uneasy not because it was so hard to live in these conditions (even though it’s not easy) but because we still facing the unknown. At that point we had survived in the village setting while accomplishing the following: finding a way to feed ourselves without modern conveniences, keep ourselves relatively healthy and figured out how to travel semi-successfully around Malawi. It may not seem like a lot but it seems enough to be proud of at that point. Now our MST we seemed to have made at least some progress at our sites, some more than others. But the main contentment arose from the acceptance of things that may have succeeded while making some peace for the things that didn’t quite work out. The next step is to think of what is next after the Peace Corps. Where will we end up, what will be our next step? We have learned to survive in the Malawi, but will we be able to assimilate back into our society. There is a change I think that happens to all of us while here. As a volunteer you have the unique perspective of seeing what really happens on the ground on the ‘development’ side. We see real poverty, injustices and suffering. I realize that these things all exist in America, but the level of reality here is slightly higher, with less opportunities for change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I make this trip home and wonder how I will be comfortable with how comfortable my life is in America. I’m grateful to be an American, to be educated, to have been raised well, to always have food to eat and to never really experience injustice like I see in Malawi. But I can’t help but wonder, what would my life had been like if I were born in a developing country where the sad statistics I read every day were my reality. 51% of children in the central region of Malawi suffer but stunting due to a lack of nutritious food. The illiteracy rate is almost directly correlated with the pervious statistic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But out of all this sadness I experience real emotions that make me be a stronger person I think. I am not the same person I was a year ago, but that doesn’t mean that I have become bitter or angry at the injustices I see every day (though someday It’s hard). I feel more motivated to work hard to make a small dent in the future of Malawi. I feel more confident, because I have stepped outside of myself to see myself in the good and ugly. I am grateful for the simple things in life while less distracted on thinking“If I had this” instead I try to think ‘I’m so grateful because here in Malawi I have…” Even though I have so little in Malawi vs. what I had in America. I still have more than my neighbors. I am grateful that I get to experience this simple life, where I waste little and try to leave more. As I make this journey home after 14 months of being in America I will try my best to see how lucky I am to have all that I have to spend time with loved ones and staying present in this moment right now. I know I can say after this year that I have changed, but I am still me at the core. </span></div>
Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-15121433644644518592013-03-24T08:27:00.003-07:002013-03-24T08:27:53.795-07:00<br />
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Maluwa-Wamwalira</div>
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In Malawi there are many instances that you must be
culturally appropriate no matter how much of an “Azungu” (a foreigner) that you
are…A Maluwa or funeral is one of these occasions. Maluwa is coincidentally the
same word for flower. There are many interesting things at a Malawian funeral
looking at it from cultural stand point. I will try my best to describe the
events and cultural practices of the mourning process in Malawi. When someone dies
there is a mourning ceremony at the house of the deceased with family. The
women sit with the women in a room together while they cry or wail the whole
day until midnight. The men sit separately while chatting and mourning. You
walk into the room with your hands behind your back to show concern and
respect. You greet the most senior woman that is mourning and send your
condolences. You then sit and sing songs with them for at least for an hour to
show respect. The next day is a daylong of mourning and ceremonies. You mourn
at the hospital or wherever the body is by sitting as the women cry and even
the men as well. People bring cloth for the woman to wear, but nothing is
required for you to bring. Just your presence and concern is enough. There is a
committee of women who come to support women in the event of a death. But the
crying is not always followed by tears but with a loud distinguishable wailing.
The sound of a mother crying for her child that has died of malaria is one that
cuts through your soul. They then cook Nsmia in huge Mpikas (large clay pots)
and sing even more beautiful hymns. Then they proceed with a church ceremony
with more crying and wailing while the priest gives a sermon. But in between
you see the woman laughing and making jokes. It is interesting to see how
quickly the emotions can change. Finally you proceed to take the body to the
grave yard. The interesting thing about grave yards is that you always no one
once you can distinguish one. In a country with a big problem of deforestation
it is the only place where there are a lot of trees. It is bad and forbidden to
take trees from the graveyard. The body is laid to rest and family members
place flowers hence the coincidence of flowers and funeral as the same word.
Then you go home and move on. It seems that in America we don’t really mourn
like they do in Malawi. In this ceremony processes you grieve get it all out
and then you move on. It’s not held inside and reserved it’s all there for you
too seen and feels. Who and I to say which one is the best. </div>
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Living the green life</div>
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In America we are obsessed with living green as much as
possible now. But here I do so because it’s the path of least resistance. Every
drop of water I use I have to carry so you can imagine how that makes you
really appreciate water. They say here “Madzi ndi Moyo” which means water is
life. IT truly is. If there isn’t enough water your crops fail, your harvest
fails and you may not be able to feed your family for the year. If you don’t
have enough water you are forced to take water from unsafe places which can put
you life in danger. I find myself collecting rain water that I can use to wash
my dishes to then use for my garden. My water that I bathe with is also used
for my garden. If I make a charcoal fire I use every bit of the charcoal to
heat something that I may need at the moment or for tomorrow. I use a solar
charger and keep it charged along with all my electronics in the event (which
usually happens every day for at least 3 hours) that there is a blackout. My remains
that are appropriate are used for my compost which in turn I use for my garden
which in turn provides me with nutrition. I find myself only using and taking
exactly what I need and not more. This is not done because I struggle as much
as the average Malawian does but because I have a better respect for resources
that I use now. Have you ever tasted fresh beans taken from the pods? Village
rice is the best. But it only the best if you have to pick out the rocks!
