Operation Smile

Operation Smile 

Written 9/20/2015

A few weeks ago, I was working with 7 other volunteers and Operation Smile. Operation Smile is an organization that gives no-cost cleft palate and lip surgeries to people in developing countries. They have been coming to Madagascar for about 12 years, and they are now building a Medical Center in a big city in Madagascar to serve the country on a more regular basis.

In the past, I had helped Charlotte - my site mate - while she searched for Operation Smile patients. She would go into the country side around our town and spread the word that Operation Smile was coming and that children and adults with cleft lip and/or cleft palate could be eligible for a no-cost surgery.

I saw the patients before they left, and saw them come back with a new confidence, sometimes even visibly healthier looking, as they spent the week eating healthy, meat-filled meals at the patient shelter.

So, when the call came that I could volunteer with Operation Smile, I new I wanted to participate in the mission. And I am so glad that I did!

The main task of the Peace Corps Volunteers who came to help was to coordinate the patient shelter and make sure the patients were being fed well, had beds, and were overall staying healthy before surgery. We got to know the patients, and after a few hiccups, things were running smoothly.

The secondary task was translating. We translated throughout the screening process and for the nurses in post-op. I new my Malagasy language skills had improved, but I had no idea how much so! Some translating was difficult, not in the sense that the words were hard, but the content was heartbreaking. 

A mother brought her child that had gotten cleft lip surgery in the past and had brought him back to get cleft palate surgery. Her son was born def, and being 11 years old, the Op Smile staff knew that fixing his palate would be extremely painful with very little benefit. He would never be able to speak well without intensive speech therapy because he wasn’t able to hear the sounds he was making. 

I, with the help of Malagasy translators, had to apologize for the miscommunication that led this woman to think her son was certainly getting surgery and explain to her why surgery wasn’t worth it. She was visibly distressed and expressed that she just hoped her son would be able to say, “Mama” or “Papa” one day. So we brought the speech therapist in and helped him take the steps towards saying this words. It was a really special moment!

Next, we had to send the woman home. Operation Smile provides reimbursement for the trip to and from the operation site. At some point in the process, I was given the money to give to her. I handed her the cash and said Operation Smile is helping her get home. She started to say her goodbyes, a final thank you, and final apologies from the Op Smile end and one of the nurses gave her a big hug. Malagasy people do not hug. The woman welcomed the hug, but her body was as stiff as a board. Next, she turned to me and we did the more traditional handshake and three cheek kisses. On the final kiss, I saw the woman’s eyes fill with tears. She said one final thank you and turned away. Although I know her son is healthy, eating well and able to communicate in his own ways, it was difficult to see someone’s hope deflate just a little bit, although she was still thanking God that she had a healthy son.

Over the week, the situations got a bit less dramatic, but never less touching. We translated more simple things, such as “Make sure you child is drinking a lot of water. They will have less pain and feel better if they are drinking a lot of water” or “When did your child go to the bathroom last” Or explaining how and when to give your child medicine. It was simple tasks, but we had formed a connection with the parents. We were they’re voice. When they looked distressed, we were the ones who asked if they needed anything. Although I gave absolutely no medical assistance, I was thanked more than I have ever been thanked in my Peace Corps service because I was the one of the people who understood. It was a really heart warming experience.

That being said, the people who really deserved the praise were the surgeons, nurses, dentists, doctors, and Op Smile staff that took time out of there regular lives to help give these surgeries free of charge. Working with all of them was truly a wonderful experience. Weather it was translating for them, running errands, watching surgery or just hanging out, their dedication to improving lives was obvious. In 5 days, they operated on 118 people. Thats 118 lives changed. 

I am hopeful that I will get to work with Operation Smile again in my next year of service.  Working with them was a wonderful way to end my 1st year in Madagascar and another beautiful way I am making my mother proud :)

A Great Month with CNFM

A Great Month with CNFM

Written on 9/1/2015

My much too short time at CNFM is coming to an end today, for being such a short time, I would never have expected it to be so bittersweet. 

I wouldn't have expected to learn so much about development and policy, and get to know so much more about the women of Madagascar, the women of CNFM, and experience a evolution in my view of development work. And I honestly hope that this experience was just the beginning.

The president of the organization, Noro Ravaozanany is one of the most hardworking and inspiring women I have met. Her passion and commitment for gender equality and the incredible leadership she brings to the table continues to inspire me everyday. Last week, i admitted to her that when I grow up I want to be her. Which she was more surprised by than I expected.

Through her and the other women at CNFM, I learned more about how important policy is in  creating sustainable, institutional change. Where as field work - sensitization and capacity building trainings - is important, creating change in legal framework is just as crucial. I'd like to work with them again and get the chance to look more into policy and development, because I feel I just hit the surface of learning all the information I am certain they have to offer. 

I can also not say enough about the woman who so graciously let us into her home, Mama Zena. As we slowly started learning more and more about what a strong woman she was, working within the government. Being a strong voice for women here in Madagascar. She opened her doors to us and gave us a month of comfortable living, wonderfully full stomachs, and lots of inspiration.

