Coming to America

Hello Dear Reader,

The epic journey to America was completed about two weeks ago, and I'm still recovering. We took planes, trains (Amtrak, metros & subways), and automobiles from DC to Chicago to NYC and back. There were museums, lots of cheese cake, Christmas tree decorating, Times Square, ferry rides, plays, movies, Target, monuments, memorials, friends, family, and much, much more. Mind you, I've visited (and even lived in two) these three cities multiple times throughout my life, but I saw them through new eyes because of my lovely Ethiopian tourist.

Conversations we had about America's complex past, the definition of success and progress, and every day life helped to reshape my ever evolving perspective on being an American and life in America. Out in the world, America is the icon, a physical manifestation of success/glamor/glory/freedom. Out in the world, people either loath it, love it, fear it, hate it, idealize it and/or want to be a part of it (and sometimes all at once). Hell, throughout my lifetime, I've had all of those feelings. Whilst in America, I struggled with its complex history and attempted to understand how exactly I fit in. Since living abroad, my understanding of who I am, as an American, shifted in a direction I never would have expected. I've actually become rather patriotic. My appreciation for the struggles we've collectively been through has grown tremendously. The freedoms and liberties we have as individuals is a unique gift which is often times taken for granted when they are not routinely called into question (clearly a blanket statement, because there certainly are Americans who continue to be marginalized).

For my lovely Ethiopian, his first trip to the US of A was an overwhelming experience. He literally woke up dancing with excitement. Although he would never admit it, this trip was a dream come true. I had to pinch him to reassure him that this was not a dream (along with having to explain the expression after I actually pinched him). Periodically during our trip, I or someone else would ask him one of two questions: "How do you compare the US to Ethiopia?" and "What stands out the most on your trip thus far?" Because his responses didn't change much over the course of the three weeks we were there, I'll fill you in from what I remember (and add in my own thoughts and feelings...of course).

1. In Ethiopia, there are only a handful of ways food can taste. In the US, there are so many different tastes that one could spend weeks without overlapping culinary experiences.

2. Options. There are so many options for everything- from food, to activities, to information, ways of accessing information, ideas, etc.

3. Tall buildings. He attributed the tall buildings and the well-ordered infrastructure of the US as a testament to the hard work and forward thinking of the American people. (He took pictures of just about each one of the; and went to the tops of the Empire State Building, Sears Tower & the John Hancock Building).

4. Cheese Cake. I know I already mentioned 'foods' in general, but cheese cake deserves a special mention. My Ethiopian had never had cheese cake, only having heard of it from his favorite show "Friends". One bite of my brother's red velvet cheese cake from The Cheese Cake Factory had him hooked. We.ate.cheese.cake.all.the.time.and.talked.about.cheese.cake.all.of.the.time.

5.The Statue of Liberty. I've been to NYC a number of times, but never made the effort to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. For me, Lady Liberty represents a story of migration (by choice) that excluded people who look like me. She is the story of liberty and equality for some, but not all. At the same time, she reminds me of how far we, as a people, have come. My ancestors reached American shores as shackled cargo, and considered as 3/5 of a person. Today, we are in boardrooms, business owners, families, farmers, ~Commander & Chief~, and complete citizens. We have come so far...from fear...to acceptance of difference...always redefining and reshaping what it means to be American.

For my beautiful Ethiopian, however, she is a symbol of America's dynamic past, present and future. She is the hope of a better future, an opportunity to be part of the intricate American fabric. She represents possibilities, of which both me and my Ethiopian are a part.

6. Family. I love, love, love my Ethiopian's family. At least once a day, I am in communication with at least one member of his immediate family. Each one of them embraced me with open arms. His family has become my family, with no distinctions between the love of my brother and his sisters. Equally, my Ethiopian blended so well into my family, that it feels like he's always been present. Routinely, my lovely guy remarked how loving my family is and how happy he is that he has been fully accepted. This, Dear Reader, is a dream come true for me.