Walking outside my house to find vegetables that just grow everywhere during
the rainy season. It’s nice finding food right outside your porch. Life is good
during the rainy season! Oh and it just finished raining and we saw the most
beautiful double rainbow. Whenever I worry or get sad I just look outside and
God always says in his own way that….everything is going to be alright. Or as a
peace corps volunteer once said I just outside and let Africa find me.</div>
Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-16759169301936499852013-03-03T06:46:00.000-08:002013-03-03T06:46:51.334-08:0029 years!<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Today is my birthday. Which among all things is a day to celebrate. It means at the end of the day I have been lucky enough to be on this earth for another year. This last year has been one full of tremendous challenges, life changing moments and incredible growth. Last year at this time I was having a surprise party before I left for Malawi. All my family, friends and loved ones gathered to wish me well on my journey. At that moment I had no idea what was in store for me. I say if you really want to get to know yourself, go half way around the world were you don't know anyone. live with a family where you barely know the language. Learn a culture and history that is not your own but really is your own because it's he cradle of human beings. All of this and more will make you feel more alive than you have ever felt before. But I must warn you. When you do so it will come with the most realist emotions you have ever felt. If you are not careful you could be overwhelmed. But if you look at the situation just right, you will find the gal for growth. You will the opportunity to do the right thing. You will find the opportunity to step outside yourself and really decide who you are. Most importantly, in all the chaos you will find beauty. Like when you hear a jazz song that seems chaotic, yet suddenly you hear the harmony and don't realize how you miss it his whole time. For those moments I am grateful. I'm grateful for the peace that it brings me. I'm grateful for the good people in my life who support me from thousands of miles away. I'm grateful for the good moments that I enjoy because I have waited for them. I'm grateful that even though I may not be in a place of abundance, some how I always have what I need. Finally I am grateful for my health that has allowed me to make this journey while still maintaining my stride. So yes this is a lot. But it is my life in a nutshell. Most importantly I grateful for you the reader who cares enough about me to read my story. So thanks!</span>Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-15916417821022173642013-02-11T02:46:00.001-08:002013-02-11T02:46:18.256-08:00Tis the season<br />
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Tis the season</div>
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This is the season for many things in Malawi. Everything
stands still as the rainy season brings life to the dusty Malawi scenery. What
was once brown is now green. Where there was nothing in the garden. If untamed
in weeks you have a jungle. I had neglected my beloved garden while I was away
on holiday and traveling a lot in the past couple months. I was surprised to
see my garden full of things that I don’t remember planting or even plants that
I didn't sow seeds. But it is a beautiful time of year when people are busy in
their gardens and farms to hopefully have a good harvest. If you don’t plant,
don’t have a good harvest you and your family may go hungry. It is latterly
life or death. People are busy with little food to eat. What do you say to a
person who is your friend who says, “l haven’t eaten in three days”. Not to be
dramatic but it is just life here this time of year. You see the babies getting
weighed this time of year and see their weights decreasing. What do you say? To
Malawians they just say “Tis the season”. So much abundance during this time
but the biggest staple crop, maize is yet to be harvested. If people don’t eat
Nsima made from Maize, they go hungry. So as I may complain on trivial things
of not having enough money sometimes or projects taking a long time to get
started; the real issue remains, did I eat? Most days yes! Even with hunger
comes generosity. Yes they may not have food, but they will always invite you
to the little you have. Things are interesting this time a year. As this whole
country is based economically still on agriculture, everything slows down as we
wait for the harvest. Will the rains
bring enough water to make a good harvest? Let’s only pray.</div>
<br />Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-34195219818733984862013-01-06T02:51:00.002-08:002013-01-06T02:52:36.210-08:00Home sweet Home<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s funny how quickly you can call a place a home. I have been in Malawi now for 9 months but I consider Malawi my home. I am now returning from my trip from the Republic of South Africa (RSA) feeling well rested and motivated. Not to mention this was the first time I have seen my husband in 9 months </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> the last few months have been full of many triumphs and challenges as to be expected in Malawi. Highlights include: the opening of 2 under 5 clinics in two villages that I helped supervise and organize the community. I don’t feel as though this is an accomplishment of my own but one of the community. I just stood by, motivated, gave instructions, organized the community with the help of my colleagues and brought supplies. My other accomplishment was the of motivating the communities to start medicinal gardens in their gardens. I hope in the future I can use these as I have successfully motivated others in the communities to start in hopes that they will motivate other individuals in their villages. I have cooked Nsima (the staple food of Malawi) by myself, not to mention many of the times where I missed one step turning my Nsima to mush. Or not to mention when it wasn’t quite right and tried to serve it to my fellow Malawians, they politely made rice </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> but finally with the supervision of my Amayi (my village mother) I succeeded!