My Special List!

I have a list of folks I know...

all written in a book,

And every now and then.

I go and take a look.

That is when I realize

these names... they are a part,

not of the book they're written in...

but taken from the heart.

For each Name stands for someone...

who has crossed my path sometime,

and in that meeting they have become...

the reason and the rhyme.

Although it sounds fantastic...

for me to make this claim,

I really am composed...

of each remembered name.

Although you're not aware...

of any special link,

just knowing you, has shaped my life...

more than you could think.

So please don't think my greeting...

as just a mere routine,

your name was not...

forgotten in between.

For when I send a greeting...

that is addressed to you,

it is because you're on the list...

of folks I'm indebted to.

So whether I have known you...

for many days or few,

in some ways you have a part...

in shaping things I do.

I am but a total...

of many folks I've met,

you are a friend I would prefer,

never to forget.

~ Author unknown

Pre-Birthday letter...

Dear Friends and Family,

As 2008 races forward and my 30^th birthday knocks at my door, I want to reflect and share my previous year with you - A year full of new people and new places!

I came across this poem last month as I was going through documents I saved from when I was in college. It further inspired my desire to send a letter to friends and family near and far away.

As many of you know, I ended my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in July 2007. I was working as a Community Health Volunteer with Emesco Development Foundation in Karuguzza, of the western central part of Uganda. However, after ten months in country, I developed unresolved complications from presumed malaria and choose to return to America.

The bounty of relationships I developed during my short time in Uganda can not compare to any other time in my life. I often think about my friends in Uganda and think about how different our lives are. My readjustment back to life in America has been without major effort. My only struggle has been in my efforts to hold on to the values of simplicity, sustainability and social responsibility in a highly developed and fast paced American culture.

My family and boyfriend, Theo, may make fun of my low-cost living lifestyle – but, I have already seen my example have a positive influence in the lives of others. Theo is a Flint Town native and we are an inter-racial couple. He has not only shown me a different side of Flint, the town I grew up in, but has made my transition back to life in Michigan that much more enjoyable. Our relationship has supported my ability to adapt, change and grow.

During the previous few months the dynamics of my family have also seen change and encouraged growth.

After over a year of searching, my mother purchased a house! It’s a fixer-upper in the country, has lots of potential and makes her happy!

My Grandma, mom’s mom, is moving into a retirement community.

My cousin, her husband and my Uncle have moved out to Wyoming for work outside of the depressed economy of Michigan. My Aunt will soon join them in the coming weeks.

My sister and brother-in-law had their first child! Nicholas Michael Gosselin. And, no – I have not caught the ‘baby making bug’. I will however, be babysitting for them while they work during the day - on a trial basis J

Since November, I have been working as a Paraprofessional at our local Alternative High School in their night classes. The position is ideal with part-time, night hours and leaves my days and weekends free to invest in my Pure Romance business.

I love being a Pure Romance Consultant. I love the products and my clients. Being self employed has been the BEST decision I have ever made. I now feel the only barriers to what I want are all self created and with in reach to move beyond.

One item still on my goal sheet is to finish that Bachelors degree. After I returned from the Peace Corps, I enrolled in the Peace Corps Baccalaureate degree program at Metropolitan State University in Minnesota. It is a partnership with the Peace Corps to develop an individualized degree and award credits for college level learning while in the Peace Corps. I am completing all of my remaining credits online and should graduate in May 2009! Yet another tool to add to my tool box ~

As a part of my community re-entry into Michigan/America I started attending the Unitarian Universalist Church of Flint. I found people and a denomination that share my values of religious pluralism, greater understanding and expanded vision. I am now a member and serve as their Volunteer Coordinator.

I am living in a small apartment in an old Victorian home in downtown Flushing, Michigan. It is just enough for me and my in-home business. I eagerly await a warm spring so I can get back to my daily power walks and bicycling through the small downtown area and along the river path. During the winter I got a membership to the local YMCA and truly enjoy watching TV while I worked out, as I still do not have a TV in my home!

I intended to write this letter before last Christmas…It takes so much effort, not so much time, to get me to stop and reflect on the days behind me. It’s a part of my nature, I suppose, to always be looking for the next adventure just over the horizon. But, when I do take the time I am always grateful for those who have crossed my path and continue to shape my direction.

May this find you well and let us try to keep in touch!

Peace and bless,

CARRIE

New life and changes

I’ve been thinking about all those who may be reading this and realize I haven’t done a good job at keeping in touch on the adjustments to life back in the states. I keep thinking and appreciating how drastically our lives have the potential to change in such a short period of time. So, I wanted to take a moment and share a few with you.