7. The Washington Monument. We took gazillions of pictures at every angle possible.

8. The abundance of accessible information. My guy literally spent hours each day in museums. Unlike me, who would read a few display descriptions and move on, he studied the words and things he saw. We debated the theory of evolution vs creationism. He saw the fossil of Lucy, his great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great (throw a bunch of 'greats' in) grandmother (if you believe in evolution, that is). In the Smithsonian, Lucy was standing up and full of life. In the National Museum in Addis Ababa, she was an archaeological find.

For Christmas, my guy got an iPad and iPod, which immediately brought him into the world that Apple is trying to take over. "Apps", "smart phones", "touch screens", 4G Internet (I was impressed), "iCloud", and digital TV. Wow!

To say the very least, our trip home was nothing short of amazing. The best and most meaningful trip home to date. Together, and as a family, we were brought closer through this shared experience. It made him excited for the next trip, and stimulated my interests in, one day, moving back.

Until next time,

Dani

My Personal Life: Peace Corps 2nd & 3rd Goals

Hello Dear Reader,

This festive season, I will have the exciting opportunity to incorporate Peace Corps' 2nd and 3rd goals into my personal life! Yep, you heard it right! But before I dive right into into it, let's revisit Peace Corps 3 goals:

1) Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women

2) Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of peoples served.

3) Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Now that we are all on the same page, let's continue.

As you may have read several posts ago, I will soon marry a beautiful Ethiopian man, who, as it turns out, has never been to the United States. Although he's never been there, he could probably beat the both of us in American history, geography, and present-day politics. He's seen American movies, adores Sam Cooke-era music, and can quote 1960's slang better than any James Baldwin character. Can you dig it? While he can do all of these things, as can many 'outside observers', a true understanding of the USA can only be gained from experiencing its many facets from within. Without experiencing the magic that is the spirit of America and its people for one's self, one can boil the US and all of its many dimensions down to sound bites from CNN and Fox News. Similarly, without exposure to the world beyond US boarder patrol, Americans can be led to think that all Arabs hate us and all Africans wear Zebra loin clothes to work. Nope, that just won't do!

During our two-week trip, with stops in Washington, DC; Chicago; and New York City, my dear, sweet, sweetness will have the opportunity to meet up with old friends who have immigrated to the US. He will take the requisite in-front-of-the-White-House photo, walk up the steps of the Supreme Court, listen to down home blues, decorate a real Christmas tree, watch the 24 hour marathon of "A Christmas Story" on TNT like a real American, stroll along Lake Shore Drive, see the bright lights of Time Square, feel the warmth of family and friends as they welcome him into their homes and lives, go ice skating in Millennium Park, eat a real Chicago deep-dish pizza, and much more. My lovely guy will get to experience how Americans celebrate Christmas and bring in the New Year. (Side note: Did you know that, in Ethiopia, they use the Julian Calendar? Did you know that, on September 11th, Ethiopians brought in the year 2004? Did you know that, in Ethiopia, Christmas (known as Ganna) is celebrated on January 7th?) He will see that, to be American, does not equate to xenophobia. He will learn that, to be American, is not reduced to Black or White, but is actually represented by the myriad of colors in a rainbow.

On the same token, my family and friends will have the opportunity to get to know and love my sugar pie-honey bunch, just as I do. They will get to hear, for the first time, the bird song-like quality of Amharic. My guy and his BFF, who lives in the US, will guide the family as it accepts its first Ethiopian meal of injera, wot and kitfo. I won't have to simply describe the warmth and inviting qualities of Ethiopians. They'll get to experience it every time they walk into the kitchen, or ride up the elevator to the top floor of the Empire State Building, or as they stroll down the streets of LaSalle...all with my lovely Ethiopian guy. My family's understanding of and appreciation for Ethiopians will be even further broadened during their first trip to Ethiopia in several more months.

Striving towards the 3 goals of Peace Corps is not merely limited to 2 years of active service, at least not for me. Incorporating the 2nd and 3rd goals won't even end at the close of our two week vacation. Being of service to my global community, and fostering a better appreciation and understanding of each other is a life-long pursuit!

