Friday, August 8, 2014

Cultural Song and Dance: An Enduring Tradition



On July 17, I was privileged to be able to attend the Ncamagoro Circuit Culture Competition. Ncamagoro Circuit consists of about 20 schools in Kavango Region. It was an amazing event, and more importantly, it was my first cultural song and dance festival! I only heard about it in passing when I was at school. My school has a culture group, and they were going to attend the event. I asked if I could attend and was given permission.

The morning of the competition I walked to the school around 630. On a side note, there is something that people widely refer to as “Africa Time.” In essence, Africa Time means that everyone shows up 2-4 hours after the original time. I must tell you, Africa Time is no joke, and it occurs 99% of the time. I am accustomed to it somewhat, but I still do not like it. I still show up to everything early or at the latest, on time. The culture competition was no exception. I was told to be Mpora School at 7am, but we did not leave until after 9am. I wasn’t worried because this was just a day to learn about the culture I live around.

We arrived at the Ncamagoro Circuit Head Office to find hundreds of people gathered to watch event. I was the only white person there, and as usual, I received hundreds of stares until I left back to my village. I went and found as good a spot to take pictures as possible, although the spot was not ideal. It’s hard to remember every group that performed, but it gave me such joy and happiness to take pictures and videos of the entire day. I took about 400 pictures and video clips.

The largest class grade bracket was the primary school level, elementary school in the United States. I think there were about 15 groups to perform. There was a format that each group had to follow. They were allowed 10-15 minutes for the whole program. The judging was based on three segments: dancing, singing, and drama. Each group could divvy up the allotted time between each segment; but there had to be three songs.

Singing in Namibia is significantly different from what people would consider singing in America. A good voice in Namibia is usually a female voice. Mainstream musicians and vocalists would probably describe the ideal Namibian voice as coming from the nose, in a pinched manner. When I first heard it, I was not sure if that’s how the person was supposed to sound, but as time went on, I found out that it is. I don’t think it’s bad in the current context; it’s just different. I tried to imagine how a typical Western voice would sound in a cultural competition; it is a laughable thought. Traditional songs, Kwangali Tribe song more specifically, vary in meaning. I’ll give a few examples of the songs with background:

Vindele viloya, Vindele viloya, Eeeh!
Vindele viloya, Vindele viloya Kuluwanda
Vapatu valoya, Vapatu valoya, Eeeh!
Vapatu valoya, Vapatu valoya Kuluwanda

Background: Once upon a time there was a war in Angola; the war broke oe between black Angolans and the apartheid regime of the Portoguese. In order for black Angolans to soothe the emotional pain the war inflicted upon their lives, they came up with this revolutionary song.

It might seem strange to have a song based off Angolan history in a Namibia culture competition. However, Angola and Namibia have had an exchange of culture for a long time. Many Namibians came from Angola. Some other examples of songs include a song about the life of an orphan, and how he was taken care of at home by caregivers. Some other subjects of traditional songs include pounding Mahangu, a staple grain that looks like corn, and hunting wild animals.

The dramas, as they are referred to in a Namibia, were about daily life. Some were funny. Some were sad. Some of them were very poignant in how they illustrated current issues in Namibia such as domestic violence and so-called “passion killings.” There was one play about a person who fell ill and went to a witch doctor. I asked a friend if witch doctors did some of the things that were in the play, and he said yes. Another side note: the friend I asked was supposed to be killed by a witch doctor in the early 90’s when he was a baby, but his family saved him.

My favorite parts were the dancing and costumes. The costumes that were used were amazing. They were all made of brightly colored beads, animal skins, and some cloth. Everything was handmade. I have seen my mother making the ones for my school. I never had an idea how long it would take, but seeing how often she was slaving away on each one, I would not be surprised if the man hours for each one was 20-30 hours (this is a guess). When the students danced, the beads would make a clicking sound and sway rhythmically. The traditional Kwangali tribe dances use shoulders, shuffling feet, and limber hips. The hands are usually clapping. The dancers will form lines. There are always drums going, usually three males. Then 1-3 dancers, usually one male and two females, will slowly dance their way out to center stage. There is a lot of interplay between the guy and the girls. The guy will dance around the girls using his shoulder while also sticking out his tongue as far as it can go. There is a lot of eye contact.