I some times long to speak Runyorro with someone else (even though I hardly spoke it in country!). Some phrases just instantly come out of me. Like….manange! (those people) or, tugende (we go). I still cluck my tongue and smack my hands for effect. But, I’m getting better about not mmmnnnn ing so much. The disturbing thing is when ever I am talking with someone of a different accent, say Indian, I go into my Uganglish speak. The first time I noticed it... I really couldn’t stop my self. The more I concentrated on speaking normally, the worse my Uganglish got.

The first time I felt the comforts of the developed world was on my layover in Amsterdam. I just got off the plane and saw a water fountain for the first time, again. I thought, “Could it be? Is it really possible that that water is safe and available to the public for free?”. I walked over to it. Just stood there for a moment. Admired its shiny clean metal surface and smooth round spout. I leaned over and felt the cool refreshing water run against my lips. I must have stood there for five minuets filling my body with this safe, refrigerated free water. I walked away with a soothing feeling that everything in the world would alright.

It took me at least two weeks to recover from the mysterious sickness. The ease of services available to PCVs is drastically different to the ease of services once you return to the states. If I were seriously sicker than I was, the system would not have worked for me. The paper work is a hassle and a deterrent for doctors who don’t know how the billing works for the HMO Peace Corps uses. I had a heck of a time just finding a doctor who accepts the after care health plan. And, once again Peace Corps Medical in DC was not user friendly. I often wished I could just call up Peace Corps Uganda Nurses and have them take care of it all! In the end, no treatment or further diagnosis was given. Maybe it was the comforts of home and all those long distance prayers that healed me.

Most of my family didn’t know what the heck to do with me when I got back. Some people were even concerned that I contacted HIV while in Uganda and that was why I was sick. I, like most Americans, knew very little about HIV before doing Peace Corps. Now, I was giving a very comfortable, tried and true ‘4 fluids’ speech to my family and friends…. just as I did for the many, many people I encountered in Uganda. The misconnections and stigma surrounding HIV are here in America too.

Reverse culture shock was not an issue. I was sick for so long in Uganda. All I could think about was all the comforts and life style I was missing. So once I got back, I wanted to be here. Leaving bush Alaska for the first time was definitely harder than my reentry from Uganda. It’s all a mater of perspective and the awareness of place.

Changes I’ve made since the last time in America:
1. I do not own a TV
I’ve moved into a small apartment in an old Victorian home and use my laptop to watch movies and listen to a lot of radio.

2. I have a cell phone
Uganda was my first cell phone experience. Now, it’s more a matter of finances. It’s cheaper than a land line. I’m teaching people about the concept of ‘flashing’. And, I so miss text messaging. It’s such a simple, condensed and indirect way of communicating. No one here text messages.

3. I bought a car that gets 42+ miles per gallon
1998 Chevy Metro baby! I live in a small downtown area, so I walk or bike almost everywhere. But those times I visit others are no longer filled with the guilt of how much gas I am using. The only catch is… I have to learn how to drive stick. Live, learn and grow.

4. Self employed and lov’n it
My soul deserves this. It’s the best decision I’ve made. Ever! It hasn’t been easy. My mind and the Flint town culture often tells me I should get a ‘real job’. But, at the end of the day I remain true to the commitment I’ve made to myself and business keeps growing. And, most importantly… I feel good.

5. Back in academia….online
Taking eight credits this semester at Metropolitan State University via all online courses. I am the very first person to be enrolled in their pilot program for a Peace Corps baccalaureate degree.

6. Interracial dating
Never thought I’d be dating outside my race. But after all the highs and lows in Peace Corps and the lasting affects; thus, values that stay with you, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. The things we want are where we least expect them and are presented in packages beyond our imagination. For those of you who are extra curious…. our photo is below.

That’s about all for now. I hope this finds each of you well. Miss my friends in Uganda and am sorry I have not been very good at keeping in touch. I think of you often and smile.
Please let me know how you are doing too.

Theo and I

Theo and I
Originally uploaded by Carrie May

Back in good ol'America

Greetings all!

 

As of July 13^th, I ended my service with Peace Corps Uganda and am now back in the States. Surprise!!!!

 

Let me begin by thanking everyone who supported me in my journey from Alaska to Michigan to Uganda and back again. Your care packages, letters, e-mails and kind wishes supported me throughout the many challenging transitions and have went beyond my greatest expectations. You all are a great bunch of friends and family! I couldn’t have done all this with out you!