Here's to a very merry festive season and a HAPPY NEW YEAR (to those on the Gregorian Calendar system, that is)!!!

Until next time,

Dani

World AIDS Day: Practicing What I Preach

Hello Dear Reader,

Right around December 1st, the day the world comes together to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, I often see messages pop up on Facebook and around the web encouraging people to get tested for HIV. Surely it is important to remind others to test, but I often wonder if those very same people test as well. Is it easy to tell someone how to think/act a certain way, yet do not take our own advice? When it comes to HIV testing, do we practice what we preach?

I can't speak for anyone but me, so I'll take this opportunity to share with you 4 reason why I choose to test regularly for HIV.

1) Not to sound cliche, but knowledge truly is power. Knowing my HIV status allows me to make wise and responsible decisions about my health and behavior so that I can stay HIV negative. Further, I can empower my sugar pie honey bunch to make decisions that are best for him (just as I am entitled to the same option).

2) I can't think of a good reason not to. If I could think of a reason, more likely than not, it would just be a lame excuse. HIV testing is relatively painless (sans the little prick on the finger...unless oral swab testing is available). Results of a 'rapid test' are available within 10 minutes...so quick that I could do it on my lunch break. It is super easy to find FREE testing services, and I surely do like the sound of that...particularly in these trying economic times (j/k).

3) Peace of mind.

4) I work in an environment that encourages routine, opt-out HIV testing and TB screening for everyone. Can I rightly continue to promote a behavior that I'm not willing to adopt? If you heard me preaching about the benefits of and responsibility to test, yet I did not do it, would you be inclined to take my advice? My passion for improving public health, for me, means that I must model the behavior that I wish to promote. In essence, I must practice what I preach.

Yesterday, on World AIDS Day, my organization and many others joined the ministry of health to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS throughout the country. A major highlight of the event was the provision of HIV testing and TB screening. Because all of the reasons I mentioned above, and to encourage my friends and family to test for HIV, I tested for HIV...and have the pictures to demonstrate how simple and easy testing can be!

Mobile HIV Testing & Counseling Unit

Preparing to test

All it takes is one simple finger prick!

Collecting a few small drops of blood...see, simple!

Waiting for my test results. HIV rapid tests can provide your results in less than 15 minutes!

Now I know my HIV status and can make responsible choices to stay HIV negative!

...and getting screened for TB can be fun too!

HIV does not care if you're gay or straight, single or married, blue or purple, rich or poor, American or African, 'good' or 'bad'. The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested.

Until next time,

Dani

Time Flies!

Hello Dear Reader,

Earlier this week, I found myself staring at a calendar, trying to plan my (almost) annual pilgrimage to the US. November 12th was the date. Something about it stuck out. Hmm...November 12... Someone's birthday? Not a holiday. A meeting I've scheduled, perhaps? Tax day? No. Maybe it's time for my dog's annual vaccination. Nope, not that either. Why is this date so meaningful? I mean, the only thing about November that stands out is Thanksgiving, and admittedly, I haven't celebrated that holiday in years (#choosesnottorememberthefood&familyI'mmissing). Wait, wait...is it my parents' anniversary? No...that's not it...but it's definitely an anniversary!

Ahh...yes! November 12th most certainly is a special day...an anniversary day! The day marks 3 years of working in/service to the Kingdom of Lesotho! Wow...I can't believe it! Time surely flies! Three years ago, I never thought that I would still be in the same country, with the same organization. Three years ago, I did not begin to imagine all of the experiences (the good with 'bad') that I'd go through to bring me to this day! If you don't mind, I'd like to take you on a walk down memory lane:

* Almost 4 months to the day that I closed my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I was on a plane headed to the Kingdom of Lesotho, to start my life as a (paid) public health professional.

* Many evenings meeting up with friends for dinner, drinks, movies, silly/deep/meaningful conversations.

* Lifelong friendships made.

* Many trips to visit my friends/family living in Rustenburg (my Peace Corps site).