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also successfully killed my first chicken: / I felt as if I at chicken I should at least be able to kill it. My friend came to my house one day and said hey I brought you something it’s behind the seat. I went to go look and to my surprise and slight yelp, it was a chicken. Beautiful matured female chicken. I asked what should I do with it? He replied “eat it!” I knew at that moment what the fate of this young chicken. I like to name my chickens so I feel that I can have a humane dialogue with it before I decide its fate. As we have seen from the past I don’t always have the best luck with chickens….Amayi Mazira (mother of eggs who was stolen in the night…etc.) But I decided that I just had to get it over with. I put on my rain boots, chitenje (fabric worn around a woman’s waist) and grabbed the sharpest knife I could find. I explained to her that I’m sure she was a nice bird but, I was hungry and so were my friends. I gathered my friends to coach and assist me to make it as quick as possible. Not to be too graphic but it was quick and nice (if that is possible). That was the easiest part I soon discovered. You must de-feather it and then butcher it. I tried my best to assist my friend but was not of much help. We cooked it and when dinner was ready. I just sort of starred at it and unsatisfying ate my meal. Two weeks later a nice man from the village gave me another chicken. I gave this one as a gift to my friends. And when they asked what part I wanted I declared that I was working on being a vegetarian again. I must back up and explain how I got the chicken. There is an NGO called Heifer International which gives milking cows to HIV families to help supplement their incomes. Because HIV/AIDS is a debilitating disease, despite ARVs (which sometimes cause the worst side-effects) there are many IGA (income generating activities) to help these families. If you are too sick to farm, then you don’t eat in Malawi pretty much. So I went around with the NGO to look at their progress and see the cows. I came across this young milking cow. These cows were like the cows of India. They were not just livestock they were prized possessions that were the very livelihood of these families. This cow looked into my eyes, licked my hand and like my family dog asked with the nod of its head for affection. This too has also influenced my 2<sup>nd</sup> thought to become a vegetarian… I hope to also work with this organization as much as possible in the future. My challenges aren’t important because my successes outweigh to the point where they become insignificant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I do feel like Malawi is my home, and my village as my hometown. I missed little things while I was having an incredible time with my husband. Listening to Chichewa, woman selling mangos on every corner, the lack of structure (I know it sounds crazy). I didn’t realize how much of a Malawian I was until I was late to the bus going back to Malawian when this South African woman was so upset because I arrived 2 minutes to departure. In Malawi 1) I would have been early 2)instantly met with a smile 3) instantly forgiven .There are down sides to these cultural norms, but I know at least now I have assimilated. With the rains the landscape has changed to a beautiful green as everything comes to life! The corn is growing, mangoes falling from the trees and everyone hard at work to make a good harvest. This is a vast change to my morning routine during the dry season as they days were also shorter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the village I awake to the rooster crow, do my daily chores and water my garden looking up at my papaya tree to see the moon and stars at 5am. Now I can be a little bit lazier. I don’t need to heat my bathing water ( it’s too hot), I don’t have to water my garden<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( the rains do it for me), this gives me an extra 1hr to sleep in</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> so now I wake up at 430 or 5 instead of 330 or 4. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">RSA was beautiful. It was like being in America, Europe and a little bit of Africa smashed into one. I didn’t want to do much. Just eat good food, go for nice hiking (table Top Mountain, which is 6 times older than the Himalaya’s) and catch up on movies missed in an actual movie theatre. I missed the sound of the rooster in the morning, the rooster crowing, the smell of the landscape after it rains, the Malawian music (that they play over and over again on the mini buses), greetings of everyone wherever I go, the smiles of the people and the happiness of the children (even though they have nothing, maybe didn’t eat much that day and are playing with plastic bags as a toys). Those are the unexpected things that are etched into your heart that become part of you. I look in the mirror and see my history and am very proud of my heritage. I see my mother’s family who came to a land from Germany to escape religious persecution or maybe to seek a better life. I see the picture of their lives that they made in the Midwest as farmers. The land the sweated and tilled so their children could have a better life. Or my father’s family who struggled to make a best life on the West coast of Africa in Ghana. Did my ancestors know that they would have a distant relative who would travel to Africa and live again? Did my blonde hair blue eyed ancestors know that they would have a brown skinned, curly hair relative. The interesting thing about RSA is there are people that are of every color and nationality. But because their families have been there for so many generations and they are mixed with so many ethnicities it’s hard to tell they ethnicities. During the apartheid there were many different classifications for race and ethnicity, which I understand now. But after almost 20 years of the end to the apartheid you see the need for importance slowly fading away. If you ask a South African what is your race, the smile (because they know this kind of still matters in America) and say “I’m South African”. Enough said. In America as a bi-racial child dealing with so many identify issues growing up; coming here has given me peace to this issue. I’m not a black American or a half-cast as they call me sometimes in Malawi (out of ignorance). I am an American.</span></div>
Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-52802979865900103112012-10-28T23:18:00.001-07:002012-10-28T23:18:50.731-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt 4.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a really good fellow Peace Corps volunteer named Charlie. He is in his 60’s and is one of the most interesting people I have ever met. He is among the population PCVs who decided that after a life of working and public service that he should again contribute to public service in the developing world. Every now in then we send each other deep text about our experiences and he always gives me good advice just like a good father would. He always seems to know what I’m thinking just my real father would and gives me the best encouragement. So the other day he sent me an email about comfort zones. I know I have talked about how it’s important to be ‘comfortable being uncomfortable’. Now as a PCV I have it pretty easy compared to my peers. I have electricity most of time, running water and a great supervisor who is motivated and keeps me busy. But now and again I have these ‘hiccups’ as she calls them where things become uncomfortable. The other day I had a issue with my housing of what I won’t go into detail. But let’s just say I’m safe but was made to feel uncomfortable. And at that time I received Charlie’s email. He was talking about how as it seems as soon as he became comfortable, it was time for something new. Which is true. But as I began to feel sorry for myself I received an inspirational talk from my supervisor which was much needed. My