With Mama Zena and Noro's invitation, I also had a wonderful opportunity to attend an international conference for the Indian Ocean area islands, where I observed the editing of a political strategy for sustainable change. The women (and a few men) were determined to make a plan to push for gender equality. Hearing alternate opinions about development was enlightening and refreshing.  Such as viewing gender issues as being a problem for both genders - specifically the idea that domestic violence abusers should go through a rehabilitation process to end the violence, not just for the one women, but for future women. An idea that can be adjusted to fit various gender related issues, but that, being a woman, I can honestly say I hadn't really though of.

Just as importantly, I had the chance to spend some time with some wonderfully empowered young Malagasy women that I hope to keep in contact with indefinitely. These intelligent, determined, and hilarious young women will go far in life and I want to watch it happen. I hope one day to greet them in America and get the opportunity to show them around my own country and reciprocate their wonderful hosting.

As I said to these wonderful women I had the chance to work with, I really hope it's not a goodbye to this wonderful organization, but a see you later! I am so grateful for all that I've learned and I cannot say thank you enough. I felt refueled with an even stronger amount of inspiration and excitement to return to the USA next year and apply for University public policy programs so that I can to continue to do development work in the future.

If you want to see what another Volunteer, Jillian, and I put together over the month, you can check it out (hopefully soon) on CNFM’s website.

Taking the Bus: A New Perspective on Commuting

Taking the Bus: A New Perspective on Commuting

Written on 8/14/2015

Everyday, I wake up around 6. Sometimes I actually get up and work out, sometimes I stay in bed and fight with my snooze button until about 7. I eat breakfast, get my things together and Jillian and I start making our way to the office around 8:45.

This is when the adventures of being in a big city truly come to life. Being volunteers and without cars or enough money to take a taxi to work everyday, we wait for the bus….

Sometimes, waiting can be excruciatingly long, as we deal with the stares, whistles, and  “bonjour cheri” from men nearby. At one point, I got frustrated and told the men they don’t know how to respect people...which led to less that desirable results. Instead of leaving us alone, one man came to apologize, and apologize, and apologize some more until our bus finally arrived. 

But, at the same time, waiting can be a delightful and heartwarming experience. Once, a little boy was adorably asking us questions about our names, ages, and destination and leaping with glee as we responded in Malagasy and asked him about himself. When his bus left, he waved until he was out of view.

Basically, waiting for the bus is not typically a dull experience. 

When the bus finally arrives, it’s usually almost full. As we pack ourselves into a seats, many people are already astonished to see two foreigners on a bus. As soon as we open our mouths and unleash a little malagasy, its usually obvious we are not a typical foreigners. 

Sometimes we just sit and wait patiently for our stop. But, sometimes our seats are in a less-than-convenient place and every stop we have to readjust to let others out, usually leading to some uncomfortable, and sometimes hilarious seating arrangements. 

On one particular ride, my fellow intern, Jillian, was sitting right next to the door so that at every stop she had to get off the bus and then get back into her place before the driver decided it was time to go. This proved trickier than you’d expect. Multiple times people would pile into the bus before her and I would have to explain that the spot was taken. Others, the driver would start to leave when Jillian was not yet sitting, still half way in the bus, or not yet sitting at all. 

The first time this happened I think everyone expected us to get frustrated and attempt to move seats or tell the doorman or driver off. Instead, we kept laughing and making jokes in Malagasy, which made the doorman laugh hysterically. And, I hope, made people see not all foreigners are as stuck up as they think! By the end of the bus, it felt like we were all friends. 

Another ride, we hailed the bus to come pick us up. It stopped and was very, very, VERY full. I asked if there was room for two people and they started pushing us in. I was placed in a seat facing the other passengers with my back to the driver,where I couldn’t sit because my long legs didn’t have room to bend. And Jillian was sitting on the seat next to the door, hanging on for her life because the door man was hanging out of the door space to make more room. Luckily, there were only a few moments of complete horror and fear of falling out of a moving vehicle before more spots were cleared up and we moved to a more secure (and fully seated) position.

If this past two weeks of bus adventures made anything clear, its that the next month of commuting to the office is bound to be full of interesting journeys. 

My Really Cool Summer Internship

My Really Cool Summer Internship

Written on 8/6/2015

This week I started an internship at CNFM (Council of Women in Madagascar https://cnfmadagascar.wordpress.com) in Antananrivo with another volunteer, Jillian. The organization helps create a support network for female-focused NGO’s and Associations in Madagascar and sensitizes groups about women’s issues in Madagascar and how to take small steps to fight against them.

So far, its been an exciting week getting to know the different people in the office and getting started on our project. For all of August, Jillian and I will be writing posts for their blog about the different associations that are under CNFM’s umbrella. We haven’t started talking to anyone..yet..but have scheduled a few interviews and reached out to many different people.

It’s been really exciting to get back into the world of journalism a little bit, I forgot how much I enjoyed the thrill of getting ready for an interview and thinking about different possible angles and topics for stories. It made me really excited to think about free-lancing while I am back in America...or maybe even while I am here? 