* Weddings, funerals, babies, new jobs, house warmings, traditional ceremonies, parties, graduations.

* Make ups. Break ups.

* Overcoming my fear of running to complete my first marathon, and subsequently removing the word "can't" from my personal dictionary.

* Gazillions of Skype calls.

* Road trips all over South Africa.

* Trips to places such as Egypt and Ethiopia.

* Learning how it feels to be a grown-up: filing taxes, purchasing a car, life insurance, buying a washing machine, turning 30....

* Meeting the man I will marry and trying to join two lives/histories/cultures/expectations/dreams.

* Taking note of how my perspective on people and the world has been reshaped with each new experience.

In the past three years, I have live enough for a whole lifetime. Each and every day presents an opportunity to challenge me, change me, and serve as a catalyst for me to grow more and more into the woman I want to be. Three years ago, I certainly did not think that I'd still be here...three years later. You may be asking, "What's the plan for the next three years?" At this point, there is no solid answer other than to say that I look forward to the magic that the future holds!

Thank you to my friends, family, and you for supporting me through this journey...as I continue to live out the dreams of my 3rd grade self!

Here's to the future!

Dani

Expanded Perspectives: LaQuita (RPSV- South Africa, 2006-2008)

Hello Dear Reader,

I'm so excited to introduce a new 3rd Goal project of mine: Expanded Perspectives. Through this project, I hope to provide you with blog posts written by my friends and fellow RPCVs who have served in the Peace Corps all over the world (admittedly with a heavy leaning towards Africa). In their own words, you will get varied perspectives on life in the Peace Corps, what life can look like after the Peace Corps, and everything in between (related to the Peace Corps, of course)! I'm even trying to talk my parents into writing a post (for all of the concerned moms, dads, families and friends out there) about their experience with a child in the Peace Corps!

If you are a PC applicant, PC Invitee, PC Trainee, a current PCV, or RPCV, and would like to contribute, please feel to free contact me through the 'comments' section of this post! You're welcome to write about funny stories, anxieties about service/the application process, how PC service has made an impact on your life, or anything you can think of related to PC. *Note-Please consider your submission a generous donation, because you won't be getting paid, but then again, I don't get paid for this either!* Just remember to keep it clean, keep it fun, and keep the 3rd Goal moving!

Starting off this new venture is my dear friend, LaQuita, who served in PC South Africa (2006-2008) in a town called Klerksdorp, which is located in the Northwest Province. ***If you've looked through my little blog, you'll noticed that she is referenced throughout!***

This is the first entry in the journal LaQuita maintained during her service! Enjoy!

“What was my first day in South Africa like?”

After a 17 hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean, my descent into Johannesburg International Airport was greeted with the distinctive smell of South African air and a great degree of relief, “finally, we are HERE”. Much to my dismay, this cross continent flight was followed by a 3 hour bus ride to a rural village in Mpumalanga Province (Mpumalanga means “where the sun rises”). We arrived very late, joyously greeted by the PC training staff and a buffet of hot South African food! On a full belly, we all dragged our luggage to the rondavel.

Now, I have NEVER been camping a day in my life, so you can just about imagine the week I had filled with all kinds of bugs, no heat (the seasons in South Africa are opposite from the US, so it was Fall…and quite COLD), and unreliable water source. Early the next morning, my face was warmed by a breathtaking South African sunrise, the sweet sounds of nature, and the reality that I am in SOUTH AFRICA…and the thought, what in the WORLD have I gotten myself into?

Photo: Animal life at the PC Training Site

“My Rural Village in Mpumalanga Province”

Photo: Boekenhouthoek, Mpumalanga Peace Corps Training Village

Wednesday, August 7 marked “Doom’s Day”, just kidding, but we were definitely anxious due to the impending arrival of our host families. My mind raced with the questions, “What if they don’t like me?”, “What if my family would prefer a white volunteer?”, “How in the world am I going to adapt to living in a rural village with no indoor plumbing, a pit latrine, chamber pot, bathing and washing my hair in a bucket, and doing my laundry WITHOUT the luxuries of a washer & dryer?", “How will I communicate with my family if they cannot speak English?”