supervisor is one of the coolest people ever by the way. She is a sister and a doctor, I know right?! But she is highly motivated and helps so many people. Whenever I feel as though I need inspiration I go and work with her for a day and know what it really means to serve your community and people. To live a life of service. I read a good quote one time that stated, 'a good teacher doesn’t just tell how, she lets you stand beside her to see the way’. I really feel that way with her. I feel like I have learned so much since being here, more than I can ever give back. I wake up everyday knowing that there may be challenges, but knowing that I’m serving my life’s purpose. And for that I’m grateful. So I’m gearing up for my project, so I’ll ask for your prayers. Its research in anemia in under 5 children. During the rainy season there are 2 factors that contribute to anemia. The rainy season is called the hunger season and malaria season. It is before corn can be harvested to make Nsima (the staple food) so they run out of food before harvest. Also with rain, comes mosquitoes, which in turn brings malaria which also<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>causes anemia. With these two factors children can come in to the hospital almost dead or sometimes they do die because of severe anemia. We hope to go into some of the communities this year to introduce plants that are found here than help with anemia. Some call it natural medicine, supplement or locally available plants. Either way we hope to help make a small impact so these children can have healthy lives, have good cognitive development, and healthy immune systems. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So funny story time as there is a new American here volunteering and apparently my other Malawian roommate is afraid I have become the scorpion killer and/or other pest. The other day I heard the American screaming, Aisha please come in here and get rid of this thing. I guess this time of you is when the lizards come out and I think they are cute. I remember during training when I lived in the village there was a frog always in my room. So here’s how it works if you think about it all the time they can sense it and follow you everwhere..hahaha. So every morning I would sweep out the frog but at night I would look over with my lamp and be looking deeply into the eyes of my friend who I named Kermit</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> So finally I gave up on kicking him out and told him one night, I won’t bother you and you eat all the bugs in my room. And that was it. So I tried to explain this to the American with not much success. So we just chased him out. But he always seems to find her no matter what. Then there are the big scorpions, which are kind of scary. So when one appears, I’m usually the one designated to kill it which I feel bad, because I think it’s bad karma. But the worse part is the horrible noise and mess it makes when I squash such a big bug. So I am a PCV/herbalist /pest controller. Also there other I spent about 10 minutes chasing a chicken out my house as it came into my room</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Maybe it came for the scorpions. Nevertheless I’m just glad it didn’t poop in my house. Ah another day in Malawi…Love it!</span></div>
Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-88780817062444318912012-10-21T04:54:00.000-07:002012-10-21T04:54:20.367-07:00"American"I <span style="font-family: Calibri;">remember growing up and not sure what it really felt like to be an American. Not really feeling as though I was the typical American. I grew up in with many different cultures and felt as though to have this experience made me different. It wasn't until I started traveling that I realized the true 'American' culture. Furthermore it wasn't until I had a new American volunteer placed at my site that I realized how American I was. I know that I have talked about the guilt that I felt of all the advantages I have as an American but I also must add something else. I am truly proud to be American. Though I am sometimes frustrated with all the injustices that I see in America, overall I am grateful for the progress with we have made over the last 200 something years. We have our problems but in general things run a little bit smoother than in developing countries. We are individualist, we speak out if we don't agree, and for the most part we aren't afraid of change. It is these qualities I believe that have allowed us to be where we are today. I must say I am not the most patriotic person and at times I was almost embarrassed to say I was American. But now I see that we may do some things I don't agree with I am very blessed to raised in America. I don't have to worry about my parents marrying me off at the age of 14. In America for the most part: I don't have to worry about if I have safe drinking water. I don't have to worry about speaking out against the government. There are so many things that I am grateful for in America. But most of all I'm proud of what my ancestors endured in both continents of Africa and Europe to come to America for a better life. The other day I had to explain the political and historical context that has lead Malawi to be the way it is. In general it has to do with the political history that has lead to slow development. That is not to say that I am not happy to be here. I love Malawi for so many reasons and love my work. I just ask that in the future we can help developing countries with development and not aid. I always say to myself baby steps or ' you may plants seeds and not see the harvest, but that doesn't mean it's not growing'. And then my favorite, my sort of mantra that I think of everyday for myself and others, “Be prepared at any moment to change who you are, to become the person you will be".</span>Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-60789528256948662262012-09-30T23:31:00.002-07:002012-09-30T23:31:22.904-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt 4.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we first arrived in Malawi we were taken to a place called Dedza. Dedza is not like most of Malawi. It is mountainous and very very cold (considering misconceptions of what African weather should be like). But nevertheless, we stayed here during our first 2 months here in Malawi. We lived with a host family in the village for a month and in between that time stayed at a Forestry College. Then after swearing in, we all left for our site finishing what is called PST ( Pre-service Training). Now 6 months later in country ( wow can’t believe it’s been 6 months, time flies here) we are back at college for our IST ( Introduction Service Training) we love our acronyms! On one of the first mornings we all climbed to the top of a small mountain to watch the sun rise. Around here there are wild dogs that live mostly off our leftover food. There is one who is the leader of the pack called ‘snail butt’ there are two reason for this: one his tail curls like a snail and two yes your right he has a parasite. But regardless he is healthy and a good dog. Every time we go up