Something else happened during the competition that was really interesting. Midway through the competition, everyone was told to get up and go to greet the new governor. I was surprised to find the place we had to go about one mile away. However, Africa Time struck again and the Governor was about 1.5 hours late. Many people had tired of waiting and left. The Governor came and said her piece while everyone formed a massive circle. Then, we went back to the competition. I got a much better seat this time. My learners did not do very well, but it was not their fault. The teachers who were supposed to teach them had only started practicing about two weeks before the event, and it had been inconsistent. Putting that issue aside, I had an amazing time and learned so much about the Kwangali culture. I am more excited now than ever for the big all-region cultural festival in Rundu, the big town, that takes place from August 15-17.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

The Emotional Roller Coaster that is Peace Corps Life (Part 3)



I have a lot of things to look forward to. In regard to my work, I am most excited for when my computer lab will be built, and I will be able to teach classes all day if I want to. Oh, I just realize I haven’t updated people about my computer lab project. A World Teach Volunteer gave me nine computers and a 4-in-1 printer to start a computer lab at my school. It has been about seven months since we were approved by the Ministry of Education, but that is how things work in Namibia, slowly. Anyways, as having little to do in my daily job is an issue, the computer lab is a non-stop spigot of potential projects. Another project I am working on an educational 7 day tour of Namibia which is planned for November 3-8. Actually going on the trip is up in the air, but I am doing my best to work with my Namibian counterparts. My final positive thing coming up, is I have a good chance of getting a new, Group 40 PCV the last week of September. This is both a professional and personal event I am excited for. Professionally, I feel a new PCV will really help me to step up, and take more leadership, as well as integrate more. Also, I hope to work with the new PCV on projects. Personally, there is the potential that the new PCV and I will become friends. Seeing as friendship is something I am lacking in Namibia, it would be wonderful to form a good relationship with the Volunteer.

Personally, there are some really awesome events I have to look forward to. August 15-17 is the big Cultural Dance and Song Competition in Rundu. After that I am going to Victoria Falls, Zamibia, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. I am going with another PCV. I am really excited because, besides the Falls, I will be taking a day-trip into Botswana for a boat and land safari. The most exciting activity is the lions, elephants, and cheetah excursion we are doing. In essence, I get to get up close and personal with all of these animals. I’ll get to walk the lions literally by the tail. I’ll get to feed and ride the elephants. Finally, I’ll get to interact with the Cheetahs. I cannot wait for all the awesome pictures I will have from this trip.

Immediately following this trip, I will head down to Windhoek to get a crown put on one of my teeth. I will get to visit a family in Otjiwarongo that I have gotten really close to and haven’t seen for months. Also, any time I get hot shower, electricity, internet, etc. is a reason to be happier! The following week is the Group 40 shadowing weekend. It will be really fun to meet the new PCVs and show them what life is like. The next big event is a three week trip to Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania in October (if my PC boss approves my leave forms)! Then, I have the school Tour as I mentioned earlier. In November, I will have Thanksgiving weekend with a bunch of PCVs. Finally, in December, if our new Country Director doesn’t change the policy, I will have two weeks to collaborate with other PCVs on projects in their regions, as well as having two weeks off for Christmas vacation! I am excited just thinking about it! 

The Emotional Roller Coaster that is Peace Corps Life (Part 2)



June 8th was the start of the current valley I am experiencing right now. I became so accustomed to traveling, that coming back to site was a big readjustment. Ever since then, it has been very difficult. I had some good days here and there, but the majority of the days have been rough. I don’t want to dismiss this hard time, but Peace Corps has done a lot of research and they have a chart that shows the ups and downs of a PCVs emotions. Mine seems to fit in. Despite this, it is still really difficult. At this point, I am struggling with motivation, initiative, compassion, as well as plain weariness. I got in a routine and it has been hard to be willing to implement new projects due to not wanting to “rock the boat.” As for compassion, when one sees so much suffering on a daily basis, it can desensitize one and make one less compassionate. One really significant challenge/stress is that my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer recently. He had major surgery and has started chemotherapy. Finally, living away from family, friends, as well as familiar foods, and most of all, one’s culture and amenities, such as electricity, internet, running water, hot water, and general comfort, has taken its toll. The positive side is that I value those things much more. I know I just need to be refreshed, and then things will feel better. Can you believe that during my free time here, one of the things I do for fun is play around on Quicken, personal finance software, and figure out how much I’ll have to pay in future taxes if I make certain amounts of money?! I’m serious! Who looks forward to paying taxes? Me!