 

I ended my Peace Corps service due to complications from presumed malaria on two different occasions in June. Now, getting malaria is very common in Uganda and not unusual for Peace Corps Volunteers. This isn’t something that usually sends Volunteers home. But, in my case the diagnosis and treatment was not certain and had the doctor and nurses at a loss. I had most of the symptoms but, no malaria parasites were ever found. On top of that… I battle intense motion sickness when ever traveling anywhere at anytime in Uganda. I’ve tried everything, homeopathic to hard core meds. Nothing consistently worked. It became insanely severe during my three trips back and forth for treatment in Kampala, the capital city. My all time low was a vomiting marathon on jam packed public transport for two hours straight and then collapsing once I set foot on stable ground. And, then again when I tried to go back to site to pack my things and say goodbye to my local friends. I never made it due to the intense motion sickness and again vomiting. A fellow Peace Corps Volunteer and my Counterpart ended up packing my things and distributing the leftovers. I can laugh and joke about it all now – but, I seriously wanted to die. Every cell in my body was revolting. The whole experience tested my physical and emotional endurance to the outer limits.

 

Treatment for the presumed malaria and other complications began to improve. But, I knew there was no changing public transport, the roads nor the drivers (all contributing factors to my motion sickness) in Uganda. Now, I was an excellent Peace Corps Volunteer, but public transport was outside of my control ;)  After 10 months of trying different strategies, only to find no solution… was difficult to accept.

 

I am now trying to readjust to American culture. My health is improving and needless to say… no more motion sickness! Thank the Gods. It sure does feel good to be back in good ol’America. The silver lining to the whole experience is I now get to move on to the next stage in my life. Finishing a degree, self-employment and owning a home are next on the list.

 

Some have asked, “So, are you now ready to settle down? Have you got it all out of your system now?”. I laugh and say, “Yes, I’m ready to create a home base for myself. A place I call my own that I can always come back to. But, am I done traveling? Heck no!!!!”. I am all about building on that freedom and independence that grows in every Peace Corps Volunteer. I’ve stopped looking at the employment ads. Right now, working for anyone except myself just doesn’t feel good. And, I want to feel good! (That’s my new mantra, by the wayJ)

 

I am now a Pure Romance Consultant. I educate and empower women about their sexuality and how to put the ‘O’ in romance. Through in home parties I provide a safe, comfortable and fun atmosphere to teach women about the sophisticated line of relationship enrichment products. My Hostesses receive free products for inviting their friends over for a fun girl’s night in! More on this in a separate e-mail and a soon to be operational web site for online ordering.

 

The Pure Romance business plan is perfect for my lifestyle! I can work when I want and travel when I want. It builds on my Peace Corps experience too. I’m transitioning from teaching people about HIV/Aids to teaching women about their sexuality. If you want to know more about what I did during my Peace Corps experience, check out my blog. I have posted my official description of service.

 

I can honestly say I have never felt more alive than while in Peace Corps. And yet I never felt more like I wanted to die or was going to die than when in Peace Corps. Am I glad I went? Yes, oh yes! Once again a once in a life time experience that has enriched my world view. Irreplaceable really.  Would I do it again? For sure! I loved being a Peace Corps Volunteer. But not in Africa or anywhere else that has a poor public transport system and preferably no malaria!

 

Let me leave you with an appreciation for life in the United States. We truly do not appreciate what we have until we are gone. The American lifestyle is one of endless choice and opportunity. I knew this before going to Uganda but, was not interested in appreciating it as much as I do now. I also now appreciated my friends and family more. I’m not sure where I would be with out your kindness and support. Thank you for coming along with me on this journey. May each of you know the quiet, simple joys and faith I have discovered along the way.

 

Cheers,

Carrie

 

Description of Service

Ms. Carrie May began Peace Corps training on September 26, 2006 at Peace Corps' training site in Luweero, Uganda and completed an intensive ten‑week program. The training program included:

Culture:                 Ugandan area and cultural studies including politics, geography, values, history, health, with an emphasis how these issues impact Ugandan communities, families, and children (50 hrs).

Technical:             General introduction to the public health system in Uganda, with specific emphasis on health care at the grassroots level.  The foundation of the training program was built on the following topics: HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, malaria prevention, water and sanitation issues, child and maternal health, nutrition and community mobilization (170 hrs).

Language:            Study of the Runyooro/Rutorro language, spoken and written (83 hrs); passed her ACTFL exam at the intermediate-low level.

Health/Safety:      First aid, tropical medicine, preventative medicine, and personal safety issues (31 hrs).