the mountain he accompanies us to the top. He doesn’t really know us that much but knows that we are different from the others. Most Malawians are not always nice to dogs ( this is not to say that some Malawians have dogs as pets and treat them very nicely) but there is a reason for this. Sometimes they become rabid and attack people so I get why there is a slight fear of animals. But anyways, we get to the top of this mountain and watch the sun rise over the mountainous, tree rich, cool area of Malawi. I remember thinking for the first time that pine trees was not what I envisioned in Africa. When the British came to Malawi they wanted trees for building houses and the like that were straight. Because Dedza has a cool climate pine trees grew here successfully and are now very common. But regardless it is beautiful here and partly because it was our first home here. I went back to see my host family and they were excited. My little sister just started Secondary School which is like high school in America. This is a big deal for girls as a lot of times get married young and don’t finish school. As incentive I decided to pay half of her school fees to encourage her to take school seriously. My little brother had Malaria some time back and lost a lot of weight. I here these stories everyday of someone getting Malaria, getting married young, parents dying leaving orphans and other common diseases here. They seem real to you until someone you know is effected and then you feel a slight feeling of guilt. I know that I didn’t come here to save all of Malawi or the world for that case. But it’s not to say that I don’t take this job very seriously to not end all morbidity or moralities, but to maybe, hopefully lessen the suffering of the average Malawian especially the children. I had a dream last night that I was back in America in my mom’s home. I had all the modern conveniences that I was used to back in the states. It was funny because the whole time I felt uncomfortable. It was always interesting to me once I realized how the majority of the world was living as a child that I felt this feeling of guilt. Like why did God choose me to be the lucky one who would get to live in a developing country with less suffering ( I’m talking health, infrastructure and human rights). But I also didn’t take it lightly. Time to do some work!</span></div>
Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-80608530566913076332012-09-16T01:07:00.000-07:002012-09-16T01:07:47.356-07:00Sometimes...It's funny to look at my pictures from just a few months ago and see how much I have changed. Or to look back at pictures from 1 year ago and think of how my perspective has totally changed. My friend always has a good motto "Always forward never backwards, even if you feel like you need to regain your strength". In every new beginning of any new chapter of my life I try to think of a motto to keep me on the right track. So for my Peace Corps service I have decided on one for now " Be prepared at any moment to sacrifice who you are now, for the person the person that you will become". I feel myself changing internally for the best I think. But sometimes when you are surrounded by suffering you just become used to seeing it and that also changes you as well. It's a reminder of no matter how sometimes things may be frustrating that there is a greater purpose to my presence here. That all petty worries need to be set aside because I have work to do. I not writing this in frustration to any particular issue, but as a reminder to myself and others. That though we can get caught in small things on the surface of our everyday activities. If you stop and dig deep there is a a lesson to each moment of your life. Because....everyone and every situation is an opportunity to be a teacher for life learning. OK not trying to get super deep but thought I would share if anyone else was needing a reminder like I need everyday:) <br />
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Stay blessed!Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-79190537898771675232012-08-26T01:01:00.000-07:002012-08-26T01:01:56.141-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt 4.3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a long long time since I have written. There are many reasons for my absence</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> But in short I have been super busy! Which is great right?! Some volunteers have had experiences of being bored, but because I have been blessed with a great site, a great supervisor, great counterparts and a great community; my experience is very different. I am the first health PCV placed in Kapiri ever! And though the hospital that I work with has had many volunteers that are Azungus (a foreign person), I am the first that will stay for 2 years. Therefore my supervisor is utilizing my time here as much as possible. There is a stereotype that Malawians are lazy, easy going, nonconfrontational, and always waiting for a handout. My supervisor Dr. Sister Eva does not fit into this category. She works had and expects everyone else to do the same. As most people know that I can be somewhat of a workaholic this is a good match for me! Every morning I wake up at 4 am and think of all the things I want to accomplish in my day. I begin my morning routine which I has become my constant. Though there are challenges I feel myself changing more and more everyday for the better. I feel as though I am becoming more assertive not because I feel as though people are taking advantage of me all the time. But because I feel as though my work is so needed and important that being passive would be a disservice to my community. Projects I am currently working on: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Setting up a research to do a comparison study of natural medicine vs. conventional medicine for under 5 children with anemia due to malnutrition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Helping supervise the building of 2 under 5 clinics is under served villages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Implementing a data system in the hospital to have better access to bio statistics. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of my projects centers around natural medicine. Because this is a developing country with limited access to conventional medicine this is a method of providing a sustainable approach to helping treat minor to moderate health ailments, preventative medicine and supplementing poor diets. Everyday no matter the challenges I face I know that this is exactly where I am suppose to be and doing exactly what I always wanted to do. But enough inspirational talk! Funny stories…..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So the children of course when they see me with my leggings, riding my bicycle wearing sunglasses; no matter how dark I have gotten know that I am an Azungu! So they chant ‘Azungu, Azungu!’ So I have started stopping my bike coming back to them and saying in Chichewa “My name is Aisha, and not Azungu, you hear? You understand” they say ‘Eya (yes)’ “My name?” “Aisha” “And not” “Azungu”. Then as I ride away they usually laugh and sometimes cheer! The great thing about Malawian sounds is the way you speak Chichewa is almost like singing. I can’t even begin to describe it by typing. But instead of say Ok you would say “OOOHHHOOHH” in a singing manner. If women or children are laughing it’s like simultaneously they make a sound perfectly synchronized like a high pitch “OOOOHHHH” and then a low pitch “EEEEEEE”. It’s awesome. So from my village all the way to the farthest village in my catchment area which is 22K most of the children know my name now! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also this is the end of the cold season and the end of the harvest. Soooo it is of course mice season. It isn’t as bad as it seems. What they do is light the fields on fire and wait for the field mice to run and then catch them. I think I will try to sample some this week. I know it sounds unappetizing but people swear by it…so when in Rome…I mean Malawi. I have also become a pretty good wine maker. Best wine yet is pineapple, papaya and ginger wine. Finally the progress of my garden; this month I have begun making my first harvest from my garden. Did you know you can eat the leaves of cauliflower and broccoli? Quite tasty it is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My weeks are full of visiting villages, meeting with chiefs, meeting with chronically ill patients to give them natural and conventional medicine and designing and discussing my projects. On the weekends I usually attend some cultural event such as a wedding this weekend. Which I must say was great. The way it works here is you show up, invited or not. Sit down and they keep bringing you food until you say enough! Then you make a donation which you feel is fair. Then the women and men do traditional dances for a ridiculous amount of time. It’s not that it’s boring, but I don’t understand how a 78 year grandmother can dance in a provocative way for more than an hour. But I must say grandma can’t get down! This is also the season for the Nao, which is part of the Chiwea culture. Every harvest there are men who dress up in scary costumes and dance around. They also appear if the children aren’t going to school to make them go to school…which works. Then they go to the chief’s house and demand money. If they chiefs don’t pay up, then they take a chicken; which seems fair. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But for now all is well! I will try my best to keep my blog updated as much as possible. But it may just be in Malawian time! By the way this may not be grammatically correct because my Chichewa is getting better as my English is getting bade LOL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quick funny story. I was trying to bake a cake at my site mate's house who lives about 10K away in his brick wood oven. So this is a tedious process of heating the brick stove with firewood, waiting for it to become hot and then placing the cake in afterwards. So after doing all of this I realized that I forgot to bring baking soda. So he went to ask his neighbor if she had some. She said no, but then arrived later with something that we thought was baking powder. After further investigation we realized that it was actually baby powder. Oh language barriers:) Needless to say it was a flat cake:)</span></div>
Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-36242953928614939722012-06-26T06:18:00.000-07:002012-06-26T06:18:12.832-07:00A mother is a mother wherever you are!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday. I woke up did my normal routine of cleaning, crunches (to ward off my Nsima belly), and got ready for church. I try each Sunday to go a church to introduce myself or at least make an appearance in my community. It may seem silly but it’s actually really important. But this time I went to a Catholic church for the first time. I must say the choir’s singing was beautiful and they started on time and ended on time (which a rarity here). I met up with my new friend who is a secondary school student in Form 2 and speaks fluent English, which is also a rarity. She is sort of like my mentee and Chichewa tutor. I also love her mother dearly. Let’s flashback to how I met her and her mother. When I first came to my site I was helping out with an ARV clinic for HIV positive patients. I saw this woman and thought how beautiful she was and knew there was something special about her. I asked her if she would be interested in learning about natural medicine to help her immune system. She said yes, which gave me further motivation to start my projects. Then a few weeks later I was chatting with my friend and saw this beautiful young girl and starting chatting with her. She had a wound on her foot so I cleaned it up and made her some tea. She then invited me to meet her mother and come for dinner. So I did and when we went to meet her mother…it was the lady from the clinic. We saw each other, smiled and embraced each other with excitement. I felt so blessed at that moment. So whenever I feel like I need a mother in my life I go to her house. She usually feeds me (like all mothers do) and we chat in my bad Chichewa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So that is who I met at church this Sunday. I went to her house to see her mother. If I go more than a week without seeing her she gives me look like, “you don’t have time for your Amayi(mother)”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chatted I told her that I want her to start a garden to improve her health and help with using natural medicine. She seemed interested but first we must build a fence to keep out the goats! I then went to my house and helped a friend finish his fence, as he helped me with his. That’s the things here; people help without asking anything in return. But it is assumed in Malawian culture that if someone needs help, you help. So then we went to my garden. My friend Clement is a student at a university studying environmental design. The first class of this sort in Malawi. So it very helpful having him around to help out with my garden. He took one look at how I had arranged things and said “ time to do some work”. I was hesitant, this was something that I had worked very hard on with my blood and sweat. But more than anything I was afraid of change. It was a metaphor for life. Sometimes you have to uproot some things, move it around and restructure. But in the end it makes room for new things to grow, it opens the door for possibilities. Now my garden is expanded with carrots and a natural garden. I am very grateful for his help and brutal truth. I have a hard time having to hear that what I have done is wrong, but in the end it all works out. I have never had a garden before, or know anything about gardening in Malawi for that case. But I’m learning so much everyday and find it crucial to any well-being for Malawians and myself. My garden is more than just a garden. It’s my sanctuary. It’s where I go when I feel like I want to put my stress in something productive. It’s where I go to have my quiet time or just bask in the sun. It has become a living product of work and effort. It’s like my