Not once did I imagine things would be this tough. I have many reasons to call it quits. Does one have to go through all of this? Fighting parasites all night and spending the entire day under the hot sun, talking after overdosing on what our principal refers to as “humility pills.” Not that I regret the oath I took two months ago. No! At times, I look at the calendar and wonder how the remaining months will unfold. The only choice I have is to grow a thick skin and stay focused.
Most individuals welcomed me into their households until I met this man who, along with his son, angrily chased me away after I had been “talking to myself for a good while.” Visitors should not be treated this way, I thought. I took it positively and left, as I never knew what would come next. While leaving, I laughed it off, though it’s something that has never sat well with me to this day, and I would never wish that treatment on anyone.
Another incident was when I was invited to a meeting consisting of men. Most of them side-eyed me, but I pretended not to be bothered. While addressing them, one man stood up and said that development must come hand in hand with funds from us not with what I was talking about and that I should leave their meeting because I was talking about the impossible. Luckily, I had a guardian angel who tried to help me out, but his efforts bore no fruit, and I had to leave.
To add insult to injury, what does one do when fewer than ten community members show up for a meeting where your fellow Volunteers and the program coordinator have come to support and share the model with the people? No local leader was in attendance. I felt bad, but life goes on. What about community members who schedule meetings themselves but never show up?
It would be unfair if I didn’t acknowledge the other side of the coin. I admit there were good moments as well. Having deep conversations with an old man every evening about their culture and what they value most was of great importance to me, as it helped me learn how to conduct myself. They are deeply rooted in their culture and values. Their dressing is amazing, their songs are beautiful, and their traditional dances look simple until you try them out and find out otherwise. I’ve tried the dances on a few occasions, and it has never worked for me. A friend once told me it takes a lot as an adult to learn the moves because they start practising from a very young age.
Helping community members harvest their crops has also been something great and fun. At least I get something to take back to my rented room at the market centre. I’ve learned a lot about their farming systems. They are truly talented and skilled when it comes to farm work and livestock rearing.
Being a member of this community has impacted my life in many ways. I think learning to be more patient and resilient is what I need. But what if I’m wrong? Maybe the community members just aren’t interested in this.