 

During this period of Pre‑Service Training, as part of the language and cross‑cultural component of the training program Ms. Carrie May lived with a Runyooro‑speaking Ugandan family. Three weeks of the training included health facilities visits and workshop development.

 

Ms. Carrie May successfully completed training and was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer on November 30, 2006. She was assigned to work with Emesco Development Foundation located in Karuguuza, Kibaale District. Her service ended on July 12, 2007.

 

Ms. Carrie May served as a PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief) Community Health Volunteer. She trained over 160 Community Health Workers (CHWs), Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Community Resource Persons through HIV workshops entitled 'Sensitize, Advise, Refer! Confidentially'. Ms. May developed the theme, curriculum, teaching methods and partner agency support through local needs assessments and a positive relationship with her Ugandan Counterpart. Topics included: Pre & Post tests, Role of CHW in HIV prevention, care and treatment, Confidentiality, How it is spread, How not spread, Who should get tested?, Condom demonstrations, Field trip to a Community Resource Center and HIV Clinic, Other support resources, Role-play presentations, debriefings and way forward.

 

On average, participants who attended the workshop increased their basic HIV knowledge by 21% and thus increased their capacity to fill their role as community leaders. Furthermore, Ms. May supported eight Community Health Workers in their efforts to sensitize their villages on HIV/Aids prevention. These sensitizations and others reached over 520 individuals.

 

Organizational development was a concurrent area of focus for Ms. May while serving Emesco Development Foundation. She began to build strategies to increase effective communication between management and staff and collaboration/referrals between departments and partner agencies. She also created a manual for the mainstreaming of HIV messages in the Sustainable Agriculture and Integrated Community Health programs.

 

Ms. May guided her Counterpart and Supervisor in creating a Village Health Baseline Survey to be used by newly trained Community Health Workers and Traditional Birth Attendants.

 

Ms. May completed an Organizational Strategic Planning workshop that covered developing vision and mission statements, goals, objectives, timelines and budgets. She was also trained in Life Skills Development that target youth and adults.

 

Ms. May built relationships with several international grantors who fund Emesco Development Foundation and brainstormed with her colleagues and supervisor on how to improve program monitoring and reporting.

 

Finally, Ms. May participated in HIV Strategic Planning meetings with officials from the Kibaale District. At these meetings she provided leadership to complete community mapping of HIV services for prevention, care and treatment at the District and NGO level. Over 50 HIV/Aids service providers were identified, which will increase awareness and networking and reduce duplication of services in the Kibaale District. 

 

 

At Karuguzza Post Office

At Karuguzza Post Office
Originally uploaded by Carrie May

Surronded by my things

Surronded by my things
Originally uploaded by Carrie May

How much can a Muzungu push in the mud

How much can a Muzungu push in the mud
Originally uploaded by Carrie May

Onu munywani wange, Ibara Melissa

Onu munywani wange, Ibara Melissa
Originally uploaded by Carrie May.

Remember those photos of family and friends I collected before I left? Well, they are a great ice breaker and easy way to pass the time waiting for more people to show up for a meeting. It's also great for sharing that American culture. People love it ~ I keep the small album in my backpack and take it where ever I go.

Considering finishing that degree...

I have applied to two different schools for admission into their Bachelor’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies for an Individualized online degree program. They include Metropolitan State University in Minnesota and Empire State College in New York.

 

I had to write an essay for application to admission for one of the schools. I thought I would share it with all of you as well.

 

“At this time, I serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda until November 2008. I envision my future employers may be an international development/grant making foundation, an NGO, the United States Federal Government or self employment as a consultant. After living in Alaska for five years, I have become accustomed to the developing, rural areas and prefer a simple independent life living overseas while still holding on my American culture.

 

My professional experience includes work over six years with school districts, small non-profit organizations and at the State Government level. My dedication to service learning is demonstrated through pervious leadership positions with community based groups and student organizations. It is now, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, that I gain valuable experience in the international devolvement arena. 

 

An interdisciplinary degree, online from Empire State College, will allow me to practice a new disciple in learning, It will also bring together my life and work experiences into a cohesive degree; a degree that represents me, my future and my interdisciplinary strengths.

 

Entering as a transfer student with potential elective credits already in horticulture, education and social work – My interests are now aligned to  maximize my capacity for work in the international development and public administration arenas. This could include courses in grant monitoring and evaluation, programming for capacity building, organizational or workforce development.