time here. Sometimes I will have to make some changes in my plan but it will end up producing more in the end. It has also become my constant in my life. When you go half way around the world and are thrown into a totally different element it can create challenges. But if you a few things in your day that are a constant, it creates order in your day. I know that no matter how many changes happen in the day my morning routine and garden; for the most part will stay constant. Well at least as constant as something can be a majority of the time. I have also made some good friends that are also my constant support who are incredibly patient with my Chichewa and willingness to help. So that was my Sunday, typical but not really. So blessed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today was a Tuesday. Today nothing got accomplished as planned but everything important got done. I met with someone in the morning to go over the new system I want to implement. My roommate who is also my co-worker was laughing at me because she wasn’t used to me in my “professional voice”. I laughed it off as usual. I was then supposed to go meet with a support group. So then we waited as you do sometimes in Malawi. But as I was waited I typed up all my potential projects, three pages later I was finished! My counterpart came over and we had a constructive talk about work and life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then finally made it to the support group. It was amazing 25 people, men and women. They had a medicinal garden, pigs and more farming land that they maintained. I then asked about the issues. The women stay quiet while the men ask for material things, more supplies, improvement of buildings and IGA’s (income generating activities). Afterwards I asked for the men to step out so that I could talk to the ladies. I explained to them in my best Chichewa that woman’s problems are different from men. I told them that I wanted to know how I could help them best. They explained that most of them were widowed and had issues affording nutritious food. But mostly they wanted education so that they could live healthier lives and improve their well-be thing. We then chatted and made jokes with these women. These women have nothing; they are poor and outcast of their communities. They live each day working hard and hoping that they can survive another day. Yet they are motivated and have aspirations of a better life, which keeps them going. All on faith!</span></div>Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-88567493839865965892012-06-13T01:41:00.001-07:002012-06-13T01:41:26.713-07:00Things you say in Malawi...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So let’s start with Sunday. It was a typical day in Malawi. Got up did my chores and then went to my site mate’s house to go to a new church. I haven’t quite decided what church I want to belong to or if I want to belong to any…but nevertheless we made our best effort. But after waiting too long I decided to go to the market to make a lunch for my friends. So I chatted bought some cabbage for making a tasty Indian dish and made my way home. Then I ate my friends were mostly impressed while a few aren’t used to spices. In Malawi the only spice that is used is salt and red pepper. Now I love food and Nsima the staple food, but not every day. But then I made my way to the garden to finish/repair my gate for my garden when I get a call. Now my Peace Corps and I have this game that we play called “sentences that we say here that we would never say in America”. So here goes one, “I get a call from the chief who invites me to see a dance”. Innocent enough I drop my tools tell my sitemate and we make our way to the chief’s house. A woman is sick so she is dancing a traditional dance to heal her. I won’t go too much into detail but we see her face painted white, dancing in a drunk or meditative state. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they bring her a chicken for sacrifice (yes this is real) and let’s just say it is sacrificed</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Just a typical Sunday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The stories of my chicken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So when I first got to site all I could think about was getting a chicken for fresh eggs. I remember my grandmother always had fresh eggs from her chickens and they were delicious. So one of my co-workers says “I’ll sell you my chicken”. So he comes to work the next day with a chicken. “Aisha come get your Nkuku at the gate” he says. So not even knowing how to carry a chicken I take it back to the house after people are chuckling at my struggle. I ask my roommates where I should put it, they say in the hallway. So I go to a village for an outreach and come back to the house and the chicken is gone. I go to see my roommates and ask where it is, “it’s in the kitchen” so I go back to the house and still can’t find it. I go back and ask again “Aisha, it’s in the pot we boiled it during lunch”. So that was the story of my first chicken. So I ate her for dinner as awkward as I could. My roommates felt bad I felt bad it was a bad situation. I was then later sulking in my room when they came in with another chicken. I was happy all was good in the world. I named her sarcastically (yes Malawians get my sarcasm which is awesome) Amayi Mazira, which mean mother of eggs. So I put her safely up for the night in a store room next to the house. Went in the next morning to check for eggs all I see is a broken egg with nothing inside. Hmm I think that’s weird. I ask around and they say sometimes chickens do that. I ask why “because they are misala (crazy)”. Ok so I give her another night as I’m putting her up I see a rat inside the room. Go back the next few mornings no eggs. I talk to my friend again and he agrees to eat the chicken and trade me for a less ‘misala’ chicken that lays eggs. I left that weekend to town and came back to hear the bad news. Amayi Mazira was taken in the night. All that was left was a few feathers. I think oh well she was crazy and ate her own eggs. Only this weekend to find as I was searching in the room eggs hidden. Amayi Mazira wasn’t crazy she was hiding her eggs to protect them from the rat. So….to be continued, I put in my order for my next chicken.</span></div>Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-15631558635069304542012-06-03T00:38:00.000-07:002012-06-03T02:49:29.209-07:00Making lemonade out of life!Sorry it's forever since I have posted anything but I will just post 1 at this time: So here we go!