This valley is not like my last one in anyway. I haven’t been depressed, but my thoughts have been under a pall. Negativity, in my thoughts, has overcome joy and thanksgiving. Also, a sucker punch to add insult to injury was when I lost my office. Some of my supervisor’s bosses came and said my office needed to be used for something else. I really appreciated her arguing with them and trying to fight for my office. However, she had to do what her boss says. I need to explain that my office was more than a workplace; it was where I had electricity and thus, where I could cook simple things to eat. I also hung out in there a lot. Imagine losing your workplace, kitchen, and hangout place, and that’s how it felt for me.

It was devastating for about one minute, but strangely, that moment was when I felt God’s comfort the most. I calmly realized that God has a reason for everything he does, and he would use this setback to his advantage. For many PCVs, if they were in my shoes, this would be the last straw and they would quit. But for myself, I have always relished challenges, and scoffed at the idea of quitting because of a room, no matter how important it was. I was, and am determined to continue all the way to the end.

This brings me to this week. Sunday, August 3, was the first day I realized how bad my thought process and outlook was. I realized I needed to focus on being thankful as well as just thinking positively in general. Ever since then, I have felt really good. I hope that the nearly two month stretch of my latest emotional valley is over, but we shall see.

To be continued in the final part next time...

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

The Emotional Roller Coaster that is Peace Corps Life (Part 1)



Peace Corps life, also known as “The Hardest Job You’ll Ever Love,” is one of the craziest rides you’ll ever have the privilege to ride. My ride began March 13, 2013. Today is the official nine month mark before my official COS (Close of Service) date, which is May 6, 2015. It’s crazy to think it has been 17 months since I said goodbye to my parents at Sacramento International Airport, and left for Peace Corps orientation in Philadelphia. Ever since that day, I have been holding on for dear life as I careen up and down over the humps and valleys of a Peace Corps Volunteer’s (PCVs) emotional journey. In this blog, I want to track and describe, as accurately as possible, this journey.

My first month of Peace Corps, during Pre-Service Training (PST) in Okahandja, was an emotional high because I got to meet a bunch of new people, learn new things, and experience a new culture. My natural enthusiasm for all of these things carried me to new heights. However, the second month of PST was quite the emotional valley. It was due to the polar opposite of my first month’s experience, in which now, I had so many people issues, my life seemed like one big drama. To be honest, I have not been myself since then.

I must explain how Peace Corps Service is broken up before I continue. The first two months are PST, training. The three months after one relocates to site is called Phase 2, where the PCV introduces him/herself to the community and conducts a community needs assessment (CNA). After Phase 2, the PCV will get back together with his/her training group for a conference called Reconnect. Health PCVs in Namibia have two reconnects. The next official milestone in service is marked by a Mid-Service Conference, where the PCVs travel to Windhoek, the capitol of Namibia, and get full medical and dental checkups. Finally, the last official milestone is the Close of Service Conference (COS), which typically takes place 90 days before the PCV is supposed to COS (leave Peace Corps service).

I moved to site on May 10. Phase 2 was good overall, but some parts of it were emotional valleys. I got to know my community. I found the school, which has been a huge blessing, as have the people. September and October were great months! I was doing a lot of projects and spending a lot of time with my host family. However, November and December were the months from Hell! I was never so depressed and hurt during that time than I have been during any other point in my life. However, I was very thankful, and joyful. To some of those who read this blog, it might seem crazy or contradictive to say I was really depressed, but also thankful and joyful. I may have been depressed, but I really focused on things I had to be thankful for. I was thankful for having enough food, water, a good clinic, great family and friends, good health, intelligence, privileges, opportunities, etc. I felt joy because of these things, but also mainly because I had/have God as my Savior, and knew that he was using these hard times to force me to grow. I almost physically felt the growth happening. It was during that really hard time that I felt that Peace Corps Service had already proved itself worth the time and difficulties.