One thing, though, that I haven’t been enjoying is the cold cold temperatures in Tana. Its really only around 50 degrees everyday, but coming from living in a place for a year where the coldest it gets is 70 degrees, I haven’t been transitioning well. I know for many of my Wisconsin and Minnesota friends and family, 50 degrees being “cold” sounds like a joke! But I promise you, its different here. There isn’t indoor heating (besides a wonderful fireplace at our host mama’s house). So you are cold ALL DAY.

I’ve officially caught a cold, and my host mama is worried about me. She has had volunteers for CNFM stay with her before. But its been a while since she has had Peace Corps Volunteers. We are a strong group, and we’ve gotten through tougher sickness than a common cold. This cold has nothing on me (I say as I have four layers of sweaters on, two pairs of socks, leggings under my jeans and a hat on).

But really, it should be a really interesting summer and I am excited for the adventures of interviewing to begin. We should have our first interview in just a few minutes! Wish me luck!

Sunrise to Sunset

Sunrise to Sunset

Written on 7/27/2015

*poetic blog post*

Living in a village on the East Coast of Madagascar, I've had the pleasure of seeing the sunrise over the Indian Ocean. It never fails to be a beautiful start to everyday. A promise that every morning is new, and every day has the ability to be beautiful.

Recently, I traveled to the other side of the island and got to see the sun kiss the waters surrounding this island goodnight. As I did, I feel so much more in love with this beautiful big red island knowing that it is hugged by this glorious, ocean-side, paint-like scene of colors every morning and every night.

There is something about the wonderful colors of the sun rising and setting that remind me that life is beautiful if you allow yourself to think it is. Every event in life, weather it be falling in love or heartbreak, a gain or a loss, a precious smile or a lonely cry, can be beautiful if you allow yourself to look into the positives and try to focus on a purpose to it all.

It's true, I've had a hard year. Most definitely the most emotionally testing, heartbreaking, and all-around difficult year so far in my short life. Although it still seems impossible to find meaning in something that still feels simply unfair, there was something about seeing the sunset as I left the west side of the island that reminded me that I have a purpose, that this tragic year has a purpose. 

I am not sure what it is yet, but I am confident that whatever keeps pushing me forward will lead me to something that will make sense of it all. Until then, I'll just keep being amazed by the way the sun paints the sky.

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! 

Lean In by Sheryl Sandburg Review

Lean In By Sheryl Sandburg Review

Written on 7/12/2015

I first put this book on my kindle when I was looking for interesting books to read back in the States. One of my friends had read it while we were in college, and found it interesting, so I figured why not figure out what the hype was all about too. Lean In has become one of the books that brought about what I feel is another wave of feminism (which, by the way, the fact that their has been waves or phases to feminism shows how long genders have been inequitable...) I digress. And Sheryl Sandburg is one of the leading ladies of the cyber world, and recently a leader in new feminist conversations. So why not see what her ideas are all about. Why not Lean In to the book, if you will...

I found Sandburg's perspective interesting, her book is less about how the man brings us down! and how we should stick it to the man! but more about what women can do for themselves, inside their own heads and gender group, to improve the current situation for women in the workplace and at home. To fight back against "barriers that exists with in ourselves" causing us to lean back when we should be leaning in.

In a nut shell, how to stop focusing on 'doing it all' and focus more on doing whats most important for you and for your family. How the 'balancing act' between work and family could (and should) be a balancing act between the heads of the house hold, making sure each is able to reach their fullest potential at work, and at home. It's about not being afraid to have a family AND reach for the stars in your career.

Some specific ideas that I found interesting were:

Stop making compromises on your professional life before a partner and children even exist. When you start a relationship, start it on an equal playing field so that you have a balanced relationship from the beginning. It's easier to maintain a balanced relationship than change an unbalanced one. When you start thinking of having children, no that from the moment you get pregnant until conception, you have (hopefully) 9 (healthy) months to plan.

Opportunities are rarely offered. They are seized. Asking for a promotion or a raise increases your chances of getting a promotion or a raise. Don't be afraid to say you know that we (women) are often paid less, and because you do as much (or more) work than your male counterparts, you want to make sure your rank and your paycheck reflect that.

Think personally, act communally. Studies show that women in leadership positions aren't as well perceived by their peers because socially, women are seen as more communal beings. When they are perceived as thinking more about themselves, its seen much more negatively than a man. So, its important to act communally as a woman. Use "We" instead of "I", "Us" instead of "me." For example: "We should get that done now so it's less work for us later" is seen much more positively than "I need to work hard now so I have less work later..."

Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder. In today's world, where job security feels like a thing of the past, working at the same company for years trying to get to the top may not work. Jumping around from different positions, taking lower positions in fields/a company with a high growth rate (think Sandburg starting at Facebook before it was something everyone stared at all day long).

I did, however, have one problem with this book. Aside from a short blerb in the beginning, Sandburg rarely acknowledged her own privilege. Throughout the book, it would've been nice to see this position of privilege checked and acknowledged in anecdotes and data. Does her advice change if you don't have those same privileges? I'm not sure. It something that I feel would have been interesting, and worthwhile, for Sandburg to explore.