 

Labor market information on America’s Job Bank shows an average increase of 21 % (in Michigan) for positions such as Social and Community Service Specialists with average salaries that can more than support my desired lifestyle. Because my interest are varied, yet connected, I appreciate the opportunity to self design my degree with a mentor for added guidance and value. Weather I pursue self employment, non-profit work or public service – I know adding value to my current skills and experience will prove to be an investment with dividends beyond my imagination.”

 

Sound open ended yet convincing? There are definite undertones of my work with the State of Alaska Department of Labor. One of the best things I got out of that professional experience was a practical approach to education and training as it relates to a real job. How much education and training is really needed to do the job you want to do?  I constantly ask myself this. That, and of course… How much will it cost ;)

 

I have done pretty well for someone who does not have a degree. There is a tipping point really between using the skills and experience you all ready have and can maybe build on through on-the-job training and that added value of a formal degree from academia. Maybe it’s the allure of a higher earning potential or prestige that causes so many to jump into degree programs at the Bachelor and Master’s level.

 

For me, it’s more of a cosmic alignment. If you remember from my previous post… I have three current goals. 1. live and work overseas. 2. have a home. 3. finish a degree. I never thought I may be able to accomplish all three by doing the Peace Corps. But, as my fate would have it, it just may be possible by starting an online degree while I’m here and using the re-settling in allowance for a potential down payment upon return. J

 

 

Blurb about rafting

About a month ago I went rafting on the great Rile River. The source of the Nile is Lake Victoria in Uganda, near Jinja town.  Sorry, didn’t take any pictures. But here’s the highlights: Several, several grade 5 rapids and real water falls. I wasn’t scared going into it. I’ve been rafting before, in Chile during a study abroad. But, let me tell ya on a rapid they call the ‘G’ spot I really thought I was going to die. I had fallen out of the boat before and made it back to the raft with out any problems. The ‘G’ spot was a different story. It was extra long and powerful. The current kept pushing me down again and again. And, I needed to breathe. Just when I thought I made it back up to the surface, I was pushed back down by another rapid and took in more water. I have never felt this way. The key is to not freak out. But, when you are under water being tossed around without a sense of which way is up – who doesn’t freak out? Death by drowning is no way to go.

 

The rapids eventually calmed down. I hacked and coughed my way into some sort of composure, laid on my back with my feet up and just drifted until a rescue kayak came to pick me and bring me back to the raft. As they hauled my exhausted body back into the raft, I thought…Man; I can’t believe I just paid money to feel that way. Will I do that again? No, I don’t think so!

 

Moments thus far in Kampala

Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. It seems for one reason or another I end up coming into Kampala about once a month. Could include: medical visits, passing through on the way to a training/conference or just for some good ol’R&R.

 

Each visit opens a world of possibilities I never knew existed. Maybe a newfound resource or contact through the Peace Corps office, a great Indian restaurant, city night life and ‘muzungu’ hang outs, an easier route from the taxi park to my hotel, a near by supermarket that has the crackers and peanut butter that I like (still not as good as American peanut butter) or discovering a different suburb of the city.

 

This recent visit included a tour of the US Embassy here in Uganda. Impressive, just about sums it up. All of our jaws dropped at the site of the building. I think it is fair to assume it’s the largest Embassy in Uganda. I’ve passed by several European Embassies while walking along the road. They are nice. But, the US Embassy was like an institution. What a presence.

 

Our tour included briefings from some Embassy staff, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Consular Office and from USAID. It was a theoretical ‘Career Day’ for anyone considering life in the Foreign Service. I really enjoyed it. Why is that? Maybe because the thought of working life back in the States seems to be an enormous monster, ready to suck my very essence of being only to recycle it back into the masses. Am I jaded? Or, do I just know what I want and not willing to settle for less?

 

Meeting these people and hearing their stories validates my desire for life outside the US. It really is possible. Life and work over seas is a far cry from my upbringing and family history back in Michigan. I like to think I am paving the way for future generations to think outside of the box, outside of what they see day in and day out. Coming from a strong blue-collar, low to mid class family makes one better equipped for life in a developing country -  Being able to relate to people on a tangible level through struggle, hard work and dreams allows for trust, honesty and patience.

 

My most recent great time in Kampala included several soul comforting hot showers, a homemade meal and easy conversation with a new found friend, the music of John Mayer, James Blunt and listening to old pod casts of the NPR show – The News from Lake Wobegon. Oh, and I can’t forget the newest great find… DVD’s of seasons one and two of Grey’s Anatomy. Some days I have all I enjoy of American culture right at my fingertips.