Always Working!

Miasa Foana! Always Working!

Written on 7/27/2015

The school year is offically over and as I walk around my village everyone keeps asking the same thing, "Where are you going for vacation?" 

Having just got back from a short vacation up the coast to Tamtave, a meeting in Antananarivo, and a quick trip to the west side of the island to a costal city called Mahajanga...it is hard to explain that the 'vacation' part of my break from school is already over! When I think about it, I haven't really had a summer off since I was really young, always giong to camps or working. I just love being busy..what can I say?

So for this vacation I have a few things going on. Most notably, I will be working with an organization called the Council of Women in Madagascar (CNFM - Council de Femme Madagaskara). I'll be working in a position similar to an intern, most likely writing newsletters and translating things to English as well as teaching the women (and men) working their English. 

After getting the chance to meet with my summer-time coworkers this past week, I am very excited for the opportunity to work with them. They are a group of strong, motivated, and intellegent women who are working to try to change the situation for women in Madagascar. If you've read some of my previous blogs...or know me at all..., by now you've probably figured out that women's issues are close to my heart! 

Right now, CNFM is working on educating candidates for local governments on Women's issues and what should be done to alleviate some of the hardships women in Madagascar face, as well as encouraging women to vote, and voters to vote for women. All and all, its something I am excited to work on. [And, just to add, the women are as excited as I am for a possible female president in America...Go Hilary!]

I am also going to be (and need to be) studying for the GRE, and working on teaching guides for the English classes at Center of Hope. And starting to put the English Teacher's Training I've been working into motion....

Basicially, when I tell people "miasa foana zaho" (I am always working), although I say it with a laugh, its not a joke! Although these few weeks of vacation and a little bit of relaxation have been wonderful, I'm excited to start something new and get back to being busy!

I'm a little bit nervous to be living in the capital city and have to work with a new group of people, but I think being nervous and doing new things is what keeps life interesting! I guess a part of me is just getting to comfortable in Mahanoro, and I am excited to shake things up a bit in the big city for a month!