December 30 was when my fortunes, and months of difficulties, changed for the better. I met some wonderful people on vacation in Swakopmund: two German girls, a British guy, a South African, and a Botswana PCV and her Batswana boyfriend. Meeting them gave me hope and set off the best six months of my service, thus far. I was in pure Euphoria during those six months. I don’t think I had many days where I was down or discouraged. I got to travel a lot. I went to South Africa and all over Namibia for different Peace Corps events, such as training Group 39; attending workshops; going to Mid-Service Conference; and preparing and working at a youth camp.

To be continued…

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Random Thoughts of Boredom

I sure have been in a crazy blog writing mood in the last three days. This is my fifth one. I’m sitting in my hut listening to Ben Rector. I was playing Minesweeper, Hearts, and Solitaire for the last hour or so. It is funny how I thought the three games were so stupid before I arrived in Namibia. Low and behold, they are not stupid now! They are a lifeline to not be bored. I have been reading and playing computer games for the last several weeks, but I’ve lost the drive to partake of those recreational measures. Honestly, I do not even know what the topic of this blog yet. I am waiting to see where my random thoughts and musings take me. It has been majorly boring the last few days due to school being out; most of my projects are school related.


I am leaving site for a month starting on the 13th and I cannot wait! The first week I will be gone I will be doing a collaboration project, in Divundu or Rundu. I had planned to go to Okahandja from December 20-23, but both of my host families will be gone. I’m pretty disappointed about that. Don’t know where I will go instead. On the 24th I will be going to Walvis Bay for Christmas (the nights of the 24, 25, and 26). Then I will be going to Windhoek for the nights of the 27-29. The nights of the 30-2 will be spent in Swakopmund. Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are on the coast and I cannot WAIT to go there. Everyone who goes there says it is amazing. Swakopmund is like little Germany and very modern. I cannot wait for seafood. Swakopmund also has the only Mexican Restaurant in Namibia called “The Three Namigos” (creative name huh?). We don’t have any plans for the vacation except to go skydiving in Swakopmund and on a dolphin and otter cruise. We’ll get a gourmet meal and champagne on the cruise too, which makes it even more amazing. I miss the ocean so much!


  

Friday, December 6, 2013

The Gift of Host Families


I am blessed to have four different host families in Namibia. Out of all the people in Namibia, PCVs, villagers, co-workers, etc., I feel the closest with my host families. Two of my host families are from training in Okahandja. The third host family is the one I currently live with in the village. The fourth host family lives in Rundu.


My Okahandja host mother, Ma
The two families in Okahandja are relatives of each other. My host mother, whom I will refer to as Ma, is the mother of the husband in my second host family. I spent a lot of time at both places. Ma is a quiet, introverted lady who is extremely generous. It is difficult to have a sustained conversation with her, but she is such a good mother! She always has a snack or some food for me. She helped me with my laundry when I was in PST (Pre-Service Training). The way we spent time together was usually just sitting while she watched TV and while I was on my computer. She has a beautiful house, built by her late husband. One of the bonuses is that, when I was in PST, I was the only trainee who had internet in the host family house. It was quite a luxury. Ma has a grandson who lives with her, as well as the grandson’s girlfriend. The girlfriend is very kind and enjoyable to talk to. I didn’t talk to the son a whole lot during PST, but he is a pretty cool guy. Now, he works a long hour job in Okahandja. (My 21-year-old host brother is missing from the picture.)


My second host family consists of a mother, father, two children, and two young adult family members who live with them. This family could not be more opposite from Ma. They are extremely outgoing and extroverted. There is always conversation going on in the house, as well as somewhat bawdy jokes. The mother is one of my favorite people in Namibia. She is always up for a good conversation and I find myself enjoying our conversations immensely. The father is hilarious and energetic. He loves to tease me and make me feel uncomfortable. The son is a pre-teen who is growing up fast. He is fun to play with, and he likes video games. The daughter is a really fun pre-teen who could be classified as a diva. She is outgoing and loves to be at the center of attention. She loves to dance and model. There is a young adult woman who is very nice and fun to talk to. We always have a great time joking around. She is very kind. The other guy is my host brother’s age, around 20, and is a typical young guy. He likes video games, girls, and going out with his boys. I am so thankful for this family. They have always let me come over to their house, even though it was another PCV’s host family. They have fed me countless times as well as let me hang out in their place all day. (My stepparents children are missing fromthis pictures. The other people are PCVs.)
My Okahandja host mother, step host mother, and father. The one in purple and the guy in jeans are the step parents!


