- The international airport is VASTLY different than the domestic one.
- The domestic one in Pokhara is very nice compared to the capital’s domestic airport.
- Nepalis forget things after awhile. I knew this from ordering things in restaurants, but didn’t realize it extended to other areas. I have had to remind people I don’t dance by myself and that I will grow my hair out, but will NOT be dyeing my hair black or brown.
- Monsoon season is hot and sometimes it won’t rain for a few days to give relief. It does not mean that all day it will rain - so far the max it has is 4 hours.
I have been back at site for about 3 weeks now. School is out for a month so people can plant their rice for the year. The first week I was a little out of sorts because my plan had been to visit schools, but that cannot happen until school is back in session! I have had to find a new routine, which I am slowly but surely making. The second week I visited with other people. After my visit to the States and returning, I am realizing that my introvert behavior is more from my environment in Nepal so that is something I am needing to readjust for myself as well.
I had an interesting conversation with a Nepali about menstruation. No worries - I won’t get graphic. Nepalis seem to be taught that when a woman is on her cycle - she has a disease and is sick. I told this person that if a woman was supposed to be on her cycle and was not - THAT is when something is severely wrong and is sick (or pregnant…). Women are NOT sick with a disease if they have a cycle. This is definitely something I want to address because that thinking is SO NOT OK!!!! (You never thought in 4th grade that you would appreciate the “growing up” videos they showed, did you?!) I just need to figure out a creative way to educate others that is culturally appropriate…
I’m having all sorts of new experiences. After one, I got a mild sunburn. How? I have no idea because I sat in the shade or underneath an umbrella most of the time! The next day, it hurt to put any tops on with the exception of a spaghetti strap tank top - definitely not appropriate to wear by itself in village! I hung out out of the sun in my room to not scandalize others. Later that night, I was told I shouldn’t help outside planting anymore. My response was not very respectful, but at least this time I spoke up instead of continuing to ignore the controlling behavior.
My plan is to begin collecting supplies to do murals at my health post soon. The new one is finished, but they are waiting on office supplies before they move from the old health post. I’m going to be creative in how I become artistic for my murals! I can paint just fine, but drawing is going to take a little more creativity on my part. Sketching Anime in a sketch book is MUCH more easier than drawing fruits, vegetables, First Aid themes, breastfeeding themes, and etc.
As for the title, when I was keeping myself from scandalizing my village - I began to reread a book series from when I was a kid. All girls having any affiliation with Canada (that also means living in northern States that touch Canada) should read the “Anne of Green Gables” series. Even if you don’t have an affiliation - you should still read them. They are great! In many ways, I identify with Anne. While I’m definitely not as romantically whimsy as she is - I do have a similar dreamy outlook on life like she does. Not going to lie…Gilbert Blythe is one of my favorite literary characters. I can’t explain why or more of why I feel like I identify with Anne, but I do. It’s a great series I suggest people read at least once in their lifetime!
The phrase “of the race that knows Joseph” comes from this series. It caused me to reflect on all the people in my life that are “of the race that knows Joseph” and how glad I am that they are in my life! I could explain what that means, but I’m going to let y’all Google it. When I have down days, I think of y’all and my days get brighter. Thank you for your affinity and support! Y’all truly mean the world to me as I continue my time in the Peace Corps.