Fitiavana (love) from Erin to all of y’all! She is asking that y’all keep her in your prayers and that y’all, please; continue to be so supportive – she needs y’all now – more than ever! Erin is concerned about her site placement. She was up there last week and there are security issues. Erin is not certain that she – as a Peace Corps Volunteer – is really wanted in the village. Her house was not built even though they had told the Peace Corps that it was. (The building of the house/hut is important because it demonstrates their want and willingness to have the Peace Corps come into their village.) Without going into detail, Erin’s visit was nothing like when she first arrived in the village of her host family – and remember, she’s in that village without the other (17? or less now) volunteers who are with families in a nearby village where she goes for training. Please write letters sending encouragement – help Erin to maintain her incredible attitude; help her to ward off disappointment and disillusionment. Whether she is placed in Sadjoavato (where she is feeling fearful to go) or Sakaramy (where I think we are hoping for), there is SO MUCH work to be done. The northern region is even more impoverished than the plateau region we have described in earlier blog entries. The northern region is the poorest, most neglected area of this country – which is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Erin said that with all the hard work she will be doing over the next two years, she will not even see a difference – she will be laying the groundwork for change. Giving so much of oneself and not seeing the outcome is difficult and Erin really wants and needs the encouragement, strength and love that y’all have been giving to her. She differentiated the plateau region from the northern region by comparing the plateau to the poorest areas of West Virginia – with rice patties, though – and the north to the Sudan. Erin asked that we help her to see the bright side – “this is much harder than I ever thought it would be. Everyone, please help!”
Erin was a little naïve…perhaps an understatement!!! She was upset to learn that prostitution is legal for those 18 years and older, that khat is legal and that there is corruption. When the taxi busse is pulled over by the “police” and the driver gave him money, Erin thought they driver was paying a toll…not a bribe because of something that was been done illegally! Seriously, thought, Erin is VERY concerned about the “sexual tourism”. Many YOUNG girls 11, 12, 13 year olds are being made up to look 18 and “sold” to French businessmen or tourists because they and their families desperately need the money. Erin wants to find a way to empower these young girls; she wants to help them find other ways to earn money and to break this horrible cycle. She is even thinking about establishing some sort of “safe” house for these young girls so they will be safe, they can learn a money-making craft/skill, and they will no longer have to prostitute themselves. Erin was hoping that some of you may have some ideas that you could share with her; that y’all may have some advice. (I know that WSB is going to have a segment on something similar to this right here in the Atlanta area, so I’m going to call them tomorrow to get a transcript.) Also, Erin is very concerned that most of the people in the north believe that AIDS is not real; that it was made up by governments to get money for drugs and that condoms were to be used to stop procreation and end their survivial. Erin wants to find some visual testimontials from other African nations that demonstrate the harsh realities of HIV and AIDS. Do any of y'all have any ideas to help Erin with this challenge? Please share whatever you know. Thanks!!!
And now for a little Erin humor…
Erin just completed an intensive survival course – starting a fire without matches, first aid, etc. For the last activity, the PCV’s were going to make their own “snack” according to the trainers. Erin had to catch a chicken, wring its neck, clean out the insides, pluck it and fry it…that was to be her snack! After doing all that she HAD to do, she no longer had an appetite for chicken!!! As gross as this is…imagining Erin doing all this may make you laugh…hey, I don’t eat chicken, anyway!!!
Please, please keep those encouraging letters, the CD’s she so very much enjoys and everything else coming to Erin. Y’all mean so very much to her and she is going to begin her MOST difficult challenge! Remember, if you’d like to send small packages, use the bubbled envelopes and don’t go over 3 pounds. Tape up the bubbled envelope to detour people from breaking into it. Send “religious books”, “educational items” and “personal, feminine hygiene items” if you have to fill out the little customs form. Her new address is:
Erin Levin, PCV
Peace Corps Regional House
6 Rue Commandant
Marchard-Place
Karaby 201
Antsiranana MADAGASCAR
If there’s anything I can do to help you help Erin, please, do not hesitate to call (770) 403 – 2141 or to e-mail me levinb@fultonschools.org or brl259@aol.com or write
695 Saint Regis Lane
Alpharetta, GA 30022
And, please know how very much I appreciate each of you for being the incredible friend you are!!!
With tremendous thanks!
Brenda