My third host family is the one I live with now, in the village. It is hard to keep track of who is a part of my family here because it changes ALL the time. I will describe the core group. There is the Head Lady who is my host mother. The number of host brother’s fluctuates so I’m not sure of the number. However, there is a core group of five host brothers. One is a driver; the other is my brother BH, whom I have mentioned before. Two brothers are between nine and 11 years old. The last host brother is about 4-6 years old. I have two host sisters who are around 15 years old. That is the core of my family. But there are always more than that number of people at my homestead. Brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, fathers, sisters, etc. are always coming and going. One interesting thing is that someone is considered a brother if they are the child of an aunt (I may be wrong on this because it’s been awhile since I had this conversation). My village host family is extremely generous. It is amazing how they can be so giving. My host mother is very kind and always worrying about me. My host sisters are shy, and don’t speak much English. The older host brothers are really cool and speak English very well. The two 9-11 year olds are very active and love to play UNO. Finally, the little host brother is a huge trouble maker, and honestly, its somewhat challenging. I sometimes wonder if he has ADHD or if all kids his age are this way. He is constantly in trouble with everyone. One of the hardest things to deal with is he terrorizes everyone, but when they fight back he screams bloody murder and cries. For example, I have a picture of him in action taking a burning stick and burning the other kids with it. One of the kids hit him and he started crying. (I do not have pictures of one of my older host brothers.)
Two Mpora host brothers, the one immediately to my left and the third one over from me

Me and my Mpora host mother

The two tall ones are my Mpora host sisters. Another host brother is crouching on the ground


Mpora host brother


My fourth and final host family is in Rundu. It consists of a father, mother, three sons, two daughters, and niece. The father is an engineer, in charge of one of the car dealerships in Rundu. The mother and daughter (20 years old) work at a local grocery store. The other daughter is a pre-teen. The niece is going into grade 11. The oldest son is 20 years old and goes to the University of Namibia to learn to be a teacher. The next son is 14 years old and is in secondary school. Finally, the youngest son is about two years old. I spend nearly every weekend with this family. I love them and enjoy being with them so much. They are all extremely generous. They let me stay with them, feed me, take me places, etc. For example, I was craving chocolate two weekends ago, and was bored out of my mind. My host mother brought out a special bag of chocolates and let me dig in and eat my fill. My father also transported a mini-fridge I bought from Windhoek back to my village (a seven hour trip). The older daughter is very kind and a really good cook. The niece is sweet and a hard worker. The youngest daughter is a handful, but I love her. She is extremely intelligent as well energetic and mischievous. She is really generous towards me too, often sharing her candy or special treat with me. She also loves Hello Kitty. The youngest son is adorable, but can be quite a handful. It is really cool, though, when he crawls into my lap or onto me while I am resting. The middle son is sooooo smart. He would do so well in the US. He loves to read, play computer games, and watch TV. He also loves cars. Finally, the oldest son is the one whom I met first, and who introduced me to his family. I wrote a blog about him a while back. He is so considerate, kind, chill, and great to be around in general. We have had some really good talks. (Missing from the following pictures are my 20-year-old and 18-year-old host sisters.)

My host brother and sister in Rundu

My Rundu host mother, father, and sister

Rundu host brother


Three Rundu host brothers


It is strange to me how, when given the choice of hanging with my PCV friends or hanging with my host families, I choose to hang with my host families. I said in an earlier post that I don’t get excited for much these days, but hanging with my host families is one exception to that rule. You can imagine how disappointed I was when I found out my Okahandja families made plans for the few days before this coming Christmas when I was planning to visit them. I think that, besides the personal growth I have experienced here, I am most thankful for my host families. When I am with them, I can be myself. I can relax. Being with them makes me feel safe and at home. Their generosity has given me some wonderful encouragement in difficult times. Thank you to all my host families for being so amazing!