Our arrival in the village was commemorated with the slaughtering of goats and cows for a big feast! We were all adopted into our families with the unveiling of our African names. I was honored with the name “Mapule”; it means the one who comes with rain, God’s gift from the heavens. The time period also marked the end of a 2 month initiation for the young men/ and 1 month initiation for the young women in the village. The rite of passage takes place in the mountains, where the boys and girls learn everything about their culture and return as “Men and Women”. A huge celebration is hosted for each participant and everyone is adorned with traditional attire and performs traditional dances.

Photo: Ndebele Initiation

The warm welcome and genuine love expressed by my host family and the community as a whole has far surpassed my wildest imagination. We were truly treated like “celebrities” and the red carpet was rolled out for us each and every single day. It never seems to amaze me that a group of people who are living in absolute poverty by American standards are so willing to share ALL that they have with a perfect stranger, without any reciprocation. I will forever be grateful for their benevolence and will seek to emulate the kindheartedness bestowed upon me. My “family” showed me that it is the simple things in life that bring pure joy and Ubuntu (the African concept that “I am because We are”) is far more important that individual success. I am thankful for the countless hours of discussion about South African culture, the painful memories of Apartheid and their hopes and dreams for the future.

Photo: My wonderful host family

The Kingdom celebrates Peace Corps' 50th Anniversary!

Hello Dear Reader,

September has been a month of celebration! I have been fortunate enough to celebrate Peace Corps' 50th anniversary twice in one month, which nicely coincides with my 5 year anniversary of officially swearing in as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer (September 2006)!

As you are aware, I was honored to serve as a guest panelist during Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health's celebration of 50 years of Peace Corps. Panelists participating in this event represented each decade of Peace Corps service to the United States and communities around the world. Today, along with my friend Blain (RPCV Paraguay, 2004-2008), I attended another celebration hosted by Peace Corps- Lesotho. The invitation requested guests to either wear business attire or 'national dress'. Believe it or not, I have not yet purchased a seshoeshoe (a dress worn in both Lesotho amongst the Basotho and in South Africa amongst the Batswana (where I served in PC))- pronounced se-shway-shway. Instead I wore a beautiful dress representing my new home away from home- Ethiopia!


Today's celebration was well represented by dignitaries from both Lesotho and the United States, specifically His Majesty King Letsie and U.S. Ambassador Bond, respectively. The common thread woven throughout the celebratory event was the enormous contribution Peace Corps Volunteers have made in the lives of not only the communities they've served, but in their home communities as well. One of the dignitaries from Lesotho commented about his personal experience with Peace Corps. One of his former teachers was a PCV in the 1960's. The impact this 23 year old teacher made on his life has made a lasting impact...some 50 years later!

In her speech, Ambassador Bond noted that Peace Corps Volunteers show that the world is both big and small- big in that each culture/community is unique in its own way, small in that, with each difference, there are many more similarities. Further, she stated that once an individual accepts the call to service in the Peace Corps, they will forever be a Peace Corps Volunteer. Just think about it, you'll never hear someone say, "I am an ex-PCV." No, we are "Returned Peace Corps Volunteers", because we have completed our two years (or longer) of service to our PC community, but spend the rest of our lives living out the 3rd goal (see previous post on 3rd goal). We are forever connected to the Peace Corps. I am so honored to be part of this awesome fraternity!

In addition to speeches, the audience was also treated to:

Cultural performances



Music sung by currently serving PCVs, and


We were honored to witness the new batch of Lesotho PCV being sworn in by Ambassador Bond and presented with certificates by King Letsie. How cool is that?!


Something else that touched my heart was to see that RPCVs, who served in countries all over the world and are now based in Lesotho, were well represented!

I'd say that today was a great day! Wouldn't you?!

As I end this little blog post, I'll leave you with a video of President John F. Kennedy's University of Michigan speech (1960), calling students to serve their country on a mission of global peace- a speech that inspired the development of the U.S. Peace Corps.




