Moving to Site

The first three months are all about integration. I’m supposed to shut my mouth and observe. Of course the shutting of my mouth does not include the time I should be absorbing and regurgitating the language. I didn’t test at as high of a level as I should have after training so I’ve got a lot of work to do. Ultimately it’s not about a test score – it’s about being able to communicate and work effectively here.

So back to my first three months – I will be “assessing my communities needs”. Which is actually a continuous 2-year process.

I will also be setting up my house and getting adjusted to life Rwandan style -my first time without electricity or water. Start sending books now! I expect long periods of boredom. I’m going from living with 10 other volunteers and having constant, round the clock social interaction to living by myself in a village where very few people will be able to communicate with me above a 2 year old speaking level. Don’t get me wrong, the idea is thrilling but I anticipate a lot of down time.

Now is probably a good time to talk about how I am working for the US government yet also working for a faith based organization. It was a difficult realization for many of my fellow trainees. Our brains are programmed to twitch when religion and state are brought together. In Rwanda (and I’m guessing in many other economically developing countries) the church and state work together. In fact churches are given a lot of power and money here. They are the ones in the best position to affect the people. In terms of grassroots action, they are the most in touch with the community. In some ways it’s actually a blessing to work with a church because your organization will have a quality relationship built with the community already. Think of all the counseling that people go to their pastor for.

The Presbyterian Church essentially owns my village. After getting over the creepiness of that (think Potter-ville in It’s a Wonderful Life) I think it’s great. They work with/own schools, the hospital, the health center, and the only church in town. The potential for projects and access to people is astounding.