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5/30/12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today was one of those. I woke up and told myself that today would be great day but in my gut I felt something different. I got dressed and did my normal morning routine with anxiety. I feel as though I can feel when something bad is going to happen. But I went to the office to find that I was suppose to go with some HSA’s to an outreach. When we left they were weird acting. We got there and I felt nothing. So I tried my best to feel comfortable. But it ended up making me like shit afterwards. C/ildren yelling Chinese jesters towards me….ah! But then I started working on my garden. I then felt a little bit better. Then I made it my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Dyna came over and helped me finish it. It was beautiful it even started to rain…during the dry season. A kid said in perfect English for a Malawian “ God must love you to make it rain for your garden”. WOW! A total ah-ha moment. Sometimes god gives us a shitty beginning to make us really really appreciate the good good times. So I was suppose to have dinner with my new friend Dyna in the beginning of the day I didn’t feel up to it but after accomplishing my garden I felt up to it. So I did so walking to meet her mom. When her mom walked out my jaw almost dropped to the ground. I met this lady a few weeks ago when I had first arrived to help out in the ARV clinic. I asked her if she would be interested in taking natural medicine. There was something special about this woman, I could see it in her eyes. She said yes that she would do it because it was easier than remembering Western medicine. From our converstation I was motivated to pursue natural medicine. Who new this woman would be her mom! Amazing! I was invited for dinner we sat under the stars as I ate some of the best Nsima, Masamba and Sinjiro. I asked God that day to help me learn Chichewa but when I’m with that family I am learning more and more. I feel as though I am fluent. Completely different from how I felt earlier in the day. Life is amazing and I am truly grateful for each moment. Thank You God!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-3187915558255959262012-04-19T03:01:00.001-07:002012-04-19T03:01:45.844-07:00So much to say!<br />
<strong>So much to say!</strong> Last time I wrote I was filled with anxiety and excitement of where my journey would take me. I have been on a journey that's for sure. I have lived more here in a month and a half that I did the past year of my life. I spent the past month in a village training and living with a host family. My Amayi (mom), Abambo (Dad) and family was great. I learned how to cook Nsima ( staple food of Malawi), carry water/other objects on my head, play netty ball, Chichewa and Technical training. I don't know how to sum up the past 42 days but with the word "WOW". The culture here is amazing and the scenery is beautiful. I getting used to going to bed when it gets dark and waking up with the sun rises. It may seem difficult...but it's actually very natural ( also because there is no electricity). I'm grateful for this opportunity to hopefully make a small difference in the beautiful country. Where people have so little they seem more fulfilled by enjoying the simple pleasures. My little brothers are satisfied with playing with an old tire and wrappers. I do miss some luxuries in America but it is over shadowed with the fact that receive so much love and happiness from the simple pleasures. The sense of community and family here are amazing And patience! I am learning it in the best way possible. <br />
<strong><u>Major events since I've been here:</u></strong><br />
The President of Malawi Died and the Vice President ( a female) took over<br />
The price of sugar has trippled ( a big deal for Malawians)<br />
Singing in the talent show (Summer time....when the living is easy)<br />
Hiking to the top of 2 mountains<br />
Learning to speak in Chichewa<br />
Cooking my first meal on a fire<br />
Learning traditional dances with my sister<br />
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I'm am so grateful for your love and support<br />Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-64513707833744004142012-03-06T19:50:00.001-08:002012-03-06T19:50:29.298-08:00No looking backSo I sit in my room after my first day as orientation getting ready to leave in less than 4 hours!! I'm excited. Not really scared just hoping to get everything together before I leave. Everyone here is really nice and we all enjoyed our last "American" meal in the "states". I will miss some things. The hot shower I just took, cable and more importantly my family (my husband and Marley (my pup)). But here we go no looking back and ready to take the final leap. See you on the flip side:)Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-57047375871843651432012-03-05T19:17:00.000-08:002012-03-05T19:17:01.299-08:00Full Speed Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HuFW2ZRXFR2EsFTWw-BAfRHdUNvXFe_LjnzIHca3MEEW9IsmuIV90rjyK0PxknOXl3NtJeJpXD8e8WxXhrgD_j-yCwBlvI_wHHV9flPMvT2NYAaYlP16fLW5YEwTs2k19nJA33zeEYI/s1600/party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HuFW2ZRXFR2EsFTWw-BAfRHdUNvXFe_LjnzIHca3MEEW9IsmuIV90rjyK0PxknOXl3NtJeJpXD8e8WxXhrgD_j-yCwBlvI_wHHV9flPMvT2NYAaYlP16fLW5YEwTs2k19nJA33zeEYI/s320/party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So last time I wrote it was before my big birthday bash! I went in to my favorite bar with my brother to have "one drink" to hear surprise and see all my loved ones. People came from near and far to wish me happy birthday and farewell. I was so grateful to see everyone and have a great time. But now it's crunch time. I leave in less than 48 hours. Tomorrow I go for training in Philadelphia till 7pm then leave at 2 a.m. for JFK and then my flight leaves at 10 a.m.!!! Whew! It's been a crazy ride thus far and I'm sure what I have in store for the future will be even more amazing. You may hear me complain or question my decision but I know in the end that I will be truly grateful for this opportunity. People ask me if I'm scared and honestly I'm not. I'm more worried about my husband and puppy than me. We always adjust to the moment accordingly when situations arise. So here I go! As they say in Rent "Only thing to do is jump over the moooooon!"Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9200451471286750946.post-54014375830972206092012-03-02T12:45:00.000-08:002012-03-02T12:45:55.337-08:005 days in counting!!!Today's my birthday! I'm so lucky that I have the opportunity to see my friends and family before my departure. It's a interesting situation to get ready to leave for the next two years. No matter what I do however, I will never be prepared for the experience I am getting ready to embark on. I was lucky enough to be able to spend the past two months with my family and husband. But I feel truly lucky and blessed to have this opportunity to go and follow my passion. I remember being 12 or 13 and watching Oprah's South Africa special. I knew at that point I wanted to do international work. I didn't know how or what I was going to be doing but I knew that was my passion. So here I am know. I've gotten rid of most of my possessions, made all arrangements and am leaving all luxuries behind. My father always told me in life we have to do three things in order to achieve a goal. Vision, sacrifice and work. I have had the vision for a long time, I am definitely making sacrifices and the work is something I have done along the way. So here I go!Aisha Alhassan Malawihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12250529200011892658noreply@blogger.com0