How do I even begin? Everyday here is a new chapter in an adventure novel with no predictable plot. Still, I have managed to fall into a routine of the strangest accord. For in this new life kept sane only by some semblance of control, my 6:30am bucket bath and 8:30 pm bedtime are essentially all I can control.
My life is: foreign, basic, confusing, inefficient, full of learning, busy, and intense.
I live in a tiny village about 6 hours into the interior of Tanzania. I have no electricity or running water. I eat dinner by lantern and my toilet is a cement hole in the yard. I live in the bush.
A typical day:
4am-1st rooster crows
401am-dogs howling in response
402am-put in earplugs and doze in and out of sleep until
630am-wake up, bathe in a bucket with a pitcher (think lemonade) depending how cold it is, my pants may or may not come off
700am-get dressed, eat breakfast, wash my dishes outside, go to school
8am-5pm-SCHOOL, kiswahili all day, everyday
5:15-7pm-sit outside with mama and sister (dada) and help cook, do hw, and practice the langauge
7:15-730-din! For a meal that takes several hours to prepare we eat, quickly, quietly, and loudly :)
As for foods, WHOA leave it to me to go to Africa and get fat! I eat everything?! I think a parade is in order. I am now a huge fan of spinach, beans, mangos, papaya, cabbage, etc. ANYTHING. GO ME GO ME GO ME. I may be fat, but during a time when "mental health" is the most important, I'm happy.
This is my first time at a computer since Washington DC. I'm frantically typing away before being whisked back into the bush.
Everyday is a new ride of 10 highs and 10 lows. My reality now consists of pooping in a hole, wearing skirts everyday, and going to bed when the light is gone. Did I mention, I live in a roach motel? I 'endure' about 10 roaches a day. Usually I yell, DADA!!! She'll laugh and kill them, but the novelty of the scaredy cat American is getting old, fast.
I'm making a lot of great friends, and we meet as a big group once a week. I LIVE FOR THAT DAY. It feels America again.
I have so much more to say, but I can't rely on the internet much longer.
BUT GUESS WHAT!?!! I GOT A PHONE! CALL Me Or TEXT ME Right this instant!!!!!
from the states dial 255 787 788 683. The last 9 digits is my #. I think it's just 255 + the number, but google calling/texting to Tanzania to find out.
Lots of love,. Shout out to Huffy: my only letter so far. You made my week. You go girl. I read your letter maybe 10 times.
Lots of love and happiness to everyone.
Your pal,
Katie
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hey you..eating all your veggies..If I had known what it would take for you to eat more than chicken and turkey..you would have started your journey 15 years ago. We are so proud of you..bugs, poop holes, no lights,let alone air..better than a Girl Scout. We can't wait to hear more.kisses
ReplyDeleteKatrina!~!! I miss you so muchos! How are you? Sounds like it's the Ritz over there. We are so proud of you! Just think of all the character you are building and how this experience will mold you and change you forever...
ReplyDeleteLots of Love~ Amy, Gary, Harrison and Holly
I popped on over from another blog when I saw "Peace Corps". Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI was just north of you in Kenya '94 - '96 about 1 hour west of Mombasa.
I'm looking forward to reading more of your adventures and feel free to write if you want some pointers in turning down an African marriage proposal. ; )
Katie~
ReplyDeleteFinally you write!! It sounds like you are finding your way...you rock my sista!! Keep eating your fruits and veggies (go figure!)..maybe I'll send Justin over there with you to improve his eating habits. Hope the buggies are staying away!!
Love and miss you bunches!
Marcy, Rand, Justin and Noah
I don't know if/when you might read this, but I sent a letter today. The furthest I've sent a letter is, like, Ohio, so it's kind of a big deal. I also sent a letter to the Mars candy corporation in the 3rd grade, and they gave me free candy. This still trumps that. I hope it gets to you, and that you're well!
ReplyDeletehola katrina.
ReplyDeletethinking of you every day. hope you are having fun, learning swahili (sp?) and taking pics of your adventure. i sent you something in the mail yesterday, i hope you get it eventually. lots of love over here sent your way~ love, barney n gang
Kate - I am so very impressed with you...your adventure as well as your writing.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Love, Aunt Fifi
Hi Kate,
ReplyDeleteI just visited your folks in Phoenix and everyone is so proud of you. We here in Seattle are fine. The only hardship worth mentioning is that our air conditioning was not working properly for the one day it was hot here, but you..living in the lap of luxury probably have no understanding of the stress this caused.
Love and miss you. Keep up the good work and continue eating all those new colors of food.
Love and Kisses,
Uncle Richard, Ester, Viktoria and Max