...and at the end of every speech or gathering in Lesotho, we pray for- Khotso (Peace)! Pula (Rain)! Nala (Prosperity)!

How far would you go to serve your country? Peace Corps!

Danielle

Emory University/Peace Corps Panel Discussion Link

If you're interested in watching the live streaming of tomorrow's panel discussion from 1-3pm EST, follow this link:

http://mediasite.sph.emory.edu/RSPHMediaSite/Viewer/?peid=dd5b6a6fac3e4300935905ba40fc33fc1d

NEWS ALERT

Peace Corps Atlanta Regional Office
Contact: Steve Hunsicker
305-929-3066
shunsicker@peacecorps.gov

August 12, 2011

For Immediate Release Contact: Steve Hunsicker
305-929-3066

Emory University and Peace Corps Foster Public Health in American Communities

Thursday, September 8, Emory University and the Peace Corps will celebrate the Peace Corps 50^th Anniversary with the event, “Honoring Our Public Health Legacy, Inspiring Future Generations.” Co-sponsored by the Rollins School of Public Health and the Atlanta Area Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, the event will include a discussion with current Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams, and a panel session with key public health professionals who have served in each of the decades of Peace Corps’ history.

In a special feature of the 50th anniversary celebrations, the Peace Corps and the Rollins School of Public Health will sign a partnership agreement for the school to join the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, a graduate school initiative—including financial aid and career-building internships—reserved especially for returned Peace Corps volunteers.

“The Peace Corps is delighted to have the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University as a partner in the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program,” said Director Williams. “This new partnership not only opens doors to an enriching graduate school opportunity at a reduced cost, it also enables returned Peace Corps volunteers to continue their work in public service through meaningful internships in underserved American communities. Experience overseas, combined with graduate studies, position a Peace Corps Fellow well for all future endeavors.”

“We’ve piloted a Fellows program since August 2009 and witnessed great outcomes from our first group of Fellows. RPCVs add a unique perspective to leadership and service, enhance our academic programs and students' field experiences, and reinforce a culture of service that is integral to public health,” said Dr. Richard Levinson, Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Rollins School of Public Health.

As part of the new program, Fellows will participate in internships serving international refugee populations in the local Atlanta community. To this end, Emory has established partnerships with various local nonprofits including Refugee Family Services, Lutheran Services of Georgia, Clarkston Development Foundation, Fugees Family, Global Village School and Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Services of Atlanta (RRISA).

About Emory University

Emory University, founded in 1836, has become a major national teaching, research and service center with a total enrollment exceeding 12, 930 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The school ranks among the 15 universities with the largest endowments and is one of the fastest growing research universities in the country. The Rollins School of Public Health is 20 years old, and Emory has offered degrees in public health for 34 years.

About the Peace Corps:

President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visitwww.peacecorps.gov for more information.

About the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

The Coverdell Fellows Program, formerly known as Fellows/USA, started in 1985 at Teachers College, Columbia University and now includes more than 60 participating universities in 30 states and the District of Columbia. The program is specifically reserved for students who have already completed their tenure abroad with the Peace Corps. More details can be found at peacecorps.gov/fellows.

About the Peace Corps’ Third Goal

The Peace Corps’ third goal, articulated by President John F. Kennedy, aims "to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans." This goal is realized primarily through the efforts of the more than 200,000 returned volunteers who share their stories and experiences with their fellow Americans. Within the Peace Corps, the Office of Public Engagement works to promote the agency’s third goal through: Coverdell World Wise Schools, an initiative which develops free teaching and learning resources—based on volunteers’ experiences—for K-12 classrooms; Returned Volunteer Services, which facilitates returned volunteers’ transitions back to the United States; and the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, which partners with graduate schools across the country to provide returned volunteers with scholarships and career-building internships in underserved American communities. For more information, visitpeacecorps.gov/engage.

For additional information, contact:

Tarvis E. Thompson, Communications Manager
Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
O: 404.727.3516
M: 404.693.4766
tthomp8@emory.edu